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Tinubu means well for Nigerians, says aide

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Tinubu means well for Nigerians, says aide

The Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Youth Initiatives, Monitoring, and Delivery, Titilope Gbadamosi, has appealed to youths to opt for dialogue and engage positively with the government as Nigerians plan to embark on a nationwide hunger protest on August 1.

According to a statement made available to According Online on Wednesday, Gbadamosi made the appeal while speaking at a youth stakeholders engagement in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday.

In her remarks, Gbadamosi highlighted the importance of utilising the various initiatives offered by the Federal Government to address challenges facing the youth.

She enumerated several key programmes designed to support young Nigerians, including the Grassroot Youths Entrepreneurship Scheme, Conpreneur Support Youth, Nigeria Youth Academy, Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Young and Secure, and the Green House Programme.

She emphasised the need for youths to change their mindset and actively participate in these initiatives, stressing that such engagement is crucial for their inclusion in national development.

“It is high time you all disabuse your minds and take up the federal government’s initiatives for you. Don’t say it is their government; it is a wrong sense of judgment; it is your government. You must take up available initiatives”, Gbadamosi stated.

She also addressed the current state of the nation, urging the youths not to lose hope.

“I want to beg you to have faith in our administration, you won’t be left out, I am sure of that. Don’t be discouraged in Nigeria”, she reassured, acknowledging the challenges but calling for optimism and constructive engagement.

“In light of the planned protest, Gbadamosi appealed for caution, advocating peace and dialogue over confrontation. She reflected on the aftermath of the #EndSARS protests, noting the significant damage and lingering wounds from the event.

“We don’t know the importance of peace until we lose it; we must be careful not to create a monster. How do we handle the protest is another matter,” she cautioned.

Gbadamosi also underscored the significance of her role in the government, noting that her office was newly established to ensure comprehensive monitoring of government initiatives.

Be professional, IG tells officers

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Be professional, IG tells officers

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged police officers to be prepared, alert and professional during the protests scheduled for August 1 to 10.

 

Egbetokun added that the safety and security of the nation depends on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of officers in the police and other security agencies.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG spoke during a virtual meeting with senior officers.

Adejobi stated that the IG reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold the rule of law, and police with the highest level of integrity.

The statement read, “The Inspector General of Police, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, addressed a virtual conference with senior police officers from across the country, focusing on critical issues of preparedness, deployment, and the maintenance of law and order during the planned nationwide protest in the country.

 

“In his address, the IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the safety and security of the nation depend on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of our officers in the Police and other security agencies.

 

“The IGP highlighted the need for continuous preparedness and strategic deployment of police officers to respond to any situation while maximally equipped, and ready to handle any scenario that may arise. Stressing the critical role of the police in maintaining law and order, the IGP reminded senior officers of their duty to uphold the rule of law, and police with the highest level of integrity.”

Adejobi stated that the IG directed the senior officers to ensure that the protest do not turn violent.

 

He said, “The IGP also emphasised that while peaceful demonstrations are a democratic right, the police must be vigilant to prevent any group from hijacking such events to incite violence. He directed that proactive measures must be placed to ensure that peaceful protests do not turn into violent confrontations, as Nigeria cannot afford to record any violence in this period.”

Adejobi said the IG warned against the spread of fake news during the protest.

 

He said, “Furthermore, with much emphasis, the IGP issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media.

 

“The IGP also warned against unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions, which can disrupt public order and safety, reiterating that confined protests are best in this situation to prevent the destruction of public infrastructures and other properties.

 

“The IGP called on all senior officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to service, emphasizing that their leadership is crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.”

FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection

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FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, inspected the ongoing construction of the Naharati-River Ukya to Uguwan Hausawa Road in Abaji Area Council of the FCT on Wednesday.
The minister, who was accompanied on the inspection visit, by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said the construction of roads in the satellite towns will not only improve connectivity in the rural areas but will also discourage rural-urban migration in the FCT.
He stressed that the road construction will also have a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of the people at the grassroots, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was determined to ensure that every part of the FCT is impacted positively under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister also dispelled insinuations that the FCT Administration was only concentrating development in the city centre, stressing that a lot has also been achieved in the satellite towns in the last year.
He said: “This is all about the Renewed Hope Agenda. The president is trying to make sure that every area is impacted positively.
“I can’t tell you how happy I am. I have seen the connection within the various communities. This, of course, will improve their means of livelihood and transportation.
“We have always said that we are not only concentrating on the cities; we are also trying to open satellite towns because we are also trying to discourage people from migrating to the cities.
“Why people migrate to cities is because there is no infrastructure. So, when you provide this kind of infrastructure, it discourages rural-urban migration.”
The Minister described what is happening in the FCT in terms of the provision of infrastructure as a complete revolution.
He said most of those who still complain have probably not had the opportunity to visit the rural areas and see what the Renewed Hope Agenda is all about.
He said: “I think all of us can attest that this has never happened before in the history of the FCT. What we are seeing today is a complete revolution, trying to transform our rural areas.”
Wike added that the rural populace, who are the direct beneficiaries of these infrastructure provisions, has decided to continue to support and dialogue with the government, rather than embark on the planned nationwide protest.
He said: “Just within one year of Mr. President’s administration, see the kind of infrastructure that is being provided within our rural areas.
“You can see that in the cities too. So many people have said nothing is happening in rural areas. You can attest to the fact that things are happening.”
Wike also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of dialogue between the government and the people, warning that violent protests would not be of any benefit to the country.
FCT: It has never happened before – Wike speaks at latest project inspection

CSOs set up situation room, unveil dedicated telephone lines

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CSOs set up situation room, unveil dedicated telephone lines

Ahead of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, the Organised Civil Society has issued guidelines to protesters to ensure the success of the protest against hunger and hardship in the country.

The guidelines, according to a statement signed by the Head, Coordinating Secretariat of the United Action Front of Civil Society, Olawale Okunniyi on Wednesday, followed a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The group urged protesters to be civil and orderly, and not allow anyone to provoke or distract them, from the agenda of the protest. They also urged protesters to record with their phones in the event of any external aggression and send such recordings to the Civil Society Situation Room on Protests Ethics Monitoring.

Okunniyi also implored protesters not to go to the venues of the protests with sharp objects or weapons as any such person will be handed over to security agents.

The statement read in part, “Citizens participating in the protest rallies and processions are advised to be civil, orderly and focused and not allow anybody or forces to provoke or distract them from the agenda and goal of the protest, which is to compel government to end Hunger and Hardships in the country

“Protesters should endeavour to come out with their small pack of bottle of water and snacks if possible and should be smartly dressed. Protesters are advised not to come to protest ground with sharp, hard and violent objects or weapons as anybody seen with such objects and weapons shall be apprehended and handed over to security agents or protest monitoring team for prosecution.

“For help and support during the nationwide protests, citizens are enjoined to contact protest monitors at the situation room of the organised Civil Society via WhatsApp of the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please note that the above hotlines are for WhatsApp messages only”.

The group also urged the government and its agents to “demobilise and caution those being recruited to threaten and intimidate peaceful Protesters to desist to avoid unnecessary clash and battle in the interest of peace and stability of Nigeria.”

He added that any such sponsored mobilisation against the protesters will “may lead to another unwanted riot in the mode of #EndSars debacle in Nigeria.”

Abia postpones planned August 1 restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

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Abia postpones planned August 1 restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

The Abia State Government has again postponed its plans to enforce restrictions on the operations of tricycles (Keke) and motorcycles (Okada) between 7 pm and 6 am starting from August 1, 2024.
A statement signed by Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, said the restrictions have been put on hold, saying that the decision is to allow the implementation of “an alternative solution.”
According to the commissioner: “The decision of the state government to push forward the date for the commencement of the enforcement of the restriction policy underscores the administration’s stance of giving a human face to governance and policy implementation. It further confirms the fact that the people, at all times, are the centrepiece of all government’s policy actions.”
He noted that while the enumeration and registration of all commercial vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles in the transport sector in Abia State continues as scheduled, the government will announce a new date for the formal commencement of the restriction policy in due course.
Meanwhile, many tricycle riders and their motorcycle counterparts have hailed the announcement, saying that it is a wise security decision by the state government as the previous date of commencement of the restriction coincided with the August 1 national protest.
July 1, 2024, was initially chosen by the Abia government for the enforcement of restrictions but the date was shifted to August 1, before the announcement to put it on hold.
Abia postpones planned August 1 restrictions on tricycles, motorcycles

Lagos: Sanwo-Olu names designated places for August 1 protests

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Lagos: Sanwo-Olu names designated places for August 1 protests

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has vowed not to allow hoodlums to hijack Thursday’s EndBadGovernance protest.
Sanwo-Olu assured protesters of adequate protection, stressing that the state police command has designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests.
The governor said these locations will be secured to protect protesters and prevent chaos.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a terse statement he issued on Wednesday.
According to the Lagos State governor: “We can do more, and we will. Reflecting on the tragic events of the EndSARS protest in 2020, it began peacefully but was later hijacked, resulting in immense destruction and loss.
“We will not allow history repeat itself. During the protests, we saw the destruction of valuable properties and institutions: Lagos High Court, 45 police stations, 12 local government offices, 7 fire stations, and the Forensic Centre, among others.
“The City Hall, Nigeria Ports Authority headquarters, and traditional rulers’ palaces were also destroyed.
“Malls, shops, offices, and hundreds of brand-new BRT buses were lost. Such devastation only sets us back economically and socially.
“Our goal is a peaceful and prosperous Lagos. We must avoid economic destabilisation that can make us poorer. Let’s unite, embrace dialogue, and build a peaceful, prosperous Lagos.
“To ensure safe and peaceful expression, the Police have designated Gani Fawehinmi Park and Peace Park for protests. These locations will be secured to protect our citizens and prevent chaos.
“Let’s work together to build a Lagos that is safe, secure, and prosperous for all. Our strength lies in our unity, and our future depends on maintaining peace and stability.”
Lagos: Sanwo-Olu names designated places for August 1 protests

Man City handed over £2m fine for regularly delaying games

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Man City handed over £2m fine for regularly delaying games

Manchester City have been fined over £2 million for delaying Premier League kick-offs and restarts 22 times in the past two seasons.
The club admitted to breaching Premier League rules by delaying kick-offs or restarts after half-time on multiple occasions “without good reason.”
In the 2022-23 season, the Premier League champions delayed restarts eight times, resulting in a £390,000 fine.
In the 2023-24 season, they committed 14 breaches, incurring fines totaling £1.7 million, with the start of the second half delayed 11 times and the start of the match delayed four times.
Read Also: Man City seal historic fourth straight Premier League title
In the sanction agreement, the Premier League said the club had “apologised for the accepted breaches and confirmed that it has reminded the players and football management teams of their responsibilities.
“Rules relating to kick-offs and restarts help ensure the organisation of the competition is set at the highest possible professional standard and provides certainty to fans and participating clubs.
“It also ensures the broadcast of all 380 league matches around the world is kept to schedule.”
Manchester City sealed the Premier League title last season, making it a fourth consecutive season they have won the title.
The post Man City handed over £2m fine for regularly delaying games appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.

Nadal, Alcaraz knocked out of Olympics doubles

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Nadal, Alcaraz knocked out of Olympics doubles

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz were dumped out of the Olympics men’s doubles on Wednesday by Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram in possibly Nadal’s last appearance at Roland Garros.

The Spanish dream team lost 6-2, 6-4 to the United States’ fourth seeds, who progressed to the semi-finals in Paris, France.Nadal and Alcaraz, dubbed “Nadalcaraz,” have been one of the main talking points at the Paris Games tennis tournament, wowing the crowds in their first two matches.

But they came unstuck in the last eight against doubles specialists Krajicek and Ram, who both have Grand Slam-winning pedigree.

Nadal was broken in the first game of the match on Court Philippe Chatrier and Alcaraz also lost serve as the US pair took the first set.

The Spaniards suffered another costly break in the seventh game of the second set, which ultimately proved decisive.

They battled in the 10th game but failed to take advantage of three break points, and Krajicek and Ram sealed victory on their second match point.

Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion, said after his painful defeat to Novak Djokovic in the singles competition in Paris that he would decide on his future after the Olympics.

The 38-year-old, immortalised in a statue at Roland Garros, has been plagued by injuries in recent years and is now 161st in the world.

Alcaraz still has a chance of winning a medal in the men’s singles competition — he is through to the quarter-finals, where he will face US ninth seed Tommy Paul.

AFP

Imo prison attack: Police debunk reports as false

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Imo prison attack: Police debunk reports as false

The Imo State Police Command has debunked false stories circulating on social media that the Imo State Correctional Centre has been invaded by gunmen.
A press statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, stated that the stories were a calculated attempt by mischief makers to create unnecessary fear and anxiety in the minds of the people of the state.
“We wish to inform Imo people that the operatives of the entire security agencies have been massively deployed to all the nooks and crannies of the state, including the correctional centre, to evade any threat of attack,” the affirmed.
ASP Okoye also debunked another trending video that suggested that security operatives invaded a hostel at Imo State University and warned students to stay off the planned nationwide demonstration.
He said in the statement that a thorough investigation of the video carried out by the command revealed that nothing of the sort happened in either the state university hostel or anywhere in the state.
Okoye maintained that the police command is committed to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters but warned against any violent demonstration that could lead to the destruction of lives and properties in the state.
Concerning the alleged attack on the state correctional centre, the police spokesperson disclosed that a thorough investigation has been initiated to apprehend the peddlers of misleading information, stating that one suspect has been arrested.
“We are also aware of the recent pocket of attacks in some places in the state orchestrated by suspected members of IPOB/ESN; however, the command, in synergy with other security agencies, is working harmoniously to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for the attacks and normalcy has been restored,” the statement partly read.
The command called on the general public to disregard misleading information. Members of the public were also urged to report any suspicious activity via the command’s emergency lines, 08034773600 and 08148024755.
Imo prison attack: Police debunk reports as false

Court restricts protesters to Abuja stadium

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Court restricts protesters to Abuja stadium

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court,  Abuja, on Wednesday, restricted the participants of the August 1 hardship protest to the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.

Justice Oriji issued the order while delivering a ruling on an ex-parte application brought before the court by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and argued by Ogwu Onoja.

Wike contended that the Federal Government was not opposed to the protest.

However, he noted that intelligence and security reports indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intended to use the protest to cause havoc, damage public facilities, block roadways and disturb public peace.

The minister reported that when he contacted security agencies to ensure the protest does not escalate into criminality or disturbance, he was informed that they were not adequately equipped to manage potential crises on short notice.

Thus, it was deemed better to prevent the protest to avoid any issues.

The minister presented an exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT,” signed by Damilare Adenola, which allegedly threatened to invade the Presidential Villa and damage the outer wires facing the Aso Rock during the protest while claiming that the group demanded the FCT provide them with lighting and toilet facilities during the protest.

Wike applied for an interim injunction restraining the leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading along any road, streets, offices, or public premises within the FCT from August 1-10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

The respondents in the suit are Omoyele Sowore, Damilare Adenola, Adama Ukpabi, Tosin Harsogba, persons unknown, and the Inspector-General of Police, among others.

In his ruling, Justice Oriji acknowledged that the protesters had the right to protest but restricted them to the stadium due to the concerns expressed by the FCT minister.

“In light of the above, the court finds it appropriate and expedient to grant an order under the omnibus or general prayer to ensure that the rights of the protesters are upheld while preventing negative impacts on other citizens’ rights to movement and ensuring that properties and public facilities are not destroyed,” the judge said.

Hence, he ordered the first to fifth respondents to use the Moshood Abiola Stadium exclusively for the protest.

The court also ordered that the service of processes in the suit, including the confinement order, be published in newspapers.

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