Home Blog Page 1406

Army prepared to rid Nigeria of criminals, CDS assures Reps

admin
-
0
Army prepared to rid Nigeria of criminals, CDS assures Reps

The House of Representatives has commended Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other security agencies on the proactive efforts put in place to checkmate activities of terrorists across the country.

This is just as the CDS said his men are battle-ready to make the country too hot for criminal elements in the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations, Sulaiman Abubakar Gumi, gave the commendation on Tuesday evening in Abuja during the fact-finding meeting held with the CDS aimed at “thoroughly examining the root causes of these unfortunate incidences and identify effective remedies to prevent their reoccurrence in the future.”

While commending the men and officers of the Nigerian Army for the sustained war against insurgency and terrorism, a member of the House, Suleiman Gumi lauded the “unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of the Nigerian Army in safeguarding the territorial integrity of our beloved nation.”

He said, “Their commitment to defending our borders both externally and internally ensures that we can sleep soundly at night, knowing that our safety and security are being firmly protected.

“In the face of numerous challenges and threats, both foreign and domestic, our brave soldiers stand steadfast on the frontline, risking their lives to preserve the peace and stability of our nation.

“From combating insurgency and terrorism to maintaining law and order in the case of civil unrest, the Nigerian Army has consistently demonstrated unwavering resolve to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of our nation.

“Their resilience in the face of adversity serves as a beacon of hope and aspirations to us all.

“The loss of innocent lives is a cause of concern and urgency that demands our collective attention and action. It is imperative that we thoroughly examine the root causes of these unfortunate incidences and identify effective remedies to prevent their reoccurrence in the future.

“During our meeting today (Tuesday), we will engage in a comprehensive review of the operational procedures and protocols employed by the Nigerian Army in conducting drone operations, with a particular focus on enhancing safety measures to minimizing the risk of unfriendly fire and civilian casualties.”

In his presentation, the CDS explained that the Defence headquarters has put in place a “robust standard of operations that ensures safety of not just its personnel but civilians during operations.

“We are gaining successes here and there, but the challenges still continue. We will continue to dedicate ourselves to the security of this country, to ensure that we rid this country of criminal elements so that we can make progress in all our activities.

“I must, on behalf of the Armed Forces, express our sincere regrets on the unfortunate incident in Kaduna State. I also ask the Almighty to forgive the shortcomings of those who lost their lives there.

“I want to assure the House that the Armed Forces is a professional Armed Forces, a professional body, and in the course of our discussion, we will come to that.

“We do have rules and regulations that guide all our operations, and from time to time, we try to pass these rules and regulations through teachings and sometimes workshops to incorporate us.

“It’s unfortunate again over what happened. The CDS has directed that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that such an incident does not happen in the future.”

Zamfara now centre of banditry, governor laments

admin
-
0
Zamfara now centre of banditry, governor laments

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has said the North will not enjoy sustainable peace if banditry persists in the state, which he described as the centre of terror.

This was as he secured President Bola Tinubu’s nod to take drastic steps to crush the reign of bandits and kidnappers in his state.

“Zamfara has become the centre of banditry as we speak today, and if nothing is done in Zamfara State, I don’t think we will be able to solve the situation in entire Northern Nigeria,” Lawal asserted when he addressed State House correspondents on Tuesday after closed-door talks with the President at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Lawal lamented that despite all efforts by his government to end the criminal activities in the state, bandits continue to have a field day in several council areas.

Therefore, his administration has requested more military personnel and equipment to enable the officers to confront the current security challenges head-on.

“There have been several attacks in some of the local government communities. I feel that, as a responsible governor, I should make this known to Mr. President, who is pleased with the discussion we have and we are looking for more military personnel as well as the equipment for them to be able to function effectively and take care of the security situation,” he explained.

Lawal acknowledged that the abducted Kuriga school children and a few other victims of banditry were recovered from Zamfara State, spurring his government to be more proactive in changing the state of affairs.

“Most of the boys and girls kidnapped in Kaduna ended up in Zamfara State. That is not good for us; therefore, we are doing everything to change the narrative, which is one reason I came to see the President today.

“I have informed Mr. President and I have his assurance that something drastic will be done to take care of the situation as soon as possible. As you are aware, we, as governors, don’t have control over the military or the police. It is the responsibility of the Federal Government.

“Therefore, at any point, we need to inform Mr President so that we can get his blessing either to direct them or to do something else to help them take care of that situation,” the Governor explained.

He noted that the State Community Protection Guard recently launched by the Zamfara State Government is trained to collaborate with the military and police, adding that they understand the terrain better.

“As you rightly pointed out last month, we launched the community protection guard. These are well-trained people who can take care of the security situation.

“Together with the security operatives, they go out on their own on operation; they go together, either the military or the police. Let me say this: these people are respected, and they understand this land better than even the military and the police.

“So, in a way, it’s a collaborative effort. And that’s why I’m here today to get the President’s blessing to do something very drastic,” he affirmed.

Georgia beat Greece on penalties to qualify for Euro 2024

admin
-
0
Georgia beat Greece on penalties to qualify for Euro 2024

Georgia qualified for Euro 2024 on Tuesday, winning their play-off against Greece 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time to advance to their first-ever major tournament finals.

Nika Kvekveskiri stroked in the decisive penalty in the shoot-out to spark a pitch invasion from fans at the Boris Paichadze Stadium in Tbilisi after Tasos Bakasetas and Giorgos Giakoumakis both failed to score from the spot for Greece.

Surprise European champions in 2004, Greece’s defeat means their wait to qualify for a first major tournament since the 2014 World Cup goes on.

Ranked 77th in the world, Georgia will join Turkey, Portugal and the Czech Republic in Group F at the European Championship in Germany in June.

It will be their first appearance at a major tournament since the country in the Caucasus of 3.7 million people gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

They had never come close to qualifying before, until losing in a play-off at the same stage in qualifying for the last Euro, going down 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in 2020.

This time they finished fourth out of five teams in their qualifying group, with their only two wins both coming against bottom side Cyprus.

However, their previous performances in the UEFA Nations League gave them a chance to advance via the play-offs, and they beat Luxembourg at home in last week’s semi-finals to set up Tuesday’s decider.

Coached by former France international Willy Sagnol, Georgia’s undisputed star man is the Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

He was not on the pitch for the penalty shoot-out, having been substituted in extra time of a game lacking in chances.

Greece came closest to scoring when defender Konstantinos Mavropanos headed against the bar in extra time.

Yet their captain Bakasetas had his penalty, Greece’s first in the shoot-out, repelled by the Georgia goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia.

Georges Mikautadze then missed for Georgia, meaning the sides were all square until Giakoumakis of Atlanta United squandered Greece’s fourth kick, allowing Kvekveskiri to score the winner.

According Online reports that the UEFA EURO 2024 kicks off in Munich, Germany, on Friday, June 14, and ends with the final in Berlin on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

AFP

Collapsed Anambra road still under construction

admin
-
0
Collapsed Anambra road still under construction

The Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Ifeanyi Okeoma, has insisted that the collapsed Ochanja Road, Woliwo, Onitsha, is still under construction.

Okeoma, who visited the portion of the road reportedly washed away by heavy rainfall on Tuesday, said the contractor was laying the last bit of asphalt on the paver when it started to rain, and the base course on which the asphalt was laid was wet.

The visit by the commissioner and his team, together with the contractors, followed a viral video depicting that a 20-minute rainfall on Monday, had “washed off” the road newly inaugurated about a week ago by the state governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

The voice in the video said, “The ‘Dubai-Taiwan’ Ochanja market road in Onitsha constructed with billions of Anambra taxpayers’ money has just been washed away by just one episode of 20 minutes of rainfall on Monday 25th of March 2024. The rainfall exposed the nature of poor quality jobs executed by the government.”

Reacting during the visit, Okeoma described the video as an “affront” to throw spanners into the works of the state government, adding that nothing of sort ever happened.

He said, “Every one of us is here on this road, and you can see that nothing happened at all. We actually saw the video last night, and first thing this morning, we came here to find out that nothing like that happened as you can see for yourself.

“The contractor worked on Sunday and closed for the day and he stopped at a small portion that is about one foot and there was a heavy downpour and the base was blocked and that point is about one foot that got washed off.

“As you can see, we are all standing on the stone base material that was primed so we are shocked at that mischievous video sponsored by the opposition to throw spanners into the good works of the state government and as you can see work is in progress.”

However, it was gathered that Ochanja Road was among the roads recently inaugurated by the governor as part of activities to mark his second anniversary in office.

Our correspondent also observed that the washed portion of the road had been cleared away by the contractor on the site and blocked as traders were seen carrying out economic activities on the entire stretch of road.

Speaking to our correspondent in separate interviews, some residents lamented that despite paying billions of taxpayers’ money to execute the job, the result still came out “poor and shoddy,” contrary to their expectations.

One of the residents, Ijeoma Okeke, a trader along the affected road, said that the road has a dual water carriage on both sides of the road, yet flood washed the asphalt away.

Okeke said the road was constructed with drainages on both sides, which makes it easy for water to flow freely, yet the newly asphalted road was washed away.

She said, “Another means of wasting taxpayers’ money, what will happen again when it rains again, the contractors should be questioned. Thank God the contractor is still on site. He will see the shoddy job done by him.”

Another resident, Uche Ikem, lamented that the affected road was inaugurated last week, and the very first downpour washed the asphalt away with ease.

“This road was part of the roads inaugurated by our governor, and the first rain after it was commissioned washed the surface off the road away.

“I am afraid that the whole of the road will not stand the test of time, i wanted our governor to invite the contractor for questioning,” he added.

The road project is 2.3km and so far, up to 1. 7 km of the project has been done. The project, apart from the water fountain would also have street lights with a wide water drainage system which empties at a larger canal in order to protect the road and the market from flooding and also protect the goods being owned by traders.

Tinubu appoints coordinator for centre for control of small arms

admin
-
0
Tinubu appoints coordinator for centre for control of small arms

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd.) as the new Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Kokumo succeeds Major-General AM Dikko (retd.), whom former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed as the pioneer Coordinator on May 3, 2021.

The Presidency announced his appointment Tuesday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints new coordinator for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.’

Ngelale described Kokumo as a “seasoned and accomplished law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis, and control.”

He was Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, from 2022 to 2023.

The President says he expects the new Coordinator to “deploy his immense experience and expertise in efforts to revamp the Centre and evolve new strategies to bring lasting solutions to the menace of arms proliferation which is a significant driver of insecurity in the country.”

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons was established on May 3, 2021, by an Executive directive by Buhari.

This was in line with Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

At the time, the Presidency said the Centre would replace the defunct Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons and shall serve as the institutional mechanism for policy guidance, research and monitoring of all aspects of Small Arms and Light Weapons.

NCCSALW’s creation was part of the restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture to address emerging threats and strengthen regional mechanisms for the control, prevention and regulation of SALW.

BlockDAG High Returns Outshines Kaspa Prediction & Worldcoin Growth

admin
-
0
BlockDAG High Returns Outshines Kaspa Prediction & Worldcoin Growth

The surges in Worldcoin’s value and the forecasts for Kaspa have garnered significant interest from both investors and cryptocurrency aficionados. Worldcoin, which benefits from the endorsement of Sam Altman, has witnessed a remarkable increase in its valuation, drawing eyes with its cutting-edge integration with OpenAI’s Sora.

On another front, Kaspa’s innovative blockchain technology teeters on the verge of possible price increases, spurred by expected halving occurrences. In this evolving scenario, BlockDAG (BDAG) steps forward as an attractive option for those in pursuit of the top cryptocurrency for enhanced returns, providing solutions that tackle issues of scalability, speed, and efficiency within the blockchain domain.

2024 Kaspa Forecast: Rising Expectations for Halving Occurrences

Kaspa distinguishes itself as a key disruptor in the digital currency scene, ready to challenge conventional systems with its novel approach to blockchain technology. According to Techopedia, the year 2024 is set to see a rise in anticipation for Kaspa, with two major halving events on the horizon – one shadowing Bitcoin’s in April or May and another for Kaspa in August. While the immediate effects of Bitcoin’s halving might not be apparent, the increased focus on Bitcoin’s acceptance and market expansion could boost Kaspa’s valuation in conjunction with the general market trend.

Kaspa’s distinctive halving mechanism and its burgeoning popularity hint at potential price hikes linked to its halving event. Moreover, developments like the launch of the Kaspa protocol’s Rust version and possible introductions on prominent exchanges such as Coinbase or Kraken add to a positive outlook for Kaspa’s valuation in 2024, with predictions ranging between $0.10 to $0.50, averaging at $0.28.

Worldcoin’s Expansion Paves the Way for BlockDAG’s Upside

Led by Sam Altman, Worldcoin is a crypto project that has captured widespread attention due to its sharp rise in value following OpenAI’s Sora debut. The ascent of Worldcoin’s native token, WLD, especially after a significant upturn in February attributed to the excitement around OpenAI’s Sora, is noteworthy. Despite a decrease in mid-March, investor interest continues to be strong, spurred by Altman’s reputation and the potential collaboration between Worldcoin and Sora.

Forecasts indicate optimistic trends for Worldcoin’s value. CoinCodex predicts a short-term volatility with WLD dipping to $10.51 by March 26, then ascending to $26.47 by April 20. Projections for 2024 from DigitalCoinPrice, Bitnation, and Coinpedia suggest further growth, with values between $17.46 and $28. Despite Worldcoin’s ascent, BlockDAG introduces a more comprehensive technological solution for enhancing scalability, speed, and decentralization across blockchain applications, especially for those necessitating high transaction throughput and efficiency.

BlockDAG: A Leading Choice for 5000x Returns in Crypto

With bold aspirations to break into the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market cap, BlockDAG positions itself as a prime candidate for 5000x returns in the crypto industry, after its official launch, and aiming for 10,000 in the near future. This strategic direction underscores BlockDAG’s progress and its novel take on blockchain technology, setting it apart in a competitive market. Diverging from other cryptocurrencies, BlockDAG focuses on scalability, speed, and efficiency – vital for its broad adoption and significant market presence.

Aiming to rectify the scalability challenges inherent in blockchain, BlockDAG emerges as a superior choice for enhanced returns through its fundamental enhancements to blockchain infrastructure. In comparison to Bitcoin, which is prized for its value storage and security, BlockDAG presents an appealing alternative for investors seeking substantial returns by overcoming Bitcoin’s limitations in transaction speed and energy usage. BlockDAG’s dedication to technological innovation and market expansion underscores its ambition to excel among top-performing digital currencies, making it an attractive investment opportunity in the volatile crypto market. The new network, currently in presale, has already amassed $8.9 million and sold over 5 billion BDAG coins.

Concluding Thoughts 

The developments in Worldcoin and Kaspa offer intriguing prospects to the investment community, highlighting lucrative opportunities for those keeping abreast of the latest trends. Amid these narratives, BlockDAG’s strategic approach and technological advancements earmark it as a distinguished investment choice for those aiming for the top cryptocurrency for superior returns. By tackling crucial challenges like scalability and efficiency, BlockDAG not only contends with but also seeks to outperform other digital currencies, positioning itself as an ideal option for investors aiming to maximize their returns.

Website:

Presale:

Telegram:

Discord:

Tinubu appoints new coordinator for national counter-terrorism centre

admin
-
0
Tinubu appoints new coordinator for national counter-terrorism centre

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka as the new National Coordinator, National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Laka replaces Rear Admiral Musa (retd.), whom former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed as the pioneer Coordinator in August 2022.

The Presidency announced Laka’s appointment on Tuesday in a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu appoints new national coordinator for national counter-terrorism centre.’

Laka served in various capacities in Nigeria’s North-East.

He also served in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo under the United Nations and was part of the Nigerian contingent in the US AFRICOM exercise in Senegal.

He holds a Master’s Degree in National Security from the National Defence University, Pakistan, and in International Affairs and Strategic Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The President said he expects Laka to “bring his vast experience into this critical role to effectively remove security threats through pre-emptive, proactive, and diligent counter-terrorism coordination.”

The NCTC was established in 2012 as a directorate in the Office of the National Security Adviser. This followed the signing of the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011, which was amended in 2013.

On March 21, 2023, former President Buhari launched NCTC’s new base in Abuja, a facility he said would serve as his major infrastructural legacy to the incoming administration to effectively coordinate national security and counterterrorism efforts.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Both sides hope to end their losing streaks

admin
-
0
Both sides hope to end their losing streaks

The Hornets will play host to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night at the Spectrum Center Charlotte, North Carolina. The Hornets are currently on a 4-game losing streak. Can they get back to winning ways here? Our basketball betting expert, Agbeniga Ayobami, presents her top Hornets vs Cavaliers predictions.

Hornets vs Cavaliers Predictions & Tips

  • Bet 1: Cavaliers  -6.0 @ 1xbet
  • Bet 2: Hornets Under 100.5 Points @ 1xbet
  • Bet 3: Under 210 Points @ 1xbet

Get 330% up to ₦189,280 with the code 1VIPCODE

Our Hornets vs Cavaliers prediction is for the Cavaliers to cover the spread.

The Charlotte Hornets’ struggles to continue

The Charlotte Hornets are currently on a losing streak, having lost four consecutive games and eight of their last ten matches. Their struggles have been evident in their recent performances. They have also failed to cover the spread in seven of their last ten games, indicating their inconsistency and difficulties in meeting expectations when seen as underdogs.

On the other hand, the Cleveland Cavaliers are in a better position, sitting just two games out of first place in the Eastern Conference. Every game is crucial for them as they aim to secure their playoff seeding, particularly to maintain the third seed to avoid facing tough opponents like the Boston Celtics in the second round.

Given these factors, the Cavaliers are likely to approach the game with more determination and focus, making them the favourites to secure a victory, especially in light of the Hornets’ recent struggles.

Bet 1: Cavaliers  -6.0 @ 1xbet

The Charlotte Hornets continue to struggle defensively

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled defensively, coupled with their recent offensive slump. This paints a challenging picture for them, especially against a defensively sound team like the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hornets’ inability to maintain consistent scoring, highlighted by their recent trend of scoring 98 or fewer points in four consecutive games, reflects their offensive woes.

The Cavaliers excel defensively, limiting opponents to just 109.5 points per game, which ranks among the top in the league. They will pose a significant challenge for the Hornets. Additionally, the Cavaliers limit their opponents to 111 points per 100 possessions, compared to the Hornets’ concession of 118.8 points per 100 possessions.

The Hornets struggle to generate offence and face the Cavaliers, a formidable defensive opponent. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect scoring to continue to be a challenge for them in this matchup.

Bet 2: Hornets Under 100.5 Points @ 1xbet

A low–scoring game on the cards

Given the injury situations for both teams and the recent offensive struggles of the Charlotte Hornets, it makes sense to approach the over/under in this clash with caution.

The Charlotte Hornets have recently been held under 100 points in four consecutive games. When combined with their overall record of 32-28 against the over/under this season, it suggests their offensive output has been inconsistent. Similarly, the Cleveland Cavaliers record of 31-38 against the over/under this season indicates variability in their scoring output.

Considering these factors, particularly the recent offensive struggles and the absence of key scorers, going for the under bet is a wise decision.

Bet 3: Under 210 Points @ 1xbet

Get 330% up to ₦189,280 with the code 1VIPCODE

Conducting elections in Nigeria is war, says Kogi CP

admin
-
0
Conducting elections in Nigeria is war, says Kogi CP

Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bertrand Onuoha, on Tuesday, described the off-season governorship elections that took place in Nigeria, especially his state, as a war zone that bore no semblance to what a normal poll should look like.

Onuoha made the statement at a public presentation on Nigeria’s Election Violence and Education Report of the 2023 governorship polls in Bayelsa, Imo and Kogi states held in Abuja.

The police commissioner lamented that he has never seen the kind of bitterness that was brought into the November 11 poll that produced the All Progressives Congress candidate, Usman Ododo, as the winner.

Ododo polled 446,237 votes to defeat his closest rival, Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party and Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party by 259,052 and 46,362 votes respectively.

However Ajaka and Melaye both rejected the result over what they termed irregularities that marred the election.

But Onuoha, who bemoaned the absence of internal democracy in Nigerian politics, insisted that the situation could have been worse if some drastic measures were not taken.

He said, “Conducting elections in Nigeria is war. Since the creation of Kogi State in 1991, elections in the state has always been like war. Since I was born, I have never seen the kind of bitterness that was brought into electioneering in the state towards the November 11, 2023 governorship election.

“A lot of things need to be done to co-opt people who are ready to serve their fatherland, not those who take politics as business or as a career.

“If not for the series of meetings we have held with stakeholders, believe you me, if not what we have done (such as) pre-election issues, meetings with stakeholders, I don’t think even election would have held in that state. When you look at the political parties in Nigeria, there is nothing like internal democracy. That is why most of the pre-election violence cropped up from lack of internal democracy, intra-party activities, where you will see bitterness amongst the same family of the same political party.

“The type of election being held in Nigeria now is not sustainable. During off-cycle elections, you can deploy enough personnel that cuts across all the security agencies. Was it possible during the general elections? We have to go back to the grassroots and get it well. The worst scenario is lack of deterrence. Since 1999, how many people have been taken to court because of election violence or malpractice?”

Earlier in her address, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, told the audience that the data-driven advocacy organization has spent six months monitoring the electioneering campaigns and tracking activities of each actor involved in the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa off-cycle elections.

Idowu also recommended that the Federal Government and law enforcement agents should go beyond mere arrest to ensure ballot box snatchers and other electoral offenders are prosecuted.

“We have been tracking and monitoring the three states that had off-cycle elections in 2023 such as Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa. We started tracking the environment, actors and possible issue of electoral violence six months before the elections.

“We found out that there are dynamics in each of the three states. We have the politics of identity that fuelled violence in Kogi, cultism that fuelled violence in Bayelsa and in Imo, you have intimidation, segregation and secessionist agitation in that place.

“We recommend that perpetrators of electoral violence who have been going about freely should be brought to book, prosecuted, charged and tried. We are also asking for clarity of legislative framework about who should arrest or prosecute,” she appealed.

100,000 Nigerians return from Niger in seven years – Zulum

admin
-
0
100,000 Nigerians return from Niger in seven years – Zulum

At least 100,000 Nigerians displaced to Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, by terrorism in the Northeast, were returned to their homes in the past seven years.

The Borno State Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum, disclosed this to State House correspondents after closed-door talks with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday

Zulum, who said he discussed plans to resume the repatriation of Nigerians in the neighbouring countries, announced that the President has approved the immediate take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.

He explained, “We talked about the issue of repatriation of Nigerians living in the Republic of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. We started repatriating them during the last administration, but because of the election period and rainy season, we stopped the repatriation exercise.

“Again, Mr. President has given me his commitment that the Government of Nigeria will resume the repatriation exercise. So far, so good. Within the last six to seven years, not less than 100,000 people were repatriated.

“This is the official figure; the unofficial figures might be more than this. But I want to inform you that we still have remnants of people living in Chad, Niger and Cameroon. I need to discuss with the National Commission for Refugees as well as NEMA and other organizations before coming out with a figure.

“But the most important thing that I want to tell you is that we have started the repatriation. This administration is committed to ensuring that all our refugees living in our neighbouring countries are repatriated before the end of this administration, inshallah.”

On the Federal College of Education in Gwoza, Zulum cited President Tinubu’s approval for the staggered take-off of six universities on October 18, 2023, after the Federal Executive Council meeting that day.

The Buhari administration had approved the establishment of no fewer than 75 universities, encompassing federal, state, and private institutions.

However, the Federal Government lacked the funds and qualified staffing to kick start all institutions at once as they are capital intensive, the Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, disclosed at the time.

But Zulum said, “I wrote to Mr. President on the need for the take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, a few months ago.

“I’m pleased to notify you that the President has given approval for the immediate take-off of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza.

“That is something that is very important and very dear to the entire people of Borno State.”

The governor also revealed plans to resuscitate two fallow irrigation projects in the state— South Chad Irrigation Project and the Yauri Irrigation Scheme—saying he suggested the establishment of a vibrant security outfit around the South Chad Basin area.

“Secondly, we spoke about the Lake Chad Basin. Now that we are having relative peace in Borno State, there is a need for the government to ensure re-establishment of the South Chad Irrigation Project.

“South Chad Irrigation Project has tremendous potential to produce food to cater for the needs of the entire northern Nigeria, or I can say even the entire country. But as a result of insecurity in the region, the irrigation scheme is not functioning very well for the last decade or more than a decade. I spoke with Mr. President and he will look into the possibility of establishing a very strong security outfit in the Lake Chad Basin so that people shall have access to the agricultural lands.

“Again, we spoke about reestablishing the Yauri Irrigation Scheme, also in northern Borno state. I think this is very important since the country is looking to ensure food security in terms of quantity and quality. Inshallah, when these two irrigation projects are reestablished, I believe the issue of food security will be addressed not only in Borno State but also in Nigeria,” he noted.

1...1,4051,4061,407...2,849Page 1,406 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv