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Ekiti gov approves N361m car loans for 544 workers

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Ekiti gov approves N361m car loans for 544 workers

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the disbursement of N361.5 million as car loans to 544 workers in the state public service. 

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Akintunde Oyebode, who made the disclosure in a statement on Friday, said the governor also gave approvals to expand the scope.

Oyebode stated, “Mr governor has approved the disbursement of N361.5m as car loans to 544 workers in the state public service. Each beneficiary will receive between N250,000 and N2.5m depending on their salary grade levels. 

“The governor has also approved the increase of the scheme’s funding pool by N200m.”

This, he said, was part of efforts to ensure adequate funding of the loan scheme and for the programme to accommodate more beneficiaries.

Oyebode said, “The governor has also approved a 100 per cent upward review of the individual loan amount for benefitting civil servants.

“To benefit from the loan scheme, workers must have spent at least five years in service, must have more than five  years left and must demonstrate that they will retain at least 50 per cent of their monthly gross pay after the loan deduction.”

Recall that Oyebanji in October last year approved the disbursement of N136.3m as car loans to 368 Civil Servants in the State Public Service.

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World Breastfeeding Day: 1,800 mothers gather to breastfeed babies in Niger

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World Breastfeeding Day: 1,800 mothers gather to breastfeed babies in Niger

At least 1,800 breast feeding mothers gathered from the 25 local government areas of Niger State to breastfeed their babies simultaneously to commemorate the 2024 World Breastfeeding Week in the state.
The event was organised by Niger State Ministry for Primary Healthcare in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Minna, the state capital.
The UNICEF Chief Field Officer, Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, in her remarks, said the event titled, ‘Closing the Gap: Break the Record, Break Barriers: Breastfeeding Support for All’, was part of efforts to promote the importance of exclusive breastfeeding among women.
Birukila, who was represented by Mrs Grace Odeyemi, UNICEF Consultant in Niger State, explained that the event was an attempt to break the world record for the highest number of lactating women breastfeeding simultaneously.

“We are not just gathered to break a world record, we are here to make history and send a powerful message to the world on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding,” Birukila said.
She lamented that despite efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding, the rates had remained low at 16 per cent, according to Nigeria Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICs 2021).
“Many mothers face cultural, social, and practical barriers that prevent them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their babies lives”
“Hence the event was targeted at breaking barriers that hinders them from practicing exclusive breastfeeding and creates awareness on the importance of breastfeeding.
“The effort was to achieve the World Health Assembly’s target for exclusive breastfeeding and go beyond 50 per cent target,” she noted.

Also speaking at the event, Hajiya Fatima Bago, Wife of Niger State governor, emphasized the need for relevant authorities to provide support through education, resources or breastfeeding friendly working environment for mothers in the state and the nation at large.
The First Lady, who spoke through the Wife of Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Hajiya Jummai Abubakar, announced the donation of 100 bags of rice to the first batch of 100 women to support them and their families.
Similarly, the state Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Bello Turkur, explained that the programme was organized to show the importance of giving more support to mothers to improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the state.
World Breastfeeding Day: 1,800 mothers gather to breastfeed babies in Niger

Doctors to treat injured protesters despite risks

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Doctors to treat injured protesters despite risks

The Nigerian Medical Association has said its members will continue to provide services, especially medical emergency services amid the ongoing nationwide hunger protest.

The NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Lagos.

Audu said that the association had directed its members across the country to promptly treat injured protesters who are brought to health facilities.

“There have been reports of injury, violence, looting and curfew in some states as a result of the protest.

“We also got reports of attacks on ambulances; doctors are no longer feeling safe. We have to ensure the safety of medical practitioners so that they can move freely and save lives,” he said.

Audu advised doctors to be cautious and ensure that they don’t get caught up in the protest while commuting to work.

The NMA president appealed to the protesters to dialogue with the government, while urging the Federal and State governments to ensure that law and order were restored nationwide.

Similarly, the Chairman, NMA, Lagos State Branch, Dr Babajide Saheed, appealed to doctors to treat gunshot victims without demanding a police report in compliance with the Treatment and Care of Gunshot Victims Act.

According to him, gunshot injuries often require specialised care and equipment without which patients are at risk of death or disability.

 Saheed further urged the Federal government to ensure reimbursement of private health facilities that render such services.

The chairman appealed to the Federal government to review its economic policies and rejig its economic team to improve the quality of life for citizens.

NAN.

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EndBadGovernance: NBA condemns looting, vandalization, destruction of infrastructure in Jigawa

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EndBadGovernance: NBA condemns looting, vandalization, destruction of infrastructure in Jigawa

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Dutse Branch of Jigawa State, has condemned what it described as the unfortunate looting, vandalism, and destruction of government infrastructures and private businesses in the state by hoodlums masquerading as protesters.
A statement issued in Dutse, Jigawa State by the branch chairman Mustapha Mohammed Kashim Esq, said the association is shocked and dismayed over “the unpatriotic and riotous acts of some unscrupulous elements”, leading to the wanton destruction of critical infrastructures and assets of the state and local governments, as well as private businesses criminally destroyed and looted on August 1, 2024, across the state.
The statement stated, “The branch commiserates with the government and people of Jigawa State over the unfortunate incident and salutes His excellency, governor Namadi Danmodi’s proactive decision to impose a curfew within the state, thereby curtailing the perpetuation of the criminal activities of the hooligans.”
The chairman commended the security agencies in the state for their professionalism in handling the situation across the state.
It called on the commissioner of Police in Jigawa State to arrest anyone identified and swiftly commence the prosecution of all those found culpable in unleashing mayhem in the state, so as to serve as a deterrent against future recurrence.
EndBadGovernance: NBA condemns looting, vandalization, destruction of infrastructure in Jigawa

‘End protest to save economy’ – Archbishop Martins begs Nigerian youths

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‘End protest to save economy’ – Archbishop Martins begs Nigerian youths

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Diocese, Most. Rev. Adewale Martins, on Saturday, appealed for an end to the nationwide protests to save the economy.
Martins made the plea in a statement signed by the Church’s Director of Social Communication, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
He said that the prolongation of the protests beyond day three would bear negatively on the economy.
He acknowledged the poverty and hunger in the land, saying that the message had reached its desired end.
The Archbishop called on the state actors to initiate measures to pacify the people with the demands made by the protesters.
He urged the Nigerian Police Force to continue to maintain restraint in engaging with the protesters and regretted incidents where the protests turned to violence and in some places resulted in loss of lives.
“It is our right as citizens for a peaceful protest that has been accomplished and will be ended now.
“The state of our economy should be of concern to us as a people.
“In order not to continue to jeopardize our economy, it is wise we halt the protests and engage the leaders on a round table to streamline the demands for a better Nigerian society,” he said.
‘End protest to save economy’ – Archbishop Martins begs Nigerian youths

Protest: Residents decry deployment of Police surveillance aircraft in Imo

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Protest: Residents decry deployment of Police surveillance aircraft in Imo

As the EndBadGovernance protest enters the third day, residents of Imo State have condemned the deployment of aircraft to the state by Inspector General of Police, describing it as unnecessary and capable of worsening the tense situation in the state.
Confirming the deployment of the aircraft, the spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, in a statement regarding the development, stated that the action is line with the IGP’s directive towards ensuring total security in the state, and enjoined members of the public not to panic.
“Kudos to the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for deploying Police Helicopter on Surveillance-Air-Patrol in Imo,” the Police spokesman stated.
Some residents who spoke to our correspondent narrated that they panicked when they sighted the aircraft hovering over the state capital, Owerri, on Saturday.
One of the residents who gave his name as Obinna Nkemakolam, a commercial bus driver in the metropolis, said that the deployment of the aircraft was not necessary as Imo, like other states in the South-East, is not partaking in the nationwide protest.
He wondered why the Police chose to concentrate on the South-East region, leaving hostile areas like North-East and North-Central.
“Imo, likewise other states in the South-East, is peaceful. We are not participating in the protest to avoid being made the scape goat. I don’t know the essence of sending the aircraft. I’m happy that Ndigbo are now speaking with one voice,” he said.
A trader at Ekeonunwa Market, Mrs Emecheta Chikadibia, narrated that the sound of the aircraft caused panic in the market as people stood in apprehension watching as the helicopter hovered over the area.
Noting that the Police and the Civil Defense can control the situation in the state, the woman said, “Deployment of Aircraft is going the extra mile.”
A youth leader who just gave his name as Jasper, said that the major reason the South-East region don’t want to be identified with the ongoing protest is to avoid being singled out.
“We are not participating in the protest yet we are seeing heavily armed security men to the extent of sending aircraft when nothing is happening.
“Who knows what would have happened if we eventually participated in the protest?,” he asked.
In a similar development, full commercial activities have returned in the state as residents were seen attending to their businesses as markets and shops were fully operational.
Protest: Residents decry deployment of Police surveillance aircraft in Imo

Hardship: Abuja protesters invite Christian, Islamic leaders for talks

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Hardship: Abuja protesters invite Christian, Islamic leaders for talks

Abuja youths protesting against hardship and bad governance in Nigeria have invited leaders of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for a “heart-to-heart” talks at the protest venue.
While addressing the protesters, Sydney Usman, of the Take It Back Movement, appreciated the leaders for their various interventions but asked them to show up at the venue on Monday, August 5, to discuss with the protesters.
Usman, who decried attacks on protesters by the Police since the first day of the protests, described the leaders as their fathers, adding that they were protesting the bad governance in the country.
The protesters said they would remain at the MKO Abiola Stadium until the court order restricting them was vacated latest on Monday.
Hardship: Abuja protesters invite Christian, Islamic leaders for talks

Protest: Prophet Olujobi tells Tinubu to tackle hardship before it’s too late

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Protest: Prophet Olujobi tells Tinubu to tackle hardship before it’s too late

General Overseer, Wisdom Church of Christ International, Lagos, Prophet Bisi Olujobi has charged President Bola Tinubu to tackle the main reason Nigerians are protesting.
Thousands of citizens have embarked on a nationwide protest since August 1 to express their anger over the high level of poverty amid worsening economic crisis in the country.
In a statement at the weekend, Olujobi advised Tinubu to “genuinely address the lingering crisis of hardship and hunger bedevilling the country before it’s too late”.
The cleric, who led protest in March 2024 under the auspices of Federation of League of Concerned Prophets, opined that Tinubu can do better as “Nigerians are not asking for too much”.
“Our recommendations to the Presidency, received on behalf of the Speaker and members of Lagos House of Assembly, are yet to be fulfilled as simple as they are.
“That is to tell you this government only understands the language of protest and force, which is shameful. If he (Tinubu) can’t perform, let him relinquish power to a more competent person.
“Nigerians are suffering, yet they keep struggling. Let the youth continue demanding for a better Nigeria, and it will pay off one day,” the religious leader added.
On the forthcoming United States election, Olujobi re-emphasized his prophecy that Donald Trump will emerge the next American President.
“But his administration will be tough towards Africa with draconian policies,” he added.
Protest: Prophet Olujobi tells Tinubu to tackle hardship before it’s too late

Abiodun didn’t call #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters sore losers

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Abiodun didn’t call #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters sore losers

The Ogun State Government, on Saturday, described as a total fabrication the claim that Governor, Dapo Abiodun called Nigerians sore losers over the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest.

Rather, it said, the governor was talking about certain losers of the 2023 elections who were cashing in on the dissent of Nigerian youths to destabilise the country.

This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor, Mr Kayode Akinmade.

Akinmade explained that the chaos that greeted the protest in several parts of the country had vindicated Abiodun’s position.

He stated further that nowhere in the referenced interview with Channels TV did the governor suggest, even remotely, that ordinary Nigerians ventilating their grievances over the economic situation in the country are sore losers.

The statement emphasised that the governor is well known for his deep appreciation of Nigerian youths, students, and workers, whom he has always held in the highest esteem and spoken about in glowing terms.

The statement added that only on Friday, the governor lauded Ogun residents, particularly the youth, for shunning violent protests and conducting themselves in an exemplary manner, assuring that his administration remained committed to their happiness.

It stated that the governor was not only willfully and maliciously taken out of context in the characterization of certain political opponents of President Bola Tinubu using the ongoing hunger protest to feather their own nests, but is now also being persecuted by the same individuals through sponsored attacks on his person and office.

The statement stated: “The claim that Governor Abiodun insulted ordinary Nigerians is spurious, malicious, and lacks any rational basis. 

“Elementary rules of language indicate that the meaning of an expression resides in its context: Governor Abiodun could not have been referring to ordinary Nigerians as the sponsors of a faceless and leaderless protest.

“While Governor Abiodun did indeed mention sore losers, he was clearly emphasizing irredentist opposition leaders who do not wish this administration well, urging them to prepare for the 2027 polls instead of mindlessly discrediting every government policy just to excite passions and incite people against the government.

“To stretch his use of the word ‘Nigerians’ beyond its intended referents in this context is, therefore, to engage in intellectual fraud and plain mischief.

“Governor Abiodun has the utmost respect for the protesters, and he has made that clear on many occasions.”

Democracy has bleak future in Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu

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Democracy has bleak future in Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Kingsley Moghalu, has raised an alarm, claiming that democracy in Nigeria has a bleak future.
Moghalu said this will be the case if the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is not truly independent, and if electronic transmission and collation of election results is not made mandatory.
The former Deputy Governor made this known in a post on his X handle on Saturday, stressing that elections will simply remain a charade and a path to state capture unless INEC becomes independent.
He said: “Democracy in Nigeria has a bleak future if @inecnigeria is not truly independent, and if electronic transmission and collation of election results is not made MANDATORY. Else, elections simply remain a charade – a path to state capture by whichever political parties are able to.”
Democracy has bleak future in Nigeria – Kingsley Moghalu

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