Despite ongoing unrest in the United Kingdom, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has revealed that the UK government has approved an unprecedented 430,000 visas for Nigerians seeking to study or relocate to the country in 2024 alone.
During a meeting with Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission in Abuja on Wednesday, Montgomery sought to alleviate concerns about safety, highlighting the UK’s diverse population and measures to address the unrest.
Read Also: Press centre, police launch probe into attacks on journalists during hunger protests in Lagos
“Approximately 430,000 Nigerian visa applications have been successfully processed in 2024,” he said.
He noted that 60 special courts have been established to tackle related criminal activities and that 400 individuals have been arrested in connection with the violence.
However, the UK government’s ability to balance the need for security with the rights of Nigerians living in the country will be closely watched.
The post UK visa approval for Nigerians hits record high of 430,000 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
UK visa approval for Nigerians hits record high of 430,000
Hardship: Tinubu not in touch with what’s happening in Nigeria – Obedient elders
The Delta Obedient Elders’ Council has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s recent speech to Nigerians, suggesting that it demonstrates a disconnection from the country’s current realities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Chairman Chris Biose and Secretary Solomon Akeni responded to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
The council expressed disappointment that the President’s address failed to address key issues affecting the masses.
The statement urged President Tinubu to move beyond grandstanding and tackle the pressing issues facing the country.
It also lamented the violence, looting, and destruction of public facilities that have marred some of the protests.
“The President acknowledged the severe suffering of the masses but failed to present any fresh policy measures to address the demands of the protesters,” the statement read.
The council expressed shock at President Tinubu’s omission of crucial issues, including the widespread killings of farmers by armed Fulani herdsmen, which has severely impacted food production in the country.
“It is unreasonable to believe that he does not know that this phenomenon is at the root of the inability of Nigerian farmers to produce sufficient food for local consumption in the past few years,” the statement continued.
The council also criticized the administration for perceived lack of accountability and excessive expenditure on frivolous items while the majority of Nigerians are suffering from intense hunger. Additionally, they noted the president’s silence on issues such as oil theft and the brutal killings of Nigerian citizens by police officers.
The Delta Obedient Elders’ Council called for a more responsive and accountable approach from the President to address the country’s pressing issues.
Hardship: Tinubu not in touch with what’s happening in Nigeria – Obedient elders
NLC questions Nigeria’s democracy, as security forces storm Labour House in might-time raid
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has provided details about the nighttime raid on its headquarters, the Labour House in Abuja, by armed security personnel on Wednesday.
In a statement, the NLC also called for an international investigation into the distressing incident.
Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, said, “We have directed all our staff to stay away from the Labour House for now until we are certain that there are no incriminating materials or harmful substances left in our offices by the invading operatives.”
The NLC urged the international community to recognize the worsening state of democratic principles in Nigeria, which it claims is veering towards a police state.
The statement describes the incident: “Last night at approximately 8:30 pm, after business hours, a group of heavily armed security operatives raided the Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja, which serves as the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”
Read also: Press centre, police launch probe into attacks on journalists during hunger protests in Lagos
The NLC report continues: “The security team included members of the Nigeria Police Force, individuals in black t-shirts, presumably from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others in plain clothes. They targeted the 10th floor, where they arrested the on-duty security guard and forced him to take them to the second floor to retrieve office keys. When the guard said he did not have the keys, they broke into the office, ransacked the bookshop on the second floor, and seized hundreds of books and publications, claiming they were searching for seditious materials related to the #EndBadGovernance protests.”
The NLC condemned the raid as a new low in Nigerian security operations. “The armed operatives displayed no legal documents authorizing their invasion of the NLC premises at such an unseemly hour. Even during the harshest periods of military rule, NLC offices were never subjected to such invasions. This is a disheartening day for our democracy.”
Earlier in the day, the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) had condemned the violent suppression of protesters and the mass arrests of protest leaders. The NEC had also criticized the misuse of the term ‘treason’ in describing the protests. The NLC was unprepared for the subsequent raid by masked, heavily armed security personnel.
In light of these developments and their implications for democratic rights, freedom of speech, and peaceful protest, the NLC has called for international attention to Nigeria’s deteriorating democratic principles.
The NLC expressed its concerns about state-enforced brutality, recalling recent threats to its leadership. “We fear the situation may worsen.”
The NLC has directed its staff to avoid the Labour House until it is confirmed that no incriminating or harmful materials have been left behind. It has demanded an international inquiry into the invasion and the immediate withdrawal of security forces from the premises. Furthermore, it has called for the return of all seized materials by the end of work on August 8, 2024.
“If this harassment persists, the NLC will not hesitate to instruct its members to stay home until their safety is guaranteed,” the statement warns. “The suppression of public discourse and avenues for constructive engagement in the face of Nigeria’s current hardships will only exacerbate the situation. Prompt action could still prevent further deterioration.”
The post NLC questions Nigeria’s democracy, as security forces storm Labour House in might-time raid appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Air Force destroys suspected IED factory in Borno
The Nigerian Air Force announced on Thursday morning that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai has successfully destroyed a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory at Grazah in the Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, stated:
“Concerned by recent attacks, especially on innocent civilians in Borno State using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers, and in a bid to achieve the mandate of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, air strikes were conducted on terrorists’ enclaves at Grazah, a location deep in the Mandara Hills, on August 2, 2024.”
According to Gabkwet, the air strikes were prompted by intelligence reports indicating the presence of a possible IED factory and storage area for other logistics. The IED factory had been suspected of relocating from Gwoza to the Timbuktu Triangle in Sambisa Forest, and finally to Grazah in the Mandara Hills.
“The frequent relocation of the IED factory has been attributed to the substantial firepower exerted on terrorists’ enclaves by the combined efforts of the entire security apparatus of Operation Hadin Kai.”
He further explained that the IED factory location at Grazah had been under surveillance for weeks, with various installations observed and activities of armed terrorists in the area found to be consistent with those protecting a strategic location.
“Two gun trucks were sighted tucked under a large tree near the suspected IED factory.”
Gabkwet added that these findings necessitated the need for an air strike to destroy the suspected IED factory and neutralize the terrorists.
“Consequently, the targets were acquired and effectively destroyed. The aftermath of the air strikes, followed by a thick cloud of smoke, indicated that the suspected IED factory, as well as the two gun trucks, were effectively destroyed, while several terrorists were neutralized.”
Air Force destroys suspected IED factory in Borno
Plateau gov relaxes curfew
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has ordered that the 24-hour curfew earlier imposed in the state capital be further relaxed, allowing movement from 12 noon to 6 pm daily until further notice.
The governor issued the order on Thursday in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, noting that the decision was taken after assessing the security situation in the state.
“In light of the improved security situation in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, the Plateau State Government has further relaxed the curfew, effective today, Thursday, 8th August 2024. Residents are now permitted to move freely for their lawful activities from 12 noon to 6 pm daily until further notice,” the statement read.
“The state Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, in consultation with security agencies, has authorised this relaxation.”
He assured the public that the government would continue to make decisions in the best interest of the people.
“Governor Mutfwang commended the public for their peaceful conduct during the curfew and appealed for continued cooperation with security agencies to ensure the safety and security of the state,” the statement added.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Niger Govt vows to reposition healthcare infrastructure to curb exodus of medical experts
Niger State Government has announced its resolution to revamp its primary and tertiary healthcare systems to halt the mass exodus of medical professionals and boost healthcare services to its citizens.
In a statement signed by Abdulbaqy Usman Ebbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Digital Media and Strategy, the government expressed its decision to prioritize the healthcare sector to ensure improved health delivery in the state.
Ebbo explained that as part of measures to stop this trend, the state government has embarked on the renovation of the General Hospital, Minna, which had been in poor condition for many years.
This renovation aims to provide a conducive environment to encourage medical professionals to stay and contribute to the state’s healthcare development.
“Currently, the doctors’ quarters at the General Hospital Minna have been completely transformed, making them habitable and conducive for doctors working in the hospital, among other measures taken to stop the medical brain drain in the state,” the governor’s aide explained.
He noted that the state-owned IBB Specialist Hospital is presently undergoing remodeling, with new departments being created and state-of-the-art facilities installed for effective and efficient service delivery for the people of the state.
The statement further indicated that the state government has also commenced the construction of 100 Level-2 primary healthcare centers, with about 20 set to be completed in the next 10 weeks, as part of its commitment to revitalizing the healthcare sector.
“This is due to the importance the present administration places on the healthcare needs of the people, by prioritizing the health sector to deliver positive results,” he added.
Niger Govt vows to reposition healthcare infrastructure to curb exodus of medical experts
Kenya police fire tear gas at protesters
Kenyan police fired volleys of tear gas Thursday in the heart of the capital Nairobi as small groups of protesters gathered on what was billed as a fresh day of action against embattled President William Ruto.
Riot police patrolled the streets of the central business district, roadblocks were set up on major arteries and many shops were shut down, but barely dozens of demonstrators turned out, AFP journalists said.
The East African nation, one of the most stable in the region, has been rocked by weeks of sometimes deadly protests against Ruto’s two-year-old administration, mostly led by young Gen-Z Kenyans.
While Ruto was overseeing the swearing-in of a revamped cabinet, just a few kilometres (miles) away police lobbed tear gas in the central business district and detained several people.
But otherwise, the streets appeared largely quiet, with a few people going about their normal business.
Television footage from the Indian Ocean city of Mombasa also showed traffic flowing normally and no signs of trouble, and the western lakeside city of Kisumu was also reported to be calm.
Kenya’s acting police chief, Gilbert Masengeli, warned on Wednesday that “criminals” intended to infiltrate the demonstrations and advised people to stay away from protected zones such as the main international airport and Ruto’s official residence and take precautions in crowded areas.
What started as peaceful youth-led rallies against controversial proposed tax hikes have ballooned into wider action against Ruto and what many see as profligate government spending and corruption.
At least 60 people have been killed since the protests began in mid-June, with police accused of using excessive force, sometimes firing live bullets, while dozens of people have gone missing, according to rights groups.
– ‘New chapter’ –
While the rallies have become smaller in recent weeks, posters shared online called for fresh demonstrations on Thursday, dubbed “Nane Nane” or Eight Eight in Swahili, to signify the date, August 8.
In the past, organisers have accused “goons” of hijacking their plans for peaceful action and of stoking violence.
In a bid to tackle the worst crisis of his presidency, Ruto has taken a series of measures to address public anger including scrapping the tax hikes, rejigging his cabinet, and making deep budget cuts.
He said Thursday’s installation of a new “broad-based” cabinet – which includes four opposition stalwarts but also a number of previously sacked ministers, represented the start of a “new chapter” for Kenya’s governance and development.
Ruto took office in September 2022 after winning a closely fought and divisive election against veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, pledging to work for Kenya’s poor and downtrodden.
But he has found himself caught between the demands of international lenders to shore up government finances to enable it to service its massive $78bn debt, and ordinary Kenyans who are struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.
While economic growth has remained relatively strong, estimated by the central bank at 5.4 per cent this year, a third of the country’s 52 million people live in poverty.
AFP
Makinde visits Ladoja in Ibadan
The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday evening, visited the former governor of the state and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja at his Ondo Street private residence in Ibadan.
The According reliably gathered that the visit was not unconnected with the presentation of the ceremonial beaded crown to Ladoja.
The former governor publicly announced the acceptance of the ceremonial crown at a live program on Fresh FM 105.9 FM in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.
He said his decision to accept the crown does not make him Oba as there is only one recognised monarch who is the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Sources privy to Wednesday’s meeting confided in our correspondent that, “Governor Makinde arrived at Ondo Street around 6:00 pm yesterday (Wednesday).
“They held a closed-door meeting before they both came outside again and discussed for a few minutes before the governor took his leave.
“They discussed at length, especially about the progress of Ibadanland in particular and the state in general. They also discussed the ceremonial beaded crown.”
Another source said, “We were excited to receive him (Makinde) yesterday.
“The governor and Otun Olubadan are on good terms. Forget about what people are saying. The visit was like a son went to greet his father, simple.”
It was further gathered that plans were already concluded for the presentation of the crown.
The presentation of the beaded crown, which ought to have taken place this week, was said to have been postponed till next week, after the meeting of Olubadan-In-Council.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
Press centre, police launch probe into attacks on journalists during hunger protests in Lagos
The International Press Centre (IPC), on Wednesday, condemned the violent assault on News Central reporters and cameramen by thugs at Freedom Park, Ojota, during recent hunger protests.
The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Nigeria.
According to IPC’s Press Freedom Officer, Melody Akinjiyan, a group of over 10 thugs attacked the News Central crew, who were attempting to report on the protests. Despite initial police directives to leave the park, the journalists were later confronted by the hoodlums, forcing them to flee.
In response to the incident, News Central TV’s Managing Director, Kayode Akintemi, met with Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, to express concerns and submit an official complaint. The Commissioner has since ordered an immediate investigation into the incident, pledging to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.
READ ALSO:#EndBadGovernance Protests: 6 Spaniards, 76 others, sponsors arrested, Police says
Akinjiyan said, “The thugs who were more than 10 attacked the crew of News Central Television, who went to the venue to monitor the situation. When the News Central crew arrived, police directed them to leave the park. They relocated to a distant location to continue their live broadcast. During the broadcast, the journalists were confronted by the hoodlums wielding sticks and shovels. The thugs assaulted several reporters and forced them to flee.
“Report stated that ‘the Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has ordered an immediate investigation into this incident. He mandated the investigating team to fish out the miscreants and ensure their prosecution accordingly. He gave this directive yesterday when the crew, led by News Central MD, Kayode Akintemi, submitted an official complaint letter at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja’.
“IPC is, therefore, again calling on the security agencies, in particular the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State to fulfill his pledge to go after the thugs who assaulted the journalists and interrogate the policemen who looked the other way while journalists were being attacked.”
The IPC has called on the police to fulfill this pledge, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of journalists. The incident highlights the challenges faced by media professionals in Nigeria, where reporting on sensitive topics can lead to intimidation, violence and even death.
The post Press centre, police launch probe into attacks on journalists during hunger protests in Lagos appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
NHRC demands thorough investigation into killing of 16-year-old by soldier in Kaduna
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for thorough investigation into the killing of a 16-year-old boy, Isma’il Muhammad in Zaria during the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.
The commission expressed deep concerns over the killing, during the 24-hour curfew imposed to curtail the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, made the call while reacting to the incident that led to the killing.
He said it is particularly troubling given the commission’s previous advisory on the excesses of law enforcement agencies during the protests.
He reiterated that the right to life is sacrosanct and cannot be violated under any circumstances.
“The use of lethal force against unarmed civilians, especially minors, is unacceptable and a clear violation of international human rights standards.
“We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and call for the soldier involved to be held accountable” he said.
Ojukwu said, this is not an isolated incident, and the NHRC will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary steps to ensure that human rights are protected and promoted in Nigeria.
He therefore, urged the authorities to take concrete measures to address the systemic issues leading to these violations.
“The authorities should ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the ambit of the law and respect human rights.”
While commiserating with the family of Isma’il Muhammad, Ojukwu said the Commission will leave no stone unturned in investigating this killing and several other violations that took place during the protest.
Recall that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has ordered for the arrest of the soldier who accidentally killed Mohammed.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement explained the cause of death of the teenager.
He added that the soldier involved has since been arrested and undergoing interrogation.
NHRC demands thorough investigation into killing of 16-year-old by soldier in Kaduna