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Saudi Embassy Explain Visa Cancellation For Air Peace Passengers  Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja clarified the visa cancellation for Air Peace passengers, attributing it to their failure to meet entry conditions and submission of inaccurate information. This statement comes after 264 passengers on an Air Peace flight had their visas cancelled upon arrival in Saudi Arabia, resulting in 177 people being flown back to Nigeria. In a statement on Wednesday, the Embassy says that upon arrival in Jeddah, discrepancies emerged in the submitted documents, which rendered their visas irrelevant. The embassy emphasised the necessity of adherence to Saudi Arabia’s regulations for visitors. The Embassy maintained that this procedure applies not only to Nigerian citizens but also to individuals from various nations.  

Alake seeks development of Mining host communities Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake has expressed Federal Government’s commitment to creating enduring governance structure for sustainable development in the mining sector. Speaking on the topic, “Strengthening Policies to promote Sustainable Environment for Mining Host Communities” at the 2023 West African Mining Host Communities INDABA, Dr Alake emphasised that the present administration was reviewing policies around the mining sector with a view to strengthening existing ones and discarding the out-dated to ensure enabling environment for local, private and foreign investors. “The governance structure is particularly very significant to move the solid minerals sector forward, not only to achieve the objectives of development but also to translate all policies into reality and achievements. We have neglected the sector over the years but that has now changed as we are not oblivious of the transitioning to clean en...

Nigeria will become Open defecation free by 2025- Ustev Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, says Nigeria needs to improve its sanitation value chain, which includes containment, transportation, treatment, and disposal, in order to become open defecation-free by 2025. Prof Utsev also emphasized the importance of speeding up the provision of good and safe toilet facilities and efficient waste disposal. Prof Utsev stated this on Thursday during a joint press briefing organized by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Environment to mark 2023 World Toilet Day in Abuja. Prof Utsev mentioned that although 105 local government areas and over 40,000 communities have achieved open defecation-free (ODF) status, much more still needs to be done to meet the SDG target for 2025. He explained that government was committed to creating an enabling environment through policies, regulations, and frameworks, and the federal government has implemented policies...

FG declares state of emergency in health sector Federal Government has declared a state of emergency in the country’s health sector. This declaration comes as stakeholders from the sector gather in Ekiti State for the 64th National Council on Health, where important issues regarding the health sector will be discussed. During the opening ceremony on Thursday, the focus was on setting the tone for the event. The theme revolves around building a resilient and inclusive healthcare system for a healthy Nigeria. Dr Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, emphasised that Nigeria’s health facilities are in poor condition and require urgent intervention. Biodun Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State, expressed his excitement at hosting the 64th National Council on Health and having delegates from across the country, including international stakeholders in health policy development, attend the council meeting. He highlighted the state’s significant achievement...

"As NLC President DSS assaulted and detained me for two days" - Adams Oshiomhole Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo North and former Governor of Edo state has shared his experience with the Department of State Services as the chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress.  Commenting on the recent assault of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during an interview on Channels Television, Oshiomhole revealed that he was also assaulted by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives during his tenure as NLC President between 1999 and 2007. He said;  “I had a similar experience… I was on my way to Delta State and I went to the airport. The then director of SSS ordered that I should be arrested and stopped from travelling because we had given an ultimatum to the then Federal Government headed by President Olusegun Obasanjo." Oshiomhole said the ultimatum had to do with resisting the attempt to withdraw fuel subsidy because of our fears of the consequential increa...

Appeal Court Annuls Zamfara Governor's Election, Orders Rerun In a landmark decision, the Court of Appeal in Abuja overturned the election victory of Governor Dauda Lawal in Zamfara State. Governor Lawal, who secured the governorship seat following the March 18 election, had his win invalidated by a three-member panel of justices. This ruling comes after a legal tussle initiated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) against Lawal's victory under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declaring Lawal as the winner, the tribunal's decision to uphold his election was challenged by the APC. The Court of Appeal's judgment now demands a rerun of the election in three specific local government areas: Maradun, Birnin Magaji, and Bukuyun. This development signals a significant shift in Zamfara's political landscape, setting the stage for a fresh electoral contest in these crucial areas.  

Nigeria's naira briefly drops to record low on official market Nigeria's naira briefly slumped to a record low against the dollar in thin trading on the official market on Thursday, bringing the official exchange rate within touching distance of the parallel market rate. The currency of Africa's biggest economy fell as low as 1,105 naira to the dollar from 830 at Wednesday's close, LSEG data showed, before recovering to trade firmer on the day around 800 to the dollar. A central bank spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment on the naira's fall or its plans for the currency when contacted by Reuters. The naira's official exchange rate has been drifting towards the parallel market level for the past two weeks, traders said. The naira was quoted at 1,135 to the dollar on the parallel market on Thursday, while lenders had been quoting the currency within a range of roughly 750 naira to 990 naira on the official market before Thursday's trade. "...

Wale Edun: Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Won’t Yield Results Now Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said Nigerians should not expect to reap the benefits of the economic reforms by President Bola Tinubu now. Edun said the administration is assiduously working on how to stabilise the economy and strengthen foreign exchange for productive activities. According to NAN, the minister said this during the virtual 2023 Annual Directors’ Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, on Thursday. Nigerians have been grappling with hardship since Tinubu removed fuel subsidy and attempted to unify the official and parallel markets’ exchange rates. Also, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) collapsed the multiple official market rates to the investors and exporters (I&E) window and it adopted the ‘willing buyer, willing seller’ model. Consequently, the removal of subsidy on petrol has led to a surge in the cost of petrol, while the naira ...

Kano: NNPP, APC Sign Peace Accord Ahead Of Appeal Court Ruling The ruling New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have signed a peace pact with the Kano State Police Command to maintain peace before, during and after the Appeal Court verdict on the governorship election. Daily Trust reported that the appellant court in Abuja had set Friday to deliver judgement in the state governorship dispute. The state Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, while addressing journalists at the Police Command Headquarters in Bompai on Thursday, said the Force had drawn up modalities that would promote peace and harmony in the state before, during and after the verdict. Gumel, who spoke in company with other heads of security agencies, added that that the command had concluded all security arrangements to ensure peace. Wale Edun: Tinubu’s Economic Reforms Won’t Yield Results Now Adeleke Defies Court Order, Suspends Osun Chief Judge The two political p...

Corruption Fighters Must be Ahead of Fraudsters- Olukoyede Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede has called on corruption fighters  across the country to always strive to be ahead of fraudsters in intelligence,  focus,  thinking and strategies in order to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption. He gave the charge on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in Abuja,  while receiving representatives of the The Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption, RoLAC that paid him a courtesy visit at the corporate headquarters of the EFCC, in Jabi, Abuja. Olukoyede explained that fraudulent schemes and fraudsters across the world have become dynamic, especially with the advances in technology and to tackle them, corruption fighters must be more dynamic and resourceful. “ You must be ahead of the corrupt in every way. The world has gone digital and dynamic. So, corruption fighters  should hone their skills a...

 PRESS RELEASE IGP PRESENTS CHEQUES WORTH OVER 2 BILLION TO NEXT OF KINS OF DECEASED OFFICERS The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has successfully kicked off the presentation of cheques for Group Life Assurance and the IGP Family Welfare Scheme to 613 beneficiaries and next-of-kins of deceased police officers for the policy years 2020/2021, 2021/2022, and 2022/2023. Speaking at the ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, November 16th, 2023, the IGP highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing the administration's unwavering commitment to the welfare of all officers including those serving, retired, and deceased. During his address, the IGP disclosed that the total amount involved in the two policies is Two Billion, Two Hundred and Seventy-Six Million, One Hundred and Ten Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Six Naira, Eighteen Kobo (N2,276,110,966.18k). He noted that this marks the third such event since he assumed of...

 Magistrate Court Remands 4 Chiefs, 71 Others Over The Killing Of Late Ahoada DPO, SP Bako. On Thursday, November 16, 2023, a total of 75 suspects were brought before a Rivers state High court on charges of alleged conspiracy to murder late SP Bako Angbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Police. 1. HRH EZE KILVINE N. ANUGWO 2. HRM CASSIDY IKEGBIDI  3. CHIEF ANTHONY KPASA 4. HRM BR. FELIX E. OTUWARIKPO 5. PRECIOUS AMAEZI AKA CELINA 6. MERIT DICKSON 7. HAPPINESS OTI 8. BENEFIT GODSON 9. EMENIKE OKIDIKA 10PASTOR COLLINS DICKSON 11. FESTUS AGBO 12. ABALI UWHETU 13. AMADI BENNETH 14. GOSPEL SUNDAY 15. GODSTIME CESZER 16. CLIFFORD NAPOLEON 17. SAVIOUR GOODLUCK 18. HENRY ECHI 19. FRANKLINE ELEMS 20. GODWIN CHINELETEM 21. BESTMAN FRIDAY 22. DESHAY LIVINUS 23. GODWIN EMMANUEL 24. . OSINAKACHUKWU CHRISTAN 25. FAMOUS OKECHUKWU 26. ELEMCHUKWU GODDAY 27. ABRAHM EDIO 28. SAMUEL UCHENDU 29. GODNOWS SILVANUS 30. HEART OLIVER 31. EPHRAIM EMMANUEL 32. OGARANYA PAUL 33. KINGSLE...

NIGERIAN ARMY TO CONDUCT FINAL DISPOSAL OF UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES IN OWODE AJILETE OGUN STATE The clearance of remnants of unexploded ordnances from the site of the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment Bomb Blast commenced on Tuesday 10 October 2023 in an Exercise codenamed “EXERCISE CLEAN SWEEP”. The Exercise has reached an advanced stage resulting in the recovery of various calibres of unexploded ordnances, out of which 642 of them were professionally disposed on 27 October 2023 at the NA Range in Owode Ajilete. The search and recovery phase of the exercise have been completed and has now dovetailed into the final inspection of the site, which has earnestly commenced. In line with the Exercise plan, as highlighted during the Inauguration Press briefing and Flag Off by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on 10 October 2023, a final Unexploded Ordnance Disposal (UXO) task will be conducted on completion of the site inspection on Saturday 18 November 2023, at the Nigerian Army ...

 FG urged to stop casualization of workers   The federal government has been urged to redirect  its policies towards curtailing casualization or contract staffing employment in the country.  Speaking during the third quadrennial national delegates' conference, of  members of Chemicals and Non metallic Product, held in Ilorin, the national president of the group, Comrade Segun David, described casual work as often temporary, without job security. The labour leader, said the issue can be checkmated through collaboration with the organized labour, and the civil society organizations. He said the  growth in irregular work has changed the nature of employment from a labour relationship to a commercial relationship ,with the worker taking all the risks.  Comrade David explained that the owners  of the business wants to cut costs by all means , adding that  the human capital is treated as mere robots. He also appealed to  government to che...

Senate Invites NSA, Director SSS, DG NSCDC, Service Chiefs, IG, Other Security Stake Holders for Close Door Meeting  The senate has invited the National security adviser, the Service chiefs the Inspector of police and the Director of SSS and the Director General of Civil Defence Corps for a close door session with the senate to discuss the security matters of the country This is part of the prayers of a motion by senator Yar'adua, Abdulaziz Musa (Katsina Central) on the urgent need for the Improvement of coordination and synergy between Nigerian Security Forces and Agencies to help strengthen and win the fight against Insecurity in the nation. Presrnting the motion before the senate plenary the Sponsor Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yaradua noted that the contemporary security landscape in Nigeria poses unprecedented challenges that outstrip the protective capabilities of any security agency alone.  He believed therefore, the fight against insurgencies and other novel security crises ...

Gov. Zulum assures NDLEA of enhanced partnership as Marwa rallies Borno stakeholders . Shehu of Borno, other traditional rulers, religious leaders, LG chairmen, Unimaid, NGOs, agree on grassroots advocacy, drug test to curb drug menace Borno state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA of his commitment to bolstering the current partnership between his government and the anti-narcotics agency to achieve the goal of a drug free society across all 27 local council areas of the state. Prof. Zulum gave the assurance when he hosted the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) who was in Borno for a three-day war against drug abuse, WADA, advocacy visit to mobilise relevant stakeholders to take ownership of the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. While commending the governor for his remarkable achievements in office, Marwa briefed him on the purpose of his visit as part o...

God Suspended America's Cold Weather, Changed Winter To Summer Because Of My Visit — RCCG General Overseer, Pastor Adeboye He said: “Years ago, I was invited to Colorado in America in January. I don't like cold weather at all. So I said to my father [God], I'm going to Colorado, while I am there, suspend weather. Throughout the days I was there, people were wearing t-shirts in January. He [God] pushed away the winter, brought in summer. I boarded the plane at 5pm to travel back to Nigeria, two hours after I left, all the snow that had been hanging in the air began to fall”.  

 Evang Ebuka Obi breaks silence amid allegations of staging fake miracle with Nollywod actor, Mr Ibu Speaking about the alleged contrived miracle, Ebuka Obi stated that Ibu never even asked for prayers of recovery from him, nor did the actor deliver a testimony on the altar of Zion Ministry. Evangelist Ebuka Obi has responded to charges that he conspired with the ill actor John Okafor, commonly known as Mr Ibu, to fake a miracle. Recall how a traditionalist accused Mr Ibu of staging a phoney miracle act at Ebuka Obi’s church, deceiving the public? He was also pleased with Mr Ibu’s limb amputation, which he blamed to the deception in which he had participated. In response, Obi addressed his congregation and cleared the air about the misleading claim. He adds that, contrary to reports that he invited Mr Ibu to his church, the actor came on his own. Mr Ibu, according to Ebuka Obi, is unknown to him because he does not even watch films. He stated that he had no idea Ibu was a celebrity...

“ People can’t destroy what they don’t know . I don’t post my wife or parents on the internet “ Sabinus  “ The internet is crazy , you post your wife , kids or parents and when there is an issue you see people dragging them . Posting them with funny captions . You look at it and it pains but you have nothing to do . I keep everything that is important to me private . You can’t destroy what you don’t know . Yes if you like say I’m hiding my parents I agree , tell me what you want to do with them “ Sabinus  

Farmers Receives Solar Pumps In Kwara  Farmers in Kwara state have been supported with Solar Powered Irrigation Pumps for dry season farming by the Rural Electrification Agency in Collaboration with the National Fadama Development Projects to enhance food security in the State . Presenting the solar-powered irrigation pumps, the Higher Technical Officer, Rural Electrification Agency, North Central Zone, Engineer. Adebayo Babatunde, stated that the initiative is aimed at improving utilisation of Land and Water Resources across the major rivers in the country.  According to him the implementation of the programme by the agency started with thirteen pivotal states including Kwara. Engineer Babatunde said the beneficiary subproject sites selected include communities with Farmers' User Groups (FUGs), surface water schemes, subproject sites requiring upgrades in electrification infrastructure among others.  Receiving the items on behalf of the Kwara State Government, the...

PERA 2023 BECKONS! Our dear esteemed readers, clients, business partners and well-wishers. This is to formally announce that the 2023 edition of PRIME EXCELLENCE RECOGNITION AWARDS, marking the 5th edition will come up on Sunday, the 10th of December. Venue is the prestigious and octane LAGOS AIRPORT HOTEL & SUITES, Obafemi Awolowo Way in Ikeja. Time is 2pm for red carpet while event starts proper at 3pm. As usual, our grand patron, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi would lead notable traditional rulers and cultural ambassadors to the event while our ever dependable and reliable mother, the Iyalaje Oodua Worldwide Princess Dr. Toyin Kolade, the Chief Executive Officer of Fisolak Global Resources who also doubles as the Patroness of PERA alongside His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Amb. Olusegun Aderemi, the Atayero of Aramoko-Ekiti Kingdom in Ekiti State would also be on hand to represent our great Youruba culture as usual.  Considering the fact that this...

Palestinian envoy welcomes Nigeria’s inclusion in peace committee The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh has welcomed Nigeria’s inclusion in the committee meant to stop the ongoing war in Gaza. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League had on Tuesday, selected Nigeria as part of a special delegation mandated to initiate immediate international action to halt the ongoing war in Gaza. Speaking during the embassy’s weekly press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Shawesh expressed optimism in the ability of countries in the committee to help in stopping the ongoing war. He said, “The Arab League has set up a committee. The diplomatic process is a necessary one and it is well appreciated by the Palestinians. We also welcome Nigeria to be a part of the committee. ”  

Married church worker arrested for def!l!ng and impregnating 14-year-old girl in Anambra Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, James Rich, for allegedly defiling and impregnating a 14-year-old girl in Awka.   The State Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon. Ify Obinabo, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, November 16, 2023, said the suspect hails from Cross Rivers state but works as a yardman at the St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican church, Ifite Awka.    Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to have defiled the minor and impregnated her in the process.    “He explained that he usually does so every Sunday morning at the church premises and that he has had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after which he gives her the sum of two hundred naira to buy biscuit,” the statement read.    "The suspect who is married with two children and expecting the third, lives in the church premises where h...

 Retired Oyo permanent secretary found mürdêrêd at her residence in Ibadan A retired Permanent Secretary with the Oyo State Government, Ms. Elizabeth Olaniyan Gbenle, was gruesomely murdered by unknown assailants in her house in Ibadan, the state capital. According to the Nigerian Tribune, the incident happened at the deceased's residence, along All Saints College Road, Idi Ishin, off NIHORT area of Ibadan between Thursday and Friday last week.  A source told the publication that the 69-year-old woman was strangulated after her assailants tied her hands and legs. She was reportedly found with her tied hands and legs on Friday morning while she still had the dress she wore on Thursday on her. The killers were said to have taken her two vehicles, phones and Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards. It was gathered that the killers came to the deceased’s house a day after she reported to the police that her life was being threatened by some hoodlums who used to smoke marijuana close ...