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 NLC protest: Lagos transport operators won’t join labour action – MC Oluomo The Chairman of Lagos State Parks and Garages, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has said transport operators will not be part of the protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC. MC Oluomo said transport operators wouldn’t join the protest because the Lagos State government has produced a conducive environment for them to operate. He noted that the state government has provided some interventions for commercial transport operators. A statement by MC Oluomo reads partly: “After much deliberations and review, we discussed the high cost of food, transport fares and other areas of public interest, in particular, the plan by the organised Labour union i.e. the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to call workers out on a strike action. “After a careful discussion, we concluded that we will not be part of any strike or protest rally being planned to draw the Federal Government’s atte...

World Bank President Banga To Visit Nigeria As Part Of Global Tour World Bank President Ajay Banga will begin a three-day visit to Nigeria on Thursday during which he will meet with President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima, the international lender said in a statement on Tuesday. The visit is referred to as the next step of a global tour that is at the centre of a mission to write a new playbook for the 78-year-old institution. “Banga will focus his time in Nigeria on identifying opportunities to create jobs for young people and women, addressing energy needs and renewable energy, and further exploring the potential for digitisation,” the World Bank said. As part of these efforts, he is scheduled to visit a World Bank-financed mini-grid power plant that provides solar energy to an entire community, and a woman-owned business that has generated more than 1,500 service-sector jobs for young Nigerians. In addition, the World Bank will convene discussions with representativ...

Osimhen rejects N50bn Al-Hilal deal Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has rejected the €60m (N50 billion) per season salary offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal. According to reports in France and England, Napoli rejected an offer worth €140m from Al-Hilal for Osimhen while the player snubbed the weekly pay package of €1m. L’Equipe and Sky Sports UK both claim that the extraordinary proposal was put forward by the club in Saudi Arabia on Monday. While others have already gone to the Saudi Pro League at the peak of their careers, including Karim Benzema, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Marcelo Brozovic, Osimhen has no intention of making that move yet. It doesn’t hurt that Napoli are discussing a new contract extension for the Nigerian striker, but also worth noting that €140m would’ve been rejected regardless, even if it had come in from a top European side. Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has set the price tag at over €150m. He is discussing a deal that would be worth €7m per season pl...

PRESS RELEASE         1st August 2023   The Editors, CP AUWAL MEETS BAUCHI LABOUR LEADERS, DEMANDS  PEACEFUL PROTEST Sequel to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, “to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests,” the Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Command, CP Auwal Musa Muhammad, psc on 31/07/2023, at about 1320hrs interacted with the leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Joint Public Negotiation Council (JPNC) in the State to fine-tune ways to ensure peaceful conduct of the protest in the state.   The meeting which took place at the Command Headquarters along Yandoka Road Bauchi had the representative of the state NLC chairman, Comrade Shu'aibu Dauda and the state chairman of JPNC, Comrade Ibrahim Maikudi in attendance. The meeting was a consequence of the planned protest by the unions ...

Lagos Police Command smashes syndicate that hacked 1,000 bank accounts 2nd Aug 2023  The Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos has smashed a syndicate that specialised in hacking into bank customers’ portals to move money from different customers’ accounts. Two suspected members of the syndicate have been arrested by the zonal command, with the recovery of victims’ SIM cards with which monies were withdrawn. It was gathered that a preliminary investigation by the zone revealed that the suspects identified as Yusuf Ademola (40) and Adeshina Abiodun (50), arrested in their hideout in the Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State, had succeeded in moving money from no fewer than 1,000 bank customers’ accounts. Members of the syndicate, it was gathered, were spread all over the country and were very coordinated, as some of them specialised in collating SIM cards from stolen phones from one state, pass them to another team that would sort out the victims’ banks, before transferring them to their members in ...

Armed gang steals jewellery estimated at $16.5m in Paris. 2nd Aug 2023    An armed gang robbed a Paris store of luxury jewellery and watch brand Piaget on Tuesday, making off with 10 to 15 million euros worth of goods in broad daylight, police and prosecutors said. According to early indications, three people were involved in the robbery at around 1:00 pm (1100 GMT), with at least one of them carrying a weapon. The gang fled the scene with their bounty, estimated at between 10 million euros ($11 million) and 15 million euros ($16.5 million). Nobody was hurt, a police source said. The store is located on the Rue de la Paix in the heart of the French capital, situated near the prestigious Place Vendome and home to several stores of high-end jewellery brands. The last high-profile heist in the neighbourhood occurred in April, when three people on motorbikes robbed the Bulgari store, making off with several million of euros worth of jewellery. Piaget, founded in Switzerland, makes...

 ‘Japa’: Lagos pastor, 3 other Nigerians rescued after 14 days at sea 1st Aug 2023  On their tenth day at sea, the four Nigerian stowaways crossing the Atlantic in a tiny space above the rudder of a cargo ship ran out of food and drink. They survived another four days, according to their account, by drinking the sea water crashing just metres below them, before being rescued by Brazilian federal police in the southeastern port of Vitoria. Their remarkable, death-defying journey across some 5,600 kilometers (3,500 miles) of ocean underlines the risks some migrants are prepared to take for a shot at a better life. “It was a terrible experience for me,” said 38-year-old Thankgod Opemipo Matthew Yeye, one of the four Nigerians, in an interview at a Sao Paulo church shelter. “On board, it is not easy. I was shaking, so scared. But I’m here.” Their relief at being rescued soon gave way to surprise. The four men said they had hoped to reach Europe and were shocked to learn they had i...

Immigration to introduce new visa regime 1st Aug 2023  The Acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Adepoju, has disclosed that the Service is planning to introduce a new visa regime, named: “Economic Trust Visa”. She disclosed this while speaking in a press conference organised to commence the 60th-anniversary celebration of the NIS at the Service headquarters on Monday. The Ag CG said: “We are looking at using our visa regime to support the vision of the Nigerian government in improving our economy. “We have proposed the issuance of an Economic Trust Visa whereby we will assist interested investors in checking the profiles of their would-be partners. “We will work hand in hand with security agencies in Nigeria to ensure that foreign direct investors are not swindled of their hard-earned money.” She also said the Service will invest more in border management in the years ahead, adding that more logistics would be made available for personnel to do ...

NO ROOM FOR VIOLENT PROTESTS IN NIGERIA – IGP As IGP Orders Watertight Security Across Nigeria, Appeals for Calm The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, the IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country. The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues. In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-Genera...

Herdsmen destroy farmland worth N100m in Delta 1st Aug 2023 Marauding herdsmen have destroyed about 300 farmlands valued at N100 millions in Obetim-Uno community, Afor in Ndokwa East Local Council of Delta State. A community leader, Sunny Neme, disclosed this, while addressing officials of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state. He said: “I am here on behalf of my community whose farm and farmlands have been destroyed by herdsmen and their cows. This issue has been on for more than a year, as they destroyed crops worth over N100 million. “As if that was not enough, the invaders were ready to kill anyone that dared to question them. As a result, most of the farmers, mainly women have abandoned their investments in farms and farmlands, just to remain alive, while hunger and starvation stare them in the faces, as they have no other means of livelihood.” He also said the community, being an agrarian, has nothing else to live on but farm produce, but they are currentl...

Why I killed senior police officer at road block — Suspect 1st Aug 2023  A serial fraudster and the killer of a senior policeman in Ondo State, Godson Tender James said he killed the police officer on duty at a checkpoint thinking the police on duty were suspected kidnappers. Tender James while narrating the ordeal said he was trying to escape suspected kidnappers, who he heard was operating along Owo-Ifon road, which is the hotbed of violent crimes including kidnapping in the state. The State Police Command has paraded James, who defrauded a businesswoman in Akure, the state capital, and in the process of escaping from the state killed an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on duty. Explaining the rationale for the death of Emmanuel Oyewole, an ASP James said “As I was going, I started hearing different things about a kidnapper driving a black Tundra. I stopped at a checkpoint where they asked if I was the kidnapper they were looking for and I told them I am not a kidnapper a...

FIFA To Pay Super Falcons Their Prize Money Directly Due To Nigeria Government’s Irresponsibility August 1, 2023 The Secretary-General of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Ms Fatma Samoura has told Super Falcons of Nigeria that it is because of players like them that FIFA decided to pay prize money directly to players. The FIFA secretary general who addressed the Super Falcons after their 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland in their dressing room, noted that she knows “it has been tough” and that they had to “face the reality of Nigeria.” She, however, added that for the first time, the prize money would be paid to them– players because of such realities. “It is because of you that for the first time in the history of FIFA, the FIFA women world cup prize money will be paid directly to you, the players,” Samoura said, amid cheers from the nine-time African champions. A former Arsenal player and football pundit Ian Wright also sent a message to the Nigeria F...

State Govts should fix Federal Roads – Momoh, Ministerial Nominee tells Senate Worried by the decay on road infrastructure across  the country, the Ministerial nominee  from Edo  State,  Honourable  Abubakar  Momoh  has said that if the problem must be nipped in the bud, it has become  very  imperative  for State Governments to fix federal roads  within their respective domains. Speaking  with Journalists in Abuja  after appearing before the Senate for screening and confirmation, Honourable  Momoh,  a two- time member  of  the House  of  Representatives  explained that if  part of the 36,000 kilometres federal roads that cut across one State to the other are fixed by respective state governments , decay on the infrastructure would be reduced substantially. According  to the Nominee  who is a professional Engineer, collaborative approach between the states and the federal go...

Protest Begins In Kano As Nigerians March Against Hardship Under Tinubu’s Govt Nigerians have begun a “warm up” protest in Kano State over the hike of petrol price from N195 to N617, naira devaluation, school fees increment and other anti-poor policies of the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government. "We support the decision of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to call Nigerian workers and poor masses out on protest starting from Wednesday, August 2, 2023, against the wicked and neoliberal policies of the President Tinubu government, including, the severe hike in the price of petrol and devaluation of the naira."  More photos below. 

“YOUR SACRIFICE, DEDICATION TO DUTY HIGHLY APPRECIATED”, MAJOR GENERAL ABUBAKAR TELLS POSTED-OUT 3 DIVISION SENIOR OFFICERS  The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar, has showered encomiums on senior officers who have served meritoriously in 3 Division and recently posted out of the division. The GOC/Commander OPSH was speaking while presenting gift items to the posted-out officers at Headquarters 3 Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.   General Abubakar remarked that the sacrifice and dedication to duty by the officers during their tour of duty was highly appreciated. He noted the resilience and efforts put by the senior officers to harness resources together towards achieving the objectives of the Division.  The GOC/Commander OPSH further remarked that the division will miss the posted-out officers for their positive impact and contribution to the success of military activities in 3 Div...

EFCC Arrests 52 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Delta State  Operatives of the Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 arrested 52 suspected internet fraudsters at their hideout in Abraka, a university town in Delta State. The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence linking them to internet-related activities fraud. Those arrested are Okpoikibo Blessing, Seth Chukwumah,  Success Oghenekuwe, Ugboko Constance, Michael Amen, Ebiren Emmanuel, Emuerhime Louis Victory, Wisdom Uwaoluetan, Odiri Ejiro, Ejenavi Maro, Oyinkepreye Eric, Prosper Enahoro, Ogbebor Princewill, Ogbebor Clinton, Enabor Peter Odianosen, Apoi Ufuoma., Apoi Purity, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Andrew Ogwu, Joshua Osiobe, Christian Skinn, Opiete Godbless and Ugboko Justin. The list also include Ezeagbor Chibuzor, Aneh Auwerosuo, Solomon Robinson, Frank- Ese Oheoghene, Dafinome Osume, Adigbuo Raphael, Akai Philip, Ariomaghwa Lucky, Prince Tamunotonye...

Today, at the location of the crash, I expressed my appreciation of their commendable efforts to the first responders and residents who actively participated in the rescue operation.  The incident involved a single engine fixed-wing Jabiru aircraft with registration number 5NCCQ that crashed at Oba Akran avenue in Ikeja  Thankfully, both passengers on board were successfully rescued and are currently receiving medical attention.  The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), whose responsibility it is to investigate incidents of this nature have already commenced investigations. More photos below. 

𝑷𝑰𝑪𝑻𝑼𝑹𝑬𝑺  𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 , 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗡𝗴𝗼𝘇𝗶 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲 joined 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗯𝗶 and his running-mate, 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗶 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮-𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱 at the Presidential Election Petition Court, Abuja. 𝗢𝗯𝗶 and 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮-𝗔𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗱 are challenging President 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗯𝘂’𝘀 victory in the 2023 Presidential election. More photos below.   

𝗔𝗞𝗪𝗔 𝗢𝗞𝗨𝗞𝗨 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞𝗦𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮 State-based native doctor, 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗸𝘄𝘂𝗱𝗼𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗡𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘄𝘂, 𝗮.𝗸.𝗮 “𝗔𝗸𝘄𝗮 𝗢𝗸𝘂𝗸𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗶”, who recently regained freedom after six days in the kidnapper’s den, is set for 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴.   Newsmen were reliably informed that the 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 will be at an Anglican Church in 𝗢𝗯𝗮, 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗹𝗶 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗚𝗔 of 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮 State next Sunday being 𝟔𝐭𝐡 of August, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯.  The scheduled 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 is to thank and praise 𝗚𝗼𝗱 for his successful release.  

 A private training helicopter has crashed at Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. According to a release by the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, the accident occurred while the chopper was on a training exercise with two male crew members on board before crashing into an old communication pole opposite UBA, inward Ikeja bus stop on Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. She explained that the impact of the crash resulted into an inferno and was swiftly put out and the two crew members were rescued alive with varying degree of injuries. The Director added that the motorised escort crew to the helicopter were joined by the operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service from its Headquarters in Ikeja to avert any unforeseen secondary occurrence. While maintaining that danger has completely been averted. Adeseye, however, advised motorists to seek alternative routes as movement within the axis has been condoned off.

IPOB Disown Simon Ekpa, Clarifies Stand on Followers The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially disassociated itself from Simon Ekpa and his supporters. The group, led by Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, refuted the claims made by Ejimakor on Arise Television on July 29, 2023, stating that Ekpa's supporters were the same as Kanu's followers. In a statement on Tuesday, IPOB's Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, clarified that while some misguided supporters of Ekpa were indeed followers of Kanu, the majority of Ekpa's supporters were opposed to IPOB's mission. "Simon Ekpa was never an IPOB member and has no alliance whatsoever with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or IPOB," he stated. Ekpa, who leads his own group called Autopilot and has declared himself their Prime Minister, was accused of working against IPOB's efforts. "He, Simon Ekpa, has not attributed the infamous sit-at-homes to IPOB even though he is hiding under the pretense of seek...

I See A Revolution Coming -Fr. Mbaka Warns President Tinubu, Says It Will Not Be Business As Usual In a video via YouTube, the Spiritual Leader of the Adoration Ministry in Enugu, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka sent a warning message to President Tinubu and other prominent Nigerians, saying a revolution will soon happen in the country. Urging the President to find a lasting solution to the current economic situation in the country, he said the revolution will not be business as usual in Nigeria. According to Rev. Fr. Mbaka from the video (6:24): "I want to address the leaders, if they are not careful, one day; they may think it is business as usual, the citizens will be ready to die to erase them. Today, the best of our brains are leaving Nigeria because of bad leadership. "And I pray that this Tinubu's administration will not mimic what other administrations have being doing. Otherwise, his administration will see a revolution like never before. Because God would expect the...

Nigeria Labour Congress Insists Nationwide Protest Holds Wednesday, Denies Suspension, Reconsideration Of Mass Action  

Coup: Algeria To Support Niger Republic Against ECOWAS, External Military  Algeria will support Niger in case of external military aggression, according to the Algerian publication Intel Kirby. They reported on the potential invasion of Niger under the leadership of ECOWAS stating that Algeria will not remain idle while its neighboring country faces an invasion.  There were already unconfirmed reports that the Algerian army has started increasing security measures and raising its level of readiness on the border with Niger Africa, in it transformation phase, a delicate time, with strategic decision making, I want to trust the military this time, Democracy couldn't, so let them protect their countries, its their sworn oath, to serve and to protect.  

A man invites friends and family to the Burial of his Dog, Mr. Dodoo. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Dodoo.