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Fulfil your campaign promises on youth empowerment, group urges Akpabio, Ogbuku 

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Fulfil your campaign promises on youth empowerment, group urges Akpabio, Ogbuku 

The Niger Delta Youth Movement has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to expedite action on their promises of empowering the youth of the region.

Samuel Ogbuku
Samuel Ogbuku. Photo credit: Akelicious

The Senate President and the NDDC MD had promised holistic youth empowerment during the recently concluded Niger Delta Youth Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

In a statement on Saturday by its National President, Ekene Frank, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the group expressed appreciation for the Senate President’s fatherly disposition towards the region.

He urged him to act swiftly on his promises.

“I sincerely thank the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his fatherly disposition towards the region. His harmonious relationship with the youth of the region was evident at the recent Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“While thanking the Senate President and the Samuel Ogbuku-led management of the NDDC for their pledge of holistic youth empowerment at the recently concluded Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities Youth Conference, we urge that action be expedited,” the statement said.

Regarding the ongoing nationwide hunger protest, Frank commended the youth of the region for refusing to join the protest against the President Tinubu-led administration. He explained that the Niger Delta youth shunned the protest because they have seen verifiable indices of commitment by the administration toward addressing the economic hardship in the country.

The statement read, “The National Executive Council of the Niger Delta Youth Movement appreciates the youth of the Niger Delta region for refusing to join the protest against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While not feigning ignorance of the economic challenges in Nigeria, we have seen verifiable indices of commitment towards reducing these challenges in the short term and gradual revamping of our economy in the long run.

“There are also strong and concrete demonstrations of good governance within the nine states of our region through deliberate programmes that are impacting citizens in rural areas.”

Frank also appreciated President Tinubu for his concern for the Niger Delta region, noting that it is under the present administration that the South-East Development Commission was signed into law.

“Under President Tinubu, the South East Development Commission was signed into law – something that should have been done immediately after the Nigerian civil war,” the statement added.

Protesters block road, hold Sunday service in Plateau

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Protesters block road, hold Sunday service in Plateau

Protesters in Jos, the Plateau State capital, organised a church service on Sunday as part of the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest, which began on Thursday.

The ongoing church service is being held at the Old Airport Roundabout, with a large crowd of protesters in attendance, including Christian and Muslim leaders as well as a former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung.

The protesters, brandishing Nigerian flags, blocked the Old Airport Roundabout, compelling motorists to seek alternative routes within the metropolis.

Some of those who spoke with our correspondent said the church service is significant because they believe that God still has the capacity to intervene in the affairs of Nigeria and turn things around for the good of the suffering citizens.

A protester, Philip Madaki, who said he arrived at the Old Airport Junction for the Sunday service around 7:30 am, said, “I have been participating in the protest since it began on Thursday, and today being Sunday, we are continuing with the protest with a church service.

“As the protest is ongoing, we believe that God Almighty has not abandoned the country and its citizens, and we know He has the power to turn the hearts of kings in whichever direction He wants.

“And we want Him to visit our leaders in the country, especially those in governance positions, and touch their hearts so that they will know that the citizens are really suffering because of bad governance and their harsh economic policies in the country and be able to do something to change the situation. That’s why we are adding the church service to the ongoing protests.”

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Protest: ‘Pack of empty words, load of irrelevancies’ – Inibehe Effiong on Tinubu’s nationwide address

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Protest: ‘Pack of empty words, load of irrelevancies’ – Inibehe Effiong on Tinubu’s nationwide address

A human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has described President Bola Tinubu’s Sunday broadcast to Nigerians as “a pack of empty words and a time-wasting load of irrelevancies.”
Effiong said the president’s speech is a confirmation of his long held view that Nigerians are dealing with “a fatalistic political class that is intentionally deaf and willfully blind to the sufferings and yearnings of the citizens.”
The lawyer’s statement posted on his X handle on Sunday comes on the heels of Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast to Nigerians.
The president in his address, the president ruled out the return of fuel subsidy, contrary to the demands of the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protesters, who are seeking a return of the controversial scheme.
However, not satisfied with Tinubu’s speech, Effiong said the President only did what despots do, which according to him is ignoring the agitations of the masses.
Effiong said: “President Tinubu’s speech is just a pack of empty words and a time wasting load of irrelevancies.
“It is a confirmation of my long held view, that we are dealing with a fatalistic political class that is intentionally deaf and willfully blind to the sufferings and yearnings of Nigerians.
“This president is disconnected from the reality of the everyday Nigerian. He’s living in an imaginary Nigeria that only exists in his head. The speech couldn’t have been more meaningless and aimless.
“Those who wrote it, and Mr. Tinubu, who read it out, have succeeded in justifying the reasons for the nationwide protest.
“It is appalling that despite what we have witnessed across the country in the last three days, the President did not deem it necessary to speak to the specific demands of the protesters.
“A government is only useful if it serves the interests of the governed. This government is anti-people.
“Tinubu made no mention of electoral reform, no reversal of his horrible and devastating economic policies, he made no attempt to cut down the overbloated size of his government.
“Tinubu made no concessions.
“This President only did what despots do; ignore the agitations of the masses.
“Great leaders make sacrifices for their country, but terrible leaders like Tinubu only know how to sacrifice the country for their own interests.
“It is not his voice that people wanted to hear, people wanted him to speak directly to their demands. His call for dialogue is in bad faith. He did not address the mindless killing of protesters by security agencies in any meaningful way. He also did not set up any credible machinery for a purposeful dialogue.
“Tinubu is preoccupied with the ridiculous idea that the protest is being sponsored by his political adversaries. This provocative arrogance by Nigerian politicians will be ended one day by Nigerians, one way or the other.”
Protest: ‘Pack of empty words, load of irrelevancies’ – Inibehe Effiong on Tinubu’s nationwide address

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters hold Sunday service in Jos

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#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters hold Sunday service in Jos

Christians participating in the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in Plateau State held a Sunday service at the protest ground in Old Airport Junction in Jos.

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters hold Sunday service in Jos

Onyii Egbuche, tweeting as #Arthur0287, disclosed this in a series of pictures and videos shared on X.com on Sunday.

One of his captions read, “Protest Day 4: Christians and Muslims jubilating during Sunday service at the protest ground.”

Another user, #witty_cruz, shared pictures with the caption, “Day 4: Protesters and Christians hold Sunday service at the protest ground in Jos. A beautiful sight to behold.”

Nigerians began the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest on Thursday, August 1, to draw the attention of the government to the hardships faced by citizens.

In a broadcast on Sunday morning, President Bola Tinubu called for dialogue and an immediate end to the nationwide protests, adding that his administration is ready to listen to and address the concerns of protesters.

See more photos below:

#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters hold Sunday service in Jos #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters hold Sunday service in Jos #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters hold Sunday service in Jos  

Credit: X|Arthur0287, matthewtegha, witty_cruz

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Edo Poll: Imasuagbon seeks Akpata’s, disqualification

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Edo Poll: Imasuagbon seeks Akpata’s, disqualification

One of the aspirants in the Labour Party primary election, Kenneth Imasuangbon, has taken the party candidate in the September 21 Edo governorship election, Olumide Akpata, the LP, and the Independent National Electoral Commission to the Court of Appeal. Imasuangbon is dissatisfied with the decisions by Justice Quadri of the Federal High Court in Benin

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Two dead in Israel stabbing, assailant killed — Medics

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Two dead in Israel stabbing, assailant killed — Medics

Two people were killed on Sunday and two others wounded in a stabbing attack near Tel Aviv, Israeli medics said, with police reporting a Palestinian suspect was “neutralised” and later died in hospital.

The Magen David Adom emergency service said in a statement that the “terrorist attack” took place in several locations in Holon, a southern suburb of Israel’s commercial hub, Tel Aviv.

It comes at a moment of heightened tension in Israel and the wider Middle East, nearly 10 months into the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip.

The stabbing suspect, from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was “neutralised” by a police officer who arrived at the scene, the force said in a statement without elaborating.
The Shamir Medical Centre said the assailant was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the hospital near Holon in critical condition.

A 66-year-old woman and a man aged around 80 were badly wounded and died from their injuries shortly after the attack, the Wolfson Hospital in the city said.
Israeli news website Ynet said the pair, whose ages Magen David Adom earlier gave as 70, were married.

Two other men were wounded, the emergency service said.
A 68-year-old was in serious condition and a 26-year-old was moderately wounded.

“This was a complex and difficult terrorist attack, with the victims located in three different places, around 500 metres (yards) from each other,” Magen David Adom said.

Regional tensions have soared as Iran and Middle Eastern armed groups it backs threatened retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, which they blame on Israel and an Israeli strike in Beirut hours earlier that killed top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr.

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the scene of Sunday’s attack, where he told journalists: “Our war is not only against Iran but also here in the streets.”

“This is why we have armed the Israeli population with more than 150,000 gun permits,” said the far-right politician who has loosened gun laws and repeatedly called on ordinary Israelis to carry arms.
AFP

12 key takeaways from Tinubu’s broadcast on nation-wide protests

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12 key takeaways from Tinubu’s broadcast on nation-wide protests

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, outlined programs and policies his government had put in place in the last one year, as against widespread discontent from majority of Nigerians who felt the government had derailed from its campaign promises.
In a nationwide broadcast where he addressed Nigerians in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests, Tinubu reiterated that his administration was focused on delivering good governance to Nigerians and also defended the policies his government has put in place which had brought about unbearable hardship and hunger on citizens.
“The decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well,” Tinubu said while justifying his policies which many believe were responsible for the hardship.
“I can assure you that I am focused fully on delivering the governance to the people – good governance for that matter,” he insisted.
He further argued that in the last one year, the “aggregate government revenues have more than doubled, hitting over N9.1tn in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, due to efforts to block leakages, introduce automation, and mobilise funding creatively without additional burden on the people.”
Here are 12 takeaways from President Tinubu’s broadcast on his government’s achievements in one year.
1. Infrastructure Development:
President Tinubu insisted that his government’s infrastructural projects will go a long way to create a lasting impact on the economy and Nigerians in general.
“We are working to complete inherited projects critical to our economic prosperity, including roads, bridges, railways, power, and oil and gas developments. Notably, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway projects will open up 16 connecting states, creating thousands of jobs and boosting economic output through trade, tourism and cultural integration.”
2. Youth Empowerment Programmes:
Tinubu said his government has embarked on massive youth empowerment programmes aimed at empowering the youths and making them self sufficient.
“We have secured $620 million under the Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDiCE) – a programme to empower our young people, creating millions of IT and technical jobs that will make them globally competitive. These programmes include the 3 Million Technical Talents scheme”.
3. Establishment of Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIYA); and the National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP).
4. Student Loans Scheme:
“Our administration has shown its commitment to the youth by setting up the student loan scheme. To date, 45.6 billion Naira has already been processed for payment to students and their respective institutions”.
READ ALSO:FOR THE RECORD: Text of Tinubu’s full speech to address protests across Nigeria
5. Establishment of Consumer Credit Corporation:
“We established the Consumer Credit Corporation with over N200 billion to help Nigerians to acquire essential products without the need for immediate cash payments, making life easier for millions of households”.
6. Reduction of external debt profile:
“We have been able to reduce our debts to 68% in the last 13 months. We have also cleared legitimate outstanding foreign exchange obligations of about $5billion without any adverse impact on our programmes”.
7. Oil and gas sector reforms:
Tinubu claimed the once-declining oil and gas industry is experiencing a resurgence on the back of the reforms he announced in May 2024 to address the gaps in the Petroleum Industry Act.
8. Release of extra funds to states:
“N570 billion to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nano-businesses are expected to benefit”.
9. Loans to small scale businesses:
“75,000 beneficiaries have been processed to receive our N1million Micro and Small Business single-digit interest loans, starting this month. We have also built 10 MSME hubs within the past year, created 240,000 jobs through them and 5 more hubs are in progress which will be ready by October this year”.
10. New national wage:
“I signed the National Minimum Wage into law last week, and the lowest-earning workers will now earn at least N70,000 a month”.
11. Housing Projects:
“Six months ago in Karsana, Abuja, I inaugurated the first phase of our ambitious housing initiative, the Renewed Hope City and Estate. This project is the first of six we have planned across the nation’s geopolitical zones. Each of these cities will include a minimum of 1,000 housing units, with Karsana itself set to deliver 3,212 units”
12. Incentive to farmers:
“We are providing incentives to farmers to increase food production at affordable prices. I have directed that tariffs and other import duties should be removed on rice, wheat, maize, sorghum, drugs, and other pharmaceutical and medical supplies for the next 6 months, in the first instance, to help drive down the prices”.
The post 12 key takeaways from Tinubu’s broadcast on nation-wide protests appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Why I removed fuel subsidy, abolished multiple foreign exchange systems — Tinubu

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Why I removed fuel subsidy, abolished multiple foreign exchange systems — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said he decided to remove the fuel subsidy and abolish multiple foreign exchange rates to grow the economy and promote national development.

Tinubu stated this on Sunday while addressing the nation in a broadcast regarding the ongoing nationwide protest.

The President said he took the painful decision to remove the fuel subsidy and eliminate multiple foreign exchange systems to block the greed and profits that smugglers and rent-seekers were exploiting.

Tinubu added that the action also stopped the undue subsidies the country had extended to neighbouring countries to the detriment of its people, which had rendered the economy prostrate.

The President asserted that the Nigerian economy had remained anaemic for decades and had suffered due to many misalignments that had stunted its growth.

He said, “Just over a year ago, our dear country, Nigeria, reached a point where we couldn’t afford to continue using temporary solutions to solve long-term problems for the sake of now and our unborn generations.

“These decisions I made were necessary if we must reverse the decades of economic mismanagement that didn’t serve us well.

“Yes, I agree, the buck stops with me. But I can assure you that I am fully focused on delivering governance to the people – good governance, for that matter.”

Tinubu said his government had, in the last 13 months, reduced revenue spent on debt servicing to 68 per cent from 97 per cent previously.

He added, “We have also cleared legitimate outstanding foreign exchange obligations of about five billion dollars without any adverse impact on our programmes.

“This has given us more financial freedom and room to spend more money on you, our citizens, to fund essential social services like education and healthcare.

“It has also led to our state and local governments receiving the highest allocations ever in our country’s history from the Federation Account.”

NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins

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NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have uncovered illicit drugs hidden in tins of Cerelac baby food.

The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in videos shared on X.com on Sunday.

“Not even tins of Cerelac baby food are spared in their desperation to conceal and export illicit drugs,” he wrote.

NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins

Although the location of the operation and details of the suspect(s) involved were not disclosed, Babafemi used the opportunity to warn citizens to be cautious when receiving packages from others while travelling.

He also emphasised the risks of unknowingly transporting illegal substances, reminding the public that possession of such substances carries a 15-year jail sentence.

Babafemi added, “This is why we warn people never to accept any package of unknown content from anyone when travelling. Remember, possession means 15 years in jail! Seizures by #ndlea_nigeria.”

According Online reported on July 21 that NDLEA operatives uncovered illicit drugs concealed in incense candles and ladies’ wear, intended to be smuggled in and out of Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

See more photos below

NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins Credit: X|FemiBabafemi

NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins Credit: X|FemiBabafemi

NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins Credit: X|FemiBabafemi NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins Credit: X|FemiBabafemi NDLEA discovers drugs hidden in Cerelac baby food tins Credit: X|FemiBabafemi

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Mixed reactions trail Tinubu’s address to #EndBadGovernance protesters, Nigerians

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Mixed reactions trail Tinubu’s address to #EndBadGovernance protesters, Nigerians

There were mixed reactions to the nationwide address delivered on Sunday, 4th August 2024, by President Bola Tinubu.

The address tackled the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests and outlined his administration’s response to the nation’s pressing challenges.

However, the President’s address has received mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media.

On X, Olagunju Oladele (#TechInitiative) noted that the President’s address focused on his achievements rather than addressing the issues.

He said, “President Tinubu’s speech was more focused on highlighting his achievements and broader initiatives rather than directly addressing the specific demands of the protesters. I understand it’s an attempt to showcase progress and build trust, but it still fails to understand his people.”

Similarly, Aliyu Tanimu, with the username #IamAliyu_Tee, said that while Tinubu condemned violence in his speech, he chose to ignore the root causes of the unrest.

“President Tinubu’s speech acknowledges protests but falls short in empathising with the masses’ grievances. He condemns violence yet ignores the root causes of unrest.
His focus on economic reforms and achievements seems tone-deaf amidst widespread suffering,” he posted.

Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress in the 2022 general election, Omoyele Sowore, in a quoted post to the address on X, called it “Beautiful Nonsense.”

Sowore had posted the speech hours earlier on his page before the President made the broadcast.

This sparked diverse reactions from Nigerians who demanded to know why it was “leaked,” with some suggesting that Tinubu’s media aide be sanctioned.
Sowore, via his official handle #yelesowore, posted, “#officialABAT Much Ado About Nothing Speech to be delivered as a continuation of the 2023 election campaign.
CAMPAIGN AFTER ELECTION! #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria revolt continues until we win! #RevolutionNow #DaysOfRage.”

Another X user, #Mr_Teekay001, regarded the address as a threat.

He wrote, “Did anyone else sense he issued a threat in his address? He’s just talking about abstract achievements that won’t materialise anytime soon. It’s frustrating to hear promises without any concrete plans or timelines for implementation. Such statements only serve to increase scepticism and erode public trust. #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.”

Another user, Changing Narratives with the username #xtianareal, wrote, “President Tinubu succeeded in inspiring all who’d been chilling at home to join the
#EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest by Monday.

“His scriptwriters don’t learn at all, pushing propaganda instead of addressing issues. Since they’re so out of touch with reality, it will hit them soon.”

Conversely, Omogbolahan, #GbolahanAkinwum, wrote, “A summary of President Tinubu’s address regarding the elimination of fuel subsidies and implementation of a uniform exchange rate, among other topics relevant to the current protests, emphasising that although challenging, these measures will ultimately prevent future difficulties.”
An X user, #Imran_Khan0855, stressed the non-reversal of subsidy removal.

He said, “In summary, President Tinubu contradicted himself. He won’t reverse his decision on the fuel subsidy, but he is asking us to embrace dialogue. Dialogue on what exactly? He has no plans to listen to Nigerians. He should’ve just kept quiet and continued with his agenda.”

In his view, GOOD MAN (#Ezinwa_Maduka) said, “President Tinubu is an unrepentant tyrant. His speech is nothing but insults and blackmail against the Nigerian people, addressing nothing but grandstanding over his failed policies, unwilling to take responsibility for more than 40 persons killed by his government in three days.”

From Facebook, Ayekooto Akindele wrote, “My condolences to all fuel subsidarians across the nation. May God grant you the fortitude to bear this irrevocable loss.

“Don’t allow your livelihood to rely entirely on awoof from CBN or NNPC because you don’t know when your Tinubu will arrive! Get decent work!”

Reacting, Oluwafisayomi Oyeyemi, #Realzaddylion, posted, “If you are a supporter of this APC, jokes aside you need to be ashamed of yourself seriously. These people are disgracing you.”

However, in a show of support, another X user, #Olai_Yus, said Tinubu had shown good prospects to improve the standard of living so far.

“Patience is the missing ingredient and with a little more time. We’ll get it right. Rome wasn’t built in a day. With the policies and reforms seen so far, I know Tinubu is making headway.”

According Online reports that a major protest erupted on Thursday, 1st August, across Nigeria, driven by public dissatisfaction with current economic and social conditions.
Demonstrators voiced their frustrations nationwide, calling for reforms and greater accountability.

Earlier, President Bola Tinubu appealed for patience with his policies and urged citizens not to let hoodlums exploit the unrest.

The protest underscored the nation’s desire for change while highlighting the need for peaceful and constructive dialogue.

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