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KWARA GOVT SHUTS CHINESE QUARRY The Kwara State Government has shut down the China Kaidi Quarry site along the Ilorin-Ogbomoso highway. The decision to seal off the quarry was taken on Monday after the inspection carried out by the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), where numerous safety violations were discovered, including the absence of essential safety equipment for workers, inadequate training programmes, and insufficient measures to prevent accidents. Also, environmental concerns were equally raised, such as the lack of proper reclamation procedures and non-compliance with essential environmental permits and licences. Following an earlier inspection visit to the quarry a fortnight ago, the state government expressed deep reservations about the quarry’s non-adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations.  

 RESIDENT DOCTORS SET TO BEGIN FIVE-DAY WARNING STRIKE The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a five-day warning strike following the failure of the Federal Government to meet its demands. The decision was made after a six-and-half-hour extraordinary National Executive Council meeting of the Association held virtually on Monday. The warning strike is expected to commence at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, and end Monday, May 22, at 8:00 a.m. NARD had on April 29, 2023, issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands or face industrial disharmony. This lapsed on Saturday, May 13. The doctors are demanding an immediate increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to the tune of 200 per cent of the current gross salaries of doctors. The doctors also want the immediate withdrawal of the bill seeking to compel medical and dental graduates to render five-year compulsory services in Nigeria before being granted full licences to...

US IMPOSES VISA BAN ON NIGERIANS WHO UNDERMINED 2023 ELECTION The United States has announced that it has taken steps to impose visa bans on persons who disrupted the recent general elections in Nigeria. This was made known in a statement on the US State Department website.   The Secretary of State, Antony Binken said, “The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle”. Binken stressed that the visa ban is specific to certain individuals and is not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole. “These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process”, he added. The decisio...

Chibok Schoolgirl, Saratu Dauda, Escapes After 9 Years In Boko Haram Captivity The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen Ibrahim Ali, has said that another Chibok schoolgirl has been rescued. The 25-year Saratu Dauda; was rescued by the ground troops on May 6, 2023 at Ukuba terrorists’ hideouts in the Sambisa forest, Borno state. Handing over Saratu, to the State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, yesterday (Monday), in Maiduguri, General Ali, disclosed: “Prior to her rescue through escape, Saratu was married to Abu Yusuf, an Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) Boko Haram expert”. General Ali disclosed that, Saratu left behind her three children with her forced husband and find her way out of the Sambisa forest, adding that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining Children who are in custody of the husband, Abu Yusuf. He said she was rushed to the Maimalari military hospital for intensive care; before handing her over to the ...

Anambra State Government inaugurates Master Plan For Water Supply/Distribution   By Chris Chikelue   Anambra State Government has inaugurated the conduct of Hydrogeological and Hydrological Mapping and Modeling for Water Source Potentials in Anambra State. This innovation is in line with the determination of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in providing portable water solution innovation for the people of the state. The event which is a partnership between the Anambra State Ministry of Power and Water Resources and Tona Geological Consultants (Consortium) Nig. Ltd took place at Aroma Overhead Reservoir, Ifite Road, Awka. The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka said that the project goes beyond drilling boreholes and installing water pumps. ``The baseline data collected here will serve as a foundation for evidence-based planning, policy formulation and sustainable water resource management. ``The programme which is a fulfillment of a major manifesto promise...

Obi of Onitsha describes Labour Party Presidential flag bearer as Man of Destiny   By Nneka Anoliefo   The Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Agbogidi), has described Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate for the Labour Party in the February 2023 Nigeria Presidential Election, as a man of destiny. Igwe Achebe made this description in his remarks at the presentation of the book, ‘Peter Obi: Many Voices, One Perspective,’ in Awka. The royal father noted that Mr. Obi's progress in all he did has shown that the hands of God Almighty are upon his life.  On his part, Mr. Peter Obi Urged Nigerians to always do things the right way. The lead Editor of the book, Prof. Chinyere Okunna explained that Obi may not be a saint but that he stands out with integrity, pointing out that Nigeria will be richly blessed if Mr. Obi becomes President of the country. She said that whatever was reali...

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF FLAGS  OFF MAIDEN EDITION OF CAPTAIN TO MAJOR WRITTEN PROMOTION EXAMINATION 2023 …Urges participants to avoid any form of examination malpractice As part of the assessment process for the eligible Nigerian Army officers of the rank of Captain to be promoted to the next rank of Major in the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya flagged off the Maiden Edition of the Captain to Major Written Promotion Examination Direct Regular Commission (CMWPE DRC) 2023 at Muhammadu Buhari Auditorium, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST) Benin City Edo State.  In his remarks, the COAS stated that, CMWPE DRC 2023 is the first of its kind in the history of NA, which is aimed at bridging the gaps observed in professional military education. He noted that the candidates are most privileged to be the pioneers of the examination, which is in line with his command philosophy and the desire to develop the capability and capacity of NA pers...