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Electricity: Northern Govs To Build Off Grid Solar Plants – El-Rufai Governor Nasir El-Rufai has disclosed that the Northern States Governors’ Forum has incorporated a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to build 100MW solar plants across the 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). El-Rufai further disclosed that the SPV will have an initial total capacity of 2,000MW, that may be expanded to 4,000MW. The governor added that Kaduna state has already provided the land for its own 100MW solar farm to be developed under this initiative, in addition to 10 other northern states. According to El-Rufai, these 2,000MW are expected to be mostly off-grid to avoid over-burdening Nigeria’s perennially national weak transmission network. El-Rufai who spoke on Nigeria’s power sector at the 9th edition of the Nigeria Energy Conference held in Lagos on Wednesday, disclosed that Kaduna, Lagos and Edo states are drafting legislation for a state electricity regulator. The governor said that Kaduna st...

Man, 52 In Police Net For Attempting To Sell Daughter At N20m The police in Makurdi are grilling a 52-year old man, James Beetse, for attempting to sell his four-year old daughter. Beetse was nabbed by the Police in Makurdi, following a tip off by a man who pretended to be a prospective "buyer of children." A source at the Nigeria Police, Benue State Command headquarters Makurdi, where the matter is undergoing investigation says Beetse had instructed his cousin, Agisha Dooyum, to help him scout for someone that would buy his daughter. It was in the process of looking for a buyer that luck ran out of them. None of the accused denied the allegation. Beetse however, says he does not know what came over him, adding that he nearly shaded tears when he saw his daughter at the "police station." It is understood that Beetse and his wife relocated to the 72 SF Battalion area of North Bank Makurdi from Naka, following armed attacks in his area. The source at the police headqu...

PRESS STATEMENT  Independence Day: Our Perennial Challenges Are Surmountable - Akeredolu Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has called for concerted efforts to address the myriad of challenges confronting the nation.  Governor Akeredolu stated that the country is in dire need of power devolution that will sustain the regions, reduce agitations and tackle the country’s challenges holistically.  The Governor, who congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Anniversary, urged the people to reinforce their hope in the country and embrace peace.  Arakunrin Akeredolu also called on the people to be deliberate in making the right choice in the 2023 general election.  “This occasion affords us yet another opportunity to reflect deeply on the current challenges confronting our nation and offer candid suggestions which will assist in addressing them. “No doubt, our country i...

WE ARE NOT TALKING OF A SEAPORT BUT ACCESS TO THE SEA, SAYS IMO GOVT  Imo State government yesterday clarified that it was not building a sea port but partnering with the federal government for the dredging of the Orashi River to open it up to the Atlantic ocean. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba in a statement in Owerri, said the explanation has become necessary following various interpretation of the project by many interest groups.  According to him, Governor Hope Uzodimma never talked about sea port at Oguta or Orashi, but harped on the economic benefits of dredging the river up to the Atlantic ocean.  He added that the governor could not have talked of a seaport in Imo State when there is no sea in the State, adding that what the governor was emphasising was having access to the sea through the dredging of existing waterways. Emelumba said, "after an inspection tour of the area, Uzodimma specifically told reporters that he went with ...

Nsugbe/Anam Crisis: Anambra Govt Pledges To Resolve Conflicting Issues Anambra State Government has waded into a fresh communal conflict between Nsugbe and Anam communities and assured to deploy the best conflict resolution strategies to ensure long lasting peace between them. The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Honourable Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne gave the assurance while dialoguing with stakeholders from both communities, including their traditional rulers at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe. According to the commissioner, the government will do everything necessary to resolve the conflict, saying that a committee will be constituted to identify the underlying causes of the conflict and address them through guiding the parties towards solutions that are mutually satisfactory and sustaining. He reminded both parties of their brotherhood, stating that the unfortunate incident should not cause war between them, while pleading with them to sh...

65% OF CONTAINERS FROM ABROAD END UP IN SOUTHEAST — NIWA .....Says everything in place for the movement of cargo in Onitsha Port The National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, on Thursday, said over 65 per cent of cargo coming into Nigeria through the Lagos port ends up in Onitsha and Aba in the Southeast. Managing Director of NIWA, Dr George Moghalu, disclosed this when he featured at the 52nd Session of the State House Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team, at the State House, Abuja. He also said that everything is in place for the movement of Cargo in Onitsha River Port even though he explained that it is the owner of the cargo that will determine the movement. Moghalu, who was providing updates on the agency’s activities, however noted that the current road network infrastructure cannot withstand the sheer volume of traffic required to move cargo from the southeast to other parts of the country. This, he said, necessitated recent efforts by NIWA to provide wate...

Governor Soludo Recieves New GOC 82 Division, Musa The Governor Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has received the new General Officer commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General U. T. Musa.  The security chief who is in charge of the five eastern states and Delta state was received by Governor Soludo at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia. Receiving the entourage, Governor Soludo extended his condolences for the mindless killing of some soldiers at Umunze, describing the security situation in the state as an ongoing war which is being gradually won by the state government. He revealed that his administration's onslaught on criminals is multi-dimensional, reiterating that the Major General's visit is a partnership for security and development. Earlier, Major General Musa stressed that the visit is customary and appreciated the Governor for assisting them. More photos below. 

National Honours: Buhari approves CON for Zulum  The President, President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the conferment of CON (Commander of the Order of the Niger) as national honours on Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.  Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, announced this in a letter he conveyed to the governor.  “I have the honour to formally inform you that the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, has approved the conferment of the National Honours on you, in the rank of CON (Commander of the Order of the Niger)”, Akume wrote.  The minister, in the letter dated September 19, 2022, with reference number Ref: FMSDIGA/NHA/001k/T/90 said the honours investiture will hold in the morning of Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja.  National Honours are the highest honours Presidents of most countries confer on cit...

 LOKOJA MONARCH DIES AT 80, KOGI GOVERNOR, OTHERS MOURN YABAGI DANLADI The traditional ruler of Lokoja, Alhaji Kabir Maikarfi III (OON) has died at 80 years of age after a brief illness. Secretary to Lokoja Local Government Traditional Council, Muhammed Usman stated this in a press statement. The statement noted that the royal father would be buried later on Thursday in Lokoja at 16hrs (4:00pm) local time.   Meanwhile, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has joined others to condole the family of decease over the loss and prayed Almighty Allah to grant the Royal Father eternal rest. . This was contained in a press statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed. The Governor described the late monarch as a principled, firm, incompatible and loving father whose words of advice, guidance and unique leadership would be missed. He also prayed for fortitude for those left behind for their loss and enjoined them to take solace in the fact that he lived...

LAGOS RAIL MASS TRANSIT: LASG EXTENDS TRAFFIC DIVERSION AT MURITALA MOHAMMED WAY/YABA AXIS In continuation of the construction of the first phase of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit project, the Lagos State Government is extending the traffic diversion already in place at Muritala Mohammed Way from the initial completion date of 30th September 2022 to 31st December 2022. A statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde explained that the extension was needed to enable the contractor to commence the construction of the ramp phase. Explaining the diversion plan, Oladeinde stated that traffic on Muritala Mohammed way will be diverted to Ojuelegba-Tejuosho slip road to link Muritala Mohammed Way, while traffic circulating around Western Avenue, Yaba and Herbert Macaulay will be diverted to Empire road to access Muritala Mohammed and Western Avenue for the continuation of the journey as contained in previous traffic diversion notices. The Commissioner assured tha...

DAY OLD BABY FOUND IN A DUSTBIN IN LAGOS   A day-old baby was found wrapped in a polythene bag in a dustbin somewhere in Lagos state. SP Benjamin Hundeyin who is the spokesperson of the police command, said if not for quick detection, the baby would have died. He stated that the baby has been saved and is doing fine. ''A day old baby was found wrapped in a polythene bag in a dustbin. Save for quick detection, baby would have died. Baby is doing fine. Prevent the pregnancy. It’s better than killing the baby. Infanticide is a crime!''  

LASG SUSPENDS RTEAN ACTIVITIES ACROSS THE STATE … Constitutes Caretaker Committee   The Lagos State Government has suspended all activities of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) with immediate effect. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Hon. Sola Giwa, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the suspension became imperative following pockets of violence recorded in Ojo and Lagos Island on Wednesday, adding that a 35-Member Caretaker Committee has been constituted to take over activities of the Union. He said: “The Head of the Caretaker Committee is Hon. Sulaiman Adeshina Raji with Bamgbose Oluseyi as Deputy Chairman. Other members of the Committee include Sunday Aransiola, Sulaiman Onabanjo, Azeez Abdulrahman, Isiaka Seriki, Victor Ifemenam, Kareem Babatunde, Amusan Abdulrahman, Teslim Adeshina, Sulaiman Surajudeen and Fatai Rauf”, “Sunday Banjo, Segun Omole, Thomas Akinkayode, Taiwo Lasisi, Gbenga Kashimawo, Samson Ajala, Taiwo Daodu, Sul...

 Angry mob beats fake estate agent, others for allegedly trying to kidnap Lagos schoolgirl. The Police Command in Lagos State has confirmed the arrest of four middle-aged persons, including three women, over an alleged attempt to abduct a 10-year-old girl.  The command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the Divisional Police officer in charge of Ketu in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos, got a report about the attempted abduction on Wednesday at about 3.00 p.m.  He said the report revealed that three women who were between the ages of 45 and 64, and a 61-year-old man, who claimed to be an estate agent, were suspected to be child abductors.  “The reporter said that the four suspects accosted her 10 years old daughter along Ikosi Road Ketu.  “She said the suspects allegedly dispossessed her daughter of her valuables and attempted to abduct and take her to an unknown destination.  “In the process, an angry mob who sensed their criminal act challenged ...

22 RETEANS NAB IN   LAGOS  At least, 22 members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, are currently being held by the police in Lagos over clashes by the union members on Tuesday this week. A source disclosed that the state commissioner of police, Mr Sylvester Abiodun Alabi deployed crack teams drawn from Task Force, anti riot police and the CP Crack Squad to Iyana Iba where members of RTEAN had engaged themselves in a free-for-all fight over issue yet to be disclosed by security agents. The source said those arrested have been ordered transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, on Musuliu Smith street, Yaba. Last Tuesday clashes left commercial activities in the area paralysed for several hours. Meanwhile, operatives from various units of the police are on surveillance in and around the area. Attempt to reach out to the president of RTEAN, Alhaji Abubakar Musa to react on the clashes and the suspension placed on the union by...

PSC APPOINTS TWO DIGs, PROMOTES 12 CPs TO AIG, APPROVES PROMOTION EXAMINATIONS FOR POLICE OFFICERS . The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of four hundred and seventeen Senior Police Officers (417). The Commission also approved Promotion Examinations for Police Officers scheduled to start from next year 2023 in line with the Public Service Rules. These, according to Ikechukwu Ani, the commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, were the highpoints of the 15th Plenary Meeting of the Commission holding in Abuja and presided over by Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC (rtd), acting Chairman of the Commission. The Commission also approved the appointment of AIG Bello A. Sadiq, currently AIG Zone 1, Kano and AIG Dandaura Mustapha, AIG Zone 4, Makurdi, to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police. While the new DIG Sadiq was appointed to fill the vacant position of DIG, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB), DIG Dandaura whose appointment takes effect from Oct...

RALLY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED AT LEKKI TOLL GATE  It has become imperative to reemphasize that no form of rally whatsoever will be allowed at the Lekki Toll gate tomorrow, October 1, 2022.  This emphasis has become necessary to enlighten Nigerians that might be misled into converging on the toll gate.  A court of competent jurisdiction has ruled that no person is allowed to converge on the Lekki Toll gate for whatever reason.  In conformity with its mandate to protect life and property, the Lagos State Police Command under the leadership of CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc will leave no stone unturned in ensuring total compliance with the court order and an emplacement of adequate security in the state.  While the Command is not averse to the peoples’ right to freedom of assembly and association; and expression, the Command will equally live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especi...

PRESIDENTS BUHARI AND XI JINPING FELICITATE ON NIGERIAN AND CHINESE NATIONAL DAYS President Muhammadu Buhari and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have exchanged pleasantries on the occasion of the two nations’ independence anniversary on October 1. While Nigeria marks its 62nd anniversary, for the People’s Republic of China it’s the 73rd. In his letter, congratulating the Chinese President on the anniversary, the Nigerian leader said relations between the two countries have “achieved far-reaching and fruitful results on the basis of equity, mutual trust and mutual benefits,” adding that Nigeria seeks to elevate the strategic partnership to a new level. On his part, the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, said the Sino-Nigerian relations enjoy "sound momentum, with political mutual trust being enhanced, cooperation in various fields yielding fruitful results and coordination on international and regional affairs being closer.” The full texts of the letters are as follows:   Xi Jinping...

NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION: IGP DEPLOYS OFFICERS, ASSURES OF SECURITY   • Calls for Cooperation, Tolerance amongst Nigerians   The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc has directed the deployment of adequate personnel to provide protection for citizens, critical national infrastructures, and ensure the success of all activities lined-up for the country’s 62nd Independence Anniversary scheduled for Saturday 1st October, 2022 all around the nation, and prevent any untoward situation throughout the period of the celebration and beyond.   Meanwhile, Strategic Police Managers comprising Assistant Inspectors General of Police and Commissioners of Police in all the Zonal and State Commands and the FCT have been directed to ensure high visibility and confidence boosting patrols around the venues of the celebrations, residential areas and other public places to prevent infiltration by hostile elements and ensure a peaceful celebration.  ...

September 29, 2022   Press Statement   PDP Refutes Bribery Allegations Over Returned Housing Allowance    The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to misrepresenting reports in a section of the media alluding strange and unfounded motives to the Housing Allowance duly approved and paid to NWC members and staff of the Party    The NWC has noted that this misleading report stemmed from an unfounded publication by a particular media outlet which suggested that the Housing Allowance, an entitlement duly approved and paid to national officials and staff of the Party amounted to bribery.   For the avoidance of doubt, the PDP states in an unequivocal term that no funds were paid into the account of any member of the NWC as bribe for any purpose whatsoever for that matter.   To set the record straight, the Housing Allowance being referred to went through the Due Process of the Party in line...