Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • APC Council Launches George Akume Foundation

    APC Council Launches George Akume Foundation

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Council has launched a foundation for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

    The foundation which was established in commemoration of Akume’s 70th birthday anniversary was dedicated to upholding his enduring principles.

     Seyi Bamigbade, the Director-General, revealed this initiative in Lagos, emphasizing its commitment to championing causes close to the former Benue State governor’s heart.

    According to Bamigbade, the newly formed foundation aims to uphold Akume’s legacy by focusing on philanthropy and humanitarian endeavors. 

    It intends to empower youth with business grants, extend support to widows and the less privileged, provide scholarships, and distribute educational resources to communities in Benue and the broader North Central region.

    Bamigbade disclosed the appointment of Prince Ademola Adetokunbo Ade-John as the inaugural chairman of the foundation’s Board of Trustees (BoT).

    Furthermore, Bamigbade appealed to both philanthropic individuals and donor agencies, urging them to collaborate with the council to improve the well-being of Nigerians in their communities.

  • Kidnappers Demand N50 Million Ransom for Release of Nasarawa LG Chairman

    Kidnappers have demanded a whooping N50 million for the safe release of the chairman of Akwanga Local Government Council in Nasarawa, Alhaji Safiyanu Isah Andaha.

    Isah was abducted alongside his associate, Adamu Umar Tanko on Monday night.

    Confirmation of the abduction came from Haruna Kassimu, the Special Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to the Nasarawa State Governor, who acknowledged the distressing situation.

    According to a family source, negotiations between the family and the abductors are underway, shrouded in anonymity for safety concerns, as the state police command are intensifying efforts to secure their release.

    The Nasarawa State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Umar Nadada, has swiftly mobilized personnel for a potential rescue operation. 

    DSP Ramhan Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer, stressed the collaborative efforts between the police and other security agencies in tracking down the kidnappers.

    Nansel implored the public, particularly residents of surrounding villages, to provide credible information that could aid in the safe recovery of the victims and the swift arrest of the perpetrators.

  • President Tinubu Suspends Halima Shehu, CEO of National Social Investment Programme Agency

    President Tinubu Suspends Halima Shehu, CEO of National Social Investment Programme Agency

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended Halima Shehu from her roles as the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

    The suspension was ordered with immediate effect, replacing Shehu from her prominent position overseeing the Conditional Cash Transfer Program.

    The Senate ratified Shehu’s nomination back on October 18, 2023, following her appointment by President Tinubu earlier that month.

    Shehu, recognized for her banking expertise and professional development background, played a pivotal role in digitalizing the Conditional Cash Transfer Program.

    With roots in Katsina State, Shehu’s educational journey included earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Language from Ahmadu Bello University and later obtaining a Master’s degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the same institution.

    She honed her financial expertise during a decade-long banking career spanning several banks.

    Her venture into politics began in 2010, marked by key appointments in Katsina State governance and service as a presidential election observer in Cape Verde under the Economic Community of West African Countries in 2016.

  • Ex President Buhari Under Attack Over Joke On Fuel Price Hike

    Ex President Buhari Under Attack Over Joke On Fuel Price Hike

    Former Nigerian president, Muhammadu Buhari has come under fire over the joke he made regarding the increase in fuel price.

    Ever since fuel subsidy was removed by his successor, Bola Tinubu, there has been a surge in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which has led to subsequent economic hardship.

    During an event on Sunday evening in Duara, Buhari’s hometown, the ex Nigeria leader said he is glad that Tinubu increased the price of fuel.

    “I’m glad Tinubu increased the price of fuel, because it reduced the number of people who visit me at home”, he joked.

    Reacting to the joke, popular social-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, slammed Buhari for being insensitive, saying he lacks empathy and emotional intelligence.

    “If selfish and self centered were people they would both be Buhari,” she wrote on X.

    “Zero empathy. Zero emotional intelligence.

    “There were people laughing at this cruelty to the people.

    “If they can afford what about those who can’t and their lives are in difficulties?”

  • Singer Fave Calls Out Davido For Performing Edited Version Of Song She Featured In

    Singer Fave Calls Out Davido For Performing Edited Version Of Song She Featured In

    23-year-old Nigerian singer, Chidozie Godsfavour better known as Fave
    has taken to X formerly Twitter to express her disappointment after witnessing Davido perform an altered rendition of their collaborative track, “Kante,” with her verse omitted from the performance.

    The singer, who was looking forward to sharing the stage with Davido, revealed her initial excitement at the event, only to be taken aback when the song was performed in a modified form.

    “Begun my new year with such a huge gag lol hugging Davido backstage as he’s about to perform, to watching him perform Kante in a new version with my verse taken off. Performing with you would have been a good way to start my year but I guess life happens. Happy nu year🤞💋,” Fave posted on Monday.

    The public response was divided, with some suggesting that she should have privately addressed the issue with Davido rather than airing it publicly on Twitter. 

    Acknowledging this, Fave later admitted her oversight in handling the matter publicly.

    “I guess I should’ve just texted him how I felt instead of tweeting it. I forget how the internet can be sometimes,” she added in a subsequent tweet.

    Amidst calls for an apology and deletion of the tweet, Fave’s post remained on her Twitter profile, as of the time of this report.

  • Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Yuletide

    Tinubu Returns To Abuja After Yuletide

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has returned to Abuja following the yuletide break spent in Lagos State. 

    Recall that Tinubu had on December 21st departed Abuja for Lagos to celebrate the Christmas and New Year break.

    This was his first Christmas as president since he was sworn in on May 29.

    Addressing the nation in his New Year broadcast on January 1, 2024, President Tinubu acknowledged the frustrations of millions of Nigerians grappling with the soaring cost of living, high inflation exceeding 28%, and a troubling under-employment rate.

    “From the boardrooms at Broad Street in Lagos to the main streets of Kano and Nembe Creeks in Bayelsa, I hear the groans of Nigerians who work hard every day,” the president empathized, recognizing the challenges faced by citizens striving to support their families.

    Emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity, President Tinubu urged Nigerians not to yield to the tough times, stating, “The time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.”

    The president’s message encouraged citizens to maintain faith in the promise of Nigeria despite current socio-economic difficulties, fostering hope for a brighter future.

  • New Year: Gombe Governor Pardons 39 Prisoners

    New Year: Gombe Governor Pardons 39 Prisoners

    In a move marking the New Year, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has extended clemency to 39 inmates serving sentences across correctional facilities within the state. 

    In a statewide broadcast on Monday, the governor emphasized the significance of this gesture in providing these individuals with an opportunity to reform and re-enter society as better citizens.

    Highlighting the decision’s basis on the recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Governor Yahaya revealed that 26 inmates would receive unconditional pardons, while the sentences of the remaining 13 have been commuted to shorter durations.

    Governor Yahaya expressed hope that those benefiting from this clemency would seize the chance to start anew and contribute positively to society. 

    This initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation and offering a second chance to individuals seeking to turn their lives around.

  • President Bola Tinubu Signs N28.7 Trillion 2024 Budget into Law

    President Bola Tinubu Signs N28.7 Trillion 2024 Budget into Law

    President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, marking the commencement of Nigeria’s fiscal year. 

    The budget, totaling N28.7 trillion, was approved by the National Assembly and signed by Tinubu upon his return from a week-long holiday in Lagos.

    This budget surpasses the initial proposal by N1.2 trillion, as outlined by the President during his presentation to the joint session of the National Assembly in November 2023. 

    President Tinubu highlighted a deficit of N9.18 trillion for the fiscal year, lower than the previous year’s deficit of N13.78 trillion, amounting to 6.11% of the GDP.

    The deficit is set to be financed through various channels, including new borrowings totaling N7.83 trillion, N298.49 billion from Privatisation Proceeds, and a drawdown of N1.05 trillion from multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects.

    President Tinubu stressed the importance of adhering to the January-December implementation cycle, aiming for the swift enactment of the Appropriation Act by January 1, 2024.

    The Senate’s recent adjustment to the budget increased it by N1.2 trillion, elevating the total expenditure to N28.7 trillion. 

    The breakdown, as outlined in the report by the Appropriation Committee led by Senator Solomon Adeola, indicates allocations for statutory transfers, recurrent expenditure, capital expenditure, and a GDP growth projection of 3.88 per cent.

  • 2 Killed As Tanker Explosion Rocks Ebonyi

    2 Killed As Tanker Explosion Rocks Ebonyi

    A tragic incident shook the Abakaliki–Onueke-Afikpo Expressway as a fuel-laden tanker erupted in a massive explosion, resulting in two casualties.
     
    Igwe Nnabuife, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander in Ebonyi State, confirmed the tragic event on Saturday in Abakaliki.

    According to Nnabuife, the tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) caught fire around 8:20 pm on Friday at the airport junction axis of the highway. 

    The intensity of the blaze was such that the vehicle’s registration number couldn’t be identified due to being burnt beyond recognition.

    “Regrettably, two individuals lost their lives, while another sustained severe injuries. The deceased have been transported to Alex-Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, while the injured party received medical attention at Onueke General Hospital in Ezza-South Local Government Area,” the Sector Commander said.

  • Pray against terror attacks in Lagos – Gospel singer Ada Ehi raises alarm 

    Pray against terror attacks in Lagos – Gospel singer Ada Ehi raises alarm 

    Nigerian gospel singer, Ada Ehi has shared a disturbing message with her followers after experiencing a distressing dream alongside her husband.

    Both dreamt of terror attacks targeting Lagos, prompting her to urge Nigerians to join in fervent prayers against such potential threats.

    Taking to Twitter, Ada Ehi expressed her worry, stating,

    “Last night, my husband and I had a very similar dream. Pray against terror attacks in Lagos and Nigeria. Please pray intently and passionately.”

    “He frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands cannot carry out their plans. Job 5:12 NKJV”.