Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Departs Abuja For Lagos

    Eid-el-Fitr: Tinubu Departs Abuja For Lagos

    President Bola Tinubu will be leaving Abuja on Sunday for Lagos where he will celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration. 

    This was contained on Saturday in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. 

    “President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja, the Nation’s Capital, for Lagos on Sunday ahead of Eid-el-Fitr.

    “In deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the President will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family.

    “The President will continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays,” the statement reads.

  • Pastor Adeboye Sends Warning To Critics

    Pastor Adeboye Sends Warning To Critics

    The General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has responded to his critics, stressing that he does not mind being mocked.

    The cleric stated this during his sermon and anointing service at the monthly Holy Ghost service at the RCCG headquarters in Mowe, Ogun State.

    Pastor Adeboye also reminded his critics that the word of God made it clear that anyone God would use must be foolish and a nobody so that nobody would “get the glory.”

    Recall that Adeboye had been drawing criticism from several celebrities and on-air personalities over some of his declarations and comments.

    The RCCG leader said, “If Paul, who wrote more than half of the New Testament, claimed to be less than the least of the saint, according to Ephesians 3:8, Pastor Adeboye is nothing.

    “However, his God is everything. Listen to me carefully, Adeboye is one stupid boy and I would prove it to you before I close, But his God is wiser than the wisest.

    “Adeboye is weak, he eats pounded yam and goes to the toilet. But his God is stronger than the strongest. Adeboye is nothing but his God is the All-sufficient God.

    “So there is nothing spectacular. There is no big deal if you mock Pastor Adeboye. He deserves to be mocked.

    “The word of God made it abundantly clear. Anyone that God will use must be weak, foolish, and a nobody, so that only God will take the glory. So you can mock Adeboye, but you must not mock his God.

    “Why? Because Adeboye is nothing, there is nothing he can do to you. But his God is a consuming fire.”

  • Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters

    Unrest In Kaduna As Police Clash With Shiites Protesters

    In Kaduna State’s capital, Kaduna, tensions flared as police clashed with Shiite protesters, leading to a state of pandemonium and unrest. 

    The confrontation unfolded as members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) gathered for a procession near the Katsina roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way. 

    Despite the Federal Government’s ban on the group’s activities, the protesters persisted, prompting a response from law enforcement. 

    Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as police attempted to disperse the gathering, resulting in a frantic scramble among residents and shop owners to seek safety. 

    According to Kaduna State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Mansir Hassan, the IMN members allegedly brandished dangerous weapons and attacked both civilians and police officers. 

    Several individuals sustained injuries in the skirmish. 

    The police have since made arrests of suspects allegedly in possession of weapons and have vowed to prosecute them following investigations. 

  • Nigeria Police Force Elevates Over 10,000 Officers 

    Nigeria Police Force Elevates Over 10,000 Officers 

    The Nigeria Police Force has announced the promotion of over 10,000 junior officers across various cadres. 

    Under the directive of Inspector General Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, 10,581 deserving officers from the Inspectorate Cadre and the Rank and File have been elevated.

    The promotion process, spearheaded by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Finance and Administration and the Commissioner of Police (Welfare), is set to commence promptly, as confirmed by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

    The breakdown of promotions includes 9,831 Police Constables advancing to the rank of Corporal, 81 Corporals promoted to Sergeant, and 669 officers progressing from Sergeant to Inspector.

    Emphasizing the importance of meritocracy and career advancement, the Inspector General highlighted the role of timely promotions in boosting officer morale and overall effectiveness.

    He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to merit-based promotions, underscoring its significance in ongoing manpower development initiatives.

    The Nigeria Police Force extended congratulations to all officers slated for promotion, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity, and unwavering service to the nation.

  • IBEDC Restores Power to UCH After 16-Day Blackout

    IBEDC Restores Power to UCH After 16-Day Blackout

    University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State, has finally regained electricity after enduring a 16-day blackout due to a disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC). 

    The disconnection was a result of an outstanding debt amounting to N495 million, accumulated over six years.

    The power restoration, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Thursday, came after the hospital management took steps to address the issue. 

    Part of the debt, totaling N80 million, was paid, and an agreement was reached with IBEDC on a repayment plan for the remaining amount.

    During the blackout period, the hospital faced significant challenges, with workers resorting to rechargeable lamps to attend to patients. 

    Many wards operated at minimal capacity, leading to patient discharges, while critical cases were still admitted, albeit with difficulties.

    In response to the outage, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) had previously announced limited working hours for staff, citing the lack of electricity as a major hindrance to their duties. 

    However, with power now restored, normal operations are expected to resume fully.

  • Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Passport

    Nigeria To Begin Local Production Of Passport

    The Nigerian Government has rolled out plans to begin the local production of international passports in the country.
    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this known in a post via his official X handle on Wednesday night.

    Tunni-Ojo revealed that he met with a local technology company that presented a proposal for localizing international passport production.

    “Today, I had a meeting with an indigenous technology company presenting a proposal on localizing our international passport production,” he wrote.

    The production of international passports by Nigeria in other countries appears to be constituting a delay in the process of acquiring the document.

    The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) unveiled the fully automated passport application system on March 8, 2024.

    With this, applicants, including Nigerians in the diaspora, are expected to enjoy a seamless experience registering for new passports and renewing expired ones.

    In another development, Tunji-Ojo recently convened a brainstorming session with the Ministry of Interior’s technical partners, top immigration officers, and ministry officials.

    The minister said the mission is to revolutionize the visa application process, particularly for short-stay visitors, so that Nigeria can streamline procedures, reduce stress, and enhance accessibility through automation.

    “It is my belief that by fostering a more welcoming environment for tourists eager to explore our vibrant culture and rich artistic heritage, we are on another step towards achieving the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

  • US Embassy Warns Citizens in Nigeria Over Shiites Protest

    US Embassy Warns Citizens in Nigeria Over Shiites Protest

    The United States Embassy in Nigeria has issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens residing in the country regarding an impending nationwide protest organized by the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, commonly known as Shiites.

    Scheduled for Friday, April 5, 2024, the protest is anticipated to primarily take place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

    The embassy highlighted potential risks associated with the demonstrations, including roadblocks, traffic disruptions, and potential clashes between protestors and Nigerian security forces.

    While specific details such as timing and exact locations remain unspecified, the US embassy indicated potential protest sites based on past demonstrations, including prominent areas in Abuja such as Bannex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, and various mosques.

    In light of the security concerns, the embassy advised its citizens to exercise caution, avoid the protest areas, monitor local media for updates, steer clear of crowds, and maintain awareness of their surroundings. 

    Additionally, residents were urged to review their personal security plans and ensure their cell phones are charged in case of emergencies, while carrying proper identification at all times.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has assured residents of adequate security measures during the protest and beyond, emphasizing the commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region.

  • Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Kogi Community

    Many Killed As Gunmen Invade Kogi Community

    Suspected Fulani gunmen, early Friday morning, invaded Agojeju-Odo, a community in Omala Local Government Council in Kogi East Senatorial District, killing scores.

    The marauders who are fully armed surrounded the community and opened fire, killing and burning houses.

    A community leader, who escaped by the whiskers, but pleaded to remain anonymous, spoke with our correspondent, saying they were caught unawares.

    He revealed that 27 corpses have been recovered as of the time of filing this report, while some local vigilante men have moved into the bush looking for missing persons.

    He explained that rumour has been rife in the past three weeks of the possible invasion which was brought to the attention of the recently appointed Local Government Council Caretaker Chairman, Mark Edibo, but they were assured of safety and protection.

    He said: “There was a misunderstanding between a young man in Agojeju-Odo with a Fulani herder on his farm after cattles ate up his yam tubers which resulted in a fight; the caretaker chairman intervened.

    “Since then, the herders vowed that they will mobilize and get back and there has been apprehension,” the source said.

    Speaking with Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, he confirmed the attack, but said the Commissioner of Police immediately drafted the tactical squad to the scene to restore normalcy.

    According to him, the tactical squad which comprises Mobile Police, Soldiers and Vigilante men were drafted after a distress call and they are currently on ground.

    The Police Spokesman could not confirm the figure of dead persons, while he promised to get back after speaking with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Omala Local Government Council.

    “As for the figure of dead persons, I can’t confirm now. I will call you after I have spoken with the DPO in charge of Omala, but I know that so many people sustained gunshot injuries,” he said.

  • NERC Sanctions AEDC for Misapplying New Electricity Tariff 

    NERC Sanctions AEDC for Misapplying New Electricity Tariff 

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for incorrectly implementing the new electricity tariffs in the nation’s capital.

    In response to numerous complaints from Abuja residents, NERC has fined AEDC a sum of N200 million and instructed the company to refund affected customers who were wrongly billed.

    According to NERC, the tariff adjustment was intended for customers classified under Band A, who typically receive approximately 20 hours of electricity per day. However, residents in other bands were also subjected to the increased charges when attempting to purchase electricity units.

    Although AEDC has issued an apology and attributed the situation to an error, NERC’s sanctions underscore the importance of accurate billing practices and consumer protection in the electricity sector.

  • Military releases slain terrorist commanders’ names

    Military releases slain terrorist commanders’ names

    The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday released the names of terrorist kingpins killed during different operations in the northern part of the country.

    The DHQ noted that the terrorist commanders were killed in separate operations between January and March 2024.

    The names of the terrorist kingpins are Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorist who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops on 21 Feb 24.

    Others are Kachallah Damina (Neutralised on March 24 by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed the names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja.

    He added that a total of 2,351 terrorists were killed while 2,308 were arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under review.