The naira slumped against the American dollar on Friday, August 30, 2024.
The local currency traded at N1,598/$1 at the official window according to data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM).
This indicated that the N1,598/$1 was N5 higher than the N1,593/$1 the currency traded at the official window the previous day.
The intra-day high and low recorded during the day were N1,610/$1 and N1,511/$1 respectively, representing a lean spread of N99$1.
READ ALSO:Naira recovers, trades N1,593/$ at official window
The naira lost N15 against the dollar at the parallel section of the forex market to trade N1,645/$1 as against the previous N1,630/$1.
The naira also lost N20 against the British Pound to trade N2,140/£1 as against the previous N2,120£1.
The Canadian dollar closed flat against the naira to trade N1,250| CA$1.
The naira also lost N20 against the Euro to trade ₦1,820/€1 as against the previous day’s ₦1,800/€1.
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Naira sheds N5 at official window, trades N1,598/$1
167 Yobe-sponsored students graduate from Indian varsities
The Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has said that the 167 foreign-trained graduates sponsored by his administration would bolster the state’s health and other critical sectors.
This is contained in a statement by Buni’s Director-General, Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed in Damaturu on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the state government in 2020 sponsored 233 students tagged: “Yobe scholars,” to study specialised courses in India.
The statement said the governor, who was represented by Speaker, Yobe House of Assembly,Buba Mashio,
stated this when attended the graduation ceremony of the students in five Indian universities.
The graduates received training in medical laboratory science, pharmacy, radiology, physiotherapy, optometry, computer science and engineering, among others.
“A total of 63 students were sponsored to GD Goenka University, 58 have graduated, while the five others are still pursuing their studies, and out of the 84 students sponsored to Integral University, 73 have graduated with 11 others still in the university.
“The state government also sponsored 22 students at Kalinga University and have all graduated, while one student at PP Savani University has also graduated with 24 others who were later admitted to the University pursuing their studies.
“There are currently 10 state students at DIT University, 13 at VGU University, and 13 others at Glocal University still pursuing their studies,” Mohammed said.
The governor’s aide said the number of optometrists trained and sponsored by the state in the last four years was more than those trained since the creation of the state by over 400 per cent.
“The same goes for pharmacists: those trained in the last four years is 400 per cent more than those trained since the creation of the state in 1991″.
The statement quoted Buni as congratulating the graduates for passing their examinations with flying colours, charging them to be committed to duties wherever they found themselves.
It said further said the Nigerian High Commission in India lauded Yobe’s scholarship programme.
NAN.
APC members join PDP in Edo
Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Oredo local government area of Edo State switched to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday.
The defectors who were from Ward 1 of Oredo LGA were led by Sidney Egede, an APC chieftain in the area.
They were received into PDP by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwole Uzzi.
Uzzi commended the defectors for making the bold decision to dump the APC for PDP ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
According to him, the defection will further boost the chances of the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, in the election.
The commissioner described Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, as the most qualified candidates to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Uzzi urged the people of Oredo to reciprocate Obaseki’s magnanimity of appointing two persons from the ward into his cabinet.
He said: “Those tagging Governor Obaseki as ignorant and bereft of ideas are the ones bereft of ideas. We grew together in this ward.
“While Governor Obaseki grew up in the College area, I grew up in the Jemide area. Those who call the governor a Lagos boy do not know what they are saying.”
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, said the political dominance of APC in the ward has ended.
Osagie said Egede and other’s defection to PDP was a major boost to the party in the locality.
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Sanwo-Olu commissions Mushin Overpass, the 5th along Lagos Red Line route
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, commissioned the Red Line Overpass in the Mushin area of the state.
The flyover is the last of the five overpasses built by the state government along the Red Line Rail corridor.
Sanwo-Olu was accompanied to the project site by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and members of the state executive council.
The flyover is expected to ensure free vehicular movement in the area.
The governor has previously commissioned the flyovers built along the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Red Line in the Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikeja, and Agege areas of the state.
In his address at the event, Sanwo-Olu said the opening of the Mushin flyover was another fulfilment of his administration’s promise to the people of the state.
He stressed that the facility had changed the face of public transportation in the state.
“With this new infrastructure, we have ensured minimal disruption on the Red Line corridor. We have kept our promise to the citizens and made their lives better.
“The quality of infrastructure we have provided is about improving our citizens’ lives, improving their means of livelihood and quality of life,” the governor stated.
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Police arrest 35 phone thieves in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Police Command has taken decisive action against rising crime, particularly phone snatching, with a series of targeted raids.
The operation conducted by the Anti-Vice Section of the command resulted in the arrest of 35 suspects, including two females, found with weapons, Indian hemp, and other illicit drugs.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
He added that the raids carried out between 19:00 and 23:45 hours, focused on identified black spots within the metropolitan area.
According to the police spokesman, all suspects have been charged to court after preliminary investigations.
He quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Audu Dabigi, to have assured the public that those found culpable would be prosecuted.
The statement read, “In response to the recent rise in crime, particularly phone snatching, the Kaduna State Police Command’s Anti-Vice Section conducted a series of targeted raids. The operation carried out between 19:00 and 23:45 hours, was in strict compliance with directives from the Commissioner of Police.
“The raids focused on identified black spots within the metropolitan area of Kaduna, resulting in the arrest of 35 suspects, including two females.
“The suspects were found in possession of weapons, Indian hemp, and other illicit drugs. All those arrested have been charged to court after the completion of preliminary investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Dabigi has assured the public that those found culpable will be profiled and charged in a court of competent jurisdiction for prosecution. He further emphasized the command’s commitment to clamping down on criminal activities within the state.”
IBB at 83: A shining example of service – Niger CAN
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
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