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Kwara assembly passes N509.8bn supplementary budget 

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The Kwara State House of Assembly, on Thursday, approved the Supplementary Appropriation Budget of NN509.8bn for the state government.

The budget was considered, approved, and presented by the Committee of Supply during the Thursday plenary.

While laying the report, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Arinola Lawal, representing Ilorin East Constituency, explained that the budget would be used for capital projects and completion of ongoing and new infrastructures across the state.

Lawal, however, urged her colleagues in the Assembly to support the passage of the supplementary budget for the development of the state.

The Speaker, Yakubu Danlad-Salihu thereafter announced the passage of the supplementary budget after the majority of the lawmakers supported it through a voice vote.

He then directed the Clerk of the Assembly to prepare a clean copy of the bill for the governor’s assent.

Recall that the state governor, Abdul Rahman AbdulRazaq, on July 23, 2024, forwarded a bill seeking the revised Supplementary Estimate of the state by N201 billion to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Though the governor did not state the reason for the supplementary budget in his letter to the assembly, the motive, it was gathered might not be unconnected with the recent approval of the new minimum wage of N70,000 recently by the Federal Government.

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Taraba gov vows support for SMEs, unveils cattle market

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The Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, on Thursday reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the state.

Kefas stated this while commissioning the Kefas-Aminu Cattle Market in Bubbling Ward, Zing Local Government.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Alkali, the governor applauded the crucial role of SMEs in boosting revenue and reducing unemployment.

He commended the Zing Local Government Council Chairman, Davoro Gwandis, for his dedication to operationalising the cattle market, emphasising its alignment with the state’s economic growth strategy.

The governor assured that adequate security measures would be put in place to safeguard the market, given its strategic importance and encouraged the residents of Zing LG to take ownership of the market for its sustainability.

“To recognise the potential of this market and enhance internally generated revenue, I will support the market with a sum of Ten million Naira.

“To the youths and women, I urge you to utilise the market as a platform for engaging in legitimate business activities, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment,” the Governor said.

Davoro in his remarks thanked the past council chairmen for conceptualising the idea of a market in the area.

Davoro said the market has the potential to generate employment, stimulate economic prosperity, and boost commercial activities and called on the people to sustain the market.

The chairman appealed to the state government to build a perimeter fence, and provide a livestock clinic, a modern police outpost, and potable water for the market.

This is even as he commended the Deputy Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, and Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change Hon. Aisha Barde for their roles in the commissioning of the market.

Fintiri faults National Hajj Commission’s handling of state pilgrims

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Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has questioned the way the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, handles its operations as they involve state authorities.
The governor said on Thursday that NAHCON, for instance, allocated airlines to state Hajj contingents during the last Hajj operations without giving the states a choice.
Speaking while receiving a report of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in the state, Fintiri, who similarly punched holes in how NAHCON handled accommodation in the holy land, said the state governors would in the future resist such arbitrary decisions of NAHCON.
The state 2024 Independent Post-Hajj report was submitted to the governor by the State Amirul Hajj team and the management of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission in his office on Thursday.

Governor Fintiri, who commended the state Hajj team for doing a good job on their part, reassured that Hajj exercises will continue to be better because the government supports the Hajj Commission.
The state deputy Amirul Hajj, Prof. Abdullahi Liman Tukur, who presented the report, said it provides the government with enough perspective on the hajj exercise to strengthen the operations of the state Pilgrims Commission and hajj exercises.
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission, Malam Abubakar Sadiq, said the 2024 Hajj exercise was a great success, adding that as a board, it keeps improving on its shortcomings from year to year.
Fintiri faults National Hajj Commission’s handling of state pilgrims

LAUTECH announces two new deputy vice-chancellors

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The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, announced the appointment of two professors as Deputy Vice-Chancellors on Thursday.

A statement by the Deputy Registrar of Public Relations, Olalekan Fadeyi, in Ibadan, the state capital, revealed that the new Deputy Vice-Chancellors are the immediate past Chairman of the Committee of Provosts and Deans, Adepoju Ogunkunle (Strategy and Development), and Dauda Araromi (Academics and Innovations), respectively.

Fadeyi stated, “Two Professors at LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Nigeria, have been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellors for the esteemed institution.

“The appointments were made following a Senate meeting held earlier today (Thursday) at the A. M. Salau Senate Building on the University’s Main Campus in Ogbomoso.

“This marks the first time that LAUTECH has appointed more than one Deputy Vice-Chancellor simultaneously.

“Observers of the University’s affairs believe that the recent appointments are aimed at bolstering the Vice-Chancellor’s efforts to drive significant development at the leading university,” he added.

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‘I have no murder case on my neck,’ Doguwa replies Jibrin

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The member of the House of Representatives for Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency of Kano State, Alhassan Doguwa, declared on Thursday there was no murder case hanging on his neck.
The lawmaker was reacting to a murder allegation against him by his colleague from Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State, Abdulmumini Jibrin.
The two lawmakers have been at a loggerhead lately and exchanged angry words in public.
Jubrin on Tuesday insisted that he helped Doguwa to secure the majority whip in the House in 2019.
He also insisted that his rival cannot win a credible election in the state.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, Doguwa argued that a court had dismissed the charges and set him free.
He said: “Let me say categorically that as of today. I, Doguwa, am not standing before any court of law in Nigeria for an alleged murder, a culpable homicide.”
He added that there was equally no case against him for any politically instigated violence contrary to claim in some quarters.
“I went through virtually all criminal investigations and judicial considerations at various levels and came out clean and victoriously innocent.
“Copies of such rigorous police investigations conducted by the highest police investigation authority in the land, the Force Criminal Investigation Department, are available for public scrutiny,” the lawmaker added.
He insisted that his political enemies within and outside his constituency had failed in their plots to get him indicted for what he had not committed.
“For the information of Jibrin and his partners, it was based on the police clearance that the Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice in Kano State acted and issued advice that exonerated me.
“I was exonerated from the alleged criminal charges,” he stated.
Doguwa said the crisis in his constituency was fabricated to destroy his political ambition.
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Arik resumes operations after NAMA grounding 

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Arik Air said it has resumed operations barely eight days after one of its aircraft was grounded by the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency.

The grounding of Arik aircraft followed the inability of the founder of the airline, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, to repay a $2.5m debt he owed a billionaire businessman, Arthur Eze.

This development immediately caused the airline to halt its operations.

The resumption of the airline was made known through a statement signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu (in receivership) on Thursday.

The statement noted that the pause of its operation did not derail the airline’s commitment to the safety of the flying passengers.

The statement read, “ Arik Air is excited to announce that we have today, August 8, 2024, resumed our flight operations. During our brief pause, we have been dedicated to ensuring a smooth and seamless return to service, preparing to welcome you back on board with the comfort and reliability you expect from us.

“Our entire team has been working tirelessly to enhance your travel experience. From our friendly ground staff to our attentive flight crews, everyone at Arik Air is ready and eager to serve you once again.

“Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, you can rely on Arik Air to get you to your destination smoothly and comfortably. We extend our gratitude to all the stakeholders who played a crucial role in resolving the recent impasse. Your support and cooperation have been instrumental in our return to the skies.”

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Treat those with ill-gotten wealth as criminals – Delta CP Abaniwonda to Nigerians

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Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has called for the arrest of people flaunting unexplainable wealth and to treat them as common criminals.
He made the call through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe while speaking as a special guest on a radio program in the state.
He said insecurity in Nigeria will be drastically reduced if those involved are avoided by members of society and are reported to law enforcement agencies for arrest and prosecution.
Abaniwonda decried the new trend wherein some parents and unpatriotic citizens celebrate and endorse the social status of criminal elements flaunting unexplainable wealth.
According to him, this was and still is one of the major reasons why crime and insecurity are consistently on the rise in Nigeria, and in underdeveloped and developing countries of the world.
He disclosed that advance fee fraud, looting of public funds, and kidnapping for ransom, among other forms of criminality, are responsible for high cases of insecurity, occasioned by the increasing urge by young people to “make money” through dubious and life-threatening ways and means.
The CP said the state police command will continue to ensure the protection of life and property across the three senatorial districts, adding that in recent times the command recovered several arms and ammunition which included; AK 47 and AK 49 rifles from criminal gangs operating in different parts of the state.
He assured that Delta State will continue to enjoy a good measure of peace and security while urging insecurity alarmists on social media platforms to always back their allegations with verifiable information and data where available to assist the police and other sister security agencies to do their job better and in real-time.
“Crime fighting is a joint responsibility of law enforcement agencies and the citizens through credible information gathering and sharing, genuine crime alerts, arrest and prosecution of criminal elements among us.
“One of the reasons for the high rate of criminality and insecurity is the new trend wherein some parents and unpatriotic citizens endorse and celebrate ill-gotten wealth or unexplainable riches flaunted by criminal elements,” he said.
Treat those with ill-gotten wealth as criminals – Delta CP Abaniwonda to Nigerians

Plateau equips security agencies with 100 motorcycles for farmer protection

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The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, on Thursday, distributed 100 military-grade motorcycles to security agencies in the state.

During the handover ceremony at the Government House in Jos, the governor stated that the initiative aims to enable security personnel to patrol troubled communities and safeguard farmers and their crops across the state.

The governor emphasised that the motorcycles are specifically for accessing rural areas with difficult terrain, often inaccessible by car, to address security challenges.
He said that the motorcycles are not to be seen in urban areas but are strictly for rural patrols.

He noted that his administration has made significant investments in technology to tackle the security situation in the state and promised that more logistical support would be provided to the security agencies, whom he praised for their commendable work in the state.

He said, “We have invested substantial resources in technology, and we now have the capacity to monitor every nook and cranny of Plateau State. Our goal is to prepare the ground for effective responses, considering our terrain is full of plateaus, where vehicles and even ordinary motorcycles cannot go.

“This first batch of motorcycles will be used for round-the-clock surveillance to ensure our security forces provide protection for our farmers. We are focusing initially on areas under threat, including parts of the Central and Northern Zones.

“Let me emphasise this: the Chief Security Officer to the Governor is authorised to seize any of these motorcycles if they are found in towns. They are meant for rural areas, not for city riding. We want the motorcycles to be properly deployed to where they are needed, not for personal use but for collective benefit. This is just the beginning.”

The Secretary to the Government of Plateau State, Arch Samuel Jatau, earlier explained that the 100 military-grade motorcycles would be distributed among various security agencies for patrol across the state.

He said, “Thirty of the motorcycles are allocated to the military, along with 130 raincoats and 130 rain boots. The Nigerian Police Force will receive five motorcycles, 130 raincoats, and 130 rain boots. NSCDC will receive 30 motorcycles, 60 raincoats, and 60 rain boots. DSS will receive five motorcycles, 20 raincoats, and 20 rain boots.

Operation Rainbow will receive five motorcycles, 50 raincoats, and 50 rain boots.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service will receive three motorcycles, 20 raincoats, and 20 rain boots. NDLEA will receive 10 raincoats and 10 rain boots. The Federal Road Safety Corps will receive 20 raincoats and 20 rain boots.

“Nigerian Correctional Service will receive 10 raincoats and 10 rain boots. VGN Mangu will receive nine motorcycles, 20 raincoats, and 20 rain boots. VGN Bokkos will receive nine motorcycles, 20 raincoats, and 20 rain boots. VGN Bassa will receive two motorcycles, 10 raincoats, and 10 rain boots.”

The Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Plateau State Command, Mr Alexander Barunde, assured the state government that the motorcycles would be used appropriately for their intended purpose, adding that farmers can now sleep soundly.

Army busts oil thieves, recovers 200,000 litres stolen crude in Rivers, Bayelsa

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The Nigerian Army 6 Division said its troops uncovered massive dumps where illegally refined products worth over 200,000 litres across various locations were stored in Bayelsa and Rivers States.

This came 24 hours after the Army destroyed several illegal oil refining sites and recovered products in Members, Bayelsa State and Odagwa in Etche local government area of the Rivers State.

On the latest discovery, the Army said it was made at Dasaba Creek in Bayelsa State, where an illegal refining site, one oven, and a massive metal reservoir containing products suspected to be stolen crude oil estimated at over 110,000 litres were uncovered.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Jonah Danjuma, and sent to newsmen.

The statement added, “In Rivers State, troops swooped on over 33,000 litres being siphoned into a tank.

“The operation was painstakingly conducted by troops, who traced an interconnected hose to a tank from the Indorama (Eleme Petrochemicals) pipeline, far behind the fence in the bush.

“Several items were also recovered from the sites. These include two pumping machines, a long hose, and eleven drums used to perpetrate criminality in the general area.

“Relatedly, troops of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, while on routine patrols, successfully intercepted trucks ladened with products suspected to be stolen crude in Delta State.

“The arrest was made at SEPLAT Energy Nigeria Ltd trunkline, Mosogar. During the operation, the truck was discovered to have over 30000 litres of stolen products. The trucks have been handled in line with the subsisting mandate of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta Region.

“Similarly, troops of 16 Brigade, Nigerian Army, intercepted a truck with Reg No Delta UDH 983 XR along road Elebele-Emeyal in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

“The truck was also ladened with over 30000 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude.

“Also, troops deployed at Cawthorne Channel 1, in conjunction with other security agencies, successfully deactivated one illegal refining site with over 5500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude.

“The site was located close to Well Head 8, behind Glisten Community in Degema LGA, Rivers State.”

The Army 6 Division spokesman said the breakthroughs recorded were in addition to other seizures made within the general area.

The statement added, “Four suspects have so far been arrested along Udoni Obiafu in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“The suspects are, Freedom Effiong, Behaviour Power, Timothy Onyebuchi, and Lovetg Ifeanyi. They will be handed over to the relevant agencies for prosecution.

“These feats are results of the renewed effort by troops to effectively clamp down on economic saboteurs and their collaborators.

“Accordingly, members of the public are please enjoined to provide actionable intelligence on the activities of these economic saboteurs in their vicinity to security agencies.”

NAF destroys Boko Haram bomb factory, kills terrorists in Borno air raid

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The air component of Operation Hadin Kai has destroyed suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory in Grazah, Mandara Mountains of Borno State.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri.
He said two gun trucks were also destroyed while several terrorists were killed in operation carried out on August 2.
The operation, according to him, was in response to intelligence reports of a possible IED factory and logistics storage area in the location.
Gabkwet said that the factory was believed to have been relocated from Gwoza to Timbuktu Triangle in Sambisa forest and finally to Grazah in the Mandara hills.
He added that the location had been under surveillance for weeks with various installations and armed terrorist activities observed.
The spokesman said: “The operation is part of the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai’s mandate to combat recent attacks on innocent civilians in Borno, using IEDs and suicide bombers.
“The NAF has assured that the combined efforts of the entire security apparatus of Operation Hadin Kai will continue to target and destroy terrorist enclaves and logistics.”
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