The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have officially kicked off on Friday with the opening ceremonies featuring so much glamour during the parade of athletes.
The ceremony was not held in the main bowl of a stadium as it usually is, but each team boarded a boat and introduced down the River Seine, with music from many artists.
Music star, Lady Gaga and football legend, Zinedine Zidane were among those involved in a colourful, breathtaking performance in Paris.
Rapper Snoop Dogg carried the Olympic torch through Paris, with scenes of art, history, and a fashion parade ongoing along one of the bridges on the Seine.
Team Nigeria were well represented. On a boat alongside three other nations including neighbouring Niger Republic, the Nigerian flag was borne by Tobi Amusan and Anuoluwapo Opeyori.
The teams of the partipating nations as well as the spectators watching from both sides of the river defied the rain and cheered on as the ceremony lingered into the nights.
Read Also: Gallant Super Falcons lose to Brazil in Olympics opener
A tribute was also paid to 10 golden heroines of French history after Axelle Saint-Cirel delivered a new version of the French National anthem from the roof of the Grand-Palais.
The heroines include: Olympe de Gouges, Alice Milliat, Gisèle Halimi, Simone de Beauvoir, Paulette Nardal, Jeanne Barret, Louise Michel, Christine de Pizan, Alice Guy and Simone Veil.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria has a total of 88 athletes, including 63 women and 25 men, and will be participating in 12 sports at the Games.
The women’s football team, the Super Falcons, already began their race for a medal with a 1-0 defeat to Brazil. They will face Spain and Japan in their other group matches in coming days.
See images from the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad.
More to follow…
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Glamour, splendour as athletes parade in boats at Paris Olympics ceremony
Niger State begins payment of N25bn to pensioners
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has flagged off payment of N25 billion owed pensioners, vowing that anyone caught tampering with their serial numbers and files will be dealt with decisively.
The governor, through his deputy, Yakubu Garba, gave the warning at the flag-off of payment to the first batch of 335 retirees at the Niger State Pension Board in Minna.
He explained that the sum of N25 billion has been approved and released to clear all outstanding entitlements of retirees who have served the state diligently.
Bago expressed the determination of his administration to address all issues affecting pensioners at both the state and local government levels.
He said: “The release of such a large sum for the payment of these gratuities is a testament to my administration’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants.
“The payment process will continue in batches, with the retirees from the local government areas set to receive their cheques starting from July 26th.”
Bago also stated that to forestall the difficulties retired civil servants face after retirement, his administration will ensure timely payments of pensions, which will prevent the accumulation of debts in the future.
TVN recalls that some retirees have not been paid their gratuities for over 13 years due to the changed pension scheme laws, which led to a backlog and a substantial financial burden on the government.
Niger State begins payment of N25bn to pensioners
Ex-Rivers LG chairmen threaten showdown with Fubara
Former local government chairmen in Rivers State have threatened to resume office in the councils if Governor Siminalayi Fubara refuses to obey the recent Supreme Court judgement outlawing the use of caretaker committees to run council affairs.
The former chairmen loyal to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, made the threat during a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The former chairman of Emohua LGA, Dr Chidi Lloyd, said they had been patient while expecting Fubara to comply with the court judgment. However, he has continued to work with the Caretaker Committee members in the 23 LG councils of the state.
Dr Lloyd alleged that the governor’s actions are capable of causing a breach of the peace in the state and called on the police authority at the national level to take necessary actions to stop the activities of Fubara’s CTC chairmen.
He stated, “The essence of this conference is to say that we are not cowards, if this continues we will go back to our local government and force ourselves into the councils.
“We have kept quiet because of the kind of leader we have who continues from time to time to preach the path of peace. We are still the same ones that elected him into office as governor when his local government produced less than 5000 votes.
“If this continues, we will exacerbate the already exacerbated situation, we are not cowards. We are calling on the police to act fast. The State House of Assembly had written to the Inspector General of Police and also resolved on the floor of the House on the police. We do not know why the police in Rivers are foot-dragging and saying that things are done properly.”
Dr Lloyd warned the CTC chairmen to steer clear from their project sites, saying, “Anybody who deals with them does so at his or her detriment. Any further impersonation, we will all hit the field, then in law, we will now know what the Supreme Court has said.”
Also speaking, the immediate past chairman of Ahoada West LGA, Hope Ikriko, said the governor who by law was vested with the power to maintain law and order had failed in that regard.
Ikiro said, “We are not even saying we all are agitated, the people are agitated. They call us daily and we are the voice of the voiceless. That is why we are telling the government to work timely.
“Our governor doesn’t seem to be interested in peace. They are going about sealing off properties belonging to perceived enemies. We are not afraid of them, but they should make sure there is peace and order in the state. As the governor is sealing properties, we will also visit his properties in the old GRA.”
On his part, the former Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government and immediate past Chairman of ALGON in the state, Allwell Ihunda, said the briefing was to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary, security agencies, and Rivers people to what he termed “crass contempt of judgements of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court delivered on July 4, 2024 and July 11, 2024, respectively”.
Ihunda recalled that the supreme court ruling of July 11, 2024, which affirmed the autonomy of the LGA across the country, abolished the powers of the State Governors to set up caretaker committees in to govern the Local Government Councils in Nigeria as enshrined by section 7(1) of the 1999 constitution.
Ihunda said while other state governors had allegedly started obeying the order of the court to step down caretaker committees across the nation, ‘the situation in Rivers State is different.
“In Rivers State, the State Government is busy promoting these illegal caretaker committees by encouraging the illegal caretaker committee chairmen and members to parade themselves as head of the Local Government Administration in the 23 Local Government Areas,” he said,
The According reports that the Rivers Police Command had taken over the 23 LGA headquarters in the wake of the crisis over the tenure of the LG chairmen, even as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, later insisted that the police will continue to occupy the councils until a court of competent jurisdiction rules on the matter.
Beautiful scenes from 2024 Paris Olympics
The opening ceremony for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France is currently underway as star athletes, musicians, world leaders and fans troop in from across the world to witness the colourful event.
Up to 500,000 people are watching in person from specially built stands, where tickets have sold for up to 2,700 euros ($2,900), on the river banks for free, and from the overlooking balconies and apartments, AFP reports.
This is the first time when the Olympics opening parade will be moved outside the main athletics stadium, and into the heart of the capital — in keeping with their motto “Games Wide Open.”
See photos below
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August 1 protest: Provide security for protesters — Adegboruwa writes police, DSS
A human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has notified the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, Yusuf Bichi, requesting protection over a planned protest by a group known as the Take It Back Movement.
In the letter dated July 26, 2024, the senior advocate wrote as a solicitor to the Take It Back Movement, notifying the security agencies that the protest would commence from August 1 to 10, 2024.
He said the rallies would be held at Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Adegboruwa urged the leadership of the security agencies to make available the details of any of their officers or teams that will be assigned to cover the said rallies and processions.
His request comes against the background of warnings from security agencies and groups over the planned protest. On Thursday, DSS cautioned against the demonstrations, saying it had identified the sponsors.
While DSS agreed on the citizens’ right to protest, it claimed that some elements planned to hijack it.
“The plotters desire to use the intended violent outcome to smear the federal and sub-national governments, make them unpopular and pit them against the masses,” DSS spokesman Peter Afunanya said in a statement.
“The long-term objective is to achieve a regime change, especially at the centre,” he added.
The protest advocates cited bad government and the continued hardship caused by rising core and food inflation, at 34.19 per cent and 40.87 per cent, respectively, as reasons for the dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, governors and ministers pleaded with Nigerians to halt the planned protest.
Speaking with traditional rulers, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, on Thursday, Tinubu said, “Nigeria is on the path of recovery.”
The president identified the commencement of the student loan scheme, the N70,000 new minimum wage and the establishment of the consumer credit initiative as reasons Nigerians should not embark on the proposed protest.
August 1 protest: Provide security for protesters — Adegboruwa writes police, DSS
Team Nigeria defies rain, shines at Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony
Despite a downpour, Team Nigeria arrived in style at La Grande Seine for the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The team, led by flagbearer Tobi Amusan and general captain Anuoluwapo Opeyori, defied the rain to showcase their spirit and enthusiasm.
In a unique twist, the opening ceremony is being held outside of a stadium, utilising the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Austerlitz Bridge, Louvre, Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, and Eiffel Tower.
The teams will embark on a four-mile boat cruise along the Seine River, passing through these notable structures.
In a video shared on X.com by #MakingofChamps on Friday, Nigerian athletes, undeterred by the rain donned raincoats over their attire and sang along to Phyno’s hit song “Fada Fada” as they prepared for the ceremony.
The team’s energy and vibe were palpable as they represented Nigeria in the global celebration of sports and athleticism.
A total of 88 Team Nigeria athletes, comprising 63 women and 25 men, will compete in 12 sports at the Paris Olympics.
The 2024 Games, which will run from July 26 to August 11, will feature 10,714 athletes from 206 countries.
Click the link below to watch video
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Cross River Assembly passes N437.8bn 2024 supplementary budget
The Cross River State House of Assembly on Friday passed the 2024 supplementary budget of N437.876 billion.
In the budget, the sum of N151.684 billion was appropriated for personnel cost, N283.333 billion for capital expenditure, and N2.857 billion was approved for statutory expenditure.
Governor Bassey Otu presented the Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the Assembly on July 18.
In his remark during the debate on the bill, the Chairman of the House Finance and Appropriation Committee, Mr. Cyril Omini, said the committee thoroughly scrutinised the bill before reporting to the House.
He said the budget would enable the governor to effectively run the business of governance and undertake more development projects in the state.
Omini who represents Yakurr 1 Constituency, said that the bill was referred to the committee after it passed the first and second reading.
He said: “As a committee, we adhered to Orders 64 and 66 of the house rules in carrying out our assignment.”
Other lawmakers who spoke during the debate commended the committee for a thorough exercise and described the supplementary budget as a step in the right direction.
In his remarks, the Speaker, of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, said that the governor had remained prudent in the use of public funds.
He pointed out that every sector in the state has received the government’s attention.
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We’re ready for dialogue – Youth group tells Ogun govt
As the proposed August 1 nationwide protest continues to spark controversies, a group of youths in Ogun State said it is unjust to suppress the right to protest when being battered by dire conditions.
The group, under the auspices of the Ogun Youths Assembly, OYA, stated that it is only natural for Nigerians to voice concerns about widespread hunger, hardship, and abject poverty.
OYA chairman Habib Whyte spoke on Friday in a press conference held in Abeokuta.
Whyte clarified that although the federal government’s policies are to blame for the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, accountability extends to all governmental levels, including local authorities.
He, however, disclosed that the group has taken a step above protest by calling for an engagement with the state governor, Dapo Abiodun.
“This crisis is closely linked to the nation’s economic state. As a demographic grappling with a bleak future and uncertainty, it is only natural for youths to seek avenues for expression and redress. It is unjust to suppress their right to protest when they are being battered by such dire conditions.
“We recognise the inherent right of all Nigerians to peaceful protest, yet we are also acutely aware of the potential for such protests to devolve into destructive actions, especially during times of heightened emotional intensity.
“We held an engagement with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun, CON, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. We appreciate his willingness to engage further and are encouraged by his commitment to continue these discussions. This dialogue is a positive step towards addressing the pressing issues faced by our youth,” he said.
The OYA chairman stated that the engagement was necessary to foster transparency and accountability, ensuring that plans and stewardship are communicated.
“We will not be part of the people that will be on the street for protest because our own has gone above protest because we have called for dialogue and we are ready for dialogue,” he said.
We’re ready for dialogue – Youth group tells Ogun govt
North-West lawmakers hail Tinubu over devt commission
North-West lawmakers caucus in the House of Representatives on Friday lauded President Bola Tinubu for signing into law the North-West Development Commission Bill into law.
Recall that the President signed the bill into law on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, alongside the South-East Development Commission.
The caucus is made up of lawmakers from the seven States of Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Katsina and Zamfara.
Addressing a press conference on Friday at the National Assembly Complex, spokesman for the group and lawmaker representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Mr Sada Soli commended Tinubu for the feat, saying that the singing of the bill “Will cause the rebuilding of our ruined infrastructure, from roads, schools, health facilities and markets, to homes and places of worship, business premises and other social amenities.
“It comes on the heels of the recent policy decisions that underline President Tinubu’s fervent patriotism, and his determination to ensure that growth and development permeate every region of the country.”
He continued, “We, the House of Representatives North West Caucus are particularly gratified with the signing of the North-West Development Commission Bill, which was sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, in the effort to ginger the economic and social development of the geo-political zone and restore parity to a people who for years were forced to watch as their lands were ravaged by the gratuitous violence of bandits and other miscreants.”
According to the All Progressives Congress chieftain, “The Commission brings renewed hope to a geopolitical zone whose social fabric and mental well-being have been brutalised by senseless violence that has been unabating and intractable.
“The sporadic attacks have since escalated into a multi-dimensional crisis that has hampered agricultural activities and trade and turned some of the most industrious and thriving communities in the North West geopolitical zone into ghost towns as people flee their homes and become refugees.
“This has manifestly impacted the famous cross-border trade and flourishing agribusiness between the geopolitical zone and neighbouring countries. Most of our border constituencies, which were historically vibrant commercial centres, with massive large-scale farmers exporting produce to various parts of Africa, including Niger Republic, Mali, and Benin Republic, have since been abandoned by farmers, importers and exporters, due to this wanton violence.”
This, he said, has resulted in a shortfall in the Internally Generated Revenues of the states in the region.
Soli came short of saying that the signing of the bill was a reward from the President for a region that voted overwhelmingly for him during the 2023 general election.
He said, “Politically, in voting so overwhelmingly for President Tinubu in the last election, the North West geopolitical zone had hoped that the famous Asiwaju, who had shown himself to be a patriot of the first order and a man who believed in fairness and equity, would make policy decisions that will bring development to our states by rescuing them from the evils of banditry and cross border terrorism.
“This commission is, therefore, a tremendous boost to the valiant efforts of the governors of the North West geopolitical zone and it has further justified our trust in President Tinubu’s commitment to help revamp this geopolitical zone and place it on a sound pedestal.”
That said, the caucus called on the President to intensify the war against insurgency and other forms of security challenges in the country even as they called on organisers of the August 1 nationwide protest to give peace a chance.
Tiger nuts a potential game-changer in animal nutrition
A professor of Animal Science in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Ahmed Njidda, has emphasised the necessity of optimising available materials to enhance animal production efficiency for food security.
The don highlighted the importance of tiger nuts and advocated for their adoption in feeding sheep and other ruminant animals.
Njidda disclosed this on Thursday at the university headquarters in Abuja, while presenting NOUN’s 26th Inaugural Lecture.
He spoke on the topic: “Marvels in Ruminant Nutrition: The Quest for Animal Protein.”
The event has become a cornerstone in the academic calendar of the institution, bringing together scholars, students, family, and other distinguished guests.
“His research outcome demonstrated the benefits of feeding sheep with tiger nuts, optimising their nutrient intake and performance,” a statement released by the Director, Media, and Publicity, NOUN, Ibrahim Sheme, stated some of the don’s findings.
According to the statement, Njidda emphasised the vital role of animal protein in a balanced diet and the importance of understanding ruminant nutrition for optimising livestock production and ensuring food security.
He highlighted that as Nigeria’s population grows, so does the demand for sustainable food sources.
He presented findings from numerous studies demonstrating the correlation between nutrition and productive performance in animals.
These studies, according to him, underscored how feeding patterns, along with the quality and quantity of feed, directly affect animal health and reproduction.
“The professor of Animal Science also touched on the socio-economic importance of ruminants for millions of poor farmers, highlighting their role in providing economic stability, cash buffers, and essential commodities such as traction, manure for fertilizers, and fibre,” the statement said.
The don detailed how ruminants contribute to food security, noting that they account for 51% of all protein from the livestock sector, with 57% coming from milk and 30% from meat.
“His research further delved into the utilisation of marginal land and water resources, converting them into valuable, high-quality products.
“He emphasised the necessity of optimising available materials to enhance production efficiency in both intensive and extensive production systems,” the statement said further,” the statement said.
Njidda expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, for the opportunity to deliver the inaugural lecture and for his support in advancing his research career.
He underpinned the importance of continued research and innovation in ruminant nutrition to boost food production without causing environmental harm, thus contributing to food security and economic development in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters expressed his pleasure and anticipation, highlighting the significance of the Inaugural Lecture Series as a platform for scholars to share groundbreaking research with the academic community and the public.
Peters emphasised the importance of the day’s lecture by Professor Njidda, promising to shed light on a critical area intersecting agriculture, food security, and human well-being.
At the end of the lecture, Peters lauded Njidda for what he described as an illuminating and insightful lecture.
He emphasised that the lecture was not merely an academic exercise but a beacon illuminating the path to a healthier, more sustainable future.
The VC highlighted the critical role of research and innovation in addressing global challenges and thanked Professor Njidda for his invaluable contribution to the academic community.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the DVC Academic, Professor C.F. Mafiana, acknowledging the efforts of everyone involved in making the lecture a success.
“We are deeply grateful to Professor Ahmed Njidda, for his enlightening presentation on ‘Marvels in Ruminant Nutrition: The Quest for Animal Protein.
“Your work is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to continuing our journey towards academic excellence and societal impact,” he said.
He also thanked the Vice-Chancellor for his unwavering support and vision that make events like this possible, stating that his leadership continues to drive NOUN toward new heights of academic excellence and societal impact.
