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One dead as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Anambra

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One dead as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Anambra

Gunmen have attacked a police checkpoint beside the Nnobi Police Station, at Nnobi/Nkpor Road in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The latest attack is coming less than three weeks after some gunmen similarly attacked a police checkpoint on Omata-Nnobi Road in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state, during which one police officer was also gunned down by the hoodlums, who also used an explosive device to launch the attack.

A source in the area said during the attack, one of the policemen was killed, adding that the deceased police officer was said to be the driver of one of the police vehicles.

The source said, “The hoodlums entered the community on Friday and lodged in a house close to the checkpoint. They broke a wall through which they entered the compound and forced the residents to open the gate to drive in their cars.

“They were also said to have collected the handsets belonging to the residents and forced them into a room and warned them not to raise the alarm failing which they would be shot.”

When contacted for a reaction, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack.

Ikenga also disclosed that the situation is under control as there is an ongoing operation in the area on the directive of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam.

He said, “It is true. One policeman was killed, and there is an operation going on in that area now, which the Commissioner of Police has ordered.

“This is a pure example of the highest price a security officer pays in discharging their duty. They were at the checkpoint monitoring the area before they came under attack by the gunmen.

“Meanwhile, there is an ongoing operation in the area on the order of the Commissioner of Police. Further details shall be communicated.”

Firm partners DICON on job creation for retired military personnel

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Firm partners DICON on job creation for retired military personnel

A manufacturing company, D7G Nigeria, has stated that its partnership with the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria has created jobs for 2000 civilians and 500 retired military personnel.

Speaking at an event on Friday in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of D7G, Osman Chennar, disclosed that D7G is planning with DICON the transfer of advanced military technology to Nigeria.

“D7G Nigeria is executing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, particularly in the transfer of advanced military technology to Nigeria,” he added.

Chennar listed key performance indicators of the company, including “construction of a Military Jetty base in Lagos for the berthing of vessels, with an additional area for the production, assembly, and storage of defence equipment, covering a lead area of 160,000 square meters.”

Others are the establishment of the first African production and assembly factory for naval military ships, drones, armoured vehicles, and UAVs; the creation of the factory in Africa that assembles, repairs, and maintains helicopters; assembly of semi-knockdown and completely knockdown parts; and production of 300 million rounds of ammunition annually.”

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Public schools in Benue have most qualified teachers – Adagba

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Public schools in Benue have most qualified teachers – Adagba

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, has said public schools in Benue State have the most qualified teachers.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Information Officer of SUBEB, Emmanuella Akese.
Akese said Benue SUBEB has begun a campaign for enrollment and sensitization program in Benue North West senatorial district.
The sensitisation programme is meant to encourage parents to enrol their children in Early Childhood Care Development Education Centres, Public Primary, and Junior Secondary Schools.
She said the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr Grace Adagba urged participants and stakeholders to use the opportunity to promote education in public schools.
Dr Adagba emphasized that Basic Education Schools in Benue are supported by donor agencies such as UNICEF, UBEC, and the State Government, providing quality education free of charge.
She said, “I am proud to say that, at present, public schools have the most qualified teachers you can find.
“We are in an era where every public school teacher is punctual and committed to their duties.”
Dr Adagba also assured that the sensitization programme would be extended to other zones to ensure statewide impact.
Prof. Nyamngee Amase from the University of Ilorin delivered the lead paper on “Free and Compulsory Education for All Benue Children: The Role of Parents and Immediate Communities.”
He emphasized the importance of education and the moral values it instils, sharing his personal experience as a product of public schools.
Dr. Nasela Pila from Benue State University, Makurdi, spoke on “Unveiling Opportunities for Access to Quality Education in Public Schools in Benue State,” highlighting the benefits of public education.
Mrs Ruth Kwaghkaha’s presentation on “Advocacy for Early Childhood Care Development Education, ECCDE,” stressed the importance of Early Childhood Education and urged parents to enrol their children in public schools.
Also while declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Agbo Ochekpa said education for all, is the collective responsibility of all Stakeholders, he solicited the active support of all sectors of the Society.
In their separate Goodwill messages, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, State Coordinator, Idzi Baba Emmanuel, commended SUBEB for organizing the event.
Other stakeholders, including HRH Chief Dominic Akpe, Ter Gwer; Rev. Dr Gire; NUT Chairman Comrade Levi Akuma; and Chief Imam of Benue State, Dr Suleiman Habib, lauded the initiative and called on parents to support the programme.
A testimony by Sonia Aduba, a student of Arabic Junior Secondary School, Makurdi, highlighted the positive impact of public schools on students’ lives, reinforcing the importance of basic education in the state.
Public schools in Benue have most qualified teachers – Adagba

Bauchi LG poll records low voter turnout

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Bauchi LG poll records low voter turnout

The ongoing Bauchi State local government election is currently witnessing low voter turnout.

According Online reports that unlike the 2023 general election where voters crowded polling units to cast their votes, the local government election is characterised by low turnout.

Our correspondent gathered that as elections are being concluded in some areas, the results of ward councillors have started emerging.

“After voting, I got notified that the councillor’s result was going to be announced at a certain location, and I went there. So the result was announced by the returning officer, Muhammad Saleh.

“I was also told that in a short moment from now, the election result for the chairmanship will be announced,” a source said.

Details later…

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IG deploys operatives to rescue kidnapped Benue medical students 

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IG deploys operatives to rescue kidnapped Benue medical students 

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students in Benue State.

Twenty medical students of the University of Maiduguri and Jos, travelling to Enugu, were kidnapped along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road on Thursday.

The students were travelling for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students annual convention in Enugu when they were abducted.

Condemning the students’ abduction in a statement on Saturday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG described the action of the criminals as reprehensible and callous.

Adejobi said Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command to ensure the swift rescue of the students.

 

He said, “The Inspector-General of Police has condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State. This reprehensible act is truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable

“In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure the swift rescue of our beloved students. “

Adejobi also said tactical operatives, helicopters, drones and vehicles, among others, would be deployed to facilitate the rescue of the students.

He said, “This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.

“The Nigeria Police Force  stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.”

Seized presidential jets international embarrassment, says Kanu’s lawyer

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Seized presidential jets international embarrassment, says Kanu’s lawyer

Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has criticised the Federal Government following the international seizure of three Presidential jets belonging to Nigeria.

Ejiofor described the incident as an international disgrace and embarrassment in a press statement on Saturday, adding that Nigerians are no longer under any form of illusion that the country’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns.

The presidential jets were seized by a French court on August 15, due to a contract disparity between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited.

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.

Describing the incident as unacceptable, Ejiofor lamented that, unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.

The statement read in part, “We are no longer under any form of illusion that Nigeria’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.

“On August 15, 2024, three presidential aircraft undergoing maintenance in Paris were temporarily seized in strict compliance with a court order. What an international disgrace!

“The unfortunate reality is that with the Nigerian government’s growing habit of excessive and reckless borrowing, it is increasingly likely that we may one day wake up to find Nigeria’s assets and the entire Nigerians tied to foreign judgments. It is only a matter of time!”

Health commissioners demand rise in budget allocation

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Health commissioners demand rise in budget allocation

Health Commissioners from Nigeria’s 36 states have called for an increase in the budget allocation for health at all levels of government in the Federation.

While expressing commitment to strengthening the Primary Health Care systems across the country, they emphasised the need for more funding by the government.

The commissioners, along with the Mandate Secretary of Health for the Federal Capital Territory, also expressed support for the Federal Government’s workforce migration policy.

Chairperson of the Nigeria Health Commissioners’ Forum and Commissioner for Health, Ekiti State, Dr Oyebanji Filani, made this known to newsmen at the end of a two-day summit on Friday in Abuja.

“Health financing was another key issue on our agenda, we are advocating for increased budget allocations for health at all levels of government,” he said.

Filani praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and for his significant investment in the healthcare sector.

Acknowledging the acute shortage of healthcare professionals, as highlighted in a recent NHCF assessment, he underscored the urgent need for innovative strategies to attract, train, and retain skilled workers in the health sector across Nigeria.

A significant portion of the discussions centred on the recent Supreme Court ruling on Local Government Financial Autonomy and its implications for Primary Healthcare in Nigeria.

The commissioners reiterated their commitment to strengthening PHCs as the foundation of the nation’s healthcare system.

Filani underlined the importance of ensuring adequate staffing, training, and the provision of essential medicines and equipment at the grassroots level.

“A sub-committee is established to develop a position paper on the implications of the Supreme Court judgment for PHC financing.

“This paper will be prepared in consultation with the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,” he said.

In response to recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox, the Commissioners reviewed preparedness and response measures in their various states.

He commended the leadership of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and called for continued support to states to bolster preparedness and response.

“It was agreed that monthly meetings would be held between State Health Commissioners and the Director-General of the NCDC to enhance coordination and readiness,” he said.

He also expressed concern over the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and renal diseases.

“We resolved to prioritise NCDs in our state health agendas and committed to launching a comprehensive awareness campaign titled

“Know your Number, Control your Number,” scheduled for the last quarter of 2024,” he said.

He pledged that the commissioners would work towards achieving Universal Health Coverage and commended the recent efforts of the FMoH&SW in promoting the Sector-Wide Approach to healthcare delivery.

The commissioner expressed their support for the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s emerging digital health initiative, which aimed to revolutionize healthcare delivery through data-driven decision-making.

He also commended the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, for their efforts in promoting digital health solutions.

Filani reaffirmed the commissioners’ commitment to improving health outcomes across the country and called on all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to join hands in building a healthier and more prosperous nation.

NAN.

Police warn vigilantes against use of excessive force on civilians

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Police warn vigilantes against use of excessive force on civilians

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.

Over 27m cyber attacks launched during 2023 election – Galaxy Backbone

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Over 27m cyber attacks launched during 2023 election – Galaxy Backbone

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Ltd., Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, says the company tackled over 27 million cyber attacks on its facilities during the 2023 General Elections.

Adeyanju made this known, when the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria,  Malam Jibrin Baba-Ndace, paid him a courtesy visit on Friday in Abuja.

Adeyanju said that the organisation prided itself as the state-of-the-art security operation centre, which it used to defend the cyberspace of the government.

“We participate in defending Nigeria in cyberspace. Even in the days of the election and collation of the 2023 election results, we had 27 million attacks within a single day.

“Before the election, we have a maximum of 50,000 attacks. So, having close to 30 million attacks in a single day showed that something serious was happening.

“They did not succeed. There was nothing for them, because, our security operation centre was very effective in defending (against) cyber attacks.

“Similarly, during the last protest that happened few weeks ago, we had spikes of attacks. We were not surprised because, before the protest, we heard in the news that the protest would be done both physically and online.

“So, there were a lot of online attacks, but we were able to survive, through our operation centre,” he said.

The Galaxy Backbone boss said that the organisation had a centre where it monitored all its networks in almost all states of the federation.

Speaking, the VON DG, Ndace, said he came to the organisation to deepen the relationship between VON and Galaxy Backbone.

He requested support and capacity building on ICT and cyber security for members of staff of VON, to enhance fact-checking, protect its cyberspace and address fake news.

NAN.

Benue gov decries challenges confronting children

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Benue gov decries challenges confronting children

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has decried the challenges confronting Benue children over the years and called for a joint effort to change the narrative.

The governor stated this on Friday while inaugurating the State Steering Committee on the ‘Save the Benue Child’ project.

Alia, who was represented by Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Fidelis Mnyim, lamented that the Benue child had over the years faced issues of lack of quality education, and healthcare amongst others.

He said that his administration aimed to use the project to collaborate with all stakeholders, through community outreach and engagement, and the provision of support services.

He said, “Today, we acknowledge the stark reality that many children in Benue are faced with challenges that no child should ever endure. From inadequate access to education, and healthcare, to the harsh impacts of crisis poverty and neglect, these young lives are at risk. But we also recognize an immense opportunity—an opportunity to effect meaningful change and to forge a path towards hope and opportunity.

“The “Save the Benue Child” project is not just a response to these challenges; it is also a commitment to action. Our goal is to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the needs of these children holistically.

“We will focus on improving access to quality education, ensuring health and nutrition, Identifying and rescuing child victims of human trafficking, child exploitation, sexual abuse, providing support services for vulnerable rescued children, prosecuting perpetrators and holding them accountable, raising awareness and sensitising communities on human trafficking and child exploitation and providing the necessary support to safeguard their well-being.

“Government will join forces with local communities, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations to ensure that the efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

In her remarks, the Zonal Coordinator, of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Mrs Gloria Bai, called on all stakeholders to help save the future of the Benue child.

Bai and the state attorney general, are co-chairman  of “Benue Taskforce on Human Trafficking”

The NAPTIP Commander said the number of human traffic incidents in the state was on the increase.

Earlier, Mrs Mabel Ade, Executive Director, Adinya Arise Foundation said the event was a pivotal moment in the state’s collective fight against human trafficking.

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