The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, said Nigerian students are not ready to compromise the academic calendars of educational institutions for planned protests.
The national president of the association, Lucky Emonefe, said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a town hall meeting organised for youths, students and members of the civil society organisation to interface ahead of the August 1 planned protest.
The town hall meeting was convened by NANS in collaboration with the chairman of Wells Carlton Hotel and Apartments, Mr Osahon Okunbo.
Emonefe urged students and youths in the country to be law abiding and resist any call for protest.
“We are not interested in anything that will obstruct our current academic calendar; we want to continue with our studies because our academic pursuit is very important to us.
“Coming out to demonstrate is not the way to go because it can be hijacked, public peace will be disrupted and properties destroyed.
“In spite of the fact that we did not agree with those calling for demonstrations, we are very hungry, times are hard and there are harsh economic policies.
“We believe that we can engage government positively through dialogue; we are calling on government to look at some of the policies and address them,” he said.
The NANS president commended the convener of the town hall meeting for the initiative, adding that it was a way for youths in the country to express their grievances.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students’ Matters, Sunday Ashefon, in his remark, called on youths and students in the country to shun the August 1 planned protest.
He said that the coming together of students and youths in the meeting showed that youths were interested in the efforts of the federal government to ease the hardship in the country.
Protest: We’ll not compromise academic calendars — NANS
Protest: We’ll not compromise academic calendars — NANS
Manchester City fined over £2 million for delayed kick-offs
Manchester City have been fined £2.09 million ($2.68 million, 2.48 million euros) by the Premier League for 22 instances of delaying the kick-off or restart of matches, it was announced Wednesday.
The English champions have accepted the punishment, which relates to rule infringements over the past two seasons, the league has confirmed.
This issue is unconnected to the 115 charges City is facing for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
A Premier League statement said: “The Premier League and Manchester City FC have entered into a sanction agreement after the club accepted it had breached Premier League Rule L.33 relating to kick-off and restart obligations.”
City have been punished on a sliding scale for each offence.
Their first, a delay of one minute and 18 seconds to the start of the second half against Crystal Palace in August 2022, led to a warning.
But fines ranging from £10,000 to £200,000 have been imposed for each subsequent breach.
The longest delay was two minutes and 46 seconds for the start of the final game of the season against West Ham last season when City clinched a record fourth successive English title.
The statement added: “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.”
City have not commented directly but the ruling said: “The club has apologised for the accepted breaches… and confirmed that it has reminded the club’s players and football management teams of their responsibilities in complying with Rule L.33.”
AFP
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
South-East elders mourn Onyeka Onwenu, Iwuanyanwu, Ubah
An Igbo socio-cultural group, Igbo Elders Consultative Forum, has lamented the deaths of some prominent Igbo personalities in July 2024.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Chairman, Chief Simon Okeke, and Secretary, Prof. Charles Nwekeakwu, the elders decried the sudden death of the President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who died last Thursday, Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Senator Ifeanyi Uba, who died on Saturday and music icon, Onyeka Onwenu, who passed on Tuesday, including another prominent son, Sir Ferdinand Agu.
The statement read in part, “We mourn these illustrious and much-beloved personalities. Their death is heartrending. But we thank God for the life they lived. We pray for divine grace for their families, Ndigbo, and the people of Nigeria have to bear these irreparable losses.
On the nationwide protest, the elders said that before the death of Iwuanyanwu, he clarified on behalf of Ohanaeze that the Igbo were not part of any protest.
They said that in keeping with the famed Igbo values of enterprise, justice and equity, tolerance, and respect for others, the Igbo would continue to be good Nigerian citizens and work for a prosperous, just, equitable, and peaceful Nigeria.
“Once again, if only for emphasis and for the avoidance of doubt, Ndigbo is not protesting; we are mourning the sad deaths of our illustrious sons and leaders. We will not shy away from the duties of patriotism and courageous citizenship. As we promote peace and prosperity for Nigeria and show respect for other Nigerian people, we will demand the same from others. Ndigbo has contributed immensely and will continue to contribute to the greatness of Nigeria.
“Therefore, it is unacceptable and a gross provocation for any Nigerian, no matter how highly placed or privileged, to overlook the clear statement of Ohanaeze Ndigbo that the Igbo are not part of any national protest and spread malicious falsehood linking Ndigbo to the proposed protest,” the group added.
Alia urges Benue people to shun protest
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on the leaders of youth groups, organised labour and the entire people of the state to shun the planned protest against bad governance scheduled for August 1.
The governor made this appeal at the IBB Square, Makurdi, the state capital, saying it is constitutional for the people to stage a peaceful protest to press home their demand.
However, he noted that mischief makers may take advantage of the protest and cause mayhem.
According to him, social protests can be devastating since they can cause economic setbacks and loss of lives, alluding to the #EndSARS protest and the recent protest in Ukum.
The Catholic priest governor said the precarious security situation in some parts of the state makes Benue an unsafe environment for protest.
He also acknowledged the hardship in the nation, stressing that President Bola Tinubu was trying to mitigate its effects.
Alia urges Benue people to shun protest
Court bars Ghanaian youths from protesting economic hardship, LGBTQ bill
A Ghanaian court blocked a planned youth-led protest on Wednesday aimed at addressing corruption, the high cost of living and the president’s failure to sign a controversial anti-LGBTQ bill into law.
The protest, dubbed “The Gen-Z demo,” was organised by a coalition of civil society and pressure groups and scheduled to take place from July 31 to August 6.
The organisers hoped to emulate similar youth-led protests in Kenya and Uganda, aiming to pressure President Nana Akufo-Addo’s government to address the depreciating cedi currency and soaring living costs.
High court judge Mary Yanzuh blocked the protest following a police application seeking to prohibit the event. The police argued that the extended duration of the protest posed security and logistical challenges.
“Given the number of days proposed for the protest, providing adequate security would severely strain our human, logistical, and operational capabilities, especially in this election year with other political activities taking place,” police prosecutor Sylvester Asare told AFP.
“We are deeply disappointed by the court’s decision,” said Bernard Mornah, one of the protest organisers. “This protest was a chance for the youth to voice their frustrations and demand accountability.”
“Blocking this demonstration silences our calls for change and undermines our democratic rights,” he told AFP.
Ebenezer Havor, a convener of the demonstration, also expressed frustration over the ruling.
He told AFP: “Our intention was to call on the president and his team to implement measures to fix the economy, tackle corruption, and show their commitment to the Sexual and Ghanaian Family Values Bill.”
“This bill reflects the values of many Ghanaians, and the president’s refusal to sign it is a significant point of contention.”
Ghana’s parliament voted to pass the controversial bill to severely restrict LGBTQ rights in February, but the president has yet to validate it into law.
Activists have condemned the so-called “anti-gay bill”, but it is widely supported in Ghana, where in a separate ruling earlier this month the supreme court upheld a law criminalising gay sex.
– Economic challenges –
The protest cancellation comes as Ghana grapples with economic challenges.
Despite a slight easing of inflation to 22.8 per cent in June 2024, the figure remains well above the central bank’s target band of 6-10 per cent.
Ghana, a major producer of gold and exporter of cocoa, has been struggling with external debt servicing since 2022, prompting a $3 billion debt relief agreement with the International Monetary Fund.
The latest Afrobarometer report on democratic trends in Africa highlights growing dissatisfaction with democratic institutions and leadership on the continent.
While young people in Africa are supportive of democratic principles, they are increasingly disillusioned with their leaders’ ability to deliver tangible benefits, the report said.
The blocked protest in Ghana underscores this widening gap between young people and their government.
But the pressure groups remain undeterred and have vowed to continue their advocacy through other means.
“Our voices will not be silenced,” Mornah said. “We will find new ways to demand the change that Ghana needs.”
AFP
Crude oil prices surge after Hamas leader’s killing in Iran
Ahead of Thursday”s meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), oil prices shot up early on Wednesday morning following reports on the killing of Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran.
A barrel of benchmark U.S. WTI crude rose by 2.47% to $77.20 while the Brent Crude increased by 2.04% to $80.67.
Hamas confirmed Haniyen’s death, claiming he had been killed by a “treacherous Zionist” attack on his residence in Tehran.
Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the country’s new president.
He was killed a day after Israel killed Hezbollah senior commander, Fuad Shukr in an air strike on Beirut, Lebanon.
Expectations of escalation invariably push oil prices higher after hitting their lowest levels in seven weeks on Tuesday.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Crude oil prices surge after Hamas leader’s killing in Iran appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
CNG: Ogun launches 2,000 electric motorcycle to address transportation cost
The Ogun State Government under the state e-mobility programme launched 2,000 electric motorcycles on Wednesday.
The state governor, Dapo Abiodun said the programme aims to reduce the cost of transportation in the state and ensure a cleaner environment by reducing carbon emissions.
Abiodun, who spoke at the first phase of the launch held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the e-mobility initiative marks another milestone toward a sustainable and green future for the state.
He said : “Our administration is committed to mitigating the impact of the subsidy removal and the high cost of diesel fuel while reducing transportation costs for our citizens.
“We will be realizing about 2,000 e-bikes in the first phase. These commercial motorbikes can ride up to 75-80 kilometres on a full charge, and the vehicles can travel up to 200 kilometres, thus reducing transportation costs by 40 per cent.”
The governor also announced the groundbreaking of a new facility, named Giga Facility, at the Special Agro Processing Zone located in Iperu-Remo, noting that the facility, with a total investment of $40 million, would serve as an assembly plant for electric bikes, two-wheelers, tricycles, commercial buses, electric cars, and swap stations.
“This investment will be implemented in three phases, beginning with phase one, focusing on our E-Okada bike assembly, and of course, phase two with our tricycles, and phase three with our e-vehicles. It will create over 10,000 direct jobs and 50,000 indirect jobs for assembly line operators,” he said.
Abiodun however appealed to the people, particularly the youth, to engage the government constructively instead of embarking on unnecessary protests, which often do not yield positive results.
Also speaking, the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali, lauded the state for being the first to launch the E-Mobility initiative, adding that with this development, Ogun has joined other African countries that are currently using more than 15,000 e-bikes in their transportation sectors.
Alkali appealed to other state governments to take a cue from Ogun State in partnering with the federal government in CNG usage, just as he encouraged the public to support the programme to create jobs and make transportation cheaper, more efficient, and environmentally friendly.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, represented by the Executive Vice President of NNPCL, Mr. Lekan Ogunleye, lauded the state for always being the first in any innovation that would benefit the people.
Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Olugbenga Dairo, in his welcome address, said the launch of the programme was a follow up to the conversion of the CNG buses last year which is aimed at addressing the increase in transportation fare occasioned by the subsidy removal.
CNG: Ogun launches 2,000 electric motorcycle to address transportation cost
Panic in Imo as unknown gunmen launch fresh attacks
Unknown gunmen on Wednesday launched fresh attacks in Owerri, Imo capital, causing pandemonium in and around the city.
TVN reports that gunmen, on Monday, attacked policemen on duty at Orji Road, killing four and carting away their rifles.
In the fresh attacks on Wednesday, residents, who were panicked by sporadic gunshots in different parts of the town, were said to have scampered to different directions for safety.
The shooting, it was gathered, took place around the popular Ikenegbu area, Wethedral Road, leading to the Government House, and Okigwe Road, stretching from the Government House Junction to the back of the Imo State University campus.
Other areas that were overrun by the gunmen were the Amawusa area on Douglas Road, and the Toronto Street, which stretches to MCC Road Junction.
A fish seller at Relief Market, near Fire Service Junction, Mrs Roseline Okeke, said that there was stampede at the market when the shooting occurred.
“Everybody ran for dear lives when the shooting was going on,” Okeke said.
Also, a POS operator at the Fire Service Junction, Miss Ukamaka Nwole, said that the assailants shot severally, when they came close to the Fire Service Police Station, before fleeing the area.
A detachment of police operatives was said to have responded to the attacks by firing tear gas to scare the hoodlums.
In a reaction, the spokesman of the Imo Police Command, ASP Henry Okoye, said the hoodlums had adopted a guerilla style, whereby they come out from their enclaves, unleash surprise attacks and go into hiding.
Okoye said that the Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, has launched a head-on attack on the gunmen.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police has personally led men to the scenes.
“The command is on top of the situation.
“We will get the miscreants reponsible for the senseless attacks either dead or alive.
“We will so deal with the miscreants responsible for the attacks and killing of security operatives and unsuspecting members of the public.
“Let us encourage Imo people to report any suspicious persons or activities to the police.
“This is indeed a trying time but together we will come out victorious. Imo must be peaceful.”
Panic in Imo as unknown gunmen launch fresh attacks
Adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks – IPC tells journalists
Journalists and other media professionals who may be on duty to cover the planned nationwide protest starting August 1 have been urged to adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks.
The leadership of the International Press Centre, IPC, which gave the advice on Wednesday through a statement, said the admonition to journalists has become necessary in the light of previous experiences when newsmen were assaulted in the course of legitimate duty.
According to the Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, media practitioners must work round the clock to ensure their safety through out the period of the protest.
“We urge all journalists and media practitioners who will be on the field to cover the anticipated nation-wide protests to adopt and implement safety measures while carrying out their activities professionally.”
He also enjoined other stakeholders, especially the security agencies, to undertake the performance of their tasks in a civil and responsible manner.
“The security forces should note that the media plays a critical role in the information dissemination chain and are obligated to professionally carry out their task in reporting societal events, hence they be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations. The media should be seen as partners in progress and not as adversaries,” Arogundade stressed.
IPC also urged members of the public, including protesters, to recognise the crucial role the media plays by protecting and supporting them as they report critical events during the protest.
Adopt necessary safety measures to avoid attacks – IPC tells journalists
Reps repeal, enact 2024 Appropriation Act
The House of Representatives on Wednesday repealed and enacted the Appropriation Act, 2024, amounting to N35.06tn, to address possible legal gaps in the extant law.
Of the total sum of N35.06tn, N1.74tn is for statutory transfers, N8.27tn for debt service, N11.26tn for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure, while N13.77tn is for contributions to the development fund for capital expenditure.
At the emergency session on Wednesday, the House considered and passed a “Bill for an Act to repeal the Appropriation Act, 2024, and enact the Appropriation Act, 2024, to authorise the issuance from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation of the total sum of N35.06tn.”
Earlier at the session, the House rescinded the decision on the long title, explanatory memorandum, and clauses 13 and 14 of the Appropriation Bill passed last Tuesday and committed the same provisions to the Committee of Supply for reconsideration.
This followed the adoption of a motion moved by the Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Mr Francis Waive.
Moving the motion, Waive, who represents Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, Delta State, recalled that the Appropriations Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed on Tuesday, 23 July 2024.
He added that while taking a detailed look at the bill, the Directorate of Legal Services observed some legal gaps that require reconsideration.
He noted that clauses 13 and 14 of the bill, as well as the long title and explanatory memorandum, need to be amended to reflect the intent of the Appropriation Act.