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Adeleke to unveil youth empowerment programme

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has said a youth empowerment scheme of his administration called Imole Youth Corps, would soon be unveiled.

Adeleke, who spoke on Tuesday at the stakeholders meeting of the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, also revealed that the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest which started a few days ago has ended in the state after a government delegation met and addressed the protesters.

He promised that the demands of the protesters would be submitted to President Bola Tinubu.

“I assure you, your government is working to deliver on our electoral promises. More good things are coming. Your government is doing a lot to bring relief to our people.

“We just paid bursary to students. We have disbursed almost N4 billion to cooperative bodies in Osun. We are building several roads and bridges. We just paid almost N2 billion for half salary and cooperative deductions; We are renovating health centres and educational facilities. We will soon announce the take-off of Imole Youth Corps; new teachers will soon be announced,” the governor said

Speaking earlier on the affairs of the ruling party, Adeleke appealed to the PDP members to remain united and never allow their issues to degenerate, adding that the party must remain one united family.

He added, “My only appeal to us is that we must remain united. We should never allow our issues to degenerate. We must remain one united family. We all know that this local government election is key for our 2026 governorship election. We must not allow personal interest to supersede the general interest of the party.

“I ask us to remember that we have a wounded opposition that is desperately seeking to destroy the state. We should not give them ammunition to use against us. We must ensure party discipline. We must abide by the decisions of the party leadership. That is the way to strengthen the party and enhance our chance to win elections.”

Addressing party members earlier on the forthcoming local government elections, the state chairman of the party, Sunday Bisi, noted that there would be no imposition of candidates adding the party will only release guidelines for each local government to go and elect candidates of their choice.

“Let me take this opportunity to tell you all that there will be no imposition of candidates. We have issued guidelines for each local government to go and decide who their candidates will be. I can assure you that our resolve as a party is to give a level playing ground to every member of the party who is interested in being either chairman or councillor.

“Let me however advise you all that issues of our party should not be taken to your social media pages and henceforth we will begin to monitor and may sanction any party member who fails to comply,” he said.

Reps declare support for Aiyedatiwa

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Barely three months to the governorship election in Ondo State, eight out of nine members of the House of Representatives from the state have declared their support for the state governor and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Strategic Communications, Mr Allen Sowore, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the eight APC members of the House of Representatives are, Mr Timehin Adelegbe ( Owo/Ose Federal Constituency), Derin Adesida, ( Akure North /Akure South Federal Constituency), Abiola Makinde ( Ondo East/Ondo West Federal Constituency), Jimi Odimayo ( Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency), Donald Ojogo ( Ilaje/Ese Odo Federal Constituency), Gboyega Adefarati ( Akoko South-West/Akoko South-East Federal Constituency), Ife Ehindero ( Akoko North-West/ Akoko North-East Federal Constituency) and Festus Adefiranye (Ile-Oluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency).

The statement said that the federal lawmakers, under the auspices of the Ondo State APC Caucus in the House of Representatives, vowed to work tirelessly to ensure the party’s success in the forthcoming governorship election.

The statement read, “On Monday, August 5, 2024, members of the pledged their full support for Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa. The eight caucus members have resolved to put the issues of the last primary election behind them and unite behind the governor to ensure victory in the governorship election.

“During a courtesy visit to the governor at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House in Akure, the state capital, four members of the caucus were present, but the other four who were absent sent their words of support and assurance to the governor.”

The leader of the group, Mr Timehin Adelegbe, said the visit was intended to dispel any doubts about the National Assembly members’ support for the governor in the upcoming election. He noted that the APC caucus members had resolved to mobilize grassroots support and votes for Governor Aiyedatiwa to ensure a landslide victory.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the APC in the state, Mr Ade Adetimehin, commended the House of Representatives members for their prompt and respectful declaration of support for the governor in the upcoming election, saying the development would further promote unity and strengthen the party in the state ahead of the November governorship election.

In response, Aiyedatiwa thanked the lawmakers for their visit and support, saying it was a testament to their loyalty to the APC.

“Even though I have emerged as the party’s flagbearer, remember that the ballot will bear the APC name, not just mine. This is the APC’s election, and we must work collectively to achieve victory. You are the leaders and representatives of our people, and your support is invaluable. With all of you on our side, we are assured that the victory of our party is secured,” Aiyedatiwa lauded.

According Online reports that the APC lawmakers in the House of Representatives, loyal to the late governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, have called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Governor Aiyedatiwa, over alleged disrespect for the late governor.

In an open letter addressed to the President and signed by six lawmakers comprising Adesida Abiodun (Akure North/South), Timehin Adelegbe (Owo/Ose), Festus Ayodele (Ileoluji- Okeigbo/Odigbo), Ojogo Kimikanboh(Ilaje/ Ese- Odo), Odimayo John (Okitipupa/Irele) and Adegboyega Adefarati (Akoko South West/ South East) Federal Constituencies, the lawmakers warned of dire consequences for the APC if Governor Aiyedatiwa does not retrace his steps.

The leader of the caucus, Adesida, called on Tinubu to wade into the matter and save the face of the ruling party, particularly ahead of the governorship election coming up on November 16.

Ogun plans law on electricity generation, distribution

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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has sent a bill to the State House of Assembly seeking to establish a legal framework for the electricity market in the state.

The bill, which is in compliance with the Electricity Act 2023, will allow the state to have its independent electricity regulatory commission after the approval of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

It will also allow the state to generate, transmit and distribute electricity while granting licences to investors within the state.

Abiodun’s letter addressed to the assembly through the office of the Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide, was read at the plenary on Tuesday.

He said the bill seeks a law to improve electricity generation, transmission and distribution within the state, establish an electricity market and key power sector bodies, enforce consumer rights and obligations and for other connected purposes.

The governor noted that the bill is necessitated by the Passage of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to provide a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the power sector in the areas of generation, transmission, distribution, trading and enforcement of consumer rights and obligations amongst others.

He added that the bill was approved by the State Executive Council at its meeting on August 1.

“I am pleased to forward the bill through your good self, to the House of Assembly, for due consideration and passage into law.

“The bill, which was approved at the Executive Council meeting held on August 1 2024, is necessitated by the passage of the Electricity Act 2023, which empowers states to provide a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the power sector in the areas of generation, transmission, distribution, trading and enforcement of consumer rights and obligations amongst others,” the governor said in the letter.

The According reports that more states have applied to set up their electricity markets and are awaiting the approval of the NERC.

States like Enugu, Ondo, Ekiti, Imo, and Oyo have gotten the NERC’s nod to have separate electricity regulatory bodies.

Troops capture Boko Haram commanders in North-East

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The troops of the Nigerian Army have capture two suspected Boko Haram commanders and arrested two logistic suppliers in the North-East.
The army in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday said the troops also rescued kidnap victims from various locations and recovered looted items from hoodlums posing as protesters.
The force added that 50 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in the region.
The post read: “The troops had on August 4 while acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the two terrorists’ commanders, who infiltrated the Damasak Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno.
“The suspects, Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman, who claimed to be visiting their families in the camp have previously, led attacks on troops in the area.
“The troops also apprehended two suspected Boko Haram logistic suppliers, Malam Mustapha Ismaila (49) and Abdulmudalabi Haruna (30) and rescued two minors during the operations.
“Meanwhile, 50 Boko Haram suspects and their families have surrendered to troops stationed in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa Local Government Areas.
“The surrendering came at the heels of up scaled operations against the terrorists.”
The post Troops capture Boko Haram commanders in North-East appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

US stocks rebound after three days of losses

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Wall Street stocks rebounded on Tuesday after three straight days of losses, with analysts pointing to bargain hunting and US bond markets bouncing.

The gains in New York also followed a quieter day in most overseas stock markets and came as Caterpillar and Uber reported solid earnings, lifting shares of both companies.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll get some stability back,” said Jack Ablin of Cresset Capital, adding that there could still be “a little more downside risks to the market.”

The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up 0.8 per cent at 38,997.66.

The broad-based S&P 500 gained 1.0 per cent to 5,240.03, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index also advanced 1.0 per cent to 16,366.85.

Major indices fell more than 2.5 per cent on Monday in a move seen as a reflection of worries about a US recession following Friday’s disappointing jobs data.

Market watchers have also pointed to ripple effects from Japan’s decision last week to hike interest rates, which boosted the yen and have led to liquidations in other markets.

The Nikkei, which slumped 12.4 per cent on Monday, jumped 10.2 per cent on Tuesday.

The reversal in the US equity market came as US Treasury bond yields climbed and as a closely-watched volatility index retreated.

Among individual companies, Caterpillar gained 3.0 per cent after reporting better-than-expected profits as strong pricing offset the hit from lower revenues.

Uber surged 10.9 per cent as it reported higher profits on a 16-per cent rise in revenues to $10.7 billion. Company officials pointed to strong demand from frequent users.

AFP

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Falana urges vigilance against threats to democratic process

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has condemned efforts to incite chaos in the country following the #EndBadGovernance protests.

During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Falana stressed that Nigeria must prevent individuals from disrupting its democratic process.

Many Nigerians are struggling with severe economic difficulties, making it hard to afford basic necessities. This widespread hardship has contributed to growing public dissatisfaction.

In response, youths began protests on August 1st, calling for an end to hunger and poor governance. The #EndBadGovernance protests are aimed at reversing detrimental government policies.

In some northern states, such as Kaduna, Katisna, and Kano, protesters have waved Russian flags and called for military intervention. The protests, expected to last 10 days, have turned violent in most states, with casualties reported.

He stated “Some of us were also involved in the struggle for the democratisation, as it was of a number of African countries who were involved in the struggle against apartheid in the struggle against colonialism in the Southern African region.

“Currently, I’m personally involved in the campaign against the colonisation of Western Sahara by Morocco. So to that extent, we cannot fold our arms and allow undemocratic forces to undermine the democratic process.

“We are bound to have a peaceful protest. We are bound to disagree with those who are in power. We are bound to condemn the denial of the dividends of democracy to our people. But peaceful protests should not be allowed to degenerate into a situation whereby forces of repression will take advantage to begin to demand an unconstitutional change of government or campaign for military rule in one form or the other.”

He acknowledged that the country is dealing with issues that may have sparked the protests.

However, Falana emphasised, “We must not allow enemies of democracy to delay the democratic process.”

He continued “We have had uninterrupted civil rule for 25 years. So, you can imagine that those who are 40 years now, were probably 15 when the military was forced out of power.

“So, for those who are under 40 in Nigeria – and the majority are – they have not been told, they have not been taught in any school what Nigerians went through under all manners of military dictators ditto for the Civil War because the issue of the Civil War has not been taught in our schools. Many young people are calling for a war in many parts of the country. So, I think a lot of lessons should be drawn from this experience.”

Lagos protesters declare three-day mourning 

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The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Organising Committee, Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State, has declared three days of mourning in honour of those killed across the country during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest.

After a closed-door organisers’ meeting on Tuesday, the organising committee, issued a statement jointly signed by Hassan Soweto, Ayoyinka Oni and Oloye Adeniji to declare the three days of mourning scheduled to commence on Wednesday, August 7, with an X Space and end on Friday, August 9, 2024, with a public symposium and candlelight procession.

The committee urged all Nigerians and youths who support the struggle against hunger and hardship to do everything they can on a personal level to observe these three days of mourning, which may include wearing black attires as they go out, putting up graphics of the movement on their social media profiles, as well as other individual acts to show solidarity with our fallen heroes.

The statement read, “We also encourage them to join collective actions, such as the X Space happening tomorrow, as well as the public symposium and candlelight procession on Friday, which will mark a grand finale.

“Our decision to take this course of action is motivated by two things: first, the Lagos State Government and the Commissioner of Police have made it clear over the course of the past five days that despite assurances to the contrary, they are not in any way prepared to guarantee the right of peaceful protesters to assemble freely without molestation.

“This explains why, at any slight opportunity, the police at Ojota, as well as at Alausa, have surreptitiously allowed state-sponsored thugs to attack our members and injure them. This happened yet again on Monday, 5 August 2024, as the protest closed officially when a band of thugs armed with various weapons descended on peaceful protesters under the watchful eyes of the police.

“The same thing happened earlier in the day at Alausa, Ikeja. In both incidents, not only did the police not stop the thugs, but police officers also actually participated actively in dispossessing our attacked members of their mobile phones and valuables.”

According to the organising committee, this was only the latest in a permanent cycle of low-scale yet scary violent attacks against protesters once a little chance presents itself.

“In fact, given how persistent the attacks have been, we have no choice but to believe that the police and the thugs are working together to muzzle our voices. This has made Ojota unsafe for peaceful protesters hence our decision to re-strategise and consider other forms of engagement to keep our struggle alive until day 10.

“We hereby condemn these unprovoked attacks on peaceful protesters and law-abiding Nigerians. We demand a public apology from the police as well as the return of all mobile phones and other valuables stolen from our people by the same police meant to protect them.

“The second reason we have taken this course of action is that we have seen quite clearly that President Tinubu is on a mission to divide this country and set it aflame just so that he can continue to keep himself and the corrupt privileged clique around him in power.

“This explains the heavy-handed and disproportionate killings of protesters in the North and other parts of the country. At least over 40 protesters, mostly our Northern brothers and sisters, have been killed while hundreds have been arrested and detained over the course of the past few days,” the statement added.

It stated that the organising committee is demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the National Coordinator of the Youth Rights Campaign, Adaramoye Michael Lenin, Babatunde Oluajo and other protesters arrested across the country.

“We stand opposed to the senseless killings of our brothers and sisters for daring to protest hunger and hardship. These three days of mourning are to demonstrate that we shall continue to stand with our siblings from all parts of the country in this dark hour, and together with them, we shall fight for justice for those who have been killed and for an end to all forms of bad governance in this country.

“To this extent, we demand the immediate sack of the Inspector General of Police and the setting up of a democratically constituted public probe into the killings, wanton destruction and violence in various parts of the country during the course of the protest.

“Even in war, warring parties have a right to mourn and bury their dead. We, therefore, ask the Commissioner of Police in Lagos state to respect our rights as citizens to mourn our dead even as we continue to demand answers from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over our various demands, which remain unmet today.

“Finally, we hold that any group of protesters have the right to continue to engage peacefully on the street to drive home the demands of our collective struggle,” the statement added.

 

 

 

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Northern groups condemn hijack of #EndBadGovernance protest

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The Coalition of Northern Groups, on Tuesday, condemned the hijacking of peaceful protests by miscreants, leading to widespread violence, maiming, killings, and arson in Kaduna State.

In a statement issued by its chapter coordinator, Sa’adu Bako, the CNG expressed sadness over the unfortunate turn of events, which had resulted in the loss of lives and property.

The group sympathized with the families of those affected and called on the Kaduna state government to address the root causes of the protests, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

The CNG described the situation as a “ticking time bomb” and urged the government to take immediate action to prevent further escalation.

They emphasized that the destruction of properties and physical harm to innocent citizens is not a solution to the problems facing the nation.

The group also highlighted the challenge of out-of-school children in Kaduna, who are susceptible to recruitment by politicians with questionable motives into violent demonstrations.

The CNG called on parents and communities to take responsibility for building a decent society by instilling high moral standards in their children.

They also advocated for societal reorientation to promote brotherhood, respect for authority, and the rule of law.

The group urged the government to prioritize genuine investment in education, particularly primary and secondary schools, and to establish skills acquisition centres to train youngsters in practical problem-solving skills.

The statement reads, “CNG is saddened by the unfortunate hijack of the peaceful protests that people embarked on to express their concerns and feelings, as is the case in any democratic culture by the agent of darkness.

“We sympathise with the people of Kaduna State who have lost loved ones to the senseless violence that trailed the protests. Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by this unnecessary bloodshed, arson, and physical attacks.

“The CNG is disturbed that the protest that was intended to be a simple instrument of expression of peoples’ frustration and a cry for help has been sadly hijacked by groups and individuals with dangerous motives, particularly against Kaduna State and Northern Nigeria.

“The sight of young boys deeply engrossed in the idea of the protest and breaking into shops and offices is a stark reminder of the challenge of out-of-school children in Kaduna, who are susceptible to recruitment by politicians with questionable motives into violent demonstrations.

“This is a ticking time bomb that requires urgent attention. We therefore condemn in the strongest terms the violent attacks against security agents and innocent civilians alike in the guise of protest.”

The group called on the federal government and citizens to work together to address the underlying issues driving the protests and to prevent further violence and destruction.

It added, “This is not what protests are meant to achieve. People must remember that arson and destruction of properties can never replace constructive engagements but can only waste away their commonwealth through repairs and reconstruction.

“We are calling on the Kaduna State government to re-strategize and prioritise genuine investment in education, particularly primary and secondary schools, which provide the basis for further educational advancement.

“This must be consolidated with the establishment of skills acquisition centres that train youngsters on practical problem-solving skills that would contribute to addressing our societal challenges while earning a living and being responsible.”

Protest: Bauchi relaxes curfew in Katagum LGA

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Bauchi’s governor, Bala Mohammed, has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on Katagum Local Government Area of the state due to escalating security concerns.
The curfew has been relaxed to 12 hours, effective from 6 pm to 6 am daily.
The decision followed a comprehensive review conducted in collaboration with security agencies, which indicated a gradual return to normalcy in the area.
Mohammed approved the adjustment in the curfew hour in a statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim.
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to restoring stability while balancing the needs and safety of the residents.
The governor urged residents of Katagum to adhere to the new curfew hours and support ongoing efforts to maintain security and order in the community.
TVN recalls that the state government had declared a 24-hour curfew in Katagum yesterday following the escalation of the crisis in Azare, headquarters of Katagum, where hoodlums took advantage of the protest to vandalise the Government House Annex and house of a former deputy governor of the state, and also broke shops and looted properties.
Protest: Bauchi relaxes curfew in Katagum LGA

Tinubu appoints new heads for seven agencies, programmes

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President Bola Tinubu has seven persons to head strategic agencies and programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the appointments would facilitate the needed relief to Nigerians and ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programmes.
The president appointed Dr. Badamasi Lawal as Chief Executive Officer, National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).
Lawal holds a doctorate degree in education, and he previously served as a commissioner in Katsina State.
Ms. Funmilola Olotu was appointed Programme Manager, National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office.
Olotu holds a master’s degree in business administration, and she is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State on state lotteries.
Also, Ms. Aishat Alubankudi was appointed Programme Manager, Grant for Vulnerable Groups while Princess Aderemi Adebowale will serve as Programme Manager, Home Grown School Feeding.
Adebowale, who holds a doctorate degree, is the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Civic Engagement and previously served as a local government chairperson.
Mr. Abdullahi Alhassan Imam was appointed Programme Manager, National Cash Transfer Office and Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for People with Disabilities.
Ms. Lami Binta Adamu Bello was appointed Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
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