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Category: News

  • Wike Orders Demolition Of Scavengers’ Colonies In Mabushi, Jahi, Kado

    Wike Orders Demolition Of Scavengers’ Colonies In Mabushi, Jahi, Kado

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has ordered the demolition of the scavengers’ colony along the road corridor cutting across Mabushi, Jahi and Kado Districts.

    Wike gave the order in Abuja on Tuesday, when he visited the area, officially known as ‘Road N12’ in Mabushi District of the FCT.

    He described the colony, located behind the Minister’s Quarters in Mabushi District, as a “threat” to the security of the city.

    The area had been taken over by scavengers popularly known as ‘Baban Bola’, including mechanics and furniture makers.

    The minister, who was accompanied by a combined team of security personnel and senior officials of FCT Administration, added that efforts would be heightened to rid the city of criminal elements.

    He said that such dens of criminals would not be allowed in the FCT.

    He said that the colony was also encouraged by the thick canopy of cashew trees planted by the indigenous people of the FCT for speculative purposes.

    Wike warned against planting such trees in areas where the government had mapped out for development.

    According to him, the government will not pay compensation for the trees.

    Wike ordered the Development Control Department and the Federal Capital Development Authority to clear the entire area and take a scope of the road for preliminary works.

    “You should not compensate them. This is a hideout of criminals, and the communities should stop planting trees in the area.

    “When they see that the government intends to develop the road, they come and plant crops for the government to pay compensation. We are not going to do any compensation.

    “The Development Control must clear this area, chase out all these criminals.

    “These are the kind of things you see that people commit crimes and then before you know it, they run down here for cover and people will be saying oh, FCT is not safe.

    “It is not a question of giving them notice. There is no notice. You must chase them out now and clear the entire area,” he said.

    The minister assured the residents of FCT that the government would do everything possible to reduce the level of crime.

    Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Coordinator, Federal Capital Territory City Management Task Team, assured the minister that the area would be cleared of all structures and send the criminals packing.

    Galadima, who is also the Director, Department of Development Control, said that the area was proposed for a transit road network that transverses the city across districts.

    He said that scavengers had however turned the area into a colony, harbouring all kinds of criminals.

    “With the security challenges across the country, illegal activities of this nature will not be allowed to continue.

    “That is why we are not giving consideration to compensation; we have to secure the place.

    “After the clearing the area, FCDA will move in immediately, nobody will come in and settle again,” he said.

  • Gunmen Strike Again, Kidnap Nasarawa Varsity Students

    Gunmen Strike Again, Kidnap Nasarawa Varsity Students

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have struck once again, this time targeting students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK). 

    At least four students have been abducted in an incident that unfolded outside the school campus in the Angwan Kare area of Keffi on Monday night.

    This alarming incident comes hot on the heels of another kidnapping that occurred just a day earlier. 

    On Sunday night, Professor Haruna Ayuba Kuje, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) of NSUK, was abducted.

    The four students who have been taken captive are identified as Rahila Hanya (SLT), Josephine Gershon (Computer Science), Rosemary Samuel (Business Administration), and Goodness Samuel from the Geography Department. 

    It has been revealed that all of them are 100-level students.

    Comrade Solomon Timmy, the head of the Student Union Government (SUG), confirmed this harrowing incident to the media on Tuesday, urging everyone to remain calm as efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the abducted students.

    Additionally, Comrade Riwonga Lucky Ali, the SUG Secretary-General, issued a statement assuring students that measures are being taken to ensure the victims’ safe return.

    In a glimmer of hope amid these distressing events, there is news of the release of Professor Kuje. Samuel Alu, Chairman of NSUK Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has confirmed that Prof. Kuje was freed on Tuesday and has been reunited with his family.

    The former DVC’s kidnapping, which occurred at his private residence in Keffi on Sunday night, had sent shockwaves through the academic community. Authorities and security forces continue to work diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted students and to bring those responsible to justice.

  • Israel Bombs More Than 200 Targets In Gaza Strip Overnight

    Israel Bombs More Than 200 Targets In Gaza Strip Overnight

    *123 Israeli soldiers killed large-scale Hamas attack

    Israeli jets are continuing to pound the Gaza Strip in retaliation for the unprecedented incursion of Hamas fighters into Israel at the weekend.

    The Israeli military said more than 200 targets were struck overnight, including a weapons depot used by Hamas and facilities belonging to Islamic Jihad, a separate Palestinian Islamist group.

    Hundreds of Palestinian attackers crossed the border into Israel on Saturday.

    Around 900 people were killed in the ensuing massacre.

    In Be’eri, a kibbutz in southern Israel, more than 100 bodies were found on Monday after the army regained control of the area.

    Hamas militants took at least 150 people captive and brought them back to Gaza, including women, children, and the elderly, according to an assessment by Israel.

    Hamas has threatened to execute one hostage for every unannounced Israeli strike on civilians in Gaza.

    The bodies of 1,500 militants have been found in Israeli territory so far, according to the Israeli army.

    Massive Israeli counter-attacks have killed at least 687 people and injured more than 3,800 in the Gaza Strip, according to the Health Ministry there.

    Meanwhile, at least 123 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the large-scale attack by the Islamist militant group Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military said on Tuesday.

    Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari also said that so far 50 families had been personally informed that their loved ones were being held hostage in the Palestinian coastal enclave.

    Israel believed at least 100 people were abducted, including soldiers, in Saturday’s multi-pronged attack that blindsided the Jewish state.

  • Nigerian Army Must Embrace AI, Emerging Technologies -Lagbaja  

    Nigerian Army Must Embrace AI, Emerging Technologies -Lagbaja  

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has posited that a combat ready Nigerian Army requires effective training using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, genome sequencing and other software applications.

    Lagbaja, who was represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley, said this at the opening of the Simulation Workshop of the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The theme of the workshop is, “Effective use of Simulation Technology to Enhance Nigerian Army Operation in a Joint Environment.”

    He said the theme reflected his Command Philosophy for the Nigerian army which is, “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.

    “A Nigerian Army that is always combat ready can only be achieved through effective training using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, genome sequencing and other even as they come software applications.

    “Simulation training which involves the application of these technologies is thus a contemporary essential enabler for preparing Nigerian army personnel for current and future operational challenges.

    “It is reassuring to say that in this regard, the centre has justified the purpose for which it was conceived and established.”

    Lagbaja said he had approved the equipping of the centre with all the hardware and software essential to its efficiency.

    He added that approval had also been given for the procurement of two 10 Lane Virtual Firing Range, a 100-KVA solar-inverters with lithium batteries as well as Aluminum Composite External Cladding for this Centre, to enhance its aesthetics.

    He added that his overall goal was to make the centre a one-stop shop for all operations planning training in the Nigerian army in both peace time and during war.

    According to him, the simulation centre is now well and sufficiently equipped to carry out simulation training for all combat arms, combat support arms and combat support services of the Nigerian Army.

    “Battle Simulation Centres such as this help trainers to formulate training models by testing their operations planning and theories without expending scarce live ammunition, manpower fatique and the requirement for operational logistics supplies, especially in a dwindling economy.

    “It is my firm belief that ultimately, the Centre would not only enhance the Nigerian Army training and operational readiness but also provide training support to our sister services, other security agencies, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

    “I am delighted to note that the Centre has so far conducted several capacity building programmes in line with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events 2023, with considerable successes.

    “I am aware that the in-house training conducted at the centre has significantly improved the capacity of the new centre staff since their deployment,” he said.

    The COAS pledged to continue to support all the efforts of LFSCN within available resources to make it one of the most respected in the world.

    The Director General, LFSCN, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said the centre had since its establishment in 2019 made concerted efforts to provide the necessary hardware and software to make it functional and a centre of excellence.

    Yusuf said the centre was being ranked among the best simulation training centres in sub-Saharan Africa and in the world, owing to the necessary support provided it to function optimally.

    He said LFSCN had so far held in-house simulation exercise, four battalion simulation exercises, three brigade simulation exercises and three joint simulation exercises.

    According to him, the centre conducted seminars and workshops to enhance the capacity of its staff as well as create awareness within the Nigerian army, sister services, security services, ministries, department agencies and other stakeholders.

  • War On Terror: CDS, Service Chiefs Visit Maiduguri

    War On Terror: CDS, Service Chiefs Visit Maiduguri

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, on Tuesday paid an operational visit to the Theatre Command in Maiduguri.

    They were received by Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Theartre Commander North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali, Force Commander Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division /Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, heads of paramilitary and other principal staff officers of the Military Command and Control Centre at Airforce Base Maiduguri.

    Speaking during the visit, Maj. Samson Zhakom, Acting DDAPR Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, said the CDS would be holding meetings with the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Chiefs of Training and Operations from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force and other field commanders, where they would be briefed on recent operations in the theatre.

    Zhakom said that the CDS would also pay courtesy visits to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Elkenemy and visit Military Reference Hospital in Maimalari to check wounded personnel.

  •  FG To Enforce Compensation For Delayed, Cancelled Flights By Airlines

     FG To Enforce Compensation For Delayed, Cancelled Flights By Airlines

    The Federal Government is taking action to compel airline operators to provide compensation to passengers for delayed and cancelled flights that are not due to natural events.

    During a meeting with airline operators in Abuja, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, emphasized the need for accountability and passenger rights.

    Keyamo addressed the issue of delayed and cancelled flights that have been a source of frustration for passengers, stating that the blame cannot always be placed on the government. He acknowledged that there are situations where airlines are responsible for these disruptions, such as waiting for passengers to complete security screenings or abrupt flight cancellations.

    The Minister highlighted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Act has provisions for compensation in cases of flight delays and cancellations caused by airline fault.

    He urged airline operators to be aware of these regulations and to honour their responsibility to compensate affected passengers.

    Keyamo also encouraged airlines to establish effective communication channels to inform passengers promptly about flight cancellations and changes.

  • International Passports Home Delivery Begins Jan 2024 – FG

    International Passports Home Delivery Begins Jan 2024 – FG

    The Federal Government has announced the commencement of a home delivery service for international passports starting in January 2024.

    The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this announcement during the 2023 University of Lagos International Week opening ceremony in Lagos.

    He emphasized that Nigerians would soon enjoy a more streamlined passport application process as the ministry initiates it automation.

    The minister stated, “We have commenced the automation of our end-to-end passport application process, and we have given a timeline from which Nigerians will begin to experience the ‘sweet experience.’”

    He continued, “By implication, Nigerians will not need to wait longer than two weeks before they get their passport. By January next year, Nigerians will be able to complete this application process online, and by February next year, with collaboration and partnership with other relevant stakeholders, Nigerians will have their passports delivered to their homes, offices, and other locations of their choice.”

    The minister also mentioned that this streamlined approach would extend to the visa application process. Efforts are underway to open more visa application centres worldwide, and the visa-on-arrival policy will be strengthened.

    Additionally, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of data harmonization for restoring the integrity of travel documents.

    He noted that Nigeria currently has multiple registrations, including BVN for banks, international passports, NIN, SIM card registration for telcos, and more, which all require personal data.

  • My Son Had No Underlying Health Challenge – Sylvester Oromoni’s Mother

    My Son Had No Underlying Health Challenge – Sylvester Oromoni’s Mother

    Mrs Rosemary Oromoni, the mother of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr, the late 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lagos, has said the late student had no health challenge before the complaints he made few days to his death.

    Rosemary said this while being cross-examined by counsel to Dowen College, Mr Anthony Kpokpo.

    She testified on Monday at a coroner’s inquest to unravel the circumstances that led to the student’s death on November 30, 2021.

    The inquest is taking place at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. Rosemary wept profusely while testifying.

    The Coroner, Mr Mikhail Kadiri, had to stand down proceedings twice to enable her pull herself together.

    According to the witness, she could not take the late student to a hospital on the day he arrived home from school with complaints, few days before his death.

    She said she could not take him to hospital because the hospital was occupied.

    “I could not take him to the hospital from Friday to Monday, but did so on Tuesday,” she said.

    She further told the coroner that before her son died, she observed that his breathing changed.

    Okpokpo asked her whether she had seen the doctor’s report and whether she would be surprised learning that the report stated that her late son’s bones were in good condition.

    The witness replied in the negative.

    The family’s lead counsel, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), however, objected to the defence counsel’s question as to whether the witness would be surprised at the doctor’s report.

    “Mrs Oromoni did not author the report nor present it as evidence and should not be made to answer whether she is surprised or not at the doctor’s report,” he said.

    The counsel representing the school further asked the whether she was the one in a video that surfaced on social media showing a woman holding and supporting the deceased to walk.

    She replied: “I was aware of the video and it was shot in my house but I never instructed anyone to make it.

    “I was not the one assisting him in the video though I was aware of the video but I can not remember who shot it.

    “I do not know how many videos that were shot in my house on that day.”

    While being cross-examined by Mr Nosa Iyamo, counsel to one of the students alleged to have bullied the deceased, Rosemary said that the said video was made for the school.

    The counsel informed the court that there was no other witnesses to be called in the inquest.

    Kadiri commiserated with the witness and her family on the death of the student, and admitted the statement she made at the police station in evidence.

    The coroner directed that all the counsel should file their final written addresses in two weeks’ time.

    Kadiri adjourned the case until November 20 for adoption of the final written addresses.

    The coroner had on September 3 invited the mother of the deceased to give evidence.

    Sylvester Oromoni Jnr  reportedly died on November 30, 2021, at a private hospital in Warri, Delta, after alleged health complications at Dowen College, Lagos.

    The Oromoni family alleged that their son died from injuries he suffered as a result of bullying by five senior students of the college.

    They also claimed that he was not treated by the school in a hospital. 

  • Bwari Area Council Launches Website To Promote Activities, Development Strides

    Bwari Area Council Launches Website To Promote Activities, Development Strides

    The Bwari Area Council administration of the FCT on Monday, inaugurated its official website to promote its diverse activities and development with a view to attaining global limelight.

    The Chairman of the council, Mr John Gabaya, while inaugurating the project at the council secretariat in Bwari town, Abuja, said that the site was built to also showcase the diverse culture of the people.

    Gabaya, represented by the council Secretary, Mr Eli Kadanya, also said that the project would not only be beneficial to the people in the council but to Nigerians and the world at large.

    He said that the project started in February, adding that Bwari was one, out of the very few area councils in the FCT, to have the platform.

    “The site will be upgraded and updated on the go to include vital information about the council’s culture, institutions, food production, site attractions and other developmental activities.

    “It is expected to give easy access especially to those visiting the council for the first time or seeking information about the council from any part of the world.

    “By so doing, the site is expected to project all the positive things the council has to offer to the world,” he said.

    The chairman also assured that the site would capture the various towns under the council like Kubwa, Mpape, Dutse, other villages and their unique domain and expertise.

    Similarly, Mr Solomon Danjuma, the site Developer and Consultant, in his presentation, said that the site, www.bwariareacouncil.com, will allow people to discover the unique and captivating blend of tradition and modernity of the people.

    “The site was developed in a way for people to experience the vibrant markets, serene landscapes, and the rich spirit of Nigerian culture in one remarkable destination,” he said.

    Mrs Hadiza Usman, a staff of the council lauded the effort of the administration for providing the platform for both staff, residents of the area and Nigerians at large.

    While commending the developers for a job well done, she described the website as user-friendly, sleek and offering easy navigation to find essential information.

    “The responsive design on various devices enhances the overall experience, making it a well-crafted platform,” she said.

    Similarly, Mrs Julie Shekwomaza, a resident, said that she was impressed by the meticulous attention to detail, while adding that the website, seamlessly delivered vital information.

    “The news and events updates keep the community connected, reflecting a job well done,” she said.