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 Allegations Of Flood Damage To  Road Project In Onitsha False - residents, others By Juliana Nwachukwu/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo/Onyinye Okechukwu The residents of Onitsha, Anambra State, have dismissed as false and unfounded, the allegation making the round in some quarters and social media that the second rain has washed off the Menax/Upper Iweka road Project. It was alleged that the project being constructed by Prof Chukwuma Soludo's administration is sub-standard  and as such that the governor has failed in his pledge to provide quality roads to the masses. Denying the allegation, the residents and the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okeoma contended that the video allegation was an affront to throw spanners into the good works of the state government, adding that nothing of the sort ever happened. "Everyone of us is here on this road and you can see that nothing happened at all. We actually saw the video last night and first thing this morning, we came here to find o...

 PRESS RELEASE STRENGTHENING GRASSROOTS SECURITY: NPF, ALGON FORGE COLLABORATION, AS IGP PLAYS HOST TO ALGON  As IGP Harps on Regular Town Hall Meetings at LGs The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, during a courtesy visit by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, engaged in discussions aimed at bolstering cooperation between ALGON and the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting focused on strategies to strengthen grassroots policing and address various challenges faced in ensuring effective participation by local governments in policing at the local level. ALGON, led by its National President, Hon. Kolade David Alabi, reiterated the commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in filling crucial gaps and enhancing security measures at the grassroots level. Discussions revolved around initiatives to address existing vacuums in policing and to ensure comprehensive coverage of policing activitie...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU OFFERS SCHOLARSHIPS, HOUSING TO FAMILIES OF SLAIN SOLDIERS President Bola Tinubu says the federal government will provide scholarships up to the university level for all the children, including the unborn, of the Nigerian Army personnel killed in action at Okuama community in Delta State.  The President, who announced this at the funeral of the personnel at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja, on Wednesday, directed the military authorities to ensure that the benefits of the departed are paid to their families within 90 days.  The President also declared that the federal government would provide a house in any part of the nation to each of the families of the four officers and thirteen soldiers. At the solemn event attended by some state governors, the military hierarchy, and families of the deceased, the President bestowed posthumous National Honours on the 17 fallen heroes. Lt Col Ali, Major D.E Obi, Major S.D. Ashafa,...

 Bandits kill Chief Imam, abduct scores in Zamfara community Bandits have once again attacked Zamfara State, killing Sheikh Ahmad Rufa’i, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Keita village, Tsafe Local Government Area, LGA, of the state. The attack occurred shortly after Muslims observed the isha’i (night) congregational prayer. This tragic incident comes just three weeks after the murder of Imam Abubakar Hassan Mada, the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Mada, Gusau LGA. According to Ibrahim Musa Keita, a resident of Keita village, the bandits were initially spotted along the Kwarin Gano-Keita Road. Despite residents being alerted of their presence, the bandits proceeded to invade the village. After failing to abduct road users, they attacked Keita village, killing the chief imam and abducting scores of people, including women. “Before the invasion, the residents were alerted about the movement of the bandits along Kwarin Gano-Keita Road. “They were sighted along that road bu...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES UNITED STATES CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION, SAYS NIGERIA IS PREPARED TO EXPEDITE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH PARTNERS President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to deepening democracy by ensuring adherence to the rule of law and expediting the sustainable provision of good governance, justice, and fairness to all Nigerian citizens. Speaking when he received a delegation from the United States Congress led by Senator Cory Booker at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday, President Tinubu said that while democracy must be defended, it must translate into tangibles of quality healthcare, good education, food security, shelter, and overall economic prosperity for the people of Nigeria. He said Nigeria is a necessary partner for the sustenance of democracy in Africa and beyond, noting that as the continent's biggest economy and largest democracy, Nigeria is well-positioned to set the best continental...

 Tennessee mom accidentally shoots and kills 13-year-old daughter while digging for keys in her purse.  The incident took place at around 10 p.m. Saturday night, at the Edgehill apartments in Nashville. The victim's mother DeAnne Radley was digging for keys in her purse when a firearm she had in the purse discharged striking and killing her 13-year-old daughter, Dearria Radley. The teen was rushed to a nearby hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.  DeAnne has stated "I didn't know my gun was loaded in my purse and it shot through my bag. Then I saw the blood. Oh God............. It's a nightmare". She went on to say "I want her remembered for her angel voice and her beautiful eyes." She said her daughter loved to spend time with her family and sing. Police have not filed any charges however the situation remains under investigation by the Youth Service Division.

 French politicians from across the spectrum Wednesday expressed dismay over the resignation of a Paris school principal who had received death threats after asking a student to remove her Muslim veil on the premises. In a show of support, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, a former education minister, was set to receive the principal later Wednesday, his office said. Secularism and religion are hot-button issues in France, which is home to Europe's largest Muslim community. In 2004, authorities banned school children from wearing "signs or outfits by which students ostensibly show a religious affiliation" such as headscarves, turbans or kippas on the basis of the country's secular laws which are meant to guarantee neutrality in state institutions. The headmaster's departure comes amid deep tensions in the country following a series of incidents including the killing of a teacher by an Islamist former pupil last year. The headmaster at the Maurice-Ravel lycee in easter...

 Togo constitutional change 'unacceptable': Opposition The opposition in Togo has termed the recent changes to the country's constitution "unacceptable." Police in Togo on Wednesday broke up an opposition press conference, AFP journalists said, that was called to address constitutional reform criticised as a power grab. The opposition organised the conference after the West African country's parliament voted for the new constitution on Monday, changing the presidential system to a parliamentary one. With less than a month before legislative elections, the opposition fears the change will clear the way for long-serving President Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely. Around 30 gendarmes armed with truncheons broke up the press conference staged by opposition parties and civil society groups, saying the event in the capital Lome did not have the necessary authorisation.

 Texas town launches an awesome program allowing citizens to borrow tools from the city for lawn care.  The city of Round Rock,Texas began this program in 2014 and have since expanded to over 100 tools. The Director of Community and Neighbor services stated, "We started thinking, what if we could get a tool to a resident before a code enforcement officer became involved." They quickly noticed how successful the program was in the community and have expanded. As of Monday they opened a 40 ft shed to the public which they have dubbed the, "Tool depot".  Borrowing tools is as simple as submitting an online application. After it is reviewed and accepted the borrower has 24/7 access to the tool shed. The borrower's phone unlocks the shed and also unlocks the individual tool requested. They have lawn mowers, trimmers, weed eaters, tillers, just about everything! This is such a great idea I think every town that is able to, should work on starting some similar program....

 Centralia man arrested after Schiller School principal discovers obvious signs of child abuse on 6-year-old student. The principal called the police immediately. 36-year-old Lawrence Simms Jr. of Centralia, Illinois was arrested after school officials observed his 6-year-old son having marks all over his body. Officials noted serious marks on his arms and back. The boy told authorities that his father struck him with a belt after he accidentally dropped some food while at home. Mr. Simms is currently being held at the Marion County jail, he has a court appearance today and we will update.  The six-year-old child is now in the care of DCFS after being treated at St. Mary's hospital.  If you suspect that a child has been harmed or is at risk of being harmed by abuse or neglect, please call the 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline at 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873). Pictured above, Lawrence Simms Jr.

 Economic Hardship: Gov. Abiodun Assures Muslim Faithful Of Relief, To Sell Rice At 50% Discount Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that his administration would immediately begin the sale of rice to members of the public across the state at half price of the commodity to cushion the  prevalent economic harship among the populace.   The governor also noted that the sale of the commodity would begin with public servants across the board, adding that it is the aspiration of his administration to return the purchasing power of public servants. He spoke during the Special Iftar (Breaking of Fast) organised for the League of Imams and Alfas in the state at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, on Tuesday evening. Abiodun said: "We have decided to commence the sale of rice. We will be selling it at the rate of 50% of the actual price. "We are going to commence with our civil servants. All our public servants across the board will buy rice at half the price. "Wha...

 PRESS STATEMENT   FG DECLARES FRIDAY 29TH MARCH, MONDAY 1ST APRIL 2024 PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO MARK EASTER CELEBRATION. The Federal Government has declared Friday, 29th March and Monday, 1st April 2024 as public holidays to mark the 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively. The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man. According to the Minister, Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.  He calls on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians. He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity a...

 NAF Destroys illegal Oil Sites in Rivers The Nigeria Air Force says several illegal oil refining sites at Bille, Dariama,  Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema in Rivers State were destroyed during operations conducted between March 25 and 26. NAF spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, disclosed thins in a statement Today. The Air Component of Operation Delta Safe has continued to carry out air strikes on illegal oil refining sites and barges ladened with stolen crude oil products in the Niger Delta Region. The sites and barges destroyed were discovered between March 25 and 26, 2024, at Bille, Dariama,  Elem Bekinkiri, Temakiri, Opumakiri, and Degema in Rivers State. Accordingly, the NAF and other security agencies will continue to intensify efforts at discovering and disrupting the activities of the oil thieves operating in the region and beyond.”

 COUNTER TERRORISM: NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS, RECOVER ARMS, RUSTLED CATTLE  IN BORNO, KATSINA Nigerian Army  troops deployed for counter terrorism  operations in the North East in  conjunction with Hybrid Forces on Wednesday 26 March 2024 neutralized one terrorist and recovered arms, ammunition and rustled cattle  during a clearance operation on identified  Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves within Gori general  area in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.  In a fierce firefight, the troops successfully overpowered and, neutralized one terrorist, rescued several rustled cattle and recovered arms and ammunition from the terrorists. The recovered arms included 2 AK-47 rifles, 38 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition, AK-47 Magazines, one Improvised Explosive Device and one motorcycle. In another operation in Katsina State, troops conducting  offensive operation on terrorist camps, neutralized ...

 Flights Disrupted As Protest Rocks Port Harcourt Airport Flights were grounded at the Port Harcourt International Airport following a protest embarked on by some women from the Ipo community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The protesters all dressed in black blocked the airport roundabout gate which leads into the complex even as they brandished placards with various inscriptions some of which read: ‘What is our offence?’ ‘Over Seven Years of No NEPA Light,’ ‘No single access to mobile network,’ ‘No good access roads within Ipo community,’ among others.   The situation disrupted flights within the airport for about two to three hours. A source inside the airport revealed to our correspondent that, “While arrivals weren’t affected, flights couldn’t depart because the passengers were prevented from getting into the airport itself. The disruption lasted till about 8 am after which the gates were opened.” Amid the noise and commotion, the Chairman of the Rivers ...

 Do you want to die untimely this year” Industry fight as Dayo Amusa and Jigan Babaoja clash online over Femi Adebayo  The beef between Nollywood actors, Femi Adebayo and Dayo Amusa seems to be turning into an industry fight with some of their colleagues like Jigan Babaoja picking sides. Jigan Babaoja, who is a member of AFRIMEK and a friend of Femi Adebayo, has pitched a tent with his Mayor, Femi Adebayo as he publicly called out Dayo Amusa mocking her over her failed career. He noted how the actress woefully failed in movie and also music. “You did movie, it didn’t go far. You did music, you failed”. Reacting to it, Dayo Amusa stated that she saw everything he posted about her and warned him not to allow her insult him. She stated that Jigan can’t use her to run mouth on social media as she questioned what effrontery or gut he has to come at her. “Jigan I will mention your name directly, I saw what you posted. Don’t let me talk to you. All of you, there is no one I had issue...

 AFRIMEK releases public statement over Femi Adebayo’s controversy with Bobrisky The Association of Yoruba African Men Entertainment Kings popularly known as AFRIMEK has released a public statement on the controversy surrounding Femi Adebayo In a public statement by the PRO, Adeniyi Johnson, the association defended Femi Adebayo, who is their Mayor, noting how the actor is a man of integrity, class, and honor, who stands and upholds all positive values and etiquette of normal human beings. The association stated that the Mayor was only called upon to announce the winner for Best Dressed at the event and wasn’t part of the selection team. AFRIMEK reminded the public that it is the entertainment world where creativity comes and business strategies are generated, the anticipated buzz is gotten as expected AFRIMEK noted how Femi Adebayo would have never been a part of it because of his religious beliefs, especially during the holy month. One more photo below. 

 Traditionalists urge FG to make traditional religious knowledge a subject to be taught in schools Traditional Religion Worshippers’ Association have urged both the Federal and State Governments to make traditional religious knowledge (TRK) a subject to be taught in schools. The Secretary of the Oyo State branch of the association, Fayemi Fakayode, made this call on Wednesday, March 27, in Ibadan. He called on the government to include traditional religious knowledge as a subject in the primary and secondary school curricula like Islamic Religious Knowledge and Christian Religious Knowledge.  According to him, this is to impart the younger generation with the Yoruba culture and tradition. Fakayode, in a statement personally signed, stressed the need for proper education to disabuse the minds of the younger generation about Yoruba history and antecedents. He explained that the miseducation of Africans about their origin and culture had led to many wrong perceptions about their ...

Dubai Police Apprehends 202 Beggars in the First Half of Ramadan The Department of Suspects and Criminal Phenomena in the General Department of Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, in collaboration with Dubai Police stations, apprehended 202 beggars in the first half of the holy month of Ramadan as part of the anti-begging campaign launched by Dubai Police in cooperation with strategic partners.

 Despite NLC’s Opposition, Abure Re-Elected As LP National Chairman Despite the opposition of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Julius Abure has been re-elected as the National Chairman of Labour Party for a second term by a unanimous affirmation of delegates. The Chairman of the National Convention and Deputy Governor of Abia State, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu declared him the winner during the party’s national convention that held on Wednesday in Nnewi, Anambra State. Abure has been having a running battle with the NLC leadership led by Joe Ajaero. Earlier, the NLC called for Abure’s resignation as party chairman and the immediate constitution of a caretaker transition committee to organise a legitimate and all-inclusive national convention for the party. On March 20, workers who were not allowed access into the party office gathered around the premises chanting songs against and demanding the sack of the Labour Party Chairman whom they accused of financial impropriety. The leadersh...

  STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT-ELECT BASSIROU DIOMAYE FAYE AND THE PEOPLE OF SENEGAL President Bola Tinubu extends his congratulations to Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal. President Tinubu notes that President-elect Faye comes with great promise and a sterling record, wishing him success as he takes on this important job of leading the good people of Senegal. The President also congratulates His Excellency, President Macky Sall, for overseeing an election that has been widely adjudged as peaceful and transparent. President Tinubu states that the success of the presidential election in Senegal and the successful conduct of the general election in Liberia a few months ago have affirmed his long-held conviction that the taproot of democracy is deeply established in West Africa and will only grow stronger as it is watered by good governance, justice, and fairness to all.  As the Chairm...

 GOVERNOR DIRI ASSURES HIGH CONSTRUCTION COSTS WILL NOT STOP PROJECTS Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has said the high cost of construction materials will not deter his administration’s commitment to development of the state. The governor also said ongoing projects were a priority of the government and assured that cost variations will not affect them. He stated this during an unscheduled inspection visit to both the Nembe-Brass and the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie road projects. While appreciating the Federal Government for its commitment to partner the state on the project, Governor Diri explained that he had met President Bola Tinubu twice and that he had directed the Federal Ministry of Works to collaborate with the state government on construction of the second phase of the road. The state’s helmsman expressed satisfaction with the pace of work on the twenty-one kilometers first phase of the project, which has ten bridges, saying in this second tenure, he looks forward to vehi...

 UGANDA CIVIL SERVANTS TO EXERCISE WEEKLY The Ugandan government has instructed all civil servants to spend two hours a week doing physical exercise to keep them fit and healthy. The directive was shared in a letter to government agencies from the head of public service, Lucy Nakyobe, who said the sessions would help save the lives of staff and reduce the disease burden. Report says the Government of Uganda also advised that the initiative will tame the rising burden of lifestyle disease in the country.

 My Biggest Concern About State Police Is Funding -Governor Sule  *** “I went to school, grew up and went to school in a country where it is not even state police; you have county police, which is local government police. “The institution I attended, Indiana University, had Indiana University Police. So, I grew up in the background of this independent police and distribution. Sometimes, we just see what is happening in other countries and we want to adopt. “My concern about state police, and it is not like I am against it; I am all for it, but my biggest concern about state police is funding. “The next thing after we adopt this state police, you will hear the state governors asking for a review of the sharing formula. And you still have the military and other security agencies under the federal government. What we are getting right now may not be sustainable.” -Governor Sule On Channels Television’s ‘Sunday Politics’

 Rivers State Govt takes over prosecution of murder trial of UNIPORT student The Rivers State Government has taken over the prosecution of the murder trial of Damian Okoligwe, a 400L student in the Department of Petrochemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt. Okoligwe was accused in 2023 of killing his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300L Biochemistry student at the same university. Following the arraignment of the suspect by the Rivers State Police Command, the Office of the Attorney General of Rivers State filed charges against Okoligwe in the State High Court, after receiving advice from the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP. During Tuesday’s court proceedings, the defendant, Okoligwe, and his legal representative were not present. The presiding judge, Justice C. A. Nsirim, adjourned the case to Tuesday, April 23, 2024, and directed that the suspect be brought to court to enter his plea on the specified date.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have crumbled to 0-2 defeat to Mali in an international friendly match played at the Grande Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. It was a bad day for Nigeria as they recorded no shot on goal throughout the duration of the match. The Malians opened the scoring in the 18th minute of the match through El Bilal Toure, who plies his trade at Atalanta in Italy. Cyril Dessers missed a chance to equalise for the Eagles and he threw the ball away: it was Nigeria’s best chance of the match so far in the second half. Also, Kelechi Iheanacho with a brilliant attempt forced the Malian goalkeeper to make a superb save in the second half. Kamory Doumbia scored the second goal for Mali in the 87th minute to ensure that the Eagles had no chance of coming back.

 Unemployment responsible for rising banditry, kidnapping, Obasanjo tells FG Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has linked the growing activities of bandits and kidnappers to the unemployment situation in the country. Obasanjo spoke during his address at the 9th International Trade Exhibition & Conference on Agrofood, Plastics, Printing, and Packaging which was held in Lagos on Tuesday. The trade fair was jointly organised by FairTrade Messe and the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa. “Of course, if we are able to achieve this, it will improve our security. Part of our insecurity are men and women that are not properly engaged. If we are able to give them employment, there will be less of them getting involved in banditry, in kidnapping and in doing various other criminal activities that they get involved in,” Obasanjo noted. The former president, who described himself as ‘a mad man for agriculture,’ said there was need to promote agribusiness ...