Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: News

  • ₦40,000 Rice: FG Extends Sale To Three States

    ₦40,000 Rice: FG Extends Sale To Three States

    The federal government is set to commence the sale of its subsidized rice at ₦40,000 per 50kg in some other states of the federation.
    The states set to be the next beneficiaries of the federal government food subsidy initiative are Lagos, Kano and Borno States.
    This was made known by a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who spoke to Punch on Monday on the condition of anonymity.
    It would be recalled that the government, in September, announced the commencement of the sale of rice to Nigerians at the subsidized rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg.
    The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, officially launched the sale and distribution of the subsidized rice in Abuja.
    However, a Director in the Ministry said the government is now set to extend the programme beyond Abuja as part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
    “As I speak with you now, we are going to activate Lagos and Kano states for the sales any moment from now. Borno State is also going to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official said.
    The official also debunked claims that the sale of the subsidized rice has been suspended in Abuja.
    “We have not even gone anywhere; how can we stop? The sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states,” he said.
    Another official at the ministry said civil servants in Abuja, particularly around the federal ministries have been benefiting from the sales of the subsidised rice.
  • EFCC apprehends 24 for internet fraud in Benin

    EFCC apprehends 24 for internet fraud in Benin

    Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Benin Zonal Command have arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin city, the Edo State capital.
    Upon arrest, the EFCC recovered 11 exotic cars, laptops, phones, and the sum of N160,000.00 (One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) from them.
    This was disclosed in a post shared on the X handle of the anti-graft agency on Wednesday, October 2.
    The post reads: “Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday September 30, 2024, arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations within Benin City.
    “The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence of their suspected involvement in computer-related fraud.
    “Items recovered from them include 11 exotic cars, laptops and phones. The sum of N160,000.00 (One Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) was also recovered from one of the suspects.
    “The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.”
  • FG advises Nigerians in Lebanon to leave amid escalating Israeli attacks

    FG advises Nigerians in Lebanon to leave amid escalating Israeli attacks

    Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has advised nationals living in Lebanon to consider moving out of the country now that commercial flights are still in operation.
    Nigerians are also urged to liaise with the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding their safety.
    This advice comes amid attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by Israeli government.
    This was made known via a statement by Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Wednesday, October 2.
    The statement reads: “Worried by the attacks on Hezbollah and other areas in Lebanon by Israeli government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) is hereby advising Nigerians resident in Lebanon to consider moving out of the country now that commercial flights are still in operation.
    “Though information from the Nigerian community in Lebanon indicated that most Nigerians have relocated from the southern part and are now relatively safe, we hereby advise them to keep safe until the ceasefire is in place.
    “It is gratifying to note that thus far, no Nigerian has witnessed any form of accident or injury and wish to advise them to continue to remain safe while the war lasts.
    “Nigerians are equally advised to liaise with our Embassy in Lebanon for necessary guidance regarding their safety and be rest assured that their welfare and safety is of utmost concern to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
  • Iran launches 120 missiles into Israel

    Iran launches 120 missiles into Israel

    The Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a total of 120 long range missiles into Tel Aviv, Israel, with a few hitting targets while many were intercepted by Israeli anti missile system.

    It has been long speculated that the latest reckless onslaught of Israeli attack on multiple countries in the Middle East would lead to this escalaltion.

    Israel has expanded its massive war on Gaza to Labanon, Syria and Yemen.

     

     

  • Tinubu inspects guard of honour to commemorate 64th Independence anniversary

    Tinubu inspects guard of honour to commemorate 64th Independence anniversary

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the nation in commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 1st by inspecting a guard of honour at Eagle Square in Abuja.

     

    The event, attended by dignitaries, military personnel, and citizens, was marked by colourful displays of Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the grandeur of the military parade.

     

    This was disclosed in a video by the Special assistant to the president on social media, Dada Olusegun on Tuesday, October 1.

     

    The caption reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inspects a guard of honour to Commemorate 64th Independence Anniversary Celebrations”

     

  • IPOB Ban Independence Day Celebration Activities In South-East States

    IPOB Ban Independence Day Celebration Activities In South-East States

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has banned any form of Independence Day celebration activities in the entire South-East region of Nigeria on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
    In a statement issued on Monday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB asked people of the South-East at home and in the diaspora to avoid any Nigeria’s Independence celebration globally.
    Powerful said “IPOB calls on Biafrans (Southeasterners) globally to go about their normal business because we are not part of Nigeria and have nothing to do with their British flag independence of 1960.
    “We are aware that some prominent Igbo men and women played pivotal roles in securing the flag of independence that Nigeria celebrates annually on every October 1st, however, such independence has taken more blood of Ndigbo to maintain than any other ethnic group in Nigeria.
    “Biafrans have decided to reject the bloody flag of independence of Nigeria and work for the restoration of a true united and prosperous Independent State of Biafra.
    “Therefore, every Biafran should reject this Nigerian forced unity as we look forward to celebrating the Biafra independence soon.
    “Ndigbo must adhere to this clarion call to stop every activity concerning Nigeria’s independence tomorrow. There shall be no flying of Nigerian flags in Biafra territory. There shall be no independence activity for students in Biafraland.
    “Everyone should go about their businesses or use that Day for family quality time and rest at home for those who may choose not to go for their work and business.”
    He warned, “IPOB is not joking with the restoration of Biafra freedom and sovereignty. Do not make yourself an enemy of the struggle by participating in Nigeria flag independence celebrations tomorrow.
    “Parents and guardians must not allow their children to go for any Nigerian independence activities tomorrow. We are monitoring everywhere in Biafraland. As an Igbo Parent, do not allow your children to be sacrificed for a country that considers them less of a human.”
  • Minimum Wage: FG raises retirees’ pension by N32,000

    Minimum Wage: FG raises retirees’ pension by N32,000

    Following the consequential adjustment in salary structures by the committee set up by the government to review the new minimum wage, retirees will now receive an increment of N32,000 in their monthly pensions.
    This was revealed in a memo by the National Salaries, Wages, and Income Commission.
    According to the memo, dated September 27, 2024 and signed by the Chairman of the NSIWC, Ekpo Nta, the affected retirees are those who retired under the salary schemes for doctors, health workers, lecturers, police, paramilitary, armed forces, and others.
    “Consequent upon the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act 2024 and the consequential adjustments in the salaries of employees in the Federal Public Service, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved an increase of N32,000 per month on the pensions of retirees under the defined benefits scheme of agencies on the following salary structures: Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure, Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure, Consolidated Universities Academic Salary Structure, Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure II, Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure, and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure.
    “Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, Consolidated Health Salary Structure, Consolidated Para-Military Salary Structure, Consolidated Police Salary Structure, Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure, and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure.
    “The approval takes effect from July 29, 2024. Agencies that are not part of any of the above-mentioned salary structures should, in line with Section 173 (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 3 (P) of the NSIWC Act, apply to the commission to determine the appropriate increase that will be applicable to their retirees.”
    Recall that the Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants met on Friday regarding the new minimum wage template and agreed that the effective date for the implementation of the new minimum wage would be set at July 29, 2024.
    President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law on July 29 after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
    The National Salaries and Wages Commission noted that the reason for setting the implementation date to July 2024 was due to the fact that the President signed the bill into law in that same month.
  • Bribery saga: Bobrisky absent as VDM, Adeyanju, others storm NASS

    Bribery saga: Bobrisky absent as VDM, Adeyanju, others storm NASS

    The investigation into the alleged N15 million bribery involving controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, has commenced in the House.
    The hearing, held by the House Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, began around 2:05 p.m. following the arrival of Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, and his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
    It will be recalled that the scandal started after VeryDarkMan released a voice recording allegedly of Bobrisky, claiming EFCC officials demanded N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against him.
    In the recording, Bobrisky also claimed that he never spent a day in prison after his conviction, stating that his godfather arranged for him to serve his term in a lodge instead of a jail, a comment that implicated the Nigerian Correctional Services.
    However, at the time of filing this report, Bobrisky did not attend the hearing; instead, his lawyer appeared on his behalf.
  • Nigeria Customs Service denies stories about ongoing recruitment 

    Nigeria Customs Service denies stories about ongoing recruitment 

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has denied stories making the round in some media circles that it is currently carrying out a recruitment exercise.
    It made the rebuttal via their official social media channels, emphasizing the need for citizens to stay informed by relying on verified sources for accurate updates regarding the NCS.
    In a bid to combat misinformation, the NCS urged individuals to regularly check their official social media platforms to avoid falling victim to recruitment scams or false announcements.
    The clarification comes as a response to increasing inquiries about potential recruitment drives.
    The NCS encouraged citizens to be vigilant and only engage with official channels for the latest information.
  • ASUU zonal coordinator, Prof Igbafen escapes from kidnappers’ den

    ASUU zonal coordinator, Prof Igbafen escapes from kidnappers’ den

    The kidnapped Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Monday Lewis Igbafen, has escaped from his abductors barely 24-hours after the abduction.
    The Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, lecturer was abducted by gunmen on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at a10:00 pm while driving into his residence at Ekpoma.
    The former AAU-ASUU chairman was said to have been blindfolded by his abductors, who took him to a forest in Esan South East Local Government Area of the state.
    A colleague of the Zonal Coordinator, Benin Zone of ASUU, who spoke to DAILY POST on condition of anonymity, said Igbafen escaped from his abductors on Sunday night.
    He said, “Prof Igbafen was kidnapped by gunmen at gun point at about 10:00 pm on Saturday, in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the State.
    “He was driving into his residence at Ekpoma, when gunmen accosted him. The gunmen drove him away to an unknown destination inside his ash colour Toyota Highlander with registration number ABJ 180 JQ.”
    The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, also confirmed the escape of the university lecturer from the kidnappers den.
    “The Command is aware of the report. Operatives of the Ekpoma Division mounted pressure on the kidnappers which led to the escape of the victim.
    “We are on the trail of the suspects to ensure they are brought to book,” the Police spokesman said.