The Federal Government has declared all the 256 custodial centres across the country as “red zones” ahead of the planned #EndBadGovernance protests to begin on August 1.
The Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, gave the warning in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, in Abuja.
He asked persons or groups with no business whatsoever in the correctional centres to steer clear of the facilities.
Nababa said: “Given the purported national protest scheduled to hold on August 1, the service wishes to inform the public that the custodial centres have been designated as red zones.
“Furthermore, the service wishes to enjoin the public that custodial and non-custodial centres are critical national assets which are germane to public safety as well as national security.
“Tampering with or attacking them will lead to a breakdown of law and order, and further exacerbate the security of the society in general.”
The CG urged Nigerians to join hands with the service to ensure the protection of correctional facilities.
He said adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no correctional facility was “defiled.”
Nababa added that the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) had been activated to provide extra security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.
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Nigeria declares prisons ‘red zones’ ahead of #EndBadGovernance protests
Senate queries Ajaokuta Steel Company on N4.2bn personnel cost
The Senate on Tuesday frowned at the N4.2 billion appropriated in the 2024 budget as personnel costs for an unverifiable number of workers at the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.
Allegation of unverifiability of workers at the non-functional steel company came to the fore during an investigative hearing on alleged incidences of corruption and inefficiency in Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and National Iron Ore Mining Company from 2002 to date, by an ad hoc committee of the Senate.
Specifically, the deputy chairman of the committee, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), tackled the sole administrator of the company, Summaila Abdul Akaba, on the number of workers collecting salaries from N4.2 billion appropriated for personnel cost in the 2024 budget.
Natasha said: “The sole administrator of Ajaokuta Steel Company, I have a good question for you, being an indigene from the area, very worried about the state of the company and passionate about its revival, the sum of N4.2 billion was appropriated for personnel cost in 2024, but from several visitations I’ve made to the complex, hardly were 10 people sighted to be around or doing anything. So, who are the workers collecting monthly salaries from the appropriated N4.2 billion?
“Statistically, if N300,000 is paid monthly to 14, 000 people per month for a year, you get N4.2 billion or N500,000 to 8,400 workers per month in a year. Where are the 14, 000 or 8,400 workers in Ajaokuta, the appropriated N4.2 billion is being spent on ?”
But in an embarrassment-saving move, the Minority Whip of the Senate, who is also a member of the committee, Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West), prevented the sole administrator from responding to Natasha’s poser.
Senator Ngwu interjected, “Please don’t let us indict ourselves because the said appropriation was approved by the National Assembly.”
In his closing remarks at the investigative hearing, the chairman of the ad hoc committee, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), said presentations and submissions made by various stakeholders would be thoroughly looked into by the committee for a solution report on Ajaokuta Steel Company to the Senate.
Key stakeholders at the investigative hearing include the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, a director from the Central Bank of Nigeria, a director from the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, Nigerian Society of Engineers, and Steel and Engineering Union Workers of Nigeria, among others.
Senate queries Ajaokuta Steel Company on N4.2bn personnel cost
How I fathered 100 biological children despite being unmarried — Telegram CEO, Durov
The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Telegram Messenger app, Pavel Durov, has narrated how he had 100 biological children around the world despite being unmarried.
The 39-year-old entrepreneur made this known through his popular channel on Monday evening.
According to him, despite his preference to remain single and alone, 15 years ago, his friend (unnamed) approached him to donate his sperm in a clinic, which he acceded to and resulted in him helping over 12 families all over the world have kids due to what he described as ”high-quality donor material’.
Narrating, he said, “I was just told that I have over 100 biological kids. How is this possible for a guy who has never been married and prefers to live alone?
“Fifteen years ago, a friend approached me with a weird request. He said that he and his wife couldn’t have kids due to a fertility issue and asked me to donate sperm at a clinic for them to have a baby. I laughed my ass off before realising he was dead serious.
“The boss of the clinic told me that ‘high-quality donor material’ was in short supply and that it was my civic duty to donate more sperm to anonymously help more couples. This sounded crazy enough to get me to sign up for sperm donation.
“Fast forward to 2024, my past donating activity has helped over a hundred couples in 12 countries to have kids. Moreover, many years after I stopped being a donor, at least one IVF clinic still has my frozen sperm available for anonymous use by families who want to have kids.”
He hinted that he would plan to open-source his DNA so that his biological children could easily find him, stressing, “Of course, there are risks, but I don’t regret having been a donor. The shortage of healthy sperm has become an increasingly serious issue worldwide, and I’m proud that I did my part to help alleviate it.”
Durov further advised healthy men to donate sperm to families struggling to have kids around the world.
The Telegram founder is a Russian-born Emirati entrepreneur. In 2022, he was recognized as the richest expat in the United Arab Emirates, according to Forbes. In February 2023, Arabian Business named him the most powerful entrepreneur in Dubai.
Gunmen kill one in Imo, burn govt vehicle
Gunmen on Tuesday afternoon killed a young man at Orji in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State.
This incident is coming twenty-four hours after four police officers and a point-of-sale operator were killed in Irette, Owerri West LGA in the state.
The gunmen, who shot sporadically into the air while heading to Owerri-Enugu Road, also burned the Imo State Government Waste Management Agency vehicle at Nkwo Orji Market in Owerri North.
When According Metro visited Nkwo Orji Market, the vehicle was already in flames.
Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen were shouting, “Stay in your homes. Don’t come out during the sit-at-home if you value your lives.”
“The traders and buyers scampered for safety, abandoning their wares and vehicles as they ran for their lives.”
According Metro noticed that commuters were stranded, as few buses were seen plying the route for fear of being harmed.
Reacting to the killing, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Henry Okoye, said, “Police operatives have been massively deployed to Orji. The situation is under control. The miscreants responsible for the attacks will certainly be brought to book.”
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Tinubu inaugurates Southern traditional rulers council
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council in Imo State.
The inauguration took place in Owerri, the state capital.
The inauguration saw the Oni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, emerge as the Chairman of the council, while the co-chairmen were Obi of Obinugwu, Cletus Illomuanya and King Jaja of Opopo, Dandeson Jaja with Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor emerging as the secretary.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented the President, said, “President Bola Tinubu is very supportive of what is going on here today. The President has a tremendous respect for this wonderful institution. You are the custodians of our culture.
“You are refined. Every one of us respects you. Nobody can do it without the support of the traditional rulers. Nigeria is a great country, rich in diversity culturally and intellectually. With traditional rulers like you, Nigeria will move forward.”
Earlier in his remark, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who was the host, urged members of the council to meet with their Northern counterparts to unite Nigeria.
He said, “It is on that score that I invite you to support the current Federal Government led by our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not a call for blind support. It is because I know, like most of you do, that he is working very hard to put Nigeria on the journey of irreversible economic growth and development.
“For example, the recent move by his government to strengthen the local governments is intended to bring governance closer to the people. As a visionary leader, I foresee a greater involvement of traditional leaders in governance in the near future.
“As we know, his economic reforms have brought about temporary hardships in the country. But it is like the pangs of labour which disappear as soon as the child is born. Without these reforms, Nigeria would have since gone under. But with these reforms, our economic recovery is in sight.
“Already, some foreign loans are being repaid while our external reserve is increasing. President Tinubu has indeed taken deliberate actions that would bring back the economic boom. We just need to be patient.
“Again, as you would have observed, the battle has been taken to the doorsteps of the bandits and criminals. The security situation is not as severe as it was a year ago. We have not gotten to where we ought to be, but there are obvious improvements towards our target. I am assured that with your support and cooperation, our president will surely take us to that destination.”
Also speaking at the event, The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said, “This event marks the beginning of a unification of a new body to uphold our heritage. We are all one. It is going to strengthen the bond. It is a historic event. The inauguration of this body will enable them to perform more advisory roles in the development of this country. We appreciate Governor Hope Uzodimma for initiating and coordinating this event for the good of our zone.”
In his remarks, the Oni of Ife, Ogunwusi, said, “We appreciate the governor for his focus, towards looking to unite the Southern protectorate of the country. It started since you were a Senator to see how the Southern region can unite and today, Governor Hope Uzodimma’s vision has been achieved.”
Osimhen’s agent debunks Chelsea loan move rumours
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is yet to make any official move this summer and remains a Napoli player, his agent has said.
Agent Roberto Calenda on Tuesday labelled his client’s purported loan love to Chelsea as “fake news”.
The debunking became necessary after a report claimed that Napoli and Chelsea are in talks to bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge on loan.
The deal, according to The Athletic was expected to include a buy option.
Read Also: Osimhen lashes out on Finidi for questioning his commitment (Video)
Reports also claimed Belgium international Romelu Lukaku would also move to Napoli on a permanent transfer as part of the deal.
But Calenda has said there is no truth in the story.
He wrote on X: “I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery.
“But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!”
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Don’t bring your hunger protest to N’Delta, Asari-Dokubo warns
Former Niger Delta freedom fighter, Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, has warned organisers of the planned nationwide protest against hardship scheduled for August 1st not to come to the Niger Delta.
Dokubo-Asari, said the agenda of those behind the protest does not capture the problems of the people of the Niger Delta, saying they don’t care about the because and wondered why the latter should heed their call.
While daring them to come to the oil and gas-rich region, he said they would be resisted, alleging that they were merely interested in the resources coming from the Niger Delta, describing them as ‘anarchist.
This is as the former leader of the defunct Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force alleged that some people who lost the election were backing the protest aimed at removing the government in power.
Dokubo-Asari, handed down the warning while speaking at the Niger Delta Sensitization Conference for Ethnic Nationalities, Youths, and Women’ with the theme ‘Come let us build together’ held in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
He stated, “I and all those who believe in me and those of you who are committed to the interest of the Niger Delta, we are not going to be part of any protest. It is as clear as that.
“If anybody has the right to protest I also have the right to resist protest. Where your right stops that is where my right begins. ”
He said the same people who protested against President Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who hails from Niger, have come with the same tactic against another Southerner in the person of President Bola Tinubu, urging the people not to be carried away by sweet talk.
Dokubo-Asari stated, “I’m anti-protest. When our brother was here (making a veiled reference to Jonathan) they protested. Today, another of our brothers is here. They want to protest. That is the truth.
“When you allow yourself to be used, when you always bend your back for people to ride on you, they will continue to ride on you.
“Are our needs included in their ten points demand? No. So we are not important to them. But it is our resources that they want to share. I want to say that me I have the capacity. If you carry your protest near where I am, you will collect (they will be resisted).”
While referring to the #EndSARS protest, he said, “Those who brought anti-protest and went to Oyigbo (Rivers State), they collected (they got what they deserve). Everybody knows, the government, the security agencies knows it. I gave it to them.
“Look, don’t be deceived by people’s flowery words and statements. What have they done to impact their society and the environment?
“The lack of hospitals in Buguma, Abonema, and the entire Kalabari land didn’t start today. It has always been like that. And I will not expect my friend to come (referring to President Bola Tinubu) one year later because there has been no Hospital in Buguma since the 90s. I should then kick my friend out of power.
“I will not be part of it. These are anarchists. When you fail the election, wait for another election season. It is four years. Sell yourself to the people, but you don’t want to.
“After you have failed, you continue. Then you’re not patriotic; you’re the problem of this country. President Bola Tinubu won’t win the elections against all odds. No candidate has gone through the travails President Tinubu went through to win the elections.
“Everything was against him, but he triumphed. Wait for your turn. You heard what happened in Imo State yesterday Monday) where they killed Police officers.
“That is what they want to do. And we must resist them. We must not allow them to bring their anarchy here.
“But if you are stubborn and you want to bring it here, I’m not President Tinubu, I’m not in the government, I’m not the Chief of Army Staff or the Inspector General of Police, but if you do it anyway, you will see it anyway.
“Don’t bring your protest here. This protest does not concern us, and anywhere you are doing your protest, if I’m there and you bring your protest, I know you’re a threat to me. And I will be a threat to you. That is it.
“I’m not doing it because Tinubibis my friend. I will stand firm because if I don’t do it, my life will be in danger, the lives of my children will be in danger, and the lives of my compatriots. All of you who are here will be in danger.
“It is wrong for us to be part of or even conceive this protest. Those who have lost election should prepare for 2027.”
Ogun govt distributes working tools to 300 graduands of vocational training
The Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has distributed sewing machines, locally made ovens, pedicure boxes, stoning machines, and industrial burners, among others, to over 300 trainees in different vocational skills.
The trainees which include out-of-school children, unemployed youths, and women were trained in fashion designing, catering, hairdressing, cosmetology and beauty care.
The commissioner in the ministry, Adijat Adeleye, who spoke during the graduation ceremony and distribution of the items at the Women Development Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, said the empowerment is to make them financially independent.
Adeleye explained that the skills acquired were tools for personal advancement critical for the growth and development of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs.
She maintained that the importance of vocational training cannot be overemphasised, serving as an alternative means of livelihood for the majority of people at present.
“I want you to make adequate use of the knowledge and skill acquired. It is important to embrace entrepreneurship with confidence and creativity in developing solutions that can turn needs into opportunities,” she said.
In her goodwill message, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Mrs Ayotunde Lawal, pointed out that the state government was determined to improve the livelihood of youth and women through the acquisition of vocational skills, imploring the graduands to make judicious use of the opportunities.
In her opening remarks, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, said the programme was designed to equip trainees with practical skills that were not only marketable but essential for the growth of our local economy, stating that the provision of quality vocational training for unemployed youths would make them to be self-reliant, confident and capable of contributing positively to society.
Speaking, some of the graduands, Barakat Adeniyi, Racheal Ajayi, Olorunda Sesan and Olabide Taiwo, trained in hairdressing, fashion designing, catering, cosmetology and beauty care respectively, expressed joy for achieving their dreams and appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for providing an avenue that would make them to be independent and contribute their quota to the development of the state.
Ogun govt distributes working tools to 300 graduands of vocational training
Ogun varsity SSANU protests, alleges VC running anti-worker policies
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, on Tuesday protested against an alleged high-handedness of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola.
They also protested an alleged unilateral decision of the VC to change the laws of the university as it affects congregation elections into the university’s senate and other standing committees.
The senior staff of the university led by their Chairman, Dr Abiodun Lamina, stormed the senate building of the university, the venue for the congregation elections on Tuesday.
They demanded that the VC’s unilateral actions, which the union claimed were illegal and detrimental to the university community, must be repealed and not be used to conduct the elections.
Lamina accused the VC of attempting to change the university’s laws without proper consultation or approval.
“This is not the first time; this is not the second time. We have written several letters to him, urging him to follow due process, but he insists that nobody can stop him,” Lamina stated.
The union leader expressed concern that the VC’s actions are creating division within the university, particularly between teaching and non-teaching staff.
Prof Agboola allegedly mandated that only employees with a degree at the time of their employment could be members of the congregation, excluding those who obtained their degrees after joining the university.
This move, according to Lamina, aimed to diminish the influence and presence of non-teaching staff among various statutory committees of the university.
Lamina said “The reason for this protest is because our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola has refused to listen to our pleas over the illegal clauses he just introduced into the laws of the University regarding the congregation elections into the senate, University council, among other committees of the University.
“The position of the law is that a degree holder who is a member of SSANU is a member of the congregation and can participate in these elections, but the VC in the new law said only those who were employed as a degree holder could now be members of the congregation.
“But we have said that this draconian rule will not stay, that it smacks of injustice because many members of SSANU who were employed as National Diploma holders, Higher National Diploma holders have gone ahead to have their degrees, some with Masters Degrees.”
He continued, “We don’t know why the VC is hellbent on creating unnecessary crisis where there should be none. We have written several letters on this but he has done nothing.
“We have also said that the illegal clauses inserted into the University’s law should not be applied for the congregation elections scheduled to hold today, Tuesday but the VC has said that nothing will stop him from going ahead with the elections
“We are just using this protest to notify the members of the public, particularly Governor Dapo Abiodun to please intervene over this matter.”
Lamina described the congregation elections as a platform that allows for members of staff to have a representative elected into the University’s senate, the governing council and other standing committees of the institution.
The SSANU chairman called for a return to the peaceful coexistence experienced during the tenures of previous Vice-Chancellors, Professors Saburi Adesanya and Ganiyu Olatunde.
He said “We are tired of this caucus-style management. The University’s laws must be respected, and any changes should go through the proper channels.”
The VC has however said that the matter had been resolved and that he has equally not changed nor flouted any edict of the University
Replying to our Correspondent’s enquiries sent to his WhatsApp, Agboola said, “We have resolved the matter. Be rest assured, l have not changed or flouted any provision of the edict of the University.
“All staff that were regraded, upgraded and converted from one cadre to the other were included in the list.”
IG meets with ‘Take It Back’ movement leaders over planned hunger protest
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun held a virtual meeting on Tuesday with key members of the Take It Back Movement, including prominent lawyers Femi Falana (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the meeting addressed the group’s planned nationwide protest and aimed to ensure citizens’ safety while upholding their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The statement noted that Egbetokun emphasised the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the protests. He acknowledged the group’s right to peaceful demonstration while underscoring the Police Force’s responsibility to facilitate these rights within legal boundaries.
“To this end, the IGP has advised the Take It Back Movement, which has indicated its intention to protest, to engage with the respective State Police Commissioners to coordinate and plan the protests in a manner that ensures the safety of participants and the general public, while pre-empting any security challenges and ensuring that the protests proceed peacefully,” the statement said.
The IGP recommended against unplanned open processions due to potential security risks.
The statement continued, “He stressed that organising and coordinating with the Police and other security agencies are essential steps to mitigate risks, protect the rights of all citizens, and safeguard the well-being of all involved.
“The Inspector-General of Police, while reiterating that the Force remains dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that all public gatherings are conducted safely and securely, calls on stakeholders to work together to foster a peaceful and secure environment during the planned protests.”
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