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Tinubu flies private jet to S’Africa, avoids faulty presidential aircraft

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Tinubu flies private jet to S’Africa, avoids faulty presidential aircraft

President Bola Tinubu and his entourage, on Tuesday, departed Lagos for Pretoria to attend the inauguration of the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, aboard two private aircraft, The According learnt.

The President was escorted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, the Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and other government officials.

A source, who was among those who saw off the President, told our reporter that the President left with members of his team in two private jets.

“They went in two private jets. Of course, you are aware that the presidential jets are no longer in good shape,” the source, who preferred not to be mentioned, said.

Efforts to corroborate the report from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, were unsuccessful.

As of the time of filing this story, they neither picked up the calls nor responded to messages sent for clarification.

Tinubu reportedly left the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, on a Dassault Falcon 8X aircraft around 11:06 am.

According to the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President would attend the inauguration of Ramaphosa following his re-election as President for a second term.

The development came barely 24 hours after the Presidency replied to the objection by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to a demand for new aircraft for the presidential fleets.

The House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence had recently called on the Federal Government to buy new aircraft for Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

The committee’s recommendation was contained in a report released after it investigated the status of the aircraft in the presidential air fleet.

Obi, on his X handle on Monday, however, described the move as unfortunate, saying it was coming at a time Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship occasioned by the Federal Government’s policies.

But the Presidency, in a swift reaction, described Obi’s comment as insensitive, wondering if he would rather have the life of the President jeopardised by flying faulty aircraft.

Onanuga had queried the former Anambra governor’s intention on why the number one citizen should not have access to a new plane for his safety.

“Does Peter Obi want the President dead? Is that his wish? Does he want him to continue moving around in a rickety plane and die like the VP of Malawi and Iran President? Let him tell us. This is a basic thing any sane government will do. You can’t toy with your President’s welfare.

“Why will any right-thinking person still want the President to move around in it? In this way, it is the National Assembly that officially recommended that new ones should be bought. Sometimes, Peter Obi opened his mouth to make unnecessary statements,” he stated.

FG seeks UNESCO recognition for Ojude Oba festival

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FG seeks UNESCO recognition for Ojude Oba festival

The Minister of Culture, Art and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, on Tuesday, said the Federal Government would activate plans to list the annual Ojude Oba Festival as one of those approved and supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Represented by the Director of Cultural Agencies and Heritage, Dr Ben Anama, at the 2024 edition of the Ojude Oba Festival, held at the Awujale’s Pavilion in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, the minister said the festival was in tune with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate for the ministry, which seeks to take revenue generation from tourism to over $100bn by 2030.

The global festival showcases the rich cultural heritage and endowments of the people of Ijebuland and is celebrated on the third day of Eid-el-Kabir.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Ojude Oba: Unity and Harmony, Our Gift.”

The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who is the chief host of the colourful event, received the over 100 age grades group of males and females (Regberegbes) decked in resplendent attires, as they paid homage to him.

The horse riders from the warrior families in Ijebuland were also on hand to thrill the fun-seekers to various displays with their horses.

Also at the ceremony were the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele; former governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, another former governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel and a host of other dignitaries.

The minister described the annual festival as a platform that fostered the unity of the country in diversity, as well as one of the country’s tourism potentials that could be tapped into to diversify the economy from oil.

“In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry will always collaborate with stakeholders to promote, preserve and protect the rich cultural heritage of our nation to ensure it reaches its enviable height, according to our vision for the ministry called ‘Destination 2030.’

“This vision considers the potential in arts, culture and creative economy in terms of its ability to create economic expansion. Our ambitious goal is predicated on this drive, which is capable of yielding over $100bn, an increase in the gross domestic product by the year 2030,” she said.

While rejoicing with the sons and daughters of Ijebuland over the success of the festival and the good image it had given the country over the years, Musa-Musawa said the status of a festival like Ojude-Oba, with its profound impacts in the tourism sector of the country, deserved to be listed by the international body.

Speaking at the event, Abiodun hailed Ojude-Oba and described it as a festival that had given Ijebuland and, indeed, the people of Ogun State a distinct identity.

Abiodun said the festival had become a catalyst for the development of Ijebuland and underscored the essence of preserving the rich cultural heritage

While rejoicing with Oba Adetona and the sons and daughters of Ijebuland, the governor promised to partner with the Federal Government to develop the festival and make it a global tourist attraction and destination

He said the theme of the celebration was apt, as unity and harmony remained the bedrock of any thriving society, and he called for a more united force to lift the country out of its present woes.

Other dignitaries at the event included Senator Shuib Salis, representing Ogun Central at the Senate; the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide; wife of former President of Nigeria, Mrs Bola Obasanjo; wife of the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mrs Abosede Adelami, the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Madein, among others.

Volunteer guards arrest three suspected kidnappers in Benue

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Volunteer guards arrest three suspected kidnappers in Benue

The Benue State security operatives known as Benue State Community Volunteer Guards have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo.

According to an eyewitness, Dan Odey, the suspects were nabbed on Monday as they were about to board a vehicle from Otukpo to Makurdi.

Odey told our correspondent that a huge amount of money stocked in a bag was found on the suspects which prompted someone within the park to alert community volunteer guards.

He said the money found with the suspects might be the ransom collected from their victims, adding that a Benue Link vehicle was intercepted along Otukpo/Otukpa road last week where some passengers were abducted and the driver of the ill-fated vehicle killed.

“The suspects were carrying a bag containing huge amount of money and tried to join a vehicle from Otukpo here to Makurdi.

“Someone within the motor park promptly alerted the community volunteer guards and when they (the suspects) were confronted to explain where they got the huge amount of money, they could not give convincing answer.

“Thereafter, they were handed over to police in Otukpo”, Odey said.

When contacted, the Police  Public Relations Officer for the state command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and said that they were linked to a kidnap incident on Benue Link that happened along the Otukpo/Otukpa road last week in which the driver was killed.

Anene said, “It’s true that three suspects were nabbed in Otukpo yesterday (Monday) and they are in police custody.

“The suspects were linked to the incident that happened along the Otukpo/Otukpa road last week.

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Three human trafficking suspects arrested

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Three human trafficking suspects arrested

The Anambra State Government through the state Ministry of Women and Social Welfare and security operatives has apprehended three suspected human trafficking syndicates operating in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.

This was achieved on Wednesday, when the Chairman of the community, Arinzechukwu Azodo, notified the commissioner, Ify Obinabo.

Azodo said he was alerted by the commander of his team over a report of suspected trafficking taking place in the community and that he quickly informed the commissioner who told him to go ahead with the help of security operatives to apprehend the persons involved.

He explained that after the arrest, they discovered that the said suspects were about sealing a human trafficking deal worth a million naira.

On her part, one of the suspects who gave her name as Ebere from Ukpo in the same local government area of the state revealed that it was another of the suspects by the name Temple Nwankwo, a friend, who approached her one day informing her that she had a twin baby for sale although she had already sold one of the twins.

Ebere said, “I accepted to partner with her and went further to link her up to a prospective buyer who needed a male child urgently. After the negotiation, we agreed to meet at Oye Agu to further seal the transaction but instead, Temple requested an instant payment of N1m in her account which the buyer objected to because he hadn’t seen the baby in question which brought disagreement between us before he changed her mind and left them.”

On the alleged seller’s part, Temple Nwankwo from Enugu State, but resident at Ifitedunu, Ebere denied ever having to be in any type of business with him, but explained that she only reconnected with her when she was four months pregnant.

Temple in her defence said it was Ebere who asked for her help in getting a male child because she’d not been able to have a child of her own.

Temple in her confession said, “After Ebere made the request, I warned her never to involve me in such an act and since that day, Ebere has been coming to my house in my absence meeting my daughter even after several warnings to her.”

It was gathered from members of the community that Temple was allegedly into the trafficking business with her husband Ndubuisi, as an accomplice, because they had not seen some of her children for a very long time.

When the couple were interrogated on the whereabouts of their two kids, they claimed that they were dead, but when asked where they were buried, they could not provide any answer.

It was at this point that the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare Anambra, Ify Obinabo, who was visibly sad over the incident, handed them over to the police for investigation and prosecution.

Obinabo reiterated the state government’s resolve to end trafficking in the state and warned that anyone caught doing so won’t be spared.

The Women Affairs boss further advised members of the public to always be vigilant and reach out to the ministry whenever they suspected anything around them.

NBTE approves national standards for gas-powered vehicles

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NBTE approves national standards for gas-powered vehicles

The National Board for Technical Education has approved the National Occupational Standards for the conversion, calibration, and maintenance of autogas-powered vehicles and the operation and maintenance of electric vehicles.

A statement signed by the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Oluwemimo Osanipin, noted that before receiving approval, the council collaborated with industry experts and the Sector Skills Council to develop the draft National Occupational Standards.

It said those NOS underwent a national critique and validation process involving stakeholders from industry, academia, and regulatory agencies.

It stated that the development of these NOS was in furtherance of NADDC’s efforts to entrench best practices in the industry and support the institutionalisation of National Skills Qualifications in Nigeria.

“National Occupational Standards specify the standards of performance an individual must achieve when carrying out a function in the workplace, together with the underpinning knowledge and understanding needed to meet standards consistently.

“With this approval now, NADDC will commence preparations for the training and certification of technicians and personnel in the industry using the approved NOS and in line with the National Skills Qualification Framework, especially in CNG conversion,” the council noted.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential CNG Initiative, introduced the use of Compressed Natural Gas, a green energy source, as an alternative source of fuel.

The emergence of autogas as an alternative to gasoline and diesel is the direct result of the government’s policies to address energy security and/or environmental concerns,” it added.

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Police arrest suspected Delta cultist, recover Beretta pistol

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Police arrest suspected Delta cultist, recover Beretta pistol

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command on special assignment to the Ughelli area, led by ASP Julius Robinson, have arrested a suspected notorious cultist identified as Felix Egbe, aged 37 years of Oteri community in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in

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Illegal trade hindering economic growth, says WTO

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Illegal trade hindering economic growth, says WTO

The World Trade Organisation has stated that illicit trade damages societies and hinders economic growth and development.

According to the organisation, in addition to undermining legitimate businesses, it promotes corruption and deprives governments of essential tax revenue needed for societal investments.

It stated that the WTO Secretariat, under the leadership of Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had been examining how WTO rules help members address some of the challenges posed by such trade.

In a publication on fighting illicit trade in medical products released on Monday by the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala emphasised that wider efforts were needed to deepen international cooperation and to provide the technical assistance needed to strengthen members’ capacity to combat illicit trade.

She disclosed that the WTO Secretariat had launched a new publication on illicit trade in food and food fraud to address the role the WTO could play in helping to tackle this issue.

According to the WTO DG, the publication draws on the expertise of a diverse range of organisations, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the International Seed Federation, a non-profit organisation for food safety, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute, to examine this issue from various perspectives and highlight strategies for tackling illicit trade in food and food fraud.

“Illicit trade and fraud in the agri-food sector have a damaging impact on various stakeholders, ranging from consumers, farmers and agri-businesses to regulators and other operators within the food industry. Although the global cost of fraud to the food industry is difficult to determine given the clandestine nature of the activity, annual estimates are in the range of $30–50bn, not including losses associated with illicit trade in alcoholic drinks.

“The impacts of illicit trade can be far-reaching, affecting different segments of society and the economy. Illicit trade in food and food fraud causes economic losses to legitimate businesses through the loss of sales and consumer confidence. Governments not only lose valuable revenue as a result of tax evasion but also incur costs in the fight against counterfeit crime and smuggling,” she said.

She further explained that fraudulent and fake food and beverages damage public health and safety, adding that adulterated or contaminated food products could pose serious health risks to consumers and have deadly consequences.

 “Even counterfeit products that cause no harm but fail to contain the ingredients advertised defraud customers and erode consumer trust in the food supply chain,” the former Nigerian economy minister stated.

Okonjo-Iweala highlighted that the WTO rulebook provided legal tools to combat illicit trade and food fraud.

She added that at the launch event of the publication, new ideas for the WTO’s next steps were shared, including collaborating with the WHO, reviewing government actions via the Trade Policy Review process, and using Aid for Trade discussions to combat illicit trade.

Okonjo-Iweala further mentioned that suggestions also involved enhancing cross-border customs cooperation, examining e-commerce’s impact on food fraud, and continuing discussions in TBT/SPS committees.

She maintained that future actions would need WTO members’ agreement.

Ogun empowers young farmers with N2.5m, land

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Ogun empowers young farmers with N2.5m, land

The Ogun State Government has awarded grants and land to 25 indigenes who graduated from the Enterprise for Youth in Agriculture programme.

The initiative, in collaboration with Soiless Farm Lab and the Mastercard Foundation, aims to boost agricultural endeavours in the state.

During the graduation ceremony at Awowo in the Ewekoro Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Bolu Owotomo, emphasised the significance of the gesture.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the commissioner explained that the initiative would build a new generation of farmers to take over from the ageing ones.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry,  Samuel Adeogun, the commissioner said, “The state government is committed to transforming the agricultural sector by encouraging more youths to engage in agriculture and creating an enabling environment for the sector to thrive through various intervention programmes.”

In his remarks, the team lead of Soiless Farm Lab, Samson Ogbole, said the initiative would attract young people to agriculture by providing modern training.

“We taught them how to build a greenhouse from scratch, and skills in bricklaying, plumbing, electrical works, farm management, financial management, budgeting, and human management,” he said.

Participants praised the state government for the training and support, committing to use the land and cash gifts to contribute to food security in Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Executive order to crash drug prices on President’s table – Minister

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Executive order to crash drug prices on President’s table – Minister

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has said an executive order to curb escalating drug prices in the country is awaiting the assent of President Bola Tinubu.

The ministry made this known to our correspondent exclusively upon inquiry on the update of the executive order.

Markets survey showed that prices of some antimalarial drugs have increased between 11 per cent to 22 per cent. Also, prices of antidiabetic drugs have increased by 20 per cent.

The situation is pushing many patients to skip their life-saving medications.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, in February said the Federal Government would soon issue an executive order to curb escalating drug prices.

Pate, who spoke at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja, explained that the executive order was a short-term goal in reducing drug prices.

He added the FG’s mid to long-term goals towards reducing drug prices involved the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry,  Trade and Investment.

 “The rising cost of pharmaceuticals is a pressing concern, and we are taking decisive action to address this issue. An executive order will soon be issued to curb escalating drug prices in the short term, while our mid to long-term goal involves the domestication of imported drugs within the next three years, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade,” Pate had said.

Meanwhile, pharmacists in the country demanded details of the executive order.

According to them, the details will determine if the directive will help to crash drug prices in the country.

Stakeholders believe the increasing prices of medications are influenced by foreign exchange, inflation, importation of drugs, the elimination of fuel subsidies, and the exit of  GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc.

In an inquiry sent by our correspondent on the update of the executive order, Pate’s Special Assistant on Media and External Relations, Tashikalmah Hallah, said, “The Executive Order has been developed and vetted. Awaiting Mr President to assent and sign it. After that, it will become public.”

Ronaldo’s Portugal scrape Euro 2024 opening win, Turkey beat Georgia

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Ronaldo’s Portugal scrape Euro 2024 opening win, Turkey beat Georgia

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal beat the Czech Republic 2-1 to claim a Euro 2024 debut victory on Tuesday but they needed to come from behind with a 92nd-minute winner from youngster Francisco Conceicao.

Earlier in the section’s other clash, Turkey bested Georgia 3-1 in a pulsating match in Dortmund.

Roberto Martinez’s Portugal qualified at a canter with a 100 per cent record, but only just scraped victory in Leipzig in their first match, under driving rain.

Ronaldo played at a record-extending sixth European Championship and 41-year-old defender Pepe became the tournament’s oldest ever player for the Selecao.

The Czechs went ahead against the run of play through Lukas Provod’s fine strike from the edge of the box after the hour mark, but Robin Hranac’s own goal soon pulled Portugal level before Conceicao’s winner.

“We want to do more, but there was also a lot of emotion, a lot of desire and sometimes we failed to pull off the strategic plan,” said Portugal midfielder Vitinha, awarded player of the match.

“We wanted to come out strong, show our strength and unfortunately we conceded the goal first, on the Czech Republic’s first opportunity.

“We showed all our coolness and resilience.”

Portugal supporters chanted Ronaldo’s name and imitated his “Suuuui” celebration shout as they marched to the game waving flags and in high spirits despite a brief but intense thunderstorm.

Around 8,000 fans attended Portugal’s open training session on Saturday, many of whom were hoping for a glimpse of the 39-year-old former Real Madrid striker.

Thousands of fans sported replica Ronaldo shirts but were unable to watch the all-time record Euros goalscorer find the net on a frustrating night against a solid Czech side.

Ronaldo was thrice denied by goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek on a record Euros appearance and headed against the post, but was offside.

Diogo Jota put the rebound into the net but the goal was disallowed after VAR highlighted Al Nassr striker Ronaldo’s infringement.

It did not matter for Portugal in the end as 21-year-old Porto winger Conceicao struck from close range.

“We have a great team spirit, we will fight until the end and Portugal will be alive until the end,” said defender Mendes.

The Czechs were left agonising after battling so hard and almost claiming a point.

“It hurts terribly when you work like this for 90 minutes, you give everything and you lose in the end,” said Czech goalscorer Provod.

“Our defenders played an incredible game. We just needed a bit more luck.”

Turkey turn-out

A well-supported Turkey started the Euros in entertaining fashion with an end-to-end win over debutants Georgia.

Real Madrid playmaker Arda Guler scored a brilliant goal, along with strikes by Mert Muldur and Kerem Akturkoglu, to delight the masses of Turkish supporters.

Georgia were dangerous after Georges Mikautadze levelled Muldur’s superbly hit opener, and struck the woodwork.

Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was below his best but despite defeat his team offered enough to give themselves hope for the matches ahead, against the Czech Republic and then Portugal.

“It was a match worthy of the Euros, we had great support even in difficult moments. This win is also for them and the party that they’ll have,” Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella told reporters.

“It’s my 50th birthday today so it was a perfect day of sport and the victory was the best present that the boys could have given me.”

Hosts Germany are back in action on Wednesday as the second round of group matches commences, facing Hungary in Stuttgart.

Scotland are chasing their first victory at a major tournament since 1996 as they take on Switzerland in the other Group A match, while in Group B Croatia play Albania.

AFP

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