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FG declares May 1 as public holiday

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April 30, 2024

The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 1, public holiday in commemoration of the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

She stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.

Tunji-Ojo reiterated the need for excellence, efficiency and equity in all spheres of labour, re-affirming President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to foster a culture of innovation, productivity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Tunji-Ojo said, “In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remained steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens.

“Let me reaffirm the President’s commitment to provide a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

While acknowledging the contribution of workers, he called for proactive measures to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through synergy in the implementation of sustainable practices.

He also acknowledged policies that promote well-being in the workplace and in building a nation guided by the principles of integrity, diligence and compassion.

The Minister also urged Nigerians to remain committed to the present administration’s Renewed “Hope Agenda” and wished workers a happy celebration. (NAN)

By Yahaya Isah

2024 Q1: MTN hits 78m subscribers, up 1.3%

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April 30, 2024

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MTN Nigeria says its total subscribers
increased by 1.3 per cent to 77.7 million, as at March 31, 2024, from 76.7 million recorded in the same period of 2023.

MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Karl Toriola, said this in the company’s unaudited financial statement sent to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd.(NGX) in Lagos.

Toriola said that the subscribers, however, dropped by two million, compared to the year ended December 2023, due to the implementation of the NIN-SIM directive, which affected the development of its user base.

He said that the telecommunications service provider’s active data users increased by eight per cent to 44.5 million in the quarter under review, compared to 41.2 million posted in the same quarter of 2023.

According to him, active mobile money (MoMo PSB) wallets of the service provider increased by 48.7 per cent to 4.8 million in first quarter of 2024, from 3.2 million recorded in first quarter of 2023.

Toriola said that the firm’s total revenue also increased by 32.5 per cent to N752.98 billion in the period under review, as against N568.13 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2023.

The managing director stated that the Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) of the telecommunications company, however, declined by 1.9 per cent to N297 billion as at March 31, 2024.

This is compared to N303 billion posted in the same quarter of the previous year.

According to him, the firm recorded a net loss of N392.69 billion for the quarter under review, indicating 462.2 per cent decline, compared to N108.43 billion posted in the same quarter of 2023.

The managing director stated that the company’s net loss for the quarter resulted in a further increase in its accumulated losses and negative
shareholders’ funds to N599.2 billion and N434.7 billion, respectively.

Toriola explained that severe macroeconomic headwinds overshadow the strong operating performance of the firm.

He said: “The operating environment in the first quarter remained very challenging, with rising inflation and continued naira depreciation off an already low base.

“The Naira depreciated to an all-time low of N1,627/per dollar at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) in march, from N907 per dollar at the end of December 2023, before moderating to N1,309 per dollar by the end of the quarter.

“Additionally, the inflation rate maintained an upward trajectory, rising to 33.2 per cent in march, with an average rate of 31.6 per cent in the quarter.

“During the quarter, we also continued to manage the effects on our business of the industry-wide directive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a full barring of subscriber lines not linked to their National Identity Number (NIN) – the NIN-SIM directive.

According to him, this impacted the
development of the telecommunications service provider’s user base across all of its key business units (voice, data and fintech) in the first quarter.

Toriola said MTN implemented the directive on subscribers who did not submit their NIN and those with more than five lines linked to an unverified NIN.

He noted that despite these challenges, the telecommunications service provider remains committed to serving its customers.

Toriola said MTN would also accelerate the growth of its commercial operations with discipline, focus on value-based capital allocation and expense efficiencies. (NAN)

By Rukayat Adeyemi

The post 2024 Q1: MTN hits 78m subscribers, up 1.3% appeared first on Newsdiaryonline.

NCS continues humanitarian visits to victims’ families in Lagos Newsdiaryonline

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April 30, 2024

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Tuesday continued its humanitarian visits to the families of four victims of the stampede that occurred during one of its rice sales in Lagos.

A high-powered delegation, led by ACG Hammi Swomen, the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, visited the family of Mrs Comfort Ajayi, one of those who died in the stampede during the distribution of palliative rice in February.

The delegation had earlier in April also visited the family of another deceased person where ACG Swomen had sympathised with the bereaved on behalf of CGC Wale Adeniyi.

Commiserating with the deceased’s family on Tuesday, Swomen also expressed similar condolences of the Customs Comptroller General, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, to the family.

“We came to pay a condolence visit to one of victims of government palliative rice sales and this is still the second time of checking on their welfare.

“You remember the unfortunate incident that happened when customs got approval of President Bola Tinubu to support Nigerians by selling 25kg par boiled rice at a reduced price of N10,000.

“Unfortunately, we had a stampede outside our premises that led to the incident. Right now we have confirmed four families are affected.

“We are here on behalf of the Comptroller-General, Mr Bashir Adeniyi, to continuously show our support to this family.

” We have been here before, this is our second time of coming and the deceased family has visited our office too,” Swomen said.

He said that the service was mindful of the effect of the loss, adding that customs had pledged to support the families of the four victims continuously.

Swomen said they decided to continuously check on the families to ease the trauma they were going through.

He assured that the Customs management would continue to engage in concrete terms with the families of the victims.

” Even after today, we will continue to keep in touch with them during this difficult time ,” Swomen said.

Responding, Mr Murphy Ajayi, the husband to the deceased, commended the moral support given by the customs management.

Ajayi said his late wife left a child behind, and expressed surprise at the visit. (NAN).

By Aisha Cole

Translate PIA to tangible benefits to Nigerians, Wike

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April 30, 2024

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Translate PIA to tangible benefits to Nigerians, Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged the House of Representatives to translate the provision of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 to tangible benefits for Nigerians.

Wike stated this at a two-day retreat, organised by Members of the House of Representatives on Economic Transformation and Development in Abuja on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat was organised to ensure effective implementation of the PIA and tax reforms and modernisation.

The minister, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stressed that the true impact of the Act lied in its effective implementation.

“As representatives of the people, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that the provisions of this Act are translated into tangible benefits for all Nigerians.

“We must work tirelessly to foster an enabling environment for investment, promote local content participation, and uphold the highest standards of governance and accountability in the petroleum industry,” he said.

Wike argued that the Act had opened doors for greater investment, innovation, and job creation opportunities in the country.

He added that the PIA represented a watershed moment in the nation’s history and laid the groundwork for a more transparent, efficient, and competitive petroleum industry.

“Bu we must effectively implement the Act to get its benefits,” he said.

He noted the importance of tax reform and modernisation, adding that the nation’s tax system must evolve to reflect the dynamic nature of the economy and the realities of the 21st century.

“By simplifying tax procedures, closing loopholes, and incentivising compliance, we can enhance revenue generation, promote investment, and spur economic growth,” the minister said.

Wike commended the Speaker and leadership of the House of Representatives for organising the retreat.

This, according to him, demonstrated the unwavering dedication to serving the people of Nigeria.

“Your role as legislators is pivotal in shaping policies that drive economic growth, foster innovation, and ensure equitable development for all Nigerians.” (NAN)

By Philip Yatai

GMO and the Agric revolution ..By Rashidat Yusuf

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April 30, 2024

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GMO and the Agric revolution ..By Rashidat Yusuf

Genetically modified organism otherwise known as GMO is a scientific mode of enhancing agric produce for Higher yields, not in terms of quality but quantity .
This is alien to the African culture as the Continent is blessed with fertile land.
An example of this is the Nigerian land texture and that of Kenya.
Kenya for example has the best form of tea and coffee which grows without any aid of fertiliser, whatso ever .

Kenya is a very green land such that every house hold is surrounded by one form of garden and the other .
Same goes for Nigeria ,my beloved country .

A country where every thing grows by mere throwing the seeds on the floor.

Then came the introduction of chemically modified agriculture .

My first encounter with GMO dates back to 2004 when one day rather than go buy live chicken from the market as customary ,I decided to buy an already made frozen chicken from a super market.

On getting home I realised I have succeeded in wasting money as the chichen not only tasteless but also have some chemical ” after taste” . After then I did a “bye bye” to GMO .

This write up now is informed by how GMO has spread across other food items such mangoes ,sweet potatoes and co .

By their size we shall know them ! ..GMO produce comes in big sizes..unsuspecting buyers are often attracted to the sizes of such food produce.

For instance ,you see mangoes come in very Big sizes like goat head and you rush to buy thinking is a kind of special species. But by the tastelessness you are faced with GMO .

Only recently I had an encounter with sweet potatoes .

Mallam Musa ( not real name ) had just come back from perhaps ,a village market ,he is off loading his potatoes, I had just entered the market .then came face to face with fresh looking potatoes with some Big sized mixed with other normal sizes .

Then bought the little I could and off I went .
And then few days later ,I realised potatoes have gone bad, rotten .What !

Then I quickly suspected the GMO .This potatoes must have been genetically modified.

What manner of agric revolution is this .if one may ask .

A revolution which focuses on quantity rather than quality is not a good revolution afteall .

I recall as young children in the days of our fore fathers when we hear
” green revolution ” .
It was indeed Green .
The revolution then points to ” agric revolution ” .
And it was food surplus ,the days when Nigeria not only fed her self but also had food to export.

Its our hope that the pressent administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu focusing on agriculture as one of its cardinal points will embrace the real GREEN REVOLUTION and not the GMO revolution which is alien to our dear country ,Nigeria .

This is so as not to infect the Nigerian vibrant population with cancareous diseases.

Rashidat Yusuf wrote from Abuja.
Yusufrashidat12@gmail.com.

Court fixes May 9 for adoption of final addresses in ex-militant’s

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April 30, 2024

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Court fixes May 9 for adoption of final addresses in ex-militant’s

Court declares sections of Nigerian Press Council

A High Court sitting in Yenagoa on Tuesday fixed May 9 for adoption of final written addresses in the suit filed by a former militant, Collins Opumie against the Department of State Security (DSS) and the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NOAC).

Opumie, is seeking N9 billion in damages from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) and the DSS for his unlawful arrest and approximately 730-day detention in an underground facility owned by the department in Abuja.

Justice Ebiyon Charlie, while adjourning the case based on the plea for one more adjournent for preparation of final address and argument by Agip, warned against any attempt to delay the suit.

According to the judge, all parties to the suit numbered YHC/324/2022 are supposed to submit final addresses and argue their positions based on points of law.

But the Counsel to Agip , P.O.George, pleaded with the Court for one more adjournment date for their final address to be ready and the Court obliged.

Opumie, also praying the court to declare that his arrest, torture and subsequent detention without proper food and medical attention and access to family members for two years amounted to false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. (NAN)

By Nathan Nwakamma

NUC, NOUN, AAU train 931 scholars on use of AI- Okebukola

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April 30, 2024

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NUC, NOUN, AAU train 931 scholars on use of AI- Okebukola

No fewer than 931 staff of Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education across West Africa have graduated from an intensive 13-week training on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the graduation ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, Prof. Emeritus Peter Okebukola, said the 13 weeks training covered key concepts in AI with 11 practical sessions.

He said the training was organised by the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and the West Africa Office of the Association of African Universities (AAU) under the auspices of the NUC Strategy Advisory Committee (STRADVCOM).

According to him, the training is to support the participants’ teaching, research and community engagement.

Okebukola, who is also the Director/Facilitator-General of the Virtual Institute for Capacity Building in Higher Education (VICBHE), said the training programme was supported by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

He noted that the participants could now practically use AI tools to support their teaching, research and community engagement.

According to him, they can now carry out exercises in machine learning and more importantly, use AI tools for quality assurance including accreditation.

Okebukola said that all the participants also learned ethical considerations in the use of AI.

“The quality of the project reports is amazing. The aggregation of these policies will lead us to draft AI policies for higher education institutions in the participating countries and under the aegis of the AAU West Africa Office.

“It will lead us to produce a draft for the Africa region for consideration by the Secretary General of the AAU, Prof. Olusola Oyewole.

“We closed the practical sessions with training participants in deepfake technology. They are now able to deepfake videos and pictures.

“We did this for two reasons. First, not to hide the bad sides of AI from them but to give them, through hands-on methodology, the good and the bad sides.

“The second reason is that if they know deepfake, they are better positioned to detect deepfake videos and images when they see one,” he said.

On the performance of the participants, Okebukola disclosed that a total of 156 participants earned distinction plus certificate; 457 had distinctions; 74 with credit; 131 merit and 113 with pass.

He added that 290 participants earned distinctions in the end-of-course project while 21 participants received special awards.

A former Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, underlined the importance of the training for the successful implementation of the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS).

Rufai said that the CCMAS was a legacy of Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, and was now in use in Nigerian universities.

Awards were given to distinguished participants at the end of the training.

The Malam Adamu Adamu prize for the overall best graduating participant was awarded to Prof. Omolara Oluwaniyi of the University of Ilorin.

Oluwaniyi also won the Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Prize for the best participant from the Nigerian university system as well as the Prof. Ngozi Odu Prize for the overall best female participant.

The Sonny Echono Prize for the overall best head of tertiary institutions was won by Prof. Mohammed Tanko, Vice-Chancellor, Mewar University.

Other awards went to Dr Florence Kakwera, National Council for Higher Education, Malawi; Dr Bridget Audu, National Universities Commission (Christopher J. Maiyaki Prize); Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (Professor Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i Prize); Christie Dasaro, ECWA International College Of Technology, Jos (best serving Rector of Polytechnic).

Others are Prof. Akan Williams, former VC, Covenant University (best former vice-chancellor); Professor Basirat Oladipupo-Folarin, Lagos State University of Science and Technology (best serving deputy vice-chancellor).

The participants at the training included vice-chancellors, rectors of Polytechnics, provosts of Colleges of Education, deputy vice-chancellors, directors of Academic Planning, directors of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), among others. (NAN)

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

President Tinubu sympathises with Ogun gas explosion victims Newsdiaryonline

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April 30, 2024

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President Tinubu sympathises with Ogun gas explosion victims Newsdiaryonline

President Bola Tinubu has extended his sympathy to the victims of the gas explosion at Ita-Oshin, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an explosion from a solitary gas truck rippled through the community, resulting in the loss of life and property.

The President also sympathised with the Ogun State Government and residents of the state over this tragedy.

Tinubu commended Gov. Dapo Abiodun on his efforts to arrest the situation and immediately restore calm to the community.

The president assured the people of Ogun State, particularly the victims, of his fervent support in this moment of grief.

By Ismail Abdulaziz

Court fixes May 15 for EFCC to arraign Emefiele on fresh charge

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April 30, 2024

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Court fixes May 15 for EFCC to arraign Emefiele on fresh charge

The Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will on May 15 arraign the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele in a Federal Capital Territory court on three counts amended charge.

In the fresh charge filed against him, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele disobeyed the direction of law with intent to cause injury to the public during his implementation of the naira swap policy of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The anti-graft agency also accused Emefiele of unlawfully approving the withdrawal of N124.8 billion from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the arraignment was earlier slated before justice Maryann Anenih.

However, all the parties were not present in court when the matter with case number: CR/264/2024 was called.

The court said that the prosecution sent a letter seeking for adjournment because Emefiele was standing trial in another court in Lagos.

The judge therefore adjourned until May 15 for the arraignment.

Emefiele is also standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu of FCT high court on an alleged 20-count amended charge, preferred against him by the Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was alleged to have engaged in criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence, when he served as the apex bank’s boss.

Justice Olukayode Adeniyi of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court also on Jan. 8 awarded N100 million damages to suspended former governor of the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) against the federal government and Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for violations of his right.

Adeniyi further restrained the federal government and it’s agents from arresting Emefiele unless an order was obtained through a competent court.

The judge held that the respondents need not incarcerate the applicant in other to carry out investigation for a long period as against the provisions of the law.

” No material placed before the court to show that the release of the applicant will in any way interfere with the investigation of allegations preferred against him.

The embattled Emefiele had dragged the Federal Government, Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Commission before the court to enforce his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, fair hearing and freedom of movement.

Emefiele sought a declaration of the court that his continued detention by the agency of the first and second respondents since June 10, 2023 and subsequent transfer to the custody of the third and fourth respondents on October 26, 2023 without being arraigned in court is unlawful.

He said the respondents in deviance of several valid subsisting court orders for his release amounts to a grave violation of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty, as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. ( NAN)

Finidi`s appointment long overdue, says Sports Analyst

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April 30, 2024

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Finidi`s appointment long overdue, says Sports Analyst

A renowned Sports Analyst, Tayo Balogun said that the appointment of Finidi George as the Super Eagles head coach was long overdue.

Balogun told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday that it was surprising that NFF waited this long to make the appointment.

“In view of the Eagles tight schedule, one would have expected that immediately José Peseiro said he was leaving, George should have been upgraded to continue with the plans already on ground.

“Giving all the statistics and all things involved I think there was no choice than to appoint him because he worked with Peseiro for 20 months and also as an interim manager.

“He had earlier coached a football team in Nigeria. He knows the terrain. He might not have been involved in the politics of Nigeria football, but every other thing he knows and he’s home grown.

“With organisation and dedication, I see no reason why we can’t qualify ahead of Rwanda, Benin Republic and South Africa in our group.

“After working with Peseiro, who was a defensive minded coach, he’ll have to pick his own style. In the next few matches, I’ll want him to be very cautious,”he said.

Balogun said that if we love Nigeria, this is the time for us all to come together and support George.

“His salary should be decided, mode of payment as and when due. I prefer that George is the chosen one over a foreign coach who won’t know much about Nigerian football and its terrain.

“There are advantages in having a foreign coach, but there are many more disadvantages,” he said.

NAN reports that the NFF on Monday announced the appointment of George as the Super Eagles head Coach.

George in interim capacity edged Ghana 2-1 in the first match, ending an 18-year winless streak against the Black Stars, but lost 0-2 to Mali in the second game. (NAN)

By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju