The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state has warned supporters of aspirants against divisive utterances and actions ahead of the party’s April 20 gubernatorial primary.
The state chairman of the party, Mr Ade Adetimehin, gave the warning on Thursday in Akure through a statement issued by Mr Alex Kalejaye, the state Publicity Secretary.
Adetimehin described as unnecessary, the idea of some people constituting themselves into “the aborigines of APC” in the state, adding that the party was built on equal opportunities.
He said the party in the state would not condone acts that were aimed at making some members inferior to others, on account of when they joined the party.
“The chapter is for all, and would continue to encourage equal opportunities for all the members. New members should entertain no fears in this regards,”Adetimehin assured.
The chairman urged gubernatorial aspirants to be weary of desperate supporters, who would fan embers of disunity for personal gains, saying such act was unhealthy for the success of the party.
Adetimehin appealed to politicians to exhibit regards for the party’s governorship aspirants, and other stakeholders to avoid unnecessary friction in the political space.
According to him, the state is known for organisation and enviable political history that should be demonstrated at critical moments.
He said that the party owed it a duty to showcase the rare ability to go into any political contest without rancour. (NAN)
In fulfilment of its vow to deal decisively with the challenge of oil theft in Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja has revealed that troops denied oil thieves over N20bn in the first quarter of 2024.
The Director of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO)Major General Edward Buba disclosed this during the bi-weekly briefing held on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba noted that the armed forces is fighting a vicious enemy in the ongoing operations across the country, adding that the military is ready, prepared, equipped and focused on what to do with terrorists and their cohorts.
“Surely, we have been collecting intelligence, hunting them and striking them where they maybe hiding and hibernating. Our aim is to kill this terrorist and the infrastructure that supports them.
“Accordingly, we have employed significant firepower to neutralize several terrorists and disrupt their activities.Indeed, significant terrorist commanders killed include and is not limited to the following: Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorists who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops in 21 Feb 24.
“Others are : Kachallah Damina ( Neutralised in Mar 24, by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Kachallah Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.
“The above was achieved through synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, lmmediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves.
“Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against the terrorist. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period Jan _ Mar 2024 resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralize , 2,308 persons arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued.Troops recovered 2,847 weapons, 58,492 ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20 bn (N20,331,713,910.00) only,” he said.
He added,”Breakdown for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,497 AK47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.
“Others are 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other item.
“The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented. Accordingly, the military is raising the bar in the prosecution of the war.”
Gen. Buba assured that citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja says no fewer than 2,351 terrorists have been killed by troops and 2,308 persons arrested in the first quarter of 2024.
The Director of the Defence Media Operations (DDMO)Major General Edward Buba disclosed this during the bi-weekly briefing held on Thursday in Abuja.
Buba who acknowledged that the military has been dealing with vicious enemies assured that they would up their game against the criminals.
Meanwhile he revealed that within the period under review which is between January and March 2024 that about 2,351 terrorists have been eliminated among other achievements recorded.
He also said,”The armed forces is fighting a vicious enemy in the ongoing operations across the country. Nevertheless, the military is ready, prepared, equipped and focused on what to do with these terrorist and their cohorts.
“Surely, we have been collecting intelligence, hunting them and striking them where they maybe hiding and hibernating. Our aim is to kill this terrorist and the infrastructure that supports them.
“Accordingly, we have employed significant firepower to neutralize several terrorists and disrupt their activities.Indeed, significant terrorist commanders killed include and is not limited to the following: Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorists who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops in 21 Feb 24.
“Others are : Kachallah Damina ( Neutralised in Mar 24, by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Kachallah Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.
“The above was achieved through synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, lmmediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves.
“Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against the terrorist. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period Jan _ Mar 2024 resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralize , 2,308 persons arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued.”
Similarly within the timeframe, Gen. Buba also disclosed that troops recovered 2,847 weapons, 58,492 ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20 bn (N20,331,713,910.00) only.
“Breakdown for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,497 AK47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.
“Others are 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other item.
“The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented. Accordingly, the military is raising the bar in the prosecution of the war. Consequently, citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces,” Gen. Buba assured.
The Defence Headquarters says troops neutralised no fewer than 2,352 terrorists, apprehended 2,308 and rescued 1,241 kidnapped hostages in different operations nationwide between January and March.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj -Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Thursday in Abuja, while giving update on military operations across the country.
Buba said some of the terrorist commanders killed were Abu Bilal Minuki, aka Abubakar Mainok, the Head of Is-Al Furqan Province of ISGS and ISWAP, and Haruna Isiya Boderi.
He added that some terrorists commanders who operated in Birnin Gwari forest, Kaduna State, and along Abuja-Kaduna highway were killed by troops on Feb. 21.
He listed those eliminated to include Kachallah Damina, who was neutralised in March alongside more than 50 combatants, Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Kachallah Ubangida, and Alhaji Baldu, among others.
He said the feat was achieved through synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves.
”For instance, immediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves”, the defence spokesman said.
Buba added that troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against terrorists.
He said that the attacks and offensive actions by troops between January and March resulted in the recovery of 2,847 weapons and 58,492 ammunitions while oil thieves were denied more than N20 billion returns.
The breakdown of the weapons and ammunition seized include 1,497 AK-47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.
”Others are 21,573,310 liters of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 liters of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 liters of DPK and 52,730 liters of PMS among other item.
”The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented.
”Accordingly, the military is raising the bar in the prosecution of the war and citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces”, he said. (NAN)
Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi, has commended President Bola Tinubu for assenting to the Nigeria Student Loan Act, which establishes the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
NAN reports that Tinubu, on Wednesday, signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law.
This comes after separate considerations by both the Senate an
d the House of Representatives of the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.
Ododo described the signing as a “huge relief” for parents and students.
Ododo noted that the Act will improve the quality of education and increase access to education for millions of Nigerian youth population and children from disadvantaged social and economic background in the country.
“I’m so delighted that President Tinubu is placing premium on the provision of quality education to Nigerians at this critical time.
“Indeed, education is a veritable tool for empowering the people and an enabler for more Nigerians to ascend the socio-economic ladder irrespective of their social and economic backgrounds.
“Therefore, by assenting to the Student Loan Act, President Tinubu has further demonstrated uncommon determination to transform the education sector in Nigeria.
“This will go a long way in providing the impetus for the acquisition of skills required to meet Nigeria’s manpower needs in response to emerging realities of the development agenda of the country,”he said.
He said that the Student Loan Act and its provisions were clear evidence that education is critical to the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
He also assured residents of his administration’s commitment to enhance access to quality education by expanding the scale of educational infrastructure and providing needed resources to skill up the youth population in the state. (NAN)
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says it has commence investigation of Idris Okuneye, a.k.a Bobrisky, a Nigerian crossdresser, for allegedly spraying Naira notes in an event.
The commission’s spokesperson, Mr Dele Oyewole confirmed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to Oyewole, the commission invited the 31-year old following a video report of spraying and flaunting wads of new Naira notes at the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju on March 24.
He said the movie was produced by Eniola Ajao, a Nollywood actress and producer, at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos.
“Investigation also revealed that he had committed similar offences at some other event centres and parties at different times.
“Following the invitation by the Commission, he arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC in the morning of Wednesday, April 4 for interrogation and volunteered his statements.
“He will soon be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,”Oyewole said. (NAN)
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reiterated the need for efficient and effective governance on the continent to enable Africa achieve transformation.
The Secretary-General of AfDB, Prof. Vincent Nmehielle, said this at a pre-media virtual briefing to herald the 2024 AfDB Annual Meeting.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meetings are scheduled to hold in Nairobi, Kenya from May 27 to May 31.
“Africa has to get its governance right. We have to manage our resources well. We have to engage to minimise waste of resources.
“Africa must come to the point where it sees governance as an important instrument of economic development.
“We all have to put our hands on deck, the government, the private sector, commercial entities and all citizens. We need to get certain things right to ensure Africa’s transformation,” he said.
According to Nmehielle, Africa’s access and participation in the global financial system is key.
He said it was, therefore, crucial for African countries to have greater participation and prepare themselves to take better advantage of available access to finance.
Meanwhile, Prof. Kevin Urama, AfDB’s Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance and Knowledge Management, also reiterated the importance for economic transformation on the continent.
Urama said :“ Debt, management, improving risk ratings of countries and related topics will be on the table at the Annual Meetings as part of global architectural reform discussion.
“Already, the government of Zimbabwe is doing a lot to address debt arrears clearance.
“The bank is working with its minister of finance to ensure debt reduction models to enable the country maximise its huge economic advantages.
“I commend Mthuli Ncube, the nation’s finance minister as well as the country’s central bank governor for putting Zimbabwe on track.
“If you look at their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, it is really on a very positive trajectory.”
According to the vice-president, Africa is a key participant in the ongoing dialogue around global architectural reforms.
He said the bank under the leadership of its president, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, was leading and shaping the conversation through innovation and pioneering initiatives such as hybrid bonds.
He said AfDB was also working to see International Monetary Fund (IMF) Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), channeled to Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) that could leverage them to provide extra financing for development.
“And Africa is really driving that conversation significantly. Therefore, African countries should be well positioned to access the funds,” Urama said.
According to Urama, the statutory annual meetings are AfDB’s group most important event of the calendar year.
He said the meetings would take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya.(NAN)
Be prepared for higher tasks, COAS tells promoted officers
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt -Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has stressed the need for the military, other security agencies, government and non-government actors to streamline efforts in countering all threats to national security.
Lagbaja, represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj -Gen. Abdulsalami Ibrahim, made the call during the Army War College Nigeria Inter-Agency Seminar for Participants of Course 8/2024, on Thursday in Abuja.
The theme of the seminar is, ‘Consolidating Existing Relationship towards Effective Inter-Agency Collaboration in Addressing Multi-dimensional Security Threats in Nigeria.’
He said that the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous security environment require operational leadership that understood the changing dynamics.
According to him, the society is still faced with violent crimes and extremism that has led to radicalisation, terrorism, banditry, militancy and other criminal tendencies while traditional measures of countering these criminalities have been insufficient.
He therefore said it was necessary to streamline efforts by all actors and stakeholders to fully contain the security threats.
”For us to tackle the security challenges this nation is bedeviled with, the cooperation and coordination between relevant government actors is required.
”Additionally, dialogue and cooperation between government and non governmental actors is vital in preventing and countering terrorism and other forms of violence.
”As an armed force, we need to see the broader public, local communities and the private sector as partners and stakeholders in our collective efforts at countering the threats around us.
”They must no longer be viewed as passive but active objects of security and law enforcement activities. This we must achieve through streamlining our efforts for the collective goal of enhancing our national security.
”Streamlining all initiatives for the country’s interests to security will be premised on effective partnership between all the actors,” he said.
The COAS also said that civil societies were important stakeholders that could help to create the space for constructive engagement between the state and its citizens, so as to foster trust and understanding as both take ownership of the strategies put in place to counter the collective threats.
Lagbaja added that partnership between the stakeholders would eliminate mistrust, conceptual misunderstandings and differences in understanding national security issues.
”It is with the understanding that no stakeholder or single actor by themselves can successfully counter the internal security challenges in the country.
”Accordingly, this seminar on the theme ‘consolidating existing relationship towards effective interagency cooperation in addressing multidimensional security threats in Nigeria’, could not have come at a better time.
”Aside from serving as a medium for appraising our collective efforts at securing Nigeria, the seminar will also afford us an opportunity to appraise our collective performances in the conduct of various ongoing joint and multi agency operations around the country,” he added.
The Commandant of the college, Maj.-Gen. Ishaya Maina, said that the seminar was part of the college’s course module for the participants drawn from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as allied countries of Cameroon, Cordova, Liberia, DR Congo and Eswatinias, among others.
He explained that the interagency cooperation module was designed to equip participants with the knowledge required to operate with government and non-governmental agencies.
He said the participants had been acquainted with the fundamentals of civil military affairs and legal considerations for their actions and inactions during operations.
Maina added that the course had improved the knowledge of the participants on inter-agency cooperation and coordination, legal implications and competencies in joint operational environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, represented by Director of Defence Affairs, ONSA, Maj.-Gen. Peter Mallam, delivered the main paper on ‘Consolidating Existing Relationship towards Effective Inter-Agency Collaboration in Addressing Multi-dimensional Security Threats in Nigeria’.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo was among the panel of discussants. (NAN)
The Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, has expressed optimism that the $617.7million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (i-DICE) Programme would redefine the nation’s digital and creative landscape.
Shettima said this on Wednesday at the inauguration of a technical committee to kick start the programme, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
I-DICE Programme, a collaborative effort between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.
The National Economic Council (NEC) had, at its last meeting in March, endorsed the implementation of the programme in the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Vice-President, who described the development as the dawn of a new era in Nigeria, revealed that the Ministry of Finance had been mandated to ensure the expeditious disbursement of funds for the iDICE Programme.
This, according to him, will pave the way for its swift implementation.
“We’ll embark on a journey of innovation, collaboration and boundless opportunities
“A journey that holds the power to redefine the trajectory of our nation’s digital and creative landscape.”
Shettima highlighted the significance of the partnerships forged with institutions, describing them as a “convergence of vision and purpose” in pursuit of shared prosperity.
He commended the meticulous preparations undertaken by the Ministry of Finance and partners, affirming the programme’s readiness to unleash its full potential.
“With every condition met, we stand poised to unleash the full force of i-DICE upon the world.”
He applauded the accomplishments of members of the programme coordination Unit, over the past year, including its establishment, procurement of fund managers and engagement with ecosystem stakeholders.
The Vice-President described them as a testament to Nigeria’s indomitable spirit of innovation.
According to Shettima, the programme represents a catalyst for transformation and a beacon of hope for future generations.
Earlier, Chairman of the Technical Committee on the I-DICE programme, Mr Tope Fasua, noted that i-DICE’s substantial financial backing underscored the programme’s potential to drive transformative change in Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors.
Fasua, who is also the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, (Office of the Vice-President), disclosed that the selection of fund managers for the programme was being conducted through an open and transparent process.
According to him, the process is guided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) to ensure that the best-qualified firms are entrusted with managing the programme’s financial resources.
He said AfDB had completed all necessary documentation and was ready to disburse funds, subject to agreed terms.
“Similarly, the French Development Agency (AFD) has signed the required documents, pending internal processes.
“The Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) is in the final stages, with one last document awaiting approval from the Ministry of Finance.
“With the groundwork laid, the committee anticipates the first drawdown of funds on April 15th, marking a significant milestone in the programme’s implementation.”
Fasua expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, contribute and impact society and the nation’s human capital and economic development. (NAN)
The Mayor of the City of Blanco, Texas, U.S., Mike Arnold, and officials of the National Basketball Association (NBA) team have eulogised the economic strides of the Tinubu administration.
They gave the commendation at a reception hosted for Nigerian author, Reno Omokri, at the official performance centre of the San Antonio Spurs, U.S.
Arnold praised the floatation of the Naira and the removal of the subsidy on petrol, saying it would help the Nigerian economy to be more resilient.
“I am particularly pleased also that Nigeria is successfully tackling its foreign exchange crisis, and by blocking loopholes through which institutions like Binance were able to profit, which I fully support what Nuhu Ribadu is doing.
“I also praise you, Reno Omokri, for your #GrowNairaBuyNaija campaign. Because of you, Americans now know Nigerian corporations like Glo, Dangote and Innoson.”
The mayor urged Nigerians to sign his petition to build IDP infrastructure in Nigeria at http://www.idpjustice.org.
He also commended the Nigerian government for moving away from the propaganda of the last eight years to a proper agenda in the last year.
Star player, Gorgui Dieng, gave a message of support for Nigerians and thanked Omokri for his visit, while encouraging Nigerian youths to utilise sports as a means of personal development.
The performance centre is a new 500 million dollar facility built by the NBA team in San Antonio. (NAN)
