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Showing posts from October, 2024

Forex crisis: FG gives Nigerians 9 months to deposit dollars in bank

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Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has revealed a new government policy that would permit Nigerians who currently hold dollars outside the formal banking system to bring those funds into the financial system. Edun said such individuals have a nine-month grace period to comply with the directive without attracting legal liability or financial penalties. The Finance Minister spoke after the National Economic Council meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, where an update was given on the Excess Crude Account currently standing at $473,754.57, the Natural Resources Fund at N26,105,837,627.67, and the Stabilisation Account at N36,299,452,763.62. Edun equally gave an update on government economic relief measures, saying 25 million Nigerians have benefitted from federal social protection initiatives, including digital outreach, microenterprise loans, and sector-specific support for power, agriculture, manufacturing, health, an...

Obasanjo a repository of knowledge – US Ambassador Richards Mills

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The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richards Mills, on Thursday, described former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo as a repository of knowledge. He added that the former leader’s Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, captured the real hope, which all Nigerians wanted to see in no distant future. Mills made these disclosures while reacting on his visit to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, OOPL, and the penthouse residence of the former president. According to a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the former president, Kehinde Akinyemi, the visiting ambassador hinted that he had an open discussion with Obasanjo during the period. After about an hour of private session, Mills embarked on a tour of the edifice before departing the complex, saying: “it is fascinating. It captures the real moment in time, when there is so much hope in Nigeria. And, I think we all want to see that come back. It is also a slight of history for people to see.” Of his...

Arewa group counters northern Govs on rejection of tax reform bills

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The Arewa Civil Rights Movement, ACRM has countered the position of the Northern Governors Forum on President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills. DAILY POST reports that the new tax bill currently on the floor of the National Assembly proposed a derivation principle in the distribution of Value Added Tax, VAT accruals between the federal government and subnationals. The Northern Governors Forum chaired by the Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, had in a communique issued at the end of its recent meeting, rejected the tax bill currently in the National Assembly for deliberation. But the National President of the Arewa group, Dr Agabi Emmanuel, who spoke at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, said rejecting the bill would set Nigeria backwards. Agabi called on the northern lawmakers to disregard the position of the governors, emphasizing their responsibility to constituents. The group also urged the northern governors to focus on their duties and account for excess earni...

Blackout in North: Senate expresses concerns over spate of vandalism

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The Nigerian Senate has expressed concern over the spate of vandalism of power lines that led to total blackout in the northern states, particularly Kano, Jigawa, Katsina and other North West areas. While presiding over plenary on Tuesday, the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, lamented the long period of power outages and informed lawmakers in the upper legislative chamber that the situation calls for concern. Barau explained that restoring the vandalised transmission line became pretty difficult because the specific area of vandalism was terrorist-infested; hence, it wasn’t safe for the staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, to work on restoration. According to him, the destroyed high-tension cable was the single runway that supplies power to the North but he added that security agents are currently working to ensure the lines are restored. He said: “Let me seize the opportunity to inform the Senate that the leadership of the Senate is concerned about the lack of...

Police kill suspected armed robber, recover firearms in Niger

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The Niger State Police Command said it has neutralised a suspected armed robber during a gun duel and recovered an AK-47 and pump-action rifles around the Boyi area of Gurara Local Government Area of the state. The command made this disclosure through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, in Minna, who explained that the gang of suspected armed robbers ransacked residences around the toll-gate area of Boyi and robbed occupants of their valuables. According to him: ” On October 28, 2024, at about 5 am, a distress call was received that, since at about 2:30 am, some suspected armed robbers have attacked residences around the toll gate area of Boyi, robbing occupants of their valuables. “On receipt of this, the police tactical team stationed at Boyi outstation attached to Gawu-Babangida Division mobilised to the scene.” According to him, the team stormed the area and overwhelmed the robbers in a gun battle. Abiodun further disclosed that while one of the hoodlums was neutr...

NUJ loses veteran journalist, Walter Ukaegbu

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The Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Council is mourning the death of its former Internal Auditor, Mr Walter Ukaegbu, aged 67, after a protracted illness. Ukaegbu, who covered business and maritime/transport/aviation beats for several years in various national newspapers and worked for Sun Newspapers before his death, died on August 29, 2024. He hailed from Amokwe Item in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. In a tribute to the deceased by the NUJ, Ukaegbu was hailed as a loving father, doting comrade, inspiring professional and a worthy example to his community. The tribute which was signed by the Secretary of FCT Council of NUJ, Ochiaka Ugwu, and sent to Ukaegbu’s family, said ”while the death “leaves pain and sorrow, we, however, urge you to take solace in the fact that Walter Ukaegbu lived well as a devoted husband, caring and loving father, doting comrade, inspiring professional and a worthy example to his community. “More than these,...

Transfer: Flying Eagles winger signs for Egyptian club Al Ittihad

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Flying Eagles winger Sadiq Isiaka has joined Egyptian club Al Ittihad, DAILY POST reports. Isiaka joined Al Ittihad on loan with an obligation for a permanent transfer. Al Ittihad are based in the port city of Alexandria, Egypt’s second biggest city. There was also interest in the player from other Egyptian clubs Mehalla and Pyramids. The transfer was finalised just before the closure of the window in Egypt. Isiaka was a member of the Flying Eagles side to the African Games in Ghana in March. Transfer: Flying Eagles winger signs for Egyptian club Al Ittihad

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes duo ruled out of Katsina United clash

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Kufre Ebong and Mohammed Hussaini will miss Niger Tornadoes’ Nigeria Premier Football League matchday nine clash against Katsina United, DAILY POST reports. Ebong and Hussaini have been ruled out of the game due to fitness concerns. Former Akwa United forward Ebong has netted once for the Ikon Allah Boys in the current campaign. Niger Tornadoes, pushing to make up for the home defeat to Rivers United on Monday, will lock horns with Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Saturday. Niger Tornadoes are yet to taste defeat on away soil this season. NPFL: Niger Tornadoes duo ruled out of Katsina United clash

Ekpa replies Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala over $57.5bn World Bank loan claim

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Simon Ekpa has denied the claim that he said the World Bank, through the former Nigerian Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, agreed to loan the Biafra Republic Government In Exile a sum of $57.5 billion. Ekpa spoke on Thursday through his X handle. His comment came after Okonjo-Iweala reacted to a statement purportedly from Ekpa, wherein he allegedly said the World Bank okayed a $57.5 billion loan for Biafra agitation. “I know no sensible person will believe what is contained in the outrageous tweet below but in these troubled times, it is important to underscore that the statement is false. “Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist,” Okonjo-Iweala, the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, stated in her response to the said statement. However, reacting, Ekpa said he never made any comment regarding the World Bank loan. “I never tweeted such; it is even surprising that you can tweet this because your name was mentioned. We have been tweeting a...

FEC okays N740bn for Abuja-Kano Road

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The Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Wednesday, approved several high-profile road projects, including N740 billion for the Berger stretch of the Abuja-Kano route. Minister of Works Dave Umahi disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the cabinet meeting, presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja. The minister clarified the government’s approach to managing the extensive backlog of infrastructure projects. He said that the Shagamu-Benin Road is undergoing critical rehabilitation, while procurement processes are being finalised for its full reconstruction using reinforced concrete pavement. Umahi further said the Abuja-Kano Road, previously slated for a tax credit arrangement, will now be procured without such a provision, with the 162-kilometre Berger section already approved for N740 billion. The minister highlighted several other projects, including the commencement of construction on the Sokoto-Badag...

BREAKING: PDP crisis: Court stops Bala Mohammed-led faction from holding NEC meeting

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A Federal High Court sitting in Zamfara State has declined a request for an ex parte order by a faction backed by the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed, to hold the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting . The group approached the court for an order to hold the NEC meeting as the party’s factional crisis deepened. Ruling on the case, Justice Salim Ibrahim declined the request. DAILY POST reported earlier that a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), led by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed, had approached the court seeking an ex parte order to hold the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. Some governors elected on the platform of the PDP, led by Mohammed, had earlier moved to remove acting national chairman Amb. Umar Damagum. The move deepened the crisis in the party, as some stakeholders, especially those loyal to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, opposed the move. The Feder...

He’s person of interest – Immigration confirms Bobrisky’s arrest

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The Nigerian Immigration Service has confirmed the arrest of Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, aka Bobrisky, at the Seme border. DAILY POST had reported that social media activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, had alleged Bobrisky was arrested on Sunday night while attempting to flee Nigeria for Benin Republic. Confirming the arrest in a statement on its X page, the Immigration service said: “In keeping with its commitment to securing the borders, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) intercepted Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju otherwise known as Bobrisky at the Seme Border over an attempt to exit the country. “The Service wishes to inform the public that OKUNEYE IDRIS is a person of interest over recent issues of public concern. He is undergoing interrogation and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. “The Service assures the public that it will continue to be civil and professional in its statutory responsibility of manning the country’s borders.” He’s ...

EPL: Liverpool go back top of table with 2-1 win over Chelsea

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Liverpool have returned to the top of the Premier League table thanks to a 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday. The Reds had dropped into second place after Manchester City came from behind to win 2-1 at Wolves earlier in the day. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Curtis Jones was tripped inside the box. Three minutes after the restart, Nicolas Jackson calmly slotted home Moises Caicedo’s through-ball to make it 1-1. Salah was instrumental in the winning goal, setting up Jones to prod the ball past Robert Sanchez. Arne Slot’s men now have 21 points from eight fixtures. EPL: Liverpool go back top of table with 2-1 win over Chelsea

Nigeria’s GDP can be enhanced through qualitative livestock production — Veterinarians

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The National Veterinary Medical Association, NVMA, has emphasised its capacity to significantly enhance Nigeria’s gross domestic product through qualitative livestock production. This was disclosed by the association’s national president, Dr Moses Arokoyo, while briefing journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, ahead of NVMA’s national congress scheduled for October 21-25 in the state. The congress marks 100 years of the association’s existence, dating back to its inception in 1924. He said: “This year’s congress is very significant in the sense that my existence as a profession dates back to 1924. So, it is like a homecoming for the veterinary profession, coming back to Jos. The profession started here in 1924 in Vom, and so coming to Jos this year to have our national congress is very significant.” Arokoyo expressed the veterinarians’ alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency concerning food security. He assured that the association has ad...

NPFL: Akwa United can beat Rangers with right spirit — Defender Ndon

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Akwa United defender Wisdom Ndon has declared that the team will approach their matchday eight fixture against Rangers with commitment and determination. Ndon said that only hard work can help the Uyo club win in the encounter The Promise Keepers will host the Flying Antelopes at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Monday. “It has been a difficult start to the season for us and our position on the log is not comfortable at all. It’s unbelievable that we have just one win in seven matches and I can say that our statistics so far does not really reflect our efforts in those matches,” Ndon told Akwa United’s media. “We have taken time to look back on the previous games we have played and as a team, we have resolved that we have to make it count by approaching every match with commitment, determination and focus that will enable us to record victories in all our matches, beginning with this game against Rangers on Monday. “Let me specifically appreciate all our fans for the...

Niger: Three suspects arrested over theft of truck worth N30m

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Three suspects are currently in police net for allegedly stealing a tipper truck worth over N30 million along the Kaduna-Abuja highway in Suleja, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State. The suspects are Nura Ibrahim, Adamu Ibrahim and Abdulfatai Ibrahim, all of Kaduna Road, Suleja. The Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed in Minna, said the three suspects were arrested for joint acts, theft and receiving stolen property. According to him: “On October 14, 2024, at about 1 pm, information was received that a tipper truck, white in colour, with engine number 071231, and chassis number AZ1642440082 worth over N30 million was found in a workshop along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway, Suleja, and was suspected to be a stolen vehicle.” He explained that police operatives attached to Maje Division moved to the scene and discovered that Nura Ibrahim, 37, of Kaduna Road had negotiated to sell the truck to Adamu Ibrahim, aka Dan Borno, who bou...

Naira depreciates further against dollar

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The naira further depreciated against the dollar in the foreign exchange market. The FMDQ data showed that the naira again weakened to N1660.49 per dollar on Thursday from N1659.69 exchanged on Wednesday. Though the naira depreciated by N0.8 against the dollar on Thursday, it has lost N107.5 in the last three days. Meanwhile, at the black market, the naira exchanged at N1705 per dollar on Thursday, the same rate as Wednesday. This comes as FX transaction turnover stood at $330.18 million on Thursday from $217.86 million recorded on Tuesday. Olayemi Cardoso, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said on Wednesday, while speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit, NES, that a weak naira is advantageous with adequate investment into the country. “In terms of persuasion, what we need now is to ensure that investments are here. Take, for example, now it may seem like a threat in the sense that the exchange rate has come down so low,” he said. The development comes as the World...

Oyetola will contest, win Osun 2026 governorship election — APC chieftain

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Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, has said that the former governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola, would contest and win the 2026 governorship election in the state. Oyintiloye, while speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Osogbo, said Oyetola, who is currently serving as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, is better prepared than ever to end the reign of the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration in the state come 2026. The former lawmaker said: “We are more than prepared to wrestle power from PDP in 2026, and the people of the state are eagerly waiting to see that happening. “Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola will contest and win the 2026 governorship election in Osun. He holds the right of first refusal. And he is already doing his background work. “He has commenced consultation, looking at the strengths and challenges before us as a party. He is prepared and he is going back to Oke Fia Government House in 2026.” ...

Uncontrolled mining activities causing ecological disasters in Ogun – Gov Abiodun

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The Ogun State governor has blamed the erosions in the state to activities of those who indiscriminately mine laterite and other natural resources. Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Ecological Fund who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Tuesday. He urged the members of the committee to impress on the federal agencies in charge of mining to monitor the activities of miners to prevent ecological disasters in the country. The governor, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, assured that his administration is ready to work with the federal government agencies to stop the degradation of the environment. He said: “I would like to implore you to talk to the respective agencies who monitor mining so that we can work together as prevention is better than cure. “Yes, there is the issue of climate change, but I think while we are trying to resolve these issues and find ways to imp...

Southeast electricity users reject plan to move customers to band A, threaten protest

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The South-East Electricity Consumers Association, SEECA says it will protest against Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC’s plan to move its customers in South-East to band A on November 1. The proposed protest was announced in a statement jointly signed by the National Chairman of SEECA, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, and its National Secretary, Mr Ogubuike Ibeagi, on Monday in Enugu. The duo said the decision to protest was taken during an extraordinary meeting of the Consultative Assembly of SEECA on Sunday. NAN reports that the Acting Managing Director of EEDC, Dr Ernest Mupwaya, had on October 9, while declaring open the company’s Customer Service Week, said the company would systematically transition customers from lower tariffs of Band C and B to Band A. He said the move would enable the electricity users to enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily. However, the SEECA officials said that EEDC had not complied with the order of the Nigeria Electricity Regulat...

FG not travel agency – Atiku’s aide, Onanuga trade tackles over Tinubu’s trip

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The Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu and President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga on Sunday traded tackles over the president’s trip from the United Kingdom, UK, to France. Shaibu informed Onanuga that the Federal Government is not a travel agency for Tinubu to globetrot. Tinubu had announced a 2-week vacation when he travelled to France recently, a decision that has generated heated controversy about the President abandoning the country in a time of all-around economic turmoil. Onanuga said the President should not be disturbed from enjoying his “private time.” According to Onanuga, “President Tinubu is on leave for two weeks. He is not restricted to the UK. It is his private time. He can go anywhere he so desires. He is still observing his leave”. However, Shaibu lampooned Onanuga, describing his comments as insensitive in light of the present economic situation in the county. Responding to Onanuga via a po...

Truck crushes couple to death in Ogun

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A couple and a man have been confirmed dead in a road accident that occurred along the Sagamu-Ogijo Road, Ogun State. The accident involved a Foton truck with registration number EKY 778 XM, a space wagon car registered as AM299AHD, and a Bajaj motorcycle with the registration number JGB 265 WG. The deceased, Moses Ekpolo, 25, his wife, Josephine Ekpolo, 19 and 44-year-old Kolawole Moshood, were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Omolola Odutola, the Ogun Police Command’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta that the incident occurred at 9 pm on Thursday. She attributed the cause of the accident to the recklessness of the truck driver, who lost control and collided with the motorcycle from behind, causing it to hit the Space Wagon car simultaneously. Odutola noted that Moses and his wife rode on the motorcycle. She said: “The incident near Lafarge Company along the Sagamu-Ogijo Expressway in Sagamu, Ogun State, involved a Foton truck with the registra...

PDP delegates set to elect new executives in Kano

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Over 5000 delegates are set to elect 39 new PDP executive members in Kano after decades of internal wranglings that robbed the party of credible leaders. The party’s national chairman of the electoral panel of the congress, Halilu Abubakar Mazagari, said while commencing the party congress at the famous Sabon Gari Pillars Stadium, on Saturday, that they have tried to organise a rancour-free election with the participation of INEC and other critical stakeholders. He said, while answering questions on the crisis in the party at the level, that it was a normal thing for a large party like PDP to have internal wranglings. He expressed hope that with the elections of new leaders they will come together and build a common front. He said: “This Congress we are undertaking is a rancour free conduct and by God’s grace by 2027, Nigerians will come together at state and federal levels to elect them into offices.” The Northwest National Deputy Chairman of the party, Senator Bello Hayatou Gwa...

AFCONQ 2025: Eguavoen speaks on starting Dele-Bashiru in second leg against Libya

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Super Eagles caretaker coach, Austin Eguavoen has refused to disclosed information on whether Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is going to start the second leg of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Tuesday. Dele-Bashiru was the hero on Friday evening as he came off the bench to score the only goal against Libya at the Godswill Akpabio international Stadium in Uyo. The Lazio attacking midfielder replaced Alex Iwobi during the encounter. Four minutes before stoppage time, the Manchester City academy product struck the ball past Libya goalkeeper, Murad Al Wuheeshi following an assist from Moses Simon. Asked about whether Dele-Bashiru will start the second leg fixture, Eguavoen insisted that all players in his team are good enough to start against the North Africans. “I don’t know if he is going to start the return leg. “First we have to see how they react to the physio, medical team today,” Eguavoen told reporters in Uyo at his post-match press conference. “Everybody i...