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9 Brigade cordons off explosion site, situation under control

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The 9 Brigade Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment, has cordoned off the farmland where a minor explosion occurred on Monday.

The army authorities have, however, declared that the situation is under control.

A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) visited the explosion site on Tuesday and observed that a tape was put around the area to prevent unauthorised entry.

The incident occurred on Monday at a farmland near the Mammy Market within the Ikeja Cantonment.

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The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Monday, said the explosion was suspected to have been triggered by the burning of refuse and other inflammable debris.

He also said that no casualty was recorded as a result of the explosion.

“However, given that the cantonment was recently cleared and certified free of unexploded ordnances, we understand that there will be concerns among the general public,” he said.

The Army spokesperson assured the public that the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team had taken control of the area.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.’

“We urge residents in the general area not to panic and assure them of their safety,” the Nigerian Army spokesperson said. (NAN)

By Oladapo Udom

Kekemeke, APC National Vice Chairman, joins Ondo

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Mr Issac Kekemeke, All Progressive Congress (APC), South-West National Vice Chairman, has declared his interest to participate in the Ondo State governorship primary election scheduled to hold on April 20, 2024.

Kekemeke made this known at a press conference and public presentation of the LEKELEKE agenda of prosperity and peace organised by his campaign team on Tuesday in Akure.

“I have received enquiries from far and near, from within and outside of Ondo State,Dr on my take in the Ondo 2024 governorship election.

“Today, I stand humbly before you to affirm my participation in the governorship primary election of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) slated for April 20, 2024.

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“I offer myself as a man tested and prepared to take on this onerous task of steering the affairs of our state as governor.

“My antecedents and pedigree recommend me. My services to our state in the past and even now is my testimonial.

“Evidently, as former Secretary to State Government (SSG), former Attorney General, former Commissioner, Works, Lands and Housing, Minority Leader in the State House of Assembly, I have not failed.

“Also as National Examinations Council Board Chairman, pioneer APC State Chairman, and currently National Vice Chairman,,South-West, I have not let you down,” he said.

Kekemeke, who said that he was better equipped than he was four years ago, declared that he would make government “seeable, touchable and feelable”, so that the pain of one would be the pain of all.

“The state cannot afford to amuse herself with bare pettiness, low sentiment and prejudices that have rudely arrested growth and development.

“Ondo State needs a leadership not only for a segment of the state, but for the whole state.”

The APC chieftain said that his agenda for prosperity and peace would ensure an industrial take-off of Ondo State through prioritised investment in human and natural endowment.

“We offer free and compulsory primary education, free secondary school education, highly subsidised tertiary education, quality health services for all including the establishment of a pharmaceutical company.

“Our programme include availability of food and employment opportunities through the civil farmer and the establishment of small scale agro-allied industries,” he said.(NAN)

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Naira appreciates at official market, gains 2.4%

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 The Naira gained at the official market, trading at N1,278.58 to a dollar on Tuesday.

Data from the official trading platform of the FMDQ revealed that the Naira gained N30.81 or 2.35 per cent, compared to the previous trading date on Thursday, March, 28, 2024 just before the Easter holiday at the rate of N1,309.39 against the dollar.

However, the total turnover reduced to $111.18 million on Tuesday, down from $857.78 Million recorded on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Meanwhile, at the Investor’s and Exporters’ (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,312.00 and N1,250.00 against the dollar. (NAN)

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By Grace Alegba

Adeleke lists new retirement age conditions for Osun teachers

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Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has reiterated enforcement of approved guidelines as a condition to enjoy the new retirement age, 65 years old and length of service, 40 years for teachers in Osun public schools.

This is contained in a circular issued by Mr Ayanleye Aina, the Head of Service, on Tuesday in Osogbo.

According to the circular, all those interested in enjoying the new increased retirement age must comply with the guidelines as stipulated.

According to the guidelines, for teacher to benefit from the scheme, he or she must be within the education cadre recognised in the scheme of Service.

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It also stipulates that the officer must be registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), be medically fit as ascertained by a qualified medical doctor and  must not be under any disciplinary action.

It also said that the eligible officer would  be required to apply six months before he or she attains the age of 60 years or 35 years of Service, whichever was earlier.

The guidelines also said that the  application must be endorsed by the Head Teacher/ Principal of the eligible Officer and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, among others.

It however said that the period of extension was not pensionable.

It directed the Ministry of Finance and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to stop forthwith, payment of salaries to those already enjoying the new retirement age without fulfilling the conditions.

The circular reads: “I wish to refer to our Circulars Ref. Nos. SMD.61/VOL.III/36 dated 31st May, 2022 and SMD.61/Vol.IV/52 dated 20th October, 2023 on the above subject.

“I reiterate that the conditions stated in the aforementioned Circulars still subsist.

“Consequently, all those already enjoying the new retirement age and length of Service without fulfilling the necessary prerequisites have, by this circular, cease to enjoy such benefits until compliance with the Circulars.

“For the purpose of emphasis, for any officer to enjoy the new retirement age and length of Service, the concerned Officer is requested to ensure that the guidelines were strictly adhered to.

“For avoidance of doubt, a copy of the guidelines under reference is hereby attached. Relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government are requested to ensure wide circulation of this Circular and strict compliance”. (NAN)

By Victor Adeoti

CAN demands public apology from FIRS over Easter message

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Tuesday in Abuja called on the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to retract its Easter message and offer a public apology.

The National Director, National Issues and Social Welfare (CAN), Cdre Abimbola Ayuba (rtd), in a statement, said that FIRS’ Easter message had threatened Nigeria’s unity and undermined respect among diverse religious groups.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FIRS message was “Jesus paid your debt, not your taxes”.

CAN, while reacting to it, described the message as “offensive and derogatory” to the Christian faith.

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“The Easter message by FIRS does not only threaten Nigeria’s delicate unity but also undermines the efforts of many Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups.

“As a nation that prides itself on religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, we are deeply concerned by the recurrence of provocative messages around religious holidays.

“This year, a public institution, which should be the bastion of exemplary conduct, has been implicated in disseminating content that is widely regarded as offensive and derogatory to the Christian faith.

“Such messages not only threaten the delicate fabric of our national unity but also undermine the efforts of countless Nigerians working towards fostering mutual respect among diverse religious groups,” the statement state.

NAN also reports that the FIRS’ Easter message has sparked serious controversy.

In its Easter message signed by its Chairman, Muhammad Nami, FIRS emphasised the need for Christians to pay their taxes as a form of religious obligation.

This has drawn criticism with some people feeling that the revenue agency was insensitive and had religious biases.

It has also attracted debates over the role of government agencies in promoting religious harmony and respect for diverse beliefs in Nigeria.

Critics have argued that while tax compliance is important, public messages should be inclusive and respectful of all religious groups to avoid fueling tensions in the country.

CAN, while expressing its reservation, has also called on public and private organisations to exercise caution and always consider the diverse religious backgrounds of Nigerian society in their communications. (NAN) 

By Philomina Attah

Sen. Natasha distributes 7, 200 bags of rice, beans, others

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Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduoghan, (PDP/Kogi), has distributed six truck loads of 7, 200 bags of grains to her Kogi Central constituents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effects of the economic hardship ravaging the country.

The grains, including rice, beans, and millet, were distributed to the 57 wards of the five local government areas of the senatorial district.

The five benefiting Local Government Areas are Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ajaokuta and Ogorimagongo.

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The beneficiaries include Muslim and Christian communities, drivers’ union, Okada union, mechanics, pensioners, among others.

Addressing the crowd at the distribution centre, Akpoti-Uduoghan said the gesture was for all her constituents, irrespective of party affiliations, to alleviate the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

“This is just my way of giving back to the people who voted me into office.

“It’s my resolve to continue to do my best to bring dividends of democracy to you, my constituents,” she said. (NAN)

By Thompson Yamput

NEMA partners UN to mitigate disaster impacts

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 The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says its partnership with the  United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (UN-OCHA) will reduce the sufferings of Nigerians affected by disasters.

The Director-General (DG) of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja when the Head of UN-OCHA in Nigeria, Mr Trond Jensen paid her a visit.

Umar commended the collaboration between NEMA and (UN-OCHA) in enhancing disaster response capabilities.

She used the opportunity of the visit to reel out mechanisms toward mitigating the impact of flooding on humans and environment as the rainy season sets in.

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According to her, the mechanism included  developing early warning alerts based on the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), released by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and public sensitisation to precautionary measures to avert flood impacts.

The NEMA DG also announced an expert meeting to analyse the SCP and develop strategies for saving lives and safeguarding livelihoods.

“Other flood disaster mitigating activities will be rolled out during NEMA’s upcoming Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) meeting,” she said.

On his part, Jensen praised the D-G’s experience in the on-shore sector, noting that it would be useful in finding solutions and improving efficiency and effectiveness.

He expressed excitement about the growing relationship between UN-OCHA and NEMA, saying “such foresees great things in the future”

Jensen emphasised the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing climate change and humanitarian challenges.

He then stressed the need for joint efforts to tackle increasing temperatures and irregular weather patterns, such as floods. (NAN)

By Philomina Attah

8 suspects in police net over alleged murder of UNIMAID

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The police in Borno confirmed the arrest of eight suspects  in connection to the alledged murder of Dr Kamar Abdulkadir, a Lecturer of the Department of Physical Health Education, at the University of Maiduguri.

Abdulkadir was  murdered in his office on campus on Sunday by unknown attackers who sneaked into his office.

The victim was found on Monday with several injuries inflicted on his body by his killer. 

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahun Daso, told newsmen that the attackers also carted away tthe lecturer’s vehicle, phone and laptop.

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“We reviewed the CCTV Camera and saw them going out of the University with the deceased’s vehicle. However, the quality of the video was very poor so we could not see the number of people that were inside the car,”he said.

He explained that investigation was still ongoing into the matter.

Reacting, Prof Danjuma Gambo, the Director of Radio and Public Relations who spoke on behalf of the vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Shugaba, said the police and other security agencies have already launched an investigation with a view to unraveling the circumstances surrounding his death.

“In view of the gravity of the matter, management advises all staff and students to remain calm and go about their normal, legitimate businesses because the University is working closely with relevant security agencies to get to the root of the matter. 

“Management also wishes to assure parents, guardians and other stakeholders that the University campus remains safe and secure for teaching, learning and community service.

“Management appreciates the numerous messages of sympathy and support from all its stakeholders in this moment of grief,”Gambo said.(NAN)

By: Hamza Suleiman 

Ododo breaks fast with Muslim leaders, promises unprecedented investment in agriculture Newsdiaryonline

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Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has hosted leaders of the Muslim community in Kogi State to the breaking of Ramadan fast at the Government House in Lokoja.

Governor Ododo who called for compassion among the people of the state noted that lessons of Ramadan which emphasize patience, empathy and forgiveness should not be lost on the people even with the winding down of this year’s Ramadan fast.

The Governor called on the people of the state to unite behind the government of the day, stressing that forgiveness and patience remain key lessons of Ramadan.

The Governor noted that more can be achieved with unity and compassion for one another irrespective of differences in religious inclinations.

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Governor Ododo who commended Muslim leaders for sustaining religious tolerance in the state, urged them to continue to pray for the success of those in power, adding that the present administration requires their support and prayers to succeed.

According to Governor Ododo:
“Ramadan goes beyond abstinence from food and drinks even as it enhances spiritual rejuvenation; we must continue to preach compassion, patience, empathy and unity among our people because these are lessons of Ramadan.

The state government is aware of the economic situation and we are therefore investing massively in agriculture to feed our people and improve the lot of the people of the state in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

In their separate remarks, leaders of the Jamatu Nasril Islam in Kogi State, the State Council of Ulama, League of Imams and the Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria commended Governor Ododo for hosting Muslim leaders in the state to the breaking of Ramadan fast.

They noted that the people of the state are proud of the impressive start of Governor Ododo in office and urged the Governor to continue to build on the prevailing level of security, peace and stability in the state.

Prayers were offered for Governor Ododo and other political leaders in the state for the success of the administration and the peace and prosperity of the state.

Moniepoint unveils new feature to combat fraud

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Moniepoint, a microfinance bank (MFB), has unveiled a new Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) service to combat fraud and enhance financial inclusion.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Babatunde Olofin, the Managing Director, Moniepoint MFB, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Olofin said the USSD service would be accessible via the account control code *5573#.

He said the new feature would offer a fast, secure and user-friendly platform for consumers to conduct their banking activities with ease, from any mobile device without the need for an internet connection.

According to him, the move is expected to increase convenience and accessibility while showcasing the bank’s commitment to financial inclusion, enhancing safety and security across the digital payment ecosystem.

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He added that the USSD banking suite included a variety of services such as funds transfer, airtime and data purchase, account balance and details inquiry, among others.

“The introduction of *5573# is a security measure against unauthorised access, safeguarding customer funds in case of loss or theft of mobile phones, ATM cards, and in situations where account details may be compromised.

“This code empowers customers to secure their accounts promptly from any mobile device, without needing to contact the bank, especially in cases of suspected fraud.

“At Moniepoint MFB, our top priority is delivering exceptional customer service through digital innovation and ensuring the highest security standards,” Olofin said.

He added that the new USSD service would provide the convenience of mobile banking with an added layer of security “that gives customers control over protecting their accounts.”

Olofin noted that Moniepoint had always been guided by its mission to create a society where everyone experienced financial happiness.

“To support the central bank’s financial inclusion agenda, we added this feature, so that the least digital-savvy customers, irrespective of their location, are now positioned to carry out a wide range of transactions effortlessly.

“Also, existing customers, encompassing business and personal accounts, can initiate transactions and manage their accounts, by navigating to USSD banking settings on their mobile banking app,” he said.(NAN)

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