Global human rights group, Amnesty International, has condemned the Nigerian Government for arraigning over 1,000 protesters in court.
TVN recalls that the 10 days hunger protests turned violent in some states, leading to the arrest of several protesters.
Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, on August 6, announced that the Police arrested some persons alleged to have sponsored protesters who hoisted foreign flags in some states.
The arrested protesters were arraigned in court and are currently in detention.
In a post released on X , Amnesty International demanded an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
“The Nigerian authorities are escalating crackdown on peaceful protesters against hunger and corruption. Over 1,000 people have been remanded nationwide.
“Today 441 people were arraigned in Kano, in what is set out to be an unfair trial based on trumped-up charges.
“Amnesty International again calls for an immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
“The government of Nigeria has an obligation to uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the post read.
Hunger protests: Amnesty International demands immediate release of all detainees
Hunger protests: Amnesty International demands immediate release of all detainees
Arsenal overcome Wolves after Liverpool beat Ipswich in Premier League
Arsenal and Liverpool clinched victories in their opening games of the Premier League season on Saturday.
More to follow…
The post Arsenal overcome Wolves after Liverpool beat Ipswich in Premier League appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Flood: Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks NEMA on provision of relief materials to victims in Yobe
Ex-Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan has tasked the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide additional relief materials to flood affected communities in Nguru and Karasuwa local government areas of Yobe State.
The lawmaker made the call on Saturday when he visited the two affected local government areas to assess the damage caused by recent flooding and console the displaced families.
He commend the efforts of NEMA for its efforts in providing assistance to the victims.
“However, more needs to be done to address the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by natural disasters.
“I urged NEMA to urgently provide additional relief materials such as food, shelter, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as support to the affected communities,” he said.
Lawan also called on the Federal Government to provide sustainable solutions that include constructing drainage systems and embankments to control water flow to mitigate the impact of future floods.
“I also urged the affected communities in my Senatorial District to cooperate with the authorities and follow instructions on safety measures,” Lawan added.
Flood: Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks NEMA on provision of relief materials to victims in Yobe
Buhari mourns as ex-INEC boss, Jega, loses mother
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday, expressed sadness over the death of Hauwa Jega, mother of a former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Attahiru Jega.
According Online reports that Hajiya Jega died on Friday night in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 86.
Her funeral prayer was held at the National Mosque in Abuja on Saturday at 1:30 pm, and she was buried at Gudu Cemetery Abuja according to Islamic rites.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, Buhari expressed condolences to Jega over the death of his mother, describing the death as a great loss.
The former president added, “There is no greater loss than that of a mother. I would like to express my deepest condolences for the passing of your beloved mother. May her soul rest in peace.
“Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
“I hope that you will find solace and comfort in the good deeds she left behind. May Allah grant her Aljannul Firdaus.”
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Kwara poly harvests tonnes of maize, urges others to invest in farming
The Rector of the Kwara Polytechnic, Dr Abdul Jimoh-Muhammed, has called on tertiary institutions in the country to invest in commercial farming on their campuses.
Jimoh-Muhammed, who made the call in Ilorin on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, said tertiary institutions should prioritise food production and not restrict themselves to academic research alone.
NAN reports that the Kwara Polytechnic recently harvested 25 tonnes of maize from its farm, which the rector said was part of ensuring food security in the country.
Jimoh-Muhammed said that the farming was part of his resolve to enshrine the culture of “growing what you eat and eating what you grow” for the economic benefit of the nation.
He disclosed that the polytechnic has commenced harvesting maize and other produce on their commercial farm.
He said that the polytechnic have spent almost N13 million on maize and cassava plantations in their first farming season.
“We spent about N10m for clearing the land and another N3m was used in the purchase of the seedlings and cassava stems.
“We have been experiencing encroachment on the polytechnic land and we put our heads together to utilise the vacant land to practice commercial farming.
”That is the reason I am urging other institutions to utilise their land and not just leave it for decoration. Farm on it and produce food for the public,” he said.
The rector assured that the farm produce would be reinvested to the farm as well as to increase internally generated revenue for the polytechnic.
He said part of the produce would be used by the Department of Food Science Technology to bring out other value additions attached to maize, cassava and other produce of the farm.
He said that the polytechnic involved the students to practice on the farm as a way of practical training.
He said students of the Department of Agricultural Technology, Students of Agric Engineering & Bio Environmental Engineering were instrumental to the success of the farming.
Jimoh-Muhammed said the School Management and the Committee on Agricultural Purposes are planning to cultivate another 20 hectares of land next season as they plan to practice soya beans among other crops.
He also said the institution would practice animal husbandry and poultry farm in the near future.
“We want to practice irrigation farming system. We need a source of water which is lacking in our area. We want government to support us in this aspect,” he said.
On security, the Rector said the security personnel of the Polytechnic collaborated with other security agencies to ensure safety on the farm at all times.
The Director of the Institute of Technology, Mrs Ruth Bayeri, identified the relocation of the encroachers on the land as major challenge, which was later resolved with dialogue.
Bayeri, who doubles as Chairman of the farming committee, said the clearing started in February while the actual planting started in April.
She described the initiative as a profiting one which would be continuous, adding that Soya bean planting would commence after the rainy season.
NAN.
Fire guts Abuja market, razes 40 shops
A section of the popular Kaura Market, located opposite the Prince and Princess Estate in the Kaura District of Abuja, was gutted by fire on Friday night.
The fire, which reportedly started at about 11 pm on Friday, razed approximately 40 shops. The immediate cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Our correspondent could not confirm the details of the incident at the time of filing this report, as neither the Spokesperson for the FCT Fire Service, Ibrahim Muhammad, nor the Acting Director, Amiola Adebayo, could be reached via telephone.
Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for the FCT Emergency Management Department, Nkechi Isa, could not immediately confirm the incident but promised to provide an update shortly.
However, some reports claim that traders lamented the late arrival of the FCT Fire Service, which resulted in the spread of the fire, causing significant losses.
Details to follow…
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Reps urge swift rescue of kidnapped medical students
The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 20 medical students in Benue State, Nigeria, urging swift intervention from security agencies.
According to reports, the abducted students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped on Thursday, 15 August 2024, while travelling to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.
This incident has caused significant alarm and distress across the country.
The Nigerian Medical Association has voiced its deep concern for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals.
The NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, stated in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police that “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return. The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”
Similarly, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students stated: “As students, we are the future of Nigeria, and an attack on us is an attack on the very future of this great nation. Medical students are also crucial to the future of healthcare excellence, innovation, and compassion. Their education, safety, and well-being are vital to the progress and health of our society.”
In a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Green Chamber aligned itself with the NMA and NANS in urgently calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of these students.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, emphasised: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country.”
He added: “No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.”
The statement concluded: “The House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”
Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials
Recent allegations involving an Bashir Hadejia and several high-profile Nigerian government officials have sparked significant controversy.
Hadejia, a former aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is alleged to be one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
He was arrested on Monday, 5th August and has been accused of “treason and subversion against the state”.
Videos and photos that emerged since his arrest has linked Hadejia to high profile government officials.
Hadeija is alleged to be involved in serious transnational crimes and has been accused of spreading misleading information.
His arrest has elicited reactions from various quarters, following reports that during interrogation by the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect mentioned the names of top government officials.
Sources however said contrary to allegations, he never mentioned the name of the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle.
However, sources also disclosed that some politicians are working assiduously to establish a nexus between the suspect and the minister of state for defence to achieve a set motive.
Matawalle has publicly denied the allegations, emphasising commitment to national security and public service.
The sources have raised concerns that the claims may serve as a diversion from the core issues under investigation and have advised the public to cautiously approach the allegations as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, some ethnic nationalities, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), in a statement, lauded Hadejia’s arrest.
The statement issued by President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman, and the leader of the YYC, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said Hadejia’s arrest was due to the efforts of the country’s security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.
Parts of the statement read, “The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.
“These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace.
“The tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu’s security team, specifically the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security threats.
“To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy, the statements added.
“While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the funds and materials needed for the security agencies to function optimally.”
Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials
NSIA, MedServe begin first phase of healthcare expansion programme
NSIA Advanced Medical Services Limited has inaugurated the first phase of its healthcare expansion programme to establish 23 diagnostic centres, three additional oncology centres, and seven catheterisation laboratories across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.
The ceremony for the first phase of the MedServe healthcare expansion project which was held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi State was attended by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq and MD MedServe, Dr Tolulope Adewole alongside the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
Others are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, as well as other senior government officials.
The first phase of the healthcare expansion project aims to establish diagnostics and oncology centres in 10 locations, including Bauchi, Enugu, Kaduna, Sokoto, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Kwara, Plateau, and Yobe states respectively.
While speaking at the ceremony, Umar-Sadiq described the inauguration as the culmination of five years of resilience and hard work, underpinned by a vision to birth what was once deemed impossible.
“Over the ensuing five years, we have perfected the business model in terms of governance structure, pricing, recruitment and training of key personnel, and the patient experience.
“It is against this backdrop that MedServe is expanding from one to three oncology centres and two to 10 diagnostic centres. We have anchored this in Bauchi State, which will be one of the 10 centres in phase one of the healthcare expansion project.
“We commit to commissioning and operationalising these centres within 12 to 15 months”, Umar-Sadiq said.
In her remarks, Adewole re-affirmed MedServe’s commitment to optimise oncology care through the creation of three additional oncology centres, strategic collaboration with key stakeholders to deepen capacity and partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers to improve patient outcomes.
On his part, Pate lauded NSIA’s vision for the healthcare sector, stressing that the projects will be completed within 12 to 15 months, setting a new precedent for healthcare infrastructure investments in Nigeria.
“About 12 months from now, the centres will be ready to deliver qualitative service across Nigeria. This is the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria”, Pate said.
Also commenting, Edun said, “I have been impressed by the pace with which Medserve has mobilised original equipment manufacturers, service providers, technical partners, and other stakeholders to actualise the healthcare expansion program.”
Nigerian students should join protests like their Bangladeshi counterparts – Sowore
A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, on Saturday charged Nigerian students to partake in the upcoming second leg of the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The second leg of the protest tagged ‘FearlessInOctober’ will hold in October across Nigeria.
Sowore gave the charge while comparing Nigerian students to their Bangladeshi counterparts who took part in a massive revolt against their leaders.
The activist cum politician said the revolt by Bangladeshi students led to he resignation of the country’s Prime Minister.
Sharing two pictures, Sowore said: “A Tale of Two Religious Countries – BANGLADESH and NIGERIA! The first photo shows Bangladeshi students embarking on a massive revolt against their leaders, which led the Prime Minister to resign and flee the country.
“The second photo is of students of the University of Ibadan in Nigeria during an “UPPER ROOM” religious event on August 16th, 2024.
“The Nigerian students shunned the nationwide #EndbadgovernanceInNigeria, while Bangladeshi students led their own version of #EndbadGovernance revolt.
“Nigerian students still got a chance to fully partake in #FearlessInOctober.”
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest which spanned for 10 days ended a few days ago.
Protesters had demanded a return to the fuel subsidy regime, release of Nnamdi Kanu, among others.
Nigerian students should join protests like their Bangladeshi counterparts – Sowore