The Nigerian government has assured its citizens that its N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag of rice is already available across locations in the country.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made this known while reacting to questions by Journalists during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
The Minister explained that rice has been distributed across designated locations pending commencement of sales to Nigerians.
According to him, the government is still unveiling modalities to ensure that the sale of the rice will not be hijacked by a few.
He assured that the government would provide Nigerians with details of the centres across the country where they can get the product at the said cost.
“I can confirm to you that the Rice at N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag is available. It will be sold at different centres across the country.
“We will give Nigerians details on the point-by-buy locations of where it’s been sold once the sales kickoff.
“Care is being taken so that it will not be hijacked by those who have money to purchase in large quantities and mop it up with the intended beneficiaries getting it”, he said.
The Minister’s clarification comes amid growing concerns that the product has yet to be available in Nigerian markets for N40,000 per bag.
Recall that the government on Monday announced that the price of a bag of rice has been reduced by 50 percent to N40,000 per 50kg bag while appealing to citizens to shun the August 1, 2024 protest.
N40,000 per 50kg bag of rice already available – Nigerian govt assures citizens
N40,000 per 50kg bag of rice already available – Nigerian govt assures citizens
Unknown gunmen kill 54-year-old businesswoman in Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it had begun an investigation into the death of 54-year-old Olakunbi Adene who was found dead in her residence located at Oda Road Area of Akure, the state capital.
It was gathered that the deceased’ lifeless body was found on her bed in a pool of blood on Sunday, indicating that she was murdered.
It was also learnt that the deceased a few days earlier entertained guests when she celebrated her 54th birthday.
According to a source in the area, the deceased, who had two kids was hale and hearty with no sign of illness before her untimely death.
Speaking on the incident, the deceased’s husband, Dele Adene, said the news of his wife’s demise came as a rude shock.
But he expressed disappointment in the police for not arresting anybody yet in connection with the incident.
Adene said, “I was told that my wife’s corpse was found on her bed in a pool of blood which showed she was hacked to death. I cannot believe that no arrests have been made up till the moment of talking to you. I feel suspects should have been arrested.
“Her phone should be tracked and I don’t know how dwellers in the building did not know such a thing happened in a house with four flats apartment.”
Similarly, the deceased’s daughter, Tejumade said it was one of her uncles that called, on the telephone, to inform her about what happened to her mother.
“I came back from the church and was trying her line, but it was switched off. I later received a call from my mother’s brother who called to inform me that my mother had been killed.”
The remains of the deceased had been deposited at a mortuary in Akure.
When contacted on a phone call, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident as she said an investigation by the command into the case had commenced.
“I am aware of the incident, and an investigation is currently ongoing,” the PPRO stated.
According selected for Google, FT Strategies’ AI launchpad programme
The According Newspapers has been chosen as one of eight organisations from Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions to participate in the Google News Initiative AI Launchpad programme, delivered in collaboration with FT Strategies and Google.
The AI Launchpad is a five-month intensive programme designed to help news publishers develop a responsible and ambitious approach to integrating Artificial Intelligence into their operations.
Out of more than 120 applicants from across the region, The According was selected for its clear goals and readiness to conduct intermediate-level AI experiments.
The programme will guide participating publishers through live experiments and provide access to expertise from the GNI, FT Strategies and other industry leaders.
The aim is to identify areas within each business where AI can enhance existing processes and drive innovation in audience engagement.
Participants will benefit from hands-on experiments, one-on-one sessions with FT Strategies consultants, and opportunities to exchange best practices with other publishers in the cohort.
The Managing Director at FT Strategies, Joanna Levesque, emphasised the collaborative nature of the programme.
“This programme is designed in an exploratory spirit to help demystify AI and catalyse experimentation across your business. At FT Strategies, we seek to guide fellow news publishers with lessons from the Financial Times. In the case of AI, we are working through many of the same questions as you, and look forward to sharing those learnings with you in this programme.
“FT Strategies was founded on the principles of sharing learnings and mutual benefit. In programmes such as this, we are keen to also create a safe space for you to share your ambitions and fears with other publishers,” Levesque said.
The AI Launchpad is part of the Google News Initiative’s broader mission to support journalism in the digital age.
The initiative offers training and resources to help news organisations thrive, focusing on quality independent journalism, financial sustainability, and innovation.
FT Strategies is a specialist media consultancy owned by the Financial Times, with expertise in helping news and media organisations globally, address strategic challenges, drive growth, and innovate using AI, technology, and data.
Mbappe takes over French club Caen after buying majority stake
France and Real Madrid forward, Kylian Mbappe has taken control of Ligue 2 club Caen.
Interconnected Ventures, established by Mbappe, acquired a majority stake in the French team through its investment branch, Coalition Capital.
The 25-year-old France international reportedly invested approximately 15 million euros of his own money via the investment fund.
Coalition Capital now replaces the former majority shareholders, the American investment fund Oaktree.
Read Also: ‘My PSG days are over’ – Mbappe announces exit
Pierre-Antoine Capton, the current president of the club’s supervisory board, will remain a minority shareholder.
“It is an incredible opportunity for Stade Malherbe Caen to be able to count on Coalition Capital for its development. Its values, commitments and extraordinary vision of sport are unique assets for this project,” Capton said.
Caen finished sixth last season and start their Ligue 2 campaign on 17 August against Paris FC.
Caen were relegated from Ligue 1 in 2019.
The post Mbappe takes over French club Caen after buying majority stake appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Abuja court fixes August 5 to hear suit against Arik Aircrafts seizure
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, on Wednesday fixed August 5, for a hearing in a suit seeking to stop the seizure of the aircraft and other properties belonging to Arik Air Limited over $2.5 million indebtedness.
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON, brought the motion on notice to the High Court sequel to Monday’s seizure of some Arik aircraft and other assets by Atlas Petroleum International Ltd and its sponsor.
AMCON is seeking to stop the continued seizure of the Arik Airlines properties on the grounds that the airline was already under another receivership following its indebtedness to Zenith Bank Plc to the tune of N37 billion.
However, Justice Iheme Nwosu could not proceed with the hearing and determination of the AMCON’s suit against the seizure of the aircrafts following the discovery that the Deputy Sheriff was not served with the motion as required by law.
Deputy Sheriffs are officials of high courts who enforce and execute judgements of courts as stipulated by law.
Justice Nwosu subsequently fixed August 5 and 12 for hearing of the AMCON’s motion.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the proceedings, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel to Atlas Petroleum Limited, Sebastine Hon, confirmed that AMCON filed the motion seeking to stop the enforcement of the order against Arik Airline over its huge debt to Atlas Petroleum.
The senior lawyer observed that while his clients were in the process of enforcement, “AMCON surprisingly, I will say, came to intervene that Arik Air is under receivership when they were aware of the matter right from the Lagos High Court to the Supreme Court and the judgments were given against Arik.
“We are going on with the enforcement as permitted by the law, we will not flout the law or any order of the court but as it is, the Minister of Aviation who was served with the enforcement orders has succeeded in grounding two aircrafts which are not related to the application AMCON brought to court to stop the enforcement.
A former judge of the FCT High Court now in Court of Appeal, Justice Olukayode Adeniyi had on June 26, 2024, issued an order directing the attachment and sale of all movable properties of the Arik Air Limited found within the jurisdiction of the court.
Consequently, the judgement creditor in enforcing the order of the court had seized aircrafts, aircrafts hangers, especially Boeing 737 with registration numbers: B737.700/5N-MJF, B737.800/5N-MJQ, DASH8.Q400 and 5N-BKK in satisfaction of the $2.5 million debt against the airline.
Abuja court fixes August 5 to hear suit against Arik Aircrafts seizure
World leaders condemn killing of Hamas leader, Haniyeh
The killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in an air strike in Tehran on Wednesday blamed on Israel has stunned the international community.
Israel has not commented on the death but many countries have warned that it could help turn the Gaza war into a regional conflict.
Here are some key reactions:
– Iran leader vows ‘harsh punishment’ –
Haniyeh had been in Tehran to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed “harsh punishment” for Israel.
“With this action, the criminal and terrorist Zionist regime prepared the ground for harsh punishment for itself, and we consider it our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Khamenei said in a statement carried by the IRNA official news agency.
Pezeshkian said that Iran “will defend its territorial integrity, honour, pride and dignity, and make the terrorist invaders regret their cowardly action.”
– Palestinian president calls killing ‘cowardly’ –
Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas is a rival of Haniyeh but slammed the killing as “a cowardly act and a serious escalation,” his office said in a statement. “He urged our people and their forces to unite, remain patient, and stand firm against the Israeli occupation.”
– Qatar and Turkey warn of ‘chaos’ –
Haniyeh was based in Qatar, which has been a mediator in the Gaza conflict but also spent time in Turkey after going into exile. Qatar’s foreign ministry called the killing a “heinous crime” and “shameful assassination”.
The ministry said: “This assassination and the reckless Israeli behaviour of continuously targeting civilians in Gaza will lead to the region slipping into chaos and undermine the chances of peace.”
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned what he called the “perfidious assassination” of his “brother” Haniyeh.
“This shameful act aims to sabotage the Palestinian cause, the glorious Gazan resistance and our Palestinian brothers’ just fight, and to intimidate Palestinians,” Erdogan added in a social media post.
– US call for ceasefire –
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that reaching a ceasefire in the Gaza war “is the enduring imperative” after the killing of Haniyeh. Germany stressed international calls for restraint to avoid “a regional conflagration”, with a foreign ministry spokesman saying: “The logic of tit-for-tat reprisals is the wrong path.”
– Russia and China condemn –
Haniyeh went to Moscow in September 2022 for talks on the Israel-Palestinian conflict while Hamas and rival Palestinian faction Fatah held talks in Beijing last week.
“It is a completely unacceptable political assassination, and this will lead to a further escalation of tensions,” Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov told the state-run RIA Novosti news agency.
Konstantin Kosachev, the vice-president of Russia’s upper house Federation Council, predicted a “sudden escalation of mutual hatred” in the Middle East.
China’s foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said: “We are highly concerned about the incident and firmly oppose and condemn the assassination.”
– Middle East shock –
The killing reverberated across the Middle East. Egypt’s foreign ministry said that Israel’s “dangerous escalation” in recent days “risks igniting a confrontation in the region that could yield to dire security consequences”. Iraq’s foreign ministry also called Haniyeh’s killing “a threat to security and stability in the region”. Oman also condemned the action.
– Hamas allies rally –
Hamas allies in the region rallied around the Palestinian militants.
“The martyrdom of leader Haniyeh… will increase the determination and stubbornness of the mujahideen resistance fighters on all resistance fronts… and will make their resolve stronger in confronting the Zionist enemy,” Lebanese militants Hezbollah, who are in a growing standoff with Israel, said in a statement.
The group described Haniyeh as “one of the great resistance leaders of our time who stood bravely against the American hegemony project and the Zionist occupation.”
“Targeting him is a heinous terrorist crime and a flagrant violation of laws and ideal values,” said Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, a political bureau member of Yemen’s Huthi rebels, who have staged rocket attacks on Israel. Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers called Haniyeh’s death “a great loss”.
AFP
Heavy security at National Assembly for emergency session
A significant security presence has been established at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja as lawmakers convene for an emergency plenary session today.
In an unusual move, the Sergeant-At-Arms has restricted access to the National Assembly by setting up barricades at the MOPOL Gate and requiring identification for entry. This increased security measure is reportedly intended to deter potential protesters.
The emergency session, announced on Sunday, will be held today, Wednesday. According to a statement from Rotimi Akin, spokesperson for the House of Representatives, the session will address urgent legislative issues.
Read also: 24 hours later, MTN resumes operations after nationwide shutdown
Akin stated, “The House of Representatives wishes to announce that, pursuant to the directive of the Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., a plenary session has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Honourable members have been duly summoned from their respective constituencies to attend this crucial session. This directive was communicated through an internal memorandum issued by the Clerk of the House, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, Esq., on Sunday.”
Akin also emphasized that it is customary for the House to reconvene from recess to tackle pressing national matters.
Similarly, a memo from the Clerk of the Senate, Francis Akubueze, informed Senators of the Senate’s emergency session. The memo read: “The President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened.” It also noted that the Senate session would begin at noon today.
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Chairman’s investigation, not an indictment
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has said that the invitation of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jalal Arabi, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to give accounts of the Federal Government’s N90bn Hajj subsidy, was not an indictment but “a normal process of safeguarding public interest”.
The commission stated this on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara.
The According reported that the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, interrogated Arabi, over alleged mismanagement of the 2024 Hajj exercise funds, among others, at its headquarters in Jabi.
Confirming the invitation of the anti-graft agency, Usara said the commission will continue to cooperate with any investigative body during the process.
She added the commission remained committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in its dealings while appreciating the Federal Government for entrenching accountability in the system.
The statement read in part, “While this situation might have understandably caused some concerns among friends and well-wishers, the Commission would like to reassure its stakeholders that the invitation was a normal process of safeguarding the public interest, and that investigation is not an indictment. NAHCON will continue to cooperate fully with any investigative body during this process.
“NAHCON is immensely grateful for the outpouring of support and understanding from well-wishers towards its Chairman.
“As an organization, the Hajj Commission remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethics in its dealings.
“Pilgrims have always been at the heart of our engagements, and we are committed to maintaining the trust and confidence that the government placed in the commission.”
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‘They deceived us’, APC women lament non-payment, after pro-govt protest in Abuja
A group of women who claimed they were deceived to go to Abuja to participate in a pro-government protests against the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled for August 1st have lamented that they were left stranded with no food or water while the organisers of the protest disappeared with the money they were to be paid.
A video posted by an X user with the handle @JamiluSufi, showed one of the women narrating the unpalatable reality of what they went through.
The woman who spoke in Hausa language, claimed they were members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and were mobilised to Abuja to stage a counter protest against the planned nationwide protests.
She said after they carried out their own part of the bargain, they realised that those who invited them had disappeared into thin air, leaving them with no food, water and transport to go back to their different locations.
The post by @JamiluSufoli read:
“So, APC deceived these women to come here in Abuja to do a counter-protest, which backfired, “shishi” they did not see. God forbid!”
So, APC deceived these women to come here in Abuja to do a counter-protest, which backfired, "shishi" they did not see. God forbid! pic.twitter.com/f8PzjlbOI1
— Jamilu Sufi (@JamiluSufi) July 31, 2024
READ ALSO:Protest: Security tightened around MMA2 access points
The post elicited responses from X users:
“APC is not even faithful to their employees lol.. serves them right and I hope these people would now join the protest . Zanga zanga zanga!!
#EndBadGovernace”
APC is not even faithful to their employees lol.. serves them right and I hope these people would now join the protest . Zanga zanga zanga!!#EndBadGovernace
— Dr. Saint Dikachi (@Drsaintdikachi) July 31, 2024
“Make dem go rest abeg. Because dem no pay dem. APC will always disappoint you. Whoever was giving the contract has pocketed a huge sum of the budget allocated for that show of shame.”
Make dem go rest abeg. Because dem no pay dem. APC will always disappoint you. Whoever was giving the contract has pocketed a huge sum of the budget allocated for that show of shame.
— R O C K S O L I D (@Iykonwuka) July 31, 2024
“Hardship everywhere in that country, that’s why it’s so easy to get them deceived!”
Hardship everywhere in that country, that’s why it’s so easy to get them deceived!
— daniel ekpobedafe (@danifills1) July 31, 2024
“Shameless lots. Ready to sell the future of our children for a few loaves.”
Shameless lots. Ready to sell the future of our children for a few loaves.
— Daddy H (@real_daddyh) July 31, 2024
“The is the beginning, even the thugs APC will send to distract this peace protest will turn to protest against them.”
The is the beginning, even the thugs APC will send to distract this peace protest will turn to protest against them
— Tonia (@Tonia_dimma) July 31, 2024
“Serves them right. Next time when they come to buy their conscience they’ll tell them that they are not available.”
Serves them right. Next time when they come to buy their conscience they'll tell them that they are not available
— MasterBuilder (@PhillipsOluses2) July 31, 2024
“The joke is on them. Was it the first time APC would do that? They did that all through the campaigns so the women should have learned by now.
“They can turn their anger and disappointment around to benefit the collective fight by joining the people’s real protest for posterity.”
The joke is on them. Was it the first time APC would do that? They did that all through the campaigns so the women should have learned by now. They can turn their anger and disappointment around to benefit the collective fight by joining the people's real protest for posterity.
— Joe (@Joejohnseen) July 31, 2024
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Bandits, insurgents may hijack hunger protest — FG
The Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senato George Akume, on Wednesday, raised concerns over the planned hunger protest billed for August 1-10, claiming that the demonstrations may be hijacked by bandits and insurgents.
He said rather than protest, Nigerians should engage the government through another means to ensure the current administration delivers on its promise.
“Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals.
“Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such,” Akume said while briefing journalists and media executives at the Radio House in Abuja on Wednesday.
He added that demonstration is not the solution to the challenges, which the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is working to solve.
“It is in the light of these aforementioned situations and accomplishments that we wish to inform you that Nigeria is a work in progress and due course, we shall breathe a sigh of relief. The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.
“We, therefore, appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender, and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress. For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.
“Our appeal is that Nigerians should please pursue the path of peace, dialogue, and collaboration in addressing the challenges that collectively confront us. Please go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions and/or associations that are capable of disturbing the peace of th country. Remain vigilant as well.
“Let me reassure you that together, we shall create a Nigeria where peace and stability are not merely aspirations but realities, where economic growth is not just a goal but a tangible outcome, and where the dreams of our people are transformed into a shared national destiny,” the SGF said.
Akume added, “Economic prosperity for the nation remains the ultimate goal of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu because it is the engine that drives progress, lifts families from poverty, and builds strong, resilient societies.
“To achieve this goal, we must enjoy peace and stability because it is the cornerstone upon which we build trust, cooperation, and shared purpose. When peace reigns, policies yield results, businesses thrive, investments flourish, and creativity is unleashed.
“This administration at inception in May 2023 inherited an economy in need of urgent, bold, and imaginative reforms. Policy measures including the removal of an unsustainable fuel subsidy regime had to be taken. This, it must be admitted has resulted in unexpected adjustments that impacted all facets of the economy and our daily lives.
“The administration similarly inherited a security situation that had existed for two decades and required greater attention in terms of upgrade of security architecture, infrastructure, systems, capability and capacity of personnel. This has compelled a massive infusion of scarce resources from our already dwindling revenue. The objectives have been to secure lives and property, build foreign investors’ confidence, and increase food production by returning our communities to their homes and farmlands in safe and secure environments.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sought the mandate of Nigerians to lead the nation at this difficult time because he knew that effective leadership was required to address the challenges that had accumulated over several years. That was why he sought to renew the hope of Nigerians. Within a space of 14 months of purposeful leadership, the administration has recorded tremendous accomplishments that laid the foundation for the immediate, medium, and long-term prosperity of Nigerians, in an inclusive manner.”
