Home Blog Page 1423

Niger man held for alleged killing of brother over property

By
admin
-
0
Niger man held for alleged killing of brother over property

A man in Niger State, Abubakar Sani, has allegedly killed his elder brother Kabiru Sani over a property-related argument.

Both siblings, who hail from Tafa LGA of Niger State, were residents of Gawu Babangida area of Gurara Local Government Area.

The incident occurred on Sunday when Sani allegedly struck his elder brother with a large stick during a misunderstanding over the ownership of a property.

According to sources, the suspect had been threatening members of his family before the argument with his elder brother ensued.

When According Metro contacted the state’s police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, he said the suspect was arrested while the case was still under investigation.

“On 24/3/2024 at about 11:45hrs, police operatives attached to Gawu-Babangida Division arrested one Abubakar Sani, 30 years, of Gawu-Babangida area, Gurara LGA.

“The suspect was arrested for having engaged in a fight with his brother, Kabir Sani, 34 years, over issues of property, and during the fight, he allegedly hit his brother with a stick on the head.

“The victim became unconscious and was rushed to FMC, Gawu, where he was confirmed dead. “Preliminary investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will be transferred to the SCID for further investigation and diligent prosecution,” Abiodun stated.

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]

FG plans to rebase digital economy

By
admin
-
0
FG plans to rebase digital economy

The Federal Government has announced plans to rebase the country’s digital economy to stimulate growth and innovation.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in a statement on Linkedin recently.

Rebasing the digital economy refers to the process of updating the metrics and methodologies used to measure the contribution of digital activities to the overall economy.

The minister stated, “I had an extremely progressive discussion with the National Bureau of Statistics today, led by the Statistician General, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, on their ongoing efforts to rebase the digital economy, which will help us better understand and support growth in the sector.

“I am excited about the work they are doing, as it will help us calculate total factor productivity better and enable us to showcase the contribution of the digital economy to the broader Nigerian economy.

“To support the NBS’s efforts, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy will be setting up a ministry-wide committee to accelerate their efforts to properly calculate and rebase the sector,” he said.

The Nigerian economy became Africa’s largest economy in 2014 (surpassing South Africa) by rebasing GDP, going from $270bn to $510bn.

Meanwhile, Tijani has been appointed co-chair of the International Telecommunication Union  Digital Innovation Board.

The announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the board held in Geneva, recently.

As co-chair, Tijani would collaborate with the chair and Director of ITU-BDT, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, and the co-chair and Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications in India, Neeraj Mittal.

The minister said in a statement that they would provide strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy for ITU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, to foster a more inclusive and equitable digital future for all.

According to Tijani, the Digital Innovation Board will focus on accelerating the delivery of key priorities, including trend research readiness, open technology innovation, entrepreneurship and SME growth, policy experimentation, and ecosystem initiative acceleration.

The minister noted, “The Digital Innovation Board, which I am honoured to serve as co-chair alongside the chair, Cosmass Zavazava, Director, ITU-BDT, and my fellow co-chair, Neeraj Mittal, India’s Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, will provide strategic guidance, expertise, and advocacy for ITU’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alliance for Digital Development, to achieve its objectives.

“The board will also support the acceleration of the delivery of the following priorities: trend research readiness, open technology innovation, entrepreneurship and SME growth, policy experimentation, and ecosystem initiative acceleration.”

Guardrails against divisive election litigation

By
admin
-
0
Guardrails against divisive election litigation

POLITICAL behaviour in Nigeria is still so primitive. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mahmoud Yakubu, recently reinforced this when he expressed concern and frustration over the burden of expenses INEC bears due to rancorous primaries conducted by various political parties. He lamented that infighting within political parties often produces controversial candidates. In turn, aggrieved contenders disrupt INEC’s activities through expensive litigation.

Specifically, Yakubu raised the alarm ahead of the off-cycle governorship election in Edo, scheduled for September 21. Fearing the obvious, he stated that the primaries in the All Progressives Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party were acrimonious.

Yakubu said that APC upturned its initial primaries when three persons emerged as “winners.” One of the contenders threatened to go to court. It afterwards conducted another. As for the PDP, and LP, they conducted parallel primaries leading to the contentious emergence of two candidates each.

Consequently, INEC continues to battle costly litigation, resources that could be used for other beneficial activities. The umpire said it budgeted N3 billion to defend the results of the 2023 elections.

According to a global NGO, Kimpact Development Initiative, 1,209 petitions were filed by candidates and political parties during the 2023 general elections. Of the 1,209 petitions, only 103 were upheld by the Elections Petitions Tribunal. Unfortunately, litigation disenfranchise the electorate, and dent the legitimacy of those who emerge victorious through the courts.

Although INEC recognises the recurring problems inherent in faulty party primaries, the law has failed significantly to explore the sound conduct of primaries from other democracies.

By law, INEC only monitors the primaries while the party presents its candidate to the umpire. While primaries remain strictly a party affair, there is an urgent need to revamp the electoral laws to limit the excesses of political parties and instil decorum in the conduct of primaries in the country.

In April, the governorship primaries will hold in Ondo State. Since March, the aspirants in the political parties have started beating the drums of war. It promises to be divisive.

In part, rancorous party primaries are due to the obscene perks of office. The President, governor and lawmaker enjoy untrammelled benefits in office. In awareness of this, aspirants go to any length to conquer political power. For instance, a ranking senator in the 10th NASS has received N500 million for constituency projects for the year. Others received between N75 million and N200 million.

The President enjoys a fleet of aircraft for his travels. Bola Tinubu, during his first visit to Lagos as president, rode in a convoy of 200-plus vehicles. Governors spare nothing to enhance their convoys and pleasure.

In politics, primaries are a linchpin for good governance because the process is expected to build consensus among party members, who should present the candidates that best embody their ideological values to the electorate. In Nigeria, this is not so, as the electorate is limited by the options presented by the political parties.

Here, the political parties lack the ideological backbone that drives their politics. They are mere special purpose vehicles to capture power and wealth by the political class.

The Democratic Party in the United States is known for its liberalism, including same-sex marriage. It supports social justice, economic equality, environmental protection, healthcare access and progressive social policies. On the other hand, the key principles of the Republican Party are limited government, free market capitalism, strong national defence, traditional values and individual liberties such as gun rights and free speech. There, both politician and electorate pit their tent with the values of the parties during and after elections.

Crucially, the off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo in September and November respectively are test cases for INEC’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Tinubu tackling human trafficking through social investment programmes — AGF

By
admin
-
0
Tinubu tackling human trafficking through social investment programmes — AGF

The Federal Government says it is addressing trafficking in persons from the roots through its social investment programmes to reduce poverty. ⁣
⁣
It also named porous borders, poverty, lack of education and unemployment as factors compounding the difficulty in combatting human trafficking. ⁣
⁣
The Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, said this when he declared the 26th National Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Human Trafficking opened in Abuja on Monday.⁣
⁣
“The porous nature of our borders and the sophisticated networks of these criminals further compounds the challenge of combating the menace. ⁣
⁣
“Nigeria has demonstrated its commitment not only in the high number of convictions but also with successful rescue and rehabilitation of thousands of victims alongside strategic preventive measures. ⁣
⁣
“President Bola Tinubu-led administration recognises that addressing poverty and underdevelopment is critical in preventing human trafficking. Investing in people, especially young people and the disadvantaged, reduces the desperation that drives individuals into exploitation abroad,” said Fagbemi.⁣
⁣
The AGF affirmed the government’s commitment to scale its social investment programmes to provide livelihood support in deterring potential victims from falling prey to traffickers. ⁣
⁣
However, he emphasised that one agency or arm of government cannot shoulder the fight against human trafficking. ⁣
Instead, it demands a collective effort involving civil society, the private sector, international organisations, communities and the people.⁣
⁣
Therefore, “I solicit continued support from all stakeholders. Together, with a common vision, to come win this fight against human trafficking,” he charged listeners.” ⁣
⁣
On her part, the Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, said there is more work to be done through deepened partnership.⁣
⁣
She said, “Now, today offers us the collective opportunity to deepen partnership; ensure that interventions and activities align with the National Action Plan on Human trafficking; receive and deliberate on reports from all stakeholders across the various sectors at the national and sub-national levels; present the 2024/2025 national outlook for counter-trafficking initiatives in Nigeria including the presidential priorities; and share the concept of the logical framework for the Implementation of the National Action Plan for effective reporting of counter-trafficking activities in Nigeria.”⁣
⁣
Enumerating NAPTIP’s achievements in the past year—including the extradition of a high-profile human trafficker to Italy to serve her 13-year jail term—the. DG declared, “Despite our progress, human trafficking remains an ongoing threat and we hope to continue working with all our partners and stakeholders to design creative solutions for ways to understand better and tackle human trafficking.”⁣
⁣
She thanked the Swiss and Dutch governments through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their unwavering support, acknowledging NAPTIP’s partners such as the International Centre for Migration Policy Development, Expertise France, the International Organisation for Migration, and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. ⁣
⁣
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Representative of the UNODC, Danilo Campisi, urged participants to use the forum to reaffirm their collective resolve to leave no stone unturned in the fight against human trafficking. ⁣
⁣
“Let us seize this opportunity to redouble our efforts, strengthen our partnerships, and mobilize resources to protect the most vulnerable among us and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Campisi appealed.⁣
⁣
The forum also received goodwill messages from the Swiss and Dutch Ambassadors and other selected development partners and stakeholders.⁣
⁣

Also in attendance were the Commissioners of Justice and Women Affairs from the 36 states of the Federation.

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]

FG approves N110bn for youth development fund, agric scheme

By
admin
-
0
FG approves N110bn for youth development fund, agric scheme

The Federal Government has approved a total of N110 billion to be released for the operation of the newly restructured Youth Development Fund and the investment in agricultural Small and Medium Enterprises.

While N25bn each was appropriated in the 2023 supplementary and 2024 budgets, another N60bn would come from the Central Bank of Nigeria, said the Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, after Monday’s Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Ibrahim explained that although the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund was established in 2020, the current administration commissioned a technical committee to review and restructure it with the aim of institutionalising it through a legal framework, which will lead to the establishment of the Nigerian Youth Fund.

“We have secured council’s approval for the immediate release of N25bn from the 2023 supplementary Appropriation Act and an additional 25bn from the 2024 Appropriation Act for the Youth Development Fund appropriation in the budget.

“We also received an additional approval from council for a N60bn release from the Central Bank of Nigeria through the agric investment of a small medium enterprises scheme.

“This will go a long way to support young businesses and bring a lot of succour to young persons, to strengthen and scale young businesses,” said Ibrahim.

An offshoot of revamped Youth Investment Fund, the Minister said, is the establishment of clusters focused on commodities of comparative advantage across the six geopolitical zones.

She explains, “The spread would be across the Six geopolitical zones in the first phase, and we are already in talks with some state governments. We’re in touch with the Katsina state government, where the clusters will be around the cotton value chain. The cotton cluster has a potential to stimulate the textile garment and fashion industry and employ about 50,000 persons through direct and indirect engagements.

“We are also in talks with the government of Ebonyi State to strengthen the rice-producing communities by empowering the young people and bringing them in clusters to increase rice production and of course, managing the waste that comes from rice production,

“In states like Niger, we’ve gotten a commitment of over 10,000 hectares of land to commence our cluster formation and then the benefits of clusters actually would go a long way to ensure that we leverage on economics of scale, where we have young people leveraging or sharing rather equipment and infrastructure.”

Ibrahim also revealed that the council has granted approval for the institutionalisation of a 30 percent youth quota in all government appointments and an equitable young women representation inclusive of the 30 per cent.

She said this would address the “Long-standing marginalisation and exclusion of young people in decision making, and will also encourage young people to participate in decision-making processes and in civic engagements. This will in turn lead to young people contributing tremendously to national development agenda.”

Meanwhile, the council approved the report of a basic healthcare provision for a sector-wide approach.

This sector-wide approach will “eliminate the defragmentation” between basic health care centres provision fund and its development partners, said the Minister of State for Health, Mr. Tunji Alausa.

The basic healthcare care provision fund has three gateways—the primary care gateway, the National Health Insurance gateway, and the emergency services gateway.

Alausa said the sector-wide approach is to “align what our development partners are spending which are basic healthcare provision fund so that we can begin to eliminate the defragmentation that we have in the system where there is no coordination with basic healthcare provision fund and our development partners.

“What we’ve done now is to align and coordinate so that more resources will be directed to our primary health care centres where we’ll have more money to increase the immunisation to children.”

He said the new approach would help direct more money to maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and nutrition for children to be better equipped with better brain development.

More funds will also flow to efforts to fight tuberculosis, HIV & AIDS and improve the welfare of frontline workers, he explained.

“So that memo was brought in for final approval by the Federal Executive Council today, which was approved. But we’re moving through speed to implementing our sector-wide approach,” he affirmed.

Alausa also announced the purchase of state-of-the-art CT Scanners for the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, saying, “More of these will be coming to FEC.”

Ford, MacArthur Foundations warn Nigerians against scammers

By
admin
-
0
Ford, MacArthur Foundations warn Nigerians against scammers

The Ford and MacArthur Foundations have cautioned Nigerians against falling victim to any fraudulent schemes by scammers targeting international philanthropies.

The organisations made the plea in a joint statement on Monday signed by the Regional Director, West Africa, Ford Foundation, Chichi Aniagolu, and the Co-director, On Nigeria, and Director, Nigeria Office, MacArthur Foundation, Kole Shettima.

The organisations warned Nigerians against sending money or providing personal details to unscrupulous elements online for the grant application process.

The statement read, “We emphatically state that neither the Ford Foundation nor the MacArthur Foundation, solicit donations, administrative fees, or any payment for grant applications. Our organizations are steadfast in promoting transparency, accountability, and social change.

“We do not sponsor lotteries or solicit donations. We never request personal banking information from individuals.

“Individuals are not approached for grant opportunities. Grantees are not required to pay insurance, deposits, or any administrative fees for grant funds.

“Do not send money or provide personal details and avoid clicking on any included links where you are unsure of the source.

“For grant application processes or to learn more about our Foundations, please visit our official websites: Fordfoundation.org; Macfound.org.”

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]

FG promises to shield PWDs from stigmatisation

By
admin
-
0
FG promises to shield PWDs from stigmatisation

The Federal Government, on Monday, said it is determined to stand by People With Disabilities and protect their rights against discrimination, stigmatisation and marginalisation.

This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Isa, at the inauguration of the Leprosy Mission of Nigeria Wellness Connect in Abuja.

The TLMN wellness connect is a toll-free call centre dedicated to providing sustainable support and referral services to individuals and communities experiencing psychological distress.

Addressing newsmen on Monday, Isa said the President has taken measures to ensure full Implementation of the National Disability Act.

He said, “Together with the National Assembly, particularly the House Committee on Disability Affairs, we have taken measures to ensure full Implementation of the National Disability Act. I want you to rest assured that the government of President Tinubu is determined to stand by you to protect your rights against discrimination, stigmatisation or any form of marginalisation.

“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, and events like the commissioning of the TLMN Wellness Connect serve as a reminder of the importance of our ongoing efforts in this regard.”

Continuing, the presidential aide stressed that the establishment of the call centre represents a beacon of hope for people who often find themselves marginalised and overlooked.

He added that it is a testament to the FG’s commitment to ensure that every citizen, regardless of his background or circumstance, has unfettered access to support and resources they crave.

“The impact of this call centre extends far beyond the individuals who directly utilize its services. By providing accessible and culturally sensitive support for mental health issues, we are fostering a culture of empathy and compassion within our communities. We are breaking down barriers and opening doors to a more inclusive and supportive society for all,” he stated.

Earlier in his address, the TLMN National Director, Dr. Sunday Udoh, told the audience that combating the stigma and discrimination associated with mental health has remained an ongoing battle.

He said, “This toll-free call centre will serve as a life line for persons with disabilities who are struggling with mental health challenges to provide a safe and confidential space for them to share their thoughts and emotions to seek guidance and to acquire the necessary tools and skills to manage and cope with their mental wellbeing.

“I hope and trust the center will be a symbol of hope, a symbol of progress and a positive change in the field of mental health providing support for those with disabilities. Let it be a catalyst for transforming lives, inspiring others and paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.”

Nottingham Forest appeal points deduction

By
admin
-
0
Nottingham Forest appeal points deduction

Nottingham Forest lodged an appeal Monday against the four-point deduction imposed upon them for a breach of Premier League financial rules.

“Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four-point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules,” the club said in a brief statement on its website.

“The club will not be making any further statement at this time,” added Forest.

On March 18, the Premier League club were docked four points after admitting breaching their profitability and sustainability rules threshold of £61 million ($77.5 million) by £34.5 million.

Reacting at the time, Forest said they were “extremely disappointed” by the ruling and “dismayed by the tone” of the Premier League’s argument.

“We believe that the high levels of cooperation the club has shown during this process, and which are confirmed and recorded in the commission’s decision, were not reciprocated by the Premier League,” Forest said in a statement last week.

The four-point deduction meant they dropped into the relegation zone, one point behind 17th-placed Luton and four adrift of Everton.

Premier League clubs are usually allowed maximum losses of £105 million over a three-year assessment period but this is reduced by £22 million per season for any seasons within the period spent in the Championship.

Forest were promoted back to the Premier League in May 2022 following a 23-year absence, meaning two seasons of their three-year assessment period were as a Championship club.

Forest are the second top-flight team to be penalised for PSR breaches this season after Everton were hit with a 10-point penalty in November, which was reduced to six on appeal.

The commission which imposed the sanction against Forest noted the club’s breach was “serious”.

“The four points sanction is not to punish Forest so much as it is to be fair to the other clubs; to give the public confidence that when a club invests as Forest did to compete in the Premier League, it still needs to comply with the PSR threshold for losses,” said the commission.

Forest’s defence was centred around the sale of Brennan Johnson to Tottenham on September 1, 2023, but this deal occurred after the PSR deadline on June 30.

The English top-flight has previously said the appeals process should “conclude no later than and if possible sometime before 24 May”, which is five days after the final weekend of the season.

With a second complaint against Everton still being processed and now Forest’s appeal, relegation from the Premier League this term may end up being decided in the courts days after the last ball has been kicked on the pitch.

AFP

Ex-DSS boss criticises NSA’s handling of fleeing Binance Executive

By
admin
-
0
Ex-DSS boss criticises NSA's handling of fleeing Binance Executive

A  former Assistant Director, Department of State Services, Dennis Amachree, has bemoaned how a fleeing executive of Binance, Nadeem Anjarwalla, escaped from the custody of the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Amachree stated this on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday.

Anjarwalla reportedly escaped from the Abuja guest house where he and his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan were being held, Premium Times reports.

He was said to have escaped after some guards on duty escorted him to a nearby mosque for prayers.

In his interview, Amachree noted that while he wasn’t sure if the NSA, which acts as an advisory body to the President has a detention facility, it ought to have handed the crypto firm’s executives either to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission or the DSS for remand, if need be; pending court appearances.

Amachree said, “I don’t know whether the NSA has a detention facility. The NSA is an advisory body to the President. So, if he (NSA Nuhu Ribadu) felt that the suspects should be remanded, he should have sent him to the EFCC or the DSS to keep until the date of the court but to keep him in a guest house where he has access to telephone?”

He said, “If the man has been flagged as a threat or a suspected person, he should have been watchlisted,” adding that Anjarwalla and Gambaryan, should have been placed on the watchlist with the Nigeria Immigration Service with their photos and names flagged at all airports across the country.

Amidst efforts to rein speculation on the naira by cracking down on cryptocurrency exchanges, the Federal Government detained the two senior executives of Binance.

The charges against Binance include non-payment of Value-Added Tax, Company Income Tax, failure to file tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through its platform.

Possible compromise

The former DSS assistant director recalled that in the past, Heads of State were remanded in locations where they would pray, eat and also sleep.

Amachree saw no reason why Anjarwalla would have been led to a nearby mosque and then disappeared.

“For them now to allow him to go and pray? I think there are a lot of loopholes and lapses there. We have held heads of state in detention and they prayed where to live and eat and sleep. So, I don’t see why this particular guy will be allowed to go to the nearest mosque to pray and disappear.

“There is a compromise,” the security expert said, stressing that the fleeing suspect must have rubbed hands with some conniving security agents. “I’m happy they’ve arrested some of them. Let them interrogate them and tell us how much he gave them,” he said.

While the ONSA confirmed Anjarwalla’s escape, the FG said it is in talks with the International Criminal Police Organisation for his (Anjarwalla) re-arrest.

It also said it had begun a manhunt for the Binance executive and had arrested security personnel under whose watch he escaped.

Kebbi gov appoints new Auditor General for LG

By
admin
-
0
Kebbi gov appoints new Auditor General for LG

The Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has approved the appointment of Faruku Muhammad as Auditor General for Local Government.

This is contained in a letter dated March 25, 2024, signed by the Head of the Civil Service, Safiyanu Garba Bena, made available to Newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

The letter read in part, “I am pleased to inform you that, the Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency, Dr Nasir Idris, has approved your appointment as Auditor General for Local Government with effect from 24th March, 2024.

“While congratulating you for this new appointment, you are expected to show total commitment, devotion and high sense of responsibility in the discharge of your duties.

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]

1...1,4221,4231,424...2,854Page 1,423 of 2,854

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©