Layla Ali Othman, the wife of Plateau State House of Representatives member, Yusuf Gagdi, has blasted Nigerians for criticising her husband for buying a new Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, for their daughter, Aisha, as a secondary school graduation’s gift.
TVN reports that Gagdi gifted his teenage daughter the luxurious car, to celebrate her secondary school graduation from the Lead British International School Abuja.
The lawmaker faced backlash for gifting the teenager such an expensive car amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
However, reacting to the criticism in a trending Facebook post on Sunday, Layla stated that they bought the car because they could afford it.
“If you want to give information, you should get your facts right. It is a 2021 model. And yes, it is equally expensive, we are proud of our child, as she did very well in school.
“And yes, we bought her the car because we could afford it. But the car wasn’t bought with constituency money or government allocated funds for the people. If you do not believe, kindly argue with your ancestors.”
‘We bought teenage daughter SUV because we can afford it’ – Plateau lawmaker’s wife blasts critics
‘We bought teenage daughter SUV because we can afford it’ – Plateau lawmaker’s wife blasts critics
119 passengers, 6 crew members escape death as Max Air aircraft loses tyres during take-off
A Max Airline aircraft lost six tyres while trying to depart Yola Airport in Adamawa state to Abuja on Sunday evening.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Public and Consumer Protection of the airline, Bimbo Oladeji.
Oladeji said that the aircraft was carrying 119 passengers and six crew members.
“This evening, Max Air’s flight NGL1649, a Boeing 737 with registration 5N-ADB, carrying 119 passengers and six crew members, was cleared for takeoff from Yola Airport en route to Abuja,” she said in a statement late Sunday.
She explained that during the takeoff roll, a loud bang was heard, identified as the bursting of the rear gear tyres, adding that initially, two tyres burst.
According to her, while the plane was trying to taxi off the runway, the remaining two tyres also burst, rendering the aircraft completely disabled.
Oladeji said that fortunately no one was injured in the incident.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A go-team, led by NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr., will visit the incident site tomorrow morning to conduct an investigation,” Oladeji said.
119 passengers, 6 crew members escape death as Max Air aircraft loses tyres during take-off
Hardship: Group warns youths on planned protests, says Nigeria yet to recover from EndSARS scars
A group, Self Reliance for Physically Challenged Traders of Nigeria, has warned against plunging the country into chaos through violent protest.
A statement issued on Monday by Comrade Munnir Shehu and Alhaji Yakubu Ibrahim, Chairman and Secretary of the group, while reacting to the planned protests by youths against president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led administration on alledged hardship posed on the country through his new policies and reforms in an open letter on “the negative impacts of youth protest against president Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.
In the letter, the group noted that Nigeria is yet to recover from the scars posed on the nation by the 2021 EndSARS protest, stressing that such the government must put up appropriate measures to stop any protest that would lead to the breakdown of laws and order.
The group further disclosed that the disability group would try everything possible to mobilize it’s members both for self defence and for the integrity of Nigeria, adding that embracing constructive dialogue remains panacea to solve Nigeria’s problem and not protest.
“We, the self-reliance for Physically Challenged Traders of Nigeria, are compelled to urgently address the recent calls for youth protests against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We firmly believe that such actions pose a significant and imminent threat to our nation’s stability, unity, and progress, and could potentially plunge our country into chaos, comparable to the destabilization seen in other nations experiencing similar unrest.
“Let it be known that if these protests proceed, we will mobilize massively across the country to defend our rights and the integrity of Nigeria. Protests of this nature are not only unproductive but also dangerously destabilizing, ” the statement explained.
The group stated that the risk of plunging the nation into chaos, undermining the very fabric of the society, and inflicting harm on all citizens, especially the physically challenged community who are often the most vulnerable during times of unrest, said that they do not want to experience the turmoil and violence that occurred during the EndSARS protests, which left deep scars on the nation.
The statement called on the youth and all concerned citizens to consider the potential consequences of their actions, saying that the government has taken significant steps to address the pressing issues facing the nation with the introduction of student loans, designed to make education more accessible and attainable for all, and the proposed ₦70,000 minimum wage, aimed at improving the standard of living for workers and their families.
It added that the Npower program, which has provided valuable employment and training opportunities for countless Nigerians, will continue to be a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to combat unemployment and enhance skills development, stressing that all outstanding issues related to the program will be resolved, and the stipends will be increased from ₦30,000 to a higher, more sustainable amount, ensuring that participants receive fair compensation for their contributions.
The group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to fill the existing ministerial vacancies promptly by appointing qualified individuals to the crucial positions to enhance the efficiency of the government’s operations and ensure that all sectors are functioning optimally.
Hardship: Group warns youths on planned protests, says Nigeria yet to recover from EndSARS scars
Nigerians in pain, frustrated – Anglican Bishop to Tinubu
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo in Ondo State, Reverend Stephen Fagbemi, says the economic difficulties in Nigeria have left her citizens in great pain and frustration.
Reverend Fagbemi stated this during the third session of the 14th Synod of the Church held at St Stephen’s Church, Ipele in Owo local government area of the state.
The cleric urged President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, redouble efforts to tackle the security challenge and economic hardship facing Nigerians.
He noted that the effects of the current economic hardship are real and painful.
“Unless urgent and effective steps are taken to curtail the effects of the current economic situation in the country, Nigeria may witness an uncontrollable rise in crime.
“Nigeria has become a harder place to live in as evident in the fact that many people are leaving the country for greener pastures while many are finding themselves in difficult situations where they fled to.
“Nigeria and its people have encountered acute economic hardship within the past year owing to the sudden removal of petroleum subsidy and due to devaluation and instability of the foreign exchange.
“The resultant effects of these actions are the harsh economic reality that Nigerians are facing daily. Inflation is almost out of control and prices of goods and commodities have risen astronomically.
“It has become hard for people to feed their families. Perhaps only a very few wealthy individuals can claim to be comfortable at the moment.
“We urge our government to work harder at diversifying our economy. Already, it is evident that unemployment is very high, as so many graduates are walking about without any job or means of livelihood. This makes the future look bleak and hopeless for many,” Fagbemi said.
He noted that despite the economic quagmire, Nigeria has continued to borrow while “the political class is not undergoing any serious economic adjustment as their monthly take-home which is humongous is a shameless inconsideration of the plight of their electorate.”
Nigerians in pain, frustrated – Anglican Bishop to Tinubu
GEJ gave Dangote, others too much waivers, destroyed small businesses – Aisha Yesufu
A social critic, Aisha Yesufu has said that former President Goodluck Jonathan gave Aliko Dangote and other rich so much waivers during his tenure.
Yesufu said the action consequently destroyed small businesses in the process.
Her statement comes amid an alleged soured relationship between Dangote and the regulators of the nation’s oil industry.
TVN recalls that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority recently said that the Dangote refinery has not been licensed to begin operations in the country.
However, in a post on her X handle on Monday, Yesufu said there was also a lot of money laundering through predatory pricing that took a lot of businesses down.
She said: “We are eager to forget and romanticize the past. GEJ gave Dangote and co so much waivers and destroyed small businesses in the process. There was also a lot of money laundering through predatory pricing that took a lot of businesses down.”
GEJ gave Dangote, others too much waivers, destroyed small businesses – Aisha Yesufu
Nigerian govt sets July 31 deadline for civil servants’ verification
The Federal Government has set a deadline of July 31 for all civil servants to complete a mandatory verification process through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) portal.
This move aims to eliminate ghost workers and ensure accurate payroll records.
Concerns Addressed, Time Pressure Mounts:
The announcement followed reports of a planned suspension of salaries for unverified civil servants.
The verification process requires individuals to provide their IPPIS number, salary account number, and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
A surge in applications for TIN at Federal Inland Revenue Services offices nationwide suggests some civil servants may be facing challenges meeting the deadline.
READ ALSO:Lagos govt extends flexible work regime for civil servants by three months
Previous Efforts and Expected Outcome:
This is not the first time the government has undertaken a civil service verification exercise. Previous efforts have yielded some success in identifying and removing ghost workers from the payroll. The current deadline, however, creates a sense of urgency for many civil servants who may have previously delayed the verification process.
Impact on Efficiency and Transparency:
A successful verification exercise could have significant positive impacts. By eliminating ghost workers, the government can ensure that public funds are directed towards legitimate salaries and benefits. Additionally, a more accurate payroll system could improve budgeting and resource allocation within the civil service.
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Youths condemn Ajaokuta’s inclusion in map seeking creation of Okura state
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
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
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