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Abiodun orders refund of recruitment fees to applicants

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Abiodun orders refund of recruitment fees to applicants

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has directed the chairman of the state civil service commission to refund all administrative fees currently being charged in relation to the ongoing recruitment into the state’s civil service.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The governor directed the Civil Service Commission to refund all administrative fees, even though these are standard and historical fees that have been in place for decades.

“These fees are charged by the Civil Service Commission on behalf of third-party independent examiners who administer and supervise the Computer Based Test (CBT),” the government said.

The government said it acknowledges the current economic situation in the country had also taken into consideration the ultimate aim of the recruitment exercise.

“The aim is to alleviate the suffering of the citizens and create employment in the state.  This necessitates the directives to immediately refund fees paid along with a waiver for any new applications,” the government said.

NAN.

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Protest against Govt policies not peculiar to Nigeria – Ganduje

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Protest against Govt policies not peculiar to Nigeria – Ganduje

The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje, says challenges and protests against government policies are not peculiar to Nigeria.
Ganduje reacted to the ongoing protest on Wednesday in Abuja when he played host to some leaders of the party from the United States of America.
The APC national chairman, who said even developed economies have their challenges, assured that whatever challenges that were being faced in Nigeria currently, would soon be over.
“There is no doubt, as a developing country, even the so-called developed economies have their turbulence in one way or the other.
“So, it is not surprising that Nigeria is having its own share of the problem. This is not the first time.
“You will recall that whenever there is a reform agenda, obstacles must be on the way, as a result, people must suffer in one way or the other.
“But, in the long run, everything will be according to the plan,” Ganduje assured Nigerians.
He also emphasized that President Bola Tinubu came into power with the intention to introduce reforms that would secure the country’s future.
He explained that the country’s institutions were weak, adding that strong institutions were needed to implement whatever good policies the government had.
Ganduje stated that President Tinubu was doing all he needed to secure the country’s future in the interest of all.
He expressed optimism that in a matter of time, the country would come out from its current challenges because Tinubu was working very hard on the economy.
Ganduje, who said that positive results would be achieved soon, described the visit of the party’s U.S. leaders as historic and a day that would not be forgotten in a hurry.
Prof. Adesegun Ladejo, who led the delegation, said they were in the party’s secretariat to show support for its leadership and the Tinubu-led administration in spite of the challenges.
This, he said, was even with the discouragement they got from some Nigerians in the diaspora, adding that their visit was to also harmonise their relationship with the party’s national leadership.
“In spite of the discouragement, we insisted on coming, in the face of all the turmoil that they projected will happen or is happening,
“We are here to support our President and Ganduje, our party’s national chairman and our country’s leaders,” he said.
The delegation included Mr Oyakhilome Bello, APC U.S. National Youth Leader, Alhaji Sama’ila Maigyara, National Publicity Secretary and Alhaja Khirat Ajiboye, Deputy National Publicity Secretary.
Protest against Govt policies not peculiar to Nigeria – Ganduje

Tinubu video: President’s media team dysfunctional – Kalu Aja

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Tinubu video: President’s media team dysfunctional – Kalu Aja

Kalu Aja, a financial analyst and educator, has accused President Bola Tinubu’s media of being dysfunctional.
“The President’s Media team is dysfunctional,” Aja posted on X.
The statement followed a seemingly cold war between two of Tinubu’s media aides.
The disagreement is centered on a video posted on the President’s verified X page on Wednesday.
TVN reports that the President had in the video attached with a post urged Nigerians to be patient as they navigate through economic hardship, assuring that effort is being made to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.
A quick search earlier showed the message had initially been posted on the X page of O’tega Ogra, a Senior Special Assistant to the President.
Ogra uploaded the same video at 1:49 pm and wrote: “A Passionate Plea from President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT to all Nigerians.”
However, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, took to X, describing the video as an old video.
Onanuga said Tinubu has not made any other public statement since his last Sunday broadcast.
He wrote: “Trending video of President Tinubu is an old video
“A trending video of President Tinubu which came out on Wednesday is not a new video. It’s a clip from the broadcast he made last year.
“President Tinubu has not made any other public statement since his last broadcast on Sunday.”
Tinubu video: President’s media team dysfunctional – Kalu Aja

Protest: Abuja youths declare week of peace

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Protest: Abuja youths declare week of peace

The Abuja Residents Youth Association, ARYA, has declared a week of peace, beginning from August 11, to promote harmonious relationships among youths in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
The Association President, Mr Akoshile Mukhtar, who disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, distanced the association from the ongoing nationwide protest against hunger, hardship and bad government.
Mukhtar said that the measure was part of the association’s continued efforts toward promoting peace and unity in the FCT.
He explained that the association would hold various activities during the week, including a peace walk, peace talk, prayer sessions, and other events aimed at fostering harmony and understanding among the youths.
“These activities will provide an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on our shared goals, and strengthen our resolve to maintain peace in our city.
“The Week of Peace will serve as a powerful reminder of our commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Abuja.
“By participating in these events, we can show our solidarity and dedication to building a city that thrives on unity and cooperation.
“We will use the week to engage in meaningful dialogue, to pray for our city’s continued growth, and to walk together in a demonstration of our shared commitment to peace,” he said.
He commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for his proactive approach in addressing the grievances of the youth and initiating developmental strides that have transformed Abuja capital city.
He said under Wike’s leadership, the FCT was becoming a city that all Nigerians could be proud of.
Mukhtar added that since assuming office, Wike had demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering a more inclusive and progressive Abuja.
He explained that the minister’s initiatives have not only addressed immediate concerns but have also set the foundation for sustainable development.
According to him, Wike has renewed the hope and optimism of residents to a new Abuja that protects the interest of all.
Speaking on the ongoing protest, the president called on all youth of Abuja to embrace peace and dialogue, saying “Nigeria belongs to us all, and we must own it with a sense of responsibility.”
He described peace and dialogue as essential to achieve an inclusive governance that represented and served all citizens.
Mukhtar further urged all youth of Abuja, both residents and indigenous, to maintain the spirit of peaceful coexistence and provide the government with credible information.
This, according to him, will help shape policies that address needs and aspirations of the youths.
“We urge all youths to join hands with the government to ensure that Abuja remains a beacon of unity and progress,” he said.
Protest: Abuja youths declare week of peace

Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks ECOWAS Defence Chiefs on sustaining democracy

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Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks ECOWAS Defence Chiefs on sustaining democracy

The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, has tasked the Defence Chiefs of the 12 countries that are currently members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to ensure the sustenance of democracy within the subregion.
The membership of the Economic Community of West African States was previously constituted by 15 countries, which included: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
However, in 2024, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali announced their withdrawal from the bloc, following their suspension from ECOWAS due to military takeovers of their respective democratic governments.
Consequently, the development reduced the number of ECOWAS member states to 12.
Speaking at the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staffs, which was held in Abuja, at the Defence Headquarters, Senator Lawan commended the Defence Chiefs in attendance for ensuring the safety of member states.
He underscored the need for the respective parliaments to support ECOWAS through the approval and provision of resources needed to guarantee the security of countries in the West African subregion.
Senator Lawan, who currently Chairs the Senate Committee on Defence, further tasked the Defence Chiefs with working to ensure that democracy was returned to countries taken over by military regimes.
He said: “Let me state that we need to ensure that democracy continues to flourish in our subregion.
“We are challenged at this time by some of our countries that have gone out of democratic administrations. We must never get tired of doing whatever we need to do to ensure that democracy is returned to those countries.”
Senator Lawan, while thanking ECOWAS for re-electing President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the bloc at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, said that the National Assembly will continue to prioritise issues of security, as well as give its full support to all institutions of ECOWAS within its borders to reciprocate the support extended to Nigeria by member states.
“We, the Nigerian parliament, as always, represent our people in the ECOWAS Parliament and always place security at the front burner.
“We will always support the ECOWAS parliament on our part because we believe that our safety and security depend also on the resources available and approved by us for institutions like this.
“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank ECOWAS as a body for giving a second mandate to our dear President, Senator. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for an additional year.
“We believe that it is because of the trust that ECOWAS countries have in the president, that is why he has been given this.
“And for us as a parliament in Nigeria, we will continue to support Mr. President and, indeed, all institutions of ECOWAS within our borders, to ensure this one-year is done successfully,” Lawan said.
Ex-Senate President, Lawan tasks ECOWAS Defence Chiefs on sustaining democracy

Technology accelerating growth in Nigeria’s retail sector

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Technology accelerating growth in Nigeria’s retail sector

The Head of Innovation, Growth and Business Transformation at FoodCo, Funmi Aiyepeku, has described the brick-and-mortar retail segment as a critical pillar that will help sustain the Nigerian consumer goods market and drive significant growth in the economy.

 

She also said digitisation which was once seen as the biggest threat to physical stores, especially at the advent of the pandemic, has become one of the biggest allies accelerating growth in the sector.

 

According to a statement on Wednesday, the model will continue to be relevant given the quality assurance, credibility and opportunities for unique customer engagement it offers.

 

The brick-and-mortar retail segment refers to physical retail stores where consumers can shop in person, as opposed to online shopping or e-commerce.

 

This segment includes various types of retail outlets, such as department stores, speciality stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

 

She said, “An ancillary attribute of brick-and-mortar retail which many people overlook is its potential to stimulate macro-economic activities across the industry. This is as it feeds into several other sectors such as Real Estate, Construction and ICT.

 

“There is also the potential to create jobs at scale. For example, in just one FoodCo brand store, we have store managers, cashiers, sales assistants, ICT support, cleaners, security and inventory officers, among others.

 

“When you multiply this by the total number of brand stores and include corporate roles in Management, legal, and Human Resources, it stacks up to a significant investment in hiring and managing talent.:

 

Acknowledging the growing influence of e-commerce in retail, Aiyepeku stressed that digitisation has become a transformative tool that is also enabling brick-and-mortar retailers to drive scale, improve their processes and service delivery as well and open up new frontiers for growth.

 

She stated, “It is interesting that digitisation which was once seen as the biggest threat to physical stores, especially at the advent of the pandemic, has become one of the biggest allies accelerating growth in the sector. The deployment of technology in brick-and-mortar operations has given rise to the concept of ‘Phygital’, a hybrid model that allows customers to tap into the digital and offline experience to create a more robust and immersive shopping experience.

 

“This is particularly important given the emergence of a customer class that seeks a digital-enhanced interface with brands. So, a customer can begin their shopping by first going online to confirm what is available or compare prices, then come in-store for quality assurance and pick-up.”

Police warn cultists ahead of Osun Osogbo festival

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Police warn cultists ahead of Osun Osogbo festival

The Police in Osun State has revealed that it has credible intelligence that some group of cultists have earmarked August 8 as a day to celebrate cultism in the state.
This is as the Osun State Police Command warned cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to jettison the plan or any of such action as it is monitoring their activities.
The warning from the command is coming as preparations are on for the grand finale of the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival on Friday, August 9.
In a statement by the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba and issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Yemisi Opalola on Wednesday, the police assured that it had put in place adequate security mechanisms ahead of the festival.
“The Osun State Police Command in its efforts to ensure crime free society has put adequate security mechanisms in place ahead of this year’s Osun Osogbo festival.
“The annual festival will attract a lot of tourists and involve a series of traditional activities; the Command therefore wishes to assure the good people of the State and visitors that necessary security arrangements have been placed to ensure that the entire activities lined up for the festival are celebrated peacefully without any threat to law and order.
“In addition, the police command is also using this medium to notify the general public upon credible intelligence received that some group of Cultists are planning to mark August 8, 2024 to celebrate cultism.
“In view of this, the command therefore warns cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to jettison the plan or any of such action(s) forthwith as the command is earnestly monitoring their activities.
“Consequently, the Command in collaboration with other security agents and Civilian JTF will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that will endanger the peaceful atmosphere of the state, as the plan to mark 8/8 may lead to blood shedding and destruction of properties.
“It is however imperative to remind all parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards, warn them to be law abiding and eschew any act that is in contravention of any provisions of our law.
“The Command will not spare anyone who constitutes any threat to law and order,” it said.
The Osun State Police Command appealed to residents and members of the public to be vigilant and give prompt and actionable information in case of any infraction of the law.
Police warn cultists ahead of Osun Osogbo festival

430,000 Nigerians get UK visas in seven months

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430,000 Nigerians get UK visas in seven months

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, has revealed that the United Kingdom government has so far given no fewer than 430,000 visas to Nigerians seeking to study and relocate to the European nation in 2024.

Montgomery disclosed this during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja on Wednesday.

He also assured the Federal Government that there would be adequate security measures in place for Nigerians in the UK.

He noted that the UK remains a safe haven despite the ongoing unrest, highlighting the country’s diverse population.

He explained further that 60 special courts have been set up to “tackle criminal activities related to the unrest”.

Also speaking on security, Montgomery stated that 400 people have been arrested in connection with the violence, with the government actively pursuing justice against those inciting unrest through hatred and disinformation online.

On her part, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that no Nigerian casualties have been reported so far in the UK unrest.

She said NIDCOM “is in touch with the Nigerian High Commission in London and other diaspora groups, none of which have reported any incidents involving Nigerian nationals”.

She applauded the UK government for its swift actions, especially the arrests, advising Nigerians to remain safe and vigilant and adhere to the travel advisories issued by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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17 states yet to adopt Disability Act – Report

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17 states yet to adopt Disability Act – Report

A new report has shown that 17 out of 36 states in the country are yet to adopt the Disability Act as law.

The report was carried out by Agora Policy, a Nigerian think tank and non-profit organisation committed to finding practical solutions to urgent national challenges.

The organisation conducts policy research, facilitates frank and purposeful dialogue, and builds capacity for governance, policy, and advocacy.

This was even as stakeholders called on the government to address the disability data gaps and discrimination against People With Disabilities.

The Agora Policy report obtained by our correspondent stressed the need for the Federal Government to tackle these issues in Nigeria.

It noted, “The Disability Act has only been adopted in 19 out of the 36 states in Nigeria and, therefore, has the force of law in only those 19 states.”

The states that had domesticated the Act are Lagos, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, and Enugu.

The report lamented that the PWDs in the remaining 17 states are without legal protection from discrimination.

Last year, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities demanded that Nigerian states yet to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act should do so, four years after the law was passed at the national level.

The Executive Director of CCD, David Anyaele, said, “We are calling on Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Imo, Ogun, Osun, Katsina, Kebbi, Gombe, Rivers, Taraba, and Yobe governments to demonstrate that the lives of persons with disabilities matter by adopting the National Disability Law.”

According to the Agora Policy report, PWDs faced a high level of discrimination due to the widespread practice of “ableism”, a social prejudice against them based on the belief that physical abilities were superior.

To foster greater inclusion of PWDs, the report proposed several recommendations, including addressing data gaps, sensitisation, and knowledge building, mobilising states to adopt the Disability Act, promoting its implementation, and collaborating with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and Civil Society Organisations to develop an action plan.

It further detailed, “The National Bureau of Statistics and other critical stakeholders should address the data gap by ensuring robust disaggregation based on the number of PWDs per location, demographic distribution, type of disabilities, and specific needs.”

The report highlighted the need to promote the implementation of the Disability Act at all levels, noting that while the Act had several provisions to protect the rights of PWDs and imposed sanctions on offenders, cases of discrimination were rarely pursued.

Danjuma donates second girls’ hostel to UNIBEN

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Danjuma donates second girls’ hostel to UNIBEN

For the second time in 15 months, the family of a former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd), has donated an ultramodern girls hostel to the University of Benin.

 

In her remarks at the inauguration of the hostel on Wednesday, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Lilian Salami, said the edifice, named after the matriarch of the family, Daisy Danjuma, demonstrated a belief in girlchild and the development.

She said, “We are here to celebrate someone who is just marvellous. I say so with no reservation. How can someone sit in her quiet corner and continue to give, if not someone whom God has created to impact humanity? When we started with the first hostel, we just visited Daisy and General Theophilus Danjuma asked us what we wanted from the family.

“We said if they could give us a hostel, we would appreciate it, and we were promised one hostel, which was inaugurated by the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Saturday, April 29, 2023. When Daisy came to UNIBEN to  inaugurate the hostel, she said, ‘Why not give a second hostel?’ We thought it was a joke until the foundation laying came and we had it.

“Here again, celebrating Daisy’s 72nd birthday, and she promised to give us a third hostel. I am sure if this continues, by the time she reaches 90, God willing, we will probably have Senator Daisy Danjuma hostels everywhere in UNIBEN.”

The vice-chancellor expressed the hope that the family would grant the request of male students in the institution for a boys’ hostel.

In his address, the representative of the donor, Andy Ehanire, said the Danjuma family felt it owed the university more than the university owed them.

Ehanire commended the institution for singling out the former minister and his wife for honorary doctoral degrees.

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