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*Anambra Police Nab Two Robbers on Second Niger Bridge* Men of Anambra State Police Command attached to Harbour Division last week nabbed two robbers dispossessing unsuspecting citizens of their valuables on the Second Niger Bridge.  The Police team which was on surveillance patrol on the Bridge to prevent vandals from stealing expansion joints were alerted to activities of the gang near the Obosi end of the bridge.  The Covert Police Team monitored the gang and swooped in on them arresting two of the gangsters while others fled.  When searched, two daggers and five sim cards removed from previously stolen phones were recovered from the suspects aged between 20 and 22 years. One of the suspect hailed from Enugu State and the other from Ebonyi State. The Commissioner of Police CP Aderemi Adeoye commended the Police Team for its vigilance and courage in confronting the gang. He has directed that owners of the recovered sim cards be located with a view to assembling ev...

Umuawulu Monarch Seeks Sustained Fight Against Insecurity Michael Ezenwata The traditional ruler of Umuawulu Igwe Joel Egwuonwu has expressed belief in the ability of the state to excel beyond its present capability. In a statement on the steady growth of the state 32 years after its creation, Igwe Egwuonwu has high expectations in the ability of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to move the state to the next level following the giant strides of his predecessors in office. The Royal father expects more tenacity of purpose in the area of security to rid the state of several acts of criminality. He used the forum to announce that his new yam festival will hold on the 30th of this month with a special prayer session to precede the event on the 29 th of September. To mark the new yam according to Igwe Egwuonwu, cultural displays, Agricultural exhibitions,etc will spice the celebration. In a related development, a university don Prof.Ada Sam Omenyi admitted that the state has excelled in the area o...

Anambra Assembly commends Gov Soludo, Education Commissioner, others for emerging champions in 2023 Malaysian debate By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu The Anambra State House of Assembly has commended Gov. Charles Soludo, State Commissioner for Education and other stakeholders for emerging champions in the recently conducted 2023 Malaysian International Debate Championship. The commendation was sequel to a motion moved by the member representing Anaocha II constituency, Mr. Ejike Okechukwu and seconded by the member representing Idemili North constituency, Mr. Kingsley Udemezue during plenary at the State Legislature. The Speaker of the House, Mr. Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary had moved for the resolution of the House while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes. Speaking on the motion, Mr. Okechukwu expressed happiness that the massive investment made by the governor in the education sector by employing 5,000 teachers and other infrastr...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ORACLE GLOBAL VP: WITH CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY, WE WILL DIGITIZE THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND SURGICALLY APPLY PUBLIC MONEY FOR GROWTH President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, expressed his support for new partnerships with global technology companies to ensure that data from public institutions are accurate and transparent in providing templates on which proper public sector planning and accounting can occur across sectors. Speaking at a meeting in the State House with the Global Vice President of Oracle, Mr. Andres Garcia Arroyo, the President welcomed the company's commitment to Nigeria's civil service reform process and data management sector, even as he emphasized the need for greater knowledge transfer through the establishment of academies and training institutions in the country.  Aiming to promote the ease of doing business, digital innovation, effective identity management, efficient payroll administration and qualitative citizen-centr...

UNIMAID: Zulum orders reconstruction of Ummah Mosque Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the reconstruction of a dilapidated and uncompleted Mosque popularly called ‘Ummah’ at the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID). Zulum announced the approval on Sunday when he paid a visit to the site of the project which was started but could not be completed. The governor ordered that rehabilitation work should start 48 hours after his visit. “Many people talked to me about this mosque, I can see some work has started, I am here to see how we can come in to complete the construction of this project. Insha Allah, we will start the rehabilitation within 48 hours”, the governor said.  Zulum, since 2019, offered support to the University of Maiduguri which included the construction of houses for junior, intermediate and senior staff to address housing deficit. Governor Zulum in addition has been providing interventions in facilities that helped the university meet accreditation ...

 "The local government is the foundation upon which our democracy rests. Therefore, this tier of government must be strengthened. That's why it brings me so much joy to swear in chairpersons for all 18 local councils in the state. I have no doubt in my mind that our local government executives, both men and women, have the innovative capacity to join us in strengthening our development reforms in the state, especially as we transition Edo into the fourth industrial revolution.- Gov. Obaseki  More photos below. 

 PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTERS OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT ON THE INTENDED WARNING STRIKE BY THE NLC ON TUESDAY 5TH AND 6TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2023, HONURABLE MINISTER’S CONFERENCE ROOM, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, 4TH SEPTEMBER 2023. Protocols 1.  Distinguished gentlemen of the press, ladies and gentlemen, it has become expedient for me to call for this Press Conference to address the impending 2-day warning strike by members of the Nigeria labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates.  2.  Allow me to first express my sympathy and that of the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to Nigerians and in particular the workers over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of Petrol Subsidy and other policies of the government aimed at renewing hope for the future of our dear nation.  3.  Like Mr. President has stated several times, Government is not unaware that the implementation of these vital but difficult policies, come a...

GOV. SANWO-OLU AT THE INAUGURAL COMMERCIAL TRAIN RIDE ON THE BLUE LINE RAIL, AT MARINA STATION, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2023  Dear Lagosians,  We began commercial operations for the long-awaited Blue Line Rail from Marina to Mile 2 as we put #LagosOnTrack together.  With a starting 50% discount on all public transport fares with the Cowry Card, we are ensuring that Lagosians can move freely in pursuit of economic and leisure activities The Blue Line Rail is equipped with state-of-the-art security features, including 300+ CCTV cameras and command centres at all stations as well as an independent power plant that ensures the trains can have uninterrupted movement.  We are starting partial passenger operations from 6:30-10am and 4-9:30pm. We're kicking off with 12 trips for 2 weeks, gradually increasing to 76 trips/day.  Remember, this is YOUR project, Lagos. Let's use it responsibly and with pride. There is no room for vandalism or disturbances.  The Blue Lin...

The Lagos State Government has once again urged truck drivers to be aware of the height restriction barriers (truck barriers) for articulated vehicles, installed at Stadium, Ojuelegba and Dorma long Bridges. The barriers were mounted following a series of stakeholders’ meetings held to forestall incessant articulated vehicle accidents that have claimed lives and property.  Signages have been mounted to alert truck drivers to the presence of height restriction barriers, unfortunately, trucks still run into them, damaging the facilities.  The State Government has therefore resolved to hold to account, all recalcitrant truck drivers by stationing Enforcement Personnel to enforce the law and oversee the facilities at the designated locations. The Lagos State Government is therefore urging truck drivers to show retraint when driving in these areas, as the installation of truck barriers is aimed at preventing accidents. Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trans...

Zamfara Residents In Panic As Nigerian Security Operatives Release Family Members Of Bandits Kingpin, Dankarami There is ongoing tension among residents of Zamfara State over the supposed release of Gwoska Dankarami's family members, a known terrorists’ kingpin in the state. It was learnt that the mother and some men of Dankarami who were recently intercepted and detained by security operatives while returning from Hajj (pilgrimage), in one of the airports in the North West by the security operatives have been released. Dankarami in turn released some female students he had held imprisoned for months. According to PRNigeria, after the inauguration of President Bola Tinubu's administration, security and intelligence personnel quietly engaged the top bandits in negotiation towards peace treaties and possibly amnesty initiatives. Terrorist kidnapping for ransom is on the rise in the North West, according to a security source, particularly in Zamfara State.

‘I don’t owe anybody an explanation’, Bolanle Ninalowo’s addresses cheating allegation  Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo, has refuted the allegations that his marriage had crashed due to infidelity. The actor addressed this via his Instagram page on Monday.  He stated that he does not owe anyone an explanation for any decisions he makes regarding his life. Ninalowo, also added that the interview, in which he admitted to cheating on his wife, was conducted six years ago. He wrote," A conqueror does not speak; I own no one any explanation for my life's decision. Bloggers are simply hypocrites in the thirst for clout!! “Any interview circulating of me are old from 6 years ago, which was before I restored the marriage that has now finally ended. “Na me they jubilate, na una they worry. God wey help me go help una oooo.” Credit:  Instagram / iamnino_b  

 Ogun LG boss regains freedom from DSS custody  The suspended Chairman of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Hon Wale Adedayo, detained since last Friday by the Department of State Security Services has regained his freedom. Adedayo, who spoke with our correspondent in Abeokuta shortly after he was released, disclosed that he was summoned by the DSS based on a petition written against him that he was making inciting comments that could jeopardize public peace. The suspended LG boss, however, said he had told the DSS that he had never uttered any inciting comments other than his allegation of local governments getting zero allocation from the state government in the last two years. He said he remained unshaken over his travails so far and that he would definitely challenge what he called his illegal suspension from office last week Thursday. Adedayo disclosed that the letter written to report Governor Dapo Abiodun to the former governor of the state, Chief Olusegu...

It Is Unfair To Make Me The Scapegoat - Sancho Hits Back At Ten Hag Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho said he had been unfairly made a “scapegoat”. This was after his manager Erik ten Hag claimed he had been left out of the squad to face Arsenal on Sunday because of poor training performance. Sancho was a surprise omission for United’s dramatic 3-1 stoppage-time Premier League loss to Arsenal that dropped them to 11th in the table. “On his performance on training we didn’t select him,” Ten Hag said, when asked about Sancho’s absence from the travelling squad. “You have to reach the level every day at Manchester United. You can make choices in the front line, so in this game he wasn’t selected.” The 23-year-old Sancho wasted little time in responding in a lengthy post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. Please don't believe everything you read! I will not allow people saying things that is completely untrue, I have conducted myself in training very well th...

'Stop N110M Palliatives, Pay Workers, Retirees Instead' - NLC Urges Niger Govt  Organised labour in Niger state has unanimously resolved that the one hundred and ten million naira allocated to it by the state government as palliatives for industrial unions be collapsed and added to whatever palliatives is intended for the generality of workers in the state. Similarly it should also be credited to the salary accounts of civil servants and retirees in both the state and local government councils sustainably for six months.  Chairman Niger State Chapel of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC Comrade Abdulkarim Idris Lafene stated this while addressing Newsmen in Minna the state. Comrade Idris Lafene explained that the deliberate plan by NIger state government to skim out the working class and pensioners in the palliatives has triggered serious tension among members organised labour that could have negative effect on the overall productivity of working class. He further directed worke...

DSS Raises Alarm Over Plot To Hijack NLC Protest With less than 24-hours to the planned peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Department of State Services (DSS) has raised alarm over alleged plots by some persons to stage violent protest to discredit the efforts of the federal government and security agencies. On its X handle, the DSS said it has identified some politicians who are mobilising unsuspecting student leaders, youths and faith-based organisations for their violent actions. The DSS has therefore warned the alleged plotters to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The NLC had embarked in August this year embarked on a nationwide protest over the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government. During that period, the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has ordered watertight security strategy across the country following the planned protest by the Organised Labour on Wednesday. IGP Egbetokun also directed Commissioners...

FG Vows To Tackle Insecurity In Schools Federal Government has promised to deploy all possible measures to protect schools and educational facilities across the country, describing the unwarranted attacks on schools and the abduction of students as unacceptable. Government also vowed to block all leakages of funds allocated to the education sector in order to make education affordable while improving the quality of the system. The Minister of State for Education, Dr Yusuf Sununu, stated this in Abuja at a news briefing to herald the commemoration of the International Day to Protect Education from Attack. While describing attacks on schools as regrettable, Dr Sununu said the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would ensure that the Safe School Policy of the federal government was implemented in all its ramifications in order to guarantee safety in schools across the county. He noted that the Federal Ministry of Education, in partnership with relevant stakeholders, had ...

Nigerian Bank Employees To Join NLC’s two-day Warning Strike Action  The National Union Of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, has directed all banks to shut down on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th September 2023t. According to the statement, the notice is in line with the Nigeria Labour Congress’ resolution to a two days strike action, which was made after the National Executive council meeting (NEC) that happened on Thursday, 31 August 2023. The statement signed by the General secretary of the Union, Mohammed I. Sheikh, reads in part “In line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday 31 August2023 that all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days withdrawal of services from Tuesday & Wednesday the 5 & 6 September2023. The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it off its new found love of meddli...

ANTI OIL THEFT OPERATIONS: TROOPS UNCOVER ILLEGAL OIL BUNKERING SITES IN OWAHWA, TSELEKU COMMUNITIES IN DELTA STATE, INTERCEPT BOATS, VEHICLE LADEN WITH ILLEGAL OIL PRODUCTS Troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) in synergy with personnel of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have continued to crack down on  saboteurs of Nigeria's oil sector in Southern Nigeria.  Troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion conducting anti oil theft operations on  Saturday 2 September 2023, cracked down on oil thieves' camps in Owahwa Creek in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta state. In the crackdown, the vigilant troops discovered 12 active illegal refining sites, 60 crude oil cooking ovens, 14 reservoirs, 6 wooden boats laden with stolen crude and 470 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) concealed in the camps.  Relatedly,  same troops also intercepted a vehicle conveying 25 polytene bags of suspected illegally refined AGO in Ogbodu Community in Ud...

TROOPS OF OPERATION SAFE HAVEN NEUTRALISES 6 KIDNAPPERS, ARREST GUNRUNNERS, OTHERS Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV from 28 August to 4 September 2023 have arrested 54 criminal suspects in connection with kidnapping, farm destruction, armed robbery, gunrunning and illicit drugs trafficking amongst others  The troops in conjunction with the Nigeria Police and local hunters neutralised 5 suspected kidnappers at Tahuwa community and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, one SMG rifle and 105 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Troops also carried out a sting operation across Plateau and Kaduna States, during which 3 kidnappers were arrested and a suspected bandit, Dauda Tahiru was also arrested in connection with the last attack at Heipang village in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.  Similarly, following actionable  intelligence, troops tracked down and arrested a notorious gunrunner, Da Nyam and one other at Kwang/Kafanchan communities of Jos South...