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 In reply, please quote; Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/230                   Date: September 9, 2024   The Director of News  …………………………….  PRESS RELEASE KWARA KILLING: IGP ORDERS FCID ABUJA TO TAKE OVER INVESTIGATION. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., has ordered the Homicide section of the FCID Abuja to embark on a detailed and comprehensive investigation into the alleged killing of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, Kwara State, which occurred on the 4th of September 2024. The officers involved in this incident have been identified as Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Emmanuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip, attached to the Department of Operations, Kwara State Command and they have been consequently detained for investigation. The Inspector-General of Police who is deeply saddened by this unfortunate event that has led to the loss o...

PRESS RELEASE NNPC Ltd/Chevron JV Concludes Conversion of Assets into PIA Terms …As Partners Eye JV’s 165,000 bopd Oil Production Target by Dec 2024 In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 provisions of transiting assets from the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) into PIA terms, the NNPC Ltd. and its Joint Venture (JV) partner, Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL), have concluded the conversion of five of its JV assets into the PIA terms. Under the new PIA regime, all existing Oil Prospecting Licenses (OPLs) and Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) would be automatically converted to Petroleum Prospecting Licenses (PPLs) and Petroleum Mining Leases (PMLs) upon their expiration.  Nonetheless, an option of voluntary conversion is provided for holders of OPLs and OMLs (Operator, Licensees or Lessees) under the erstwhile Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) regime. The PIA terms are generally perceived as more investor-friendly, compared to the erstwhile PPTA terms. During a brief ceremony held at the NNPC Towers ...

 Ondo Local Government Employees, NULGE Chairman D!es After Slumping At Filling Station Amid Fuel Scarcity The persistent fuel scarcity in the country has claimed another casualty as the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) chairman in Akure South local government of Ondo State, Oluwatuyi Olasoji died few days after collapsing while waiting to buy the Premium Motor Spirit. According to a local tabloid in the state, Sunshine Truth, the deceased slumped last week while trying to buy fuel at a filling station in the state capital and was rushed to the Federal Medical Center in Owo. He was said to have undergone a surgery and given up to the ghost on Monday. Petrol scarcity has recently hit the country as motorists continued to lament. Long queues at filling stations have worsened traffic conditions, with many people stranded at bus stops due to doubled transport fares. SaharaReporters had reported days ago that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) cla...

 EFCC Arrests 46 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Warri   Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, September 8, 2024 arrested 46 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Warri, Delta State.   They were arrested following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in internet- related fraud.   Items recovered from them include 13 exotic cars, laptops and phones.   The suspects  will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 James Earl Jones passed away at the age of 93 today. He passed away surrounded by family, in his New York home.  Jones is well known for his one of a kind voice and many of his roles in movies, especially  Star Wars‘ Darth Vader and The Lion King‘s Mufasa, has died. He was 93. l 📷: GettyField of Dreams, and being the voice of Darth Vader. One more photo below. 

 Ogun To Release 100 CNG Buses - Abiodun ...sets up committee on transport fares   The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced that his administration would make available 100 brand new 18-seater Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the use of transporters in the state. The Governor, who made this known in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta on Monday, also said that the Federal Government would make available 20 CNG-enabled buses and 500 conversion kits to the state government during the week. Governor Abiodun disclosed this at a meeting with transport unions on how to ensure fair transportation pricing in the state. Prince Abiodun also announced the inauguration of an enforcement committee, comprising the State Police Commissioner, his counterpart in the Department of State Security Service (DSS), the Traffic Compliance Agency (TRACE), and heads of transport unions, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Transportation and Trade and Investment...

 Egypt, Ethiopia take dam dispute to UN again Egypt and Ethiopia have again raised their long-standing dispute over a dam over the Nile River at the UN, with the two sides making competing claims. Following Egypt’s letter to the UN Security Council, its neighbour Ethiopia sent a response dismissing Cairo’s concerns as “unfounded allegations,” local media reported Monday. Claiming that Egypt is “stalling progress, reverting to hardline and unreasonable positions,” Ethiopia also accused Cairo of being interested only in “perpetuating its self-claimed monopoly over the Nile River.” Egypt earlier lodged a complaint with the UN expressing its "categorical rejection" of Ethiopia's unilateral actions in filling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), according to Anadolu Agency. The two sides had earlier sent similar letters to the UN few years back. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that the dam poses a significant threat to regional stability and violates pri...

 Morocco floods death toll rises to 18 The number of people who died in floods caused by heavy rainfall in southeastern Morocco has risen to 18, local authorities said on Monday. The floods have destroyed 24 homes, partially damaged 16 others, and caused damage to 93 roads, cutting off transportation. At least four others were missing after floods swamped many villages in the area on Saturday, authorities added.

  Beyoncé snubbed by Country Music Awards Nominations for the 58th annual Country Music Association Awards were announced on Monday morning, and the artist with one of the biggest country albums and songs of the year was snubbed. Many predicted Beyoncé would make history as the first Black woman to be nominated for Album of the Year. However, despite spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart her “Cowboy Carter” album was completely shut out. In the spring, "Cowboy Carter" became the first album by a Black woman to land at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The single "Texas Hold 'Em" also became the first by a Black woman to claim the top spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. Her hit single “Texas Hold ‘Em,” which was No. 1 for 10 weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country songs chart was also snubbed. Beyoncé unveils the cover art for her album “Cowboy Carter” on Instagram on March 19, 2024. Photo: @beyonce Released in Ma...

 Decatur, Illinois 9/11 memorial vandalized. Police asking for the public's assistance identifying perpetrators.  Park District Police in Decatur have shared images that show individuals accused of vandalizing a memorial dedicated to the heroes and victims of the 9/11 attack. The vandalism occurred during the overnight hours of September 6th and 7th. Several people can be seen damaging not only the 9/11 memorial but several other areas around the Beach House boardwalk. Prior to this vandalism, there was an Abraham Lincoln Statue also vandalized in the area.  The Park District is offering a $500 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest. If you recognize the person seen in these images or have any information regarding this vandalism please call Decatur PD at (217) 424-2711.

 Police in Urbana, Illinois asking for publics help identifying suspect in a child luring case. According to reports the incident in question occurred on September 3rd.  On that date the vehicle shown in the image below was parked on Michigan Avenue and Kinch Street.  As a child walked by the vehicle the man inside allegedly "began calling out to the child, he was repeatedly offering the child candy". However when the child ignored him and continued walking the vehicle drove away. The child's parents contacted police after learning of the incident and an investigation has ensued.  Now investigators are asking the public's assistance with identifying the vehicle which could lead to the suspect as there is no description of the man available. The SUV is believed to be a Chevy Equinox or a GMC Terrain. If you have any information that could lead to the vehicle or suspect you are asked to call 1-217-373-8477

 Super Eagles train in Kigali ahead of Nigeria’s clash with Rwanda’s Wasps Nigeria’s Super Eagles have completed their first training session in Kigali ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda. The session took place on Monday at the 30,000-capacity Stade Amahoro, the venue for Tuesday’s clash. The team is in high spirits after their 3-0 victory over Benin Republic on Saturday, and they are keen to continue their strong form. The training session was focused, with head coach Augustine Eguavoen and his assistants drilling the squad on tactical play and formations that will be crucial against Rwanda. Speaking about the team’s readiness, Eguavoen expressed confidence in his players, highlighting their versatility. “We have the quality of players who can play different styles of football, different systems, and formations. So, whatever formation we choose tomorrow, we have the personnel to execute it effectively,” said the interim coach. Nigeria’s vict...

 BENUE: GOV. ALIA SWEARS IN SIX JUDGES 9th September, 2024      Governor Hyacinth Alia has sworn in four High Court Judges and two Customary Court of Appeal Judges for the Benue State Judiciary and assured all Benue citizens of his commitment to strengthening the judiciary to ensure that it remains a pillar of democracy and justice.  Performing the ceremony today at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, the Governor charged them to carry with them not only the weight of their past experiences but also the hopes and expectations of the people.  He explained that their appointment is a testament to their dedication, integrity, and commitment to the rule of law, as well as the recognition of the high standards they have maintained throughout their careers as legal practitioners. The Governor advised them to be impartial arbiters, defenders of justice, and protectors of the Constitution, saying they should dispense justice without fear or favor, af...

 Bandits raid Kaduna hospital, abduct nurses Bandits have abducted nurses at a Primary Health Care Center at Layin Dan Auta village in Kuyello Ward, Birnin Gwari Area of Kaduna State. According to community sources, the bandits had targeted a primary school in Kuyello, located on the outskirts of the town. However, when they could not find pupils to abduct, they reportedly moved to the nearby hospital where they abducted the nurses on duty. A community leader in the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed the incident and described the situation as worrisome. “They arrived in the area and went straight to a nearby school, thinking they would find students. However, the school was empty, so they proceeded to the PHC in Kuyello and abducted the nurses on duty,” he said. Another youth leader in Kuyello, Baba Isah, also confirmed the incident. He stated that the two nurses were on duty when the bandits attacked. It remains unclear if any patients were abducted, as most had a...

 Bandits kill six, abduct many in Kaduna Five people have been reported killed and several others kidnapped after bandits attacked Kallah Afogo in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The Kaduna State Police Command and the state government have not made any official statement on the development. Locals reported that the bandits stormed the village around 11:15 pm. on Sunday, breaking into houses to capture their victims. Those killed in Kallah were Garkuwa Alfarma, Buhari Maidiga, Uba Auta, Yakubu Thomas Gaku, and Atabata Naallah. One of the victims, who pursued the bandits into the bush, was killed and decapitated. Similarly, the bandits launched another attack on Bakin Pah in Maro Ward of the same LGA, where one person was killed and six others kidnapped. A local, who identified himself as Maigari Ben, called on security agencies to enhance security in the communities and ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals. The state Police Command’s Public Relations...

 Social media rant: Osimhen yet to apologize – Finidi George Former Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, says Victor Osimhen has yet to apologise for the viral social media rant that disrespected him. Daily Trust had reported how the Nigerian international went live on Instagram to counter claims that Finidi accused him of feigning an injury to avoid participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. After the rant, the Galatasaray forward was widely criticized on social media with top sporting figures urging him to apologize. In an interview with Nigeria Info FM, Finidi, who is now in charge of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Rivers United, revealed he reached out to Osimhen to resolve the issue. “I sent him a message that it was not the best way, just someone telling you that coach said that and you’re talking about me like I said it in an interview,” Finidi said. “From that point I didn’t hear from him, I moved on and I wish e...

 Ajaero’s arrest by DSS not connected to police invitation, says Falana   Femi Falana, human rights lawyer, says the arrest of his client, Joe Ajaero, president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), is unconnected with the earlier invitation by the Nigeria police force. Personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested Ajaero on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja as he was about to board a flight to the UK. On August 29, the NLC president honoured the invitation of the police over “a case of criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime”. Addressing the recent arrest of his client, Falana said the secret police had failed to provide a reason for Ajaero’s arrest.  “The invitation to Comrade Joe Ajaero by the police was rescheduled last week. I have contacted the police authorities. The arrest is not related to the police invitation,” he said. “Comrade Ajaero was on his way to London to attend the ongo...

 Petition against Ajaero has been withdrawn, Air Peace clarifies Following reports that the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, was arrested due to failure to honour police invitation over a petition by Air Peace Airlines, the airline has said the information is not true. Air Peace clarified that although it petitioned the NLC in 2023 following a dispute that ensued between both parties, the petition had been withdrawn. A spokesperson for Air Peace, Omotade Makinwa, in a statement made available to Vanguard, said having resolved their differences, the airline and NLC shared a cordial relationship and anything that could break the bond should be jettisoned. The statement reads: “Air Peace Airline expresses deep concern over recent media reports regarding the arrest of the President of the NLC in connection to a petition filed by the airline in September 2023. This development, which has led to negative publicity, does not reflect the current relationship be...

 “I see you becoming President of Nigeria” – Primate Ayodele Advises Governor Makinde to Begin Consultations ahead of 2027 Primate Elijah Ayodele, the leader of the Spiritual Evangelical Church, has advised Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to begin consultations on his presidential ambition from Monday, September 9, 2024. In a televised speech posted on his verified social media account, Primate Ayodele said, Governor Makinde has a higher ground to reach in his political career, and the 2027 presidency is a feasible target. He urged the governor to start building bridges and consulting with stakeholders across the country. The revered cleric emphasized that Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition is not a joke. He urged him not to miss the opportunity and must be serious about it.

 NLC demands release of Joe Ajaero before midnight The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the unconditional release of Joe Ajaero, its president. In a communiqué issued on Monday at the end of an emergency meeting in Abuja, the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC said the labour leader should be released before “midnight today”. On Monday, Benson Upah, NLC spokesperson, said Ajaero was “whisked away” by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on his way to the United Kingdom (UK), where he was invited to a conference by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Britain. “After extensive deliberation, the NAC resolved as follows: the Council unequivocally condemns the brazen and illegal detention of Comrade Joe Ajaero by the Nigerian State without any legal warrant or justification,” the communiqué reads. “The NLC notes with grave concern that Comrade Ajaero was lawfully discharging his duties to represent Nigerian workers and had not committed any offense ...

 Forty-seven inmates escape from prison in Liberia capital Forty-seven inmates escaped during the weekend from a maximum security prison in Liberia's capital, the justice ministry said on Monday.   Additional officers had been deployed to help with the search for the prisoners.

 Appointing 344 new aides ridiculous, Ondo PDP knocks Aiyedatiwa The Ondo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party and the All Progressives Congress have exchanged words over the recent political appointments made by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The state governor, on Friday, through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan, announced the appointments of 344 people as senior special assistants and special assistants but the PDP condemned the action of the governor, describing it as ridiculous. This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the PDP Campaign Organisation, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, on Sunday. The statement read in part, “Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa continues to remain a pitiable sight as the helmsman of our state. His acclaimed rudderless and incompetence is consistently impressed on our psyche as he misses no such opportunity to prove it . “The appointment on Friday of 344 aides is a ridiculous action of a governor who is at ...

 Economic crisis: Buhari now in Daura laughing at us – Abati A veteran journalist and former Senior Adviser on Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati, on Monday, said ex-President Muhammadu Buhari will be in his Daura village in Katsina State laughing at the current situation of the country. Abati said it was a gross embarrassment in terms of economic management to people from the Southwest who, he said, claim to be better at managing the economy. Abati, the lead anchor in the popular Arise TV programme, Morning Show, made the assertion on Monday. He stated that the immediate future of Nigerians now hangs in the balance, stressing that the pain is much and has gone beyond hunger. Abati said: “Nigerians have now been thrown into energy poverty. We now find ourselves unfortunately in a situation whereby President Muhammadu Buhari, now in his Daura village in Katsina, will be laughing. “He will say, ‘okay. I think this Yoruba people they say they kn...

 Petrol price: Ohanaeze, Afenifere, Arewa youths insist on reversal Leading socio-cultural organizations in the country have warned the Nigerian government against possible consequences of the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, pump price, insisting that it should return to old price. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and Arewa Youths in separate chats with DAILY POST on Saturday said failure to revert to the old pump price would have grave consequences on both the government and the populace. Nigerians woke up on Tuesday to find an overwhelming increment in fuel pump price, rising from around the previous official N600 to over N855 per litre. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, blamed the petrol hike on market forces. In some states, the product is currently sold as high as 1,400, worsening the country’s inflation. The development has further worsened the nation’s economy, with prices of goods and services skyrocketing almost hourly. Transportation Most ci...

 Transfer: ‘He was disappointed’ – Details of Mikel Obi’s call with Osimhen after Galatasaray move Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has revealed he spoke with Victor Osimhen after the summer transfer window shut. Mikel Obi tried to get Chelsea to sign Osimhen, but the move eventually did not happen. Osimhen has since sealed a season-long loan deal to Galatasaray. Speaking on the new episode of his podcast, Mikel Obi said: “He was disappointed it did not happen. “I gave him a call after the transfer window shut. I gave him a call and we spoke for about 20 minutes. “I told him that I’m always here for you. Keep your head down, keep working hard, training. “Just make sure when the time is right, you are ready.”

 Niger petrol tanker explosion: 48 victims given mass burial Forty-eight persons confirmed dead in the petrol tanker explosion in Niger State were on Sunday in the Agaie Local Government Area of Niger State, given a mass burial. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when the petrol tanker had a head-on collision with a truck loaded with travellers and cattle from Wudil in Kano State. Abdullahi Baba-Arab, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, in a statement, also confirmed that the mass burial in the local government was necessitated because the 48 persons were burnt beyond recognition. Following further search and rescue operations, he explained that 18 more bodies were recovered from the 30 bodies earlier reported. According to him, “Following further search and rescue operations, my agency discovered 18 more bodies which were also burnt to death and all the dead have been given a mass burial.” Baba-Arab explained that the incident happe...

  Kaduna Govt, UNICEF Partner To Educate 200,000 Out-of-school Children The Kaduna State Government has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund to support the Reaching Out-of-School Children project, aimed at providing quality education to over 200,000 out-of-school children in the state. The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, made this announcement during the signing ceremony at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Kaduna, on Friday. She stated that the project aims to ensure all children in the state have access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances. “This project marks a crucial step in our shared commitment to ensuring that children in Kaduna State have access to quality education, irrespective of their circumstances,” she said. Balarabe also stressed that the project seeks to change the narrative for out-of-school children, particularly girls, children with disabilities, and adolescents, by providing them with a path to education, opportunities,...

 Nigeria’s Oluwafemiayo Breaks Para-Powerlifting Record, Wins Gold Medal Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo has just broken her World Record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to lift 166kg. It is an improvement from her existing WR of 165kg. She also added a gold medal to the record. It is an incredible performance from Oluwafemiayo who takes Nigeria’s overall tally at the Paralympics to seven medals overall. Her win comes on the heels of the Super Eagles’s AFCON qualifier match against Benin Republic. They defeated their opponents 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. Goals by Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sabastine and substitute Joy Igbokwe against Venezuela in Cali on Saturday, also took two-time silver medallists Nigeria to the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. In a related move, Flora Ugwunwa claimed a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a remarkable throw ...

 Benue Govt Seals Ortom’s Company Over Alleged Tax Evasion The Benue State Government has sealed Oracle Business Limited and its subsidiaries for alleged tax evasion to the tune of N130m owed in the last five years. Addressing journalists on the enforcement exercise, the acting Executive Chairman, of Benue State Board of Internal Revenue, Sunday Odagba, said the exercise was to recover tax income from all corporate entities owing the state government. He denied the allegation of political persecution raised by the management of Oracles Business Limited, which alleged that the said tax liability was a ploy to shut the company, as the money was reviewed to N38m, which the company paid. The company also said its business premises were shut because of its ownership by former Governor Samuel Ortom. However, the state tax officials explained how Oracle Business Limited has not paid taxes in five years amounting to over N130m, and failed to meet them for reconciliation after many invitati...

 Nigeria better under PDP rule — Delta dep gov The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Mr Monday Onyeme, said on Sunday that Nigeria was better when the Peoples Democratic Party was in power. He, however, urged Nigerians not to despair but to work with the PDP to redeem the country. Onyeme made the call on Saturday when non-working members of the PDP’s State Executive Committee paid him a courtesy visit to Asaba. He said, “Nigerians learned lessons the hard way by voting for the All Progressives Congress. “When the PDP was leading the nation on a progressive trend with the fuel pump price at N87 per litre and Nigerians were enjoying democratic freedom, they fell prey to the razzmatazz of APC’s ‘change’ mantra. “Our government, the PDP-led government, pegged fuel price at N85 per litre and those in APC said Nigeria must fall if the price was not reduced, today, Nigerians are tired of grumbling about fuel price, the freedom to protest is no longer there. “When we were in charge of the af...