Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Caroline Ameh

  • Gombe Enforces Night Curfew Over Security Concerns

    Gombe Enforces Night Curfew Over Security Concerns

    The Gombe State Police Command has announced a night curfew due to growing security concerns. 

    The restriction will be in effect from 12:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily, starting Friday, February 7, 2025.  

    The police stated that the measure aims to curb rising threats in the area. 

    Security forces are ready to enforce the curfew and protect lives and property.  

    Residents have been urged to comply, while parents are advised to ensure their children do not violate the order. 

    Authorities have warned that anyone caught defying the curfew will face strict consequences.

  • NUC Upgrades Medical Programmes in Nigerian Universities

    NUC Upgrades Medical Programmes in Nigerian Universities

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has announced that certain medical-related courses in Nigerian universities have been upgraded from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral programmes. 

    This change affects degrees in Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Optometry, now offering Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry.

    The decision aims to improve the clinical experience of students by adding more practical sessions and foundational courses.

    READ ALSO: Tinubu gets a Federal Polytechnic in Abuja

     This will allow students to gain better clinical skills and cover all specialty areas comprehensively. 

    The programmes have also been extended from five years to six to accommodate the new curriculum.

    NUC emphasized that this move aligns with international standards for medical training, ensuring Nigerian degrees are competitive globally in terms of employability and further studies.

     However, the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) programme has not been approved for upgrading and remains unavailable in Nigerian universities.

  • NELFUND Approves N20bn Loan for Over 192,000 Students

    NELFUND Approves N20bn Loan for Over 192,000 Students

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has approved a loan of N20.1bn for 192,906 students across public universities in Nigeria. 

    This disbursement, which was finalized as of January 1, 2025, aims to support students in their educational pursuits.

    Bayero University in Kano will receive the highest share, with N1.3bn allocated for 11,683 students. 

    The University of Maiduguri follows closely, as 12,198 students will benefit from N1.27bn. 

    READ ALSO: Africa has what it takes to develop itself – Tinubu

    Other universities like the University of Jos, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, and the University of Ibadan also received substantial amounts to support their students.

    Some institutions received smaller amounts, with Gombe State Polytechnic and Abia State Polytechnic receiving funds for only a few students.

     These smaller loans include amounts such as N122,000 for four students at Gombe State Polytechnic and N106,300 for two students at Abia State Polytechnic.

    Previously, NELFUND had disbursed N110bn to students across Nigeria, according to an update from the fund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyerr.

  • FG Unveils 180-Day Emergency Plan to Tackle Rising Food Prices

    FG Unveils 180-Day Emergency Plan to Tackle Rising Food Prices

    In a bid to address the escalating food prices in Nigeria, the Federal Government has rolled out a series of immediate measures aimed at stabilizing the cost of food commodities across the country.

    The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who outlined the government’s strategy on his official X account.

    A key aspect of the plan is the introduction of a 150-day duty-free import window for critical food commodities, including maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas.

    This initiative will suspend tariffs, duties, and taxes on these imports, easing the cost burden on both consumers and traders.

    Kyari emphasized that the government is committed to tackling high food prices over the next 180 days through a combination of importation and local production strategies.

    As part of the plan, 250,000 metric tons of both wheat and maize will be imported, with these goods to be distributed to small-scale processors and millers to boost local supply.

    To ensure affordability, the minister confirmed that the imported food will be subject to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP), aiming to prevent price gouging.

    Kyari reassured the public that despite concerns over the quality of imported goods, stringent quality controls will be maintained to guarantee food safety.

    In addition to these immediate actions, the government plans to ramp up local agricultural production by strengthening support for smallholder farmers.

    The ongoing wet season farming will be bolstered through existing government initiatives, and efforts will be made to accelerate dry-season farming.

    The government will also prioritize agricultural mechanization to reduce production costs and increase overall productivity.

    Kyari further mentioned the government’s engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a Guaranteed Minimum Price (GMP) for surplus food commodities and replenish the National Strategic Food Reserve.

    This comprehensive approach seeks to stabilize food prices, support farmers, and enhance the nation’s agricultural capacity in the coming months.

  • Senate Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks to Focus on 2025 Budget

    Senate Suspends Plenary for Two Weeks to Focus on 2025 Budget

    • Fixes open day for Thursday
    • Sets January 31 as tentative date for passage

    Both Chambers of the National Assembly commence consideration of the N49.7trillion 2025 budget at committee levels, Tuesday this week, while the Senate declared on Monday that it would suspend plenary for two weeks upon resumption on the 14th of this month.

    The senate has also fixed Thursday this week for open day on the budget consideration, which will entail inputs from various stakeholders in the polity aside heads of the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, who stated these during a meeting with Chairmen of other senate standing committees, added that January 31st has been fixed, tentatively, as date for laying of reports on the 2025 Appropriation bill separately before the Senate and the House of Representatives.

    At the meeting, attended by many Chairmen of Senate Standing Committees and Principal officers like the Deputy Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru, Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, amongst others, said the time frame for consideration and passage of the 2025 budget is short but the best must be made out of it.

    FURTHER READING

    “Before this meeting with Chairmen of the various standing committees in the Senate , the Appropriation committee met for several hours on best way to handle the consideration of the 2025 budget which was presented to the National Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 by President Bola Tinubu and passed for second reading by both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Thursday, December 19, 2024 .

    ” For expeditious and thorough consideration , hard copies of the budget proposals were obtained and already given to chairmen of the various committees as required reference documents during budget defence sessions with heads of MDAs under their preview.

    ” The tentative time table that has been drawn for consideration of the budget at committee level, is that budget defence sessions begin from tomorrow (Tuesday), while reports from various committees are expected to be submitted from 15th to 18th of this month .

    ” Afterwards, collation and tidying up of the various reports will be done by the appropriation committee, with the hope of laying final report on the budget to the Senate on 31st of this month .

    “However , the 31st of January, fixed for laying of the budget is tentative as it is just given to guide our working,” he said.

    The Senator Adeola led committee thereafter went into a closed door session with Chairmen of the various standing committees at the Senate.

  • WAEC Introduces Resit Exams for WASSCE Candidates

    WAEC Introduces Resit Exams for WASSCE Candidates

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially introduced a resit option for candidates wishing to retake their West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

    This initiative provides students with the chance to resit their exams as early as January and February 2025.

    WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, confirmed the development during an appearance on JoyNews’ AM Show in Ghana on Sunday.

    READ ALSO: No plan to Destroy Uncollected PVCs – INEC

    He explained that students who need to resit one or more subjects can register online through the WAEC website or at accredited internet cafes until January 8, 2025.

    The resit exams are scheduled to take place from January 24 to February 15, 2025.

    Kapi also noted that students whose results had been cancelled would be eligible to sit for the WASSCE PC1 exams, provided they have not been banned due to exam malpractice.

    This new resit option gives students a valuable opportunity to improve their grades and meet the necessary requirements for further academic or professional endeavors.

  • Court Orders Temporary Seizure of Funds Linked to Ex-INEC Official 

    Court Orders Temporary Seizure of Funds Linked to Ex-INEC Official 

     

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has mandated the interim seizure of $49,700 tied to Nura Ali, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

    Ali, who served in Sokoto State during the 2023 general elections, became the focus of this order following suspicions of financial misconduct.  

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) filed the motion, alleging the funds were proceeds from illicit activities.

    READ ALSO: Gunmen Strike in Anambra, Seven Killed

     During a search of Ali’s Kano residence, authorities reportedly uncovered the cash.

    Court documents suggested the money might have been obtained as bribes from political stakeholders during his INEC tenure.  

    The judge directed the funds be held in an escrow account at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) while investigations continue.

     Interested parties have been invited to provide evidence of legitimate ownership of the money. 

    The matter is scheduled for further hearing on March 31, 2025.

  • Ribadu Denies Foreign Military Presence in Nigeria Amid Niger Tensions

    Ribadu Denies Foreign Military Presence in Nigeria Amid Niger Tensions

    Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, has dismissed accusations by Nigerien Abdoulrahamane Tchiani that foreign military forces, including those from France, are operating in Nigeria.

     Ribadu’s comments came in response to allegations made by Tchiani, who claimed that Nigeria was collaborating with France to destabilize Niger. 

    This has added to the rising tensions between the two nations, particularly after Niger, along with Mali and Burkina Faso, chose to leave the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    READ ALSO: Air Peace Airfares: Keyamo Lashes Out at FCCPC

    Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Ribadu refuted Tchiani’s claims, stating there are no foreign military installations or troops in Nigeria. 

    He encouraged journalists to visit the locations mentioned by the Nigerien leader and speak with local residents to verify the absence of any foreign military presence.

    The National Security Adviser emphasized that the real issue facing both countries is the common threat posed by terrorists, particularly the insurgent group Lakurawa, which has been wreaking havoc in the region. 

    Ribadu further expressed that instead of focusing on accusations, both nations should collaborate to address security concerns that affect their shared borders. 

    He also stressed the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Niger, describing the people of both countries as “brothers” and calling for unity in tackling mutual challenges. 

    Ribadu reassured that Nigeria would continue to work with Niger in the spirit of regional cooperation and development.

    The diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Niger follows the latter’s decision to leave ECOWAS, which has led to a broader political and economic rift.

     Despite the disputes, Ribadu’s statements reflect Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbors in West Africa to combat terrorism and foster regional stability.

  • Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    Yuletide in FCT: Police Deploys 3,180 Officers to Worship Centres, Public Spaces

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has stationed 3,180 officers at various locations, including worship centers and public spaces, ahead of Christmas celebrations.

     The move is part of efforts to ensure the safety of residents during the holiday season.

    FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, shared this update during a press briefing in Abuja.

     He explained that the deployment would focus on high-traffic areas such as places of worship and event venues, as well as potential hotspots, including unfinished buildings and shanties. 

    To bolster security, the police will carry out patrols on foot and in vehicles, as well as implement stop-and-search operations.

    Though the Commissioner did not state any motif for the special deployement, he said Tactical units and Rapid Response Squads (RRS) will also be deployed across key locations.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria: Challenging the Dysfunction, Rebuilding the Institutions

     Additionally, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams will inspect critical government and public infrastructure to ensure safety.

    CP Disu noted that the police would collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment throughout the festive period. 

    He also called for cooperation from religious leaders and recreational facility owners. 

    The Commissioner reminded residents to avoid fireworks and firecrackers to prevent unnecessary panic and encouraged vigilance, urging the public to report suspicious activities using emergency contact numbers provided by the police.

  • NDLEA Nabs Businessman, Olisaka Chibuzor Calistus with 6kg of Cocain

    NDLEA Nabs Businessman, Olisaka Chibuzor Calistus with 6kg of Cocain

    A businessman named Olisaka Chibuzor Calistus has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 6kg weighing Cocaine.

    He was apprehended at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) while attempting to smuggle the drug into Nigeria.

    NDLE Head Head of Public Affairs, Femi Babafemi, said Calistus, an importer and exporter, was arrested, Sunday, December 15, with 256 wraps of cocaine weighing 6 kilograms.

    This seizure marks the largest interception of cocaine at Kano airport since the establishment of the MAKIA Command in 2006.  

    The drugs were discovered during routine passenger clearance of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 941, which had arrived from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  

    Calistus, who claimed to be involved in import and export business, underwent a body screening, during which the drugs were found concealed in pellets inside his body.  

    The arrest is part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and ensure the safety of the nation’s airports