The Niger State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has congratulated former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he turns 83, describing him as an elder statesman, leader, patriot, and a shining example of service to the nation.
The state CAN chairman, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, in a birthday message presented to General Babangida in his mansion in Minna, applauded the unwavering commitment of the elder statesman to the unity and progress of the country.
Most Rev. Yohanna, represented by his deputy, Rev. Ezekiel Ibrahim,
who led other members of the executive committee, prayed to God to bestow upon him wisdom and the sagacity to keep intervening in and assuaging the difficulties of Nigeria.
“Your dedication to our great nation is unwavering, and we honour your selfless service, which has been a beacon of hope for our country.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of the executive committee members and the entire Christendom in the state, I wish you a happy birthday,” the cleric stated.
CAN also commended IBB for his role in ensuring peaceful coexistence amongst Nigerians.
“It is pertinent for you to look back at the tremendous contributions that you made for the development of our dear country, especially your recent support and resolve to champion the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge, CRK, in all public primary and secondary schools.
“It is therefore fitting and proper to wish you a very happy birthday and may the almighty God give you long life, good health and continuous peace of mind,” Rev. Ibrahim said.
Responding, Babangida thanked the Body of Christ for celebrating him and also thanked them for their prayers and best wishes for him.
IBB at 83: A shining example of service – Niger CAN
IBB at 83: A shining example of service – Niger CAN
His death jolted me, Akpabio tells Ifeanyi Uba’s widow
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Saturday, recounted his shock upon hearing of the sudden death of one of the ranking lawmakers in the 10th Senate, Ifeanyi Ubah.
Ubah, who was the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil, died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom, on July 27, 2024.
Akpabio shared his emotional response during a condolence visit to Ubah’s widow, Uchenna Ubah, at their Lagos residence, accompanied by some lawmakers.
In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said, “I was jolted when I received the news of the death of a very dedicated and patriotic colleague, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
“When Senator Mpigi gave me the phone to talk to you, I had no idea it was to inform me of Senator Ubah’s passing. I was so shocked that I couldn’t even finish our conversation—I simply dropped the phone.
“We never expected this; we thought he would be with us for at least another 40 years. But who are we to question God?”
Akpabio described Senator Ubah as one of the pillars of the 10th Senate and expressed regret for not following up after the initial call, citing the overwhelming devastation he felt at the time. “We learned of your return to the country two days ago, and we decided to come and offer our condolences to you, the children, and the rest of the family,” he added.
Addressing Ubah’s children, Akpabio said, “Your father brought you into this world and entrusted you to God. Keep his memory alive.
“Though death can come to anyone, my prayer is that none of us ever have to bury our children.
“Take pride in being able to bury your father, rather than the other way around.”
On behalf of the 10th Senate, Akpabio offered the family comfort, affirming their support throughout the mourning period and promising to assist in giving Ubah a befitting burial. He also praised the late senator’s enduring legacy.
Responding on behalf of the family, Chidi Orizu thanked the Senate President and his delegation for their visit and assured them that the family would keep the Senate leadership informed about the burial arrangements.
Among those on Akpabio’s entourage were Senate Minority Whip Osita Ngwu and Senators Saliu Mustapha, Sunday Karimi, and Tokunbo Abiru.
Police, vigilante rescue 20 abducted victims in Kwara
The Kwara State Police Command has said that it has rescued 20 victims abducted on Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state on Friday.
The Police, in a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, on Saturday, said the rescue operation was in collaboration with local vigilantes in the state.
She stated that the security agencies rescued all the victims alive while three of them who were injured were taken to the hospital for treatment.
According Online reports that the kidnapped victims, who were travelling in three different vehicles from Kwara to Kogi state on Friday afternoon, were abducted by gunmen, who took them to the bush.
The spokesperson, however, said that none of the perpetrators had been apprehended.
The statement read, “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an incident of abduction and successful rescue operation carried out on 16th August 2024.
“On the said date at about 1500 hours, information was received by the Command that gunmen numbering about ten had ambushed three vehicles along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road. The gunmen abducted the passengers numbering twenty, from three commercial vehicles and forcefully led them into the surrounding bush.
“Upon receipt of this distress call, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised the divisional patrol team and other tactical teams who launched a thorough search operation. The operation took place within the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.
“Through the concerted efforts of our Police detectives, vigilantes, and community members, the team successfully rescued 20 victims. It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals.”
The statement added that three of the victims sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them a speedy recovery.
“The Commissioner of Police CP, Victor Olaiya, wishes to assure the public that the search for the perpetrators is still ongoing. Our men are diligently combing the area, determined to bring the criminals to justice. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and travtravelershin Kwara State.
“We commend the bravery and swift response of our officers, as well as the cooperation of the local vigilantes, which led to the successful rescue without any casualty among the victims. Further updates on this case will be communicated to the public as the investigation progresses.
“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilante, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines,” it added.
Presidential jets seizure: Amosun clears air, says Chinese firm an impostor
Former Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has described the Chinese firm that seized Nigeria’s presidential jets, Zhongfu International Investment FXE, as an impostor who merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and covert the state-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China.
Amosun stated this in a statement obtained by TVN on Saturday.
The former governor disclosed that upon assumption of office in 2011, he discovered that the two Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE, are laying claim to management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone, OGFTZ.
The business dispute according to him became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighboring communities.
Amosun disclosed that the dispute was settled with the intervention of the Chinese Government via Diplomatic Note 1601, in 2016 wherein it was clarified that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor.
Amosun’s statement reads: “Our administration assumed office on 29 May, 2011. Very shortly after we took office, two different sets of Chinese companies, Messrs China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE laid claims to Management rights over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).
“The business dispute and rivalry between the Chinese concerns soon became fierce, grounded seamless business activities and threatened public peace and safety within the Zone and neighboring communities.
“ Zhongfu International Investment FXE, pretending to be a concerned and genuine tenant and Zone stakeholder volunteered very damaging and destructive information about the official representatives of Guangdong Province, the Joint Venturer and lawful Zone Managers, China Africa Investment FXE and subsequently requested to be appointed as Interim Zone Managers.
“ Based on the information at the disposal of Goverment at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE was on 15/03/2012 appointed as Interim Zone Manager pending further evaluation. The whole idea was to ensure that someone was in charge and thereby prevent unwholesome and untoward development in the Zone pending the completion of our fact finding exercise.
“ It was later discovered that the information and claims volunteered by Zhongfu International Investment FXE against China Africa Investment FXE were tissues of lies.
“Unknown to Ogun Goverment at the time, Zhongfu International Investment FXE merely sought to de-market China Africa Investment FXE and to surreptitiously covert the State-owned assets of Guangdong Province in China together with the Zone ownership and management rights of their business rival.
“The Government of the Peoples Republic of China, via its Diplomatic Note 1601 dated 11th March, 2016 clarified to Ogun State Government, that China Africa Investment FXE was the rightful investor. After due consultation with the relevant organs of Government, we gave effect to the request of the Chinese Government.
“We do recall, that Zhongfu International Investment FXE approached Nigerian courts in different jurisdictions to ventilate its legal and business rights. They lost all their four cases in court.
“We also consulted with and took advice from the State Security Services and the supervising Agency, NEPZA, on the best way to proceed. Accordingly, we served Zhongfu International Investment FXE with formal Termination Notice dated 27 May, 2016.
“For completeness of records, we must mention that Zhongfu International Investment FXE proceeded to Court.
“Among others, the proceedings in Suit No HCT/417/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs OGFTZ and, FCT/ABJ/CS/601/2016: Zhongfu International Investment FXE Vs NEPZA & Ors will help to throw light on this business dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa.
“The final judgement in one other case, Suit No AB/04/2017: Zenith Global Merchant International Investment Ltd Vs Zhongfu International Investment FXE delivered on 29/3/2017 specifically restrained a reference to arbitration in the special circumstances of the matter being a trade dispute between two Chinese entities- Zhongfu and China Africa, with little or no connection with either Ogun State or the Federal Government.
“Not satisfied with the decisions of the various courts, Zhongfu International Investment FXE took its case, and wrote petitions at various times, to higher authorities in Abuja; the Presidency, Hon Minister of Trade & Investment; Attorney General & Minister of Justice, Inspector General of Police, EFCC and the National Assembly (both the House of Representatives and the Senate) among others.
“We successfully defended our actions at all levels before these organs of government, and they all agreed with our position. Shortly after, our administration left office in May, 2019.
He clarified that his administration did not dispatch security personnel to beat or threaten anyone, saying that any report of such must have come from one of the contending rivals in an attempt to outdo the other.
Amosun, however, expressed readiness to work with the agencies of government to ensure that Nigeria is not scammed by Zhongfu International Investment FXE, or any other entity.
Presidential jets seizure: Amosun clears air, says Chinese firm an impostor
Sanwo-Olu unveils last Red Line flyover in Mushin
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has formally commissioned the Mushin Flyover, the last of the five overpasses built along the Red Line Rail corridor.
Sanwo-Olu flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the State’s cabinet inaugurated the project undertaken by Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority on Saturday.
Opening of the infrastructure is expected to relieve motorists and commuters connecting Agege Motor Road from Onipanu of traffic and to solve congestion and delays associated with the railway level crossing at Ogunmokun axis.
The overpass also eliminated pedestrian and vehicular interference on the rail tracks, eradicating the risk of accidents and collisions between trains and vehicles.
Before the Mushin Flyover was completed, the Sanwo-Olu administration had opened four other bridges in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikeja and Agege to create new connectivities along the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line, which spans 37 kilometres from Agbado to Oyingbo.
At the unveiling ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said the opening of the Mushin Flyover was another fulfilment of his administration’s promise to the residents, noting that the infrastructure had changed the face of public transportation in the State.
He said: “The Mushin overpass is strategically important for ease of movement and connectivity within Mushin and Onipanu communities, opening new routes to Agege Motor Road, Post Office Road and Ogunmokun axis. This infrastructure has brought not only traffic improvement, but also huge economic value to the area.
“With this new infrastructure, we have ensured there is minimal disruption on the Red Line corridor. For us, we have kept our promise to the citizens and made their lives better. The quality of infrastructure we have provided is about making the lives of our citizens better, improving their means of livelihood and quality of life.”
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that members of the host communities benefited from the project construction, pointing out that the construction also gave engineering students an internship opportunity to get first-hand practical knowledge.
The Governor also said the primary school demolished in the right-of-way of the flyover had been rebuilt in a nearby location, commending Mushin and Onipanu residents for supporting the development.
He charged the residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and protect it from deliberate destruction.
LAMATA Managing Director, Mrs Abimbola Akinajo, said the State Government had fully compensated owners of the buildings in the course of the project, which, she said, was handled by a local contractor
Fire guts Abuja market, razes 40 shops
A section of the popular Kaura Modern Market, located opposite the Prince and Princess market in the Kaura District of Abuja, was on Friday night gutted by fire.
The fire, which reportedly started at about 11 pm on Friday, razed about 40 shops, with items such as foodstuff, appliances and household items, lost in the inferno.
Confirming the incident, the Acting Director of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, in a report shared with our correspondent on Saturday, stated that the fire was caused by an electrical spark on a power change-over installed in one of the shops, further aggravated by a generator kept inside the shop where the fire started.
The report further stated that the incident was called in at 11:11 pm and was eventually put out at 1:59 am by combined teams of the FCT and Federal Fire Service
The report reads as follows “Property involved; Open Market block that comprises 39 shops of foodstuffs. Items lost: foodstuffs, generators, refrigerators, fruits, umbrellas, electrical appliances, household items, and some parts of the roof.
“Cause of fire: Electrical spark on a power change-over installed in one of the shops. The fire was put under control by the combined teams of the FCT fire service and Federal fire. Fire under control at 1:59 am.”
The Director however did not state whether or not there had been any loss of lives or injuries to persons as a result of the incident.
Responding to claims that the Fire Service arrived late at the scene of the incident, Adebayo explained that the network challenges from service providers made the service hard to reach, stating however that officers arrived at the scene between 10-12 minutes after getting the call.
“The only challenge we had was network. They couldn’t reach us on time. I was there myself. When they called, I had to mobilise the Games Village service and in about 10-12 minutes they were there. But you know to a person at the scene, one minute would have felt like a long time. And then the Asokoro unit joined about 15 minutes after”, he said.
Arsenal beat Wolves to launch Premier League bid
Arsenal got their Premier League campaign underway with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Wolves at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have finished second to Manchester City in each of the past two seasons and are fancied to be the champions’ closest challengers again.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring at the Emirates from Bukayo Saka’s cross to reward the Gunners’ early dominance.
However, Mikel Arteta’s men needed a vital save from David Raya to deny Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Matheus Cunha missed a huge chance to level before Arsenal made the points safe.
The roles from the first goal were reversed as this time Havertz teed up Saka to lash home the second goal.
While Arsenal were far from at their best, they always looked in control of the contest and more than merited their win against determined opponents.
Wolves debutant Larsen saw his first-half header well saved by Arsenal goalkeeper, while substitute Cunha should have done better with a tame effort straight at Raya in a period when Wolves were chasing an equaliser.
However, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil can have little complaint at the outcome, with his side fashioning few clear-cut opportunities over the course of the afternoon.
AFP
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Rescue abducted medical students, Benue gov directs security operatives
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, on Saturday, directed security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to ensure the safe release of the 20 medical students who were abducted in the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, the governor condemned in strong terms the abduction of the medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos.
“The students were ambushed and taken away by gunmen along the Otukpo-Enugu highway while on their way to the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students Annual Convention in Enugu State on Thursday evening.
“He (the governor) warns the criminal elements operating within the state to find another base, as his administration will not rest on its oars to stamp out all forms of criminality in the state,” the statement read.
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Rigging allegation against Shettima, others baseless, says APC
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, on Saturday, described as baseless the claims made by a party chieftain, Emmanuel Odigie, that there are plans by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other top government officials to rig the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Odigie, a member of the Edo Integrity Group, made the allegation in an interview with Arise Television on Thursday.
The APC chieftain also alleged that part of the party’s rigging plan included using the police to intimidate voters on the day of the election.
He claimed that Shettima was going to work with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, while the President would be forced to take a holiday.
He said, “There are plans by the All Progressives Congress to manipulate and rig the upcoming governorship election in Edo State, using Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, while the President takes a holiday.
“Part of the APC’s rigging plan also includes using the police to intimidate voters on the day of the election. We know their plans, and we will reveal them at the appropriate time. We will begin to present evidence. I am putting Edo above the APC as a party.”
Reacting in a statement, the Director of Publicity for the APC Edo Governorship Campaign Council, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, said the allegation was baseless and expressed concern about the inflammatory and inciting language used by Odigie in the interview.
The statement read, “The All Progressives Congress in Edo State has reviewed the diatribes of the rabble-rouser and jobless Prince Emmanuel Odigie, whose known job experience can be attested to by the victims of his trade.
“Our party, and indeed Nigerians, are concerned about the highly inflammatory and inciting words used by Odigie in his interview with Arise Television on Thursday, August 15, 2024, especially his call for President Bola Tinubu to be aware of people calling for a military takeover.
“People are calling for the military, and people are plotting how to truncate democracy. President Tinubu must be careful.’ These were the exact words used by Odigie, who, from his activities so far, is obviously a security risk to our nation.
“Nigerians are also concerned about the reckless, heinous plan by Odigie and his group to discredit the yet-to-be-held September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
“More worrisome is the allegation that the Presidency has concluded plans to rig the election in favour of Senator Monday Okpebholo.
“Like a fly destined to follow a corpse into the grave, Odigie told his bewildered audience that members of a so-called integrity group were present at every meeting where these plans were made.”
The party therefore called for a thorough investigation of all the allegations made by Odigie against Tinubu, Shettima, and others.
“In light of the danger that Mr Emmanuel Odigie has become, the APC and indeed Nigerians are requesting a thorough investigation of all his allegations, including those he made against the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Inspector General of Police.
“The arrest and prosecution of Emmanuel Odigie will thwart whatever plans his integrity group has put in place to destabilise Nigeria. It will go a long way to ensuring the sanctity of the ballot box in Nigeria, including the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State,” the statement added.
Man arrested for alleged murder of rival cult member in Ogun
Police operatives in Ogun have arrested one Adekunle Adebajo for the alleged murder of a suspected member of a rival cult group in the Ijebu Ode area of the state.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abeokuta.
She said: “Concerned citizens made a distress call to the Divisional Police Station, Igbeba, on August 12, and reported that rival cults fought each other where the deceased called ‘Mosquito’, “was shot, macheted, and his left hand severed and taken away by his killers.
“Adebajo, popularly called ‘Kunle Polly,’ who was suspected to be one of the killers, was arrested at 12:03 a.m. in his hideout at Isiwo, Ijebu.
“During interrogation, Kunle Polly admitted to being a member of the Eiye confraternity.
“This prompted a search to be conducted at his residence, leading to the recovery of a Beretta pistol with six live rounds of ammunition, two UTC axes, and charms.
“Investigation is ongoing to unravel the pattern of severing left hand of their victims, and to arrest other criminals that fled the hideout.”
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