The Republican party’s presidential candidate for the 2024 US election, Donald Trump has recounted the attempt on his life.
Trump spoke at the Republican national convention in Milwaukee on Thursday where he formally accepted the party’s presidential nomination.
“I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” Trump said to an electrified crowd at the Fiserv Forum.
Trump called his survival a “providential moment” and said: “I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God.”
“I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” Trump had said at the start of his speech.
The former President was interrupted by chants of “Fight! Fight! Fight!” from the audience.
He then kissed the helmet and embraced the uniform of Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was killed as he shielded his family as Trump was shot in Butler Township, Pennsylvania.
Assassination attempt: I’m alive only by God’s grace – Trump recounts
Assassination attempt: I’m alive only by God’s grace – Trump recounts
IGP appoints new commander for petroleum taskforce, condemns oil theft
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned the spate of pipeline vandalism and oil theft in the country.
In a statement on Thursday by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG stated that the illegal activities of oil thieves had caused not only significant financial losses but also severe environmental damage.
Following this, the IGP appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bayonle Sulaiman, as the new Commanding Officer in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering in his efforts to combat pipeline vandalism and oil theft.
It said the new Commander, who has exhibited his prowess in similar task force operations, was previously Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force 20, Lagos.
The statement added that as Commanding Officer of the IGP-STFPIB, the IGP has ordered Sulaiman to lead the task force on the mission to combat illegal activities in the petroleum industry, including oil theft, illegal bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
“The Inspector-General of Police has also condemned in serious terms the trend of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal bunkering which pose significant threats to the environment, economy, and energy security.
“He emphasized that these illegal activities not only result in significant financial losses but also devastating environmental consequences, including oil spills, pollution, and habitat destruction,“ the statement said.
He ordered the newly appointed commander to curtail the activities of the oil thieves.
IGP appoints new commander for petroleum taskforce, condemns oil theft
CBN approves sale of dollars to eligible BDCs at N1,450/$1
In a bid to meet the demand for foreign exchange transactions, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the sale of foreign exchange (FX) to eligible bureau de change (BDC) operators at N1,450|$1.
The eligible BDCs would be allowed to buy up to $20k but are to sell to eligible end-users at a margin not more than 1.5 percent above the purchase rate from CBN.
These developments were contained in a statement on Thursday signed by A.A Mahdi, CBN’s acting director of trade and exchange department
The apex bank said it had observed the continued distortions in the retail end of the market, which was feeding into the parallel market and further widening the exchange rate premium.
READ ALSO:CBN sells dollars to BDCs below market rate at N1,101/$1, in continued defence of naira
“Following the on-going reforms in the foreign exchange market, with the objective of achieving an appropriate market-determined exchange rate for the Naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has observed the continued distortions in the retail end of the market, which is feeding into the Parallel market and further widen the exchange rate premium,” CBN said.
“To this end, the CBN has approved the sales of FX to eligible Bureau De Change (BDCs) to meet the demand for invisible transactions.
“The sum of $20,000 is to be sold to each BDC at the rate of N1,450/$ (representing the lower band of the trading rate at NAFEM in the previous trading day).”
The financial regulator instructed all eligible BDCs to make naira payments to CBN’s naira deposit account numbers and submit confirmation of payment with other necessary documentation for disbursement at the appropriate CBN branches in Abuja, Akwa, Kano and Lagos.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post CBN approves sale of dollars to eligible BDCs at N1,450/$1 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Against criticisms, Nigerian govt makes case for imported fuel, carpets Dangote refinery, others
In a damning verdict, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has described the quality of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery, as well as those from other refineries like Watersmith, Aradel, as inferior in quality compared to imported ones.
This is even as the agency disclosed that the 650,000 barrel-per-day refinery has not been issued an operational licence by NMDPRA.
This is according to the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA Farouk Ahmed in a recent interview with journalists, a video of which is currently circulating on X.
He noted that the Lagos-based Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage and about 45 per cent completed.
Ahmed added that the country cannot risk dependence on Dangote Refinery by suspending petroleum products import, especially Automotive Gas Oil and Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
He said: “That is not so. Dangote Refinery is still in the pre-commissioning stage. It has not been licenced yet. We haven’t licenced them yet. I think they are about 45 per cent to completion.
READ ALSO:Dangote Refinery insists IOCs frustrating crude purchase
“We cannot rely on one refinery to feed the nation, because Dangote is requesting that we suspend or stop imports, especially of AGO and DPK, and direct all marketers to his refinery. That is not good for the nation in terms of energy security, and it is not good for the market because of the monopoly.”
Ahmed said that in terms of quality, Dangote’s current AGO (diesel) suffers from the lowest quality in terms of sulphur content, falling short of West Africa’s requirement of 50 parts per million (PPM).
“Dangote Refinery, as well as some modular refineries like Watersmith Refinery and Aradel Refinery, are producing between 650 and 1,200 PPM. Therefore, in terms of quality, their products are much, much, more inferior to imported ones,” he stated.
This development is coming on the heels of claims by Dangote Refinery that marketers are importing below-standard petroleum products into the country, a claim which has been debunked by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
It is also against the backdrop of criticisms against the Nigerian government which has continued to encourage export of crude oil and import of refined products. Many have asked why the government keeps spending money on the country’s four refineries which have continued to remain inactive for many years.
There have also been questions raised as to how the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC Ltd has remained unaccountable for quantity of crude exported against the quantity of fuel imported. There have been no account over the years of what is done with other by-products from the crude exported out of the country to be refined and returned.
By: Babajide Okeowo
The post Against criticisms, Nigerian govt makes case for imported fuel, carpets Dangote refinery, others appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Nigeria in trouble, economy has collapsed – Dele Momodu
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dele Momodu, has said Nigeria is in trouble because its economy has collapsed under President Bola Tinubu.
Momodu said Tinubu was engaging in reckless waste by purchasing private jets, building monuments, and distributing palliative rather than fixing the collapsed economy.
The veteran journalist lamented that the waste by Tinubu’s government is a sign of a failed administration.
In an open letter to Tinubu, Momodu said there would be resources for development if Tinubu can curb the resources in his government.
The letter posted on his Facebook page reads partly: “Nigeria is in big trouble. Our economy has virtually collapsed. And what’s the way out? You’ve been wasting too much money at a time that requires absolute frugality.
“Please, stop this reckless propensity for wasting scarce resources.
“Purchasing Presidential jets, building outlandish monuments, distributing cash as palliatives, etc, are signs of a failed and careless government.
“If you can curb the excessive spending of your government, you will free up a lot of resources for serious development.”
Nigeria in trouble, economy has collapsed – Dele Momodu
Food Sufficiency: Southern Governors’ Forum to promote regional trade – Abiodun
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Thursday said southern states have decided to promote inter-state and inter-region trade to foster food security and sufficiency.
The governor also disclosed that Ogun State has decided to establish Farmers’ Markets across the state to ensure food security.
He spoke when he received in audience the newly constituted Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture (FUNAAB), led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayorinde Olabomi.
Governor Abiodun, who is the chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), said that Southern States have no reason not to promote trade among themselves with fertile land and human capacity in the region.
“As a matter of fact, me and my colleagues in the Southern part of Nigeria have met and have said that we have no reason not to promote inter-state or inter-region trade.
“There is no reason why someone from the South East or South South is not buying yam or tomatoes from somebody in the South West. There is no reason why someone from the South West is not buying rice from Ebonyi.
“We should be able to attain food security and sufficiency within our region because we have the human capacity and the necessary arable land. There is nothing we do not have to ensure we achieve this objective,” he said.
Governor Abiodun said that the Farmers’ Market would be located at strategic locations across the state, inluding Asero in Abeokuta and Ogere along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
He also said plans have been concluded to move the Kara cattle market from its present location to Ogere, where the cattle merchants can have access to a good atmosphere.
He continued: “Our Ministry of Agriculture is working on establishing a few things, one of which is the Farmers Market at strategic locations across the state, and I think this is another initiative we can collaborate.
“One will be at Asero in Abeokuta. One will be somewhere around Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which is around the Ogere area, which we have also designated as our livestock and animal husbandry area.
“We are proposing to move the Kara market to somewhere along there where we have land, and we can provide them with additional land for expansion.
“We believe that with the number of small holder farmers we have in Ogun State, it will be an advantage to them if we have the farmers’ market located in strategic places.”
The Governor noted that his administration sees agriculture as a way of providing food security, create employment and generate revenue, adding that the Federal University of Agriculture should be at the forefront of championing food security, as the purpose for which it was established.
He also promised to collaborate with the institution in some ways, including cassava production, even as he promised that the Iyana-Camp to Alabata road is already under the radar of his administration.
Earlier, Oba Ayorinde Olabomi, while describing Governor Abiodun as one of the best Governors in the country, called for collaboration with the state government at a time when people were clamouring for food.
The royal father further said that the institution is poised to contribute it’s quota to ensure food security in the country, urging the state government to take advantage of the several training programmes, research and development that the institution has to offer.
The Pro-Chancellor appealed to Governor Abiodun to assist the institution by reconstructing the Iyana-Camp to Alabata road, which had been destroyed as a result of activities of trucks.
Food Sufficiency: Southern Governors’ Forum to promote regional trade – Abiodun
Hardship: CAN advises against planned protest
Kaduna State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Ma’aji Caleb, has warned Christians in the state to distance themselves from any planned protest against the government of President Bola Tinubu.
He said, “Instead as Christians, our obligation is to pray, obey and support those in authority for the peaceful coexistence and progress of the country.”
Speaking with TVN in Kaduna on Thursday, the state chairman noted, “It is true that we have found ourselves in a very difficult and challenging time in all spheres of life, but we should not lose hope, ours is to unite and work together as a family to be able to overcome any challenge we may face as a nation, by the grace of the Almighty, we shall surely be victorious.”
On the part of those in leadership positions at all levels of governance, he advised that they should be prudent in all their dealings and ensure that justice was seen to be done in dealing with all Nigerians.
As Christians, he advised, “We should not lose focus but we should be supportive to government policies and pray for them for God’s wisdom and guidance as they pilot the affairs of the country in the right way.”
To those planning the protest, he noted that “nobody knows what they intend to achieve and their purpose”, stressing that “the previous protests in the country did not do any good but led to the loss of lives, maiming of innocent people and destruction of valuables that the nation and some people are yet to recover from.”
Hardship: CAN advises against planned protest
US election: Nancy Pelosi leads campaign for Biden to step aside
Former Speaker of US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi has joined the push for President Joe Biden to bow out of the presidential race.
The former speaker has reportedly told her Democratic colleagues that the President could be convinced to leave the race soon.
According to the Washington Post, the former speaker has assumed a prominent role in passing messages from House Democrats to the White House.
She is relaying concerns the incumbent President is incapable of beating his opponent from the Republican Party, Donald Trump in November.
The lawmaker thinks Biden is close to making a decision to end his campaign.
Pelosi, who was one of the key figures that ensured Trump did not return elected in 2016, helping Biden to the White House, is now widely reported as orchestrating the renewed pressure on the President to bow out of his re-election bid.
Biden has insisted he will bear the Democratic Party’s flag in November, but he is said to be asking questions about negative polling data and whether the vice-president, Kamala Harris, considered the favourite to replace him if were to withdraw, would fare better.
The indications of a possible rethink come after the President tested positive for Covid-19 during the week, forcing him to be isolated for several days.
His isolation has curtailed a campaign visit to Nevada that had been part of a drive to show his candidacy was very much alive.
This coincides with fresh polling data showing that Trump now leads by two points in Virginia, a state Biden won by 10 points in 2020.
It shows that President Biden’s support has fallen in swing states since his disastrous showing at last month’s debate in Atlanta.
US election: Nancy Pelosi leads campaign for Biden to step aside
Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, July 19, 2024
Here are the top 10 stories making headlines across the country.
1. Dele Momodu to Tinubu: Beware of hero worshippers in National Assembly
The Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, on Thursday warned President Bola Tinubu to be wary of hero worshippers in the National Assembly.Read more
2. Tinubu orders payment of university workers’ withheld salaries
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, stepped into the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and university non-teaching staff over withheld salaries.Read more
3. NLC gives reasons for accepting Tinubu’s N70K minimum wage offer
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, on Thursday, explained why the organised labour accepted President Bola Tinubu’s N70,000 minimum wage offer.Read more
4. Reps to cut salaries by 50% for 6 months to fight hardship
The House of Representatives has resolved to slash their salaries by 50% as a way to support the Federal Government addressing the economic hardship in the country.Read more
5. FG delays implementation of 18 years minimum age requirement for tertiary admission to 2025
In a surprising turn of events, Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman has decided to postpone the enforcement of the minimum age requirement of 18 years for admission into tertiary institutions.Read more
READ ALSO:Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Wednesday, July 17, 2024
6. Ex-APC stalwart, Salihu Lukman, says Akpabio has reduced Senate to a govt parastatal
Salihu Moh. Lukman, former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Thursday, accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of undermining the independence of the Nigerian Senate, reducing it to a parastatal under the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.Read more
7. Dangote Refinery insists IOCs frustrating crude purchase
The management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has refused to back down over claims that International Oil Companies (IOCs) are frustrating its quest to purchase crude feedstock for the Dangote refinery.Read more
8. NGX delists Niger Insurance, two others from platform
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has delisted the shares of Niger Insurance Plc and two other companies from its platform for non-compliance with standards.Read more
9. Farmer docked for allegedly defiling neighbour’s daughter in Oyo
Police on Thursday arraigned a farmer, Mufutau Salaudeen, at the Oyo State Family Court in Iyaganku, for allegedly defiling his neighbour’s daughter.Read more
10. Olympics: House of Reps lead support for Team Nigeria with N100m pledge
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has gotten ball rolling as they call on other Nigerians to support the Team Nigeria ahead of their participation at the Olympic Games.Read more
The post Top 10 stories from across Nigerian Newspapers, Friday, July 19, 2024 appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Criminalize non-wearing of life jacket on boats – HYPPADEC MD, Yelwa urges lawmakers
Managing Director of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission, HYPPADEC, Abubakar Yelwa, has advocated a legislation that will criminalize non-wearing of life jackets by boat passengers.
He made the call at a stakeholders’ meeting on the agency’s Youth Transformation Programme (YTP) in Ilorin on Thursday.
Abubakar urged Houses of Assembly in its catchment areas to enact the laws to help mitigate the death rate from boat mishaps in riverine communities.
Speaking through the Director of Community and Rural Development, Dr Mahmud Muhammed, the HYPPADEC boss recalled how a riverine community lost 130 persons to a single boat mishap.
He disclosed that the agency had trained over 5,000 youths in its YTP scheme, noting that the 800 youths that benefited from the scheme in Kwara State would soon get starter packs to commence their own businesses and possibly employ others.
According to him, the starter packs that would be distributed to the beneficiaries who were trained in 15 vocations which include tailoring and fish farming cost over N255m.
Abubakar pleaded with the beneficiaries not to sell the starter packs, but put them to judicious use.
Criminalize non-wearing of life jacket on boats – HYPPADEC MD, Yelwa urges lawmakers