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APC kicks as Adeleke unveils panel to probe Oyetola’s contracts

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APC kicks as Adeleke unveils panel to probe Oyetola’s contracts

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has set up an eight-man panel that would implement the report and the white paper of the committee that reviewed contracts awarded by the administration of the immediate past governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.

Adeleke took over from Oyetola on November 27, 2022, and since then, the two men have endured a frosty relationship.

Shortly after taking over the reign of government, Adeleke set up the contract review committee through an executive order.

According to a statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Thursday, the new panel was charged with enforcing the recommendations of that original review committee and the subsequent white paper approved by the State Executive Council.

The statement read, “Terms of reference of the panel include enforcing the recommendations in the committee report and white paper, ensuring prosecution of culprits through relevant agencies and implementing all institutional recommendations to prevent reoccurrence of distortions in contract award and management.

“The committee is expected to commence operations immediately by giving effect to each of the committee recommendations as approved by the State Executive Council.”

The state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement, described the setting up of the implementation committee as a ploy to cover up mismanagement by the present administration uncovered by the opposition party.

Lawal said it was “funny that an administration that awarded road/flyover contract to the serving deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly without following the due process would now suddenly consider the setting up of an implementation panel of the White Paper on the Contract Review Committee?

“We wondered that why was it a day after our party accused Governor Adeleke of awarding state road/flyover contracts to his brother and nephew that he(Adeleke) suddenly considered it expedient to set up an implementation committee?

“Adeleke should thread softly as Osun people are now wiser and knowledgeable enough to read the true motive of his action meant to unjustifiably victimise the opposition for having the effrontery to catalogue the series of frauds his government is perpetrating against the state in the name of prosecution of legacy projects.”

Nigerian creators to monetise Instagram June 2024

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Nigerian creators to monetise Instagram June 2024

Meta Platforms Incorporated, led by former UK Deputy Prime Minister and Meta’s President of Global Affairs, Sir Nick Clegg, has said the platform would introduce a feature on its Instagram app that will allow Nigerian creators to monetise their content

The feature, which will be unveiled in June 2024, will enable indigenous content creators to earn a living using the app.

Clegg revealed this when the delegation paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday.

“We have a lot to do with Nigeria to deepen partnerships,” Clegg added

In his address, Tinubu said his administration is making Nigeria the guiding star of information and communications technology in Africa.

To do this, the President said the Federal Government is sustaining investments in digital technology to enhance the sustainability of small businesses and expand opportunities across sectors.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President asserted that Nigeria cannot afford to be left behind in this age of technological advancements.

Therefore, his administration is opening up channels of opportunities in information and communications technology, deepening capacity and fostering partnerships.

The statement is titled, ‘President Tinubu to Meta: Nigeria poised to lead Africa in digital technology; we have gifted youths and capable hands to actualize our vision.’

The President emphasised that Nigerian youths are the most critical asset in Nigeria’s arsenal. Thus, his government is moving to achieve digital economic expansion through its 3MTT programme which is training three million Nigerian youths in digital technology and essential skills before deploying them to innovation hubs nationwide.

“For us in Nigeria, we have a vibrant, gifted and resourceful youth population. Recognising that the future is most likely to be AI-enabled, we have to prepare our youths and make them ready to compete and participate in the global economy.

“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business. We want to lead the African continent in digital technology. Data is valuable to our development.

“We are ready to cooperate on technological advancements. It is the only way to go. We need a collaboration that will be a win-win for all,” President Tinubu said.

He emphasised the importance of technology in driving small businesses, saying he is committed to ensuring that technology is deployed, adapted, enhanced and used to catalyse growth across a vast majority of micro businesses, spurring mass prosperity down the line.

Tinubu explained, “What interests me is the use of technology in the development of small businesses.

“We need to make the business environment more conducive for you and more profitable for us as well.

“I hope we can collaborate and continue to promote our mutual interests.”

Earlier in his remarks, Clegg thanked the President for an executive order he issued, which enabled the landing of the Meta-backed deep-sea cable in Nigeria.

He said, “It is an extraordinary infrastructure project. When it comes on stream in the first quarter of 2025, it will be twice as much as the capacity of all subsea cables that exist.

“We buried the cable 50 percent deeper than any other subsea cables under the seabed. It is more powerful and more extensive in terms of its geographical connectivity.

“It could yield up to 37 billion dollars’ worth of increase in economic activity in the next two or three years across the African continent.”

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, said Meta platforms are critical platforms in Nigeria, and as such opportunities for partnerships and engagement are essential to promoting development in the digital economy sector.

“We must continue to engage to create opportunities for our people so they can also share in global prosperity. Digital technology is an opportunity to connect Africa to contribute to the development of the world,” the Minister said.

Ogun lawmakers ask gov to appoint new Amotekun commander

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Ogun lawmakers ask gov to appoint new Amotekun commander

Ogun State House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed a resolution calling on Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately appoint a new Commander for the State Security Network Agency, popularly called Amotekun Corps.

The new Amotekun head, the lawmakers said, must not be below the rank of a major in the military or its equivalent in other security agencies.

The House disclosed that the security agency, which had been without a head since the pioneer commander, CP Dave Akinremi (retd.), died mid-last year, had been seriously left in disarray and had been rendered redundant.

This was according to a statement sent to journalists on Thursday

The statement partly read, “The lawmakers during their sitting on Thursday presided over by the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, affirmed that the growing incidence of kidnappings and armed robberies in the state is a fall out of the fact that Amotekun which has been complimenting the efforts of the police and other security agencies is no longer effective.

“The house went ahead to urge Gov Abiodun to restructure the Amotekun Corps with recruitment of more personnel and appointment of a new head not below the rank of a Major or its equivalent in other security agencies, to begin to coordinate the affairs of the organisation”.

Leading the discussion on the floor of the house on Thursday, Babatunde Tella had reported the ineffectiveness of the Amotekun Corps following the demise of the state commander.

Tella said that “there have been reports that the operation of the Amotekun Corps is being hampered by insufficient fund; that the Corps is in dire need of more personnel who should be localised in the communities, they also need ammunition and vehicles to enable them meet up with the responsibilities of providing adequate security in the state”.

Other lawmakers, like Olusegun Kaka, Adebisi Oyedele, Lukman Adeleye, Adegoke Adeyanju and Fola Salami, recounted incidence of insecurity, especially kidnappings in their respective constituencies, which needed to be addressed headlong.

The resolution also sought the need to equip the Amotekun Corps with modern ammunition, up-to-date communication gadgets and other security apparatus as well as the procurement of additional vehicles to aid the operations and other activities of the corps.

The motion for the resolution asking the governor to quickly appoint a new head for Amotekun amng others was then moved by the Majority Leader, Yusuf Sheriff, seconded by the Minority Leader, Adeleye Lukman and supported by the Whole House through a unanimous voice vote.

Four Argentine footballers under house arrest for raping journalist

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Four Argentine footballers under house arrest for raping journalist

Three professional footballers in Argentina linked to the alleged rape of a sports journalist in a hotel room were placed under house arrest Thursday.

A judge ordered a 90-day house arrest for three of the four defendants, who all play for first-division club Velez Sarsfield. The fourth player was released on bail.

All four were also suspended from their team, which sits third in Argentina’s top league and features Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone among its former players.

The case arose after a 24-year-old sports journalist alleged she was raped after being invited by Uruguay international Sebastian Sosa to a hotel room in Tucuman, Argentina, on March 3, where she said the other three defendants were also waiting.

She said she felt dizzy after having a few drinks, laid down on a bed, and was raped.

Prosecutor Eugenia Posse is looking to bring rape charges against players Braian Cufre and Jose Florentin, while Abiel Osario is accused of sexual abuse. All three were held on house arrest.

Sosa, who was granted $57,000 bail and banned from leaving the country for 90 days, is being charged as a secondary participant.

The prosecution had asked for all four men to be placed in pre-trial detention to prevent interference in the investigation.

The players, who all testified in the hearing, could face prison sentences ranging from four to 20 years.

Football club Velez Sarsfield, based in Buenos Aires, said it had suspended the four players and ordered an internal investigation.

“The club reiterates its deepest concern about the reported events, which are clearly contrary to the principles and values of our institution,” it said in a statement Monday.

The hearing came in the same week that a Spanish court freed former Brazil international Dani Alves on bail of a million euros pending an appeal against his conviction for raping a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, former Manchester City and Real Madrid player Robinho is seeking to delay the start of his nine-year sentence for taking part in the 2013 gang rape of a woman at a Milan nightclub.

Germany football teams to swap Adidas for Nike kit from 2027

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Germany football teams to swap Adidas for Nike kit from 2027

Germany’s national football teams will wear jerseys made by US sportswear giant Nike from 2027, the German Football Association (DFB) said Thursday, ending a decades-long kit partnership with domestic outfitter Adidas.

The deal with Nike, which will run through 2034, was “by far the best financial offer” on the table, association CEO Holger Blask said in a statement.

The US group made a “clear commitment to the promotion of amateur sport, as well as the sustainable development of women’s football in Germany,” Blask said.

The announcement, just months before the Euro 2024 championships in Germany, was within the “usual” timeframe, Blask said.

The DFB would “do everything for joint success” with its long-time partner Adidas before the end of the year, DFB president Bernd Neuendorf added in the statement.

Germany’s footballers have hoisted a number of trophies while dressed in gear bearing Adidas’ three stripes, with the brand becoming almost synonymous with the team.

The collaboration between the team and kitmaker began in 1954 when West Germany sensationally beat Hungary to win the World Cup that year.

Since then the German men’s team have lifted another three World Cups, while the women have two to their name.

The end of the kit deal with the German FA will be a bitter blow for Adidas, which reported its first loss in 30 years earlier this month amid a bitter break-up with artist Kanye West.

Adidas had been paying approximately 50 million euros ($54 million) a year to kit out the German national football teams, according to German daily Bild.

AFP

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Civil service commission adopts computer-based tests for workers promotion

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Civil service commission adopts computer-based tests for workers promotion

The Federal Civil Service Commission is set to deploy computer-based tests to conduct promotional examinations for staff as part of its reformed plans.

The Chairman, FCSC, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, disclosed this at the maiden edition of the commission’s monthly seminar series held in Abuja on Thursday.

Olaopa spoke on ‘The Institutional Framework and Procedure for the Conduct of Directorate Level Exercise: Guaranteeing Integrity, Transparency and Accountability of Standard Practices.’

He noted, “The commission is transiting through the upcoming 2024 promotion exercise from analogue-rooted practices to computer-based tests and the modernisation and digitisation of its core operations.

“The commission is therefore introducing the installation of online recruitment portal that is accessible to all Nigerians, and which enables eligible candidates to pre-fill recruitment form and update same from time to time ahead of advertisement for recruitment into the federal service.

“Eligible candidates will, in addition, henceforth undergo computer-based tests and oral interviews with results collated and released real-time

“FCSC is, in the meantime, entering into an outsourcing contract with the National Open University of Nigeria and JAMB as technical partners with a view to taking advantage of their infrastructure, networks and experience to enable online accreditation, CBT examinations and promotion interview for officers in the Federal service starting with the Directorate-level officers.”

The chairman hoped that the reformed plan would strengthen the professionalism of the commission.

He stated, “We are however hopeful that in so far as all the efforts are channelled to strengthen the professionalism of the federal bureaucracy to enhance the potentials of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President to game-change Nigeria’s national transformation journey, thereby relieving the burdens and pains that the irreducible policies of the Federal Government may have created, then we are sure that we will not lack the oxygen required to keep the implementation of the reform programmes on course.”

In his remarks, the Director of Examinations and Assessment, National Open University of Nigeria, Prof. Olugbenga Ojo said, “I am here to give credence to the use of CBT for conducting promotion exams for directorate level.

“We have been here before to showcase what we can offer by showcasing our devices. It is to compliment the efforts of the commission. We have told them the advantages of the CBT and what they need to give us for us to function effectively.”

DHQ launches guidelines for safe school initiative

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DHQ launches guidelines for safe school initiative

The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, launched its Standard Operating Procedure for the Safe School Initiative.

The Safe School Initiative was launched in 2014 after the abduction of about 300 school girls from Chibok, Borno State, as part of efforts to ensure that children in conflict areas or affected by insecurity continue with their education.

The initiative is largely implemented by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with the support of other security agencies.

The launch of the SOP for the military personnel that would be involved in the initiative was coming after abductions of school children in Kaduna, where 287 pupils were kidnapped and 15  Tsangaya studentsSokoto State.

Speaking at the launch of the SOP, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said the SOP would provide necessary guidelines for members of the Armed Forces to implement the Safe Schools Initiative within the confines of international and national laws.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to providing every necessary assistance for the security of school children and other learning institutions against attacks within the ambit of Nigeria’s constitution.

“The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous nature of the current security environment requires better synergy among the military and other security agencies,” he added.

He, however, called on the stakeholders to work together so as to ensure school children are safe in school.

Musa said, “The success of such an initiative without doubt will require the uttermost commitment of all stakeholders who particularly are looked up to by the citizens of the country for their security and safety.  It is therefore in the interest of our dear nation that every stakeholder works assiduously to build a strong, safer, more secure, and prosperous future for our children and our beloved country.”

Delivering the keynote address, Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (retd.) said the success of the initiative depends on the collective responsibility of stakeholders and citizens by taking ownership and providing intelligence to security agencies.

He said the move reflects the Armed Forces’ collective commitment to upholding the sanctity of education and creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning to thrive.

He said “Regrettably for learners as well as teachers currently in schools, the fear of them becoming possible victims and the trauma created by having their fellow students and friends attacked is having a negative impact on the quality of education in our Country.

“This initiative must be a collective responsibility of all our communities. Our citizens at all levels of government, the civil society and NGO’s must resolve to have safe schools environment for our children by always providing the necessary vital information which is to be acted upon for the good of all.

“Accordingly, all of us must take collective responsibility and ownership for the development of this safety initiative.”

The Head of Financing, Safe Schools Secretariat and Technical Working Committee, Ministry of Finance, Halima Iliya, said Nigeria’s educational system has always been in deep crisis ranging from kidnapping and terror attacks.

She said the safe school initiative was delayed due to a lack of policy and budgetary allocations to provide needed support.

Jegede preaches unity ahead of Ondo PDP gov primary

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Jegede preaches unity ahead of Ondo PDP gov primary

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2016 and 2020 governorship elections in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, on Thursday, called on members of the party to unite to enable the party to win the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Jegede, who lost the last two governorship polls to late Rotimi Akeredolu, also charged the party leadership to conduct a rancour-free primary.

The According reports that the leadership of the PDP has fixed April 25 for the primary of the party, while no fewer than eight aspirants would be contesting.

Jegede. who addressed some members and leaders of the PDP from the 18 local government areas of the state who converged on his office in Akure, the state capital, declared that it was time to rebuild the party.

He said, “Today, we have an array of governorship aspirants who are competent and distinguished in their various callings. We also have those who have shown exceptional qualities, including consistency and unalloyed loyalty to the party.

“I feel it is time to allow these men the opportunity to try their luck in the primary and, by God’s grace, ultimately win the governorship election. All the aspirants would be accorded every support that is available at my disposal. The time is now to rebuild the party for victory.

“I am committed to making all necessary sacrifices to provide solutions to the problems of the party rather than join in compounding it.

“I recognise that the success of our party is achievable if we all work together, and I, therefore request you to join hands with the party leadership in your wards and in our various local government areas to ensure a rancour-free primary and a successful outing in the forthcoming governorship elections.”

Meanwhile, as the primary of the party draws nearer, only one out of the eight aspirants, Bamidele Akingboye, has collected the nomination form of the party.

While meeting with the state executive of the party at the party’s state secretariat, Akure, after the collection of the form in Abuja, Akingboye said he was not just seeking political power for the sake of power, but as a servant leader committed to the upliftment and empowerment of every citizen of the state.

“I do not seek political power for the lure of the office, self-aggrandizement or pecuniary gains of myself or family members but to create a new vista, broaden the state’s economic base, cut the cost of governance, prioritise the welfare of the people, target rampant poverty and make the state safe, sane and secure for all its law-abiding residents of the state,” he stated.

One dies as NDLEA operatives, youths clash in Bayelsa

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One dies as NDLEA operatives, youths clash in Bayelsa

A youth identified as Moses Akanda was killed in Bayelsa State on Wednesday.

The incident happened at the Yenizue-Epie community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The victim was said to have been shot dead during confusion triggered by the presence of armed operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, who stormed the area to arrest one Rebecca, a suspected drug dealer.

Residents of the area said that men of the NDLEA allegedly shot indiscriminately to ward off possible resistance to the arrest of the female suspect, thereby allegedly causing confusion.

The incident was said to have agitated youths of Yenizue-Epie who reportedly became violent, but relative peace was restored by the intervention of the security agencies that arrived at the scene.

The community youth leadership accused men of the NDLEA of shooting at some community members during the confusion and allegedly killed Akanda in the process.

President of Yenizue-Epie community youths, Martins Obiriwonsi, while insisting that the deceased “was not known to be a consumer of drugs or a cultist,” demanded justice for him.

However, the State Command of NDLEA claimed that its officers who went to apprehend Rebecca were attacked by those it described as “cult groups and youths of Yenizue-Epie Community.”

A statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DNS Daniel Obah, on Thursday, read, “Yesterday 20th March 2024 at about 1900hrs, officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bayelsa State Command, upon proper surveillance carried out and pre-purchase of cannabis sativa and crack cocaine made on the 15th of March, 2024, identified a notorious female drug dealer that goes by the name Rebecca at Yenizue-Epie.

“In the course of trying to effect her arrest, the officers were attacked by cult groups and youths of that community seized drug exhibits recovered and freed the said Rebecca. They were throwing bottles, stones and improvised explosive devices leading to an exchange of gunshots.

“However, the NDLEA officers were able to arrest one Abraham Aderin ‘m’ 14yrs who sparked the mob leaving the scene with several injuries to the office.

“The same cult groups and youths again in their numbers proceeded to attack the state command HQs, throwing bottles and improvised explosive devices, vandalising vehicles in the office, and dumping the lifeless body of a young man in front of the office.”

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Kanu Chukwuemeka, expressed sadness over the incident and condemned the youth for “aiding and abetting the commission of drug crimes, the bane of our insecurity problems, and obstructing the arrest of a suspect.”

The statement said the corpse of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, “pending investigation into the real cause of his death.”

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the state commander also called for calm as the matter was being looked into.

Three days ago, officials of the NDLEA arrested a 20-year-old hair stylist, Josephine Odunu, and a 30-year-old dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, for selling and distributing illicit drug-laced chin-chin to school students and at social parties in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Don’t shield anyone, Delta gov warns monarchs

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Don’t shield anyone, Delta gov warns monarchs

The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday, cautioned traditional rulers in the state against shielding suspects involved in the killing of four military officers and 13 soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state.

Oborevwori gave the warning when he addressed traditional rulers on the incident at the State Traditional Rulers’ Council Secretariat in Asaba.

Oborevwori said no kingdom should shield the perpetrators of the dastardly act, adding that Delta is being governed within tenets of the rule of law and human decency.

He said, “On the 7th of February, we summoned the people of Okoloba and Okuoma communities in Bomadi and Ughelli South Local Government Areas including the members representing the two constituencies in the State House of Assembly, the Council Chairmen and their Presidents-General where we advised them that a lot has been happening in their area and they signed a peace accord.

“The killing of these Army Officers and soldiers came as a rude shock to us and when this thing happened, I immediately called the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Army Staff because I was in Abuja. I came back and issued a press statement.

“On Monday, I went to Bomadi to meet with all the security chiefs, where we had our security council meeting and I got briefings from the Brigade Commander. In attendance were the G.O.C 6 Division Nigeria Army, Maj Gen Jamil Abdussalam, and the JTF Commander, Real Admiral John Okeke.

“After the meeting, I went to Abuja to meet with Mr. President to brief him on what happened. I also went to see the Chief of Army Staff to discuss with him. I also meet with the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police.

“I felt that it is also proper that I brief you people even though you may be aware. Those people who committed that evil act must face the wrath of the law. No kingdom should shield those criminals because Delta State is governed by the tenets of the law and human decency.

“We cannot tolerate that. It has never happened in this state; to kill one Lt. Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 Soldiers. We need to fish out those involved.

“Do not hide or shield anybody. The Chief of Army Staff and Mr. President have assured me that innocent people will not be victimised; unless you connive with the killers of the soldiers.

“I have briefed you and made sure that you fish them out from your kingdoms. If any traditional ruler shields a criminal, that traditional ruler is inviting trouble.

“We did not bargain for this evil act but for peace, I don’t want a crisis. I have also received information that two other villages are boiling to fight, they should not fight, we want peace in all our communities.

“What are they fighting for? I have promised you people that I am going to do more for Deltans, so what are they fighting for? All of us are Deltans and we want development.

“For the first time in almost two decades, we had peace in Warri in December, and people celebrated in peace. Now we have a communal crisis, why?

“I condemn it, and it’s unacceptable. So please, my dear royal fathers, let us be on the same page to fish out these people. Don’t allow anybody who committed this evil act to come to your kingdoms and bring problems to your community.

“Tell us, and we will hand them over to security agencies. You should not play politics with this. Don’t say that the Army has taken over your village because they cannot just come to your village without getting information. But I assure you people that no innocent person will be victimised.

“Tell your people not to encourage crisis because if you do, you cannot come out of it. Some people don’t have knowledge of what is happening and they start talking. What I did was to go and brief the Commander in Chief and later granted the State House Correspondents interview.”

Responding, Chairman Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, Maj. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, (retd.), said that they were on the same page with the governor to ensure peace and security in the state.

While saying that the security of various kingdoms would dovetail with the security of the state and the nation, he called for a judicial panel of inquiry to unravel the immediate and remote cause of the crisis.

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