The Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has observed that the North remains essentially a work in progress.
The forum noted that all the indices that track human progress, most of all poverty, illiteracy, health and security of life and property, tend to place the North at the deep end of the trough.
The forum, therefore, dissociated itself from the planned nationwide protest against bad governance, believing that it was ill-timed and counterproductive.
Chairman of the ACF, Mamman Osuman, who led other members of the forum on Monday during a visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, explained, “Regarding the planned national protest, the ACF is not a party to it and will not support it as it is ill-timed and counterproductive.”
He said that the visit was meant to promote a deeper and wider conversation around the current crises of insecurity and poverty ravaging Northern Nigeria.
In their wisdom, he observed that Northern leaders, including state governors, Emirs and Chiefs and other elders, decided to establish the ACF in 2000, stressing that it was against the background of a similar crisis of widespread insecurity and strife.
According to him, the intention was to bring together on one platform, representatives of the diverse peoples of Northern Nigeria without regard to political, ethnic or religious affiliation.
According to him, “Today, however, despite our valiant efforts, the achievement of peace, unity and progress in the North remains essentially a work in progress.
“All the indices that track human progress, most of all poverty, illiteracy, health and security of life and property, tend to place the North at the deep end of the trough. A great deal of work awaits all Northerners.”
Osuman stated that it was incumbent on the leaders and citizens alike to change the narrative without further delay, pointing out that ACF remained committed to articulating and defending the interests of the peoples of the North through its various activities.
One such, he emphasized was the recently constituted Technical Committee that reviewed the 1999 Constitution (as amended) by the ACF, stating that the report of the Technical Committee formed the basis of ACF’s submission to the joint committees of the National Assembly on Constitution review.
North remains work in progress – ACF
North remains work in progress – ACF
NSHA directs state government to flush out illegal miners
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA) has directed the State Government to expel all illegal miners operating within the state in an effort to tackle insecurity.
The directive also stated that miners with licenses must comply with all legal requirements.
Danladi Jatau, Speaker of the House, issued the directives on Monday during a plenary session in response to a matter of public interest raised by Daniel Ogah Ogazi (APC, Kokona East).
Jatau expressed concern over the negative impact of illegal mining, particularly in Kokona Local Government Area, which has heightened tensions and endangered the safety of residents and their properties.
“Our resolution is to appreciate His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Sule for attracting investors to the state.
“However, we will not allow anyone to undermine these efforts.
“The position of the House is that the Commissioner of Police should mobilize his men to flush out all illegal miners in the state,” Jatau stated.
The Speaker assured that the House would support the state government in its efforts to eliminate illegal mining activities, thereby promoting peace and development across Nasarawa State.
Earlier, Daniel Ogah Ogazi pointed out the governor’s success in attracting investors to the state but expressed concern over the rampant illegal mining, particularly in Kokona LGA.
He noted that a mining site in the area has been dubbed “Sambisa Forest,” contributing to insecurity and negatively impacting the community.
“There was a site of lithium found in the Amba community, including areas such as Agaza, Kware, Ego, Egboka, and Agbadu.
“The law that established the mining act does not permit illegal mining, so we call on the government to flush out all illegal miners in the state,” Ogazi appealed.
Other members, including Onarigu Kana (SDP, Loko/Udege) and Jacob Ajegana Kudu (APC, Nasarawa Eggon East), also contributed to the discussion, stating the need for government regulation of mining activities to ensure community safety and equitable benefits.
NSHA directs state government to flush out illegal miners
Naira recovers, trade N1,500/$1 at official window
The Nigerian currency, the naira started the week on a positive note against the American dollar on Monday, July 22, 2024.
The domestic currency shed a massive N96 to trade at N1,500/$1, data from the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM) has shown.
This is against the rate of N1,596/$1 it traded on Friday July 19, 2024.
The intra-day high and low recorded during the day were N1,610/$1 and N1,490/$1 respectively, representing a lean spread of N120$1.
READ ALSO:Naira gains N15 to trade N1,566/$1 at the official window
The naira also continued its recovery against the dollar at the parallel section of the FX market as the local currency gained N10 against the dollar to trade N1,570|$1, as against the rate of N1,580/$1 it traded the previous trading day.
The naira also gained N20 against the British Pound to trade at N2,050£1 as against the previous trading day’s rate of N2,070£1 representing a gain of N20 for the local currency.
The Canadian dollar continues to close flat against the naira to trade at N1,200| CA$1 same as the previous trading day rate of N1,200| CA$1.
The naira also gained N70 against the Euro to trade at ₦1,650/€1 as against the previous trading day’s rate of ₦1,720/€1.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Naira recovers, trade N1,500/$1 at official window appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Court rejects Abacha family’s N500m lawsuit against Nigerian govt
Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the family of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, challenging the Federal Government’s revocation of one of their properties in the Maitama District of Abuja.Read more
2. Tinubu returns home after attending AU meeting
President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja from Accra, Ghana, where he attended the 6th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union.Read more
3. ‘#EndBadGovernance protest will lead to anarchy in Nigeria,’ Gumi warns
Popular Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has called on organizers of the planned EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest scheduled to commence on August 1 to shelve the idea because it could lead to anarchy.Read more
4. Governor Fubara urges Rivers monarchs to help combat crude oil theft
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on traditional rulers to collaborate with the government in curbing crude oil theft and promoting stability and economic progress in Nigeria.Read more
5. Edo govt warns of nationwide crisis if APC interferes with September guber election
The Edo State Government has issued a stark warning, cautioning that interference by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming gubernatorial election on September 21, 2024, could precipitate a nationwide crisis.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Monday, July 22, 2024
6. First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu advocates constitutional change for gender equity in Nigerian politics
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on political leaders across Nigeria to take concrete steps towards achieving gender equity in politics, emphasizing the need for legislative support.Read more
7. Substandard petroleum products claim: Reps panel places gag order on Dangote, NMDPRA, others, launches probe
The House of Representatives joint committee on petroleum resources (downstream and midstream) has placed a gag order on Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), International Oil Companies (IOCs) and other stakeholders.Read more
8. CPPE urges CBN to suspend increase in interest rate
Ahead of Tuesday’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has asked the apex bank to suspend the planned increase in banks’ interest rate.Read more
9. EFCC apprehends 10 suspected illegal miners in Oyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained ten individuals suspected of illegal mining activities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.Read more
10. Onana moves to Aston Villa in £50m deal
English Premier League club Aston Villa have acquired midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton in a £50 million deal.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Ballon d’Or 2024: Guardiola names player that deserves award
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has waded into the Ballon d’Or conversation for this year.
According to the Spaniard, Rodri deserves to win it ahead of players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior.
Guardiola insists that Rodri’s consistency has been “brutal”.
He said: “I can’t deny how happy I would be if Rodri could get the Ballon d’Or”.
“His consistency is just brutal.
“Being in the race, being nominated, or winning the Ballon d’Or is fantastic.”
Rodri was a key member of the City team that won the Premier League for the fourth consecutive season and the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain.
Ballon d’Or 2024: Guardiola names player that deserves award
Alia appoints Gbamwuan DG of Homeland Security
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has approved the appointment of Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (retd) as the Director General of the Bureau of Homeland Security.
TVN recalls that during the last Benue State Security Council meeting, the governor declared the establishment of a Bureau of Homeland Security to be domiciled directly under his office.
The appointment was contained in a statement on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula.
According to Kula, Gbamwuan is a graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna; Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, NCAT, Zaria; University of Jos; and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He is a specialist in law enforcement and criminal justice.
“He served the Nigerian military meritoriously and retired into community service before the present appointment.
“It is the belief of His Excellency that Commodore Gbamwuan will use his wealth of experience, national and international connections, as well as security expertise to bear on his vision of tackling insecurity in the state,” Kula added.
The appointment takes immediate effect.
Alia appoints Gbamwuan DG of Homeland Security
Primary Health Care: Taraba Govt urged to pay counterpart fund
The Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency, TSPHCDA, Dr. Tukura Nuhu Nyigwa, has identified non-prompt payment of counterpart funding as a major challenge bedevilling Primary Health Care, PHC, in the state.
He stated this during a one-day retreat with state and local government policymakers on PHC performance and the sustainability of the PHC memorandum of understanding implementation.
Speaking at the retreat that took place in neighbouring Adamawa State, Nyigwa highlighted that PHCs in the state, are struggling due to the non-payment of counterpart funds by the previous administrations.
Optimistic that the incumbent administration will do the needful, he called on the current leadership of the state to endeavour to fulfil the MoU it signed with GAVI.
Expressing concern that three years after the MoU was signed, the state has yet to fulfil its part of the agreement, he stressed that it has become necessary for the current administration, under the leadership of Governor Agbu Kefa, to take the bull by the horns.
While GAVI has reportedly provided the necessary funding, the Taraba State Government, at the time of filing this report, has yet to meet its obligations.
The agreement, which includes the engagement of 450 health workers that ought to be executed by the state and GAVI, was said to have been left for the latter alone.
“GAVI has already hired 300 workers, but the Taraba government has yet to fulfil its part by engaging the remaining 150,” he stated.
Also emphasising the acute shortage of manpower in most of the PHCs in the state, he urged the state government to go the extra mile to fulfil its part of the agreement.
He also pointed out the lack of office accommodations for agency staff and called on the government to construct suitable offices urgently.
He stressed the importance of retaining the 450 health workers and ensuring that they are all on the payroll of the state government. These, and building a befitting office for the staff of the agency, are, according to him, crucial to the project’s sustainability beyond GAVI’s involvement.
The retreat brought together members of the state chapter of the Association of Local Government in Nigeria, ALGON, traditional rulers and critical stakeholders from the state’s health sector.
Primary Health Care: Taraba Govt urged to pay counterpart fund
Court declines to bar Fubara from spending state funds
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, declined to grant a motion to stop the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, from spending from the state’s consolidated revenue fund.
Rather than grant the motion ex parte marked FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, Justice James Nwite asked the plaintiffs to put Fubara and other defendants in the suit on notice.
The suit was filed by the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike.
The factional Assembly, led by Martin Amaewhule, had during its plenary on July 15, resolved to bar Fubara from spending from the Rivers State consolidated account following his refusal to present the 2024 budget afresh.
The 25 pro-Wike lawmakers had at their previous sitting given Fubara a seven-day ultimatum to present the budget, threatening to take action against him if he refused.
Fubara, however, said he would not present afresh the N800bn budget already passed in January by the factional Assembly loyal to him.
He described the pro-Wike lawmakers as illegitimate, saying they had lost their seats as legislators following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The pro-Fubara factional Assembly, led by Victor Oko-Jumbo, also countered the call by the pro-Wike lawmakers on Fubara not to spend state funds.
Oko-Jumbo insisted that his faction of the Assembly was the legitimate Assembly and called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct by-elections to replace the pro-Wike lawmakers.
In his ruling on Monday, Justice Nwite said he would not stop Fubara from spending the state’s revenue.
The defendants in the suit are the Central Bank of Nigeria, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank PLC, the Accountant General of the Federation, the Rivers State Governor, Fubara, the Accountant-General of Rivers, the Rivers Independent Electoral Commission, Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice S.C. Amadi, Chairperson of RSIEC, Adolphus Enebeli, and the Government of Rivers State.
The pro-Wike lawmakers, through their lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), also prayed the court to order substituted service of court papers on the defendants, a prayer the judge granted.
Justice Nwite, in his ruling, ordered that the Motion on Notice be served on the 5th to 10th defendants by substituted means.
He said, “Leave is hereby granted to the plaintiffs/applicants, to serve the 5th to 10th defendants/respondents with the plaintiffs/applicants’ Motion on Notice, and any other process(es) filed or issued in this suit by substituted means to wit: by publishing same in the Nation newspapers.”
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter till August 7 for the hearing of the Motion on Notice.
Meanwhile, the pro-Wike lawmakers, on Monday, demanded the arrest of the caretakers appointed by Fubara to run the 18 local government areas of the state.
The pro-Wike lawmakers made the resolution at their sitting on Monday.
They declared that the use of caretakers to run LG was a violation of the recent Supreme Court judgment upholding LG autonomy.
The resolution of the lawmakers was contained in a statement on Monday by the Speaker’s media aide, Martins Wachukwu.
According to the statement, the resolution followed a motion moved by the House Leader, Major Jack, and deliberated by members.
They described the LG caretakers as impostors and entities unknown to the law.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State House of Assembly at its 7th Legislative Sitting of the Second Session of the 10th Assembly, Monday, deliberated on a statement by the House Leader, Hon. Major Jack, wherein he drew the attention of the House to the illegal activities of some persons in the state, masquerading as Chairmen and members of Caretaker Committees.
“These individuals, the Leader said, go about imposing and collecting fees, levies and rates from unsuspecting members of the public, in breach of the recent Supreme Court judgement, and the provisions of the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment)Law, 2023 that prohibit Caretaker Committees in whatever guise or nomenclature.”
The Speaker, Amaewhule, in his contribution, said it was worrisome that ‘these individuals not known to the law go to the banks and withdraw money meant for the Local Government Councils’ for wanton squandering in the name of non-existing Caretaker committees.”
Amaewhule urged the police and other security agencies to swing into action and arrest the impostors to avoid a breakdown of law and order in the state.
He said the House would not fold its arms and condone the “crass disregard for the laws of the state and the judgment of the Supreme Court of the land by some impostors.”
Nigeria’s athletes taking part in combat sports in Paris 2024
Nigeria’s athletes taking part in combat sports in Paris 2024
In continuation of According Sports Extra’s countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to be held from July 26 to August 11, PETER AKINBO profiles Nigeria’s athletes vying for honours in combat sports at the quadrennial sports fiesta
BOXING
Adam Olaore
Event: Boxing (heavyweight, 92 kg)
Based in the UK and a university graduate, Olaore joined the Nigeria Boxing Team in 2023. He has won all the bouts he fought for Nigeria, with the distinction of being the undisputed African heavyweight champion. Known for his intelligence, confidence, speed, and sharp reflexes, Olaore is poised to make a significant impact in Paris.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore
Event: Boxing (lightweight, 60 kg)
Ogunsemilore is a young, promising world champion discovered through youth competitions. She made her mark at the elite level by winning a bronze medal in her first appearance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in London.
Since then, she has continued to grow in experience and maintain an undefeated record. Her recent achievements include winning gold at the last All African Games in Ghana.
WRESTLING
Blessing Oborududu
Event: Wrestling (68 kg)
Oborududu, the Tokyo Olympic silver medalist, secured her spot in Paris with a 2-0 pinfall victory over Uilau I. Tarkong of Palau. As a veteran Olympian, she brings a wealth of experience to the Nigerian team.
Oborududu made history in Tokyo by winning Nigeria’s first-ever Olympic medal in wrestling. She is a 12-time African champion and has multiple gold medals from the African Games and Commonwealth Games. Her experience and proven track record make her a strong medal contender in Paris.
Odunayo Adekuoroye
Event: Wrestling (57 kg)
Adekuoroye, the reigning African champion, qualified for Paris following her bronze medal win at the World Championships in Belgrade last year. She will be looking to improve on her previous Olympic performances.
This will be her third Olympic appearance, having competed at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
Nicknamed “The Dancing Wrestler” for her celebratory moves, Adekuoroye is a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medalist. She has also won silver and bronze medals at the World Championships, making her one of Nigeria’s top medal prospects in Paris.
Hannah Reuben
Event: Wrestling (76 kg)
The World Military Champion secured her Olympic berth with a 6-0 victory over Amy Youin of Côte d’Ivoire. Reuben also won gold at the African Games in Accra, Ghana.
She has been a dominant force in her weight category on the African continent, consistently performing well in regional competitions.
Reuben’s military background has instilled discipline and resilience in her approach to wrestling, attributes that could prove crucial in her Olympic debut.
Esther Kolawole
Event: Wrestling (62 kg)
Kolawole qualified for Paris after overcoming Angelina Rodrigues Miranda of Cape Verde with a 10-0 superiority win. She adds this achievement to her African Games and African Championships triumphs.
A rising star in Nigerian wrestling, Kolawole has shown remarkable progress in recent years. Her technical skills and aggressive style have made her a formidable opponent on the continental stage, and she’ll be looking to make a strong impression in her first Olympic appearance.
Ogunsanya Christianah
Event: Wrestling (53 kg)
The African Games champion secured her Olympic berth by defeating Egypt’s Shaimaa Atef Barakat Mohamed with a 10-0 superiority win.
Ogunsanya has been making waves in African wrestling circles, pulling off explosive performances. Her gold medal at the African Games underscored her potential, and she’ll be eager to prove herself on the global stage in Paris. Her speed and agility in the lighter-weight class make her an exciting prospect for Nigeria.
Ashton Mutuwa
Event: Wrestling (125 kg)
The American-born wrestler, who recently pledged allegiance to Nigeria, qualified for Paris with a spirited 16-8 pinfall victory over South African Justin van Zyl. This will be Mutuwa’s first Olympic appearance.
His decision to represent Nigeria adds an interesting dimension to the team. Mutuwa’s experience in the competitive American wrestling scene could prove valuable as he takes on the world’s best heavyweights. His raw power and technical skills make him a dark horse in the heavyweight category.
TAEKWONDO
Elizabeth Anyanacho
Event: Taekwondo (67 kg)
Anyanacho will be Nigeria’s sole representative in taekwondo at the Paris Olympics, making history as the first Nigerian female taekwondo athlete to compete in two Olympic Games. She secured her spot at the African Qualifying Tournament in Dakar, Senegal, where she was drawn against Kenya’s Jully Musangi in the women’s -67kg, and she showed her class against her opponent with a dominant display that handed her the victory in the second round of the three-round contest. Anyanacho recently won gold at the African Games in Ghana and the Luxembourg Open and is determined to improve on her performance from Tokyo 2020.
Taraba to sustain primary health care funding
Taraba Deputy Governor and chairman, Task Force on Primary Health Care, Aminu Alkali on Saturday, said government will do everything possible to sustain the gains the UNICEF/GAVI health support project has brought to the state.
Alkali made the pledge at the end of a one-day retreat with state and local government policymakers on Primary Health Care performance and the sustainability of the PHC Memorandum of Understanding implementation between the state government, UNICEF and GAVI held in Yola, Adamawa State.
According to him, “The administration of Governor Agbu Kefas, appreciates the intervention of UNICEF/GAVI in funding and technical support to the state Primary Health Care Development Agency and we are determined to sustain the gains of the project as the MoU come to a close.
“Health care delivery is at the heart of our moving forward agenda and that is why the government is investing heavily in the area of health care. We inherited this MoU and we are determined to sustain the implementation,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health care Development Agency, Dr. Tukura Nyigwa, said poor release of funds to the agency was responsible for the ineffective functioning of primary health care centres in the state.
Nyigwa revealed that PHCs in Taraba were facing significant challenges due to the non-payment of counterpart funds, adding that despite GAVI providing the necessary funding, the Taraba government has not met its commitments, including the engagement of 450 health workers.
“GAVI has engaged 300 workers and as the MoU comes to an end, the Taraba State government needs to absorb them to ensure sustainability.”
“We need a stand-alone office accommodation for the agency and I want to appeal to the Governor to urgently construct suitable office accommodation to attract more funding from our partners to the agency,” Nyigwa added.
Our correspondent reports that the retreat had in attendance Local Government Council Chairmen and other stakeholders in the health sector.