The Osun State Government has appealed for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Council Area following a clash over a chieftaincy issue.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has subsequently directed that security operatives be immediately stationed in the affected areas to protect both communities and maintain law and order.
TVN learnt that peace and order broke down between the two communities on Tuesday, leading to the loss of properties worth millions of naira.
The governor’s directive was contained in a statement issued by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.
According to the statement: “Governor Ademola Adeleke has called for calm between Orile Owu and Araromi Owu communities in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.
“He also announced that the chieftaincy selection process, which caused the communal clash, be henceforth suspended.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke has also directed the Special Adviser on Security, Mr Ojo, to mobilise security operatives to the towns to maintain law and order, and that anyone caught not abiding by the law is to be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.
“The government has the duty of protecting the lives and properties of the people of Araromi Owu and Orile Owu in Ayedaade Local Government, hence directing that any act or movement contrary to peace and which may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the communities is not acceptable.
“The government particularly commiserates with the families of those who lost their properties in the communal clash and added that the rift will be duly investigated.
“The government reiterates that peace is germane in every environment and assures Osun residents of security while also calling for the support of residents and urging everyone to embrace peace.”
Osun Govt orders security agencies to take over warring communities
Osun Govt orders security agencies to take over warring communities
Aiyedatiwa approves N2bn intervention fund on food security
The Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved N2bn as an additional intervention fund to enhance food security and cushion the effects of economic challenges for the people of the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Wale Akinlosotu, disclosed this while addressing journalists after the meeting of the State Executive Council on Tuesday, in Akure, the state capital.
He said the government had started distributing food commodities received from the “Federal Government to vulnerable residents, with subsidized food sales taking place at designated markets across the three senatorial districts.”
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Forestry, Mr Olayato Aribo, confirmed that the food items had been allocated to the 18 local government areas of the state.
Aribo said that the state government had initiated neighbourhood markets where food is being sold at reduced prices every Thursday and Sunday in the three senatorial districts, providing relief from the high costs in regular markets.
He said, “We will start with those ones and later extend it to other cities and local government headquarters. Rice, beans, and garri will be sold at reasonable and subsidized prices for the people and modalities will be given later.
“For the long-term solution, the council approved the sum of N2bn for various initiatives, including clearing of lands and provision of farming equipment. We have identified lands across various local government areas, and we have also identified dams and water boards across the state.”
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the governor on Infrastructure, Babalola Ayoade, disclosed that the state government would begin repairing 20 kilometres of township roads across major towns, including Ondo, Akure, and the Akoko axis, aiming to make major roads in the state pothole-free.
Ayoade also mentioned plans to extend solar street lighting to other parts of the state.
Presidency unveils AI, blockchain training in Jigawa
Vice President Kashim Shettima has unveiled the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Jigawa State capital, noting that the move is part of Nigeria’s strategic plan for digital transformation and leadership in Africa.
The initiative, according to a statement on Tuesday, is in partnership with a tech company and aims to train 1,000 Nigerians annually in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and others.
Speaking at the unveiling, Shettima expressed confidence that Nigeria is poised to overtake the rest of the world in terms of economy and technology.
He emphasised the importance of digital transformation in driving economic growth and development.
“We are not merely catching up with the rest of the world; we are poised to overtake them. This initiative offers its beneficiaries the chance to become part of a global workforce, driving innovation that will shape our future,” he said.
The Vice President noted that Jigawa State’s pioneering role in digital technology adoption, calling the programme “a homecoming ceremony for those who have eased our journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
He also outlined the Federal Government’s broader vision, saying, “We are adopting this initiative across the nation to create a network of tech hubs that will power Nigeria’s economic growth for decades to come.”
Shettima commended the partnership with Gluwa, stating that it aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to revolutionise Nigeria’s digital technology sphere. All
He acknowledged Gluwa’s significant impact, even as he applauded the firm for its empowerment of Aella Microfinance Bank, resulting in the disbursement of over N100bn to two million Nigerians.
Addressing the global implications of the initiative, Shettima said, “Our aspiration remains to transform Nigeria into a premier destination for technology outsourcing, creating a model that combines global expertise with local talent.”
Earlier, Jigawa state governor, Umar Namadi, noted the importance of the initiative, describing it as a rare opportunity at the doorstep of the youth.
He called on the population to “venture into the digital world of ICT outsourcing and reap all the benefits that it offers, particularly in terms of job creation and opportunities to contribute to the growth of our economy.”
Explaining that Jigawa has a history with ICT education, Governor Namadi said, “The state is blessed with hundreds of thousands of ICT-savvy and qualified youths in various fields of information and communication technology. This is courtesy of our very reputable Informatics Institute, established more than two decades ago.”
He said the new initiative aligns with both the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Jigawa state’s 12-Point Agenda, prioritising digital technologies and innovation.
Ohanaeze hails Tinubu, Umahi for revitalising South-East economy
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has hailed the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, David Umahi, for their pivotal task of revitalising the economy of the South-east zone.
Ohanaeze said the ongoing construction works, specifically the proposed expansion of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway (Aba segment) and the impending completion of the Aba-Ikot Ekpene, represent a beacon of hope for the reconnection of Aba to its neighbouring territories.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the factional secretary-general of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the initiatives have undoubtedly paved the way for the socio-economic renaissance of the ancient commercial city.
The statement reads in part: “It is no secret that the city of Aba has languished in economic stagnation for over two decades due to dilapidated road networks, which have hindered the influx of West African customers, local investors, and foreign traders to this cherished city of Ndigbo.
“The unfortunate neglect of crucial federal highways leading to Aba by former administrations from 1999 to 2023 further exacerbated the isolation and economic woes faced by the Southeastern region.
“Therefore, the unwavering support of Ndigbo for President Tinubu and Senator David Umahi stems from their resolute commitment to addressing the long-standing infrastructural deficiencies that have hindered the prosperity of the region.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasizes that the ongoing road construction projects spearheaded by President Tinubu exhibit a profound sense of duty to revitalizing Aba, an economic hub with deep historical significance to the Igbo community.
“The swift and sustainable realization of improved federal highways within Aba has lifted the shadows of economic despair that loomed over the city, paving the way for lasting prosperity and growth. Aba’s historical stature as a regional trading haven for West African nations has been stifled by the lack of basic infrastructure, thereby impeding economic fortunes and deterring potential customers from harnessing the vast opportunities within the vibrant city of Enyimba.
“Given the accelerated pace of infrastructure development witnessed in the region over the past two decades, Ndigbo stands united in supporting President Tinubu and Minister David Umahi in their laudable efforts to rejuvenate Aba and bolster economic activities within the Southeast.
“The anticipated transformation of Aba’s economic landscape not only signifies a renewal for its inhabitants but also heralds a dawn of prosperity for the region at large.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges all stakeholders to recognize and applaud the transformative impact of the ongoing road rehabilitation projects embarked upon by President Tinubu and Minister David Umahi. Let us collectively acknowledge and champion the promising future that awaits Aba as it returns to its former glory as a thriving economic nerve centre within the African continent.
“Ohanaeze implores all Ndigbo to forgo any stance on nationwide protests against President Tinubu, as his administration’s steadfast commitment to uplifting Aba and the Southeast region warrants our unwavering support and commendation. Let us stand together in celebrating the bright prospects that lie ahead for Aba and the Igbo people.”
Ohanaeze hails Tinubu, Umahi for revitalising South-East economy
Strike threat lingers over 2024 Olympics opening ceremony
Negotiations to end a strike threat from 700 dancers involved in the 2023 Paris Olympics opening ceremony failed to reach an agreement on Tuesday, meaning the event still faces the risk of disruption.
The SFA-CGT union, which says it represents roughly 10 per cent of the 3,000 performers involved in the opening ceremony, filed a strike notice last week over what it said were “outrageous disparities” in pay among dancers.
A meeting on Tuesday between the union and the games’ organising committee resulted in an offer of 120 euros ($130) extra for the lowest-paid performers, which was rejected.
“This Tuesday, a timid proposal was finally made to us, related to an increase in pay for broadcasting rights,” the union said in a statement sent to AFP.
The strike threat is an unwelcome development for French organisers and risks deepening France’s reputation for labour disputes just as the eyes of the world fall on Paris for the start of the games this Friday, July 26, 2024.
A host of French public sector workers have threatened strikes or stopped work ahead of the Olympics to demand bonuses for working over the July 26-August 11 event, which coincides with the summer holidays.
One-off payments of up to 1,900 euros have been agreed for police and municipal workers in Paris.
The head of the formerly Communist-aligned CGT, Sophie Binet, urged the company producing the opening ceremony, Paname 2024, to reach an agreement to end the strike threat quickly.
Some of the dancers protested on Monday during rehearsals by the river Seine by stopping and holding their fists aloft for eight minutes.
The opening ceremony is set to take place over a 6km (four-mile) stretch of the river Seine, with around 6,000-7,000 athletes expected to sail down the river on 85 boats.
It will be the first time a summer Olympics has opened outside of the main athletics stadium.
A small union at Paris airport operator ADP has also filed a strike notice for Friday.
Management of the company reached an agreement last week with most labour groups to end a dispute over Olympic bonuses.
AFP
DSS, Kano Hisbah arrest teenager, man who stole children from Yobe
The Department of State Security, DSS, in collaboration with the Kano Hisbah Board, apprehended a 17-year-old girl and her sponsor and retrieved a four-year-old child, Aisha, that they stole from Nguru, Yobe State.
DSS Kano office explained that Hisbah officials arrested the 17-year-old lady (names withheld) after they suspected that she had no connection with the child.
Upon interrogation, the 17-year-old girl reportedly said she was lured to abduct the child by a man she knew as a groundnut seller close to her home after he promised her that nothing would happen to her.
DSS operatives subsequently tracked and arrested the man, who allegedly confessed that the kidnapping of four-year-old Aisha was the third nefarious act he had perpetrated in Nguru.
He admitted to being a member of a cartel that steals children across states.
DSS, Kano Hisbah arrest teenager, man who stole children from Yobe
#EndBadGovernance protest politically motivated – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, claimed on Tuesday the planned protest against bad governance in the country was politically induced.
A group of Nigerians had planned a nationwide protest tagged: “EndBadGovernance” on August 1 to drive home their grievances over alleged corruption, insecurity and other problems in the country.
The minister, who addressed journalists during an inspection tour of the Apo Karshi Road in Abuja, said planned protest was to divert the attention of Nigerians from President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts returning the country to the path of sustainable growth.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government on its current reforms.
The minister stressed that since Tinubu took office in May last year, Nigerians have observed positive changes in governance.
“You can see that the planned protest is political and nothing more. We need to be patient with this government,” he stated.
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Planned protest political – Wike
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has said the planned protest against President Bola Tinubu is politically motivated.
Wike urged Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu’s administration and not resort to protest despite the hardship.
Nigerians are billed to file out to protest against the biting hunger and hardship under Tinubu’s administration on August 1.
But, speaking during the inspection of Apo-Karshi Road in Abuja, the minister said all challenges facing the country can’t be resolved in one day.
He assured that the government of President Tinubu is doing everything possible to deliver the dividends of democracy in the shortest time possible.
“You can see that the planned protest is political and nothing more. We need to be patient with this government,” Wike said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu had urged Nigerians to reconsider the planned #EndBadGovernance protest.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with State House correspondents, conveyed the President’s message, stating: “The issue of the planned protest, Mr President does not see any need for that. He’s asked them to shelve that plan. He’s asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas.”
Planned protest political – Wike
Shortage of quality manpower in health sector huge
The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Tuesday, vowed to finish the state College of Health Science, while receiving the accreditation team for the school.
This is as he said the shortage of quality manpower in the health sector is huge.
The visit of the team is coming ahead of the reopening of the institution which has been upgraded into a world-class facility to drive the development of manpower for the state’s health sector.
Receiving the team at the Government House, in Benin, Obaseki said the COVID-19 outbreak pushed his administration’s intervention in the healthcare sector, leading to the total overhaul and holistic revamp of the healthcare system.
The accreditation team was led to the Government House by a consultant to the College, Dr. Esther Oshunluyi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Prof. Tosan Erhabor, and the Director, Education Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, Halima Ahmed.
Obaseki said, “The shocker, for us, came during COVID-19 when I had to interact very closely with the health system and it showed that we have derailed in terms of understanding what the healthcare system entails and the kind of institutions and support required to build and sustain any health system.
“Our COVID response, mobilising over 5,000 doctors and a larger number of other healthcare workers to support the response, showed that the healthcare system has broken from the top to the bottom.
“Healthcare is not about doctors or hospitals but a whole support system, middle management system and manpower and without this support, the healthcare system will not stand.”
He noted that the experience of COVID-19 drove his administration’s intervention across the spectrum adding that he embarked on a total healthcare revamp, starting with the structure of healthcare.
“There are more private providers for healthcare services than government, and we realised that the core to sustaining quality healthcare was to put in place healthcare financing. We have put in place a vibrant insurance policy in Edo State which is the best in the country and after two years, we have over 250,000 subscribers and our target is one million.
“We can’t ask people to pay premiums if we can’t give them quality care. What are they paying for? Quality care is not about infrastructure but more about people providing care. If we are going to rebuild the healthcare system of Edo State which now stands on a pyramid and at the base of the system, is our primary healthcare institution. We now have to focus on institutions that train the bulk of staff that we have to work within our primary healthcare system,” he said.
Obaseki said that his actions were done for the Edo people and the nation. According to him, people don’t need to go abroad as a result of the facilities put in place.
He said, “I appeal to you that it’s good to have accredited programmes but our focus must be ensuring efficient learning and practical experience so that we stop brandishing certificates but ensuring it’s about skills as we have too many certificates in the system.”
“The shortage of quality manpower is huge and we are at the epicenter of migration as we know that a lot of people will travel. It’s better to train people who will go to other places to work rather than being unemployed and remaining at home.
“I am assuring you that as a government, we will finish this and invite you for reopening and you will be amazed with what you will see. As part of our reforms, the health Ministry has enumerated over 7,000 facilities and wants to create a linkage between the school and the healthcare market to help train and retrain the people they hire. This is what is done all over the world, the market is here.”
Promoters of protests enemies of Nigeria, says Kogi gov
The Kogi State Government has promised to abide by the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy.
It also said that those who are calling for a nationwide protest at this time are enemies of Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the state Commissioner for Informatio, Kingsley Fanwo, in Lokoja, the state capital, shortly after stakeholders meeting with members of the All Progressive Congress.
According to him, the governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, also said that the state government under his leadership will ensure that democracy and continued autonomy of Kogi Local Government Councils stands.
The governor reiterated the readiness of his administration to strengthen democracy at the local government level.
Ododo said the October 19, 2024, local government election in the state will be free, fair and credible, urging stakeholders to encourage women’s participation in the election.
“I urge our party to give a good space for women’s participation. I am not expecting less than 40 per cent of the legislative seats at the local government level to go to our women. They vote massively during elections and it is high time we brought them to the decision-making table as a state.
“Under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, we were able to get 30 per cent of women’s representation. We should push it to 40 per cent in the next election. I also wish to encourage candidates who emerge to run for the chairmanship seats to nominate Women as their running mates.
“I will not impose any candidate. Let the people go and decide who represents them in their various local government areas and wards. When elected, I urge the councillors to also consider women as their council leaders. We are a state known for women’s inclusion and we must continue to push the women forward to the decision-making corridors,” he said.
The governor also urged Nigerians to continue to support President Bola Tinubu, saying he is doing more than enough to get the country back on track.
“Our President is working hard day and night to make our nation better. Protests won’t bring food. We are working hard to ensure food prices crash in the next couple of months. Anyone promoting destructive protests at this time is an enemy of Nigeria,” he said.
Ododo also used the occasion to confirm the fact that Kogi Local Government Councils have been autonomous since 2016, saying the difference now is that Local Government Councils’ allocations will now go directly into their accounts.
He urged the Local Government Councils to justify the efforts of Mr President by touching the lives of people at the grassroots.