Despite pleas from the government, some youths have trooped to the streets of Niger State to protest the economic hardship in Nigeria.
TVN gathered that the protesters stormed the streets on Monday, chanting anti-government songs.
They wielded placards such as ‘Enough is Enough’; ‘Stop Anti-Masses Policies’; ‘We Are Not Slaves In Our Country’; ‘Hardship Is Unbearable’, ‘Fuel Subsidy Must Be Back’, among others.
TVN recalls that last week, Governor Mohammed Bago had wooed residents of Niger with welfare packages to prevent the protest.
He had announced a N20,000 wage allowance for state and local government civil servants, ordered the immediate release of 50,000 metric tonnes of assorted grains to be sold at subsidised rates to mitigate the current economic hardship.
Details later…
BREAKING: Protest commences in Niger State
BREAKING: Protest commences in Niger State
Subscribers besiege MTN offices over sim blockage
29th July 2024
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Don’t allow hoodlums to hijack protest, be peaceful – NNPP chieftain tells Nigerian youths
A chieftain of New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has advised organisers of the planned protest across the country not to allow hoodlums to hijack the protest.
Oguntoyinb, in a a statement made available to TVN on Monday, said that peaceful protest is lawful, advised the organisers to be peaceful during the protest.
The NNPP chieftain called on the Federal Government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow a peaceful demonstration without military intervention and violence.
He also urged the government to push for reforms which will bring about a government that is accountable, responsive, and capable of driving sustainable development for the benefits and well-being of the masses.
He called for restraint from security forces and politicians, urging law enforcement agents to avoid violent confrontations with demonstrators.
He urged the federal government to perceive the protests as a national demand for good governance and to allow peaceful demonstrations without military intervention.
“As Nigerians are awaiting the commencement of a nationwide protest on Thursday, I am calling on the Federal Government to allow a peaceful demonstration without military intervention and violence.
“I urge the government to push for reforms which will bring about a government that is accountable, responsive, and capable of driving sustainable development for the benefits and well-being of the masses.
“I called on the protesters to demonstrate peacefully and ensure the protests are not hijacked by politicians and hoodlums, the aim of the protests which is a call for good governance should be strictly adhere to.
“Government should use the demands of the protesters to have a rethink on some of its policies that are affecting and suffocating the lives of the downtrodden people of Nigeria.
“I called for restraint from security forces and politicians, urging law enforcement agents to avoid violent confrontations with demonstrators.”
Don’t allow hoodlums to hijack protest, be peaceful – NNPP chieftain tells Nigerian youths
Powerful individuals behind planned hunger protest, says Oyo APC chairman
Chairman of the Oyo State All Progressives Congress, Isaac Omodewu, warns that protests against the Federal Government could be hijacked by enemies and economic saboteurs.
Omodewu stated that violent street protests and instigating anarchy are not options for genuine patriots seeking a better Nigeria.
He emphasised, “No nation has ever experienced a quick fix after influenced implosion and mindless rebellion.”
He noted that many thought leaders had called on protest sponsors to embrace dialogue instead.
Omodewu acknowledged the hardship triggered by the removal of subsidies for imported petroleum products, announced by President Tinubu on May 29, 2024.
In a statement by the Oyo APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare on Sunday, Omodewu said the protests were being led by “leeches-like powerful individuals who had been benefitting from the rotten system.”
He added, “They see prospects for Nigeria in what President Tinubu and his team are doing, but they do not want it to happen because they prefer the status quo to remain even if Nigeria would be worse for it.”
Omodewu continued, “The administration of President Bola Tinubu took a bold step to discontinue the subsidy on imported petroleum products, leading to a rise in prices and making life unbearable for many. But the good thing is that Mr. President is not folding his arms. We only need patience and understanding because relief is on the way.”
He warned against supporting protests, recalling the 2020 ENDSARS protest hijacked by criminal elements.
Omodewu concluded, “President Tinubu has demonstrated competence, commitment, and passion to rescue Nigeria, but we must avoid playing into the hands of evil forces. Those warming up for the orchestrated protests should rethink and allow our leaders to focus on their job.”
Actress Destiny Etiko criticises Nigerians celebrating return of BBNaija despite hardship
Popular Nollywood actress, Destiny Etiko, has cruticised Nigerians celebrating the return of the Big Brother Naija (BBN) reality TV show despite prevailing hardship in the country.
In a post shared on her official Instagram page, the curvy thespian expressed disbelief that people can still afford to buy data to watch and participate in the reality TV show.
Destiny noted that crime and insecurity are currently the norm in the country while people have remained surprisingly calm about the situation.
READ ALSO:Actress Bimbo Ademoye shares opinion about parenting, safeguarding children
She wrote: ” E don red for our country and I still dey see people dey happy about BBN hmmmmm na wa oh!
‘‘Oh una still get money for data abi?! If you guys do not complain then who am I to do so. I am majorly concerned about the poor masses though. That you can survive does not mean everyone can o.
‘‘Crime is now happening everywhere… Insecurity has become the order of the day and everywhere is calm… THE EARLIER, THE BETTER. “
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14 pairs of 28 housemates unveiled as BBNaija Season 9 begins
The ninth edition of the much-followed reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, also known as BBNaija, began on Sunday night with 14 pairs of 28 housemates who will provide viewers with excellent entertainment over the next 71 days.
This season’s unexpected twist adds pairings to the mix, promising a fascinating balance of competition, teamwork, and unforeseen drama.
With 14 couples, including two sets of twins, a married couple, best friends, gym buddies, and even a niece and aunt, the dynamics are bound to be combustible.
Chinwe and Zion, also known as Zinwe, were among the first housemates to join the house followed by Sooj and Topher, DJ Flow and Ruthie, Chinne and Nne, a niece and aunt known as Ndi Nne.
READ ALSO:BBNaija’s Doyin explains why she is the most detached Nigerian
Other participants include Femi and Michky, also known as Radicals, Shaun and Victoria, popularly known as Shatoria, and Wanni and Handi, identical twin DJs from Kaduna State.
Also unveiled by the show organisers are: Ben and Tjay, aka Betta, Toby Forge and Mayor Frosh aka Streeze, Kassia and Kelkyrae, Chizuba and Onyeka, Neita, Damilola, and her companion Tami, among other contestants.
The housemates will compete for a grand prize of N100 million, which includes N65 million in cash and other tantalizing prizes with viewers set to be thrilled with unending drama, alliances, and unforgettable moments in the Big Brother Naija house.
The post 14 pairs of 28 housemates unveiled as BBNaija Season 9 begins appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Troops kill eight terrorists, raid Boko Haram enclave in Borno
Troops of the Nigerian Army conducting counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations under the aegis of Operation HADIN KAI in North East Nigeria, have eliminated 8 terrorists in Bula Marwa, just ahead of Siraja village in Borno State.
According to a statement by the army, the troops in conjunction with the Hybrid/Civilian Joint Task Force, raided the terrorists’ enclave in the early hours of Sunday, neutralizing the terrorists in a fierce gun battle.
The troops also recovered one Automatic Grenade Launcher, an MK rifle, and a bag containing a pair of desert camouflage and other terrorists’ uniforms from the terrorists.
Further surveillance of the general area is still ongoing in order to fish out any other terrorists hiding in the general area.
The army also assured Nigerians that the soldiers will continue to combat terrorism and insurgency in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies to protect the nation.
Troops kill eight terrorists, raid Boko Haram enclave in Borno
9mobile unveils new leadership after LH Telecom acquisition
Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited, operating as 9mobile, is ushering in a new era of leadership following a significant equity investment by LH Telecommunication Limited.
With the endorsement from key regulatory bodies—the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission—this investment has reshaped the company’s governance structure.
Approved by the African Export-Import Bank, the transaction has granted LH Telecommunication 95.5 per cent ownership of 9mobile, heralding fresh capital infusion and strategic direction.
According to a statement from the telco on Sunday, this pivotal change has brought a distinguished roster of professionals to 9mobile’s new leadership.
Obafemi Banigbe
Obafemi Banigbe as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company will lead the company through this transition stage and take it on the path of recovery.
The new CEO is an accomplished technology executive with a proven track record of steering technological innovations and strategic initiatives throughout various pivotal markets across Africa.
He has over 24 years in the telecommunications industry and has worked in different capacities within the industry, including as Network Operations director at Airtel Nigeria, Chief Technology Officer at Millicom International Cellular Tanzania, Chief Operating Officer and interim Chief Executive Officer of Millicom Ghana.
Thomas Etuh
Thomas Etuh has been appointed Chairman of the Board at 9mobile. With over 36 years of experience across key sectors of the African economy—including agriculture, fertilizer production, mining, banking, telecommunications, power, and aviation—Thomas brings a wealth of expertise and leadership.
He is the founder of the Tak Group of Companies and has previously served as Chairman of Unity Bank Plc, Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc, and Lighthouse Capital Limited. He currently chairs Notore Chemicals Industries Plc and leads the Jennifer Etuh Foundation, where he has advanced healthcare and empowerment projects in Nigeria’s underserved regions.
Nahim Ibraheem
Nahim Ibraheem joins 9mobile with over 30 years of experience in finance, oil trade, procurement, and manufacturing. Starting his career at Orbit Communications, Nahim founded Soveran Nigeria Limited in 1995.
As Chairman of Euronat Nigeria Limited, he has overseen major oil product exports and has held significant roles with VShips Monaco S.A., Africa Merchant Bank, and Société Générale Bank France.
He is also Chairman of Veritas Kapital Assurance PLC and Lighthouse Capital Limited and serves as a Non-Executive Director at the VFD Group and Veritas Glanvills Pensions Ltd. His board experience extends to Morris Nigeria Limited and Superphosphate Fertilisers & Chemicals Limited.
Femi Edun
Femi Edun is a distinguished financial services professional with over 35 years in assurance, consulting, credit ratings, research, investment banking, and proprietary investment.
His career spans notable roles at Akintola Williams & Co. (now Deloitte), Price Waterhouse (now PwC), Agusto & Co. Limited, and Frontier Capital Limited. Femi has contributed to several pioneering initiatives and landmark transactions in the financial services sector.
His past roles include serving as a non-executive director at the Bank of Industry. Currently, he chairs Craneburg Construction Limited and holds non-executive director positions at Chevron Closed Pension Fund Administrators Limited, Notore Chemical Industries Plc, and Agusto & Co. Limited.
The following new members to the Board of Directors of 9mobile.
Senator Daisy Danjuma
Senator Daisy Danjuma, elected as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2003, has a distinguished record of service, including her roles as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Women and Children’s Rights Committee and the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and Youth Development.
After her legislative tenure, she served as Executive Vice Chairman of SAPETRO until December 2023, when she was appointed Executive Chairman. Senator Danjuma is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the H.I.D. Awolowo Foundation, Women at Risk International Foundation, and Lagos Public Interest Law Partnership, and she also chairs May & Baker Nigeria Plc.
Her previous roles include state counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, pioneer legal counsel to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and company secretary/legal adviser to the Nigerian Television Authority.
Senator Danjuma is a member of the International Bar Association, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the International Federation of Female Lawyers and holds honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Ibadan, the University of Benin, and Redeemer’s University.
Michael Ikpoki
Michael Ikpoki is a seasoned business executive with over 25 years of experience in the African telecom industry. He has held prominent roles, including Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana and MTN Nigeria.
Michael is the founder and Managing Partner of Africa Context Advisory Partners, where he leads consulting teams specializing in telecom and ICT across Africa. He is Chairman of the Boards of Capricorn Digital Limited and Amplitude Telecoms Africa Limited and serves on the Boards of Telecel Group and Unilever Nigeria Plc.
Ibrahim Puri
Ibrahim Puri brings over 30 years of extensive banking experience to 9mobile, including roles in operations, marketing, retail, corporate banking, and human resources.
As a former Executive Director at United Bank for Africa, he managed operations in Northern Nigeria. Currently, he serves on the boards of Nigerian Breweries Plc and is Chairman of Redtech Limited, a member of the Heirs Holdings Group.
Gloria Danjuma
Gloria Danjuma is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in driving growth and transformation across various industries. She currently chairs NAL/Comet Group, Unitrust Insurance Limited, and Wheatbaker Investment Properties Limited.
Gloria also serves as a Board Member of the TY Danjuma Family Office, Novotel Hotel Port Harcourt, and is a member of the TY Danjuma Foundation Board of Trustees.
Emmanuel Etuh
Emmanuel Etuh is a business executive with extensive experience in law, finance, and operations. He serves as Executive Director, Corporate Services at Lighthouse Capital, where he oversees investments, client service, risk, and technology. Emmanuel is also on the boards of Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc and Tak Agro & Chemicals Limited.
His career includes roles at Banwo & Ighodalo, the International Bar Association in London, and TMD Advisory Services. He is the founding partner at Haute and Peers LP, providing strategic advice to technology, media, and telecoms players in Nigeria.
Others team members
Similarly, the Board approved the appointment of John Vasikiran as the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Abolaji Idowu as Chief Financial Officer.
John Vasikiran is a technology business executive with over 25 years of experience as a dynamic & results-oriented CXO, providing Strategic and Operations leadership in uniquely challenging situations. John had successful stints as a Group Chief Commercial Officer of Glo Nigeria, Glo Ghana, and Glo Benin.
He was also CEO of Cellcom (Orange) in Liberia, CEO of Cellcom- Guinea (Conakry) and was Director of Business Development & Sales (Africa Region) for Ribbon Communications formerly Nortel Networks. Prior to this, John held various Sr. level Positions in MA Group, including as Managing Director of Conoil Plc and Director Commercials of Glo Nigeria.
Ex-speaker tackles Kano gov over Rano emirate relegation
The former Kano State House of Assembly Speaker, Kabiru Rurum, who is currently the Chairman of the House Committee on Air Force, has challenged the Kano State Government’s decision to dissolve the Rano Emirate.
Rurum, a member representing Rano, Kibiya, and Bunkure Federal Constituency, faulted the State Government’s decision at the commissioning of the Nigerian Airforce Girls Boarding Secondary School in Rano Sunday.
Also, Rurum vehemently opposed the Kano State Government’s decision to downgrade the Rano Emirate to second-class status.
It should be recalled that Rurum, who holds the traditional title of Turakin Rano, was earlier elected on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party after his defection from the All Progressives Congress in 2023.
Rurum expressed strong opposition to the dissolution, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the Rano Emirate.
“I want to assure every citizen of Kano South that I strongly oppose the dissolution of our Emirate,” Rurum declared. “I stand firmly with our first-class Rano Emirate, and no one can demote us to a second-class status.
“This is the position bestowed upon us by God,” he said.
Going back memory lane, he recalled the age-long traditional and cultural heritage of the people of Rano, stressing, “We are the descendants of Autan Bawo, with a rich history in Hausaland. We understand and appreciate the value and honor that God has blessed us with as the people of Rano.”
The dissolution of the Emirate followed a recent bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly, which officially dissolved all the five Emirate councils created by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in the state.
The legislative move, during a plenary session in July, also established new second-class Emirate councils in Rano, Gaya, and Karaye, with each supervising specific local government areas.
Prior to the dissolution, the Rano Emirate comprised 10 local governments: Rano, Kibiya, Bunkure, Kura, Tudun Wada, Doguwa, Sumaila, Takai, Garun Malam, and Bebeji.
Following the new law, the jurisdiction of the newly created second-class Emirates will be limited to their respective local government areas, signalling a restructuring of traditional institutions.
Libya denies talks with Dangote refinery over crude supply
Libya’s National Oil Corporation has denied that it was in talks to supply crude oil to any refinery in Nigeria, including the Dangote refinery.
This is coming following claims by some top refinery officials that the refinery was in talks with Libya for crude supply.
But in a statement shared on its X handle on Sunday, the Libyan oil corporation denied negotiating or entering into talks regarding the crude oil supply to any Nigerian refinery.
The statement, written in Arabic, translates: “The National Oil Corporation denies that it has negotiated or entered into any talks regarding the supply of crude oil to an oil refinery in Nigeria.
“The National Oil Corporation also confirms that it is committed to its contracts with its international partners and is committed to the legal mechanism for selling Libyan oil raw materials and that it does not work with an immediate sales mechanism.
“In addition, the process of determining raw materials prices is carried out through a committee of experts and is approved by the corporation and the Ministry of Oil and Gas.”
The 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery has been having issues with local crude supply since it commenced operations in January.
Recently, officials of the refinery accused International Oil Companies of frustrating the refinery by refusing to supply crude or selling at a premium.
The Dangote Group has since resorted to importing feedstock from the United States and others.
On Saturday, there were allegations that the refinery was reselling its crude to other traders.
The spokesperson of the company, Tony Chiejina, had said the refinery was sourcing crude from Libya and Angola.
“Outright falsehood. We are sourcing more crude from Angola and Libya. Also, our Crude Distillation Unit is functioning perfectly well. You may wish to visit the refinery even today or tomorrow,” Chiejina told our correspondent.
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