BREAKING: Chief Of Army Staff Dies In Plane Crash

 General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff, has died in a plane crash. Details of the incident are still sketchy but a military...

General Ibrahim Attahiru, the Chief of Army Staff, has died in a plane crash.

Details of the incident are still sketchy but a military source told Daily Trust that it happened in Kaduna on Friday.

In a statement, the Nigerian Air Force confirmed that there was an accident involving one of its aircraft in Kaduna but did not go into details.

“An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” read the statement signed by Edward Gabkwet, the force’s Director of Public Relations and Information.

A source said there were eight persons on board the aircraft.

Attahiru was appointed Chief of Army Staff on January 26, 2021.

Born on 10th August 1966 in Doka, Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna State, he graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

He commenced cadets training in January 1984 and was commissioned into the rank of Second Lieutenant in December 1986 as an Infantry Officer. He holds a Masters degree in Strategic Management and Policy Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

General Attahiru has held several appointments on the staff, instructional and in command during his military career. He had a tour of duty with the United Nations in Sierra leone as a Military Observer, where he facilitated United Kingdom military engagement, Operation BARASS in September 2000.

He was an Operation Officer and later Company Commander in NIBATT 19 ECOMOG Operations in Liberia. Also, he had the unique privilege of having commanded with distinction all through the chain of command in the Nigerian Army.

Prominent among these appointments are Commanding Officer 146 Battalion Nigerian Army (Operation HARMONY IV) in the Bakassi Peninsula, Commander 13 Brigade Nigerian Army (Operation PULO SHIELD), General Officer Commanding 82 Divisi

on Nigerian Army. He was one time Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

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NBC fines Channels TV, inspiration FM N5million each for broadcast code infractions

 

The NBC says Channels TV and Inspirational FM broadcast secessionist, divisive, violent and inflammatory comments.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has directed Channels TV and Inspiration FM Lagos to pay a fine N5 million each for infractions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Armstrong Idachaba, the acting director-general of the commission, announced this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Idachaba, a professor, explained that the NBC on Monday, April 26, served Channels TV a letter indicating the station’s culpability and liability for infractions of the Code in respect to its broadcast of “Politics Today” of Sunday, April 25.

The acting D-G stated that the station violated Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.

Similarly, Idachaba said that on May 2, in its World Report, Inspiration FM Lagos aired a broadcast of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) making secessionist claims in breach of 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the Code.

He said Channels TV and Inspirational FM broadcast secessionist, divisive, violent and inflammatory comments.

Sections 3.11.1(b) and 5.4.3 of the code state as follow:

“Section 3.11.1(b), the Broadcaster shall ensure that no programme contains anything which amounts to subversion of constituted authority or compromises the unity or corporate existence of Nigeria as a sovereign state.

“Section 5.4.3, in reporting conflict situations, the broadcaster shall perform the role of a peace agent by adhering to the principle of responsibility, accuracy and neutrality.”

Mr Idachaba noted that the violations of the identified sections, being a `Class A’ offence, attracts sanctions in section 15.2.1 of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code which provides the following:

“Immediate order of suspension of broadcast services; suspension of licence and immediate shut down and seal up of transmitter, revocation of licence, seizure and forfeiture or transmitting equipment

“(In) 15.5.1: the following penalties shall apply in respect of a breach committed by the broadcaster: light, N200,000 to N500,000; heavy, N500,000 to N4,999,000; severe, N5,000,000.”

Mr Idachaba said that there was no doubt that all over the world, countries had taken measures through regulations and the law to curb excesses.

According to him, such include the destruction of lives, property and the unwanton breakdown of law characterised by negative broadcast of terrorist groups such as the IPOB.

He said that the United Kingdom Government took action against the IRA and banned it from airing inflammatory and divisive rhetoric to its use audiences.

Similarly, he said that France and other developed countries had taken actions against terrorist groups and their determination to use broadcast materials to inflame the society.

“Following the announcements of liability to the sanctions stated in 15.1.1 and 15.1.2 both stations have accepted culpability for the infractions and earlier offered unreserved apologies for the breaches.

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NYSC Remains Major Promoter Of National Unity — FG

 

The Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, says all hands must be on deck to support the National Youth Service Corps as it has been a major promoter of Nigeria’s unity.

Speaking Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the 2021 Community Development Service (CDS) activities and presentation of NYSC Director -General’s awards, Dare said the scheme needed all the supports it could get to meet its mandate in uniting the nation.

According to him, for any government or country to succeed and raise worthy leaders, it should invest in its youths, hence the need to invest in corps members.

NYSC DG, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, said engagement in CDS activities developed in corps members, the spirit of patriotism, good interpersonal relationship, leadership skills, selflessness and charitable spirit.

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Osinbajo Advocates Improved FG/States Collaboration

 

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said effective collaboration between the federal government through its agencies and state governments will bring about more dividends and improved service delivery to Nigerians.

Prof. Osinbajo made the statement yesterday at the inauguration of the Federal Road Safety Corps Marshal Inspector Training School in Owa-Alero, Delta State.

A presidential spokesman Laolu Akande said the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration in the state built and furnished the school and donated it to the federal government.

The vice president also commended the cordial relationship between the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) and the FRSC which, according to him, “has led to the establishment of two additional training institutions in the last one year.”-Daily Trust

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Zamfara APC Doles Out 400 Cattle To Members For Sallah

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara has commenced distribution of 400 cattle to its members for Sallah celebration.

Former governor Abdul’aziz Yari donated the cattle for members, Lawal Liman, chairman of the party’s caretaker committee in Zamfara, said on Thursday.

According to him, executives of the party in each of the 14 local goverment areas and executives from each of the 147 wards will receive two cattle each.

“Other beneficiaries of the gesture include women, youth groups and elders of the party, as well as religious and community leaders in the state, and state party executives,” he added.

He noted that the distribution of the cattle was ongoing by a nine-man committee headed by a Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission in the state, Alhaji Muhammad Muttaka-Rini.

He called on Muslims to use the month of Ramadan to pray for peace and stability of the state and Nigeria in general.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the former governor had recently donated 130,000 trailer loads of food items to people of the state for breaking of Ramadan fast. (NAN)

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You Can’t Force Buhari Out Of Office Before 2023, Supporters Say

 25 million Nigerians who willingly, fanatically and emphatically voted President Buhari into office and will rather die than see anything happen to him or...

A group under the aegis of #IstandwithBuhari# Movement has said President Muhammadu Buhari will not bow to evil forces sponsoring and perpetrating evil to compel him to throw in the towel before the expiration of his tenure in 2023.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday at Yar’adua Centre in Abuja, leader of the group, Ifeanyi Nonso, who was flanked by other leaders of the group claimed that some top politicians were behind the spate of killing and worsening insecurity in the country.

He said some political bigwigs in the country were sabotaging government efforts at addressing the security challenges bedevilling the nation, adding that they would soon be exposed.

“It is important to state it here right now, categorically and without any iota of doubt that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari cannot be subdued, threatened or terminated until he officially hands over power in 2023.

“Anybody or any group of persons, no matter who they are, who believe they can use terror, chaos and destruction to achieve their sinister agenda should know that they will have to deal with 25 million Nigerians who willingly, fanatically and emphatically voted President Buhari into office and will rather die than see anything happen to him or his administration.

“What is happening in Nigeria today is man made, all because of greed to create panic and destabilise Nigeria which is why #istandwithbuhari wishes to make the following declaration:

“Our country Nigeria is indivisible, and will remain indivisible, and nothing will ever divide this country and we will defend Nigeria with the very last drop of our blood,” he said.

He said the group members would embark on nationwide protest and expose those behind insecurity, if the security situation did not improve at the end of the month.

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JUST IN:Jubilation In Enugu As Father Mbaka Reappears

 

There was Jubilation in Enugu State on Wednesday after the reappearance of the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu Nigeria (AMEN), Rev Father Ejike Mbaka.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide (OYC) had in a statement raised an alarm saying the whereabouts of the priest were unknown.

The cleric’s supporters and members of his Adoration Ministry in Enugu also took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against his alleged disappearance.

Mbaka had asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign or be impeached last week. 

However, he was attacked by the Presidency, which alleged that the cleric was angry because he sought to secure contracts from the Buhari-led government and was denied. 

The cleric was on Wednesday afternoon seen in an open roof car, waving to protesters who surrounded him alongside operatives of the Nigeria Police Force.

His supporters were seen shouting ‘Father Mbaka, Oh! you are home!.”

The reverend father later came out of the vehicle to rejoice with his supporters.

Source@Totorinews

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Verily It’s Time To Ask For Help

 

In view of their accomplishments over the years, many readers would hardly come to terms with what had befallen the military in the last many years, particularly as it affects the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits and the insolent kidnappers. Our military have had a distinguished record in the field starting in regional and international peace keeping. At independence in 1960 when we joined the United Nations, we immediately started to contribute our armed forces personnel to peace keeping efforts. Our troops were said to have acquitted themselves creditably in Congo 1960-64, Tanzania 1960-62 and Pakistan 1965-66.

By the time our civil war broke out in 1967 our troops have already had some fighting experience which probably came to help to crush a well-armed and determined secessionist movement in a mere 30 months. Thereafter, this prowess of our troops made them very much sought-after by the United Nations whenever and wherever there was a conflict, to contribute to a peace keeping force and or international military observatories. Our troops served everywhere. In 1978 we were in Lebanon as part of UNFIL, Chad in 1981, along Iran-Iraq border UNIMOG in 1988, Kuwait UNICOM in 1991, Angola ‘91, Namibia ‘89, Cambodia ‘92, Yugoslavia ‘92, etc. Of course nearer home in Sierra Leonne and Liberia, our troops and the resources Nigeria committed made the difference in those countries from falling apart or remaining intact.

In 2007 this country was in such a confident position in the ability of our Army as a can-do force that it voiced opposition to AFRICOM, a combatant command that USA created as an outfit to watch over Al Qaeda and other terrorists’ operations in Africa. The USA had to back down from establishing the command post on an African soil, because Nigeria, South Africa and Libya voiced their loud opposition to the plan. In fact, Nigeria was so belligerent in its opposition that the government spokesman said that we did not only reject AFRICOM on Nigeria’s soil but also would not want to see it in any African country. The rejection was loud and clear and the US had to accede to let AFRICOM berth in Stuttgart, Germany where it had maintained other combatant commands, since the close of World War 2.

But honestly we must admit that things have turned awry for our armed forces in the last 10 or so years. The fight against the Boko Haram armed insurgents has run into a quagmire. Not only that but other forms of insurgencies have cropped up in the form of a wholesale flourishing kidnapping industry and other forms of banditry. Nobody has been able to accurately pinpoint why the fight against the Boko Haram insurgents, whom many considered as a ragtag assemblage, has confounded our armed forces. We thought our forces lacked material and the whole nation rose in unison to support the President when he wanted billions direct from the Federation Account to buy arms.

The money was drawn, spent and probably arms were bought but conditions merely deteriorated with the insurgency now precariously spreading across the nation. That much was said by Governor Sani Bello when he warned that the Boko Haram fighters have raised their infamous flags in his domain and are within walking distance of Abuja the federal capital. Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Senator representing Borno South has been everywhere in the media lately decrying the deficits in the war effort. Senator Ndume should know, because he is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Army. Vibrant and passionate, Ndume has never been short of words advancing the cause of his constituency that is presently besieged by Boko Haram insurgents.

He had put it plainly across that the entire armed forces lack the material to accomplish the myriad of assignments before them. On top of that they lack the numbers required. That would probably explain why despite their pedigree our armed forces are bogged down by a number of ragtag brigands. To worsen matters, the casualties are rising by the day. The gory statistics given a few days ago by Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna State Commissioner of Internal Affairs and Internal Security, are frightening enough. He reported that in only three months between January and March 2021, bandits terrorising Kaduna State have killed 323 and abducted 949 citizens. I guess similar figures might show up from neighbouring Katsina, Niger and Zamfara States if they kept statistics.

It is time for a change of heart to probably do what would have been unthinkable some years ago. I am glad that the President has lately been won over to this argument. This became evident when at a televised virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken he specifically asked the US to reconsider relocating the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) from Stuttgart to Africa so as to bring it nearer to the theatre of operations and help to strengthen the ongoing efforts to check the security situation.

I watched the exchanges closely and clearly saw the President grimace when he came to the point in his speech where he asked the US to move AFRICOM to Africa. It is the kind of surrender only Generals understand, as a painful duty to save a territory, fighting men and material

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How Lady Was Raped, Killed By Fake Employer In Akwa Ibom – Police

A file photo of late Iniobong Umoren. Photo: Twitter-@HinyHumoren

Police authorities in Akwa Ibom have confirmed the killing of a young lady, Iniobong Umoren, while seeking employment in the state.

In a statement on Sunday, Odiko MacDon, noted that one Uduak Frank Akpan has been arrested by operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command in connection with the incident.

He stated that the 20-year-old suspect was apprehended for kidnapping, raping, and murdering Miss Umoren.

On Tuesday last week, late Umoren shared a post on Twitter in which she said she needed a job to keep her mind and soul together.

But MacDon, a Superintendent of Police, explained that the command received a report on the disappearance of the victim three days after the tweet was posted.

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He added that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the command later arrested the perpetrator following available leads.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, the team led by a Chief Superintendent of Police, Inengiye IGOSI, consolidated on the initial progress made by the Divisional Police Officer in Uruan, Samuel Ezeugo.

He noted Akpan confessed to have lured Umoren to his house in the guise of giving her a job, but ended up sexually and physically assaulting her, which led to her death.

“To cover his tracks, he dragged and buried her in a shallow grave in his father’s compound,” said MacDon who explained that the body of the victim has been exhumed and deposited at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) for autopsy.

The command’s spokesman added, “The suspect confessed to have told his Local Government Chairman of his atrocity before escaping to Calabar (in Cross River) and was never at any time handed over to the police by anyone.

“The suspect is a confessed serial rapist who has owned up to the raping of other victims. He will be charged to court at the conclusion of the investigation.”

In his reaction, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Amienghene Andrew, appealed to the youths and jobseekers to be wary of the activities of scammers and other men of the underworld.

He commended the effort of the social media users and other fighters of injustice, as well as condoled with the family and friends of late Umoren.

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INEC Office In Akwa Ibom Set Ablaze

 

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has been set ablaze.

National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, confirmed this in a statement.

Okoye said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, 2 May 2021.

According to Okoye, the security guard on duty escaped unhurt but the destruction to the building and properties therein was extensive.

“Items destroyed include 345 ballot boxes, 135 voting cubicles, megaphones, water tanks and office furniture.

“The police, which has also been battling with attacks on its facilities and personnel in the area, is aware of the incident and has commenced investigation,” Okoye said.

He recalled that on the eve of the 2019 General Election, INEC newly constructed prototype LGA office in Ibesikpo Asutan was burnt down while two more offices in Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo LGAs were bombed.

He said, “The recent attack on our facility after we have just concluded the inventory of electoral materials nationwide in readiness for the 2023 General Election is worrisome. If unchecked, these attacks may constitute a setback on the Commission’s preparations, including the ongoing conversion of Voting Points to Polling Units, the forthcoming Continuous Registration of Voters (CVR) exercise and the conduct of polls.

“Nevertheless, the commission wishes to assure Nigerians that we will leave no stone unturned to recover from the incident in Akwa Ibom State as we continue to prepare for all electoral activities.”

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JUST IN: 1 Killed, 5 Wounded As Troops Repel Attack On Rann

 

At least one civilian was killed and five others wounded when some suspected Boko Haram insurgents attempted to infiltrate Rann, headquarter of Kala-Balge local government area of Borno State, security source said.

The incident happened when the outlawed group stormed Rann town at about 6: 15 pm shooting sporadically but met swift resistance from the Nigerian troops.

A security source confirmed that the military employed their artillery in the counterattack resulting to destruction  of gun truck belonging to the insurgents.

The source said five persons, including two civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members were wounded in the attack.

“One civilian (a lady) later died from stray bullet that hit her lap. During the attack, five persons were wounded by stray bullets and they are currently undergoing treatment at the military facility.

” The military did not allow the insurgents into the town but started hitting them at the gate. It was outstanding operation for the troops in Rann.”the source said.

Details later….

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Nigeria Plans To Expand N-power Programme To One Million People - Jobs/Vacancies

The federal government says it will expand the N-Power programme from the present 500,000 beneficiaries to one million. 

President Muhammadu Buhari said this in a message to commemorate the 2021 Workers’ Day celebration on Saturday in Abuja. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2021 Workers’ Day theme is ”COVID-19, Social and Economic Crises: Challenges for Decent Work, Social Protection and Peoples Welfare”. 

Mr Buhari said that the expansion of the N-Power programme would ensure job creation and poverty alleviation through programmes such as Safety Net Programmes to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

”We also have put in place some socio-economic policies, which also include Conditional Cash Transfer for the vulnerable poor from 2.6 million households (13 million persons) to 7.6 million households (about 32 million persons). ”COVID-19 Rapid Response Register (RRR) for urban Poor, which now has 4.8 million households (20 million persons) which also include urban poor/working class. ”Also, through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, there is the Entrepreneur Support Programme and, this even includes the vulnerable workers amongst the urban poor. 

 ”We also have the Artisan Support Fund, Payroll Support Fund for small scale businesses, Business Formalisation aimed at encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises by offering free registration for upcoming businesses by the Corporate Affairs Commission. ”There is also Guaranteed Off-take Stimulus Scheme for Small Medium Enterprises for producers of hygienic products and packaged food to encourage entrepreneurship and industries, “he said. He, however, added that the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) for young entrepreneurs had N75 billion for three years, all aimed at support for the labour force. 

He also noted that in securing decent jobs, the government was inadvertently promoting social protection and people’s welfare. ”We also know that social protection gives you peace of mind and hope for a better future. 

 “It also ensures access to health care and income security for all and provides for you and your family when sick, unemployed, injured, pregnant or too old to work,” he said. He noted that a happy workforce could be created by employers incorporating the decent work agenda in job creation and retention in their workplace guiding policies. 

”As we all know, decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working lives. ”It involves opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal development and social integration. 

”It also ensures freedom for people to express their concerns, organise and participate in the decisions that affect their lives and equality of opportunity and treatment for all women and men,” he said. He noted that decent jobs in our workplaces in a nutshell, therefore, reflect all the goodness in labour administration. Buhari, therefore, said fair labour practices must be the norm in the world of work. 

 ”So, the theme for the May Day celebration is relevant and also reflects practical and contemporary issues of our society and not just in Nigeria but globally,” he said.

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Gunmen Kill Kogi Commissioner, Abduct LG Chairman

Gunmen have killed the Pension Board Commissioner in Kogi State, police authorities confirmed to Channels Television on Sunday. It was gathered that the commissioner, Honourable Adebayo Solomon was killed on Saturday, while the Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, Pius Kolawole and some others were kidnapped. 

The slain commissioner was said to be travelling from Ilorin to Kabba when his vehicle was said to have been shot at Eruku village a few kilometres to Egbe the border town between Kwara and Kogi state by some gunmen. His remains had been deposited at ECWA Hospital, Egbe, while the whereabouts of Kolawole remained unknown. Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayuba Ede, said an intensive investigation is in progress to unravel the perpetrators of the heinous act. 

The abduction of the council chairman may not be unconnected with his concerted efforts to rid his local government area of hoodlums suspected to be herdsmen terrorising the council. Kogi State has been experiencing cases of kidnapping and robberies, with many blaming the criminal activities on the deplorable section of the roads. In recent times, several armed robbery attacks and kidnapping cases have been reported across the three senatorial districts of the state. \

ust last week Sunday, police operatives attached to Ajaokuta Division rescued two kidnapped victims who spent four days in the kidnappers’ den. Few days ago, the Senator representing Edo Central in the National Assembly, Clifford Ordia, was twice attacked on Okene-Lokoja and Lokoja-Abaji roads by bandits in Kogi State on his way to Abuja. 

Ordia, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Local and Foreign Debts, narrated his ordeal to reporters on April 28 in Abuja. He said he was travelling along the Okenne-Lokoja and Lokoja-Abaji roads on Monday when the daredevil bandits opened fire on his convoy while returning to Abuja from his hometown in Edo State. The lawmaker noted that during the exchange of fire between the criminals and the security operatives attached to him, three policemen sustained gun wounds. 

 He explained that one of the wounded policemen was in a critical condition but responding to treatment in one of the hospitals in Abuja.

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Katsina Police Arrest Man Over 273 Stolen Handsets

 

The Police in Katsina have arrested one Ibrahim Lawal, 23, for allegedly stealing 273 GSM handsets valued at N15 million.

The Police spokesman in the state, SP Gambo, while parading the suspect at the Command Headquarters in Katsina Friday, said the suspect was arrested in Daura.

“Nemesis caught up with the suspect when he trespassed into the house of one Kamalu Ibrahim, aged 33yrs, of Shagari Low Cost, Daura, and broke into his motor vehicle, BMW 3 Series, with registration number JW 01 DRA and stole 273 handsets valued N15m.”

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FG Asked To Make More Investment In Real Estate

 

Federal, state and local governments in Nigeria have been urged to invest more in real estate as the industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs annually and help tackle the country’s rising unemployment scourge.

Making the call in Lagos on Wednesday ahead of a global property brokers conference on May 1 at Landmark, Oniru, founder of GtextHomes, one of Nigeria’s leading real estate companies, Dr Stephen Akintayo, said the housing sector is among leading job providers in most developed countries.

He said the Nigerian Government must take a bold step to tap into this area for employment creation for citizens.

Akintayo while revealing that GtextHomes had lined up seasoned real estate brokers from around the world including Ryan Serhant, and leadership coach, Dr John Maxwell, to educate Nigerian youth on how to benefit from the global multi-billion dollar property industry, said that the firm was open to partnering with relevant stakeholders to provide affordable housing and sustainable employment opportunities for individuals.

“Massive investment in real estate will help reduce unemployment in this country. It will solve issues of security as more people can learn to know they can make it legitimately. That is why the government at all levels in Nigeria must look in this direction because it has the potential for creating thousands of jobs annually.

“As a company, we believe this conference will empower at least 12,000 people in terms of job provision. We are looking at about another 15,000 people being empowered through what we are doing. We are hoping that the number of brokers created through this initiative will get to 100,000 in five years time.

“We hope that at this conference will learn a lot from the likes of Dr John Maxwell, a leadership coach, to fully tap into the goldmine that the real estate sector is,” he said.

As of March 2021, the unemployment rate in Nigeria stood at 33.3 per cent – the second highest in the world – according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The figure is projected to rise further, according to analysts, who have blamed the government’s reluctance to diversify the Nigerian economy as part of the factors responsible for this problem.

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Bello Lauds Buhari For Making HYPADEC Functional After 11 Years

 

Governor Yahaya Bello

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making the Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPADEC) functional, 11 years after the promulgation of the Act establishing the commission.

Bello gave the commendation in Lokoja, when the Governing Council and management of the commission paid him a courtesy visit.

HYPADEC is specifically charged with the responsibility of managing the ecological menace, to operation of dams, and for related matters.

Bello, who was represented by his deputy, Edward Onoja, noted that the menace of flooding and how it was affecting the states’ agricultural activities, which is the mainstay of their economies, cannot be over-emphasised.

Speaking earlier, Mr Joseph Ityav, Chairman of the Governing Council of HYPADEC, said the commission was saddled with the responsibility of formulating policies and guidelines for the development of hydroelectric power projects in communities devastated by effects of the location of dams.

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Don’t Call It Operation Lafiya Dole, See Its New Name – Army

 

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Attahiru Ibrahim

The Nigerian Army has renamed Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) to Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) to reflect inclusiveness in the North-East geopolitical zone.

The Army in statement on Friday signed by Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, said the approval for the renaming was given by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ibrahim Attahiru.

According to the statement, the renaming is premised on the fact that the Nigerian Army (NA) has made a lot of progress over the years and needs to re-align for better efficiency.

It also added that the renaming is in line with the COAS Vision of having “A Nigerian Army that is Repositioned to Professionally Defeat all Adversaries in a Joint Environment.”

The COAS further assured the nation that the Nigerian Army under his leadership will continue to pursue the path of joint actions and oneness in prosecuting the counterinsurgency war.

It is worthwhile to note that The renaming also affects the re-designation of the Army Super Camps which now reflect the nomenclature of the formations and units followed by the name of the locations they occupy, while sub-units are redesigned as Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) followed by the name of their locations. All these changes are with immediate effect.

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2022 World Cup Qualifiers: Ronaldo breaks silence on disallowed goal against Serbia

 Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to his disallowed added-time winner in their World Cup qualifying draw against Serbia, claiming the whole nation has been ‘harmed’.

Ronaldo’s strike could have won the game for Portugal; however, his shot was cleared by defender Stefan Mitrovic having already crossed the goal-line.

The Juventus forward was booked for protesting before storming off the pitch at the blast of the final whistle and throwing away his captain’s armband.

Television replays appeared to show the ball crossing the line but, the absence of VAR in Belgrade meant his effort had hit the rock.

Reacting to the disallowed goal, Ronaldo took to Instagram to vent his frustration: “I always give and will give everything for my country and that will never change.

“But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed.

“We will keep our heads up and face the next challenge now.”

Diogo Jota’s double had put the visitors in control at the break, but second-half goals from Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic and Filip Kostic saw Serbia – who had Nikola Milenkovic sent off in stoppage time – draw level.

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FG: Buhari Approves Pension Increase For Retired FG Workers

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the implementation of the consequential adjustment to the pension benefits occasioned by the new minimum wage of 2019.

This was disclosed Friday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, Dr Chioma Ejikeme.

“With this approval, PTAD is now empowered to start the upward adjustment of all pensioners’ benefits according to the approved template,” she said.

The PTAD boss added that the consequential adjustment of the new pension payment would start from the May 2021 payroll, while the arrears would take effect from April 2019.

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Presidency: Mbaka came asking Buhari for contracts, Presidency reveals

 

The Presidency has reacted furiously to Father Mbaka’s outburst calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to either resign or be impeached.

Mallam Garba Shehu, senior media assistant to President Buhari said in a statement Friday that Mbaka who supported Buhari during his electioneering later came to the president asking for contracts as compensation for support.

Shehu said, “An outsider distilling the avalanche of verbiage, will be surprised that after supporting the President two times to win the Presidency, Father Mbaka has made a complete U-Turn, preposterously asking President Buhari to resign or be impeached.

“Here is the point of departure: Father Mbaka asked for a meeting and to the shock of Presidential Aides, he came accompanied by three contractors. The President graciously allowed them in, and to everyone’s surprise, Father Mbaka asked for contracts as compensation for his support.

“Anyone familiar with President Buhari knows that he doesn’t break the laid down rules in dealing with contracts or any other government business for that matter. He requested the appropriate authorities to deal with the matter in accordance with laid down rules.

Shehu further said: “Inside the Villa, discretion prevailed, that if those pictures and requests were made public, the followers will turn against the religious leader. None of it was released. Now, this is what is eating Father Mbaka.”

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