The hottest and most trending news articles for this week in all categories are captured in one shot. Find articles ranging from News to Sports, to Politics, to Entertainment, to Economy, to Metro plus, and many other categories. See below the top news for the week:
NEWS
- INEC deleting double registrants from voter register – Mahmood
The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday said the estimated three million Internally Displaced Persons would participate in the 2023 general elections. The commission added that it will display voter register across the country once it completes the ongoing Automated Biometric Identification System to weed out all double/multiple as well as ineligible registrants.
The commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated these in Abuja at a stakeholders’ meeting on the 2022 Revised Framework and Regulations for Voting by IDPs. Yakubu explained that the revised framework had taken into consideration several developments since the last review and validation in 2018.
He said, “The policy was to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is left out of the electoral process on account of displacement, disability or other circumstances that may limit citizens’ participation in the electoral process. One of such developments is the increased number of IDPs as a result of widespread insecurity nationwide. Secondly, to incorporate not only the displaced citizens arising from armed conflicts but also natural emergencies such as flooding.
Yakubu stressed that beyond these, there was also a need for robust collaboration with stakeholders for voter education and sensitisation of IDPs. He, however, denied the claim by a coalition of Civil Society Organisations that the commission had violated Section 19(1) of the 2022 Electoral Act, which spells out how voters’ registration should be displayed across the country. Yakubu said INEC has not fixed a date for the activity in question and when it is time, it will do the needful to the letter.
- Fraud: EFCC arraigns Ogun Speaker, assembles 10 witnesses
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and stealing against the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, and three others. The charge was filed by the EFFC’s Lagos Head of Legal Monitoring Unit, Rotimi Oyedepo, at the Federal High Court, Abeokuta, Ogun State on September 1, 2022.
Count 1 of the charge read, “That you Oluomo Taiwo, Oladayo Samuel, Adeyemo Adedeji Taiwo and Adeyanju Amoke (now at large) sometimes in 2019 in Abeokuta within the jurisdiction of this court conspired amongst yourselves to use the total sum of N2.475bn which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: stealing from the treasury of Ogun State House of Assembly. You thereby committed an offence contrary to sections 18 (a), 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under section 15 (3) of the same Act.”
The commission said it intends to call at least 10 witnesses to testify and tender documents and exhibits. A source at the EFCC, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, also confirmed to our correspondent that the commission would follow up on the case with an application in Abeokuta for the case to be heard this week at the Federal High Court in Lagos by a vacation judge.
The EFCC had earlier released Oluomo on bail, and he is expected to return to the Lagos office of the anti-graft agency today alongside other officials of the Ogun State House of Assembly, including the clerk and accountant for questioning.
- Be mindful of fake news, NBC urges Nigerians
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has called on Nigerians to be mindful of fake news which is capable of inciting and instigating hatred, resentment, anger, hostility and enmity among them. The Director-General of NBC, Malam Balarabe Ilelah, gave the advice on Tuesday at the National Fact-Checking Course, organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Abuja. The NBC chief commended NOA for its commitment, especially on the training of fact-checkers who were drawn from military, para-military and other agencies.
In his remark, Mr Kashifu Abdullahi, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), said that the agency was tasked with the responsibility of developing a Code of Practice for online platforms. Abdullahi was represented by the Manager, Digital Architect, Digital Literacy and Capacity Development, NITDA, Malam Bashiru Ibrahim.
He said that the idea was in line with the Federal Government’s efforts to make the digital ecosystem safer for Nigerians.
- MTEF: Reps panel directs minister to sack FCCPC Director over N5 billion extra-budgetary spending
The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, to sack the Director of Finance of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Akinyoghon Ojo. The committee indicted Mr Ojo and FCCPC of spending internally-generated revenue despite being a fully funded agency that ought to remit all revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Account.
The agency was indicted at the public hearing on the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) on Tuesday. The agency generated N4.021 billion in 2021 but remitted N1.3 billion. In the current fiscal cycle, the agency generated N3.661 billion but remitted N1.2 billion. James Faleke, the chairman of the committee, queried the expenditure, noting that the agency acted contrary to section 80 of the 1999 constitution and the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
In his defence, Mr Ojo said the funds were used to augment the operational expenses of the agency. He stated that the agency has applied to be given financial autonomy, but is yet to be approved. He claimed that a committee of the National Assembly approved an internally generated budget. The Executive Commissioner of the Commission, Adamu Abdulahi, said the agency increased expenditure to generate money, noting that “it takes money to generate money.”
In his ruling, Mr Faleke directed that the existing funds in the account of the agency should be barred. “There is N570 million in that account, block that money, it must not be spent until we clear them. On Monday. all your officers must appear. Come with a new director of finance,” Mr Faleke directed.
- Kemi Badenoch Of Nigerian Heritage Gets UK Trade Secretary Job
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Liz Truss, has appointed Kemi Badenoch as the new Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade. Ms Badenoch, who was born Olukemi Olufunto in Wimbledon, London to parents of Nigerian origin, is also the MP for Saffron Walden.
Her appointment comes hours after Truss assumed office as Britain’s third woman prime minister and new Leader of the Conservative and Unionist Party, taking over from Boris Johnson who held the position since July 2019. The 42-year-old’s appointment was announced on the verified Twitter page for the office of the UK Prime Minister based at 10 Downing Street.
- Ooni Of Ife Remarries After Naomi’s Split
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has married a new wife, Mariam Anako, about nine months after then Queen Naomi Silekunola announced her separation from the first-class monarch. Newsmen gathered from palace sources that the monarch received his new bride on Tuesday evening after brief rites at the palace in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
It was also learnt that siblings of the new queen and Oba Ogunwusi were present at the private ceremony.
The spokesman for the monarch, Moses Olafare, splashed photos and videos of the event on his Facebook page. Though efforts to speak with him proved abortive as of press time as his calls rang out, palace sources confirmed to our correspondent that Anako was received at the palace on Tuesday evening. Then Queen Naomi had on December 23, 2021 announced her separation from the monarch in an Instagram post and ended the three-year union that produced a son, Tadenikawo.
Though some Yoruba monarchs tried to intervene but the reconciliation efforts were unproductive. In 2008 before his coronation, Ooni was married to Adebukola Bombata but the marriage failed. After his coronation in 2016, he married Zaynab-Otiti Obanor from Edo State but they separated after 17 months. The monarch, who married Naomi in 2018, also had a daughter, Princess Adeola Ogunwusi, with Omolara Olatubosun.
Like the Ooni, other royal divorce known to the public include that of the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi (Chanel Chin, December 2019); and the late Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III (Anuoluwapo Adeyemi, November 2020).
POLITICS
- 2023: Youths Will Set Agenda For The Next Election – Atedo Peterside
Nigerian entrepreneur and economist, Atedo Peterside, is of the opinion that young Nigerians will set the agenda for the next general elections in the country. Mr Peterside who on Friday was a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today, said with an electorate made up of mostly young individuals, one can be certain that their impact will be felt on the outcome of the polls.
“We have an electorate that is now full of young people, the younger ones are the majority. From what they have been writing and saying, they understand the issues, they understand better that some people are taking this country for a ride. It is a good thing for this country that many young people between the ages of 18 and 35 are now very interested in the political destiny of this country and they will set the agenda between now and the elections in February,” Mr Peterside opined.
The investment banker further stated that at this moment in the nation’s history, no one can hoodwink the populace and tell them obvious lies, because the people have been down that road before. According to him, the fundamental change that has taken place ahead of 2023 is that the youths are now highly politically active and cannot wait for the polls to get underway.
Mr Peterside further asserted that paradigms are shifting in the political landscape of Nigeria with the major parties not having the foothold they once had on the populace. He said young people are very excited about the elections because they can now partake in changing the tragic situations within the country.
- 2023: Northern senators, others upset over Wike’s opposition to Atiku — Source
following his opposition and relentless attacks on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, northern leaders, including senators across party lines, are upset with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. It was learned that the leaders, who initially thought Wike’s tantrums were just political jibes, are now seeing his growing opposition to the PDP candidate as an attack on the north.
Both Atiku and Wike have been engaged in a frosty relationship over the removal of the party’s National Chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu. The two leaders also set up a reconciliation committee to resolve their differences but there has been no headway. Multiple sources said both All Progressives Congress, APC and PDP senators now see Wike’s actions as not just humiliating to Atiku but also the entire north. The camp of the Rivers State governor is also not relenting as it is insisting that the promises made by the former vice president must be honoured. Meanwhile, strong indications have emerged that the reconciliation committee is expected to meet this week to look into the requests of both camps to make headway.
Following Wike’s opposition to Atiku, there is growing consensus to support Atiku, especially the North/South divide they felt Wike has introduced to PDP crisis. A highly placed source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The north is taking note of what Wike is doing to Atiku. I am one of them and I can tell you confidently that they are not happy with Wike.
ECONOMY
- PENGASSAN threatens 30-day shutdown, Nigeria risks N1.37tn loss
Protesting members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria on Thursday threatened to shut down oil production in Nigeria for 30 days if the Federal Government fails to curb the lingering massive oil theft in the Niger Delta. Members of the union staged protests in various parts of Nigeria including Abuja, Warri in Delta State, Kaduna and Port Harcourt in Rivers State. Findings showed that should the workers implement their threat, Nigeria might lose about N1.37trn from the non-production and sale of crude oil, a major foreign exchange revenue earner for the country.
Speaking at the sensitisation rally that was held at the Delta State Governor’s Office Annexe in Warri, the PENGASSAN Zonal Chairman, Prince Audu Osihiokhamele, noted with concern that “the big men doing the business of crude oil theft are in government. He added, “They say they load vessels, but we don’t see any. Is it a needle?” He then declared that failure by the authorities to find lasting solutions to the menace would push PENGASSAN into taking more drastic actions.
“We will shut down the country for 30 days until we all come to the round table to unravel the mysteries surrounding the thefts,” Osihiokhamele stated. He added, “PENGASSAN will resort to shutting down production for 30 days by withdrawing members, both onshore and offshore, wherever they are producing crude, should the government fail to hearken to this warning.” An analysis showed that by shutting down oil production for 30 days, the country could lose about 30.03 million barrels of crude, valued at an estimated N1.37trn.
- How theft crashed Nigeria’s oil production in August
Crude oil production in Nigeria dropped again in August 2022, crashing below one million barrels per day to 972,394 bpd, the lowest recorded in years. The latest figures obtained in Abuja on Thursday from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission indicated that the country’s oil production dropped from 1,083,899 bpd in July to 972,394 bpd in August. Hence, Nigeria lost about 111,505 barrels of crude oil daily in August, as it was also gathered that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited went to the Federal High Court to canvass special tribunal for the speedy trial of crude oil thieves and pipeline vandals.
Documents obtained by our correspondent showed that while the total crude oil production in July 2022 was 33,600,878 barrels, this slumped to 30,144,212 barrels in August, indicating a loss of 3,456,666 barrels in one month. Data compiled by countryeconomy.com, an international analytical firm, showed that the average price of Brent, the global benchmark for crude, was $100.5/barrel. Therefore, by losing 3,456,666 barrels in August, Nigeria lost $364.68m or N155.87bn (at Thursday’s official exchange rate of N427.43/$) in the month under review. An analysis of the 2020, 2021 and 2022 crude oil and condensate production reports for Nigeria showed that the 972,394 bpd produced in August 2022 was the lowest ever in these years.
All the figures for oil production in 2020 and 2021 through January to July 2022 were above one million barrels per day, but this dropped below the 1mbpd mark in August 2022. From January, February, March and April 2022, for instance, the country’s crude oil production (without condensates) were 1.39mbpd, 1.26mbpd, 1.24mbpd and 1.22mbpd respectively. In May, June and July 2022, the figures were 1.02mbpd, 1.16mbpd and 1.08mbpd respectively. But this dropped below 1mbpd in August to 0.97mbpd.
The reason being given daily for the slump in Nigeria’s oil production is oil theft but the stealing of crude has refused to abate. This made the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria to threaten that it would stop producing oil across the country if the Federal Government failed to nip the menace in the bud. PENGASSAN commenced rallies in various states on Thursday to protest the continued stealing of crude, as it blamed soldiers and other security agents for conniving with thieves to perpetuate the crime.
The association’s President, Festus Osifo, said the majority of Nigeria’s oil exploration activities on land were currently shut due to massive oil theft in the Niger Delta. “We’ve had meetings with the security agencies and captains of industry on what could be done to end oil theft, but these meetings seem to be yielding no result,” he stated.
- Oil theft: FG dissolves NSCDC anti-vandal teams guarding oil pipelines
The Federal Government has dissolved all the anti-vandal units of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, guarding oil pipelines in Niger Delta as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate connivance with some bad eggs in the system with non-state actors.
Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Audi, ordered the dissolution, yesterday, in Abuja during a meeting with the top management and all state commandants of the corps to performance and policies. He said the dissolution followed the directive of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, to with immediate effect dissolve all anti-vandal units of the corps.
He added that all road blocks in the troubled areas that were not approved by the corps, have also been ordered to be dismantled. On reason for the dissolution, he said there was a need to reconstitute the units, so as to introduce fresh blood and do away with security operatives, who may be accomplices.
- FG suspends proposed tax on phone calls
The federal government has suspended the proposed new tax on phone calls and other telecommunications services. The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, announced this on Monday. He said the planned excise duty on telecommunication services has been suspended.
Pantami spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Committee on Excise Duty for the Digital Economy Sector in Abuja. He said the sector was already overburdened by excessive and repeated taxes. The federal government had earlier said it would begin implementing the proposed excise taxes on telecommunications and beverage services in 2023.
The Minister of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, announced that the government was preparing to implement a 5% excise tax on telecommunications services, which would raise total on phone services to 12.5%. The sector has an existing 7.5 per cent on its services. However, Mr Pantami opposed the new tax, which would increase the cost of telecommunications services in the country. He said the ministry was not consulted and criticised the timing of the plan.
BUSINESS
- Buhari Approves FG’s Takeover Of Gombe Airport
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the takeover of the Gombe State Airport by the Federal Government. Governor Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe State made the disclosure on Friday while addressing State House Correspondents after a meeting with the President. He explained that the move would ensure the availability of funds to maintain the facility throughout the lifespan of its operation.
Only recently, officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) inspected facilities at the Gombe International Airport and certified it for the airlift of Muslim pilgrims in the State to Saudi Arabia, in June. According to him, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is building an Air Force base on the airport premises while additional facilities are expected to enhance management and business activities.
- Oil theft: Navy destroys 347 illegal refineries in five months
As crude oil theft and illegal refining continue in the Niger Delta region, the Nigerian Navy says it has destroyed no fewer than 347 illegal refineries in the last five months. It stated that the proliferation of illegal refineries had been an enabler of crude oil theft because access to crude supply through vandalism of pipelines had kept the illegal artisanal refineries alive. Speaking to newsmen, Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, noted that host communities, traditional rulers and other leaders in the region had a role to play in the reorientation of the perpetrators, especially young people. He said the menace posed serious danger to the environment and was impacting negatively on the country’s revenue.
With about 400,000 barrels of crude oil said to be stolen daily, the rate of oil theft in the country has been described by many persons and organisations as economic sabotage, given the way it erodes the country’s revenue from crude oil export, the mainstay of the country’s economy. Owing to the menace, Nigeria has been unable to meet its quota as allocated by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries. While OPEC increased the country’s crude oil output quota from 1.799 million barrels per day in July 2022 to 1.826 million barrels per day in August from a peak of 2.4 million bpd previously, the country’s oil production dropped from 1,083,899 bpd in July to 972,394 bpd in August.
On account of the dwindling revenue fuelled by the low oil production, Nigeria has resorted to frequent borrowings, with the country’s debt stock standing at over N41tn, a development that has fuelled concerns by many citizens and organisations. Ayo-Vaughan explained, “Since Operation Dakatar de Barawo commenced on April 1, 2022, the illegal refining sites that we have destroyed so far are 347, and we have arrested 143 suspects till date. The perpetrators are usually locals recruited by the main perpetrators in the crime and the proliferation of the illegal refining sites is in many ways fuelling the theft because it’s like a symbiotic relationship.
HEALTH
- Anambra fifth in HIV transmission in Nigeria – Agency
The Anambra State AIDS Control Agency has revealed that the state is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people between 15 to 49 years. The Executive Director of the agency, Mr. Johnbosco Ementa, stated this during a two-day stakeholders meeting organised by the body in Awka, on Thursday. Ementa said that the forum was organised for various stakeholders to brainstorm on how best to scale up the campaign to eliminate HIV transmission in the state.
He pointed out that the meeting was an opportunity to interact, share knowledge, and highlight challenges facing the state in terms of HIV transmission, to address them. He lamented the situation saying that the agency was working tirelessly with stakeholders to mitigate the impact. He said, “It is unfortunate to note that Anambra is the fifth highest in Nigeria in terms of HIV transmission among people aged 15 to 49 years.
“The agency is working tirelessly to ensure its reduction or elimination by promoting behavioural change in both low and high population, increase awareness and sensitisation among the general population. “We are also working with targeted stakeholders, to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in the state. “Let me also inform you that plans are underway to domesticate the 2014 HIV Anti Stigma Bill in Anambra State.”
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, on his part, called for more efforts to reduce HIV transmission in the state. Obidike, who was represented by the Director, Public Health, Dr. Afam Anaeme, said that HIV prevention is a task that should be accomplished and sustained in the state. “The pattern of transmission of the disease has made prevention a bit difficult in the state but Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is determined to give residents quality healthcare service delivery. “I urge the agency to do more to ensure that the transmission of HIV is drastically reduced in the state,” he said.
- Nigeria, others target $18bn to fight HIV, others.
- Stakeholders in the country made this known during the pre-conference meeting on the Global Fund’s seventh replenishment with the theme ‘Nigeria’s call to fight what counts’ held in Abuja on Thursday. According to them, the fund is needed to change the trajectories of mortality and incidence toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 3 target of ending AIDS, TB, and malaria as epidemics by 2030. It was reported that the United States of America will host the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference on September 19, 2022, in New York City with a target of raising $18 billion targeted at saving 20 million lives globally from the impacts of HIV, TB, and malaria.
Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire said Nigeria aligns with Global Fund’s target to raise at least $18 billion for the 2023-2025 funding cycle to save 20 million lives and to reduce the mortality of HIV, TB, and malaria by 65 percent. Dr. Ehanire, who was represented by the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama said the fund will help get the world back on track toward ending HIV, TB, and malaria, especially for the most affected countries. “Nigeria also remains committed to its contribution to the Fund. The investment case shows a gap of 20 percent or $28.4 billion. The Government of Nigeria recognises the necessity of progressive increment in our domestic financing for health, without which the goal of the investment case and 2030 health goals would be a mirage.”
He said the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), approved the National Health Insurance Authority Act, which provides for multiple and innovative strategies for raising revenue for health. “This Act provides the legal framework for achieving universal health coverage in a sustainable manner using domestic resources. It will also cater for the vulnerable, ensuring no one is left behind. We are committed to fulfilling our obligations to the citizens by progressively investing in their health, education, and overall welfare.
“I seize this opportunity to solicit the commitment of all donor countries to increase funds available to the Global Fund through the 7th Replenishment Conference. The stakes are high. $18 billion is ambitious, yet this is the minimum funding that is required if the world is to make a difference in the fight against HIV, TB, and malaria.” Also speaking, the Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Gambo Aliyu, said over $3.8 billion has been mobilised and invested in Nigeria through the Global Fund.
He said “For this replenishment, we are looking to meeting the target in addition to what we have done for the last three years and we want to increase the target. Globally the target is aimed to be increased from $14 billion to $18 billion.
EDUCATION
- FG to revisit ‘no work, no pay’ as VCs push to end strike
In a move to end the seven months closure of public varsities in the country, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, yesterday, said government could only afford 23.5 per cent salary increase for lecturers, while a 35 per cent increment will be enjoyed by professors, as its last effort to break the industrial dispute between varsity teachers and the Federal Government.
This is sequel to the meeting between government, pro-chancellors and vice chancellors of federal universities aimed at finding lasting solutions to the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Abuja.
The union has been on strike since February 14 over revitalisation of public universities, payment of earned academic allowances and deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) for payment of university lecturers’ salaries, among others. Amid the strike, government had invoked the ‘No work, No pay’ policy. The Minister, who noted that President Muhammadu Buhari warned against signing agreements that the government will not be able to meet, said the only issue yet to be resolved with ASUU is the position of the law on ‘No work, No pay.’
At the meeting, the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU) urged government to pay university professors N800,000 as against the N1.2 million negotiated by the Nimi Briggs committee. This recommendation will represent a 50 per cent salary increase offer, as against the 23 per cent increase being proposed by the Federal Government.
While making efforts to end the strike, the committee further set up a sustainable peace team of elders to resolve the lingering disagreement. Secretary-General of CVCNU and co-ordinator of the team, Prof. Michael Faborode, said their goal was not to allow the current impasse in the ASUU strike continue, as its toll on all stakeholders and the nation had become colossal.
Faborode said to arrive at the final list, no serving vice chancellor or pro-chancellor is included and membership was based on the record of service as recorded by the CVCNU. The Minister insisted that government has made every effort to resolve the concerns ASUU is clinging on to for the protracted strike.
- 31% Of Nigerians Still Can’t Read, Write ― FG
In spite of huge investment in the education sector in Nigeria, the Federal Government, on Monday, revealed that about 31 per cent of the nation’s population cannot read and write.
Minister of State for Education, Rt Honourable Goodluck Opiah, made this known during ministerial briefing on the 2022 International Literacy Day with the theme: ‘Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces; Exploring Opportunities and Possibilities’.
He said it was heartwarming to note that the current statistics of 2022, based on estimations, captured the non-literate population at about 31 per cent of the estimated total population, saying was a significant reduction from the hitherto statistics of 38 per cent in 2015. This is even as the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has revealed that more than 771 million youth and adults around the world still do not possess basic literacy skills-60 per cent of whom are girls and women.
The Minister, however, noted that International Literacy Day is observed all over the world to reaffirm commitment to promoting education and literacy, adding that it was an opportunity to rethink the fundamental importance of literacy learning spaces to build resilience and ensure quality, equitable, and inclusive education for all. He noted theme is also apt as it adequately helps to increase awareness about the diverse literacy learning spaces which centred on the needs of youths and adults.
WORLD
- King Charles III Commits To ‘Lifelong Service’ In First Address
Britain’s new monarch, King Charles III, addressed a mourning nation and the Commonwealth for the first time Friday, a day after the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Here is his statement, pre-recorded in the Blue Drawing Room in Buckingham Palace during the afternoon and broadcast at 6:00 pm (1700 GMT) on UK television: “I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty the Queen — my beloved Mother — was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding, and example.
“Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived, a promise with destiny kept, and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today. Alongside the personal grief that all my family is feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where the queen was head of state, in the Commonwealth, and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than 70 years in which my mother, as queen, served the people of so many nations.
“In 1947, on her 21st birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as sovereign never wavered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as nations. The affection, admiration, and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign.
“My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others. This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage 17 years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort.
• UK PM, Buhari, Biden, Obama, Macron, others hail Britain’s longest-reigning monarch
Eulogies from global leaders and leading personalities all over the world poured in for Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest reigning monarch, as she died at the age of 96 on Thursday. She died peacefully at Balmoral Castle, her estate in the Scottish Highlands in the afternoon marking the end of an era in the United Kingdom. Her death, which was announced by Buckingham Palace, attracted glowing tributes from global leaders, who described her in glowing terms.
The crown passes immediately to her son and heir Charles, who will officially be known as King Charles III. Two members of staff posted the formal notice of the Queen’s death on an easel on the railings of Buckingham Palace. The notice says, “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.” On Wednesday, there were concerns over her health when Buckingham Palace announced that she had postponed a virtual meeting of her Privy Council after being advised by doctors to rest. On Thursday, the palace disclosed that she was under medical supervision, adding that she said she was “comfortable” at Balmoral. Shortly after her death was announced, mourners gather at Buckingham Palace to pay tributes.
- UK’s Truss Makes History With Non-White Top Team
The leading cabinet lieutenants of Britain’s third woman prime minister share her right-wing ideology. They are all also people of colour. For the first time in UK history, no white men will occupy any of the four “great offices of state”: prime minister, Treasury, foreign office and home affairs. Britain might even have got its first ethnic Indian occupant of 10 Downing Street. But Liz Truss beat Rishi Sunak in the ruling Conservative party’s contest to find a successor to Boris Johnson.
Traditionally the party of the better-off establishment, the Conservatives have made bigger strides towards ethnic and gender diversity in their top ranks than the centre-left Labour opposition. Labour has still to elect a permanent woman leader, but surveys show it retains a hold on most non-white voters who credit its progressive economic policies and its historical fight against racism. Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner admitted the Tories were ahead in their visible diversity.
- Earthquake kills over 40, destroys homes in China
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck China’s Sichuan province, killing more than 40 people and shaking the capital Chengdu, Aljazeera reports. Forty-six people were killed in the quake, Chinese state media, Xinhua, reported on Monday, citing local authorities at a press briefing. The epicentre was at Luding, a town in the mountains about 226km (110 miles) southwest of Chengdu, the China Earthquake Networks Centre said. Some roads and homes near the epicentre were damaged by landslides on Monday, while communications were down in at least one area, according to state television.
No damage to dam and hydropower stations within 50km (31 miles) of the epicentre was reported. Earthquakes are common in Sichuan, a southwestern province, especially in its western mountains, a tectonically active area along the eastern boundary of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Resident Jiang Danli said she hid under a desk for five minutes in her 31st-floor apartment, while many of her neighbours rushed downstairs. “There was a strong earthquake in June, but it wasn’t very scary. This time I was really scared because I live on a high floor and the shaking made me dizzy,” Jiang said.
Laura Luo, who lives in Chengdu, a city of about 21 million people, was on her way back to her apartment block when she saw people in her neighbourhood rushing out of their high-rise homes in panic after getting earthquake warnings on their phones.
- Washington: One dead, nine missing after plane crash
One person was killed and rescue crews were searching for nine others after a small plane crashed along the coast of the US state of Washington on Sunday, the coast guard said. The Coast Guard said it received a report of the crash around 3:11 pm (2211 GMT) and dispatched helicopters and boats to scour the area. Local search and rescue officials were also on the scene. “One deceased individual was recovered by crews on scene. Nine individuals remain unaccounted for, and a safety zone has been put into effect to help facilitate search efforts,” the coast guard said in a statement, adding that no cause for the crash had yet been determined.
The plane crashed while flying over the Pacific Ocean inlet of Puget Sound while on its way to Renton Municipal Airport near Seattle. Flight tracking website Flight Radar 24 said it was monitoring reports of the crash, and that it had recorded the last signal from a 55-year-old de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter — a single-engine propeller plane — in the area at 3:08 pm local time at 100 feet (30.5 meters) of altitude.
Initially, the Coast Guard’s Pacific Northwest division tweeted that eight adults and one child were on board. It later tweeted an update that they were searching for 10 passengers.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Helen Paul bags presidential lifetime achievement award in US
Ace comedian, Helen Paul, has once again added another feather to her cap as she has become a recipient of the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement award. Delighted about the feat, the entertainer who is a professor at Heart Bible International University said, “I am elated to be recognized and celebrated in this manner. I am proud to be a part of HBIU – a shining institution promoting ideas that challenge and change the world.
“I am glad to be associated with the growth of an institution with humble beginnings that is taking clear and definitive steps toward being one of the most sought-after institutions in the world. Indeed, when the success story of HBIU is told, I will gladly say “I saw it on the horizon, if God said it, He will do it. I am honoured and privileged to be awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by the Heart Bible International University. The Award Ceremony was held in Hartford Connecticut, USA and this award is a prestigious award from the President of the United States, President Joe Biden.
She seized the opportunity to thank her school as well as colleagues who made the occasion a reality.
SPORTS
- Chelsea Sack Manager Tuchel After Dinamo Zagreb Defeat
Chelsea on Wednesday sacked manager Thomas Tuchel just seven games into the season following a chastening 1-0 Champions League defeat at Dinamo Zagreb. The London club said in a statement they had “parted company” with the German, who led them to Champions League glory in 2021 and the Club World Cup crown earlier this year. The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss, 49, leaves Stamford Bridge after less than 20 months in charge.
“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, the club would like to place on record its gratitude to Thomas and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club,” the Premier League club said in a statement. Thomas will rightly have a place in Chelsea’s history after winning the Champions League, the Super Cup and Club World Cup in his time here.”
The Stamford Bridge club, under new owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, defended the timing of the decision. “As the new ownership group reaches 100 days since taking over the club, and as it continues its hard work to take the club forward, the new owners believe it is the right time to make this transition,” the statement said. Chelsea are sixth in the Premier League table after three wins, one draw and two defeats in their opening six matches.
- Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, Nwokocha suspended for doping
Nigeria’s 2022 Commonwealth Games Gold medal winner, Grace Nwokocha has been handed a provisional suspension by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for doping. Nwokocha who ran Nigeria’s anchor leg in the 4×100 winning women’s relay is included on the list of athletes placed on provisional suspension for various doping offenses.
The athletics body disclosed on its official website on Saturday night that Ostarine and Lingadrol were found in Nwokocha’s sample A urine collected on August 3, 2022, at the Commonwealth Games and she will now be under provisional suspension pending the conclusion of investigations.
Other members of the quarter are Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, and Rosemary Chukwuma. Nwokocha will now be excluded from any other competition until a final decision is taken at a hearing conducted, as per World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules.
- Buhari Commissions New Naval Sports Complex In Lagos
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned a New Naval Sports Complex in Lagos State and declared open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games. At the commissioning ceremony, the president urged Nigerians to believe in the capability of the armed forces to safeguard and bring long-lasting peace and stability to the country.
Declaring open the 12th Nigerian Navy Games, LAGOS 2022, the President assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to sustain their operational tempo to contain the security challenges in the country. He said the security agencies would continue to ensure that all appropriate measures were in place for the safety of Nigerians. The President also re-emphasized the importance of synergy between the armed forces, other security agencies and the general population for peace and security.
‘‘Over the years, sports have remained a tool to strengthen the ties between troops, instilling discipline and readiness to serve a common cause in the military. I am sure that these Games will create the forum for the Nigerian Navy to achieve these objectives and more. ‘‘The construction of this sports complex has provided a standard venue for the Nigerian Navy to host major games as well as an appropriate venue for naval personnel within Lagos to use for training and other recreational purposes. ‘‘I am therefore confident that besides the conduct of the Games, the Nigerian Navy and its personnel will continue to make good use of the facilities in this complex,’’ he said.
METRO PLUS
- FG freezes 600 accounts, seizes 249 luxury vehicles
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency seized no fewer than 286 assets and 600 bank accounts of drug barons between January 2021 and August 2022. NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a document made available to one of our correspondents on Tuesday, said the assets consisted of 249 exotic cars and 37 mansions.
The agency’s seizures came against the backdrop of the categorisation of Nigeria by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime as the transit point for “heroin and cocaine intended for European, East Asian, and North American markets.”
According to the UN agency, since 2004 “drug traffickers have been increasingly using West African countries, including Nigeria for smuggling large amounts of cocaine from South America into Europe and North America. The country has a relatively high rate of drug abuse due to the continued availability of illicitly manufactured and diverted pharmaceutical products containing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.”
The NDLEA, in the document made to newsmen, said it was faced with the “overwhelming task of drug control in a country with an exceptionally high prevalence of drug use of 14.4 per cent.” Explaining the seizures by the agency in the last 20 months, Babafemi said 286 assets were confiscated and 600 bank accounts were frozen. He stated that the assets of drug barons consisted of “249 exotic vehicles seized and 37 properties forfeited, all scattered across the country.” The NDLEA also indicated that it seized N871.53m worth of illegal drug funds between January 2021 and August 2022.
- Kaduna Train Hostages’ Negotiator Arrested In Egypt
One of the leading negotiators for the release of victims of the train attack in Kaduna State, Tukur Mamu, has been reportedly arrested by security operatives in Egypt. Mamu, who is also the spokesman for Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was said to have been arrested on Tuesday by INTERPOL at the Cairo International Airport while trying to connect a flight to Saudi Arabia.
Although no comment has been made by the Nigerian government or the security agencies, Sheikh Gumi told Channels Television on Wednesday that Mamu has been released and was on his way back to Kaduna. He, however, did not give details of why Mamu – the publisher of Desert Herald Newspaper – was arrested in the North African country.
Mamu has been in the limelight recently for his role in the release of victims of the train attack who were kidnapped by terrorists on March 28. In August, he announced his withdrawal as the lead negotiator in securing the release of the remaining victims of the train attack after he alleged a threat to his life by the Nigerian government.
- Rivers police arrest fake reverend sister for child trafficking, rescue 15 children
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a child trafficking syndicate, identified as Maureen Wechinwu, who claims to be a reverend sister. She was paraded among 20 other suspects arrested in the state within August and September for various crimes. Speaking, the Commissioner of police in the state, Friday Eboka, said based on intelligence, Wechinwu was arrested at her residence in Aluu Community, Ikwerre Local Council of Rivers State and rescued 15 children from her home.
He said the children recovered from the suspected trafficker were aged between seven and nine, adding that the suspect would be prosecuted upon completion of investigation. Eboka said preliminary investigations have shown that the children were picked from different parts of the country and were being sold out to people. According to him, it took about 24 hour before the children were able to tell their experiences to the police, adding that they were tortured and hypnotised.
- 2 dead, 4 trapped, as uncompleted 7-storey building collapses in Lagos
Two persons were, yesterday, confirmed dead, while four construction workers are still trapped under the debris of an uncompleted seven-storey building at Oba Abiodun Oniru Street, Oniru Estate, Lekki, Lagos. It was said that the yet-to-be-rescued workers are trapped on the 3rd floor where the two bodies were recovered. The building was sealed February 18, 2021 by officials of Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA but the developer continued to work.
A vulcanizer, simply identified as Tobi, said although the site engineer forbids people from sleeping on site, many people usually converge there at night. He added that the building was giving distress vibrations for a couple of minutes and went down slowly, noting that about 30 escaped before the building collapsed.
- Chief Imam, 3 others killed as Boko Haram invades Borno community
About four persons, including the Chief Imam of Gima, were reportedly killed with several others sustaining injuries when members of Boko Haram terrorists invaded Ngulde Community of Askira -Uba local government area of Borno State. The terrorists, according to an investigation, were only confined in Tuga, a riverine community, but now deserted, and took the advantage of having access to Ngulde, as the roads linking Tuga Garambal, Garkida and some parts of Adamawa, Hawul or Askira-Uba communities remained inaccessible due to flooding and heavy waves.
The terrorists also looted livestock and food items without confrontation, after setting ablaze two vehicles, as Ngulde is a remote agrarian community situated in some parts of Sambisa forest. A councillor representing Ngulde ward, Bilyaminu Umar, confirmed the incident on his Facebook page yesterday.
The attack claimed four (4) lives and left many with casualties, while properties and Businesses worth Millions of naira were also destroyed and carted away by the insurgents. “Unfortunately, without proper satisfaction, they now went straight to some worshippers who had finished their Fajir prayers at the Mosque and opened fire, which led to the killing of three persons at the spot including the Chief Imam of Gima unit. Another victim who was among those who sustained various degrees of injuries died on the way to Garkida general hospital.
- 32 persons kidnapped in Ondo, Amotekun combs forest
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted 32 persons in Ondo State. The 32 victims were reportedly returning from a burial service in Benin City, Edo State over the weekend when the incident happened. It was learned that the victims were waylaid by the gunmen while travelling in a Coaster bus.
Following the development, officers of the Amotekun Corps, immediately commenced searching of the Benin-Ifon to Owo forest for the abducted persons. Adetunji Adeleye, Commandant of the corps in the state, confirmed the incident and said that the command would do all possible to rescue the victims.
In order to release the victims, the Amotekun Corps and other security agencies, according to Adeleye, had been informed and had since started a search and rescue operation.
- Police, hoodlums demolish 50 Lagos buildings, victims protest
Landlords and residents of Oluwa Palace community, in the Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State, have accused policemen of the Lagos State Environment and Special Offences Enforcement Unit and hoodlums of demolishing their houses and rendering them homeless. It was said that the hoodlums alongside the policemen stormed the community with bulldozers and destroyed over 50 structures, including houses, shops, among other property worth millions of naira.
The residents, while lamenting over the invasion, said they were not issued a notice for the demolition, adding that people who lost their property had been traumatised over the development. A resident in the community, Olawale Yusuf, said his uncle’s property was part of the demolished property, adding that over N300m was expended on the property. He said, “The property has 72 rooms and it belongs to my uncle. We have spent over N300m on it. We still have some property inside and could not bring them out during the demolition.
“We have not been able to bring the property out after the demolition. My uncle is not in good condition right now. We made our verification before building on this land.” A property owner, Monday Ajanubor, said he was on a sick bed during the demolition exercise, adding that he was making plans to move into his new house when the demolition occurred. He said, “Because my rent was about to expire, I was doing everything possible to ensure that I move into my new house on this land. I sold my cars to put the house in order. Now they called me to say that the house I spent all my life savings on has been demolished.”
The head of the community, Nurudeen Oluwa, said the court had issued a warrant of possession to his family following a legal tussle between the family and the state government over the land. He said, “We took the state government to court in 2009 when it attempted to take over the land. We knew then that there was no way to lawfully challenge the government other than going to court.
