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Lagos opens emergency centre, UNICEF urges water provision

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Lagos opens emergency centre, UNICEF urges water provision

Following the outbreak of Cholera in Lagos, the state government has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre at Mainland Hospital, Yaba.

This is as the United Nations Children’s Fund urged the Lagos State Government to urgently provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities to communities to curb the disease.

According to a Sunday statement on the government’s website, PHEOC was convened to address the increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas in Lagos.

The statement noted that the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this while speaking on steps taken to control the outbreak in Lagos.

The state Ministry of Health, on Saturday, confirmed 350 suspected cases of cholera in 29 wards across multiple LGAs in the state, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 deaths.

“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub-type O-1. This subtype is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.

“Although this is an increase from the numbers published three days ago, cases are now dramatically subsiding in previously affected LGAs due to our interventions and surveillance efforts, however, we are recording some new cases in previously unaffected LGAs, signalling the need for residents to adhere strictly to precautionary, personal, and environmental hygiene measures,” the commissioner said.

The According reports that the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucrier, on Saturday, said to reduce fatality associated with cholera, the state government must strengthen its healthcare systems and make them capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks.

The international organisation also urged the state government to ensure the availability of standard water.

Lafoucrier said, “Addressing the challenges of cholera outbreaks requires a deliberate focus of state policies to provide high-standard water and sanitation facilities, as well as strengthened healthcare systems capable of responding to the demand in times of outbreaks, and state-led educational campaigns on cholera prevention to protect children and the population at large.

“To alleviate cholera outbreaks, a comprehensive approach is essential. Sustainable WASH infrastructure and strengthened health systems capable of anticipating epidemics as well as, effective community engagement strategies are crucial to halt transmission.”

19 Hajj pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia, 17 missing – Report

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19 Hajj pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia, 17 missing – Report

At least 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims have died while on the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities from their countries said on Sunday, as temperatures soar in the kingdom.

“Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims died and 17 others were missing” during the performance of hajj rituals, Jordan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

AFP reports that the ministry later confirmed that the 14 died “after suffering sunstroke due to the extreme heat wave.”

Iranian Red Crescent Chief, Pirhossein Koolivand, separately said “Five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during the hajj this year,” without saying how they died.

The hajj, one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings, is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims with the means must perform it at least once.

Temperatures have pushed well past 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the annual pilgrimage that around 1.8 million Muslims are taking part in this year.

Many of the rituals are performed outdoors and on foot, creating challenges, especially among the elderly.

Saudi Arabia has not provided any information on fatalities.

However, the kingdom has implemented heat mitigation measures, including climate-controlled areas. It distributes water and offers advice to pilgrims on protecting themselves from the sun.

Two pilgrims from Kwara State, Salman Alade and Ayishat Ologele, reportedly died while on pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The According reports that the pilgrims were among the thousands of Nigerians who travelled to the holy land to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.

Their deaths followed that of two other pilgrims – Saliu Mohammed and Hawawu Mohammed – whose cases were reported in Madinah.

The report took the death toll among the Kwara pilgrims to four.

During last year’s hajj, at least 240 people – many from Indonesia – died, according to figures announced by various countries which also did not specify causes of death.

According to AFP, more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, 10 per cent of them heat stroke.

A Saudi study said regional temperatures were rising 0.4 C each decade, and worsening heat may be outpacing mitigation measures.

Kano residents applaud calm as Sanusi, Bayero lead Sallah prayers

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Kano residents applaud calm as Sanusi, Bayero lead Sallah prayers

Kano residents on Sunday lauded the peaceful atmosphere that greeted the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir in the town despite the ongoing emirate crisis.

This was as the police command expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly manner the Sallah prayers across the state were conducted.

The state Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel, who had just been promoted to Assistant Inspector-General, lauded the residents for their orderly conduct at various prayer grounds, both within and outside the Kano metropolis.

According to reports from all the 44 local government areas, the festivities were celebrated in a peaceful atmosphere, devoid of rancour.

There had been palpable fears that skirmishes might mar the Sallah celebrations, especially given the lingering emirship tussle in the state.

The state police command, on Thursday, banned the Kano Durbar, following a clash of orders over the celebration.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi and the deposed Emir Ado Bayero had asked the police for security during the celebration of the Durbar after the Eid-el-Kabir, a decision the police command viewed might lead to anarchy.

There had been a royal crisis in the ancient city following the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi as the 16th Emir of Kano, after the state House of Assembly repealed the Kano Emirate Law 2019 and enacted the Kano Emirate Law 2024 on May 23, 2024.

Governor Abba Yusuf, while signing the new bill into law on May 24, 2024, announced the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi, and had since recognised his authority on the emirate, while he sacked the rulers of five emirates – Kano, Bichi, Karaye, Gaya and Rano – earlier formed by ex-Governor Umar Ganduje.

Following the order banning the Durbar and that contending emirs should pray at different mosques, Bayero was at the Nassarawa Mosque while Sanusi prayed at Sheikh Tijjani Mosque at Kofar Mata, Kano.

The According observed that the governor and some dignitaries in the town joined Sanusi for the prayers.

Sanusi, during his sermon after leading the Eid prayers, stressed the importance of following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, which emphasised helping the needy, especially during Eid-al-Adha celebrations.

The residents were happy the celebration was incident-free in the town.

Alhaji Mohammad Abubakar from Tauroni Local Government praised the peaceful conduct of the prayers and commended the police and security agencies for ensuring the sustenance of a peaceful atmosphere.

Alhaji Isa Musa from the Charanchi area, however, called for continued security presence beyond the Sallah celebrations.

Alhaji Kabiru Danlami from Dorayi quarters urged residents to support efforts by the security agents by providing information on suspicious individuals, to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, a group, the Arewa Youth Advancement Forum, in a felicitation message to Bayero on Sunday, urged him to forgive his enemies.

In a statement issued by its President, Nuhu Magaji, it saluted the monarch’s commitment to the progress and development of the state, even in the face of adversity and commended him for his unwavering dedication to the peace and progress of the state.

“As the Muslim Ummah celebrates the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Adha, the Arewa Youth Advancement Forum wishes to extend its warmest felicitations to His Highness, Emir Ado Bayero.

“Despite the recent unfortunate events, we stand in solidarity with Emir Bayero, a symbol of peace, progress, and stability. His wise leadership and vision have been a shining example to our generation.

“Emir Bayero’s dedication to the emirate and the state is unwavering, and his legacy continues to inspire us. We recognise his tireless efforts to promote unity, understanding, and progress in Kano and beyond. His door has always been open to the people, offering guidance and support in times of need,” the statement noted.

It called on Kano residents to remain peaceful and united, working together for the greater good of the state.

‘Multinationals exit costs Nigeria N94tn in five years’

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‘Multinationals exit costs Nigeria N94tn in five years’

The exodus of multinationals from the Nigerian economy has cost the country a N94tn loss of output in five years, according to an economist and former Director of Research and Advocacy at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria, Dr Vincent Nwani.

Multiple multinationals have left Nigeria by either scaling down operations, transferring ownership or selling their stakes, the most recent being the sale of beverage company Diageo’s 58.02 per cent shareholding in Guinness Nigeria to Tolaram Group on June 11, 2024.

Nwani told The According he arrived at his data by considering the valuation of multinationals and by calculating their value addition by five to 10 times.

The economist explained that he checked the contribution of all multinationals leaving the Nigerian economy by analysing how many Nigerians such multinationals employed, the salary they paid their workers and their turnover.

Nwani, who claimed to have always kept his eye on the economic data from Nigeria for most of the 20 years, noted he only mentioned the most notable companies, but other multinationals were included in the analysis, which helped him arrive at the final figure.

According to the analyst, for the first year, over 10 companies shut down operations in 2020, most notably: Standard Biscuits Nigeria Ltd, NASCO Fiber Product Ltd, Union Trading Company Nigeria PLC and Deli Foods Nigeria Ltd

In 2021, he stated that more than 20 companies exited, including Tower Aluminium Nigeria PLC, Framan Industries Ltd, Stone Industries Ltd, Mufex Nigeria Company Ltd and Surest Foam Ltd.

He stated that in 2022 over 15 known brands left Nigeria, including Universal Rubber Company Ltd, Mother’s Pride Ventures Ltd, Errand Products Nigeria Ltd and Gorgeous Metal Makers Ltd.

More than 10 major companies left in 2023, notably Unilever Nigeria PLC, Procter & Gamble Nigeria, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Ltd, ShopRite Nigeria, Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Ltd, Equinox Nigeria and Bolt Food & Jumia Food Nigeria.

In the first six months of this year, five listed major companies had left Nigeria, including Microsoft Nigeria, Total Energies Nigeria (affected by its divestment), PZ Cussons Nigeria PLC, Kimberly-Clerk Nigeria and Diageo PLC.

Nwani told The According that the major contributor to Nigeria’s N94tn loss in output was Microsoft Corporation, which announced it was closing its Africa Development Centre in Lagos on May 8, 2024.

“Between 2020 and 2022, our calculation showed a cumulative lost output and potential investment of N24tn. From 2023 to H1 2024, larger multinationals exits, such as Microsoft’s departure, accounted for over 50 per cent of the figure,” he said.

While Microsoft has denied it was shutting down its operations in Nigeria, the closing up of the tech company’s centre for which it invested $100m was followed by an announcement of a proposed $100bn investment in a Kenyan data centre.

The economist stated the top reasons for the exodus of multinationals were the foreign exchange crisis, worsening security conditions in the country and the power supply crisis, which has led to exorbitant energy costs.

Nwani said, “If things continue this way and I don’t see anything being done to cause insecurity to stop, illegal taxation, corruption and uncertainty of foreign exchange rendering companies unable to hedge risk, then I see at least 10 more notable names (of multinationals) that will go. We already have five by the end of May.”

The economist said the President Tinubu-led government needed to address the top three reasons it gave for the multinationals’ exit from Nigeria to bring about some economic relief.

A Babcock University Professor of Economics, Olusegun Ajibola, told The According that the exit of multinationals happened chiefly because the investment attracted by the foreign companies in their original currencies eventually dropped in value due to the increase of the exchange rate against the Naira.

Ajibola drew an analogy of a multinational whose investment inflow of about $1m gets converted to the existing naira rate and after a financial year, converts profit to original currency for repatriation purposes only to discover it was not worth the same as before because the naira exchange rate plummeted.

The don said it was most likely for a multinational in such a situation as his analogy to not spend further resources to do business in a country with an exchange rate challenge as Nigeria had and would rather sell off its stakes to other businesses.

Ajibola noted, “While some multinationals are leaving Nigeria, other companies are coming in.”

“Nigeria presents a very beautiful outlook for international investors. We have always had a robust market, irrespective of some of our local challenges in infrastructure, security and others.”

The former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers mentioned that foreign investors would remain attracted to the Nigerian economy even in the eye of many multinationals exiting, as was the case of Tolaram Group, a multinational that bought over the shareholding of another multinational, Diageo.

NIPC rakes in N9bn from tax waiver fees

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NIPC rakes in N9bn from tax waiver fees

The Nigerian Investment Promotion Council has raked in a total sum of N9.2bn as revenue from charges imposed on the issuance of Pioneer Status Incentive to eligible companies and renewal fees in four years, Sunday According reports.

The commission, charged with the responsibility of granting tax holidays to eligible companies made an average of N1bn annually, according to an analysis of its internally generated revenue between 2020 and 2023.

The fees also represent a major source of revenue for the commission.

This new development came amidst plans to review and reduce tax waivers given to companies operating in Nigeria currently worth N6tn annually.

Tax incentives have been a contentious issue due to the high amount of revenue lost to waivers granted every year.

Economic experts stressed the role of tax waivers in driving economic growth but questioned the transparency and objective rate of the Federal Government in granting tax waivers.

The pioneer status is an incentive offered by the Federal Government, which exempts companies from paying income tax for a certain period. This tax exemption can be full or partial.

Offered under the Industrial Development Income Tax Act with tax reliefs for three years, the incentive is generally regarded as an industrial measure aimed at stimulating investments in the economy.

The products or companies eligible for this pioneer status are those that do not already exist in the country.

The commission in its 2024 first quarter report stated that it granted fresh tax holidays to 12 companies in the first quarter of this year, increasing the number of total beneficiaries to 104 companies.

According to the NIPC report, the 12 companies newly given tax holidays for an initial period of three years include Fouani Nigeria Limited; Neway Power Technology Company Limited; Starich Recycle Technologies Company Limited; Gerawa Rice Mills Limited; Shafa Energy Limited; Mafa Rice Mills Limited; A. A Rano Nigeria Limited (haulage); and A.A Rano Nigeria Limited (Natural gas supplier).

Others are Basma Agric Processing Limited; Flex Films Africa PVT Limited; Addmie Nutrition Limited; and Dufil Prima Foods Plc.

The report also stated that the companies had invested N125.74bn in its operations and production.

In addition, NIPC said it also approved in principle nine other companies, which will join the beneficiary companies after fulfilling certain conditions.

NIPC added that 18 new PSI applications were received in the first quarter of this year, while eight firms applied for an extension of their tax holiday, but only two were granted extensions.

Meanwhile, a further breakdown showed that the commission earned N3.1bn in 2020, dropped to N1.92bn in 2021 before increasing to N2.1bn in 2022 and N2.11bn in 2023.

The Chairman of the Presidential Tax Reform Committee, Mr Taiwo Oyedele, has said that the government will not stop the lamentation of waivers granted to companies until the new tax reforms are passed into law.

He added that the new law would not reverse the tax holiday being enjoyed by the companies as it contradicted the committee’s intention to attract investments.

 “The rules we have drafted concerning whatever exemption you get at the time our laws are enacted will respect it, if it is three years, you would enjoy the tax holiday. We are talking about the country; three to five years is not the end of the world.

“If we reverse anything that has been granted, that’s a contradiction to what we stand for. whether we agree to the process is a different conversation but anyone that gets pioneer status would be allowed to run the course of that tax holidays but once our laws are enacted, you won’t be able to get fresh ones.”

Rivers, Ekiti activate surveillance, urge caution

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Rivers, Ekiti activate surveillance, urge caution

The Rivers State Government has hinted at suspected cases of cholera outbreak in the Ngo community in the Andoni Local Government Area of the state but said no active case has been recorded.

The government, therefore, appealed to the residents of the state to be cautious and access any of the primary healthcare facilities across the state in the event of any health challenge.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, disclosed this in a voice note sent to newsmen in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday evening.

She said the information became necessary following recent nationwide reports about cholera outbreaks across some of the states in the country.

Also, the Ekiti State government alerted residents to be on high suspicion for cholera in their communities and the need to take precautionary measures.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, in a “Public Health Advisory on Cholera,” released on Saturday night, said the outbreak of cholera and the attendant casualty in Lagos State within the geopolitical zone were causes for concern.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in its latest report, warned the public of the increasing trend of cholera cases across the country as the rainy season intensified.

The NCDC said from January 1 to June 11, 2024, a total of 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera with 30 deaths had been reported from 96 LGAs in 30 states.

Following the report, Adaeze spoke on the status of Rivers State, saying that a notification was obtained on June 9 of some suspected cases of the disease at Ngo town, in the Andoni LGA.

“In the past couple of days, there have been nationwide reports about cholera outbreaks across some of the states in Nigeria.

“I would, therefore, like to share a brief update to the public on the status in Rivers State.

“On the 9th of June, 2024, the Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre received notification of some suspected cases of cholera at Ngo in the Andoni Local Government Area of the state.

“The Rivers State Public Health Emergency Operation Centre was further notified of two associated deaths in the community with similar symptoms by the local government area rapid response team, led by the state disease surveillance and notification officer.

“The state rapid response team mobilised to support the local government area rapid response team to ascertain the diagnosis, manage and contain the incident.

“Suspected cases were managed at the General Hospital, Ngo and the team interacted with the doctors who were available at the time of the visit.”

She added, “The cholera case management protocol was reviewed for common understanding and the Rivers State Ministry of Health supported the facility with medical consumables, information, education and communication materials, and infection prevention and control commodities.

“I wish to, therefore, emphasise here that there are currently no active cases that have been reported in Rivers State,” she said.

The commissioner, however, advised members of the public to always boil their water before drinking.

The Ekiti health commissioner, on his part, advised residents on hand hygiene, safe water, food safety, vaccination and as well to “use proper toilet facilities and maintain clean sanitation practices.

He also asked them to stay up-to-date with vaccinations against diarrheal diseases, particularly for children.

Filani said, “The state has an operational readiness strategy (based on previous epidemiologic data, risk assessment and identified hotspots) to prevent the outbreak of cholera through the Incident Management System with functional areas/pillars.

“The state has an already established Rapid Response Team at both state and local government areas to actively search for cholera cases. As a result of this, there is heightened surveillance for cholera and other priority diseases across the 16 LGAs in the state,” he said.

Filani described cholera as “a food and water-borne disease, caused by the ingestion of the microorganism Vibrio cholerae in contaminated water and food,” adding that “it is characterised in its most severe form by a sudden onset of acute watery diarrhoea that can lead to death by severe dehydration.”

He advised the public to “wash hands frequently with soap and water, before eating and after using the toilet, ensure access to safe drinking water sources, boil or treat water from questionable sources and as well practice safe food handling, cooking and storage to prevent cholera.”

Lovers found dead inside Ondo apartment

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Lovers found dead inside Ondo apartment

The Ondo State Police Command on Sunday said it had begun an investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of a man and his girlfriend in the state.

A middle-aged man identified as Eric and his yet-to-be-identified girlfriend were reportedly found dead at a new apartment located in the Ayeyemi area of  Ondo town, Ondo State, on Thursday.

According Metro gathered that the lifeless bodies of the lovers were found stuck together in a sexual position, indicating that they were having sex before the incident happened. They were said to have been separated by a doctor but they had died.

The real cause of the death of the secret lovers had yet to be unravelled as of the time of filing this report but a source claimed that the secret lovers were electrocuted during the sex romp.

The source who refused to identify himself because he did not have the authority to speak to the media on the matter said, “The generator running on the premises of their building and a phone was seen charging on a socket placed on the bed. It may be possible that they had contact with a naked wire, resulting in their electrocution.”

Another source said the relatives of the deceased found them dead when they checked on him after they didn’t answer their phone calls the following day.  They looked through a window, spotted the bodies, and then broke down the door to enter.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation had commenced into the incident.

“The man and the woman were lovers who were known by both relatives. They died in the room but they were not stuck together. We have yet to know the cause but an investigation has commenced,” the PPRO stated.

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NDLEA seizes N4bn cocaine, arrests siblings in Abia

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NDLEA seizes N4bn cocaine, arrests siblings in Abia

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested two siblings in Abia, recovering cocaine and methamphetamine consignments worth over N4.1bn.

The siblings identified as Kelechi Nwaobasi and Chinwe Nwaobasi were arrested during a special investigation conducted between June 13 and 14, 2023.

A statement on Sunday by the NDLEA’s Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said they were arrested following months of intelligence gathering.

He added that the leaders of the cartel were arrested with the combined seizure of 20.76 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine from them.

The statement read, “A cartel controlled by a drug baron, 49-year-old Kelechi Monday Nwaobasi and his 50-year-old elder sister, Ms Chinwe Rose Nwaobasi, had been taken down by officers of the Special Operation Unit of the NDLEA, following the arrest of the siblings and seizure of cocaine and methamphetamine consignments worth over N4.1bn in street value from their hideout in Aba, Abia State commercial city.

“The special operation conducted on Thursday and Friday, June 13 and 14, 2024, at 3B, Boundary Avenue, Aba and a residence along Ohia Road, Ohia, Abia State followed months of intelligence gathering, leading to the arrest of the ring leaders and the combined seizure of 20.76 kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine from them.”

Babafemi also said four suspects connected with the importation and distribution of opioids were arrested in Lagos.

He added that a total of 82,000 bottles of the opioid worth more than N600m were recovered from the suspects.

Babafemi said, “In a related development, the NDLEA operatives in Lagos State have uncovered an expansive warehouse stocked with a large consignment of codeine-based syrup, located at Comfort Oboh area of Kirikiri, where four persons connected with the importation and distribution of the opioid were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on the facility.

“Those arrested include: Kingsley Amanambu Obumneke, 38; Emeka Emmanuel, 48; Bonaventure Ugochukwu, 59; and Martin Dike, 56, while a total of 82,000 bottles of the opioid worth more than N600m in street value, Toyota Tacuma truck and two buses used for distributing the substance were recovered from the premises on Monday, June 10, 2024, when the NDLEA officers conducted the operation.”

Babafemi noted that other suspects with opioids were arrested in Lagos and Kano states.

“Two days after, Wednesday, June 12, operatives intercepted another suspect, Ibrahim Abdulhamid, with 29,100 pills of tramadol and other opioids as well as 3.9 litres of codeine syrup at Alaba Suru, Ojo Local Council Development Area of the state.

“A total of 230,600 pills of tramadol 225mg and 200mg were recovered from the duo of Yasir Rabi’u, 23, and Abubakar Ado, 30, who are major distributors of illicit drugs in Kano and Jigawa states, when they were arrested on Monday, June 10, at the Gadar Tamburawa area of Kano. In the same vein, another suspect, Hassan Abdullahi Ali, 25, was nabbed with 150 bottles of codeine syrup at Kofar Nassarawa area of Kano on Tuesday 11th June, “ the statement added.

In Ogun State, Babafemi said the NDLEA operatives seized 390kg of cannabis and arrested the trio of Muhammad Sani, Nura Mohammad and Samaila Rabe during an early morning raid in the Ibese area of the state on Monday, June 10.

He added that its officers on Wednesday, June 12, busted a scrunchies-making factory in the Sabo area of Sagamu town where seven suspects were arrested.

The statement added, “They include: Kareem Jamiu; Oriyimi Ayo; Bamidele Wasiu; Rasheed Olarewanju; Ramota Lawal; Amudalat Olarewanju; and Adeniyi Omotosho. Exhibits recovered from them include 387 litres of skuchies; 70 litres of industrial codeine; 25kg of cannabis and different quantities of tramadol,  rophynol, and diazepam, as well as various equipment used in the production of the new psychoactive substance. “

Babafemi said two suspects were arrested in the Federal Capital Territory with 3,550 bottles of “Akuskura”, a new mixture of psychotropic substances.

He said, “In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, two suspects: Muhammad Abba, 33, and Samson Ehizogie, 42, were arrested with 3,550 bottles of “Akuskura”, a new mixture of psychotropic substances, by operatives during a raid on Friday,  June 14 at Garki Area 10 and Dutse Suokale, both within the FCT.”

No #EndSARS protesters in custody, police reply Shehu Sani

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No #EndSARS protesters in custody, police reply Shehu Sani

The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday said there are no #EndSARS protesters in any of its detention facilities.

At a dinner organised to mark 2024 Democracy Day on June 12, a former senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, urged President Bola Tinubu to pardon the #EndSARS protesters still in detention.

Responding to Sani’s comment in a statement on Sunday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said, “Nobody is being wrongly persecuted for participating in the #EndSARS protest.

“The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the recent allegations made by Senator Shehu Sani at the 2024 Democracy Day Dinner on June 12, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where the former senator falsely claimed that some young people have been detained since the 2020 #EndSARS protest.

“For emphasis, no one anywhere in Nigeria is under police detention or being wrongly persecuted for participating in the #EndSARS protest.

“The issues surrounding the protest have been debated, researched, and documented, and lessons have been learnt. We have forgiven ourselves and moved on.

“We urge the public to disregard this claim and remain assured of our commitment to upholding justice, the rule of law, and human rights.

“We encourage verifying information before making public statements to avoid harm and incitement.”

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Kano shares 700 cows among 5,600 individuals

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Kano shares 700 cows among 5,600 individuals

The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, on Sunday, inaugurated the distribution of meat from 700 cows to 5,600 individuals across the state.

This was courtesy of a charitable organisation based in Germany, HASENE, collaborating with the BARIS Foundation, as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration for the year 1445AH.

Launching the symbolic distribution at Bayero University, Yusuf expressed joy at the benevolent act, foreseeing the uplift of spirits among the countless individuals in need.

In a press statement, the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Sanusi Dawakin Tofa, said the governor charged the administrators and distributors of the initiative to uphold justice and maintain a devout reverence for Allah.

This, he said, was to ensure the fulfilment of their entrusted responsibilities and the realisation of the Kurban project’s objectives within the state.

The governor advocated for the extension of meat distribution to patients in hospitals, inmates of care facilities, and the destitute roaming the streets.

One of the sponsors of the project, Muhammad Aydin, said their presence in Kano was to celebrate Sallah and share their sacrificial meat with the Muslim community.

He expressed gratitude for the reception extended to them by the Kano State government and, by extension, the people of the state.

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