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Police warn vigilantes against use of excessive force

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Police warn vigilantes against use of excessive force

Vigilantes operating in Warri and environs in Delta State have been warned against using excessive force on civilians.

The Warri Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Mr. Imade Graham, gave the warning while addressing members of the Warri Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Friday.

The police boss who called for synergy and collaboration with the NUJ in ensuring sanity in Delta communities disclosed that vigilantes in Warri and its environs are to undergo “necessary orientation on community policing to inject sanity into their operations.”

While commending vigilantes, as members of the neighbourhood watch, for their efforts at curtailing insecurity in their respective communities, the Police Area Commander however took exception to the excesses of some vigilantes, “especially when they impact negatively on members of the public.

“There is no reason or legal backing for vigilantes to use excessive force on any civilian.  This will certainly be addressed to the roots”, he said, adding that “They should not be a nuisance to members of the public.”

The Area Commander promised to “talk to the Divisional Police Officers to monitor the excesses of vigilantes including their ways of dressing as some impostors claim to be police officers.”

He said, “Orientation shall be conducted for them. They are voluntary bodies helping us in the areas of curbing crimes.

“They are not expected to set up roadblocks, or operate especially along the expressway, without the presence of policemen.
Orientation shall be conducted for them and we will look at all these.”

He however noted with delight that “crime statistics dropped considerably” in Warri and its environs in recent times and attributed the development to “proactive policing” by the officers and men.

In the fast-approaching Ember months, the Police Area Commander disclosed that an operation order had already been set up by the Command.

“Certainly, we are going to follow them wholeheartedly to ensure there is safety within Warri and environs generally”, he assured.

Peter Obi calls for action against insecurity, economic hardship

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Peter Obi calls for action against insecurity, economic hardship

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s escalating insecurity and economic woes, urging collective action to tackle the growing crises.
In a statement issued on Saturday via his X handle, Obi highlighted recent kidnappings, including the abduction of medical students in Benue and a state commissioner and his wife in Edo, emphasizing the need for a unified response.
“It’s time to declare war on this massive insecurity and other ills threatening our society,” Obi said, calling for bold action and a united front against the challenges facing the nation.
The former Anambra State Governor stressed that Nigerians cannot continue living in fear and uncertainty, emphasizing the need to build a safer, more prosperous, and just society for all.
READ ALSO:Peter Obi demands urgent action to prevent further collapse of Nigeria’s economy
“In the last 24 hours, several people have been kidnapped across Nigeria, including about 20 dental students from Maiduguri and Jos in Benue State.
“An Anambra State Commissioner and his wife were abducted in Edo State, and others travelling with them were killed. These are just a few of the many tragic incidents happening across the country.”
Obi’s call to action comes as Nigeria grapples with rising insecurity, economic hardship, and social unrest, sparking concerns about the country’s future.
The post Peter Obi calls for action against insecurity, economic hardship appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

KEDCO records significant improvement under new ownership

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KEDCO records significant improvement under new ownership

The Kano Electricity Distribution Company says it has recorded significant performance improvement and reduction in aggregate technical, commercial, and collection losses since its acquisition by the new core investor, Future Energies Africa.

 

This was contained in a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications Unit of the company, Mr Sani Sani, a copy of which was made available to According on Saturday.

 

“KEDCO recorded 80% Billing Efficiency in June 2024 up from 75% in January 2024 and also reduced ATC&C by almost 20 percentage points to a record of 42%,” Sani said.

 

Recall that in November 2023, Future Energies Africa acquired the highest stake in KEDCO and has since embarked on reforms geared towards business turnaround and sustainable transformation of the Company.

 

“Currently, about 52 feeders receive between 20 to 24 hours of supply including 11 recently upgraded through investments and improved service delivery.

 

“These achievements are not merely coincidental but conscious efforts by KEDCO’s Board and Management, with ample support from the core investor, Future Energies Africa through investment efforts and constant adoption of effective mechanisms to expeditiously address extant challenges towards making KEDCO financially self-sufficient, he said.

 

He noted that prominent among the recent challenges overcome was the dispute with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, over the April 2024 supplementary tariff order which has now been resolved and KEDCO, in its customer-centric spirit urged for a round-table reconciliation approach, while reaffirming its continuous support for the prosperity of businesses and economic activities in the area.

 

According to him, the company has recently revamped top management with the addition of a new Chief Technical Officer, Engr. Kassim Burkullu, who recently managed AEDC’s large network; a new Chief Commercial Officer,  Dr. Abubakar Jimeta, a seasoned industry professional; and two Special Directorates for Special Projects and Customer Solutions, manned by veterans, Engr. Inuwa Daneji and Engr. Shuaibu Adeiza.

 

“During this period, the Company has invested over ₦ 1 billion to deploy over 100 High Voltage smart Maximum Demand meters.

 

“Also, the deployment of over 3,000 prepayment meters on Band A feeders, through MAP vendor financing, all geared towards mitigating billing and commercial losses”, the statement said.

 

Similarly, check meters have been installed on all major commercial feeders with high losses and bifurcation of those feeders, for improved power distribution, efficiency, and energy accountability which has led to a significant reduction in losses and improved collection efficiencies.

 

In the area of network reliability, the management has initiated expansion efforts in a bid to foster efficiency in service delivery and meet service-level agreement commitments.

 

KEDCO’s projection is to achieve 25 per cent ATC&C losses by year-end while meeting 100 per cent market obligations as the NESI transitions to a Bilateral trading market.

 

KEDCO’s management has been tasked with turning the business around and is working round the clock to continue driving improvements.

 

The Acting Managing Director, Abubakar Yusuf stated, “ At all levels, we have prioritised collaboration, partnership, and regular stakeholders’ engagements within the government, traditional, security, political, religious, and community partners to drive progress. If KEDCO succeeds our communities succeed so it has to be a team effort.”

Jota, Salah fire Liverpool to opening day win

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Jota, Salah fire Liverpool to opening day win

Arne Slot got off to a winning Premier League start as Liverpool manager thanks to two quickfire goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah in a 2-0 win at newly-promoted Ipswich on Saturday.

Slot has the unenviable task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, but a commanding second-half performance will have heartened the Dutchman.

Ipswich were riding the crest of a wave after back-to-back promotions and a return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years.

Celebrity fan and minority owner Ed Sheeran was in attendance at Portman Road, although the singer-songwriter had to leave at half-time to attend a gig in Serbia.

Sheeran saw the best of the Tractor Boys, who were far from overawed by their illustrious opponents early on.

Omari Hutchinson had a shot blocked inside two minutes before Jacob Greaves headed the best chance of the first half too close to Alisson Becker.

Slot is the only new face at Anfield, as Liverpool, are the only side in the Premier League yet to make a signing in the transfer window.

The need for some fresh faces was shown in a sloppy and slow first 45 minutes on the ball.

However, Slot’s half-time team talk did the trick, as the Reds were a different side after the break and could have run out far more convincing winners.

Greaves needed to make a vital clearance to prevent Salah’s effort from curling in at the far corner.

But Liverpool also had a narrow escape as a potential penalty for a Virgil van Dijk push on Liam Delap was ruled out for a marginal offside in the build-up.

Luis Diaz missed a glorious chance to open the scoring when he scooped over from close range after wonderful play from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai to tee up the Colombian.

Alexander-Arnold’s teasing cross was then headed wide by Jota, with the goal gaping.

Liverpool’s pressure finally told on the hour mark as another defence-splitting pass from Alexander-Arnold opened up Ipswich, and Salah unselfishly squared for Jota to make amends for his earlier miss.

Five minutes later, it was 2-0 as Salah pounced to score for the ninth time on the opening weekend of the season for Liverpool after a one-two with Szoboszlai.

Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton made a string of saves in the closing stages, notably from Salah and Conor Bradley, to prevent a more embarrassing opening-day defeat.

Kieran McKenna’s men had been unbeaten at home in the league for nearly 12 months.

But Ipswich were given an early lesson in the gulf in quality between the Championship and Premier League.

Things will not get any easier for Ipswich next weekend when they travel to defending champions Manchester City.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have the chance to build up some early momentum under Slot.

On either side of a trip to Manchester United next month, they face Brentford, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Wolves and Crystal Palace in their next six Premier League games before the October international break.

Police arrest wanted cult leader in Ogun

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Police arrest wanted cult leader in Ogun

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old wanted suspected cultist, Olamilekan Akojede, in Oja Oda, Yewa-North Local Government Area of the state.

Akojede was arrested at about 2:30 pm on Friday.

The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola who confirmed the arrest on Friday in a statement posted on her X handle,  said the suspect, leader of the cult group known as Alora has been on the command’s watch list for some time now

Odutola noted that Akojede known for terrorising and causing panic in the community will be transferred to the state Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

She said, “The DPO Oja Odan has apprehended an Alora confraternity No 1. One Olamilekan Akojede, a 35-year-old who has terrorised Oja Odan was picked up at about 1430hrs today and will be transferred to SCID, for discreet investigation.

“He has been causing panic and has been on the watch list.

Odutola further reiterated the command’s dedication to eradicating cultism from the state and urged other cult members to borrow a new leaf and change for the betterment of society

“They should take a leaf from this person who has been apprehended, to accept the amnesty program and be better sons to their families.”

Recall that in the last week, there has been a renewed cult battle in the state which has claimed more than three lives.

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Be hopeful for return of comfort, relief in Nigeria, CAC President tells Nigerians

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Nigerians have been charged to keep believing and hoping for the return of times of comfort and relief to the country.
The President of Christ Apostolic Church, CAC, Nigeria & Overseas, Pastor Segun Oladele who stated this urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country and turn to God in righteousness to experience the turnaround.
He spoke yesterday in Efon-Alaaye, Ekiti State during the funeral service held for Late Mrs Mary Oludolapo Abere at the CAC Oke-Ayo Babalola Zonal H/QS.
Madam Abere who died at the age of 88 was the mother of Mrs Mercy Omolola Ologbonyo, the wife of the planter of CAC, Boanerges Worldwide, Prophet Adegboyega Ologbonyo.
The man of God urged Nigerians to intensify prayers for the country and turn to God for help and assistance to ensure comfort and relief to return to the country
Pastor Oladele in his sermon taken from the book of Genesis chapter 57 said man’s journey on earth is a very short pilgrimage characterized by evil.
“In everything you do, we should always think that at the end of the day, we will end the journey at a place. We should be mindful of what we do and how we spend our short time and be prepared to leave this world one day because it is not our permanent dwelling place”.
The CAC President while addressing newsmen after the service said, “If we repent of all our sins and work in the path of righteousness, there will be a turnaround in our situation.
“This is possible and will come to reality with love and unity among the citizenry irrespective of their tribe, language, religion and leanings.
“We have to keep on keeping on. The Lord is on the throne and with prayers, we believe that He is going to bring a turnaround to our situation very soon. He is going to surprise us.
“It has happened before in the history of some other nations of the world and ours shall not be an exception.
“Our God in the bible says, look unto me all ye nations, we have to unto him. We entrust our destiny to some people. He is the one who rules in the affairs of men here on earth.
“We have to trust in Him. He said if my people who are called by name shall humble themselves and pray. And we should repent of all our unrighteousness, which is very much prevalent and rampant in our country.
Be hopeful for return of comfort, relief in Nigeria, CAC President tells Nigerians

Again, NYSC demobilises 54 UNICAL fake graduates

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Again, NYSC demobilises 54 UNICAL fake graduates

The Management of the National Youth Service Corps, says it has demobilised 54 illegally mobilised graduates of the University of Calabar, to prevent the award of Certificates of National Service to unqualified persons.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Scheme’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, on Friday night.

The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, adding that the illegal graduates would be prosecuted accordingly.

He said of the 54, nineteen of them initially registered online for mobilization, have been prevented from service, while four (4) Certificates of National Service for other culprits, were not produced by the Scheme.

Recall that the NYSC had earlier on Monday, invalidated the Certificates of 101 illegally mobilised graduates of UNICAL, who were part of the scheme between 2021-2023.

Following the invalidation of the certificates, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retd.), commended the Scheme for exposing fake graduates who were fraudulently mobilised, pledging to take action against staff involved in the mobilisation of fake graduates from the institution.

The NYSC DG disclosed that a bread seller had been illegally mobilized from the University, while commending the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, for hinting the NYSC about the illegal mobilisations.

“The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar came here to report that she observed some names appeared on the institution’s list and they ought not to have been there. She checked the list the school gave us and I told her that their certificates would be invalidated. I give kudos to the Vice-Chancellor.

“Previously, a bread seller was mobilised on the graduation list from the same institution, there are bad eggs in many places that generate matriculation numbers and courses for their candidates”, the DG said.

He stated further that the Scheme would intensify its collaboration with Heads of Corps Producing Institutions and relevant stakeholders in the country to stop the menace.

Ahmed added that any failure in the mobilisation process from any school falls on the integrity of the management of such an institution, stating, “Those who are responsible for imputing the data of graduates should be people of integrity.”

He called on all employers of labour in the country to verify the authenticity of Certificates of National Service being presented for job placement from the NYSC.

Health commissioners seek more supports for states on mpox, cholera

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Health commissioners seek more supports for states on mpox, cholera

Health Commissioners from the 36 states of the country and the Mandate Secretary of Health of the Federal Capital Territory have commended the leadership of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the light of the recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox.

They, however, called for continued support to states.

The health commissioners, under the auspices of the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum, made this known in a communique issued at the end of their third quarterly meeting in Abuja on Friday. 

The communique was signed by the Chairperson of NHCF and Commissioner for Health in Ekiti State, Dr Oyebanji Filani, and the Secretary of NHCF and Commissioner of Health in Kwara State, Dr Amina El-Imam.

The Commissioners commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and his administration’s investment in the healthcare system. 

They recognised the shortage of skilled healthcare workers as highlighted in the HRH assessment commissioned by the NHCF, and thus the need for innovative strategies to attract, train and retain healthcare professionals nationwide. 

“Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy and strengthening primary healthcare systems: The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare as the cornerstone of the Nigerian healthcare system.

“Emphasis was placed on ensuring adequate staffing, training, and the provision of essential medicines and equipment to improve service delivery at the grassroots level. They considered the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy appraising implications for PHC financing in Nigeria. 

“A sub-committee was constituted to develop a position paper in consultation with the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. 

“Response to Emerging Public Health Threats: In light of the recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox, the Commissioners reviewed the preparedness and response strategies of their respective states. The sterling leadership of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was commended with calls for continued support to states.

“They reiterated their commitment to sustained preparedness, enhanced surveillance, and response, including pre-positioning of drugs, supplies, and rapid response teams to contain any future outbreaks effectively. Monthly meetings of all State Health Commissioners will henceforth be held with the Director General of the NCDC,” the communique read partly. 

The commissioners also acknowledged the growing and alarming incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases – hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal diseases and the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention, and treatment options. 

They said a resolution was passed to prioritise NCDs in the state health agenda and to develop comprehensive NCD prevention and control policies. 

“A week-long NCDs awareness campaign, “Know your Number, Control your Number”, will be led by the Commissioners across all states in the last quarter of 2024. 

“Health Financing and Universal Health Coverage: The meeting underscored the importance of sustainable health financing models to achieve UHC. Commissioners resolved to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to health at both state and federal levels, across all three tiers (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure that all Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare.

“They commended the recent efforts of the FMoH&SW on a Sector-Wide Approach and are committed to realizing its objectives in the States and the FCT. Furthermore, discussions were held with the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, and the World Bank about expediting PHC revitalisation. 

“Digital Health, Innovation and Technology in Health: The nascent digital health initiative of the FMoH&SW and its role in advancing healthcare delivery was also discussed, with Commissioners committing to explore practical ways of operationalising the proposed digital health solutions for data-driven decision-making in the States,” it added. 

The Health Commissioners expressed their collective commitment to working together to improve the health outcomes of all Nigerians. 

They also called on all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to support these initiatives to build a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.

Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring

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Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring

A cross section of Ebonyians have called on the state government to ensure proper implementation of integrated Supportive Supervision, ISS, for monitoring of the rural healthcare centres.
The stakeholders said this would improve healthcare service delivery in the state.
This was made known at a round table meeting in Abakaliki on Friday.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager, Life Transformation for Africa Initiative, Mr Chimezie Ezeani, stated that the reason for the engagement was to involve the media and stakeholders to seek their support for successful implementation of the project in the state.
Ezeani, noted that Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) is a USAID sponsored programme in four states in Nigeria namely Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Ebonyi, aimed at promoting effective and efficient service delivery in the health sector.
Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring

Involve FG in international agreements, foreign minister tells states

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Involve FG in international agreements, foreign minister tells states

The Federal Government has warned the 36 state governments against entering foreign or international negotiations without the input of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja amid a dispute between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, which has led to the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets.

According Online reports that the presidential jets were seized by a French court on August 15, due to a contract dispute between the two parties.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from a 2007 agreement for the development of a free trade zone, which later fell apart, leading to arbitration and, ultimately, the seizure of the jets.

Despite an independent arbitral tribunal awarding Zhongshan approximately $74.5 million, the Ogun State Government has disputed the decision and has not yet honoured the award.

However, Tuggar emphasised the importance of registering international arrangements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy, and Federal Government to avoid similar issues in the future.

The minister noted that the Ogun State Government’s agreement with the Chinese company was made without the Federal Government’s knowledge, which has resulted in the seizure of Nigerian assets.

He stressed that foreign negotiations require experienced individuals with the necessary skills and training, and sub-national actors should not engage in such agreements alone.

The statement added, “This is part of the problem when sub-national actors like state governments take it upon themselves to go into agreements, go into international arrangements, without recourse to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, without recourse to the Federal Government, and then when it goes awry, we are left with the problem to deal with.

“That is why it is always important that such arrangements should be registered with the mission there, with the embassy, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with the Federal Government.

“This is something that Ogun State, under a different administration, not this governor, entered into that we’re not aware of. All we know is that they’re going after Nigerian assets. That’s why, really, foreign or international negotiations are not the purview of sub-national actors.

“You should always have those that are experienced in such an area that have the necessary skills and the necessary training to negotiate these sorts of agreements.”

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