Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Tragic Road Accident Involves FG Civil Servants En Route IPPIS Registration

    Tragic Road Accident Involves FG Civil Servants En Route IPPIS Registration

    A group of 20 federal civil servants, who were en route from Maiduguri, Borno State, to Abuja for a mandatory verification exercise related to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) registration, were involved in a tragic road accident in Gombe on Tuesday.

    While the specific details of the accident remain unclear as of the time of this report, it was confirmed that one person lost their life in this unfortunate incident.

    The accident took place during their journey from Maiduguri to the nation’s capital.

    The Nigerian Government recently issued a directive requiring all civil servants and employees from core ministries to participate in the ongoing IPPIS registration to ensure the accurate capture of their details.

    This directive impacted approximately 17,000 federal civil servants from various regions of the country who had to travel to Abuja for registration.

    A surviving civil servant, deeply distressed by the situation, shared, “Tragically, one of our colleagues lost their life on the way from Maiduguri to Abuja for the mandatory IPPIS registration. The accident occurred in Gombe.

    This is a truly heartbreaking situation, and I will provide further updates as we receive more information.”

    The affected civil servants have been grappling with delayed salary payments, adding to their concerns and challenges during this registration process.

  • I Didn’t Issue Quit Notice To Hausa Traders In Abia- Gov Otti

    I Didn’t Issue Quit Notice To Hausa Traders In Abia- Gov Otti

    The Abia State government has refuted claims that it instructed Northern cattle dealers at Lokpanta Market in Umunneochi Local Government Area to relocate to the North. 

    Earlier reports suggested that traders in the market had appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent their eviction from Lokpanta market by the Abia State government.

    These traders asserted that Governor Alex Otti’s administration had given them a two-week notice to vacate the market.

    However, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (retd.), the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, addressed the media in Umuahia and categorically dismissed these claims as baseless and malicious.

    Ubah clarified that the government had only implemented a policy to change the operational hours of the cattle market. Instead of being a residential area, it would now operate daily. 

    He accused those circulating the rumor of distorting the government’s straightforward directive to create confusion and tarnish the reputation of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

    He explained that the governor had never issued an order for Northerners to leave the cattle market but had simply decided that the market would no longer function at night due to security concerns. 

    The decision was a response to the area’s history as a hotspot for criminal activities.

    Ubah elaborated, “Three weeks ago, we took deliberate and measured actions in response to persistent reports of kidnappings in the Uturu-Umunneochi axis. During our operations, we discovered shanty brothels with over 160 rooms. These were identified and demolished, and we confiscated millions of Naira suspected to be proceeds from kidnapping.”

    “Criminal elements had turned the median of the Expressway into a parking lot, creating artificial traffic congestion and using the opportunity to alert their fellow gang members about the approach of their victims. We made arrests, and investigations are ongoing. Our plan is to make the market a daily one, like any other market in the state. It is impossible to attract development to an area plagued by kidnapping, armed robbery, and other security issues.”

    He noted that the cattle market, once a place for peaceful cattle trade, had transformed into a hub for criminals, rogues, and kidnappers. It had relocated from the Garki area, now the site of the ShopRite, to Ubakala, and then to Okigwe in Imo State.

  • 3 Die As OPC, Amotekun Clash In Oyo

    3 Die As OPC, Amotekun Clash In Oyo

    A violent clash which erupted in Iwerele, Iwajowa Local Government Area of Oyo State, involving multiple groups including the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Amotekun, Operation Burst, Soludero, and a group of herdsmen, has resulted in three dead and many casualties.

    The cause of the conflict remains unknown.

    Confirming the clash, a prominent titled Chief in the community revealed that the turmoil began when a group of herdsmen invaded a local farm with their cattle, leading to a dispute that tragically claimed the life of the farm’s owner.

    Responding to the escalating situation, combined security forces consisting of Operation Burst, OPC, Amotekun, and Soludero were called in to restore peace to the area. 

    Reports suggest that these security operatives were ambushed by the herdsmen during their intervention efforts.

    The exact number of casualties resulting from this conflict is yet to be determined, as the situation continues to develop. 

  • DSS Storms Ondo PDP Headquarters

    DSS Storms Ondo PDP Headquarters

    On Monday, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) made a conspicuous appearance at the Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State.

    These security personnel were seen positioning their vehicles in the vicinity of the opposition party’s headquarters.

    Kennedy Peretei, the spokesperson for the Ondo PDP, officially confirmed the presence of the security operatives.

    He disclosed that their primary objective appeared to be the prevention of a planned peaceful protest scheduled by the party’s youth wing.

    Peretei further clarified that the protest aimed to address the ongoing absence of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu from the State since April 2023, with the intent of seeking information about his whereabouts. 

    Notably, this heightened security presence hindered the entry of staff into the PDP secretariat.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) sounded an alarm on Sunday, alleging potential machinations by the PDP and certain APC figures to instigate unrest within the state. 

    The APC statement emphasized that Governor Akeredolu would soon return to the State, asserting that he has continued to carry out his official duties even while away.

  • Fuel Scarcity Returns To Lagos Amid Increased Pump Price

    Fuel Scarcity Returns To Lagos Amid Increased Pump Price

    Fuel scarcity has made a troubling return to Lagos and its surroundings, as numerous oil marketers have closed their outlets, leaving motorists and consumers in a lurch.

    Last week, a similar issue was reported in Abuja, attributed by oil marketers to poor road conditions and the soaring cost of diesel for distribution.

    However, recent observations over the weekend have revealed that both independent and major oil marketers have halted operations, leaving the responsibility of serving customers in most parts of Lagos to NNPC Limited, the only remaining importer of the product.

    This scarcity has persisted despite fuel deregulation, as other operators have struggled to import petrol due to market instability and a lack of foreign exchange. 

    The informal exchange rate has reached over N1,000 per dollar, compounding the challenges faced by these operators.

    Chinedu Okoronkwo, the President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has indicated that measures are being taken to address this crisis. 

    He stated, “Stakeholders have been meeting, and measures have been taken to enable oil marketers to access foreign exchange at a rate that will not disrupt the current price of the product.”

    Meanwhile, in Abuja, most major marketers that are still operational have raised their pump prices from N615 per liter to N625 per litre, adding to the woes of already burdened consumers.

  • Delta State Government Assures On Improved Services in 2024 Budget

    Delta State Government Assures On Improved Services in 2024 Budget

    The Delta State Government is gearing up to deliver a more comprehensive and effective 2024 state budget that addresses the concerns of its residents.

    During a Zoom meeting, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen, shed light on various aspects of the upcoming budget, which aims to enhance the lives of Deltans.

    Housing has been a significant concern for many residents, particularly students who have been grappling with the high cost of accommodation. 

    The commissioner pledged to address this issue by acquiring vast land and collaborating with developers to construct affordable housing options, with a particular focus on students’ needs.

    Road infrastructure is another critical area in the state, with complaints about the deteriorating state of the Efurrun Abraka Agbor road, which residents consider a safety hazard. 

    The commissioner assured the public that work is already underway to repair the road, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure. 

    Although concrete construction was preferred, cost considerations led to the decision to use asphalt.

    Recognizing the importance of food security, the government plans to invest in farm settlements to make food more accessible and affordable for the people of Delta State. 

    This step is expected to have a positive impact on local agriculture and food supply.

    In addition to these specific areas, the 2024 budget will also encompass crucial sectors such as security and education, aiming to ensure the satisfaction of Delta’s residents.

    Commissioner Ekedayen urged the public to be patient and supportive as the new government settles into its responsibilities.  He said the Delta State Government is determined to improve the lives of its citizens through a well-rounded and people-centric budget for the upcoming year.

  • LASG Reopens Ladipo, Mile 12 Markets

    LASG Reopens Ladipo, Mile 12 Markets

    The Lagos State Government has reopened Ladipo Market, Mushin, after meeting the most essential criteria set for reopening sealed markets.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this in a statement on Monday.

    Wahab said business activities would commence at the popular spare parts market, after its recent closure for various environmental infractions.

    Wahab noted that the administration of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu priotised the issue of clean environment, public health, and safety in line with the THEMES Plus agenda.

    This, he said, informed the recent drive to enforce strict compliance with waste management best practice across markets in the state.

    Also commenting on the reopening of the market, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to environmental sustainability and public safety, particularly within markets and around business facilities.

    Gbadegesin said the goal was to ensure all markets in Lagos State followed laid down environmental rules, resulting in a safer and healthier business environment for buyers and sellers.

    He urged the traders to support the efforts of the state government, by adhering strictly to the environmental laws, as market that runs foul risked indefinite closure

    Earlier on Monday, the state government reopened the Mile 12 International Market after meeting the required conditions. 

  • Tragedy As Transformer Explosion Kills Many In Plateau

    Tragedy As Transformer Explosion Kills Many In Plateau

    In a devastating incident, Gada Biu community, located in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, was rocked by a fatal electric transformer explosion on Saturday. 

    The incident, which occurred around 3 a.m., not only claimed several lives but also caused significant damage to residential buildings and shops in the area.

    Witnesses on the scene recounted a harrowing scene, describing how the transformer explosion ignited a fire that quickly spread, leading to multiple casualties. 

    Among the victims, four individuals from Kabong village in the Gada Biu community were tragically electrocuted.

     Moreover, the extent of the disaster remains uncertain, as more people were reportedly trapped in the inferno, with their fates yet to be determined.

    John Silas, a resident of the community, expressed the shock and grief that enveloped the area, stating, “The people of Kabong village in the Gada Biu community woke up this morning around 3 a.m. to mourn the death of four persons.

     They were electrocuted due to an electric transformer explosion in the area. I understand that more others were trapped in the fire, and we don’t know their fate now.”

    Plateau State Police Command’s Spokesman, Alabo Alfred, confirmed their awareness of the tragic incident. 

    He revealed that several individuals sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention. 

    In response, the police force has dispatched its officers and personnel to the affected area to conduct a thorough investigation and shed light on the circumstances leading to the catastrophe.

  • NUC Slams NBTE’s ‘Top-Up Degree’ Scheme For Poly Graduates

    NUC Slams NBTE’s ‘Top-Up Degree’ Scheme For Poly Graduates

    The National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised strong objections to the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) over its introduction of a “top-up degree” program for Nigerian polytechnic graduates holding Higher National Diplomas (HNDs).

    The NUC, through its acting Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, expressed that this initiative contradicts the commission’s mandate. 

    The NBTE had initially established a partnership with foreign universities to offer a one-year conversion course, allowing HND graduates to convert their diplomas into full-fledged degrees. 

    This move was well-received by HND graduates seeking to bridge the gap between university degree holders and themselves.

    However, the NUC issued a stern statement, urging the NBTE to reconsider its plan. The NUC emphasized that the “Bill for an Act to Abolish and Prohibit Dichotomy and Discrimination between First Degree and Higher National Diploma in the Same Profession/Field for Employment, and for Related Matters,” which passed in 2021, has not been assented to by the President. 

    Thus, the dichotomy between university degrees and HNDs remains.

    The NUC clarified its authority as the sole regulatory agency for university education in Nigeria, underlining the significant differences in the educational processes and requirements between universities and polytechnics.

    Additionally, the NUC pointed out that candidates with HNDs who wish to pursue postgraduate degrees in Nigerian universities must meet specific admission criteria.

    The NUC advised the NBTE to focus on its core mandate and refrain from introducing programs that fall outside its jurisdiction and lack legal support in Nigeria. The commission emphasized its commitment to regulating and maintaining the quality of university education in the country.

  • Wale Edun Gets World Bank Appointment

    Wale Edun Gets World Bank Appointment

    Mr. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has been selected to serve as the Chairman of the African Governors’ Forum of the World Bank. 

    This significant announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Finance via its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

    This appointment holds great potential for Nigeria, paving the way for the realization of President Tinubu’s ambitious “Renewed Hope Agenda.” 

    As Chairman, Mr. Edun is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that will have far-reaching impacts on economic development and cooperation across the African continent.

    Edun said this would create an opportunity to unite the African continent, the finance ministers of Africa, the economic leaders and representatives of governments.