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FG rejigs FRSC, approves appointment of eight deputy corps marshals

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The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has approved the appointment of eight Assistant Corps Marshals (ACMs) to the rank of Deputy Corps Marshals (DCMs) of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

The Acting Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC, Olusegun Ogungbemide, announced this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

Ogungbemide said that three of the DCMs were to proceed with immediate retirement, adding that the remaining five were to fill up existing vacancies.

He named the vacant places as the South-South, South-East, South-West, North Central, and North-West geopolitical zones, respectively.

According to him, the officers to fill up existing vacancies were DCM Clement Oladele, who represents the North Central geopolitical zone, and DCM Chidiebere Nkwonta, who represents the South-East geopolitical zone.

“DCM Sunday Iyamah is appointed to fill up the vacancy in the South-South geopolitical zone.

“Others are DCM Musa Yerima, to represent the North West geopolitical zone, and DCM Abiodun Akinlade, to now represent the South West geopolitical zone when DCM Bisi Kazeem bows out in August.

“The promoted senior officers to proceed on immediate retirement are DCM Kingsley Agomoh, DCM Jonas Agwu, and DCM Zubairu Mato.”

Ogungbemide quoted the SGF, George Akume, as expressing delight over the level of transparency and objectivity that heralded the whole process.

Akume urged the appointed officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate vision of the Corps.

This, he said, was to eradicate Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

The SGF stated that the appointment was part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence, and hard work.

“This is in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime,” he said.

Reacting, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, equally congratulated the newly elevated officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

Mohammed said that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank called for more focus, more dedication, commitment, and passion.

He admonished those who were not fortunate in the appointment to keep their faith alive and be loyal to the system.

The FRSC Corps Marshal promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps.

“I beckon on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps,” he said.

(NAN)

NANS urges Tinubu to address economic crisis

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The National Association of Nigerian Students has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to address the precarious state of the country’s economy.

The student also asked the President to address the exorbitant fuel prices that have wreaked havoc on the lives of citizens.

This is contained in a statement by the Senate President of NANS, National Headquarters, Okunomo Adewumi, a copy of which was made available to According Online on Monday.

According to the student body, the current economic downturn has had a devastating impact on the nation and Nigerians, perpetuating poverty, hunger, and hardship.

The statement reads, “The relentless increase in fuel prices has triggered a chain reaction of inflation, rendering basic necessities unaffordable for the average Nigerian. This has resulted in unprecedented suffering, with many struggling to survive.

“While we acknowledge President Tinubu’s efforts to revitalize the economy through his “Renew Hope” agenda, we implore him to adopt a more comprehensive approach to tackle the economic crisis.

“We urge him to convene an emergency economic summit, bringing together all relevant stakeholders and agencies to brainstorm innovative solutions to this quagmire.

“The astronomical fuel prices have far-reaching consequences, including escalated transportation costs, skyrocketing food prices, and reduced purchasing power. This has led to a significant decline in the standard of living of Nigerians, with many unable to afford basic necessities. The cumulative effect is a nation plagued by poverty, hunger, and desperation.”

NANS further warned that should this situation persist, it may precipitate widespread protests and social unrest, hence destabilising the nation.

It added, “We urge President Tinubu to take proactive measures to mitigate this crisis, ensure economic stability, and restore hope to the Nigerian people.

“We believe that with swift and decisive action, Nigeria can overcome these economic challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient. We stand in solidarity with the Nigerian people and pledge our support for any efforts aimed at revitalizing the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.”

Davido’s father offers automatic jobs to first-class engineering graduates

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Nigerian billionaire and founder of Adeleke University, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, has pledged his support for first-class degree graduates of engineering from the institution.

Adeleke made the announcement during his address at the university’s 10th undergraduate and 6th postgraduate convocation.

Adeleke, who is also the group chairman of Pacific Energy Company, stated that every first-class engineering student is welcome to serve at the branches of the Pacific Energy plant in Ondo or Ogun State for their National Youth Service Corps programme.

Furthermore, Adeleke pledged automatic employment for these graduates after the completion of their service year.

He said, “Try as much as possible to get NYSC to post you to either Ogun State or Ondo State, where we have our power plant. You are welcome to serve at the plant, and after your service year, you have an automatic job.”

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Explosives discovered in parcels from Germany, Russia’s FSB alleges

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Russia’s Domestic Intelligence Agency, the FSB, said on Monday that it had discovered explosive material and electric detonators for possible terrorist attacks in packages from Germany and Italy in St Petersburg.

In a video released, the FSB showed explosives experts removing components hidden among shock absorbers from a German manufacturer.

The FSB said that it had thwarted a channel for spare car parts via a transport company that had brought the packages to Russia.

The agency announced that several arrests had been made, without giving details.

However, the recordings and the information provided by the FSB could not be independently verified.

The FSB said that Ukraine had directed the suspects under investigation and specifically blamed the deputy head of the presidential office in Kyiv, Roman Mashovets, for attempting to stage terrorist attacks in Russia.

Mashovets, according to his official government biography, is a military intelligence expert. From July 2014, he organised technical assistance for the Ukrainian army.

He was also one of the founders of the Ukrainian special operations forces, and he has been deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s office since 2020.

Since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there have been sabotage attacks on the Russian rail network in order to disrupt the supply of Russian troops in Ukraine.

Prominent Russian supporters of the war and Ukrainian defectors have also been targeted.

In many cases, the involvement of Ukrainian secret services is obvious, and the services have also revealed knowledge about some of the actions.

However, the claims regularly released by the FSB about allegedly uncovered Ukrainian plans or actions cannot be verified.

Although, videos and other evidence accompanied them, they often appear staged.

The FSB said on Monday it informed European intelligence services and requested assistance in order to identify the masterminds behind acts of terrorism and sabotage in Russia.

The requests have not been answered to date.

dpa/NAN

My friend warned me against investing in Nigeria – Dangote

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President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has said a wealthy friend of his, who had previously warned him against investing in Nigeria is now laughing at him for ignoring his advice.
He made this disclosure following reports that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, criticized the quality of diesel from the Dangote Refinery.
Dangote, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, reflected on the advice he received four years ago from a friend who chose to invest abroad due to concerns over policy inconsistencies and interest group shenanigans in Nigeria.
“Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country.
“He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups.
“That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right,” Dangote was quoted to have said.
The 67-year-old, who expressed his commitment to solving Nigeria’s longstanding fuel crisis through the refinery, also voiced frustration over what he perceives as efforts to undermine his investment, despite the refinery’s potential to provide high-quality products and create jobs.
Dangote indicated that if necessary, he would be willing to sell the refinery to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to ensure its operation and benefit the country.
The businessman, who said he is getting to 70 years and needs very little to live the rest of his life, stressed that everything he does is in the interest of the country, adding that he would not take the refinery or any other property or asset to his grave.
He said Nigeria had been facing a fuel crisis since the 70s, restating that the refinery could help in resolving the problem, alleging that some people were uncomfortable that he was in the picture.
The NMDPRA had claimed that the Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and has not been licensed to begin operations.
The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Farouk Ahmed, had also raised concerns about the quality of diesel produced by the refinery, which Dangote has disputed.
However, analysts believe the recent comments from government quarters are all geared towards frustrating the success of the refinery to protect their vested interests.
My friend warned me against investing in Nigeria – Dangote

Israel’s Olympic delegation departs for Paris 

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Israel’s Olympic delegation departed for Paris on Monday, according to AFP journalists, with the team of 88 athletes participating in a competition marked by controversy over the ongoing war in Gaza.

Ahead of their departure, demonstrators, activists and a hard-left member of the French parliament had urged Israel’s team to stay away.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Monday the Israeli athletes were “welcome in France”.

“Our first victory is that we are here and going (to the Olympics) and that we didn’t give up and have been competing in hundreds of competitions since October 7,” Israel Olympic Committee president Yael Arad told journalists at Ben Gurion airport, referring to the date of the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel that launched the war.

French organisers have stepped up security in Paris where the Israeli delegation will be subject to strict security protocols in the wake of global tensions caused by the war in Gaza.

AFP

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We have made adequate arrangements for credible LG election in Zamfara – State govt

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The Zamfara State Government said it has made all necessary arrangements to conduct a local government election by August 2024 to enable the Councils to collect their allocations.
Addressing newsmen at the state house in Gusau, the Senior Special Assistant, SSA on Communication and Mobilization, Farouk Rijiya said the PDP-led government in the state was filling some gaps within the party.
“Zamfara State Government supports the Supreme Court verdict on Local Government autonomy as it will attract more development”, he added.
He said the government would ensure a perfect and credible local government election in the state and that the party would fill all the vacant positions of the party leadership.
These include three delegates across 147 wards of the state and one national officer each, apart from some key positions at the state level that were in acting capacity.
He further said the national leadership of the party had authorized the state leadership to fill all the vacant positions by selection instead of a mini congress that is expected to be held.
“Now, we are waiting for the arrival of the Chief Executive of the State, Governor Dauda Lawal to carry out the task before notifying the national leadership for permission on the local government election preparation”
We have made adequate arrangements for credible LG election in Zamfara – State govt

Police arrest prison escapee behind general’s murder in Kano

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The Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have arrested one Hashiru Baku – the mastermind behind the murder of late Brigadier General Harold Udokwere.

Udokwere, who was the National Chairman, Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, was murdered by armed robbers who invaded his residence on June 22, 2024, and took away his gun.

The police arrested and paraded Ibrahim Rabiu, Nafiu Jamil, Aliyu Abdullahi and Mohammed Nuhu in connection with the crime on June 24, 2024.

Addressing journalists on Monday while parading arrested suspects, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh said Baku was arrested in Kano State while trying to run away from the country.

Igweh said the suspect was an escapee from the Kuje Correctional Centre.

He said, “I did show you the four killers, kidnappers, and robbers that went and killed Brigadier-General Uwe Harrod, retired. Today, I will show you the organiser of the killing and the robbery.

“As well as we have recovered the general’s gun that was with him. We have recovered the wristwatch of the general and the wife’s jewellery which they stole from the general’s house.

“The organiser is here and we have arrested him. He is the organiser. He was in prison and during the Kuje Correctional Centre attack, he escaped.”

The police boss added that “instead of him to repent, he continued with more audacity. We arrested him in Kano where he was trying to exit the country.

“We recovered these drugs in his residence. So, that’s what they take and they will continue to be high.”

Details later…

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NBMA, NAFDAC to address GMO safety concerns

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In a move to address public concerns about Genetically Modified foods, the National Biosafety Management Agency and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control have pledged to strengthen their collaboration on food safety in Nigeria.

The joint meeting, convened by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, brought together the Director-General of NBMA, Dr. Agnes Asagbra, and the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Health on Monday via X, Alausa emphasised the need for consistent communication among government agencies.

“He said that there was need for a collaborative approach to properly address safety concerns related to GM foods, referencing extensive scientific evidence supporting their safety,” the statement said.

Also speaking, Asagbra highlighted the existing cooperation between the agencies.

“She confirmed that no GM food permits are issued without NAFDAC’s involvement, and stressed the agency’s commitment to all cooperative efforts to promote food safety,” the statement added.

Subsequently, Adeyeye clarified NAFDAC’s stance on GM foods, explaining that previous remarks had been taken out of context.

The statement said, “On her part, DG @NafdacAgency said that while previous remarks on GM foods had been quoted out of context, thorough scientific research and safety assessments remained a key requirement for approving GM foods. Prof Adeyeye reiterated NAFDAC’s commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerian consumers.”

Accordingly, the meeting resulted in several key resolutions, including establishing a Technical Working Group between NBMA and NAFDAC; Developing Terms of Reference for the TWG and setting up a secretariat; Referring applicants to NBMA prior to processing by NAFDAC; Continuing collaboration on risk assessment and GM food labelling; Enhancing capacity building and training exchanges and Joint efforts in IT and Global Listing initiatives.

“Consequently, the public is hereby invited to note that both agencies remain committed to working together in ensuring that scientific evidence guides their actions as they continue to build public trust in the nation’s food safety regulations and in safeguarding the health of Nigerians,” the statement said.

Yola airport shut to air traffic as faulty airplane blocks runway

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Inward or outward-bound flights have been banned at the Yola International Airport since Sunday night following a minor incident on the runway.
Reports indicate that on Sunday night, the tyres of an airplane ruptured in motion as it was attempting to leave the airport causing a traffic situation.
A Max Air plane was reported to be taxiing for takeoff when it experienced a tyre burst, forcing it to come to a standstill on the runway, blocking other planes from either taking off from the airport or landing.
The Max Air flight which was carrying 119 passengers with six crew members had been cleared to take off from the Yola airport en-route Abuja when the ground incident affecting all its tyres happened.
The Assistant General Manager in charge of Corporate Communications of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo who disclosed this over the phone Monday afternoon, said the faulty aircraft would be removed soon.
She could not immediately say when the removal would be effected.
A different source, at the Yola airport, however, said during the filing of this report just before 5pm Monday, that engineers had arrived at the airport to fix the faulty plane.
Yola airport shut to air traffic as faulty airplane blocks runway