Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Tinubu Appoints Aide On People With Disabilities’ Matters

    Tinubu Appoints Aide On People With Disabilities’ Matters

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Mohammed Abba Isa as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters.

    According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Isa’s appointment was borne out of President Tinubu’s determination to ensure all segments of society find placement within his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Tinubu charged Isa to create avenues of opportunity for inclusion through the inculcation of people with disabilities requirements and perspectives in the policies and programmes of Ministries and all agencies of government.

    The statement read: “In his determination to ensure that every segment of society is sufficiently catered to within the ambit of the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Abba Isa to serve as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters.

    “Mr. Mohammed Abba Isa is a distinguished champion of persons with disabilities with over a decade of experience in local and international advocacy on matters concerning persons with disabilities.

    “The new presidential aide is a graduate of Public Administration with honours from the University of Maiduguri where he would go on to earn a Masters in Public Administration at the same institution in 2017.

    “The president tasks the new appointee to proactively create avenues of opportunity for inclusion through the inculcation of PWD requirements and perspectives in the policies and programmes of all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government while working closely with sub-national authorities to build a national consensus on PWD-friendly policy and environmental conditions in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).”

  • BREAKING! NLC Protests, Blocks Abuja Airport

    BREAKING! NLC Protests, Blocks Abuja Airport

    Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday initiated a protest in Abuja.

    The group seized control of entry and exit points at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    This has led to flight disruptions and chaotic scenes around the airport area. 

    The demonstration comes in response to the recent assault on Joe Ajaero, NLC’s president in Imo state. 

    Aviation unions, aligning with NLC, have instructed their workers to halt services for both public and private Owerri flights, intensifying the impact of the protest. 

    More details later…

  • It’s Not Mandatory For Election To Hold In Imo On Saturday -NLC 

    It’s Not Mandatory For Election To Hold In Imo On Saturday -NLC 

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised concerns about the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, suggesting that it may not proceed as scheduled.

    Uchenna Ekwe, the NLC Head of International Relations, expressed these doubts during an interview on Channels TV on Wednesday morning.

    Ekwe emphasized that the Imo State population has been enduring ongoing violence, which has cast doubt on the election’s viability as a means for meaningful change. 

    He questioned the legitimacy of past elections in the state, pointing out the lack of visibility of posters from other political parties and the disruption of an INEC meeting.

    Ekwe further highlighted the loss of faith in the election process among both workers and the general populace in Imo State. 

    He asserted that the prevailing violence and fear may deter people from participating in the election.

    He stressed that the world would not come to an end if the election did not take place as planned, underscoring the urgent need to address the security concerns and restore confidence in the electoral process in Imo State.

  • Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Elections: Vote Only PDP Candidates, Atiku Begs Nigerians

    Bayelsa, Imo, Kogi Elections: Vote Only PDP Candidates, Atiku Begs Nigerians

    Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Abubakar Atiku, has appealed to Nigerians to cast their votes for PDP candidates in the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.

    Atiku acknowledged concerns about the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) handling of the 2023 general elections but emphasized the importance of citizens exercising their democratic rights.

    “The governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states are scheduled for this Saturday, November 11th,” 

    Atiku stated. “These elections, categorized as off-cycle, mark the first set of polls after the 2023 general elections in our country.”

    Despite challenges faced by INEC, Atiku urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of defeating anti-democratic elements.

    Atiku appealed to the people of Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi to support PDP candidates, highlighting their achievements and capabilities and contrasting them with their APC counterparts. 

    He praised Governor Duoye Diri in Bayelsa, Senator Dino Melaye in Kogi, and Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu in Imo for their leadership potential.

    In contrast, Atiku criticized the APC’s nominees, alleging that they are “stooges” of political godfathers, emphasizing that these elections should prioritize the needs of the common people rather than political elites.

    Atiku urged the people of these states to vote for the PDP and reject the APC, which he blamed for the country’s current hardships. 

    He emphasized that these elections are about the common people’s fortunes and the triumph of democracy, which ultimately benefits the people.

  • LASU Sacks Dean Student Affairs Dean Over Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    LASU Sacks Dean Student Affairs Dean Over Alleged Certificate Racketeering

    The Lagos State University (LASU) has taken swift action in response to allegations of certificate racketeering by reportedly sacking the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko. 

    These allegations surfaced following a report on Monday that exposed a syndicate selling genuine LASU certificates for prices ranging between N2 million and N3 million.

    In light of the serious allegations, the university has appointed Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, as the acting Dean of Student Affairs.

    The removal of Prof. Olumoko was confirmed by a source within the university. 

    The source stated, “Yes, it is true, Olumoko has been removed, and Abatan has taken over as DSA. This happened yesterday (Tuesday).”

    However, the university’s Coordinator for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, has expressed uncertainty regarding the removal, stating, “I can’t say if he has been removed or not. I am not yet in the office. So, I don’t know anything yet.”

    The Lagos State House of Assembly, in response to these allegations, announced its intention to invite the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Akibu, the Vice-Chancellor of LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, the Senate of the tertiary institution, and other top staff for a thorough investigation into the allegations of extortion and certificate racketeering within the school.

  • Court Order: EFCC Cringes, Produces Godwin Emefiele

    Court Order: EFCC Cringes, Produces Godwin Emefiele

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja complied with the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory’s order regarding the case of former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

    After being held in custody by Federal Government security agencies for over 150 days, Emefiele was brought to court in accordance with the order issued by Justice Olukayode Adeniyi.

    Former CBN Governor Emefiele, dressed in a yellow Babariga and a Hausa cap, entered the courtroom at around 12:30, accompanied by a group of EFCC operatives providing security.

    Outside the court premises, Emefiele’s friends and relatives eagerly awaited the Judge’s arrival for a hearing in his fundamental human rights case.

    Justice Adeniyi reaffirmed his order on Monday, which mandated that the detained former CBN governor be brought to court on November 8. 

    This hearing’s purpose is to consider granting him bail. 

    The court also emphasized the option for the anti-graft agency to grant bail to Emefiele in accordance with the law on fundamental human rights.

  • Irish Chef Breaks Nigeria’s Hilda Baci’s ‘Cook-a-thon’ Record

    Irish Chef Breaks Nigeria’s Hilda Baci’s ‘Cook-a-thon’ Record

    In a stunning culinary feat, Irish chef Alan Fisher has dethroned Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, breaking not one, but two Guinness World Records related to cooking.

    Fisher, the owner and chef of a restaurant in Japan, has etched his name in the record books.

    First, he claimed the title of the longest cooking marathon (individual), cooking tirelessly for an astounding 119 hours and 57 minutes. 

    This incredible accomplishment surpasses the previous record held by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci, exceeding it by more than 24 hours.

    But Alan Fisher’s record-breaking journey didn’t end there. 

    He also secured the longest baking marathon (individual) title, with an impressive time of 47 hours and 21 minutes. 

    This achievement shattered the previous record held by Wendy Sandner from the USA, who had clocked in at 31 hours and 16 minutes.

    Hilda Baci, a 26-year-old chef, had made headlines when she officially became the Guinness World Record holder for the longest cooking marathon on Tuesday, June 13. 

    Her initial record stood at 93 hours and 11 minutes, an extraordinary culinary feat in its own right. 

    However, a minor error during one of her rest breaks resulted in nearly seven hours being deducted from her total time.

    During her marathon, Hilda cooked over 100 pots of food, surpassing the previous record of 87 hours and 45 minutes set by Lata Tondon of India in 2019.

    Hilda Baci reacts to being dethroned

    Meanwhile, Hilda Baci has reacted to the feat by Irish, Alan Fisher, saying it was not easy and he deserved all the plaudits.

    Hilda Baci took to her Twitter page to congratulate the new record holder as she expressed her gratitude for holding such a prestigious title.

    She wrote:

    “Huge congratulations to Alan Fisher! 119hrs 57mins is a huge achievement, and I wish him all the best as the new world record holder! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

    I’m so happy to have held a record so prestigious and profound I will forever be honored and grateful for all the love and support ❤️❤️❤️❤️”

  • Lagos State Government Gives 25% Transport Discount Amid Public Outcry

    Lagos State Government Gives 25% Transport Discount Amid Public Outcry

    The Lagos State Government has responded to public outcry by reinstating a partial transport subsidy through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Unit (LAMATA).

    The subsidy, which was previously set at 50%, had been removed by the federal government, causing concerns among residents.

    In a statement by Kolawole Ojelabi, the Head of Corporate Communication at LAMATA, it was announced that the reinstated subsidy will be effective from Tuesday (today), until further notice.

    The official statement declared, “Following appeals to the governor, he has extended the passenger fare reduction by 25% across the regulated bus and rail transport services until another review is announced.”

    The statement emphasized the notable increase in diesel prices over the past three months, soaring from N867 in August to N1,300 in November 2023, representing a substantial 50% increase.

    Responding to the calls for the reinstatement of the 50% fare discount for regulated bus and rail transport, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the implementation of a 25% discount starting from Tuesday, , addressing the concerns raised by the public.

  • APC Thugs Attack SDP Campaign Leader In Kogi, Policeman killed, Others Abducted

    APC Thugs Attack SDP Campaign Leader In Kogi, Policeman killed, Others Abducted

    Political thugs allegedly connected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) launched an attack on the residence of Sheik Ibrahim Jibrin, the Director-General of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Campaign Council in Anyigba, Kogi State. 

    This attack occurred early in the morning, resulting in the death of one police officer and four others.

    The assailants, armed with an armored personnel carrier (APC), forcibly entered the compound by breaking the gate.

    They fired upon gaining entry, killing Officer Atabor, the police guard.

    According to the SDP, this attack was carried out by a “rogue force” reportedly assembled by Governor Yahaya Bello in preparation for the upcoming governorship election.

    The SDP alleged that this rogue force comprised thugs led by a wanted individual, Friday Makama, navy mercenaries led by N.U Akalezi of the Nigerian Navy, and DSS operatives under the command of Mr. Tosin Ajayi.

    The attack lasted for over an hour, leaving several individuals injured. Besides Officer Atabor’s death, six other individuals, believed to be policemen on official duty, were reportedly taken by the attackers.

    Comrade I D Ijele, the campaign council’s Head of New Media, is feared to have been abducted during the attack, with no contact since the incident began.

    The SDP’s campaign council expressed concerns that the rogue force remained active in Anyigba with their armored personnel carrier (APC).

    The SDP called upon the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to transfer the commissioner allegedly involved in these activities to ensure a free and fair election in Kogi State.

  • Shocking News As Mr Ibu Undergoes Leg Amputation Despite Several Surgeries

    Shocking News As Mr Ibu Undergoes Leg Amputation Despite Several Surgeries

    Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has undergone a series of surgeries, which unfortunately led to the amputation of one of his legs.

    This distressing update was shared on his official Instagram account on Monday.

    The statement on his Instagram handle indicated that Mr Ibu had gone through seven successful surgeries in his battle for recovery, but the decision to amputate his leg became necessary to save his life.

    “This development has been hard on us all, but we’ve had to accept it as Daddy’s new reality to keep him alive,” the statement read.

    In a heartfelt appeal, Mr Ibu’s family called upon Nigerians for support during this challenging time. 

    They expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested further assistance.

    “Please, we are still soliciting support from well-meaning Nigerians. At this stage, Daddy is still in a delicate condition and needs all the help he can get.

    “Thank you, everyone, the Okafor family is grateful, and we don’t take you for granted. In due time, Daddy will personally acknowledge everyone who supported him during this period as soon as he’s stable,” the family said.