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Category: News

  • My fall was prostration for democracy— Tinubu defends Eagle Square fall 

    My fall was prostration for democracy— Tinubu defends Eagle Square fall 

    President Bola Tinubu has made a light weather of his fall at the Eagle Square during the Democracy Day celebration, stating it was part of the festivities. 

    At a subsequent Democracy Day dinner in the Presidential Villa, Tinubu humorously referred to his fall as a “Yoruba boy’s prostration,” generating laughter from attendees. 

    He playfully remarked on social media reactions, joking about confusion between “Buga” and “Babaringa.” Embracing the spirit of June 12, Tinubu described it as a day to celebrate democracy while paying homage in his traditional Yoruba manner. 

    Despite earlier dismissals by his aides of the incident as a minor misstep, reactions from Nigerians, including political rivals, varied from expressions of concern to playful jabs.

  • Senate Urges NLNG to Allocate $43 Million for Human Capital Development

    Senate Urges NLNG to Allocate $43 Million for Human Capital Development

    The Senate has directed the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to allocate $43 million from the $4.3 billion Train-7 project towards human capital development initiatives.
    This directive came during an interactive session held at the National Assembly on Tuesday, involving representatives from NLNG, NCDMB, Saipem Contracting Limited, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction.

    Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of compliance with the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act.

    According to a statement released by her chief press secretary, Arogbonlo Israel, in Abuja, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stressed the significance of transparent and effective utilization of the allocated funds to benefit Nigerians and enhance the country’s human capital development and institutional strengthening.

    Of the $43 million designated for human capital development, $25.8 million, constituting 60 percent of the total, is earmarked for learning institutions from public primary to tertiary levels nationwide.

    Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan highlighted the infrastructure deficits in Nigeria’s primary and secondary schools, citing a report by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), which identified approximately 40,000 classrooms in deplorable conditions. She suggested that NLNG’s human capital development initiatives should support UBEC’s efforts to provide adequate educational facilities.

    Moreover, the senator pointed out discrepancies in reported figures for the NLNG Train-7 project. Depending on the project’s valuation, she outlined different allocations for institutional strengthening and various training programs.

    For projects in the oil and gas sector valued over $500 million, 1 percent of the project value is allocated to human capacity development and institutional strengthening.

    The Senate committee, in collaboration with NLNG and NCDMB, aims to establish a framework and select public institutions across the country to benefit from the strategic program.

    This initiative is geared towards enhancing the capacity of learning institutions, addressing the issue of out-of-school children, and improving learning structures in public institutions.

    The effective utilization of these funds is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s human capacity development and institutional strengthening.

  • Road accident claims 25 lives in Enugu 

    Road accident claims 25 lives in Enugu 

    A tragic road accident at Ugwu Onyeama in Enugu State along the Enugu-Onitsha federal highway has claimed the lives of at least 25 people.

    According to reports on Wednesday, the accident involved 10 vehicles, including both private and commercial buses. The crash is believed to have been caused by a Nigerian Army checkpoint.

    Many individuals with severe injuries are currently being transported to hospitals in and around the state capital.

    An eyewitness reported that a truck failed to brake and collided with multiple vehicles that had stopped on the hilly road, leading to the unfortunate loss of lives.

    A trailer traveling on the newly constructed lane experienced brake failure and crashed into more than 10 vehicles, both private and commercial.

    “The army checkpoint at that axis continues to claim lives.

    “More than 25 persons lost their life instantly and many rushed to the hospital,” one of the eyewitnesses reportedly said.

  • Suspended RCCG Pastor, Iluyomade Under Pressure To Start Own Ministry

    Suspended RCCG Pastor, Iluyomade Under Pressure To Start Own Ministry

    Former Regional Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, City of David, Region 20, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, and his wife, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, have reportedly resigned as pastors of the church and are currently under pressure to begin their own ministry.

    The resignation followed his refusal to serve his three-month suspension and transfer to another parish in Ebute Meta.

     Pastor Iluyomade was transferred from RCCG Region 20 following the controversy that trailed his wife’s birthday celebration when the church was mourning the death of former CEO of Access Bank, Herbert Wigwe.

    A new minister, Pastor Charles Kpandei has resumed as the new senior pastor of the region on Sunday, June 9, 2024.

    A source close in an interview with Vanguard said Iluyomade has resigned, but the governing council has not accepted his resignation letter.

    The source also said the Apapa Family, the RCCG arm working with the government and other public sector institutions, is trying to ensure that Pastor Iluyomade sets up his ministry.

    The source said: “Since he is serving a suspension, the resignation has not been accepted by the governing council. The council will not meet until August when the suspension will lapse. The church has an exit procedure for pastors of his calibre.

    “The Apapa Family group is believed to be an RCCG arm working with governments and other public sector institutions to establish charity projects in the areas of healthcare, education, infrastructure, citizens’ welfare and capacity building.

    “Whether it is for self-gains and desires just the way they influenced Pastor Ituah Ighodalo to resign from the RCCG and establish their ministries, only God knows.”

  • Aunty Ramota debunks BBL surgery rumour

    Aunty Ramota debunks BBL surgery rumour

    Internet sensational actress, Ramota Adetu popularly known as Aunty Ramota, has debunked the rumour that she was in a coma as a result of an unsuccessful Brazillian Butt Lift.

    She made this known in a video that trended on Wednesday.

    In the clip, Aunty Ramota was seen eating and showing off her full body while claiming that nothing was wrong with her.

    Speaking in the Yoruba language to dispel the rumour, the small-statured actress said, “My lovers, thank you, nothing happened to me. This is my body.”

    Recall that some online platforms reported that the actress was wheeled into a recovery room in an unidentified hospital in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State.

    In a now-viral video, a lady who appeared to be Ramota was carried around by medical personnel in a yet-to-be-identified hospital.

    Ramota, who is known for her comedic roles, appeared unconscious in the footage as she was seen breathing through an oxygen mask.

    An individual claimed Ramota came for a BBL surgery that was not successful.

    “What is Ramota doing here? What has she come to do here? Why is she here? Do not call me into this kind of situation. Do not call my name. I am not here,” a voice can be heard saying.

    Another person in the video responded: “She came to do BBL. Yes. She is just here since after the operation they performed on her.”

    The rumours went viral on social media, stirring curiosity and concerns among her fans.

    Reacting to the speculation via Instagram, the comedian and on-screen ‘husband’ of Aunty Ramota, Ganiyu Kehinde, popularly known as Ijoba Lande, said he was unaware she underwent surgery.

    The skit maker argued that rumours about Aunty Ramota undergoing butt surgery and falling into a coma are “false”.

    “Please, Nigerians, all that they have been saying about Aunty Ramota being in a coma is a lie. She is not in a coma. There is no one I know with her that I could reach. And I did not intend to talk about it before, but anytime I came online, people kept asking me about the whereabouts of Aunty Ramota.

    “I thought it was real also when I saw a video of Aunty Ramota being pushed on the bed. I swear to God I do not know anything about it,” he said.

  • “I hope all is well with him” – Atiku sympathizes with Tinubu over slip 

    “I hope all is well with him” – Atiku sympathizes with Tinubu over slip 

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sympathised with President Bola Tinubu after the President slipped at the Eagle Square during the 2024 Democracy Day celebration.

    Recall on Wednesday, Tinubu slipped at the Eagle Square while boarding the parade vehicle.

    The President, however, quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings without further issues.

    Reacting, Atiku expressed his empathy over the incident, hoping that all is well with the President.

    He wrote on X, “I sincerely sympathise with President Bola Tinubu, @officialABAT, over this unfortunate incident as he was set to review the parade on Democracy Day. I do hope that all is well with him. -AA.”

  • Presidency Reacts As Tinubu slips during Democracy Day Celebration 

    Presidency Reacts As Tinubu slips during Democracy Day Celebration 

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has played down concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s brief slip while boarding a parade vehicle at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja.

    The aide, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, said, “Mr President missed his step while climbing into the truck at the June 12 Democracy Day celebration and tripped. It was a mild misstep. He immediately went on with the ceremonial rounds. No issues.”

    The aide’s statement comes after videos circulated showing the President momentarily losing his footing while stepping into the vehicle.

    Despite the slip, the President quickly regained his balance and continued with the proceedings.

    The ceremony at Eagles Square was a flagship event in a roster of festivities held across the nation to commemorate the country’s annual Democracy Day celebration.

  • Off-cycle Elections: INEC Adds 269,992 new Voters to Preliminary Register

    Off-cycle Elections: INEC Adds 269,992 new Voters to Preliminary Register

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the release of the preliminary register of new voters for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.

    In a press statement signed by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission outlined the next steps in the electoral process.

    According to the release, the register will be displayed for claims and objections by citizens for a period of seven days starting from Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The display will take place in all 395 wards across both states and will also be available on the INEC website.

    Citizens are encouraged to identify any ineligible persons on the register and file objections using Forms EC2 and EC3, which can be obtained from INEC officials or downloaded from the INEC website.

    Additionally, individuals who have recently registered, applied for transfer, correction of personal details, or replacement of lost or damaged PVCs are urged to draw the Commission’s attention to any errors or wrong entries for further action.

    The commission also provided statistics from the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process, indicating a total of 269,992 new voters in the two states following the suspension of registration on June 9, 2024.

    The majority of registered voters are youths aged 18-34, with students comprising the largest occupational group. Requests for replacement of PVCs, voter transfer, and information updates were also noted.

    The commission emphasized that these figures are preliminary and subject to further verification, as final figures will be published on a state-by-state basis after the claims and objections period and the use of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) to clean up the register. The date for the commencement of collection of new PVCs will be announced thereafter.

    The Commission urged the public to take advantage of the register display period to assist in cleaning up the register as required by law.

    The commission reiterated the importance of public participation in ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the voter register for the upcoming elections.

  • First year of the 10th Senate: Mixed Bag of Achievements and Challenges – Sen. Imasuen

    First year of the 10th Senate: Mixed Bag of Achievements and Challenges – Sen. Imasuen

    Neda Imasuen, Senator representing Edo South Senatorial District, has offered an assessment of the performance of the 10th Senate, one year after inuguaration, highlighting a blend of accomplishments and obstacles.

    Making his views known to journalists in Abuja, Senator Imasuen acknowledged some landmark achievements within the first year while underscoring the necessity for introspection regarding missed opportunities.

    He noted some distractions faced by the Senate, primarily stemming from electoral litigations that engulfed numerous members, including the President. These legal battles, he lamented, diverted attention from legislative responsibilities and impeded the swift implementation of the proposed lefislative agenda for the senate.

    Nevertheless, Senator Imasuen expressed unwavering optimism about the Senate’s capacity to positively impact Nigerian society. He stressed the Senate’s dedication to effective lawmaking, rigorous oversight functions, and responsive representation of the populace.

    While highlighting the rigorous nature of the budget process, Senator Imasuen shed light on the Senate’s tireless efforts, including late-night sessions and even working on Sundays to ensure the budget’s scrutiny and approval. Despite the arduous journey, he expressed pride in the Senate’s resilience and determination to deliver on its mandate.

    Moreover, Senator Imasuen also said that in his constituency, he brought initiatives aimed at empowering youths, demonstrating his commitment to fostering socio-economic development at the grassroots level.

    As the 10th Senate progresses, Senator Imasuen conveyed confidence in its ability to overcome obstacles and fulfil its obligations to the Nigerian people.

    With each passing day, he noted, the Senate is settling into its role more effectively, paving the way for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.

  • Tinubu condmns Katsina attacks, gives marching orders to police, others

    Tinubu condmns Katsina attacks, gives marching orders to police, others

    President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of attacks against citizens in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    No fewer than fifty farmers were killed by rampaging armed bandits in three villages across Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday,

    The gunmen who raided farms across ‘Yargoje, Gatakawa and Dan-nakwabo villages shot sporadically at the farmers most of whom died on the spot.

    Several eyewitnesses said no less than fifty dead bodies were counted after the mayhem.

    While describing the latest attacks as grisly and sinister, the President emphasized that more will be done ”to secure citizens and completely degrade terrorists and other harbingers of death and sorrow in any part of the country”

    President Tinubu directed security agencies to go after the assailants and ensure that they are brought to justice.

    ”The President condoles with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Katsina State, and prays for the repose of the souls of the departed,” a statement signed by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale stated.