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 LAGOS UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION BOARD MONITORS Y2023 PLACEMENT TEST To ensure hitch-free conduct of the year 2023 Placement Test by Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS) at designated Schools' Centres, officials of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), monitored the annual transition Examination for Primary Six Pupils of Public and Private Schools across the State.   The Board Secretary of LASUBEB, Mr. Hakeem Lamidi, who led the monitoring team, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise, stating that the examination is being held simultaneously in 405 centres across the State. During the monitoring of some centres in Surulere LGA, he noted that the State is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing quality basic education, adding that every child in the transition class in Primary Schools is eligible to write the examination irrespective of their background and status. He averred that questions are transmitted into Br...

LASURA EMBARKS ON PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION EXERCISE IN ITA-ALAGBA  The General Manager of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA), Tpl. AJibike Shomade, on Sunday, embarked on a property identification exercise in the Ita Alagba and environ of Lagos Island. Speaking during the property identification tour, Shomade stated that the exercise was to ascertain the present structural condition, occupancy status and the spread of the properties. She assured that the Agency will work assiduously in ensuring that the database of the Agency’s properties is updated. Shomade also called on the present occupants to ensure the renewal of the lease in order to avoid being evicted.  While enjoining well-meaning Lagosians to provide helpful information that will aid the agency in reclaiming some of the properties in dispute, the General Manager also solicited support and cooperation of members of staff in clamping down illegal occupants in order to fulfil one of the integral parts of its ...

COVID-19: LAGOS MINISTRY EMPOWERS 170 BUSINESS OWNERS 170 business owners in Lagos State have benefited from the Nigerian COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus Programme (NG-CARES) under the Ministry of Women Affairs Poverty Alleviations (WAPA) Delivery Platform 1:3 which is targeted at alleviating the status of residents who were adversely affected by the pandemic. Speaking at the Financial Literacy training for participants, the Permanent Secretary of WAPA, Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo stated that the move was part of social inclusion at restoring businesses for the purpose of revitalisation challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, “This programme is the third of its series since 2022, aimed at providing support and assisting residents in rebuilding their lives and businesses with the proper skills and knowledge. Participants will also be empowered with cash grants. Remember your success and the success of this programme will serve as a testament to the resilienc...

Subsidy removal: Abiodun Approves N10,000 For Workers, Pensioners ...workers to have reduced working days Ogun State government on Monday announced a series of palliatives for civil servants, pensioners and the people of the state to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on fuel. Top on the list of palliatives is the approval of N10,000 for civil servants and pensioners every month, according to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr Tokunbo Talabi. The government also approved hazard allowance for health and medical personnel, while food palliative was also approved for the most vulnerable citizens. The statement reads: "In line with the current realities in the country and commitment of Ogun State Government to ameliorate the effects of removal of fuel subsidy on the well-being of the good people of Ogun State, the administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the following measures for immediate implementation: "Cash palliative...

TROOPS RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIMS IN UMUNNE OCHI, ABIA STATE Troops of 14 Brigade operating under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army have rescued 13 kidnap victims along Ngodo- Isuochi road in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. The troops, who arrived the scene of the incident while responding to a distress call on Saturday 22 July 2023, found that a Sienna SUV and an L300 Mitsubishi bus with Registration Number UWN 190 AL Enugu had been attacked by kidnappers, who took the passengers  hostage and escaped into surrounding bushes. The troops on getting additional information from witnesses at the scene, went in pursuit of the kidnappers, trailing them into the bushes. During the search and rescue operation, troops initially extricated five victims on the first day of the search and rescue operation, while further search on Sunday 23 July 2023 led to the rescue of additional eight  victims, totalling  13 rescued persons. The rescued victims have been handed over to th...

Cinematographer, Three Others Jailed for Cybercrime in Kwara The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction of four persons including a 21-year-old Cinematographer, Abiodun Ayomide from Ikirun, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State for offences bordering on personation and internet fraud. Others include Bello Damola Lateef from Ilorin, Kwara State; Azeez Ibrahim Olarewaju from Ona-ara Local Government Area of Oyo State and Aderoju Ridwan Kayode from Oshogbo, Osun State. Abiodun and Bello were prosecuted on separate charges before Justice Adebayo Yusuf, same as Azeez and Aderoju before Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting, Ilorin. The defendants pleaded guilty to their respective charges. Following their guilty pleas, Innocent Mbachie, Rashidat Alao and Isabel Adeniran who prosecuted the cases on behalf of the Commission reviewed the facts of the cases and tendered exhibits, which were admitt...

BENUE TEACHERS PROTEST OVER ILLEGAL SALARY DEDUCTIONS & DEMOTION  24th July, 2023    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Benue State Wing has given the State Government 48 hours to pay all the arrears of consolidated enhanced allowances removed from their May and June 2023 salaries among other demands or face a state-wide protest and eventual strike.  The NUT in a communique after its emergency State Wing Executive Council meeting in Makurdi today 24th July, signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Terna Akuma and the State Acting Secretary, Comrade Jeremiah Ochonu, also urged the Fr Hyacinth Alia administration to restore all the promotions of teachers which it reversed and direct the payment of their arrears within the stipulated time. The Union decried the nature of payment of May and June 2023 salaries to primary school teachers in the state which it said was carried out with massive demotion of all teachers on salary grade levels which the they have been enjoyi...

ALABA DEMOLITION: LAGOS TECHNICAL COMMITTEE INSPECTS SITE In furtherance of its commitment to ensuring sustainability and peaceful coexistence in the area, the Lagos State Technical Committee on Alaba Demolition has visited the site of the demolition. During the inspection exercise, the committee members carefully assessed the extent of the demolition while also seeking ways to promote the overall safety and sustainability of the market and its structures. The team also interacted with the affected traders and occupants, expressing empathy and understanding of the challenges they face while assuring them that their well-being and interests are the committees' priorities.  Arc. Gbolahan Oki, while speaking with some of the traders, informed that the committee is keen on finding lasting solutions to prevent any future occurrence that could pose risks to traders and property owners. He also emphasised the importance of compliance with building regulations and codes to prevent illegal ...

Chief Imam dies hours after return from hajj 24th Jul 2023  The Chief Imam of the Suleja Central Mosque in Niger State, Sheikh Dahiru Shuaibu, died on Saturday a few hours after he returned from pilgrimage in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. A family source, Abduljalil Dahiru Shuaibu, said the imam who returned from Saudi Arabia on Saturday around 9am died of cardiac arrest around 11pm in his residence. He said, “I was among the family members who went to the Abuja airport on Saturday morning to receive the imam back home. But around 11pm, I received a call that the imam had passed on.” Our reporter learnt that the imam, who died at the age of 76, was a retired khadi of the Shari’a Court of Appeal, Minna, Niger State, and was married to four wives, had 30 children and many grandchildren.  Reports indicate that his remains were buried according to Islamic rites at the Suleja Muslim cemetery.   

Enugu Residents Turn Out En Masse For Peaceful March Against Mondays Sit-at-home July 24, 2023 The city of Enugu came alive like never seen before on Mondays in the past two years residents of the state came out en masse for a a peaceful march against the Monday Sit-at-home which has been going on in the state. The Governor of Enugu, Dr. Peter Mbah upon assuming office, declared that the state will not obey the illegal order which the mainstream Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has distanced themselves from. The men, women and youths numbering over 5,000 walked the streets of the state in solidarity with their Governor, stressing that Sit-at-home is no longer funny. Marching from Okpara Square to Eastern shop down to the popular Ogbete market, the residents said the state is bleeding while appealing to the residents to come out for their normal business activities. They carried various placards with different inscriptions depicting their message. “You enjoy overseas and punish us wit...

Atiku Reacts To Terrorists Attack In His Home July 24, 2023 Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, in the February 25, 2023 Election, Atiku Abubakar, has commended security agencies for foiling what would have been an attack on his Yola residence, by suspected Boko Haram terrorists. This was contained in a statement signed by the Atiku Media Office, on Monday. The statement read in part, “We wish to alert the Nigerian public that at about 9:44 pm on Sunday, 23 July, 2023 a man seeking to confirm the residence of His Excellency Atiku Abubakar in Yola was apprehended at the gate of the residence. “The man who was apprehended by security operatives at the residence of Atiku Abubakar was later handed over to the police. “Upon further interrogation by the Police, the suspect identified himself as a 29 year-old Jubrila Mohammed and confessed to being a Boko Haram member from Damboa in Borno State. “The suspect also informed the Police that he and his colleagues, who were la...

Professional hunters shave young men's hair in Adamawa A group of men said to be professional hunters have allegedly shaved young men's hair in Mubi town, Adamawa state.   One Ismaeel Bn Abubakar posted the photos on Sunday, July 23, 2023, but didn't state the reason for the shaving. More photos below. 

Police recover two children stolen in Bayelsa and taken to Abia and Enugu states Police Operatives of the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department, Bayelsa State Police Command have busted a child trafficking syndicate and rescued two stolen children in Enugu and Abia State. The Children namely Success 'f' four years and Prince 'm' two years were stolen by one Sunday Aniele 'm' 22 years and Chioma Obi 'f' 24 years, on 19th June 2023, at Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. A statement released by the spokesperson of the command, SP Asinim Butswat, says on that fateful day, Chioma Obi who claimed to be a sister of Sunday Aniele took the children away under the guise of purchasing drugs for them, unknown to their parents the children were taken out of the State to an unknown destination.  After a diligent investigation by Police Operatives, crisscrossing Delta, Anambra, Enugu, and Abia States, Sunday Aniele and Chioma Obi were arrested at Ughelli...

 Shettima Represents Tinubu At UN Food System Summit In Rome  Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is currently in Rome to represent President Bola Tinubu, at the United Nations Food Systems Summit.  Shettima revealed this in a post on his Facebook page on Monday.  This is Shettima's first foreign trip since assuming office as vice president and his first official visit to Rome. The event commenced on Monday, July 24, and is billed to end Wednesday, July 26.  He captioned the post, "Napoleon Bonaparte once said, 'China is a Sleeping Giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world'. President Bola Tinubu is poised to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership in Nigeria, the Giant of Africa, which had woken up from its slumber and is now poised to move the world.  "'Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it', so said Archimedes, 'and I shall move the world'." Credit: Facebook | Kashim She...

  Tribunal Sacks Labour Party Candidate For Non-membership. ... Declares PDP Candidate Winner Of The Election. ...Says Labour Candidate Breaches Section 77(2)(3). News in details: The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has nullified the election of Mr. Ngozi Okolie of the Labour Party as member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Constituency at the House of Representatives. The tribunal in a judgement on Monday, held that Okolie was not duly sponsored by the Labour Party as he was not a member of the party as at May 28, 2022 when the primary purportedly held. The tribunal declared the runner up in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly, Ndudi Elumelu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as winner. Elumelu who is the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, had filed his petition, praying the tribunal to disqualify Okolie who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

E-transmission Of Results Not Mandatory - Court of Appeal Tells LP  The Court of Appeal in Lagos has voided a Federal High Court judgment that ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically upload results of the governorship and state of assembly elections from the polling units directly to the Results Viewing Portal (IReV). A three-man panel of the court, comprising Justices Abubakar Umar, Olukayode Bada and Onyekachi Otisi, held that the law gave INEC “very wide discretionary powers” to determine how it transmits or transfers election results. The panel described the suit filed by the Labour Party (LP) at the lower court, which gave rise to the appeal, as an abuse of the court process. On March 8, 2023, the Labour Party; its governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and 41 others obtained the order of mandamus to compel INEC to obey the Electoral Act and its guidelines for the conduct of the elections, in a judgment delivered by Justice Pet...

 Many Feared Dead After A Tanker explosion at Ore,Ondo State.  Tragedy struck yesterday in Ore, Odigbo Local Council of Ondo State, when an unspecified number of people were feared dead in tanker explosion. Our correspondent gathered that the explosion occurred when some residents of the area were scooping fuel, said to be petrol, from a truck that had crashed. According to a source in the area, the explosion occurred when the fuel was ignited by a spark from a phone held by one of the people who was scooping fuel that spilled from a tanker.The source, who gave her name as Nireti, disclosed that the incident happened along Showboy Road, adjacent to a filling station in Ore. She narrated that after losing control, the truck spilled its contents on the road, after which people began to rush in order to scoop fuel. The source, a trader in the area, added that over 15 bodies were roasted in the inferno, including three children and a pregnant woman. She said: “I was in my shop whe...

Putin promises Africa free grain supply to tackle food insecurity President Vladimir Putin has pledged to deepen relations with African countries across several spheres, promising a free supply of grains to the continent to tackle food insecurity. Putin made this known on Monday in a statement themed “Russia and Africa: Joining Efforts for Peace, Progress and a Successful Future” ahead of the second Russia-Africa Summit and Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum. The Summits scheduled to hold on July 27 and July 28 in St. Petersburg, Russia, seek to strengthen relations between Russia and Africa, outlining priority cooperation areas for the coming decades of the 21st century. Putin stated that Russia attaches great importance to the Summits, with expectations of adopting a comprehensive Declaration, a number of joint statements and approval of the extension of the Russia – Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan to 2026. According to Putin, Russia has strong, deep roots, with Russi...

Sit-At-Home: Governor Mbah Declares War, Seals Market, Other Businesses That Refused To Open In Enugu State The Governor Peter Mbah-led government of Enugu State has declared war on residents and businesses that failed to come to work and open their businesses on Mondays in the state for whatever reasons. SaharaReporters had reported that the governor banned Monday's sit-at-home directive from purportedly from a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which had vowed to continue to protest the incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian government despite various court judgments and United Nations Human Rights Commission on Arbitrary Detention communication ordering Nigeria to release. Mbah, who is currently battling his legitimacy before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, had in banning the sit-at-home order vowed to shut down businesses that failed to open on Mondays. Making his threats real, Mbah on Monday, July 24, embarked on sealing businesses in and...

Ghana’s ex-minister arrested after housekeepers stole over $1m from home A former Ghanaian Sanitation Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who resigned over the weekend after her houseworkers allegedly stole more than $1 million in cash from her home, has been arrested for suspected corruption, a special prosecutor said on Monday. Dapaah has denied any crimes, but the case drew criticism from Ghana’s opposition, which questioned why a minister had such large amounts of cash in her house. Special prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng said Dapaah was placed under arrest on Monday “in respect of suspected corruption and corruption-related offences regarding large amounts of money.” Ghana’s special prosecutor’s office deals with cases of corruption involving public officials, judges or senior political party members.  

Osun corps member dies in orientation camp A corps member identified simply as Bright has died at the orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps in Osun State. Bright’s colleague, who had been traumatised by his death, made the revelation on Facebook. Narrating the events that led to his death, the colleague, Lawrence Echezona, said the corps member died in his sleep over the weekend. His post read, “It’s a pity for us that are in Ede camp. May your soul rest in peace, Bright. He slept the day before yesterday and couldn’t wake up in the morning.” In another response in the comment section, one Ekpueke Mathew, wrote, “RIP Corper Bright, who died during his orientation programme at Ede camp, Osun State.” Bright’s picture was also attached to the post. The state Public Relations Officer, NYSC, Funmi Okundaye, confirmed the incident but refrained from giving further details about the circumstances surrounding his death. “What you read is that a corps member passed on in his slee...

PMF WITHDRAWAL: NO GOING BACK ON POLICY- FPRO As NPF Affirms Decision on Withdrawal of Police Mobile Force Personnel From VIPs The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses recent news circulating regarding the possible reversal of the PMF reform policy and the decision of Acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, to withdraw Police Mobile Force (PMF) personnel from certain important personalities. The Force wishes to clarify that the decision to withdraw the PMF personnel from escort and guard duties stands firm, and there will be no going back on this critical policy change. The withdrawal process has already commenced with a comprehensive report, which has been submitted by the constituted committee assigned to oversee the seamless implementation of this directive; and the IGP has activated the mobilization process for the establishment of the Police Quick Intervention Squad which precedes the withdrawal policy. The decision to withdraw Police Mobile F...

Popular Anambra Native Doctor Allegedly Kidnapped  Anambra celebrity Native Doctor, popularly known as Akwa Okuku Tiwara Aki has been Allegedly  kidnapped. It was gathered that two security officers attached to him were k!lled by the gunmen. He was said to be  kidnapped at his Triple C Hotel, Oba Anambra State.  Watch videos below.