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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES LEADERSHIP CHANGES IN THE AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT SECTOR In line with his determination to bring world class standards to Nigerian Civil Aviation in consumer protection and the promotion of the wellbeing of Nigerian passengers and other sectoral stakeholders, President Bola Tinubu has approved the suspension, removal, and replacement of the following Chief Executive Officers under the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development: (1) Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mr. Kabir Yusuf Mohammed has been removed from office and replaced with Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku as the substantive Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. (2) Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mr. Tayib Adetunji Odunowo has been removed from office and replaced with Engr. Umar Ahmed Farouk as the substantive Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace M...

Nicolas Puech, the billionaire grandson of Hermès founder Thierry Hermès, is making headlines with an unusual succession plan. The plan involves adopting his 51-year-old former gardener as he seeks to pass on a substantial portion of his wealth, estimated to be between 9 billion and 10 billion Swiss francs (between $10.3 billion and $11.4 billion). Nicolas Puech, the fifth-generation heir to the renowned luxury fashion house Hermès, is reportedly going through legal processes to formally adopt his “former gardener and handyman,” according to the Swiss publication Tribune de Genève. The individual in question hails from a “modest Moroccan family,” adding a unique and unexpected twist to the unfolding succession saga. In a strategic move to redefine the beneficiaries of his substantial estate, estimated to include 5% or 6% ownership of the $220 billion-valued Hermès, billionaire Nicolas Puech is undertaking an unconventional succession plan. The focus of this plan is his former gardener,...

OMOTOLA TELLS WOMEN: YOU’LL GO INTO SLAVERY IF YOU MARRY WITHOUT YOUR OWN FINANCIAL STABILITY  Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, warns women will go into "prison" and "slavery" if they marry without financial stability of their own! “One must apply wisdom or common sense in everything one does. People cannot say that because I married at 18, therefore they can also do it. The question is, ‘are you ready for marriage’? When I was 18, I was ready. I had been working since I was 15-year-old and I had become a millionaire at the age of 18. That is a fact that a lot of people don’t know. I had my own money. I was not dependent on any man. Moreover, my father died early, so I was already responsible for my younger siblings. I was like their mother at that time, so I was very mature and financially prepared.  One should not marry a man when one is not financially stable. If one does that, one would be going into slavery or better still, prison. If any of my childre...

Gridlock As Lagos Residents Protest Bad Road Residents of adjoining communities along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, on Wednesday, protested to demand an immediate repair of some sections of the road. Led by human rights activists, under the auspices of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, the protesters lamented the deplorable state of the road and its neglect by the government.  They also complained that the collapsed road had caused a series of accidents, leading to injuries and loss of lives.  Commuters and motorists were, however, stranded as the protesters barricaded the Meiran end of the road, causing gridlock along the axis. The President of the Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Rights, Alex Omotehinse, said the casualties recorded on the road had increased in the past few weeks. While accusing the security operatives of taking advantage of the bad roads to exploit motorists who ply one-way, Omotehinse called on the state government to grade it in the meant...

Turkish MP Slumps In Parliament Seconds After Saying Israel Will Suffer 'Wrath Of Allah' Turkish Member of Parliament, Hasan Bismet on Tuesday slumped to the floor after reportedly suffering a heart attack during a plenary session after speaking out strongly against Israel and saying that it would suffer the ‘wrath of Allah.’ In a video posted by Visegrad 24, Mr Hasan is seen slumping to the floor shortly after he attacked the Israeli government for its ongoing attack in Gaza. “Drama in the Turkish Parliament today. The MP Hasan Bismet spoke out strongly against Israel, and shouted about Israeli suffering the ‘wrath of Allah’. Seconds later, he had a heart attack,” Visegrad 24 captioned the video. Fellow members of the parliament quickly rushed to his side. Time of Israel quoted Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca as saying Bitmez was hospitalised and his condition was “extremely critical and serious.”  

Today, I present the Budget of Renewal, our budget for the 2024 calendar year where we will allocate N2.246 trillion, focusing on capital expenditure to propel the state's progress in vital sectors like transportation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.  In these challenging times, our focus remains clear - ensuring the people's welfare amidst economic shifts and necessary decisions by the Federal Government while also building for the future. With a total revenue of N1.847 trillion, including IGR of N1.251 trillion and Federal Transfers of N596.629 billion, this budget focuses on a recurrent expenditure of N1.021 trillion and N1.224 trillion for capital investment, fostering growth aligned with our #THEMES+ agenda.  This budget is very important to us and I will start by talking about some of the strides we have made that this budget will help us accelerate.   We are at various stages of securing the PPPs and financing for audacious infrastructure initiative...

 Rivers Assembly: Ehie declares seats of 27 defected lawmakers vacant The Rivers State House of Assembly has declared the seats of the 27 lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, vacant. The seats were declared vacant by the Speaker of the House, Edison Ehie. The Speaker made the announcement on Wednesday during a sitting at the temporary hall provided by the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Ehie, in a firm and resolute tone, emphasized that there is no conflict within the PDP that warrants defection of any lawmaker in the House. He said the decision to declare the seats vacant was in line with section 109 (1) (g) and 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct fresh elections to fill the vacant seats, asserting the need for the rightful representation of the people. He said, “Distinguished colleagues, the H...

Aiyedatiwa returns to Ondo as Acting Governor The Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, returned to the state on Wednesday, two days after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja. Aiyedatiwa had met the President and some other stakeholders over the political logjam in Ondo State. The acting governor, who landed at Akure Airport in a commercial airline, was received by a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Director of Corporate Affairs, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ifedayo Abegunde. He arrived in the state shortly after the House of Assembly confirmed the receipt of a letter from Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu transmitting power to him. In the letter, Akeredolu also announced he will be embarking on a medical leave. Recall that the absence of the governor had resulted in heightened political tension in the state, with calls that power should be transmitted to Aiyedatiwa in line with constitutional provisions. Also...

Gov Fubara presents 2024 budget to five-member Rivers Assembly Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly. Governor Fubara made the presentation during a plenary constituted by only five members of the House loyal to him. This development is coming a few moments after the state government commenced the demolition of the House of Assembly complex. Recall that 27 members of the House who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, had dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress. The 27 lawmakers were not around when the Governor presented the budget on Wednesday.  

Why we demolished Assembly complex – Rivers Govt … says building unsafe for lawmakers Rivers State Government has explained the reason behind its demolition of the State House of Assembly complex on Wednesday morning. About 11 bulldozers moved into the complex on Wednesday and began demolition of the facility located along Moscow Road, Port Harcourt. State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, made this explanation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday morning. Johnson said the demolition was due to the fire that gutted the complex and destroyed property worth millions of naira, which he said rendered the facility unfit for habitation by anyone. The Commissioner added that the state government had already provided an alternative place for the lawmakers to carry on their affairs, pending the rebuilding of the complex. According to the statement, “The Rivers State Government says the decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assem...

World Bank hints at ‘partial return’ of subsidy in Nigeria, says petrol should cost N750/litre The World Bank says Nigeria’s petrol should be priced at N750 per litre at the pumps. Alex Sienaert, the bank’s lead economist for Nigeria, made this known during his presentation of the Nigeria development update report, the December 2023 edition. The report, titled, ‘Turning The Corner (From Reforms and Renewed Hope to Results)” was presented on Wednesday in Abuja. Based on today’s official exchange rate, according to Sienaert, the product should sell for around N750 per litre and not the N650 currently being paid by Nigerians. He said the current petrol prices are not fully cost-reflective, which signals “the partial return of the subsidy”. “It does seem like petrol prices are not fully adjusting to market conditions so that hints at the partial return of the subsidy, if we estimate what is the cost reflective of retail PMS price of the would-be and assuming that importation is done at the...

In recognition of its unwavering commitment to public health, The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), proudly announces its recent achievement as the ‘Highest Testing Laboratory for Tuberculosis (TB) in Nigeria.’ This distinguished honour, awarded by Cepheid, an American Molecular Diagnostics Company, underscores the hospital's tireless efforts and exceptional dedication in combating tuberculosis within the nation. With an unyielding commitment to advancing healthcare and eradicating the spread of TB, LASUTH has consistently upheld the highest standards of diagnostic excellence and patient care. Through its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and a team of experienced medical professionals, the hospital has emerged as a beacon of hope in the fight against tuberculosis. The recognition as Nigeria's leading TB testing laboratory is a testament to LASUTH's continuous strides in promoting public health and achieving excellence in disease detection. The hospita...

RE: EXCLUSIVE Million-dollar US Property Acquired By Nigerian Army General In Charge Of Logistics, Akerejola Uncovered As Soldiers Lament Poor Welfare, Obsolete Equipment The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern the deliberate and concerted efforts to mislead the public by Sahara Reporters through a mischievous and smear campaign against the Chief of Logistics (Army) Major General Erema Akerejola over an unfounded allegation of a property in the United States with proceeds from contract scams. Ordinarily, this bogus accusation would not have necessitated any reaction from the Nigerian Army, however, because the Nigerian Army holds transparency and accountability as some of its core values, it is necessary to set the record straight. First and foremost, the property in question, located in the United States, was indeed acquired 12 years ago on a monthly mortgage basis, which is still being paid by Mrs Akerejola, who has lived and worked in the US for the past 19 years.  Alludi...

 Stop Encroaching Into Government Property, State Government Warn intruders By Chisom Okpala The Anambra State Government has warned those encroaching into government's property across the state to desist from it as the present administration of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo will not tolerate such. The state Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim gave the warning when he visited the Onitsha Water Cooperation site where some individuals encroaching into the property. In his words, "some persons are encroaching on state government property and this administration is leaving no stone unturned in reclaiming its properties". While saying that all recovered property would be used for useful projects for the public and the best interest of Ndi Anambra. Ibezim, further explained that the solution administration is set to reactivate the Water Corporation so that clean water can be supplied to all the nooks and crannies of the urban area. According to him, the vision of Mr Governor must b...

ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT DEPLOYED BUSES FOR CHRISTMAS TRAVELLERS Anambra State Government wishes to alert all Ndi-Anambra that the viral voice note claiming that Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, has deployed "Hummer" and "Luxurious" buses on the road for our people travelling to and from Lagos is *Not True.*  In a bid to entice the unsuspecting public to patronize these buses, the voice note claims that the bus fares are N10,000 and N12,000 respectively. The public should note that these are fraudsters looking for people to dupe and/or abduct.  Our people are advised to shun the evil buses and their mouth watering fares. It is a Greek gift contrived to lure people to danger. Governor Soludo is committed to ensuring a peaceful and fun-filled Season. Government has therefore briefed security agencies to be on the lookout for these fake transporters. Stay safe and have a merry Christmas.  *SIR PAUL NWOSU* Commissioner for Information,  Anambra State

Over 1,000 Workers Are Yet To Verify Their Records - OHCSF   The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation says over one thosand officers, with discrepancies are yet to verify thier records on the IPPIS platform. A statement by the Director, Communications. Mr. Muhammed Ahmed says workers were still being expected from their MDAs to enable the Office of the Head of service of the Federation authenticate their records. It states that the records of 59,201 Civil Servants, who participated fully in the verification exercise and had no discrepancies in their records were forwarded to the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation for continuous payment of their salaries while salaries of over eleven thousand officers, whose records were not verified, were suspended.   Following the suspension, the verification portal was reopened and a total number of 10,761 officers participated in the physical verification exercise to ensure that only credible records were on the ...

Fire Destroys 17 Offices In  Gwale LG Kano  Kano State Fire Service has confirmed the destruction of 17 offices, in an early morning fire at Gwale Local Government Secretariat. Public Relations Officer of the service, Alhaji Saminu Abdullahi, confirmed the incident to Radio Nigeria in Kano. According to him,the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He explained that, the agency received a distress call at about 03:43 a.m. from Abdullahi Hassan that there was a fire outbreak at Gwale Secretariat. Saminu pointed out that, upon receiving the information, a team was immediately  mobilized to the scene at about 03:46 a.m to bring the fire under control. Saminu  maintained that, the ground floor of about 300 x 200ft used as office and others, totalling 17, were completely razed down. The public relations officer maintained that, a 406 Peugeot, one Haice bus and a station wagon ambulance were slightly burnt. He said that the cause of the fire was being ...

NIGERIA SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS ( NSCDC ). LAGOS STATE COMMAND.  PHOTO NEWS.  ALFADARAI ATTENDS 17TH ANNUAL TOWN HALL MEETING OF LAGOS STATE SECURITY TRUST FUND. The State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Commandant of Corps Usman Ishaq Alfadarai MFR, fdc, mnim, mpa, fisn, fcss attended, the 17th annual town hall meeting of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund ( LSSTF ), yesterday, Tuesday, 12th December, 2023, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo - Olu was present at the meeting amidst other disguised guests such as the Minister of State Police Affairs, Chairman of the Board of LSSTF, Executives, service commanders of federal services, heads of security formations in the state, cooperate institutions and well meaning Nigerians, who identified with the Fund in a bid to pledge both their financial commitment and intellectual expertise towa...

  N532.5bn budget too small to fight poverty, minister laments The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu, has said that the amount allocated to her ministry in the 2024 budget was not capable of fighting poverty in the country. The Minister stated this on Tuesday when she led officials of her ministry and parastalas under it, to defend her 2024 budget before the Joint National Assembly Committee of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, chaired by Senator Idiat Adebule. She said her ministry was given an overhead ceiling of N532.5bn which represents a 28 per cent increase over the 2023 budget to cushion the effects of inflation. It is pertinent to note that the 28 per cent increase in the overhead ceiling is not commensurate to the 27.33 per cent inflationary rate in the economy today, she noted. Edu said, “Conversely, the capital budget ceiling was reduced from N3.7bn in 2022 to N1.328316bn in 2023 and it represents a 71 per cent reduction. “So...

Top Nigerians involved in illegal mining, funding banditry, terrorism —ALAKE “Powerful Nigerians involved in illegal mining were responsible for other criminal activities and involved in sponsoring banditry and terrorism in the country.” Dele Alake The Minister of Solid Mineral, Mr Dele Alake, has alleged that powerful Nigerians involved in illegal mining were responsible for other criminal activities and involved in sponsoring banditry and terrorism in the country. Alake said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals for the 2024 budget defence in Abuja on Tuesday. According to him, a lot of banditry and terrorism are sponsored by illegal miners; they are not people who pick gold on the ground but powerful individuals in the country. Read Also: Gunmen attack convoy, kill four soldiers, two drivers, abduct two expatriates He said the majority of the illegal miners were not foreigners but added that foreigners could be seen as symptoms. “Niger...

Airlines to start paying passengers for delayed, cancelled flights – Keyamo Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, announced on Tuesday that airlines will start compensating passengers for delayed or cancelled flights from January 2024. The minister disclosed this during a session with the Joint National Assembly Committee on Aviation, where he defended his ministry’s budget for the fiscal year 2024. Keyamo revealed that a comprehensive list of airlines responsible for delayed or cancelled flights would be regularly published in the media as part of the compensation initiative. He emphasized the need for transparency in informing the public about airline performance, including details such as the duration of delays and actions taken by regulators. “I have called the customer’s satisfactory commission regarding the treatment of Nigerians. I have returned to the committee; that is how concerned I am. And I have said at the last address that I gave during our stakeholders meeting in Lagos a...