The Civil Defense, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, CDCFIB, has disowned an online publication on recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.
This is contained in a statement by the Secretary of the Board, Ja’afaru Ahmed, on Monday in Anuja.
Ahmed stated that the Board is only recruiting in the Federal Fire Service, FFS, and not NIS as claimed by the online publication.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to inform the general public that the board is currently carrying out a recruitment process in the FFS only.
“It will commence the next stage of the exercise in August and will conclude same before the end of September,” the statement said.
Nigerian Govt denies fresh recruitment into Immigration, Fire Service
Nigerian Govt denies fresh recruitment into Immigration, Fire Service
Oyebanji lauds TETFUND for infrastructural projects in Ekiti institutions
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has hailed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for its interventions in providing succour to Ekiti State-owned tertiary institutions in the area of infrastructure.
The governor, represented by the Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, spoke in Ado Ekiti, on Monday, during the oversight visit of the House of Representatives Committee on TETFUND and other services to the state.
Oyebanji said that TETFUND’s intervention was evident in many infrastructural projects in the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti; Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti and Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti.
He said, “TETFUND has recorded positive impacts which have brought succour to tertiary education not only in terms of infrastructural development but also in the area of human capital development as well as funding of institution-based research”.
Oyebanji, who said that education was the priority of Ekiti State, said, “All bottlenecks militating against the utilization of funds from TETFUND across the institutions will be removed”.
The governor said that the state government would explore every available resource and avenue to utilize the opportunity that TETFUND had to offer to emplace 21st-century academic institutions in the state.
He said that it was on the strength of infrastructural development as entrenched in the six pillars of his administration that the government considered the need for further increase in the monthly subvention to the institutions.
The House Committee Chairman, Princess Miriam Onuona, said the committee was in the state to monitor and to ensure judicious and proper utilization of funds allocated for various development projects in tertiary institutions.
Onuona, called on the institutions to avail themselves of the opportunity of the visit to address any area of impediment or bottleneck to assessing the funds allocated to them to build infrastructure and learning in the institutions, adding that such funds if not assessed on time could lose value due to inflationary trend.
The lawmaker said that the three Ekiti State institutions, during the period under review, year 2021 to part of year 2024, still had some unassessed funds as she advised them to consult the team of consultants that the House Committee had put together to immediately diagnose impediments that made it difficult to assess the funds.
Onuona said that the committee was collaborating with the executive to ease whatever challenges including amendment of any law, if need be, that could serve as an impediment to assessing the funds allocated for the institutions.
LG polls: Pandemonium as thugs hijack stakeholders’ meeting in Akwa Ibom
There is tension in Itu Local government Area of Akwa Ibom State as thugs invaded an ongoing stakeholders’ meeting at Mbak Atai in the council and inflicted injuries on the participants.
The meeting, which ended in fiasco, was meant to choose the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) consensus chairmanship candidate ahead of the October council elections in the state.
TVN gathered that the political leader of the area, Hon Henry Archibong who was the convener of the meeting, Ward leaders, party chieftains and other critical stakeholders escaped death as thugs stormed the meeting venue.
It was further learnt that trouble started when a former lawmaker, Hon Idongesit Ituen allegedly arrived at the meeting venue at Mbak Atai with some angry youths opposed to the consensus deal and started to challenge the rationale behind the meeting.
According to a witness, “The attack started from the PDP State’s officer, Hon. Effiong Ebong who was slapped by one of the thugs as he stepped on the podium to set the tone of the meeting.
“Many persons were wounded as bottles were thrown indiscriminately from the rear and the entire hall.”
He said the council chairman, Hon Etetim Onuk pleaded for calm but to no avail as the irate youths were on rampage, adding that the council chairman was physically assaulted.
“Hell was let loose when the convener, Dr. Archibong announced that the event could not hold under such a rowdy atmosphere, saying that a new date and venue would be communicated to those needed and declared the meeting closed.
“Bottles were thrown from all corners of the hall; those boys had the guts to hit even the council chairman with a plastic chair.
“All the dignitaries, including the immediate past commissioner for special duties, Dr. Bassey Okon, had to run for their lives,” the source added.
He explained that in the midst of the confusion, the former House Member, Idongesit Ituen insisted on addressing the people even after the meeting was declared closed by the conveners.
He said Ituen publicly condemned the consensus deal by the elders and argued that it was the prerogative of the governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to pick a chairman, adding that the governor did not authorize any mock election to that effect.
Investigation revealed that 17 aspirants, from East Itam where the chairmanship position of the council was zoned, indicated interest to contest for the seat and were presented to the elders.
Some of the aspirants who felt cheated in the planned consensus deal boycotted the meeting.
LG polls: Pandemonium as thugs hijack stakeholders’ meeting in Akwa Ibom
FG seeks $50m World Bank loan for solar projects, 3.5m prepaid metres, others
The Federal Government has sought the assistance of the World Bank to provide funding worth $50 million to support state governments for the installation of solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun spoke on the initiative when he met with a World Bank delegate on Monday in Abuja.
The team was led by the Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiamé Diop while the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Ms. Olu Verheijen was in attendance.
A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Finance Ministry, Mohammed Manga, said the meeting was held to discuss innovative ways to drive Nigeria’s power sector forward.
The minister said that the meeting focused on World Bank-supported initiatives, including the Power Sector Recovery Operation and the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, aimed at improving power distribution and management systems to ensure economic growth and development in the nation.
Edun said the programme would ensure the rollout of 3.5m prepaid metres to enhance power distribution and support tariff frameworks, market reforms and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.
The statement read, “In its renewed determination to drive economic growth and development in the country, the Federal Government has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to boost power sector investments as a major priority area for achieving the desired objective.
“The initiative will strengthen plans to roll out 3.5 million prepaid metres to enhance power distribution.
“$50 million funding for state solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades, with measures to support tariff frameworks, market reforms, and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.
“This collaboration aims at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector, enhancing energy access, promoting economic growth and development, improving job creation as well as poverty alleviation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” the statement added.
Edun further reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reposition the nation’s economy.
The statement added that delegates from both sides expressed their commitment to working together towards achieving these goals for the benefit of all Nigerians.
The World Bank, a prominent international financial institution dedicated to reducing global poverty, provides loans and grants to developing countries for a wide range of projects, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.
Nigeria has been a top recipient of fresh loans from multilateral lenders, borrowing $2.7 billion in 2023 from about $2.9bn in 2022.
Ogun Govt reaffirms commitment to child education
Ogun State government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child in the state have access to quality education, as part of its ‘ISEYA’ mantra.
Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Femi Majekodunmi, gave the affirmation during the Grand Finale of the 5th edition of Nestle Nutritional Quiz Competition, organised by Nestle Nigeria Plc., at Methodist Nursery and Primary School, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta.
Majekodunmi acknowledged the dedication and hard work of learners, teachers and other relevant stakeholders for their tireless efforts and remarkable impact on the educational landscape of the state.
SUBEB boss lauded the company for its impactful programmes, urging it not to relent in extending the gesture to other local governments.
According to him, “At this juncture, we recognise Nestle unflinching commitment to education and unrelenting support in creating a conducive learning environment for our learners.*
On her part, the Corporate Communication and Sustainability Lead. Nestle, Mrs Victoria Nwadoka, said the objective of the competition was to discover a new generation of young leaders, who live a healthy life and made the right decisions.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Saidat Oguntade from Oke-Ona United School, Ilugun Elega, appreciated the company for the initiative, promising that the participants would use the event to improve on their learning and be an obedient child.
At the end of the competition, Oke-Ona United School, Ilugun Elega, emerged first; St. Peters Primary School, Siun, came second, while China Nigeria Friendship School Igbesa, Ado-Odo, Ota and Sokoya Memorial School, Sagamu, were in the third and fourth positions, respectively.
Ogun Govt reaffirms commitment to child education
2.7m children at risk as vaccine coverage dips- Report
Global childhood immunisation coverage stalled in 2023, leaving 2.7 million additional children under-vaccinated compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, according to data published on Monday by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
The latest WHO and UNICEF estimates of national immunisation coverage which provide the world’s largest and most comprehensive dataset on immunisation trends for vaccinations against 14 diseases – underscore the need for ongoing catch-up, recovery, and system-strengthening efforts.
“The latest trends demonstrate that many countries continue to miss far too many children.
“Closing the immunisation gap requires a global effort, with governments, partners, and local leaders investing in primary healthcare and community workers to ensure every child gets vaccinated, and that overall healthcare is strengthened,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
According to the findings, the number of children who received three doses of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis in 2023 – a key marker for global immunization coverage – stalled at 84% (108 million).
However, the number of children who did not receive a single dose of the vaccine increased from 13.9 million in 2022 to 14.5 million in 2023.
More than half of unvaccinated children live in the 31 countries with fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings, where children are especially vulnerable to preventable diseases because of disruptions and lack of access to security, nutrition, and health services.
Additionally, 6.5 million children did not complete their third dose of the DTP vaccine, which is necessary to achieve disease protection in infancy and early childhood.
These trends, which show that global immunisation coverage has remained largely unchanged since 2022 and – more alarmingly – has still not returned to 2019 levels, reflect ongoing challenges with disruptions in healthcare services, logistical challenges, vaccine hesitancy, and inequities in access to services.
The data further show that vaccination rates against the deadly measles disease stalled, leaving nearly 35 million children with no or only partial protection.
WHO, on its website recalled that in 2023, only 83 per cent of children worldwide received their first dose of the measles vaccine through routine health services, while the number of children receiving their second dose modestly increased from the previous year, reaching 74 of children.
“These figures fall short of the 95 per cent coverage needed to prevent outbreaks, avert unnecessary disease and deaths, and achieve measles elimination goals.
“Over the last five years, measles outbreaks hit 103 countries – home to roughly three-quarters of the world’s infants. Low vaccine coverage (80 per cent or less) was a major factor. In contrast, 91 countries with strong measles vaccine coverage did not experience outbreaks,” it said.
“Measles outbreaks are the canary in the coal mine, exposing and exploiting gaps in immunisation and hitting the most vulnerable first
“This is a solvable problem. The measles vaccine is cheap and can be delivered even in the most difficult places. WHO is committed to working with all our partners to support countries to close these gaps and protect the most at-risk children as quickly as possible,” said the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus
The UN agencies noted that the new data also highlighted some brighter spots in immunisation coverage as the steady introduction of new and under-utilised vaccines, including for human papillomavirus, meningitis, pneumococcal, polio, and rotavirus disease, continue to expand the breadth of protection, particularly in the 57 countries supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
“For example, the share of adolescent girls globally who received at least 1 dose of the HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer, increased from 20 per cent in 2022 to 27 per cent in 2023.
“This was largely driven by strong introductions in Gavi-supported countries, such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria. The use of the single-dose HPV vaccine schedule also helped boost vaccine coverage,” it noted.
“The HPV vaccine is one of the most impactful vaccines in Gavi’s portfolio, and it is incredibly heartening that it is now reaching more girls than ever before,” said the CEO of Gavi, Dr Sania Nishtar. “With vaccines now available to over 50% of eligible girls in African countries, we have much work to be done, but today we can see we have a clear pathway to eliminating this terrible disease.”
Rivers Assembly blocks Fubara’s spending pending budget presentation
In a dramatic session on Monday, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martin Amaewhule, decisively halted all expenditures by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration until he presents the 2024 budget before the lawmakers.
The move came following a seven-day ultimatum issued by the Assembly to Governor Fubara, demanding the prompt submission of the state budget.
During the plenary session, Major Jack, the Leader of the House, brought attention to the expiry of this ultimatum.
After extensive deliberation, the Assembly took a vote to effectively freeze the Rivers State Consolidated Revenue Account, preventing any further spending by the Fubara administration without legislative approval.
Read also: IOCs supplying crude to Dangote Refinery, FG counters Dangote’s claims
It will be recalled that the Amaewhule-led Assembly had initially set the deadline on July 8, 2024, expressing concerns over constitutional breaches by Governor Fubara. The Assembly, in a letter dated the same day and signed by Martin Amaewhule, accused the governor of failing to adhere to constitutional provisions.
This development unfolded during the first session of the Assembly aligned with the faction supporting former Governor Nyesom Wike, marking a significant shift after months of political tension.
Previously, Governor Fubara had submitted the budget to a different faction of the House, presided over by his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, who acted as Speaker. This faction approved the budget estimates, subsequently signed into law by the governor.
The ongoing rift between Governor Fubara’s supporters and those aligned with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has been a persistent feature of Rivers State politics, often prompting interventions to mediate their differences.
The post Rivers Assembly blocks Fubara’s spending pending budget presentation appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Court adjourns Kogi Chief of Staff’s trial till Tuesday
Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday adjourned the trial of Kogi State’s Chief-of-Staff, Ali Bello, and his co-defendant, Dauda Suleiman, till Tuesday for continuation of trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, in a charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/573/2022, accused Bello and his co-defendant of N3 billion fraud.
The EFCC, in the charge, sued Bello and Suleiman as the first and second defendants in the case.
At the resumed trial, the seventh prosecution witness (PW-7) Aminu Rabiu, led in evidence by the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court that he knows state former Governor, Yahaya Bello, and the two defendants who are being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency.
The witness, who said he is a businessman from Falala Construction Company Limited, told the court that he is into interior decoration and furniture work.
He said his compan has an account with Zenith Bank and did some jobs for the state government when Yahaya Bello was governor.
He said, “I did one job for the state government. I demolished and rebuilt the Presidential Lodge in Kogi State Government House.”
He also said he handled personal jobs for Yahaya Bello, in the past.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter till Tuesday for the continuation of the evidence of PW-7.
Abubakar Aliyu (SAN) made an appearance for Ali Bello while Olusegun Jolaawo (SAN), appeared for Suleiman.
Hardship: Fubara urges Rivers residents to engage in agriculture
The Rivers State Government has advised the people of the state, especially women, to venture into agriculture to mitigate the impact of the high cost of living.
The government emphasized that agriculture will be prioritized in the 2025 budget to achieve the government’s agricultural policies for the state.
Rivers State Head of Service, George Nweake, who represented Governor Sim Fubara, disclosed this when he received members of the Women in Farming and Agro-Allied Support Network (WIFAASN) at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Monday.
He noted that the administration’s agricultural policies are geared towards ameliorating the plight of citizens and are awaiting implementation.
“The agriculture policies of the government have already been perfected, waiting for the time of execution and implementation.
“The governor has said that is the main target of next year’s budget: agriculture. But we will not give it to people who don’t have farms.
We will not deal with portfolio farmers.
“Those that will come with jackets are not the farmers we are looking for.
“We will not throw it in the air for the fastest person to catch it. No. If the best person in farming is a lame person, he will get it.
“Even if a sprinter is there, the sprinter will not be able to reach
it. We are going to do things that will have a human face,” he added.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Fubara noted that the state has enormous agricultural potential, emphasizing the neglect of the sector.
He called for a change of heart among the people by keying into farming to catch up with the reality of the times and ensure food security.
According to the governor, the call is in line with the Wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Initiative pet projects -Agricultural Support Programme and Every Home a Garden – aimed at supporting women farmers nationwide to strengthen the agricultural sector of the economy.
Hardship: Fubara urges Rivers residents to engage in agriculture
Adeleke, ICPC sign MoU on project monitoring, evaluation
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and the leadership of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, on Monday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, aimed at implementing necessary measures to prevent corrupt practices in project implementation.
Speaking at the brief event where the MoU was signed held at Osun Government House, Osogbo, the ICPC chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu (SAN) said that besides preventing corruption, the partnership also includes the adoption of a more effective strategy in the fight against graft.
Aliyu, who expressed a firm belief that the fight against corruption could not be won by a single individual or agency, added that to defeat graft, concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government would be required.
“This collaboration embodies our collective resolve to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability in Osun State.
“Our collaboration with the Osun State Government is a testament to this belief. Together, we will galvanise support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption. This also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for improved governance for effective service delivery.
“In conclusion, let us remember that our success in combating corruption is not merely for the present generation but also for the future of our beloved nation. By working together, we can create a society where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the norms,” Aliyu said
He called for the cooperation of Nigerians for the Commission to achieve its goal of stopping corrupt practices in the country.
In his remarks, Adeleke declared that his sole ambition for seeking public office was selfless service.
Adeleke further said, “During the inauguration of my cabinet, I openly warned those with a corrupt mindset should to opt out before it is too late. We apply rigorous vetting in the financial approval process. We ensure the enforcement of procurement laws without fear or favour.
“Our government is therefore elated to partner with the ICPC to further deepen good governance, especially in terms of anti-corruption protocols. The anti-corruption agencies have delicate assignments which demand the support and cooperation of those holding top government offices. Our government is today demonstrating this political will by entering into partnership with the ICPC on project monitoring and evaluation.”