petesunday:
That guy is not Nigerian. He is a paid western agent using that bots to spam forums with prowestern propaganda.

‘No more excuses’, Danjuma asks Service Chiefs to end killings now


Elder statesman and former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), has tasked all service chiefs to end banditry and return the country to the path of peace.

The retired top military officer, who decried the ongoing abduction and killings, said there are “no excuses” for the lingering insecurity ravaging the country.


Danjuma spoke at Armed Forces Officers’ Mess in Abuja during a book launch titled: “Big Boots: Lessons from my military service”, authored by Solomon Udounwa, a retired Major-General of the Nigerian Army.

He said, “Number one problem today is security. We must end the pandemic, stop the killings that are going on in our country as soon as possible. Those of you who are still serving have no excuses. Absolutely no!”

The Taraba State-born General, who was the chairman of occasion, extolled the virtues of the author and his commitment to excellence in his military career.

Responding to Danjuma’s charge, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said the military was well positioned and working tirelessly to restore peace across the country.

Musa stressed that the armed forces will continue to uphold the values of service, integrity and honor that define extreme military tradition.

He stated, “Let me, at least also mention to our distinguished chairman that the armed forces of Nigeria is well positioned, is willing, dedicated and committed in ensuring that we restore peace and security in our own dear country.

“We shall not be deterred. There are going to be challenges, yes, but that’s why we’re here. I want to assure you that we have learned a lot from your record, very, very distinguished senior officers that have modeled us all through the years. We cannot afford to fail and we will not fail.”

On his part, the author said he was motivated by the desire to document his experiences for the younger generation.

“Well, I was motivated by a lot of factors. The first one is that the military profession thrives on experiential learning. That is to say, younger generations of military officers and soldiers require the experiences of those who served before them to learn whether it’s issues of strategy, administration, operational management and the rest.

“If you don’t document your experiences, that could be lost and then those coming behind you might not be able to learn from all the exposure and all the training that you had while in service.

“My book is going to be of interest to serving personnel, to military historians, to the academia, for people who are interested in national and international security affairs and for the general public. So, that was the motivation.

“I hope the younger generation of officers who are still serving will learn from some of the challenges I faced and how I was able to navigate through them.

“I hope they will learn that to serve in the military requires discipline, requires professionalism, requires integrity, requires character, requires courage, and so many other virtues that an officer must display while undertaking his duties”.

He explained that the title of the book “Big Boots” was informed by the size of his feet and boots in the military.

Narrating his experience during childhood, he said, “I faced bullies in primary school. But the day I decided to unleash my big feet on one of the bullies, it ended that reign of terror.

“And then when I joined the military, because my feet are very big, I was also given Big Boots, which went with me everywhere I served, and which I used in trampling on terrorists and every other threat to our national security.”

How I was duped by man who promised to make me commandant- Adeboye


The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has disclosed how his ambition to lead a paramilitary group led to a significant personal loss.

Adeboye recounted an incident from years ago when he was deceived by someone claiming to offer him a prestigious position.

He said the man, who presented himself as a recruiter for a new paramilitary agency, convinced him to invest in the venture.

The clergy revealed this in a post on his X handle on Monday.

Describing his decision to trust the man as a lapse in judgment influenced by his past fascination with the military, Adeboye admitted that his desire to fulfil this role led him to act prematurely.

He narrated, “Years ago, I was duped by a man who promised to make me a commandant of a paramilitary group. This man had been sending messages to me through my secretary for a while, and so, one day, I gave him an audience. He explained to me how a Boy-Scouts-like group had evolved into this new agency, and that he was sourcing for who would lead the group spiritually.

“Normally, I ask God before getting involved in anything at all, but this time, my love for the military in my younger days beclouded my best instincts, and I agreed to be their head. He told me that they needed some funding, which I gave as the prospective head. However, I later found out that the man was a fake.”

He, however, noted that the experience birthed the Redemption City corps and a local police post.

“My desire to be part of a paramilitary group made me run ahead of God, but God had already purposed for Redemption City to have its own corps of chaplains as well as a local Police post. He knew the desire of my heart, and He had planned for it to be fulfilled in His own time. I thought that I could bring my desire to fulfilment in my own time, but I was wrong. What I lost in that experience was money, but for someone else, it might have been their life or a loved one.

“However, I later found out that the man was a fake. My desire to be part of a paramilitary group made me run ahead of God, but God had already purposed for Redemption City to have its own corps of chaplains as well as a local Police post. He knew the desire of my heart, and He had planned for it to be fulfilled in His own time. I thought that I could bring my desire to fulfilment in my own time, but I was wrong. What I lost in that experience was money, but for someone else, it might have been their life or a loved one,” he added.

Jay Jay Okocha endorses Messi as greatest footballer of all time

Nigerian football legend Jay Jay Okocha has joined the ongoing debate over who is the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

For nearly two decades, the duo has dominated discussions about football greatness, with their rivalry highlighted by a record thirteen Ballon d’Or awards—Messi with eight and Ronaldo with five.

In a recent interview with Pulse Fun Facts, Okocha noted that both players are good but chose Messi as the best.

He said, “They are both GOATs but my personal GOAT is Messi because he looks more natural to me.”

Okocha’s own illustrious career spanned from 1990 to 2012, during which he became renowned for his dazzling skills. His time in England, particularly with Bolton Wanderers, earned him the nickname ‘so good they named him twice.’ His endorsement of Messi adds a personal touch to the long-standing debate that also includes opinions from other football greats like Paul Scholes.

Scholes, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United from 2003 to 2009, has also weighed in, suggesting that Messi still holds the edge over Ronaldo

Fuel subsidy removal poses risk to external reserve growth – CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has said that fuel subsidy removal, lower import bills, and increased external debt servicing obligations could pose downside risks for the growth of external reserves by 2024/2025.

CBN disclosed this in its Monetary, Credit, Foreign Trade and Exchange Policy guidelines for fiscal years 2024/2025.

However, the apex bank in its outlook projected a positive economic output growth in Nigeria by 2024/2025 based on continued policy support in the agriculture and oil sectors, reforms in the foreign exchange market, and the effective implementation of the Finance Act 2023 and the 2022-2025 Medium-Term National Development Plan (MTNDP).

CBN said, “The outlook for Nigeria’s external sector in 2024/2025 is optimistic, on the expectation of favorable terms of trade, occasioned by sustained rally in crude oil prices and an improvement in domestic crude oil production.

“The positive outlook is supported by the sustenance of crude oil price, propelled by the decision to cut
production, and gains from capital flows and remittances.

“However, lower crude oil earnings, fuel subsidy removal, rising import bills, and increased external debt servicing obligations could pose downside risks for the accretion to external reserves.

“In addition, the sustained monetary policy tightening by central banks across advanced economies increases the risk of capital outflow.”

On Nigeria’s output growth, CBN said: “Nigeria’s output growth is expected to maintain a positive trajectory in 2024/2025.

“The growth prospects are dependent on continued policy support in the agriculture and oil sectors, reforms in the foreign exchange market, and the effective implementation of the Finance Act 2023 and the 2022-2025 MTNDP.

“The risk to the outlook is still tilted to the downside, characterized by significant headwinds such as rising energy prices emanating from lingering effects of the Russia-Ukraine war, and the persisting security and infrastructural challenges, which could undermine the growth outlook in the short to medium term.

“Domestic prices are expected to remain elevated through 2024/2025, on the back of spillovers from global supply constraints, and exchange rate pass-through.

“More so, the persisting security and infrastructural challenges could exacerbate inflationary pressures.

“The performance of the fiscal sector is expected to remain on a positive recovery trajectory in 2024/2025.

“This outlook is contingent on the effective implementation of the Finance Act 2023 and restructuring of key revenue-generating MDAs to boost non-oil revenue.

“However, low domestic crude oil production, growing public debt, lingering insecurity, global economic slowdown, and the Russia-Ukraine war, could pose significant downside risks to fiscal operations in the short-to-medium-term.

“The financial sector is expected to remain resilient in 2024/2025. The outlook mirrors the efforts of the CBN in continuously monitoring emerging vulnerabilities and risks in the system, including periodic stress tests, examination exercises, and the provision of risk mitigants.”

Northern Elders Forum Condemns 'Nigerian Military's Unjust Treatment Of Seaman Abbas For Leading Prayer’

Northern Elders Forum Condemns 'Nigerian Military's Unjust Treatment Of Seaman Abbas For Leading Prayer’

The case gained public attention when Abbas’s wife, Mrs Husaina Abbas, appeared on the popular Berekete Family television programme in Abuja, narrating her husband's plight.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has expressed concern over the alleged unjust treatment of Seaman Haruna Abbas, a military officer who, according to the group, has fallen victim to serious misconduct within the armed forces.

In a statement issued by the NEF's Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group emphasized its unity in condemning the troubling circumstances surrounding Abbas’s ordeal.

The case gained public attention when Abbas’s wife, Mrs Husaina Abbas, appeared on the popular Berekete Family television programme in Abuja, narrating her husband's plight.

Mrs Abbas's testimony raised concerns over potential breaches of accountability and ethical standards within the military.

According to the NEF, Seaman Abbas’s incarceration points to serious lapses in the handling of military justice, prompting the elders’ forum to demand transparency and fairness from the armed forces.

“The Northern Elders Forum is gravely disturbed by the circumstances surrounding Seaman Haruna Abbas’s case and the larger implications for military integrity,” Suleiman stated.

Mrs. Abbas stated that her husband, Seaman Abbas, has been unjustly sentenced to a harsh six-year imprisonment by his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad S. Adamu, the battalion commander. She emphasized that this severe punishment was not due to any misconduct or criminal behaviour.

Instead, it was a result of Seaman Abbas's decision to lead his troops in prayer, demonstrating his commitment to their moral and spiritual welfare.

The NEF condemned this action and described it as an attack on Seaman Abbas's character and authority, which they viewed as a violation of societal values.

It said, “Our military, often regarded as the backbone of national security, must be a model of integrity and respect for human dignity.

"The decision to punish a soldier for promoting unity and spiritual strength among his peers raises profound questions about the leadership and operational ethos within the force. Such an act does not only demoralise those still serving; it sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine the collective spirit necessary for effective military operation."

BREAKING: Sowore Released After Lagos Airport Detention By Nigerian Authorities Over #EndBadGovernance Protests

SaharaReporters learnt on Sunday that following Sowore’s detention by the Immigration Service at the airport over a watchlist of the secret police, Department of State Service (DSS), it seized his passport and contacted the DSS.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) detaining the #RevolutionNow convener, Omoyele Sowore, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, has released the activist.

SaharaReporters learnt on Sunday that following Sowore’s detention by the Immigration Service at the airport over a watchlist of the secret police, Department of State Service (DSS), it seized his passport and contacted the DSS.

It held the activist while it contacted the DSS and awaited ‘an order from above’.

Sowore was arrested and detained at the airport on Sunday immediately upon his arrival in Nigeria.

“I have just been released. My passport and everything have been returned to me,” Sowore told SaharaReporters after his release.

SaharaReporters earlier on Sunday reported that members of the Take It Back Movement and other activists had besieged the airport to await the activist’s return to the country.

Sowore had been with his family in the United States.

His flight left the Washington Dulles International Airport at 6.14 EDT and arrived in Lagos at around 9.43 WAT.

BACKGROUND

On Thursday, September 12, 2024, SaharaReporters exclusively reported that a DSS memo ordering the arrest of the convener of Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria had leaked.

Following the report, Sowore lambasted the DSS for issuing a directive for his arrest on his arrival in Nigeria, disclosing that his intention was to return to the country ‘very soon’.

In a post on his X account on Thursday, Sowore said, “The current administration, led by Tinubu, has demonstrated an upgraded inability to effectively track and apprehend terrorism suspects, bandits, and kidnappers, while the @officialEFCC has yet to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

“Meanwhile, the lawless @OfficialDSSNG has upgraded my status and name on their “watchlist” for arrest upon arrival in Nigeria.”

“It is imperative to recognise that our country Nigeria requires salvation and our people need liberation, which will necessitate considerable effort. I intend to return home shortly, I mean very soon," he said.

Earlier in September, SaharaReporters reported that Nigeria’s secret police, DSS, had instructed airport security and immigration authorities to intercept and detain Sowore upon his arrival in Nigeria.

It was learnt that the directive, issued by the newly appointed DSS Director General, Adeola Ajayi, stemmed from Sowore's role in the recent 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests.

The memo obtained by SaharaReporters last Thursday read, “DSE: 94/6203 X WATCHLIST ACTION X EYE AM DIRECTED TO INFO Y OURS THAT X THE DGSS HAS APPROVED THE UPGRADING OF WLA


“'B' (REPORT ARRIVAL AND DESTINATION BY TELEPHONE IMMEDIATE LY) TO WLA 'F' (DETAIN TRAVELER AND ESCORT WITH BAGGAGE TO NHSS) X VIDE DSE: 9A/6201 X AGAINST OMOYELE SOWORE X AN AC TIVIST/FOUNDER OF SAHARA REPORTERS INC. X AN ONLINE NEWS AGENCY X THIS IS FOR YOUR STRICT COMPLIANCE X PLEASE X.”


The memo was signed by Adeola D. Ali for NISEC NHSS.

Meanwhile, a trusted source at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos recently revealed to SaharaReporters that Ajayi had included Sowore's name on a security watchlist, citing his involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests and forthcoming October 1 demonstration as justification.

“The new DSS boss forwarded Sowore’s name to airport security for him to be arrested whenever he enters the country,” the source said.


During an interview on September 4, 2024, with Cordelia Okpei on "The Voice of the Peoples" programme, Sowore revealed startling information.

The human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) confirmed that he had received credible intelligence that his name had been submitted to airport security personnel by the newly appointed DSS Director General.

According to Sowore, the directive mandates his immediate arrest upon arrival at the airport. Furthermore, Sowore criticised the new DSS helmsman for prioritising political vendettas over addressing the pervasive insecurity that has brought Nigeria to its knees.

He stated, "We have drawn our next protest which is in October. They called me several times. They have my name at the airport. I am on their watchlist as I was told by several people. So, they will most likely arrest me when I return to Nigeria but that will not stop me. I will go to Nigeria whenever I want to go to Nigeria, it is my country. I don't have any other country other than Nigeria.

"So we have to face these guys down. We have seen many oppressors, bullies and tyrants in our lifetime. But that is not the issue; the issue is that these people have done more damage to the Nigerian civil populace than they have done to anywhere else.


"So I don't know why I would be wasting my time advising the new guys there who came to do the bidding of the president. Even as I am speaking with you, the new DSS guy transmitted to the airport yesterday my name again just to refresh the memory of the security at the airport that if I come into the country, I should be arrested and brought to his office.”



https://x.com/TimiBlaze/status/1835254227691581747?t=CAEXYdw-ALzjtTLPCCSRzg&s=08

NDLEA nabs businesswoman, auto parts dealer over UK-bound opioids, cocaine


The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA on Sunday disclosed that its operatives, in Oyo state, arrested an Ibadan-based businesswoman, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora over attempts to export consignments of opioids and cocaine to London, United Kingdom and Congo Brazzaville respectively.

The agency said officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos had on Friday 6th September 2024 intercepted a cargo going to the United Kingdom.

“A thorough search of the consignment revealed 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70kg and 5,250 tablets of rohypnol were hidden in cartons of foodstuffs.

“The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday who presented the cargo for export was promptly arrested.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, 58-year-old Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas sent the consignment to him from Ibadan to deliver to the agent.

“A follow up operation on Saturday 7th September led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi in Ibadan where she deals in foodstuffs and cargo export.

“In his statement, the agent Owojori confessed that he has been working for Mrs. Adewunmi to export cargoes to the UK, adding that he was paid N2,411,000.00 for the job, while he was paid N2.1million for a similar consignment handled for the businesswoman earlier”.

In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the same export shed of the Lagos airport on Wednesday 11th September intercepted some cartons of auto spare parts and checkers powder custard going to Congo Brazzaville on Ethiopian Airlines.

“A diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed in the containers of checkers powder custard packed together with some auto parts.

“A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Arinze Ora, who deals in auto parts at Shop 12, Block 7 Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos”.

Meanwhile, operatives of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA on Tuesday 10th September arrested two brothers: Ikechukwu Ikeabba and Ugochukwu Ikeabba who are sponsors of drug traffickers who specialise in exporting drugs by ingestion to Vietnam.

Their arrest followed diligent investigation of an earlier arrest of an Onitsha, Anambra state based-businessman, Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, who excreted 68 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.282 kilograms after 12 days of excretion observation after he was arrested at the local wing of the Lagos airport by NDLEA operatives.

The 36-year-old Ibeanusi was arrested in the early hours of Thursday 8th August 2024 at the old domestic terminal of the Lagos airport while attempting to board the first flight out of Lagos to Abuja where he was scheduled to join a Qatar Airways flight to Vietnam at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja at about 10am same day.

Another Vietnam-bound businessman, 54-year-old Paul Okwuy Mbadugha had been arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Abuja airport on Monday 12th August 2024 during the outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight QR 1432 to Hanoi, Vietnam via Doha after he tested positive to ingestion of cocaine.

After four days under observation, Mbadugha ingested a total of 88 wraps of the illicit drug with a gross weight of 1.710 kilograms.

At the time of the arrest of the two kingpins, the Ikeabba brothers, they were caught with 87 wraps of cocaine dummies used in training intending swallowers.

In Gombe state, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Saturday 14th September arrested three suspects: Auwal Abdullahi, Isah Rabiu and Abubakar Da’u along Bauchi-Gombe road while travelling in a DAF truck marked GME 552 ZU.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of two million four hundred and ninety (2,490,000) pills of tramadol concealed with bags of salt.

A suspect, Idris Adamu, 23, was arrested with 41.5 kilograms of cannabis sativa at Kachia town, Kaduna state on Tuesday on 10th September while two suspects: Godiya Sekyen Jikuk, 36, and Yusuf Umaru,65, were nabbed at Isinbode -Ekiti, Ekiti state with a total of 73.6kg cannabis on Wednesday 11th September.

In Bauchi state, no fewer than 208,920 pills of tramadol and diazepam were seized from a suspect, Chinedu Asadu, 35, on Thursday 13th September while 104kg of cannabis was recovered from two suspects: Abba Abdullahi and Mustapha Yahaya along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway on Tuesday 10th September by operatives in Lagos state.

Continuing NDLEA said, “Not less than 350,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were discovered by operatives in two containers shipped from India during a joint examination of the containers with men of Customs Service and other security agencies at the Tincan port in Lagos on Tuesday 10th September.

“The containers were part of those targeted by NDLEA for 100 percent examination”.

With the same vigour, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week.

These include: WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Government Secondary School, Galamawa and Government Junior Secondary School, Kaci, Dutse, Jigawa state; students of Kukudus Islamic School, Minna, Niger state; nurses and midwives at UBTH School of Nursing, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo state.

Others are members of Vulcanisers Association of Nigeria in Ibarapa central LGA, Oyo state; Muslim faithful at Central Mosque, Demsa, Adamawa state, and WADA advocacy visit to the Emir of Rano, Kano state, Alhaji Muhammad Isah Umaru, among others.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd)

commended the officers and men of the Special Operations Unit, MMIA, Tincan, Lagos, Gombe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Ekiti Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures,

He stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country are well appreciated while urging them to continue to intensify ongoing drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.

This week in Rome, an extraordinary event took place—the coffin of Cardinal Gregorio Pietro XV Agagianian (1895-1971) was opened, and to the astonishment of many, his body was found to be incorrupt. Cardinal Agagianian, who faithfully served as a Roman Catholic cardinal and the Patriarch of the Armenian Catholic Church from 1937 to 1962, passed away over five decades ago. Yet, his body remains perfectly preserved, a phenomenon that often accompanies those recognized for their deep holiness and devotion.

On September 12, 2024, his incorruptible remains were reverently transported from Rome to Beirut, marking a significant moment in the history of the Church. Remarkably, the body of the 76-year-old cardinal appears youthful, resembling that of someone in their 30s or even younger, defying the natural course of time and decay.

For the faithful, this miraculous preservation serves as a powerful testament to the reality of Christianity and the sanctity of those who dedicate their lives to God. Cardinal Agagianian’s life of unwavering faith and leadership is now shining brighter than ever, offering inspiration and hope to believers worldwide.

It seems we may have a new saint in our midst, someone who reflects the profound mysteries of God’s grace.

Photo credits to the rightful owner.

#GregorioPietro #IncorruptSaints #Saints #Holiness #CatholicFaith #Vatican #RomanCatholic #Cardinals #Faith #JesusChrist #VirginMary #DivineSigns #tvauthority #tvauthorityhistory #tvauthorityreligion #tvauthorityarcheology #tvauthoritydiscovery

Finally, DSS Gives Reason for Occupying SERAP’s Offices in Lagos, Abuja, Mum on Ajaero’s Arrest


You are not above the law, Presidency tells NLC President, say no human rights abuse in Nigeria

TUC-UK, ActionAid condemn action of security agency


The Department of State Services (DSS) yesterday, explained the rationale behind its deployment of operatives to the offices of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), in Lagos and Abuja on Monday.

The Service, however, continued to maintain studied silence on the reason for the arrest of the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, even though the DSS has already succumbed to pressure from NLC and other civil society organisations and released Ajaero just before midnight on Monday.

The Presidency yesterday, told Ajaero that he was not above the law governing Nigeria.

But condemnation continued to trail the action of the DSS as the British Trade Union Congress (TUC) and ActionAid Nigeria, yesterday, also deplored the arrest and detention of the NLC President.

The NLC had on Monday night given the service 24 hours to release its leader, while instructing all its affiliates and state chapters to be on red alert for an industrial action if the DSS failed to set him free within the given period.

The DSS in a statement said it had been inundated with multiple enquiries on its alleged unlawful invasion of SERAP offices in Abuja and Lagos.

The DSS, urged the public to disregard the false narratives as it restated its commitment to utmost professionalism in the discharge of its core mandate.

According to the statement, “This narrative is inaccurate and misleading in its intent. For the records, a team of two unarmed Service operatives was lawfully detailed on a routine investigation to SERAP office in Abuja, which has sadly been skewed and misinterpreted as unlawful, harassment and intimidation of SERAP officials.”

The Service further stated that such official enquiries and liaison were traditional and did not in any way amount to illegality or raid.

While it assured of an in-depth investigation of the malicious contents, the service called for citizens’ participation in national security management.

However, the Presidency has told Ajaero, that he was not above the law governing Nigeria.

Owing to this, the Presidency said, Ajaero should honour the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.

Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Bayo Onanuga, in a statement, said the ongoing investigation of Ajaero had nothing to do with his role as NLC President.

The Presidency also accused Labour of, in most cases, advancing ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities.

It also denied allegations of human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria on account of Ajaero’s interrogation.

“The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its conference today in London, with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation.

“Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria.

“Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation. Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution.

“We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria.

“In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions in courts in several states since he left office. Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI.

“We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation.

“Besides, the Nigerian Government is being led by a pro-democracy activist president who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens.

“There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government.

“While labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship.

Meanwhile, the British TUC deplored the arrest and detention of the NLC President.

TUC’ s condemnation came during the proceedings at its ongoing conference in the United Kingdom yesterday.

While expressing solidarity with Nigerian trade unions, the leadership of TUC-UK said the action was a violation of his fundamental rights and trade freedom.

“We note the harassment and intimidation of Ajaero and NLC colleagues by the Nigerian government. Joe was released last night but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over.

“His arrest is a gross violation of the fundamental trade union freedom and in arresting on his way to speak to us on the essentials of trade union’s right to seek solidarity. Nigerian trade union still have our solidarity, we condemn the action of the Nigerian government and demand an an end to the persecution of Joe Ajaero”.

Meanwhile, the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed to take place yesterday, has been suspended.

A statement signed by the Deputy President of NLC, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju said the labour movement would assess the situation and “determine the next steps in our collective struggle”.

“We call on all Nigerians, our affiliates, and the international community to remain steadfast and vigilant as we continue this struggle. The NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all.”

NLC expressed gratitude to all Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), affiliates, and the international community for the unwavering support and massive solidarity shown during the arrest and detention Ajaero.

“We once again, demand the release of all citizens languishing in jails across the country for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest around the country; stoppage of the massive clampdown on popular voices that espouse dissenting opinions; cessation of the muzzling of various fundamental freedoms currently going on in the country; the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol (PMS) and Electricity tariffs and, the immediate implementation of 2024,” it added.

ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said despite the DSS’s claim that the recent incident at SERAP’s office was misconstrued as harassment and intimidation, ActionAid Nigeria viewed the unwarranted “visit as a clear attempt to suppress the voices of Nigerians advocating for fair treatment and relief from economic hardship.”

It added: “Following the news of Ajaero’s release, the DSS must immediately provide a clear explanation for their actions, including the legal grounds and evidence supporting this arrest. “Anything less would be a blatant violation of Nigerian human rights, a clear assault on democratic freedoms, and an intentional strategy to instill fear in the hearts of many Nigerians to not speak up.”

Mamedu added: “We will not tolerate a return to the era of military-style repression, where security agencies operated above the law and citizens lived in fear of speaking out. ActionAid Nigeria and the Nigerian citizens demand better from the government and its agencies. We expect transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

“Furthermore, in an ideal society, The Nigerian Police, not the DSS, should be handling these kinds of arrests and inspection.”

He said: “ActionAid Nigeria will continue to mobilise and demand justice for all Nigerians whose rights are being violated according to the terms of the Nigerian Constitution.”

TheTundeMuniru:
Even when 200GHC is about N20K, can 200GHC makes you a decent pot of soup in Ghana? I guess the answer is NO.

Even though our Naira depreciated beyond the low, it is still more valuable than the Ghana Cedis.

Top 10 most educated countries in Africa 2024


A country that wants to develop would value education. Some African countries have attained educational excellence within and outside the continent. Most African countries are still growing and challenged with one thing or another, but notwithstanding, the academic sector in Africa is thriving.

The countries shared below have tried to uphold a certain level of literacy. Check out the most educated countries in Africa according to Bscholarly:

1. Seychelles
Seychelles prioritises education; it is mandatory to go to school. In other words, the country has achieved “education for all,” as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stipulated. French, Creole, and English are the languages of instruction for students. Seychelles is the most educated country in Africa, with 69.3 points and 43rd among the best educational systems in the world.

2. Tunisia
The government of Tunisia emphasises and prioritises education, which is why its educational system ranks 71st in the world with 61.4 points. The country has invested over 20 percent of its national budget in education. Since the 1990s, Tunisia has been able to enact policies that foster economic growth, which has helped the education sector attain excellence.

3. Mauritius
Mauritius is rated as one of the most educated countries in Africa, coming third with 61 points and 74th globally. Schooling is very compulsory up till the age of sixteen. Vocational training is a prominent hallmark of the country’s educational programmes. The population of literate people increases every year.

4. South Africa
South Africa is one of the African countries with the highest literacy rates. It is the 84th in the global education system with 58.4 points and fourth in Africa. The South African Schools Act of 1996 made education compulsory from 6 to 15 years old.

5. Algeria
French and Arabic are the languages of education. Other languages taught in schools are English, Italian, Spanish and German. The Berber language was made the national language; it is studied from primary to secondary school level. The literacy point of Algeria is 57.4, 5th in Africa. Education is free and compulsory from the age of 6 to 15 years.

6. Botswana
Botswana is 6th in Africa with 56.7 points and rated 92nd in the global education system. Private schools are allowed to create their own curriculum and staffing policies. Education is compulsory from five to eighteen years.

7. Kenya
Kenya is rated 95th in the world as one of the best in literacy, with 55.4 points. The Kenyan government invests almost twenty percent of its budget in education. The World Economic Forum rated Kenya’s educational system as the strongest. The government created different programmes to support the education sector and also established the National Assessment Centre (NAC) to monitor learning feat.

8. Cape Verde
Cape Verde ranks 98th globally and 8th in Africa with 53.3 points. The country has been able to achieve universal access to basic education. The system is designed or organised into a six-to-six formal education structure. That is, children enroll in primary school at the age of six and are expected to attend for the next six years. Secondary school is five years, grade seven to twelve. Higher education is available for interested people.

9. Egypt
The educational system in Egypt is highly prioritised by the government. This has enabled it to rank among the best in the world, placing the country in the 99th position and 9th in Africa with 52.8 points. Education is free at all levels and also compulsory for nine academic years.

10. Namibia
Namibia has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa. Education is compulsory until eighteen years. Parents are expected to pay for uniforms and books, but constitutionally, the government is to provide free primary education. Globally, Namibia ranks 100th and 10th in Africa with 52.7 points.

How Bandits Collected N35Million Ransom, Marijuana, Cigarettes, Whiskey, Bags Of Rice, Beans, Tramadol, Others To Release Friend’s Relation –Nigerian Journalist

A Nigerian journalist and publisher of Nigerian online newspaper, Daily Nigerian Jaafar Jaafar, revealed on social media on Wednesday that a friend’s family recently endured a harrowing ordeal to secure the release of a relation kidnapped by bandits.

He added that the family paid a ransom of N35 million in cash. According to him, in addition to the ransom payment, the family also provided some other listed items demanded by the bandits.

The list of the demanded items includes “6 brand new motorcycles (with full tanks), 4 cartons of whiskey, 10 packets of Tramadol, 1 bag of Indian hemp, 1 carton of Aspen cigarette, 12 bags of rice (50kg each) and 10 bags of maize (100kg each)”.

Other items are “5 bags of beans (100kg each), one 25-litre jerry can of groundnut oil, one 25-litre jerry can of palm oil, 1 carton of seasoning, 10 packets of paracetamol and 10 packets of chloroquine”.

The family sought security clearance before setting out, but soldiers detained them midway.

They were later allowed to continue to the bandits’ location after a profiling process.

Jaafar Jaafar’s post also noted that security personnel, including soldiers, policemen, and customs officers, have also paid ransoms to secure the release of their kidnapped staff.

He said, “A friend yesterday narrated a painful story of how his family paid through their nose to secure the release of a relative from bandits. Apart from payment of N35m cash as ransom, they also delivered – as demanded – the following:

“Although they sought security clearance before they started the journey, soldiers detained them midway.

They later allowed them to proceed to the bandits’ enclave after profiling. Well, even soldiers, police, and customs paid ransom to secure release of their kidnapped personnel.”

Olu of Warri raises the alarm over ocean surge


The Office of the Representative of the Olu of Warri/Liaison to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has raised an alarm of ocean surge threatening the continued existence of some Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Olu’s Liaison office called on the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the Delta State government as well as non-governmental organizations “to, as a matter of urgency, come to the aid of these vulnerable communities.”

This was contained in a statement from the Olu’s Liaison Office, signed by the monarch’s representative to NNPCL, Edema Collins Oritsetimeyin, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday.

The statement said, “The ocean surge is already washing away several Itsekiri communities in Warri North Local Government Area.”

It listed “Ogheye Eghoroke, Orere, Ogheye Zion and Ogheye Ajadogo as the Itsekiri communities in Warri North local council that ocean surge has swept through in the past two weeks.”

The statement said that “the Itsekiri communities are facing dire situation due to relentless ocean surge that has wreaked havoc on their livelihoods, homes, schools and vital infrastructure.”

The statement partly reads, “Ugbeni Primary School, the only school in the community, had been completely washed into the ocean. Several homes, including the residence of the community leader (Olare-Aja), built in 2020 by Hon. Daniel Ireyenieju, have been lost to the advancing waters.

“Some residents, whose homes have been washed away, revealed that they are now forced to squeeze ten people into a single room for shelter.

“Most alarming is the fact that the community’s only borehole, which serves as the sole source of drinking water, has also been claimed by the ocean, leaving residents with no choice but to rely on ocean water for bathing, without access to clean drinking water.

“The situation in the neighbouring communities is worse. Ogheye Zion and Ogheye Ajadogo have been entirely submerged, with no trace of the communities’ existence.

“Efforts to reach Orere, the adjacent community to Ogheye Eghoroke, were unsuccessful due to the lack of access to a jetty, as much of the community has been swallowed by the ocean.

“Ogheye is host to Chevron’s offshore oil block, Okan Field, where oil was first discovered in 1963. For over 60 years, oil exploration activities have taken their toll on the shoreline communities. The combined effects of oil extraction and natural forces from the Atlantic Ocean have eroded the coastlines, leaving these communities more vulnerable to the encroaching ocean. As a result, homes, schools and the livelihoods of thousands of residents, whose primary occupation is fishing, have been destroyed due to pollution, oil spills, and other harmful consequences of oil exploration activities.

“We are calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Delta State government, non-governmental organizations, the United Nations, and all well-meaning individuals and organizations to come to the aid of these vulnerable communities. The destruction of critical infrastructure such as schools, homes, and clean water sources, combined with the loss of entire communities to the ocean, has created a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action. We also call on Chevron, given its long-standing presence in the area, to lead efforts in addressing this crisis.

“The damage caused by decades of oil exploration must be countered by meaningful action to support the communities that have borne the brunt of environmental degradation.

“This ongoing genocide must be addressed with urgency, as the future of these communities hangs in the balance. The goose that lays the golden egg should not be abandoned.”

Delta bans illegal fees at construction sites


Collection of illegal levies from site construction workers in Delta State otherwise tagged ‘Deve fee’ is unlawful and now attracts a two-year jail term, the state government has declared.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

While warning community leaders in the state against collecting “development fee’ at construction sites, either by members of community development committees, associations or community leaders,” the statement maintained that “violators of the law risk two years jail term on conviction.”

“The existing law criminalizing it is still in force,” the statement said.

The Director-General emphasised the need for community leaders and residents in Delta State to obey the subsisting law cited as the “Public and Private Properties Protection Law, 2018.”

According to Oghenesivbe, “the information has become necessary following series of complaints lodged at the Bureau, coupled with allegations of acute exploitations trending on social media platforms, revealed that some members of Community Development Association or local Committees constituted by either community leaders or traditional institutions are going about terrorizing private property developers.”

The statement partly reads, “Some of the complaints, according to the Bureau’s Director General, include the use of brute force and coercive strategies to collect all kinds of levies and fees ranging from N200,000 to over N1,000,000 depending on the location and size of building structure indicated in the building plan or project design.”

Oghenesivbe stated further that the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, presided over the passage of the Bill as Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, as he then was.

He said the bill was subsequently signed into Law in 2018 by the immediate past governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, adding that those who wilfully, deliberately and unknowingly violate the law “shall be prosecuted, and such individual or group of persons risks two years or five years jail term upon conviction.”

“Deve” in Delta State had been outlawed, and no individual, community leader or traditional institution is permitted to collect development levies or fees from land developers, either the public or private sector.

Oghenesivbe assured that Governor Oborevwori will continue to work round the clock to provide mega infrastructure across the three senatorial districts and attract local and foreign investors, while appealing to community leaders and stakeholders not to discourage them from bringing development to their communities, towns and villages through illegal and unscrupulous transactions, collection of levies and fees already prohibited by Law.

“The Public and Private property Protection Law 2018, and more particularly at Section 13(1) and (2) which unequivocally protected property developers from being exploited, and went on to prescribe two years imprisonment or N1million fine or both for violators and law breakers.

“Similarly, section 11(1)(a-c) and 2(a)&(b) equally prohibits anybody from selling landed property to more than one person, with or without legitimate title, and violators risks 5 years imprisonment upon conviction,” he said.


The statement added “Collection of all forms of levies, and fees at all construction sites in all 25 local government areas which include communities, towns and villages, is prohibited by law, be it 10% from sale of land in form of development (Deve) fee or levy.

“Forceful entry, assault on construction workers/land owner, or trespassing construction sites without lawful authorization by the site or building owner is illegal, against laws in force, and must be avoided.

“Unlawful collection of foundation digging fee, building materials and other unscrupulous act or conduct by members of community development committee or association should be stopped forthwith to avoid running against subsisting state laws in force.”

US Economist Steve Hanke Slams President Tinubu Over Multi-Million-Dollar Jet Purchase Amid Hardship, Soaring Inflation

Hanke's criticism comes in light of Tinubu's recent acquisition of a $150 million Airbus A330 private jet, which the Nigerian leader recently flew to France.

An American professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, Steve Hanke, has criticised Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu for purchasing a new presidential jet amidst the country's economic challenges.

Hanke's criticism comes in light of Tinubu's recent acquisition of a $150 million Airbus A330 private jet, which the Nigerian leader recently flew to France.

Hanke, known for his expertise in inflation analysis, described the current state of Nigeria’s economy as alarming, stating the country's soaring inflation rate.

According to Hanke's assertions, Nigeria's inflation stands at a staggering 114% per year, far higher than the official figures, as stated on his X account on Tuesday.

Hanke labelled President Tinubu as "arrogant, ignorant, and incompetent," criticising the Nigerian leader for prioritising luxury at a time when many Nigerians face economic hardship.

“Tinubu flaunted his new $100 million A330 private jet en route to France. Meanwhile, I accurately measure Nigeria's inflation at a SHOCKING 114% per year,” Hanke stated.

President Tinubu last Monday embarked on a trip to France and returned on Friday, four days later.

This followed the recent release of the aircraft, which was one of the three presidential jets recently confiscated by a French court in favour of a Chinese firm over a dispute with Ogun State Government.

SaharaReporters recently reported that Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited had announced the release of one of the three presidential aircraft belonging to Nigeria, which had been detained in France.

The Chinese company characterised the release of the aircraft as a goodwill gesture, citing the upcoming meeting between President Tinubu and French President Emmanuel Macron at the time.

The company stated that it recognised the significance of the aircraft for the diplomatic engagement and took steps to ensure its availability, thereby facilitating the meeting.

In July, SaharaReporters reported the aircraft was in France and had been spotted at an advanced stage of preparation. The plane had been assigned a tail registration featuring the seal of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and was ready for delivery.

The aircraft in question is an ACJ330-200, VP-CAC (msn 1053), registered as 5N-FGA.

It features a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom at the front, followed by an office and a conference and dining room. It also has an airline-style first-class and economy seating at the rear.

rinzaugustine:
same way starvation go finish your generation..Yeye man dey japa at age of 50 something to go hustle dish washing jobs with kids young enough to be your grand children

Appeal Court upholds Daddy Freeze’s N5m adultery fine

The Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt has upheld the fine imposed on popular Nigerian On-Air Personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, also known as Daddy Freeze, for committing adultery.

A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had on February 18, 2021, ordered Daddy Freeze to pay the sum of N5m for committing adultery with one Benedicta Elechi.

He was ordered to pay the money to Paul Odekina, who was married to Elechi at the time the adulterous act was committed.

“The sum of N5,000,000 is awarded against Ifedayo Olarinde (the 2nd Cross Respondent to the Cross Petition) as damages for depriving the Cross Petitioner of the amiable consort of his wife (Petitioner/1st Cross Respondent) and for injury suffered as a result of his adultery with the Petitioner/Cross Respondent,

The court also dissolved the marriage contracted between Paul and Benedicta due to her adulterous act with Daddy Freeze.

Not satisfied with the High Court’s judgement, Daddy Freeze approached the appellate court for redress.

Daddy Freeze’s main grounds of appeal were that Odekina did not attempt to serve him personally before applying for substituted service, which violates Order 7 Rule 2 of the Rules of the Trial Court.

He also held that the purported service by substituted means i.e., by courier was not effective as shown in the affidavit of service, adding that the non-service violates the twin pillars of the principle of natural justice.

In the Certified True Copy of the judgment, dated June 26, 2024, and obtained by our correspondent on Friday, the three-man panel of Justice Abubakar Talba, Danlami Senchi, and Hannatu Balogun dismissed Daddy Freeze’s appeal for lack of merit.

The court ruled that if the appellant wanted to overturn the trial court’s judgment due to non-service, he should have filed a counter-affidavit against the affidavit of service and then sought to set aside the trial court’s judgment.

It partly read, “Affidavit evidence can only be countered by a Counter Affidavit. As such, I found the procedure adopted by the Appellant alien to our jurisprudence.

“Where the Appellant wants the judgment of the trial court to be set aside for non-service, he ought to have approached the trial court by filing a Counter affidavit against the affidavit of service he seeks to set aside and consequently set aside the judgment of the trial court. Thus, as it is in the instant appeal there is nothing filed by the Appellant to counter the affidavit of service of the Process Server filed in

“Hence, therefore I resolved the sole issue for determination against the Appellant and in favour of the Respondents. The appeal therefore lacks merit and it is hereby dismissed

“Accordingly, the judgment of the Rivers State High Court in Suit No. PHC/403MC/2012 delivered on the 18th February 2021 by J. Akpughunum, is hereby affirmed. I make no order as to costs”.

According to the CTC of the judgement, Ola Faro and Ikobah Hilton appeared for the appellant while N.A. Naenwi and Wilcox Abereton (SAN) represented the first and second respondents respectively.

Don’t pay for transformers, cables, others, NERC tells Nigerians

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has warned Nigerians against paying for electricity distribution infrastructures such as transformers, cables or poles.

In a statement shared alongside a video on X on Tuesday, NERC emphasised that consumers should not be coerced into purchasing transformers, cables, or poles, as this responsibility lies squarely with the distribution companies.

The statement reads, “Is your distribution company expecting you to buy transformers, cables, or poles? Don’t! It is the DisCo’s obligation, not yours!” NERC stated emphatically.

The regulatory body urged consumers to report any coercion or delays in providing necessary materials by the distribution companies.



The statement added, “Report any coercion to purchase, or delays in providing these materials to NERC for prompt action.”

NERC assured the public of prompt action upon receiving such complaints.

To facilitate this, NERC said it has established a dedicated email and phone number for reporting issues related to network investments.

“A dedicated email and phone number have been set up to address issues relating to investments in the network as follows: idn@nerc.gov.ng 07074865354.”

Abuja man protesting hardship on telecom mast taken into custody

A man identified as Shuaibu Yushau, who climbed a mast to protest the subsisting hardship in the country on Monday, has been arrested by the operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command at Katampe in Abuja.

PUNCH Metro gathered on Monday that Yushau was handed over to the police after he was convinced by the emergency responders and concerned citizens to come down from the mast.

According to a suicide note he dropped at the foot of the mast, Yushau demanded the return of the abrogated fuel subsidy regime, among others, for the government to alleviate the burdens on Nigerians.

Confirming his arrest, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed in a statement obtained by our correspondent that Yusuf was stopped from committing suicide and he was convinced to come down from the mast and thereafter was arrested.

“Following a distress call from concerned citizens about a young man who climbed a very high mast with a placard at Aso Radio in Katampe at about 09:10 a.m, the operatives of the FCT Police Command swiftly mobilised to the location.

“With much professional persuasion from the police operatives, the man later identified as Shuaibu Yushau was prevented from taking his own life.

“He claimed to have been observing the mast for about a week before deciding to climb it. The suspect is presently in police custody and a stable condition.”


The FCT Fire Service spokesperson, Ibrahim Tauheed, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, also stated that after several hours of appeals from emergency responders, Yusuf came down from the mast and was arrested by the police.

“The FCT Fire Service, in conjunction with the FCT Emergency Service, has finally convinced the man attempting suicide to come down. He has come down from the mast finally and has been handed over to the police.”

“The FCT Fire Service is a fire and rescue organisation. Our job is to make sure that if anyone is threatening to take their own life, we will go and rescue the person. Although cases like this are rare, they keep happening, and if they keep happening, we are always on standby to rescue anyone whose life is on the line. It is part of our job.”

PUNCH Metro gathered that the suicide note Yusuf dropped at the foot of the mast read, “These are the major Nigerian problems, and I’m ready to sacrifice my life for the solution to them. I am calling fellow Nigerians to join me in this riot.

“On behalf of fellow Nigerians, I demand the following: ‘Government should return fuel subsidy.

“Government should declare a state of emergency in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Borno on insecurity matters and take immediate action to clear terrorism in the above-listed states and the country at large.

“The government should open borders for food importation to eradicate food shortages in the country.


“Government should immediately respond to the problem of out-of-school children, which is increasing rapidly.”

Yusuf further stated in another note that the economic hardship and the level of insecurity in the country had lasted for a long, and there seemed to be no feasible solution.

“It’s long enough!!! Long enough for the government to stand by and do nothing while Boko Haram bandits and kidnappers are killing people in the country every day.

“Long enough for citizens to continue suffering from hunger.

“Long enough for the inflation rate to continue to rise rapidly

“Long enough for the number of out-of-school children to continue increasing.

“Long enough for me to keep quiet. Justice for masses.”

GODPUNISHALABI:
And this one na pastor too? With tithe paying church members I guess?

The minister also hinted that the ministry was working with security agencies to deploy surveillance and ensure that rail infrastructures are not vandalised.

The Nigerian government is planning to seek funding assistance from the Chinese government for the construction of the Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail projects.

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Alkali made this known on Monday during an inspection of the Kaduna-Kano rail projects by the National Assembly joint committee on land transport.

He explained that Vice President Kashim Shettima was expected to engage with Chinese President Xi Jinping to secure funds for the rail projects, following directives from President Bola Tinubu.

Alkali asserted that the funding issues had stalled progress, stressing that the Federal Government had secured funds for the Kano-Kaduna segment.

The minister also hinted that the ministry was working with security agencies to deploy surveillance and ensure that rail infrastructures are not vandalised.

He said, “The President is desirous in ensuring that these projects are completed and being put into use because transportation is an enabler of economic growth and a gateway to the nation’s economy. It is, of course, one of the eight priority areas of the present administration.

“The president has directed the Vice president to engage President Xi in a bilateral discussion on the financing of Ibadan-Abuja and Kaduna-Kano rail projects. So far, Kaduna-Kano has been released. We are just trying to cascade the final stage for the drawdown of the loan so that they will have the financing. That of Ibadan to Abuja is also under very serious engagement with the Chinese government.

“The Ministry and the Nigerian Railway Corporation are working hard to ensure that these vandals do not destroy our properties. We are deploying so many major surveillances in conjunction with the security agencies to ensure that these properties are not allowed to be vandalised.”

Super Eagles striker Kayode Olarenwaju has urged a Federal Capital Territory High Court to dissolve his marriage to his estranged wife, Ezinne, stating that it has broken down irretrievably.

The European-based footballer who is also seeking custody of their children, urged the court to order UK-based pastor Tobi Adegboyega to pay him ₦1bn in damages for the emotional trauma, financial loss, and loss of goodwill caused by his “adulterous affair” with Ezinne.

Olarenwaju and Ezinne have been engaged in a marital battle following allegations of infidelity, among other issues.

The matter took another twist when Ezinne instituted legal action against her estranged husband.

In the suit dated March 20, 2024, Ezinne accused Olarenwaju of making baseless allegations of infidelity and witchcraft against her and her mother, adding that Olarenwaju damaged her phone in the process.

She said, “Upon arriving from Turkey personally and without prior notice to his wife or children, the Respondent rained abuses on the Petitioner and her mother, making baseless accusations of infidelity and witchcraft and trying to force the Petitioner out of her matrimonial home. In the process, the Respondent smashed the Petitioner’s iPhone 15 pro-Max beyond repair.”

However, in a cross-petition marked PET/304/2024 filed on July 1, 2024, a copy of which was seen by our correspondent on Monday, the Super Eagles striker accused Ezinne of repeatedly committing adultery with the UK-based pastor and other men since their marriage in 2013.

Ezinne and the UK-based pastor are the Respondents and Co-Respondent in Olarenwaju’s cross-petition.

The Super Eagles striker also claimed in his cross-petition that his estranged wife kidnapped their children, who were later rescued by the Department of State Services personnel.

He said, “Whilst the Cross Petitioner was still trying to get his facts right and phantom a means to have all the lingering issues resolved, the Respondent, under the guise of going to church on March 24, 2024, abducted the children of the marriage and absconded to an unknown location in Abuja.”

The Respondent then informed his lawyer to write a Petition to the DSS regarding the abduction of the children of the marriage.

“Pursuant to the aforesaid Petition, the DSS was able to track the location of the Respondent and got her arrested with the children of the marriage in her hideout somewhere in Brains and Hammers Estate, Abuja. The Respondent was subsequently granted bail,” it added

Olanrewaju accused his estranged wife of undermining their joint business ventures.

He said, “The Cross Petitioner in his bid to have a lifetime investment in Nigeria decided sometime in 2019 to incorporate a company and indeed incorporated DE- J-S Concept Ltd. as a vehicle for his investments in Nigeria and also made the Respondent a Shareholder and a director.

“The Cross Petitioner thereafter purchased many properties from one realtor, Ugochukwu Igboanugo of Ziloc Constructions Limited who was initially introduced to the Cross Petitioner by the Respondent and it was later discovered that the said Ugochukwu Igboanugo was an ex-lover of the Respondent.

“Unknown to the Cross Petitioner, the Respondent has connived with the said Ugochukwu Igboanugo and collected all the property documents and has been solely and personally collecting rent proceeds from the properties, expending same on her amorous relationship with the Co-Respondent to the Cross Petition.”

On why the court should grant him the custody of the children, Olarenwaju said, “The Respondent is not bothered with the educational and mental well-being and stability of the children of the marriage as the same is evident in her actions by having romantic and sex-related discussions with the Co-Respondent and other men in the presence of the children. Indeed, her absconding with the children whilst school is in session without regard to academics leaves much to be desired.”

His reliefs read, ” An order for a decree of Dissolution of the Marriage between the Cross-Petitioner and Respondent/Petitioner on the ground that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.

“An order granting custody of the children of the marriage to the Cross-Petitioner with right of access to the Respondent.

“An order against the Co-Respondent for the payment of the sum of N1,000,000,000 to the Cross Petitioner for the emotional trauma, financial loss and loss of goodwill occasioned by the adulterous relationship between the Co-Respondent and the Respondent.”

The matter has been slated for hearing on September 24, 2024.

Japa: Address causes of youth migration, senator tells ECOWAS

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called on the Economic Community of West African States to shift its focus from halting youth migration to understanding and tackling the negative reasons behind it.

Speaking at the ECOWAS Parliament session on Saturday, she emphasised the need to address the underlying factors driving young people to leave their countries.

Akpoti-Uduaghan cited examples of successful Nigerians who have made significant contributions internationally, including Silas Adekunle, a 31-year-old robotic engineer, and Abigail Marshall Katung, the Mayor of Leeds.

She said, “Today, Nigerians are making our country proud internationally. One example is Silas Adekunle, who at the age of 31 became the world’s highest-paid robotic engineer.

“Not long ago, we celebrated Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung, a Nigerian woman who migrated to the UK and grew to become the Mayor of Leeds, the UK’s second-largest city.

“This global economy means that young people may need to leave their country in search of better opportunities. Immigration isn’t all bad; however, it’s the intent and context that matter. I exist today because my father left the shores of Nigeria to Ukraine (then USSR) in search of greener pastures both academically and economically.”

Natasha added, “As a mother of eight, I struggle to encourage my children to return to Nigeria and contribute to the development of their home country. This personal experience makes me better understand why millions of young people in Nigeria and West Africa choose to migrate in pursuit of better jobs and financial prospects.”

As solutions, she proposed that ECOWAS leaders should, “encourage Africans in the diaspora to transfer knowledge and opportunities to their home countries, like the Ethiopian cotton industry and Indian technology industry.

“Encourage trade amongst African countries to keep jobs within borders and strengthen the collective economy.

“Encourage startups, especially in the tech sector, with access to finance, market access, angel investors, fiscal incentives, and tax waivers to boost the young entrepreneurs’ ecosystem.

“By addressing these issues, according to her, ECOWAS can create a more conducive environment for young people to thrive in their home countries, reducing the need for migration.”

Samsung Electronics is the world’s largest memory chip maker and accounts for a significant chunk of the global output of high-end chips.

Wearing rain jackets and ribbons saying “fight with solidarity”, thousands of workers gathered outside the company’s foundry and semiconductor factory in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, an hour south of Seoul.

Samsung management has been locked in negotiations with the union since January, with the two sides failing to narrow differences on benefits and a rejected 5.1 per cent pay raise offer from the firm.

Èdè Wa Ni: Ẹ Pàdé Olorì Sports Tó Ń Fi Ẹ̀fẹ̀ Ṣ'àtúpalẹ̀ Eré Ìdárayá Lédè Yorùbá0.00 / 0.00

“The strike has started from today,” Son Woo-mok, head of the National Samsung Electronics Union, told AFP.

“Today’s general strike is just the beginning,” he added.

“Recalling why we are here, please do not come to work until July 10th and do not receive any business calls,” he told the crowd of workers.

The union said about 5,200 people from factory facilities, manufacturing and development had joined the protest.

“Do they still not think this will affect their production line?” said Lee Hyun-kuk, vice president of the union.

The union, which has more than 30,000 members, or more than a fifth of the company’s total workforce, announced the three-day general strike last week, saying it was a last resort after talks broke down.

The move follows a one-day walkout in June, the first such collective action at the company, which went decades without unionisation.

“We are now at a critical crossroads,” the union said in an appeal sent out to members last week, urging them to support the strike.

“This strike is the last card we can use,” it said, saying that workers at the company needed to “act as one”.

“I’m really excited,” one union member and protester told AFP. “We’re making history.”

Workers rejected the offer of a 5.1 per cent pay hike in March, with the union having previously outlined demands including improvements to annual leave and transparent performance-based bonuses.

Samsung declined a request for comment.

“While the ongoing strike is only scheduled for three days, the participating members include those working in chip assembly lines,” business professor Kim Dae-jong at Sejong University told AFP.

“Given that the union could carry out additional strikes in case the gridlock continues, it could pose a great risk to Samsung management amid its race for dominance in the competitive chips market.”

– Avoided unions –

Samsung Electronics avoided its employees unionising for almost 50 years, sometimes adopting ferocious tactics, according to critics – while rising to become the world’s largest smartphone and semiconductor manufacturer.

Company founder Lee Byung-chul, who died in 1987, was adamantly opposed to unions, saying he would never allow them “until I have dirt over my eyes”.

The first labour union at Samsung Electronics was formed in the late 2010s.

The firm is the flagship subsidiary of South Korean giant Samsung Group, the largest family-controlled conglomerates that dominate business in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.

It recently predicted a 15-fold increase in its on-year second-quarter operating profits, thanks to growing demand for generative AI.

Semiconductors are the lifeblood of the global economy, used in everything from kitchen appliances and mobile phones to cars and weapons.

And demand for the advanced chips that power artificial intelligence systems has skyrocketed thanks to the success of ChatGPT and other generative AI products.

Semiconductors are South Korea’s leading export and hit $11.7 billion in March, their highest level in almost two years, accounting for a fifth of South Korea’s total exports, according to figures released by the trade ministry.