Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Abuja Nurses Storm NMCN Office, Protest New Verification Rules

    Abuja Nurses Storm NMCN Office, Protest New Verification Rules

    Nurses affiliated with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) have rallied in Abuja to express their discontent with the recently enforced certification verification guidelines by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN). 

    The protesting nurses, who gathered at the NMCN headquarters, accused the council of impeding their professional growth with what they perceive as overly strict and unnecessary regulations.

    Holding signs reading “No to verification rules!” and “Address nurses’ welfare,” they protested against guidelines introduced on February 7th, requiring a minimum of two years of post-qualification experience, a letter of good standing from both the employer and training institution, and a processing time of at least six months for nurses seeking employment abroad. 

    The circular, signed by Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar of the council, outlined the non-refundable fee for verification, emphasizing that eligible applicants must possess a minimum of two years post-qualification experience, and applications with provisional licenses will be rejected. 

    The guidelines are set to be implemented from March 1, 2024.

  • World Marathon Record Holder, Coach Die In Car Crash

    World Marathon Record Holder, Coach Die In Car Crash

    24-year-old world marathon record holder and London Marathon winner Kelvin Kiptum has died in a road accident in Kenya.

    The athlete’s coach, Gervais Hakizimana, was also killed in the accident.

    Kenyan President William Ruto tweeted on Monday, “Kelvin Kiptum was a star. Arguably one of the world’s finest sportsmen who broke barriers to secure a marathon record.

    “He was only 24 yet, as a hero, triumphed in Valencia, Chicago, London and in other top competitions. His mental strength and discipline were unmatched. Kiptum was our future.

    “An extraordinary sportsman has left an extraordinary mark in the globe. Our thoughts are with the family and the sporting fraternity. Rest In Peace.”

    Kenyan member of parliament Gideon Kimaiyo also confirmed the pair’s death in a statement on X.

    Mr Kimaiyo said: “It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, and his coach in a tragic accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road.

    “Kelvin Kiptum was at the prime of his career, a legend in his own right. It’s a tough one to take.

    “Our thoughts are with their families during this incredibly difficult time. The people of Keiyo South are saddened by this loss. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”

    Also, Dr. Alfred N. Mutua, E.G.H., Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, tweeted on Monday morning, “I was profoundly shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of current marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, through a tragic road accident. Their untimely departure has left an irreplaceable void not only in the hearts of their loved ones but also within the entire Marathon fraternity. 

    “As we mourn this immense loss, let us hold onto the memories of Kelvin’s remarkable achievements and the positive impact he had on so many lives. Gervais Hakizimana’s guidance and mentorship undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Kelvin’s remarkable career.

    “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. May you find strength and comfort in each other during this incredibly challenging time.

    “May Kelvin and Gervais find eternal peace, and may their legacies continue to inspire future generations of athletes.”

    Kiptum broke the course record for the London Marathon last year.

    He won the men’s event in the second-fastest marathon in history, with a time of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.

    In 2023, he broke the men’s world record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of two hours and 35 seconds.

    His record was ratified by the international track federation World Athletics last week.

  • Why New Minimum Wage May Be N1 Million – NLC President Ajaero

    Why New Minimum Wage May Be N1 Million – NLC President Ajaero

    The National Labour Congress (NLC) has indicated that its minimum wage demands might increase to N1 million per month if economic challenges persist. 

    NLC President Joe Ajaero mentioned during an interview on Arise TV that worsening inflation and currency depreciation are significant factors contributing to this potential escalation.

    He emphasized that the demand for a higher wage is closely tied to economic conditions, citing the impact of rising exchange rates and the cost of living, including the soaring prices of essential items like rice. 

    He said: “This N1 million may be relevant if the value of the Naira continues to depreciate; if the inflation continues to depreciate. The demand of Labour is equally dependent on what is happening in the society.

    “You will remember that by the time we were contemplating N200,000, the exchange rate was about N900. As we talk today, the exchange rate is about N1,400 or even more.

    “Those are the issues that determine the demand and it is equally affecting the cost of living and we have always said it that our demand will be based on the cost of living index.

    Ajaero’s remarks come amid looming strike threats as organized labour are engaging in discussions with the federal government regarding previous agreements and wage issues.

  • Police Kill ‘Wanted Notorious Kidnappers,’ Destroy Camps in Abuja

    Police Kill ‘Wanted Notorious Kidnappers,’ Destroy Camps in Abuja

    The fight against insecurity in the nation’s seat of power has again yielded results this time, as the nation’s police authorities say some wanted kidnappers have been neutralized and their camps destroyed in Abuja. 

    These recent feats, according to Force Spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, took place on Friday.

    “In the early hours of February 9, 2024, around 2.40 am, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Bureau – Intelligence Response Team (FIB-IRT), acting on intelligence, successfully attacked, neutralized and eliminated many notorious kidnappers including the kidnapping kingpin identified as Musa Wada (Sabo) Magaji, in an operation conducted around Mpape, Abuja,” a Saturday evening statement from him read.

    “The team also destroyed the camps of the dreaded kidnappers who have been thorns in the flesh of Abuja residents in recent times.”

    Police operatives engaged the criminals in a 30-minute gun battle, the statement added, with several of the kidnappers “fatally injured, while one of the police operatives sustained bullet wounds”.

    He said the development comes just on the heels of the “neutralization of Abubakar Wada, an associate of Musa Wada, on February 8, 2024, who served as a lead to their hideout.

    “Musa Wada, aka Sabo, was the mastermind behind numerous kidnappings for ransom activities plaguing areas including Mpape and Bwari in the FCT; Kagarko in Kaduna; Masaka, and Nukun Village in Nasarawa State. His modus operandi involved identifying wealthy targets and mobilizing armed gangs to carry out abductions for ransom”.

    While noting that the recent operation was carried out by the FIB-IRT “through a surprise assault,” items recovered from the hideout include mobile phones, multiple SIM cards, charms, and hard drugs”.

    “Efforts are on to recover additional arms and ammunition and other equipment they use for their nefarious operations,” the police added, reiterating its commitment to bringing perpetrators of “heinous crimes to justice, against all odds”.

  • Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe Dies

    Access Bank CEO Herbert Wigwe Dies

    Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife Chizoba and two children, have lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California. 

    The incident occurred as the helicopter, en route to Las Vegas, crashed near the Nevada-California border on Friday night.

    The crash claimed the lives of all six individuals on board, including Bimbo Ogunbanjo, son of businessman Chris Ogunbanjo. 

    The purpose of the trip was for Wigwe to attend Super Bowl 58, scheduled for February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. 

    The absence of Wigwe and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was noted at the Access Bank Lagos Marathon on Saturday. 

    The crash is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.

  • EFCC Declares Emefiele’s Wife Wanted

    EFCC Declares Emefiele’s Wife Wanted

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday announced the pursuit of Margaret Dumbiri Emefiele, the wife of the ex-governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele. 

    The anti-graft agency also sought Eric Ocheme Odoh, Jonathan Omoile, and Anita Joy Omoile for their alleged involvement in converting substantial amounts of government funds alongside the former CBN governor. 

    The EFCC accused them of committing felony, including obtaining money through false pretenses and stealing, under Sections 411, 287, and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. 

    The public notice urged individuals with information on their whereabouts to contact the EFCC offices or call 08093322644. 

    Godwin Emefiele is presently facing trial on multiple charges related to corruption, conspiracy, breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining funds by false pretenses, amounting to $6,230,000.00.

  • FG’s Student Loan Gets New Kick Off Date

    FG’s Student Loan Gets New Kick Off Date

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to officially launch the national student loan scheme in Abuja on February 21.

    The initiative aims to support Nigerian students in higher institutions with a flexible repayment plan beginning two years after completing the national youth service.

    The program is inclusive, extending its benefits to qualified Nigerians with informal education and those enrolled in private universities, as directed by President Tinubu. 

    The initial phase will focus on students currently enrolled in universities.

    According to The Cable, the delay in the launch was attributed to the meticulous fine-tuning of administrative and logistical infrastructure. 

    Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), confirmed the launch date and emphasized the fully technology-driven application process to eliminate potential biases.

    Eligibility criteria include Nigerian citizenship, enrollment in a higher institution, financial inclusion qualification, and acceptable academic performance. 

    The application portal, set to be unveiled at the launch, will require basic personal data, such as the National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN), and JAMB number for seamless verification.

    Loan disbursement will occur directly to schools through NELFUND’s single treasury account at the Central Bank of Nigeria, bypassing commercial banks and finance houses. 

    A special committee of NELFUND, comprising key stakeholders, is expected to be inaugurated soon, as stipulated by the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act passed by the National Assembly in 2023 and signed into law by President Tinubu on June 13, 2023.

  • Tinubu To Attend NDA 60th Anniversary

    Tinubu To Attend NDA 60th Anniversary

    President Bola Tinubu has departed the nation’s capital, Abuja, to attend the grand finale of a week-long activities to mark the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

    “President Bola Tinubu departs to attend NDA Anniversary in Kaduna,” read an update from the State House media office Saturday morning.

    On February 5, the Academy unveiled an emblem and a crest commemorating 60 years since its establishment, as part of activities marking its Diamond Jubilee celebrations which commenced three days earlier at the NDA Auditorium, Afaka.

    Present were graduates of the NDA, former Commandants, serving and retired military officers, operatives of other security and paramilitary organisations, as well as representatives of institutions including the Special Guest of Honour, Major General Rabiu Aliyu (retd.), who is a member of the pioneer Regular Course 1 of 1964.

    Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja the same day after which he is billed to proceed to Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, to witness the face-off between Nigeria and host Côte d’Ivoire at the AFCON final.

  • Kenyan Wins Lagos City Marathon

    Kenyan Wins Lagos City Marathon

    Bernard Sang, a Kenyan athlete, claimed victory in the 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon with a time of 02:16:49.

    The 32-year-old defeated about 80 others in the 9th edition of the race on Saturday to win the 42km race and clinch the $50,000 prize money.

    The East Africans dominated the race as two other Kenyans, Simon Cheprot and Edwin Kiptoo, came second and third, with cash prizes of $40,000 and $30,000 respectively.

    The Kenyans won the marathon in 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021.

    More so, 25-year-old Ethiopian, Kebene Chala, was the first woman to cross the finish line.

    Shehu Muazu was the first Nigerian to cross the finish line and will be going home with a N1 million cash prize.

    The 42km race, which was scheduled between 5 a.m. and 2 p.m. began at the National Stadium in Surulere and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island.

    The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, on Friday, issued a traffic advisory ahead of the yearly Access Bank Lagos City Marathon

  • Gen Arogboda, Chief Of Staff To President Jonathan is Dead

    Gen Arogboda, Chief Of Staff To President Jonathan is Dead

    Brigadier General Jones Oladeinde Arogbofa, a former Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has died at the age of 72. 

    Born on November 10, 1952, in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, he passed away on Saturday morning, and the circumstances surrounding his death are currently unclear.

    Arogbofa, commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973, had a distinguished military career, serving as Chief of Staff to President Goodluck Jonathan from February 10, 2014, to May 29, 2015.

     After retirement, he remained active and, at the time of his passing, served as the Chairman of the Center for Research, Information Management, and Media Development (CRIMMD).

    He is survived by his wife and children.