The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, has said president Bola Tinubu might soon present policy guidance that will define his security management posture for the Niger Delta region under his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.’
Ribadu said a directorate of security will be set up in the Niger Delta that will oversee the president’s security agenda in the region.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Energy Security and Niger Delta Affair, the NSA spoke at a Niger Delta stakeholders summit in Port Harcourt, Rivers state yesterday.
Ribadu said Tinubu’s broader and long-term national security vision includes “moving internal security from the current strong posture of kinetic to non-kinetic operations”.
He noted that his office “will emphasise security from human and socio-economic development point of view to deepen democratic culture in the Niger Delta”.
“We will have a very robust engagement to support the president and articulate a compressive presidential policy on Niger Delta security.
“We should expect that when that fully materializes, the president will most likely personally present policy guidance that will define his security management posture for the sustainable development of the Niger Delta, under the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.”
NSA Ribadu unveils Tinubu’s plan for security in Niger Delta
NSA Ribadu unveils Tinubu’s plan for security in Niger Delta
Bayern sign Portugal star Palhinha for €49M
Bayern Munich on Thursday finally secured the signing of Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha from Fulham for a reported fee of 49 million euros ($53 million) after coming close to acquiring him last year.
The 28-year-old, who spent two years at Fulham after arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2022 for 22 million euros, signed a four year contract.
Bayern had been poised to sign Palhinha in 2023, the defensive midfielder had even posed in the club’s strip, but the deal fell through just before the transfer window closed when Fulham failed to find a replacement.
In a statement, Palhinha said it was “one of the happiest days of my life,” adding “this is a dream come true for me… I want to enjoy success with Bayern and win titles.”
Sporting director Max Eberl said the player was “highly sought after by Bayern even last summer –- and rightly so. It was important that we never lost touch”
Palhinha, who has scored twice in 31 international appearances, took part in Portugal’s Euro 2024 campaign which ended at the hands of France in the quarter finals.
His signing is Bayern’s third major arrival of the summer, as the club continues a summer rebuild after a first season without a trophy since 2012.
Forward Michael Olise and centre-back Hiroki Ito have already joined the club, alongside manager Vincent Kompany who was appointed coach at the end of last season.
Kompany will be tasked with returning Bayern to the top of the German football tree after their streak of 11 straight Bundesliga titles was broken last season.
Bayern were eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by eventual winners Real Madrid, while Bayer Leverkusen won the league and cup double under manager Xabi Alonso.
Kompany will have the added pressure the Champions League final is to be held at Bayern’s Allianz Arena next season.
AFP
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Dangote pledges seven interventions to Kano varsity
The President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has pledged seven key interventions in Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil to boost educational development.
The offer by Dangote, who is the Chancellor of the university, came barely a week after he paid N100 million upfront to Kano Electricity Distribution Company to restore electricity to the state-owned institution.
This is contained in a statement by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Musa Yakasai, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Thursday.
According to Prof. Yakasai, the intervention was a sequel to a formal request by the university management team for his support during a thank-you visit to his Lagos office on Wednesday.
Yakasai who listed areas of intervention in the statement, said Aliko Dangote pledged to construct a befitting Senate Building for the institution, three additional students’ hostel blocks, and the construction of 10 nos senior academic staff accommodation.
Other key areas Dangote has offered to intervene include a plan to upgrade the university’s water treatment plant to address water supply issues, and as well bankroll the conduct of the university’s 5th convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the African richest man further reiterated his plans to provide a sustainable energy solution to the university’s electricity supply problem in addition to pledging to provide official vehicles to the university’s Principal Officers.
The statement reads in part: “The Principal Officers of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), Wudil under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai paid a courtesy visit to the University’s Chancellor, Alhaji Aliko Dangote at his office in Lagos on the 10th of July 2024.”
He stressed that the visit became imperative in order to show appreciation to the Chancellor for his intervention in paying the sum of One Hundred Million (N 100,000,000) upfront as part of KEDCO electricity Bill.
”The payment was made through the Aliko Dangote Foundation, which facilitated the immediate reconnection of the University with electricity supply.
”In the course of the visit, the University management presented to the Chancellor some pressing issues facing the University. In light of this, the Chancellor made the following additional pledges.
”The University Management, on behalf of the State Government, the entire University Community and the good people of Kano State highly appreciate the Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr) Aliko Dangote GCON, the President of the Dangote Group for this landmark intervention.”
Kogi saves N20bn refurbishing 200 abandoned tractors
The Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has stated that his administration saved over N20 billion by recovering and refurbishing 200 tractors hitherto abandoned, noting that the tractors have been deployed for the 2024 wet season farming in the state.
The governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lokoja, the state capital.
The governor explained that the initiative in recovering and refurbishing the tractors that were already out of use was based on the prevailing economic situation.
He said he was prompted to evolve the approach by putting together a team of engineers to revitalise the unused tractors which were procured by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, and given to farmers who left them abandoned in different farm settlements within and outside the state.
The governor said he set out to recover and put the tractors back to use by spending far less than what it would have cost the state government to procure new tractors for the farming season given the timing and the extra cost implications due to foreign exchange instability and logistics of importation.
Ododo disclosed that it would cost the state government over N70 million, if it were to procure one new tractor with complete accessories, adding that the figure could be well over N20 billion for about 200 tractors that were refurbished by the team of engineers at a workshop in the premises of the Kogi State Agricultural Development Project (ADP) in Lokoja.
He said, “Spending billions of naira, passing through the procurement processes, shipment and clearing would have been difficult. But we had over 250 tractors procured by the last administration but they were not well utilised by the same indigenes of our dear state. These are public property.
“So far, we have spent over N20bn in bringing up to 140 tractors back to life. If we were to buy 140 tractors or more, I think we should be talking about tens of billions of Naira and not minding the time it will take to ship, to clear, and we don’t have time to wait for all that.
“We are eager to give back to our people. So it’s working and the farmers can attest to that, the good people of Kogi State can attest to that.
“You can go to the workshop to see what we are doing because governance is all about cutting down costs for you to be able to serve your people.”
Ododo said his administration has invested over N7 billion in providing farm implements, seedlings and other essential supplies for nearly 10,000 farmers in 76 farm clusters across the 21 local government areas in the state.
“We have invested N7.5 billion and we are ready to invest more on the farmers so that they will be able to go into full-scale farming. It’s a plan. We are unveiling it gradually because everyone can’t be on government payroll.
“We must all contribute, join hands together to develop our state so that Kogi State can be a good example for other states to learn from.
“Very soon, you will see what Kogi State will do in terms of agriculture. We will not only feed ourselves, we will feed other states and possibly export our agricultural produce,” the governor said.
Man arrested in Abuja for trading human parts
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended a man, Nuhu Ezra, for allegedly trading human parts in Abuja.
Ezra, a resident of Gosa Kipikipi village, Lugbe, was allegedly caught with a human skull and bones on July 9, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m. by operatives from the Iddo police division.
According to the police, Ezra intended to sell the human remains for N600,000.
FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrest in a statement on Wednesday, urging residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Read also: ‘Nobody is too big to be voted out of office…’, Bashir El-Rufai drops veiled message
“The suspect, Nuhu Ezra, stated that he picked up the human skull and bones from the bush while hunting in Kuje. He intended to sell them for N600,000,” Adeh said.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, Benneth Igweh, has ordered a thorough investigation to determine the source of the human parts, the intended buyer, and how long Ezra has been involved in the alleged business. The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
The police are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the illegal trade and ensure that justice is served. The incident has raised concerns about the illegal trade in human parts in the region, and residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The post Man arrested in Abuja for trading human parts appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Biden to address press conference after poor debate outing
United States President Joe Biden will Thursday give his first press conference since his debate disaster against Donald Trump, in a pressure-cooker moment that could seal the fate of his reelection bid.
The eyes of the world will be on the 81-year-old at a NATO summit as he tries to calm growing calls from his Democratic party to step aside over his age and health.
The White House has dubbed it a “big boy” press conference, and Biden will be under severe pressure to show he can handle what has become a rare unscripted moment in his presidency.
Any missteps by Biden at the 5.30 pm (2130 GMT) event at a Washington DC conference center could turn the trickle of Democrats who have so far urged him to abandon his 2024 election bid into a flood.
The walls closed in further on Wednesday when Hollywood actor and supporter George Clooney called on Biden not to stand, just weeks after holding a glitzy fundraiser for the president.
Party heavyweight and former House speaker Nancy Pelosi also subtly twisted the knife by stopping short of backing Biden, saying only that he should make a decision after the NATO summit.
The first Democratic senator, Peter Welch of Vermont, meanwhile joined at least eight House Democrats in openly urging the man who beat Trump in 2020 not to stand again.
But many Democrats are believed to be waiting to see if Biden pulls off his first solo press conference since November 2023, or whether it will be a repeat of the debate.
Biden has given fewer news conferences than his predecessors. His recent appearances have been joint appearances with foreign leaders restricted to two questions each.
Coupled with a lack of interviews, it has led critics to accuse the White House of shielding the effects of age on America’s oldest president from the public.
* ‘Devastating’ –
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has repeatedly promised Thursday’s “big boy press conference” — a phrase first used by a journalist that she has since adopted — will feature multiple questions.
A poor performance will pour fuel on the flames of the concerns about Biden’s age and health that were sparked when he appeared listless and often incoherent against Republican Trump, 78.
NATO allies have also been seeking reassurance about Biden’s leadership abilities, and over fears that a return of the isolationist Trump could spell trouble for the alliance.
Biden has blamed his debate meltdown on a bad cold and jet lag after two weeks of grueling foreign travel.
But Clooney said in a coruscating New York Times piece on Wednesday that the signs were already there at a June 15 fundraiser in Los Angeles that he co-hosted with actor Julia Roberts.
“It’s devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fundraiser was not the Joe ‘big F-ing deal’ Biden of 2010,” wrote Clooney.
“He wasn’t even the Joe Biden of 2020. He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate.”
Clooney said that Biden would lose the presidential election, and Democrats would also lose both chambers of Congress.
Biden has insisted that he is committed to running in November, and with the Democratic party primary votes under his belt there is no real way of forcing him out.
But the New York Times reported on Wednesday that some Democratic grandees like Pelosi are trying a different tack — appealing to his rational side rather than inflaming the stubbornness that has driven his political career.
Vice President Kamala Harris is widely seen to be the frontrunner to replace Biden if he steps aside, but any move would have to be before the Democratic convention in Chicago in August.
AFP
Euro 2024: Absolutely disgraceful decision – Gary Neville on referee awarding England penalty against Netherlands
Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville has hit out at referee, Felix Zwayer’s decision to award England a penalty against the Netherlands during both teams’ Euro 2024 semi-final clash on Wednesday night.
Neville branded the decision as ‘absolutely disgraceful’, insisting that it was not a penalty.
Recall that Xavi Simons had put Netherlands ahead during the encounter, but England were handed a controversial spot kick when Harry Kane hit the deck before the 20-minute mark.
The Bayern Munich attacker had already skied his effort when he was clipped by Denzel Dumfries, who was booked for his role in the goal, which was awarded after a VAR check.
Referee Zwayer had originally awarded the goal kick, but changed his mind after a check with the technology.
Kane then converted the penalty to restore parity before Ollie Watkins scored a late goal to ensure the Three Lions defeated the Dutch team 2-1.
“As a defender, I think it’s an absolutely disgraceful decision,” Neville said on ITV.
“There’s no way that was a penalty. He just goes in naturally to block the shot. It’s not a penalty for me.”
Euro 2024: Absolutely disgraceful decision – Gary Neville on referee awarding England penalty against Netherlands
Nunez, Uruguay players fight Colombian fans after Copa loss
Liverpool star, Darwin Nunez, and other Uruguay players were involved in a brawl with Colombian fans. The brawl erupted after their 1-0 Copa America semi-final defeat on Wednesday.
Uruguay striker, Nunez, unleashed a flurry of punches at Colombian supporters after jumping into the spectator seating at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium following an ill-tempered loss to Colombia.
Uruguay central defender Jose Maria Gimenez said players had leapt into the melee out of concern for the safety of family members and loved ones watching the game.
“This is a disaster. Our family was in danger. We had to go to the stands to take out our loved ones, with tiny newborn babies,” the Atletico Madrid player said.
“There was not a single police officer… I hope those who are organising this are a little more careful with the families.
“Every game it’s been happening because there are people who don’t know how to handle a couple of drinks.”
The overwhelming majority of the spectators in the crowd were supporting Colombia but there was no segregation between them and their Uruguayan counterparts.
Several Uruguay players climbed into the crowd, seemingly to protect fans, with Nunez prominent.
The fighting continued for several minutes until police finally intervened.
A group of around 80-100 Uruguayan fans remained in the stadium, on the pitch, long after the rest of the fans had left with Uruguay players returning to the field to meet them.
Ugly scenes also broke out on the field after the final whistle, with players and staff from both teams involved in a mass melee in the centre circle following Colombia’s victory.
CONMEBOL, the South American football confederation which organises the Copa America, issued a statement condemning the incidents.
“CONMEBOL strongly condemns any acts of violence that affect football. Our work is based on the conviction that soccer connects and unites us through its positive values.
“There is no place for intolerance and violence on and off the pitch. We invite everyone in the remaining days to pour all their passion into cheering on their national teams and having an unforgettable party.”
AFP
‘Nobody is too big to be voted out of office…’, Bashir El-Rufai drops veiled message
Bashir El-Rufai, one of the sons of former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has dropped a cryptic message which many believe was targeted at President Bola Tinubu over his reelection in 2027.
In a post on his X handle on Wednesday evening, the outspoken Bashir said that nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the electorates, adding that it will happen with no consequences.
He went on to say that even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank would not be able to save those who depend on them.
He also advised that people should forget all the intimidations flying up and down, saying they should be patient.
“Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient,” Bashir wrote.
READ ALSO:El-Rufai absent as Kaduna APC passes vote of confidence on Gov Sani
“Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos,” he added.
Nobody is too big to be elected out of office by the people. It will happen & wallahi nothing will happen. So forget all these intimidations flying up and down. Let us be patient.
Even IMF & World Bank no go save una that time. Political strategist una. That one na for Lagos.
— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) July 10, 2024
A few hours later after many commenters insinuated that Bashir was referring to Tinubu, he made a follow up post where he said he did not mention any name in his earlier post.
He added that nobody would force him to support what he described as utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.
“I didn’t call names o, but due to their guilt, they already know who is being spoken about. Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.”
I didn't call names o, but due to their guilt, they already know who is being spoken about. Wallahi, none of you will force anyone to support this utter failure of governance disguised as useless, dangerous ethnocentric political strategy.
— Bashir El-Rufai (@BashirElRufai) July 10, 2024
The post ‘Nobody is too big to be voted out of office…’, Bashir El-Rufai drops veiled message appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Nigeria approves release of 2,000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security
Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) has announced the approval of 2,000 tractors, 4,000 disc ploughs, 1,200 tractor trailers and other equipment under its National Agricultural Mechanization Programme, NAMP, to promote food security in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy disclosed this in a statement on his X handle, outlining the outcomes of Thursday’s FEC meeting in Abuja.
He stated that the approval included other assorted spare parts that would boost Nigeria’s food production drive.
“Procurement of 2000 tractors, 4000 disc plows, 1000 disc ridges, 1200 tractor trailers and assorted spare parts. The items to be supplied are for the National Agricultural Mechanization Programme(NAMP) to strengthen national food security.
“Astride DMCC, which has done a similar job in Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa and Togo, will supply all the equipment and will also set up a plant to assemble the machinery, in the second stage of the contract,” Onanuga said.
The development comes after the government had earlier announced a plan to grant a 150-day suspension of taxes, and import duties on rice, wheat, beans and other staple foods to tackle soaring food inflation in the country which rose to 40.66 percent in May.
Also, Tinubu announced on Tuesday the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry. According to the government, the new ministry will tackle farmers-herders age-long conflicts causing food insecurity.
This is as Nigerians continue to groan over high prices of foods in the country resulting in low purchasing power among the citizenry.
Recall that the Food and Agriculture Organization, an arm of the United Nations recently warned that by 2030 about 80 to 82 million Nigerians may slip into severe hunger in the country amid food insecurity.
Nigeria approves release of 2,000 tractors, other farming equipment to boost food security