Youths in Ajaokuta Local Government Area have condemned in strong terms the purported inclusion of the Local Government in the map seeking the creation of Okura State from the present Kogi State.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Monday, spokesperson of the youths in Ajaokuta, Comrade Abdulraheem Okekenu noted that the River Niger serves as a natural boundary which cannot be disputed.
He advised the agitators to immediately delete Ajaokuta Local Government from the said map.
He described the move as an invitation to anarchy and crisis, stressing that the area had never been part of the Eastern part of the State who were now advocating for the creation of Okura State.
Speaking further, Okekenu said, “Was Ajaokuta Local Government Area part of their map when they were in Benue or Enugu.
“Why now? When they were leaving us in Kabba province they left alone, when they were leaving Kwara they equally left alone. Was there any time that we have been part of them?”
He called on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu to immediately call the leadership of the National Assembly to order.
He also called on the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to immediately step in.
“This matter is a serious one that must not be taken lightly. I am calling on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to immediately halt this move.
“The Federal Government cannot afford to allow a crisis anywhere at this time, considering the fact that the Government is already spending huge resources to curtail insurgency and banditry across the country.
“I am also calling on the Kogi state Governor to immediately stem this tide that is capable of causing crisis for his administration, which is already consolidating on the gains recorded by the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, in the areas of security and peaceful co-existence of the various ethnic groups in the state,” he warned.
While acknowledging the fact that it was their own right to seek creation of their own state, he reminded them that “their right stops where others start.”
TVN recalls that Hon. Sanni Egidi, a member of the House of Representatives last week opposed the inclusion of Ajaokuta federal constituency in the proposal to create a new state from Kogi.
This is sequel to the position of Ibrahim Halims, lawmaker representing Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro federal constituency of Kogi, who earlier moved a motion during house plenary for the second reading of a bill to create Okura state from Kogi — with Egume as the proposed capital.
Youths condemn Ajaokuta’s inclusion in map seeking creation of Okura state
Youths condemn Ajaokuta’s inclusion in map seeking creation of Okura state
ECOWAS allocated $13m to counter-terrorism, humanitarian efforts – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu said on Sunday the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has allocated at least $13 million to support counter-terrorism efforts in frontline and humanitarian efforts in the sub-region.
Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, stated this at the Sixth Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union in Accra, Ghana.
Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Governments, said the sub-regional body, has allocated $9 million to assist refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers, while $4 million was provided to support frontline states in the fight against terrorism.
He said: “ECOWAS has allocated $9m to assist persons of concern, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and asylum seekers.
READ ALSO:Tinubu lands Ghana for AU Mid-Year Conference
“The frontline member states in the fight against terrorism have also been supported with $4m under the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Humanitarian Response.”
The Nigerian leader also announced that ECOWAS would convene a special extraordinary session to discuss its future, including ongoing talks with estranged member states Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
The date of the meeting was not disclosed.
The allocation is part of ECOWAS’s efforts to strengthen regional security and address humanitarian challenges, with the bloc seeking additional funding options for its $2.6 billion Standby Force.
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Bandit video: Political opponents framing me up – Matawalle
A former Governor of Zamfara State, Hon. Bello Mohammed Matawalle has warned his political enemies to stop sponsoring a wanted bandit, Bello Turji, to be damaging his name and reputation.
This was contained in a statement from the office of the Minister, State, Ministry of Defense, issued on Sunday.
Matawalle blamed some elements within the Zamfara State government of skewing the narrative of insecurity challenges in the state against him.
The statement was reacting to a viral video clip on social media platforms, linking him with banditry in Zamfara State.
According to the statement, the Minister specifically accused the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led administration in the State of the plot to tarnish his name, claiming that his hands were clean.
“Bello Turji’s audio was unprofessionally synchronised with his video to accuse the former governor of injustice in the conduct of the reconciliation by the then Zamfara State government.
“However, the video/audio editor unprofessionally disqualified his work so much that one can vividly notice the failure of the audio and video clips to simultaneously synchronise,” he said.
He blamed the development on the plans of those he described as enemies of Zamfara and Nigeria’s progress, claiming that the same people opposed his ministerial nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
He further stated that he got the required security clearance from relevant security agencies before the confirmation of his ministerial appointment.
According to him, he led Zamfara State as Governor with all sense of humility, honesty, and justice, reiterating that the audio-visual in question was unprofessionally concocted and poorly produced to tarnish his image, hence it should be disregarded by the public.
Bandit video: Political opponents framing me up – Matawalle
Airtel Africa, Access Corp, UCAP, NAHCO others top list of stocks to watch this week
Investors enjoyed a positive run last week following strong performances from stocks like Airtel Africa Access Corp UCAP, and NAHCO amongst others.
The Nigerian equities market gained in four of the five trading sessions as the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) increased by +0.87% to close at 100,539.40 points from 99,671.28 points the previous week.
Investors gained N320.84 billion as market capitalisation rose to N56.9 trillion from N56.4 trillion in the previous week.
Kindly note that TVN Stocks To Watch is not a buy, sell or hold recommendation. It is advisable to consult your financial advisor before making any investment decision.
ACCESSCORP • 19.40 0.00
The current share price of Access Holdings Plc (ACCESSCORP) is NGN 19.40. ACCESSCORP closed its last trading day (Friday, July 19, 2024) at 19.40 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). Access began the year with a share price of 23.15 NGN but has since lost 16.2% off that price valuation, ranking it 131st on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.
Access Holdings is the second most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 18 – Jul 19, 2024). ACCESSCORP has traded a total volume of 2.57 billion shares—in 43,925 deals—valued at NGN 45.5 billion over the period, with an average of 40.8 million traded shares per session. A volume high of 201 million was achieved on May 20th, and a low of 5.82 million on June 21st, for the same period.
AIRTELAFRI • 2,200.00 0.00
The current share price of Airtel Africa Plc (AIRTELAFRI) is NGN 2,200.00. AIRTELAFRI closed its last trading day (Friday, July 19, 2024) at 2,200.00 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX). Airtel Africa began the year with a share price of 1,887.00 NGN and has since gained 16.6% on that price valuation, ranking it 46th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance.
READ ALSO:Airtel Africa, WAPCO, Dangote Sugar top list of stocks to watch this week
Airtel Africa is the 99th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 18 – Jul 19, 2024). AIRTELAFRI has traded a total volume of 6.43 million shares—in 1,560 deals—valued at NGN 13.7 billion over the period, with an average of 102,069 traded shares per session. A volume high of 1.98 million was achieved on May 17th, and a low of 65 on June 28th, for the same period.
NAHCO • 39.40 ▴ 1.30 (3.41%)
The current share price of Nigerian Aviation Handling Co. (NAHCO) is NGN 39.40. NAHCO closed its last trading day (Friday, July 19, 2024) at 39.40 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), recording a 3.4% gain over its previous closing price of 38.10 NGN. Nigerian Aviation Handling began the year with a share price of 25.40 NGN and has since gained 55.1% on that price valuation, ranking it 17th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Shareholders can be optimistic about NAHCO knowing the stock has accrued 19% over the past four-week period—11th best on NGX.
Nigerian Aviation Handling Co. is the 56th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 18 – Jul 19, 2024). NAHCO has traded a total volume of 64.9 million shares—in 4,729 deals—valued at NGN 2.15 billion over the period, with an average of 1.03 million traded shares per session. A volume high of 5.55 million was achieved on April 24th, and a low of 118,783 on June 4th, for the same period.
UCAP • 40.55 ▴ 0.65
The current share price of United Capital Plc (UCAP) is NGN 40.55. UCAP closed its last trading day (Friday, July 19, 2024) at 40.55 NGN per share on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX), recording a 1.6% gain over its previous closing price of 39.90 NGN. United Capital began the year with a share price of 23.00 NGN and has since gained 76.3% on that price valuation, ranking it 11th on the NGX in terms of year-to-date performance. Shareholders can be optimistic about UCAP knowing the stock has accrued an outstanding 86% over the past four-week period alone—best on NGX.
United Capital is the 18th most traded stock on the Nigerian Stock Exchange over the past three months (Apr 18 – Jul 19, 2024). UCAP has traded a total volume of 424 million shares—in 13,704 deals—valued at NGN 11.3 billion over the period, with an average of 6.72 million traded shares per session. A volume high of 56.8 million was achieved on July 19th, and a low of 633,741 on May 20th, for the same period.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Airtel Africa, Access Corp, UCAP, NAHCO others top list of stocks to watch this week appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Economic challenges: Gov Adeleke insists on power devolution
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has advocated for a devolution of power and financing to the state governments as a means of finding lasting solutions to the challenges of economic hardships, unemployment and hyperinflation facing the nation.
This suggestion formed part of Governor Adeleke’s remark at the convocation ceremony of Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State on Sunday.
While stating that the solution was devolution rather than centralisation of governance powers and responsibilities, Governor Adeleke called for more focus on economic federalism.
He added that it would deepen subnational prosperity and create an enabling environment for job creation and boost local capacity across the sectors.
“At the National Economic Council meetings, both the federal and the state governments regularly brainstorm on finding solutions to the economic hardship, unemployment, and hyperinflation facing the nation. Several options are being experimented on.
“For us as a state, we believe the solution lies in the devolution of powers and financing to the state governments.
“So the solution is more devolution rather than more centralisation of governance powers and responsibilities.”
While admitting that the graduates were leaving school at a turbulent economic period in the life of the nation, he advised them to take the crisis as an opportunity.
He also assured that the government was not resting on its oars but was working to address the parlous state of the economy.
He said, “You are to take the crisis as an opportunity. As challenging as Nigeria is today, it presents multiple options for those with entrepreneurial mindset.
“I task you to be innovative and enterprising. We must tap into the turbulence to build a future of prosperity.
“You may also want to note that governments at levels are working hard to address the parlous state of the economy.”
He added that, “we must continue to maintain national stability and unity. We can not escape the several issues facing us as a nation unless we harness our potential across the regions. But only when there is peace can we resolve the economic question.”
The Governor added that his administration would continue to support President Bola Tinubu as all levels of government grapple with the crisis at the moment.
Addressing the graduates, the Pro Chancellor of Adeleke University, Dr Deji Adeleke tasked them to sustain hope in the time tested reality that hard times would surely pass.
Adeleke warned that under no circumstances should they lose hope of a better tomorrow.
Economic challenges: Gov Adeleke insists on power devolution
Sowore lists individuals provoking Nigerians to #EndBadGovernance protest
The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore, has released a list of people he claimed are provoking Nigerians to embark on nationwide protests protest against bad governance slated to commence on August 1.
Sowore, who is one of the organizers of the protest tagged #EndBadGovernance, put up the list on his X handle on Sunday.
He said the indicted people and institutions have been provoking Nigerians to take to the streets to express their frustrations over the current hardship in the country.
He wrote: “UPDATED: This is the list of those inciting the public to riot; they are as follows:
1. Ahmed Bola Tinubu: For engaging in massive corruption, election rigging, and destroying the middle and lower class by terrible economic policy decisions since coming to power on May 29th, 2023.
2. Senator Akpabio and House of Reps Speaker for leading the most useless Senate and HOR.
3. Yemi Cardoso- CBN Gov/ for destroying the value of the Naira.
4. IG of Police, Egbetokun: for reducing the police to a corrupt and irredeemable national institution.
5. Chairman of EFCC: For letting corruption flourish by ignoring real financial criminals while going after inconsequential low-level crooks.
READ ALSO:Obi accuses presidency of blackmail on planned protest
6. GMD of NNPC: for stealing over $3.8 billion through subsidy scam.
7. The Chief of the Nigeria Army: For conniving with bandits and terrorists through outright sabotage of national security.
8. The Chief of the Nigerian Navy for conniving with crude oil thieves to deny Nigerians of crude sales and revenue.
9. The Comptroller General of Customs for conniving with cross-border criminals to deny Nigeria billions of dollars in excise and duties.
10. The judges who receive bribes to pervert the course of justice across our courtrooms.
11. Chairman, @inecnigeria, for organizing the unconscionable elections that brought all these criminals into power.
12. Yusuf Bichi—The Director General of Nigeria’s Secret Police, aka “DSS,” has consistently violated the fundamental rights of Nigerians with impulsive impunity.
ADD YOURS!
BUT WE ARE NOT RIOTING, WE JUST WANT A REVOLUTION!
NO GOING BACK!
#RevolutionNow #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria
#DaysOfRage”
The post Sowore lists individuals provoking Nigerians to #EndBadGovernance protest appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
“Trump will bury her” – Fani-Kayode on Joe Biden’s endorsement of Deputy, Kamala
Former Nigerian Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode has expressed confidence that the erstwhile President of the United States, US, Donald Trump would beat the incumbent Vice President, Kamala Harris in the forthcoming presidential election.
Fani-Kayode stated this in a post on his official X microblogging handle while reacting to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the US presidential race.
TVN had reported that Biden on Sunday, announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election.
The US president subsequently endorsed his deputy, Kamala as his preferred presidential nominee for the Democratic Party.
Reacting, FFK in a post on Monday said Trump of the Republican Party would defeat Kamala at the polls.
He wrote, “Donald Trump (@realDonaldTrump) will bury her at the polls and this will represent the final triumph of the forces of light over the forces of darkness in the raging battle for the soul of America”.
“Trump will bury her” – Fani-Kayode on Joe Biden’s endorsement of Deputy, Kamala
Press Secretary of President Albert Yaloke Mokpem speaks out on Figueira spy case, condemns illegal NGOs in CAR
At a press briefing he held on July 19, 2024 with representatives of the media, the Press Secretary of the President of the Republic Albert Yaloke Mokpem touched on several relevant and important topics, such as the investigation of the U.S. spy Martin Joseph Figueira, prison conditions and the questionable enforcement of Central African laws by some international NGOs.
First of all, the minister said that the case of Martin Figueira, a Belgian-Portuguese arrested in May who worked for the U.S. NGO FHI 360, is moving forward. Figueira is charged with various crimes such as conspiracy and espionage, and could be sentenced to life in prison and forced labor when proven guilty.
It was recently revealed that the prisoner has started a hunger strike. Some unreliable sources are using false information to manipulate public opinion about Figueira’s poor conditions and his innocence. However, according to the Press Secretary of the President, there is in fact strong evidence against him, including audio recordings and written evidence showing financial transactions and arms transfers to the militants.
Next, the minister touched on the topic of prisons. He noted that conditions of detention depend on available resources. At the moment, the UN mission in CAR is responsible for monitoring and improving conditions.
Mokpem warned against those who might use human rights arguments as a pretext to destabilize the country and called for the attentiveness of all citizens of the Central African Republic.
Finally, with regard to international NGOs that do not fulfill their obligations, the minister expressed the need to tighten control over their activities, arguing that many of them do not submit reports on their work as required by CAR rules.
“The allegations have been made for years. There are certain NGOs in CAR that exist in name only. We don’t know what they do, they present other activities to the authorities who give them accreditation, and that’s not how things work in the country, especially in the interior. And these accusations have always been made without knowing how to get evidence. Today we have the means to find evidence against these NGOs. These NGOs working in CAR never send reports of their activities to the ministerial department. So, we have to reorient ourselves,” he said.
Mokpem said foreign workers of NGOs engaged in illegal activities in CAR will be held accountable for their actions. This is not the time for manipulation because the people of the Central African Republic are ready to defend their sovereignty and order in the country.
Press Secretary of President Albert Yaloke Mokpem speaks out on Figueira spy case, condemns illegal NGOs in CAR
Abia: 43 years after, Akwete-Ndoki crowns new monarch
Forty-three years after the demise of Onyenweala VI, King (Eze) Truman Wabara Akpara, the people of Umuihueze Akwete autonomous community in Ukwa East LGA of Abia State, over the weekend, crowned King Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu Opiah Agbara, the Onyenweala VII.
The coronation, which took place at the community’s ancient square, was conducted by the Regent, Gabriel Okerenta Chuta – Ekeke Agbara.
In his post-coronation remarks, the Palace Secretary, Mr. Ogbonna Chijiuche, thanked the Abia State government, through the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu whom he said, granted them the approval for coronation.
Chijiuche, who also thanked God for the successful coronation of their traditional ruler, blamed kingship tussle for the delayed coronation.
He explained that in 1975, at the selection of King Trueman Esiuka Akpara Agbara, it was agreed that Opiah would take the next turn.
He revealed that Opiah nominated King Augustine Ogbulu as the Mbichiriezi of Opiah and Onyenweala-elect of Akwete ancient Kingdom since the year 2000 in line with their customs, culture and traditions.
Contributing, the community woman leader, Madam Ezihe Owowo, thanked God for the successful coronation of King Ogbulu as the Onyenweala VII after 43 years of waiting, expressing hope that the development would usher in unity and progress in the community.
She described King Ogbulu as a man of great repute and pledged that women and youth would support the newly-crowned monarch.
King Augustine Enyinna Ogbulu Opiah was born in August 26, 1956, to the family of late Chief Ephraim Ekekenta Opiah Agbara and Madam (Lolo) Nma Ephraim Ogbulu Opiah of the Opiah lineage of Agbara Akunwata Otuji in Akwete ancient Kingdom.
The traditional Ikoro drum was sounded to signify the dawn of a new era.
Abia: 43 years after, Akwete-Ndoki crowns new monarch
Anti-government protest: IGP disowns alleged leaked WhatsApp message
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has dissociated himself from a WhatsApp message currently circulating on all social media platforms regarding the planned nationwide protests.
TVN earlier sighted a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protest in Lagos State.
Part of the message reads, “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”
However, the IGP in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the purported message making the rounds on “WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police”.
According to the statement, “the message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels”.
Adejobi assured that the Nigeria Police Force “is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction.
“We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country”.
The IGP sternly warned that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents”, are criminal acts and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
TVN reports that Nigerians, particularly the youths, have scheduled a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to draw the attention of the government to the prevailing hardship in the country.
Anti-government protest: IGP disowns alleged leaked WhatsApp message