The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has said the forefathers of Nigeria like Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro, and MKO Abiola are angry with Nigeria.
Primate Ayodele made the remark while reacting to claims by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike that a senator was sponsoring the protest in the capital city.
Wike had claimed that the senator was feeding the angry protesters.
However, Primate Ayodele dismissed Wike’s allegation, stressing that Nigeria’s forefathers were angry with President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement by his Media Aide, Oluwatosin Osho, Ayodele said people like Wike, traditional rulers and politicians are deceiving President Tinubu.
He urged Tinubu to shun deceivers and focus on reality, adding that the president should stop giving materials to governors for ordinary Nigerians because they are corrupt and won’t help matters.
In a statement by Osho, the clergyman said: ‘’People are deceiving you too much, the unofficial governor of Abuja, your daughter, and all these traditional rulers are all deceiving you. Listen to the voice of common men, these obas didn’t vote for you, listen to those who spent their time to vote for you.
“The protest is a wrong signal, it doesn’t take you anything to solve this economic catastrophe. The honourables, senators, and governors are to be blamed also, they are not helping the situation, it is not the federal government alone.
“The president should stop giving them materials for the common Nigerians.’
‘’Nobody is instigating anything, everyone is angry including the forefathers of this nation like Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikwe, Tafawa Balewa, Anthony Enahoro, and MKO Abiola.’’
Protest: Nigeria’s forefathers like Awolowo, Azikiwe angry with Tinubu – Primate Ayodele
Protest: Nigeria’s forefathers like Awolowo, Azikiwe angry with Tinubu – Primate Ayodele
Canada asks Nigerian student to leave over fake 2016 admission letter
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has asked Nigerian student Lola Akinlade to leave the country over a fake acceptance letter she used to obtain a study visa and work permit.
Akinlade, who graduated with a diploma in Social Services from Nova Scotia Community College in 2019, shared her bittersweet experience with CBC News on Thursday.
According to her, she was unaware that the acceptance letter provided by an agent for the University of Regina in 2016 was fake until she was contacted by the IRCC a few weeks before her graduation from her new institution.
The mother of two noted that while receiving her diploma, she felt both happiness and worry upon realising that she had allegedly relied on a fraudulent document to secure her study permit, adding, “I was devastated. That was the beginning of my trauma.”
In an interview with the Canadian news platform, she said, “When the IRCC contacted me, I requested them to re-examine my case, arguing that I was a victim of a ‘rogue agent’ who supplied me with a fake acceptance letter to the Canadian school.
“Please review my file. I just want this to be resolved.”
Akinlade stated that the process of moving to travel to and study in Canada started in 2015 while she was working as a medical sales representative at a pharmaceutical company in Lagos, with a business administration degree from a Nigerian university.
She recounted meeting a man at her office who claimed to be an immigration consultant and offered to guide her through the process of becoming an international student by applying for a master’s degree in business administration.
Akinlade explained that she did not specify a particular university to the agent, only stating that she wanted to study at a reputable Canadian institution.
She described how she provided the agent with documents such as her passport and university transcripts, along with payment. Several months later, he provided her with a study permit for Canada, plane tickets, and an acceptance letter from the University of Regina.
“I flew to Canada in late December 2016, expecting to start classes in January 2017. However, I was stopped in Winnipeg en route to Regina when I received a call from the agent, who told me there were no spaces available at the university and that I would have to go on a waitlist.
Upon arriving in Canada, she began searching independently for a new school and programme and stayed with relatives in Winnipeg until she was accepted at Nova Scotia Community College for social services, starting in September 2017.
She said she chose social services because it better aligned with her previous work in the medical field.
Akinlade stated that she did not contact the University of Regina directly until two years later, when she received a letter from the IRCC informing her that the acceptance letter was fake.
“I was sceptical after receiving the IRCC letter, thinking it might be a misunderstanding or something,” she said. “So, I immediately contacted the University of Regina.
“And that was when I learned the truth,” she added.
Meanwhile, when CBC contacted the agent, Babatunde Isiaq Adegoke, he confirmed providing Akinlade with the acceptance letter but said it was supplied by a company located in Ejigbo, Lagos State, called Success Academy Education Consult, which he had hired.
CBC exchanged text messages with Adegoke, who stated that he guided Akinlade through the process of applying to enter Canada. However, he denied telling Akinlade that she would have to go on a waitlist at the University of Regina.
Akinlade lost her study permit in Canada due to a fake letter and was denied when she attempted to apply for a postgraduate work permit and a temporary resident permit.
In March 2023, an IRCC officer wrote to Akinlade, stating that the department believed she knew the document was fake “on the balance of probabilities.”
Her husband, Samson Akinlade, and their eight-year-old Nigerian-born son, David, joined her in Nova Scotia in 2018 but have now lost their temporary resident status. Their younger son, born in Canada in 2021, has Canadian citizenship but lacks medical coverage due to his parents’ status.
“We’ve been surviving on our savings, and I don’t know how long we can continue doing that,” she said. “It’s really, really hard,” she added.
Nigeria’s Adeshina misses out on High Jump final at Paris Olympics
It is end of the road for Nigeria’s Temitope Adeshina in the women’s high jump competition in Paris.
The National record holder missed out on making the final after finishing 19th in the overall standings with a height of 1.88m.
Adeshina opened her competition at 1.83m, which she sailed through easily.
Read Also: Paris Olympics: D’Tigress defeated by host nation France
On her next height at 1.88m, she failed on her first attempt but got the job done on her second attempt.
At 1.92m, she missed all her attempts putting her Olympic debut to an end.
Adeshina is the second Nigerian ever to compete in the high jump at the Olympics after Doreen Amata who competed at the 2008 and 2016 Olympics.
The post Nigeria’s Adeshina misses out on High Jump final at Paris Olympics appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Hoodlums attack, assault women protesting peacefully in Delta
As the #Endbadgovernanceprotests# enters day 2, hoodlums have attacked and chased away protesting women from a private venue at Enerhen Junction in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The hoodlums chased the women with sticks, daggers, cutlasses, knives, stones and other dangerous weapons.
The women had staged a peaceful protest against bad governance in Nigeria as they chanted solidarity songs calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led federal government to provide food for citizens and take away hopelessness from the land when the hoodlums suddenly showed up to attack and chased them away.
It took the intervention of the Police who were stationed at Enerhen junction to save and rescue the women from the hands of the hoodlums.
At the time of filing this report, no suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack on the women by hoodlums.
Hoodlums attack, assault women protesting peacefully in Delta
Police beef up security around Kaduna government house
Men of the Kaduna State Police Command have barricaded the road leading to the Government House in the state capital following the #EndbadGovernance protest which turned violent on Thursday.
A combined team of security operatives, including the police, civil defence, and state vigilance service members, mounted a barricade along the Government House road to prevent hoodlums from accessing the area and surrounding communities.
The police authorities have urged parents and guardians to restrain their wards from disturbing public peace during protests, warning them to take such tendencies seriously.
In a statement on Friday, the state police spokesman, Mansir Hassan, advised groups intending to protest to liaise with the Commissioner of Police to ensure a peaceful protest.
Hassan noted that the protest was hijacked by hoodlums who attempted to gain access to the Government House, injured two policemen, and damaged a police armored personnel carrier.
Meanwhile, as the protest entered the second day on Friday, major roads, including the usually bustling Ahmadu Bello Way in the Central Business District, were still deserted, with reduced vehicular and human traffic.
Many residents still stayed indoors for fear of the unknown while public transportation systems operated at reduced capacity.
Still, many shops and businesses in areas along Junction Road, Ahmadu Bello Way closed their doors as traders stayed away from the market.
Our correspondent who monitored the situation observed that more security operatives had been deployed to strategic flashpoints across the state, especially the city centres such as the Stadium Roundabout, Katsina Road Roundabout as well as the NEPA Roundabout where the protester started peacefully on Thursday before it went violent in the state.
According Online reports that over 25,000 security personnel comprising police military and others were deployed to strategic locations and flashpoints to maintain order and protect citizens and the protesters who are out to demonstrate against bad governance in the country.
NANS urges FG to ban diesel importation
The National Association of Nigerian Students, on Friday, urged the Federal Government to ban importation of diesel, and direct petroleum marketers to purchase refined products from Dangote Refinery for the benefits of Nigerians.
This measure, according to NANS, will not only support local production but also conserve foreign exchange and boost the nation’s economy.
NANS, in a statement by the president of the Senate, Akinteye Babatunde, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, further urged the government to take decisive action by maximising the benefits of Dangote’s refinery for the betterment of the nation.
He explained that the refinery has the capacity to produce premium motor spirit, diesel and other refined products that cannot only meet Nigeria’s domestic needs, but also serve international markets.
Akinteye said, “We had the privilege of visiting Dangote Refinery, where we were warmly welcomed by the Vice President of the company, Devakumar Edwin.
“We conducted an extensive tour lasting nearly five hours. This tour allowed us to fully appreciate the immense scale and advanced capabilities of this world-class facility. It is equipped with the latest laboratory technology, including cutting-edge equipment that surpasses those found in many other refineries globally.
“The refinery has the capacity to produce PMS, diesel and other refined products that cannot only meet Nigeria’s domestic needs but also serve international markets. Additionally, the refinery produces high-quality fertilizers for farmers, further contributing to the agricultural sector.”
The NANS president said the self-sufficiency in energy production was a testament to the advanced infrastructure and operational excellence of the refinery.
“In the light of these observations, NANS calls on the Federal Government to take decisive action to maximize the benefits of this remarkable facility for the nation.
“Specifically, we demand an immediate ban on the importation of diesel. Given the refinery’s capacity to produce high-quality diesel domestically, this measure will not only support local production but also conserve foreign exchange and boost the economy.
“Furthermore, we urge the government to issue a directive instructing all petroleum marketers to prioritize the purchase of refined products from the Dangote Refinery. This will ensure that the nation’s refined product needs are met locally, fostering economic growth and reducing dependence on foreign imports,” Akinteye urged.
Andy Murray retires from tennis at Paris Olympics
Andy Murray has officially retired from tennis after competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This decision marks the end of an illustrious 19-year career, filled with significant achievements and personal challenges.
Murray, 37, announced that the Olympics would be his final tournament, bringing a close to his time in professional tennis on a stage that holds special significance for him.
Announcing his retirement via his X handle late Thursday, the athlete posted, “Never even liked tennis anyway.”
Murray’s last match was in the men’s doubles quarterfinals at Roland Garros, where he partnered with fellow Brit, Dan Evans.
They faced the American team of Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, ultimately losing 6-2, 6-4.
Despite the loss, Murray expressed pride in finishing his career on his own terms, a sentiment he emphasized given the uncertainties he faced in recent years due to injuries.
Recall that According Online earlier reported that Murray withdrew from the tennis singles at the Paris Olympics but took part in the doubles.
He believed the men’s doubles, where he is playing with Evans, offers his best chance of another medal.
“I’ve taken the decision to withdraw from the singles to concentrate on the doubles with Dan,” said the British former world number one.
The same happened at the last Olympics in Tokyo 2021 when the 34-year-old Murray then withdrew from the men’s singles tournament due to a muscle injury.
At the Paris 2024, he opted for the doubles following an injury that ruled him out of the Wimbledon tournament.
The two-time Wimbledon champion had undergone a back surgery.
Throughout his career, Murray has been celebrated as one of the greatest British tennis players.
According Online reports that Murray first rose to prominence by winning the junior US Open in 2004 and turned professional the following year. By 2007, he had broken into the ATP top ten, and in 2008, he reached his first Grand Slam final at the US Open.
Murray’s career highlights include winning Wimbledon twice, in 2013 and 2016, becoming the first British man to do so since Fred Perry in 1936. He also won the US Open in 2012 and achieved the world number-one ranking in 2016.
Murray’s Olympic achievements are particularly notable. He won his first gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics by defeating Roger Federer in the final, just weeks after losing to him at Wimbledon. He followed this with another gold in Rio 2016, making him the only player to win back-to-back Olympic singles titles in the modern era.
Additionally, he won a silver medal in mixed doubles at the London Games with Laura Robson.
Murray’s career was also marked by significant injury struggles, particularly with his hip.
He underwent hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, which allowed him to continue playing competitively, albeit not at the same level as his peak years. Despite these challenges, the tennis community has widely admired his determination and resilience.
As Murray bid farewell to tennis, he was celebrated by fans and fellow players alike. Novak Djokovic, one of his career-long rivals, praised Murray as an “incredible competitor” and highlighted his inspiring fighting spirit.
Murray’s retirement marks the end of an era, following Roger Federer’s retirement in 2022 and amid ongoing injury struggles for Rafael Nadal.
EndBadGovernance Day2: Businesses reopen as protest loses steam in FCT outskirts
As the EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest enters day two, business activities have begun to pick up along some satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Areas visited by TVN correspondent on Friday included Nyaya, Mararaba, and Karu satellite towns.
During yesterday’s protest, hoodlums had taken over the expressway and used the opportunity to loot and vandalise some vehicles.
The hoodlums who blocked the road and were burning tyres had prevented motorists from plying the road.
The organizers who had placards had called on the Federal Government to reverse the fuel subsidy removal, a situation that would lead to the reduction of fuel price, the restoration of affordable electricity tariffs, and the reduction of import duties to their previous rates.
The groups also demanded the reversal of many institutions’ hikes in tertiary education fees but security agents had intervened by shooting tear gas canisters to disperse the raging youths protesting along these routes.
Out of fear of being attacked and their items looted, business owners had locked up their shops, most plazas along these routes were under lock and key.
However, an on-the-spot assessment by TVN correspondent showed a heavy presence of security forces like soldiers, police and Civil Defence at strategic locations to forestall a repeat of yesterday’s situation.
Our correspondent observed that some shops and businesses opened while business owners were seen standing in units to discuss the incident of how hoodlums hijacked the day of the protest.
Meanwhile, there are calls for President Bola Tinubu to address the nation as a way of quelling the situation.
A socio-political commentator cum politician, Austin Okai had said: “Many Nigerians were expecting a presidential address yesterday to ease the growing tensions and unrest across the country.
“However, the absence of a powerful broadcast from the President has left citizens feeling disappointed and concerned.”
EndBadGovernance Day2: Businesses reopen as protest loses steam in FCT outskirts
Lawmaker disagrees with Committee’s NNPCL directive
The House of Representative member representing Brass-Nembe Federal Constituency, Marie Ebikake has given her position on the forensic investigation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by the Petroleum (Midstream/Downstream) Joint committee of the House of Representatives.
She said the directive quoted in the media regarding the audit of the NNPCL was not the true position of the committee.
The Special Joint Committee had on Wednesday directed the NNPCL to halt what it called the mortgage of Nigeria’s future crude oil until it concludes its assignment.
Recall that the committee chaired by the lawmaker representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, commenced its probe of shady deals in the sector last week.
The committee’s directive followed reports that NNPCL is planning to borrow an additional $2bn in crude oil-backed loans from international creditors to boost its financial inflow.
However, in a statement on Friday made available to According Online, Ebikake dissociated herself from the directive given to the national oil company.
The statement reads, “If the recent publication credited to some of our members, which outrightly contradicts the position of the Petroleum (Midstream & Downstream) Joint Committee, with respect to the current forensic investigation of the operations of the NNPCL is true, then I am at a loss to understand the significance of sections 88 and 89 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, with relation to our responsibility as representatives of the people.
“If indeed that press statement emanated from the purported group of 50 lawmakers, then it is a low blow that hurts none other than our honorable selves, simply because it publicly expresses a division on the crucial issue of national survival, and is an irreversible injury to our collective credibility as representatives of the citizens.
“In my opinion, even the parliamentary culture alluded to, by the group, should not be invoked for the protection of the interest of heads of parastatals, organizations and public agencies against the protection of the interest of the citizens which, I believe, is the hallowed responsibility of the people’s parliament.
“Consequently, I wish to express my total dissociation from the decision of the group of 50, in the considered opinion that the position held by the joint committee led by Ugochinyere truly represents the collective interest of our constituents, and the goodwill of the President.”
Police debunk video of Plateau rice mill looting
The Plateau State Police Command has labelled a viral video depicting the looting of a rice mill in the Zaria area of the state as “false.”
The police said the video which was circulated by “criminally-minded” people aims to create “unnecessary panic and unrest within the state,” it denied any form of looting in the state since the protest began, and warned members of the public to beware of fake news.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the command’s spokesman, Alabo Alfred.
“It has come to the attention of the Plateau State Police Command that some criminally-minded individuals are circulating a video on social media, purporting that a rice mill around Zaria road is being looted by protesters. We wish to categorically state that this video is false, unfounded, and aimed at creating unnecessary panic and unrest within the state.
“The command further confirms that there is no incident of looting or vandalisation on Zaria road or in any other part of the state, and therefore, warns all such individuals to desist from circulating such inciting content, or face the full weight of the law when caught,” the statement partly read.
It equally noted that the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Adesina, assures all residents of the state to maintain law and order “as we work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.”
The command advised the public “to remain calm and vigilant, and report any suspicious activities. Let us all work together to build a peaceful and harmonious community.”
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