The Niger State Government has set up a 13-man relief committee saddled with responsibility for the disbursement of N50 million to the families of victims of the mine pit collapse at Galadima Kogo in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state.
Inaugurating the committee, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman Gurara, said Governor Mọhammed Umar Bago has approved the release of N50 million for the families of victims.
According to him: “The N50 million earmarked for the disbursement has already been deposited in a designated bank account, waiting for the committee members to come up with a template or modalities for such payment to the beneficiaries.”
He explained that the terms of reference of the committee include identifying the victims who died, their next of kin, those who were wounded, as well as those who provided rescue operations for compensation for rendering humanitarian services during the incident.
” The committee is expected to also determine the mode of payment and any other additional information. They are expected to submit their report to the Niger State Government at the end of this all-important assignment,” Gurara said.
He also insisted that the ban on illegal mining throughout the state is still in force.
“Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has directed relevant ministries to profile the miners for easy identification before giving the go-ahead to continue,” he disclosed.
The chairman of the committee and Permanent Secretary General Services, Abubakar Sadik Idris, assured in his acceptance speech that probity and accountability will remain the watchwords of members as they discharge their duties.
Meanwhile, the district head of Galadima Kogo, Umar Aliyu, disclosed in his remarks that a total of 14 persons died, with 10 bodies recovered, eight persons rescued and several others injured.
The committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks to the state government.
Niger mine collapse: Victims, families to get N50m
Niger mine collapse: Victims, families to get N50m
Ofili finishes 6th as US Thomas wins women’s 200m gold
Nigerian athlete, Favour Ofili, on Tuesday, finished sixth in the final of the women’s 200 metres at the 2024 Paris Olympics taking place in France.
The 21-year-old finished dipped 22.24 seconds to finish 6th behind Gabrielle Thomas of the United States, who took the title after clocking 21.83 seconds.
While Saint Lucia’s Julien Alfred took the silver medal with 22.08 seconds, and USA’s Brittany Brown completed the podium.
Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith and Daryll Neita finished in fourth and fifth, respectively.
Ofili had qualified for the final with the third-best time overall in the semi-finals, but she was out-of-depth against her fellow finalists.
She became the first Nigerian to compete in the event’s final at the games since Mary Onyali did so in Atlanta ’96.
But Ofili was outraced in the showdown. Although she was off the block sharply after the gun, she faded as the race proceeded into the final 100m.
Her focus will now shift to the women’s 4×100 relay, billed to commence on Thursday.
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Ndume: He’ll be reinstated as Senate Chief Whip – Ganduje
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, said on Tuesday that the party will write to the Senate for reinstatement of Senator Ali Ndume as Chief Whip following his apology to the party.
Ganduje stated this in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with the controversial lawmaker over his latest vituperations against President Bola Tinubu that led to his removal by the Senate two weeks ago.
Ndume represents Borno South senatorial district and is a ranking member of the Senate, but found himself in stormy waters over his heavy criticism of President Tinubu’s policies.
A letter written to the Senate for the removal of Ndume as Chief Whip was signed by the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party which was read on the floor of the Senate by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Ndume was accordingly removed through voice vote.
Meanwhile, the development on Tuesday indicated the party’s resolve to allow Ndume to have a sigh of relief since he has apologised to the party, according to Ganduje.
Ganduje said: “We are quite satisfied with his apology. Like he said, we invited him and you know the party is the father of everybody.
“As a party, we are free to invite legislators, we are free to invite members of the executive, and we are even free to invite all the appointed party members in the government, so that is why we decided to come,” the former Kano State governor said.
Ganduje said the crisis Ndume was involved in is a family issue; hence, the party is going to write to the National Assembly to reinstate him.
“It is a family issue; we need to resolve it and we are writing to the National Assembly conveying what has transpired between Senator Ndume and the party, you know he apologised to the party and we will convey the same issue to the National Assembly, with the hope they can review their position.”
Ndume: He’ll be reinstated as Senate Chief Whip – Ganduje
Nassarawa ready to pay N70,000 minimum wage
The Nassarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has stated that it is ready to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the state.
The Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Abdullahi Sule on Public Affairs, Mr Peter Ahemba, stated this on Tuesday in Lafia when visited the office of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nasarawa State.
He said that the payment of the new minimum wage to civil servants would not only improve their welfare but would also boost their productivity.
The issue of N70,000 minimum wage is no longer news. President Ahmed Bola Tinubu had approved the payment of the said amount to workers.
“Gov. Abdullahi Sule administration is also ready to pay the N70,000 to civil servants in the state.
“The governor had made it clear that he is willing to pay the new minimum wage to civil servants in the state,” he said.
On the nationwide protest, the governor’s aide appealed to the people to end the protest and toe the path of dialogues peace giving the fact that some of their grievances were already being addressed by the government.
“The constitution has provided for citizens to exercise their feelings through peaceful protests. However, the government will not allow any form of criminality – looting of property in the guise of protest,” he said.
Ahemba noted that there was no massive protest in Nasarawa State as a result of Gov. Sule’s laudable policies and programmes geared towards addressing the hardship being faced by the people of the state.
He emphasised that dialogue remained the best means of resolving grievances not protest.
The SSA also said that Sule’s administration would continue to support efforts at provision of adequate power supply in the state in order to boost its industrialisation drive as well as socio-economic activities of the people.
He said that the state government had made giant strides in the development of infrastructure, adding that the ongoing construction of flyover and underpass in Lafia would ease traffic congestion in the metropolis and add to the aesthetics of the state capital.
NAN
Tinubu appoints new DG NAPTIP, six others
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of seven persons to head strategic agencies and programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday evening.
The statement was titled, “President Bola Tinubu appoints new heads of agencies and programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.”
The appointments include the naming of Lami Bello as the new Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
Ngelale stated that the appointments were aimed to “facilitate the needed relief to Nigerians and ensure the effectiveness of humanitarian and social development programmes, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of seven qualified Nigerians to head strategic agencies and programmes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.”
See the list of the new appointees and their offices below:
Chief Executive Officer, National Social Investment Programme Agency- Badamasi Lawal.
Programme Manager, National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office- Funmilola Olotu.
Programme Manager, Grant for Vulnerable Groups- Aishat Alubankudi.
Programme Manager, Home Grown School Feeding- Princess Aderemi Adebowale.
Programme Manager, National Cash Transfer Office- Abdullahi Alhassan Imam.
Executive Secretary, National Commission for People with Disabilities- Ayuba Gufwan.
Director General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons- Lami Binta Adamu Bello.
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I’m happy he has apologised – Bwala commends Ndume
Daniel Bwala, a former spokesman of the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday reacted to the apologies issued by former Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume.
Bwala said the recalcitrant Ndume has apologised to President Bola Tinubu.
A few weeks ago, the Borno South Senator had accused Tinubu of shutting his doors to ministers and lawmakers amid the hunger and hardship in the country.
Ndume also claimed that Tinubu’s administration was made up of kleptomaniacs.
Aggrieved by his criticisms against Tinubu, the Senate had Ndume of the Chief Whip position.
But, Ndume apologised to the president after a meeting with the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Working Committee led by Abdullahi Adamu.
Reacting, Bwala posted on X: “I am happy the recalcitrant Senator has apologized to the party and by extension to the President for unruly conduct. That justifies my position in calling him out in the first place. Now that is behind us, we move.”
I’m happy he has apologised – Bwala commends Ndume
CBN approves Unity, Providus Banks merger
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the merger between Unity Bank and the Providus Bank Limited.
The CBN’s acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The statement read: “The merger is contingent upon the financial support from the CBN. The fund will be instrumental in addressing Unity Bank’s total obligations to the Central Bank and other stakeholders.
“It is unequivocal to state that the CBN’s action is under the provisions of Section 42 (2) of the CBN Act, 2007. This arrangement is crucial for the financial health and operational stability of the post-merger organisation.
“It is important to emphasise that no Nigerian bank currently faces a precarious situation comparable to that of Heritage Bank, which was recently liquidated.”
The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to depositors’ interests by ensuring the smooth functioning of the banking sector through proactive measures and strategic interventions.
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NDDC boss tells law students to drive N’Delta development
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has charged law students to harness their potential to drive sustainable development and shape the future of the oil region.
Ogbuku gave the charge on Tuesday while speaking at the 2024 Moot and Mock Trial Competition for Law Faculties in the Niger Delta region, held at the Nigerian Law School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The NDDC boss emphasised the critical role of legal education and the legal profession in nation-building and community service, which he said hinders intellectual prowess and justice.
He charged participants to engage in intellectually stimulating arguments, highlighting the region’s peculiarities and canvassing solutions to guide future legislation, facilitating even and rapid development.
Ogbuku said, “It is our belief in the NDDC that legal advocacy can play a significant role in highlighting the challenges that bedevil the Niger Delta region and proffering solutions to those challenges.
“The critically important role of Legal Education and the Legal profession in shaping our nation’s destiny cannot be over-emphasized.
“Law and the legal profession will continue to play definitive roles in nation-building and community service. ”
The NDDC MD/Chief Executive Officer reminded the young lawyers that they are the future of the profession and encouraged them to prove that their intellect is the most potent weapon to fight for their rights, rather than resorting to violence.
Ogbuku stated that his leadership has made educational development and human capacity-building key policy thrusts, aiming to make a real difference in the lives of the Niger Delta people.
The Chairman Governing Board of the NDDC, Chiedu Ebie, while presenting educational support materials and weekly Law reports to Law Libraries of participating Schools, emphasized that the essence of the competition was not solely to produce a winner, but to showcase the remarkable return on investment in the education of youths of thevNiger Delta.
He highlighted the NDDC’s commitment to nurturing brilliant legal minds, equipping them to become champions of the region, armed with the powerful tools of their voice, intellect, and the law.
The Commission’s board Chairman encouraged participants to embrace the platform as an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and pledged the interventionist agency’s continued support for excellence in legal advocacy.
Speaking, the Special Guest of Honour and former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Onueze Okocha, SAN, expressed pride in the viability of the legal profession in Nigeria, while acknowledging a decline in standards.
Okocha highlighted two pressing concerns: the decline of standards in the legal profession and the proliferation of development agencies in Nigeria.
He blamed the decline in legal standards on the broader societal challenges facing Nigeria but assured that the NBA is working to maintain discipline and uphold the rule of law.
Okocha also expressed concerns about the replication of development agencies like the NDDC in other zones, saying it may lead to politicization and diversion of attention from the commission’s unique mandate to address the specific challenges of the oil-beating Niger Delta region.
Meanwhile, 13 Universities in the nine Niger Delta states will participate in the 2024 Moot Court competition as it intends to bring the students in a healthy contest and frame facts from legal issues peculiar to the socio-political environment of the region.
Protesters attack Rivers APC secretariat
The protest against hunger and #EadBadGovernanceInNigeria took a new twist in Rivers State as the Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Port Harcourt, the state capital was attacked by hoodlums suspected to be protesters.
The secretariat located along Aba Road which was touched with a gigantic billboard, signpost and the party’s flags and posters bearing the faces of party chieftains were vandalized.
The hoodlums reportedly invaded the party secretariat on Monday night and pulled the entrance gate before security personnel attached to the Secretariat repelled them.
Speaking on the incident at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the state APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Okocha, condemned the act, alleging that those behind the attack were sponsored.
Okocha further said the vandalisation of the secretariat of the main opposition party in the state was orchestrated by people with vested interest who he said are intimidated by the party’s rising profile in the state.
He added that the attack was meant to get at President Bola Tinubu and make the state the epicentre of the ongoing protest.
The chairman stated, “Today the issue on point is the vandalization of the APC Secretariat situated at the Port Harcourt-Aba Express Road in Port Harcourt by hoodlums who were sponsored by a source we have identified.
“We are not scared to name the source because the situation has become very political. Of course, why is it that it’s only the APC that was isolated for destruction? However, the millions of those attacks will not stop us in APC from speaking for the people of Rivers State.
“It will not stop us from being diametrically opposed to a clueless government. It can’t stop us. Is like when the Rivers State House of Assembly was pulled down it did not stop the Assembly from sitting.”
Okocha expressed concerns that the assailants had left a note that they would return, saying he had yet to fathom the reason for such an unlawful act.
“Our Secretariat was attacked yesterday (Monday) and they left us with a note that they are coming back again I don’t know whether their coming back will be today or some other time because it was about 5.00 pm on Monday that they vandalized the Secretariat complex.
“I am aware and we were briefed that there are plans to make Rivers State the epicentre of protest for obvious reasons. One reason is that they need to get to Mr President that Mr President does not seem to be supporting them.
“We therefore demand and call on the Rivers State Police Command to beef up security around and within our Secretariat to prevent further attack and if possible provide security for us because and my committee members have our offices at the Secretariat and we operate from there.”
Biafra: Ekpa boasts of four steps to independence
The leader of the Biafra Government In-Exile, Simon Ekpa has reeled out what he called four steps to the actualization of Biafra Independence.
Ekpa disclosed this on Tuesday through his official X account.
He boasted of step-by-step gains recorded so far towards the achievement of Biafra Liberation.
According to him, the first stage has been achieved by the Biafra government in exile despite campaigns of calumny by those who do not want Biafra to succeed.
He claimed that the second stage of Biafra’s Independence through its declaration and defense has been successful 60 percent.
Ekpa stressed that the third stage which is the recognition of Biafra as an independent state is done by 50 percent.
He wrote:
“Step 1. My first assignment has been accomplished!
“It makes the kidnapping and selling of Mazi Nnamdi backfire and become useless both to the sellers and buyers, both parties are on the run.
“Step 2. My Second assignment is to declare Biafra from Exile and defend it in the homeland. This we have done 60 percent.
“Step 3. My third assignment is to work for the recognition of Biafra as an independent state. This also has been done 50 percent.
“Step 4. My fourth assignment is rebuild, reconciliation and reintegration of lost Biafrans. This is loading.”
Biafra: Ekpa boasts of four steps to independence