Month: November 2024

  • Encomium As Late Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General Iwuanyanwu Laid To Rest

    Encomium As Late Ohanaeze Ndigbo President General Iwuanyanwu Laid To Rest

    There were tributes from prominent Nigerians as the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu was laid to rest at his country home Atta in Ikeduru LGA Imo State.

    The country home of the late leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo was full of activities as many Nigerians from all walks of life converged at Umuohi Atta in Ikeduru LGA to give their last respect to the late President General.

    In a funeral service conducted at the Diocese of Ikeduru , the Primate of Nigeria Anglican Communion,Most Rev.bHenry Ndukauba in a sermon described late Iwuanyanwu as a fearless leader who always advocate for the general wellbeing of common citizens mostly the southeast region.

    Primate Ndukauba hinted that late Iwuanyanwu never looked the other way on the things that concerns Ndigbo remarking that he stood on the side of truth as he continued emphasizing on how the southeast region is being treated as second class citizens.

    The Man of God pointed out that it will be very difficult for Ndigbo to have some body like Iwuanyanwu who he said never relented in pursuing for the betterment of the Igbo race in Nigeria.

    Ndukauba prayed that God should provide for Ndigbo somebody like the late leader who will always speak truth to power until the right thing is done.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu represented by the Secretary of the Federation, George Akume in his tribute maintained that Iwuanyanwu was a true patriot and national leader who through his numerous contributions championed for national unity.

    He further maintained that the demise of Iwuanyanwu is a colossal loss to the nation noting that his engineering expertise contributed immensely in the construction of airport runways in the country.

    In his tribute, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma said that the gathering is not to mourn the demise of Iwuanyanwu but to celebrate him for giving his best service to humanity.

    Uzodinma further said that the late Igbo leader believed in a united and peaceful Nigeria which he has worked for even till death.

    The Senate presidents, Godwill Akpabio represented by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe described late Chief Iwuanyanwu as a trailblazer, nationalist and committed Igbo patron who he said will be remembered for his self sacrifice to Igbo course.

    The burial ceremony was attended by prominent politicians which included, the presidential candidate of Labour Party during the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, wife of former Nigeria President, Patience GoodLuck Jonathan, former Chief of Army staff, Azubuike Ihejirika, former Senate presidents from the southeast zone, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and host of others.

  • 41-Year-Old Bar Owner Assassinated In Ondo

    A 41-year-old bar owner popularly known as “Oluomo,” has been shot dead by gunmen in Yaba, Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    According to Ondo state-owned publication, it was gathered that Oluomo was ruthlessly gunned down by the unknown assailants on Thursday night, October 31.

    The unsettling incident unfolded outside a popular bar in Omoloore, Yaba, where residents and patrons were left in shock.

    Eyewitnesses recounted that Oluomo, who owned and operated the bar, had been wrapping up his business for the night when a group of men walked in, ordered drinks, and quietly took their seats.

    In a disturbing turn, they suddenly drew a weapon, aimed at Oluomo, and shot him point-blank in the head.

    A mourner at the scene, Mrs. Denhinde Sola, shared her account of the harrowing ordeal.

    “Oluomo came to the bar as usual. Just as he was about to close up for the night, some men came in, sat down, and ordered drinks. Before anyone knew what was happening, they pointed a gun at him and fired,” she explained.  

    Following the attack, the perpetrators quickly fled the scene.

    Family members of the deceased frantically attempted to rush him to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he was declared dead upon arrival.

    Police officers from the Yaba Divisional Station later arrived, removing the body to the general hospital, where it was transferred to the state mortuary.

    The Ondo Police Command has assured the public that investigations are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice.
     

  • EPL: Dream Has Come Down To An End – Ten Hag Breaks Silence On Man Utd Sack

    EPL: Dream Has Come Down To An End – Ten Hag Breaks Silence On Man Utd Sack

    Erik ten Hag has spoken for the first time since he was sacked as Manchester United manager.

    The Dutchman penned an emotional farewell letter to the fans on Friday.

    Ten Hag was sacked after United lost 2-1 to West Ham in the Premier League.

    In the letter, Ten Hag recounted his fond memories in the Old Trafford job.

    “Thank you for always being there for the club,” the letter read in part.

    “The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times.

    “Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.”

    It added: “We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.”

    Ten Hag went on to wish supporters success, trophies and glory.

    United have already announced that Ten Hag will be replaced by Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.

  • This Is NOT Justice: Child Abuse, Genocide, Human Rights Violations – APC Chieftain Condemns Court’s Bail Conditions for Minors Who Protested Tinubu’s Hardships

    This Is NOT Justice: Child Abuse, Genocide, Human Rights Violations – APC Chieftain Condemns Court’s Bail Conditions for Minors Who Protested Tinubu’s Hardships

    … Stop the Persecution of Our Youth—Save the Future of Nigeria.

    In a country that prides itself on its democratic values, Nigeria has reached a breaking point where the very government sworn to protect its people has turned into a monstrous force, oppressing its most vulnerable citizens—its children. This is not a matter of law enforcement. This is not about upholding public order. This is genocide against our youth, carried out through state-sanctioned oppression and hunger, enabled by a corrupt system from the police to the highest judges.

    Recent events have exposed this horror. Children, who merely exercised their democratic right to protest against the shocking conditions they face, are now treated like criminals, their only “crime” being participation in a protest.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Judge Flees Courtroom as Malnourished Minors, Detained for Months Over Protests Against Tinubu’s Hardships, Collapse (Video)

    These minors, some not even old enough to understand the weight of the charges laid against them, now face an unthinkable N10 million bail fee simply because they joined hands in calling out a system that is failing them. How can we, as a society, allow this gross miscarriage of justice to continue? Why is a young Nigerian protesting government failure worth N10 million in bail, while a lawmaker who openly threatens lives walks free on a mere N500,000 bond?

    These children are not criminals. They are not the enemies of Nigeria. They are the future, desperate for a better life, pushed to the edge by the very administration that should be nurturing them.

    Yet, the Tinubu government, in an unconscionable display of callousness, has chosen to silence their voices through legal brutality, trampling upon their rights and disregarding their dignity.

    To the judiciary presiding over this travesty: remember that these are children, just like your own. For any judge to uphold these charges is to betray the very essence of humanity. A judge who accepts to rule over such inhumanity has failed their duty not only as a judicial authority but as a parent, a guardian, and a Nigerian.

    This judiciary—our supposedly last bastion of justice—has shown itself to be complicit in this horrifying abuse of power. The entire system, as it stands, seems deserving of nothing less than complete reformation.

    To President Tinubu: halt this trial immediately. Withdraw the charges, issue a full public apology to these children and their families, and work to address the legitimate grievances that brought them to the streets. Failing to do so will only deepen the collective wound inflicted upon Nigeria’s children and erode what little faith the nation has left in this administration.

    This is not justice. This is oppression. And we, the people of Nigeria, will not stand by as our children are subjected to abuse, trauma, and neglect in the name of “governance.”

    This Is NOT Justice: This Is Child Abuse, Genocide, and a Gross Violation of Basic Human Rights!

    Sir Divramredje Lawrence Efeturi, KSJI, ASCIEPUK – a public affairs commentators and Chieftain of APC from Delta State

  • NPFL: Uzoenyi Appointed Rangers Youth Team Coach

    NPFL: Uzoenyi Appointed Rangers Youth Team Coach

    Former Super Eagles winger Ejike Uzoenyi has been appointed youth team coach of Nigeria Premier Football League champions, Rangers.

    Uzoenyi took up the position following the completion of his coaching course in South Africa.

    The 36-year-old retired from active football last year to pursue a career in coaching.

    The 2013 AFCON winner had three playing spells with Rangers.

    Uzoenyi also played for Enyimba and Sunshine Stars in the Nigerian top-flight.

    He won the NPFL twice with Enyimba in 2005 and 2007 and also claimed the Federation Cup in 2005 with the People’s Elephant.

  • Arraignment Of Minors: Disturbing, Condemnable – Peter Obi Slams Nigerian Govt

    Labour Party, LP Presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has slammed the government of President Bola Tinubu for arraigning minors who participated in the recent EndBadGovernance protest.

    Reacting on Friday, Obi called on the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police and the DSS, as well as the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate the inhuman treatment of minors to avert such occurrences in the future.

    Recall that 76 persons were arraigned on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja for participating in the recent EndBadGovernance protest.

    One of the minors arraigned collapsed before the commencement of the trial.

    However, in a post on his X handle on Friday, Obi said most of the people in government today leveraged the Constitution, standing as champions of good governance while in opposition.

    He said: ‘I just watched the disturbing and condemnable scenes captured in a circulating video, showing 124 protesters—among them minors—appearing in court today as part of efforts to secure the enforcement of their fundamental rights.

    ”The footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment. These children appeared visibly malnourished and starved—a condition that should alarm the conscience of every citizen in our nation. From their look, they were poorly handled despite being in the custody of the federal government of Nigeria. The offence being alleged against these suspects, including minors, is protesting against bad governance that was directly affecting their livelihood and which our constitution under a democratic dispensation guarantees them.

    ”Curiously, most of the people in government today leveraged this aspect of the Constitution standing as champions of good governance while in opposition. Moreover, our status presumes that suspects deserve some dignity, even in a correctional home as human beings. The reason why we should all be concerned about a situation like this is because we are part of a global community where human dignity should be respected.

    ”May I appreciate the presiding lordship for halting the trial and saving the country further embarrassment it would have been to the World as a democratic nation? I would like to call on relevant authorities, especially the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police, and the DSS, as well as the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate such inhuman treatment of minors to avert such incidents in the future.”

  • OGSIEC Not Obligated To Consult Political Parties Before Fixing Election Date

    OGSIEC Not Obligated To Consult Political Parties Before Fixing Election Date

    Chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, OGSIEC, Babatunde Osibodu, has said the Commission is not under any obligation to consult political parties or candidates before fixing an election date.

    Osibodu stated this on Friday at the Commission’s headquarters in Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.

    DAILY POST reports that 16 political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria, Labour Party, African Democratic Party, and ADC, amongst others, had in suit number AB/577/2024 challenged the imposition of administrative charges and the timetable released by OGSIEC.

    Osibodu stressed that the High Court ruling in Abeokuta, upheld OGSIEC’s authority and prerogative to fix election dates, as well as conduct Local Government Elections in the state.

    He pointed out that, “the judgement delivered by Justice Tajudeen Ogunsokan, reinforces the Commission’s mandate at ensuring a free, fair, credible and transparent elections across the 236 wards in the state”.

    He reiterated the Commission’s commitment towards creating a level playing field for all political parties, noting that, “the ruling does not only support our procedures but also emphasises our responsibility to uphold the election timetable”.

    The Chairman assured that the Commission was prepared for the coming elections, just as it remains open to constructive dialogue and collaborations with all stakeholders, as well as adhering to the legal framework guiding its operations.

  • I Was Nervous During Ministerial Screening – Bianca Ojukwu

    The newly appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has expressed gratitude to the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Basheer Lado, for helping her and her colleagues navigate the process during the recent screening exercise.

    Speaking on behalf of the ministers-designate at a meeting with Lado in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu admitted to feeling “quite nervous” before her screening but said Lado’s support provided a sense of reassurance.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu, a former Nigerian ambassador, is among the new ministerial nominees confirmed by the Senate following President Tinubu’s recent cabinet shake-up.

    The nominees are expected to assume their roles following the completion of the Senate’s confirmation process.

    She said, “We cannot thank you enough for how you have navigated us all through this process and how you have made us quite comfortable through the whole procedure.

    “I speak for myself, I don’t know about anybody else, I was quite nervous, we were just wondering basically if this day will come and go.

    “But from the onset, each person here, you made the effort to get in touch personally, speak to us, tell us everything that we needed to do, all the documentation that needed to be done and saw us through this, from beginning to completion.

    “So, I will just like on behalf of everybody here and I congratulate all my colleagues here, but on behalf of all of us, we just say a very very big thank you. We really appreciate your efforts.

    “We appreciate your considerations, we appreciate your sacrifice, because we were calling you at odd hours of the night and you were always available to speak to us and to guide us through this.

    “So I thank you so very much on behalf of all of us here.”

    On Wednesday, the senate confirmed Nentawe Yilwatda as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi as minister of labour and employment, Odumegwu-Ojukwu as minister of state for foreign affairs, and Yusuf Abdullahi Ata as minister of state housing and urban development.

    Others are Idi Mukhtar Maiha as minister of livestock development, Jumoke Oduwole as minister of trade and investment, and Suwaiba Said Ahmad as the minister of state for education.

  • Tinubu’s Govt Started On Wrong Footing, Lacks Experts’ Input – BudgIT Founder Onigbinde

    Tinubu’s Govt Started On Wrong Footing, Lacks Experts’ Input – BudgIT Founder Onigbinde

    The founder of civil advocacy and pro-accountability organisation, BudgIT, Seun Onigbinde, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu started on the wrong foot with his twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the foreign exchange windows.

    Onigbinde stated this on the Friday edition of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme on Channels Television.

    He said many of the decisions of the President lack the input of experts, and his cabinet is populated by politician-ministers who earned their seats as a political reward.

    “Honestly speaking, I don’t think they’ve started well. I think we are seeing a dearth of technocratic leadership.

    “There is an over-extension of political opportunism. That is my problem with the government.

    “That’s why a lot of a lot of decisions were taken and they were not taken with sound technocratic support,” he said.

    The BudgIT founder said beyond the sack of five ministers, Tinubu should let go of more members of his cabinet and bring technocrats onboard who would offer him sound advice like in the days of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian Finance Minister and now World Trade Organisation (WTO) boss; former apex bank chief Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; former Agriculture Minister and now African Development Bank (AfDB) chief, Akinwunmi Adesina, among others.

    Onigbinde said, “Remove fuel subsidy from day one, I think that was a bad decision. The exchange rate parity without a significant buffer.

    “A currency must have some level of stability. You don’t see that anywhere in the world where currency just fluctuates randomly like we are having it right now.

    “I feel that he (Tinubu) has to go back and reflect. Do I want to govern or do I want to do politics? Because look at his cabinet. There are still at least five to six people that he can look at (for disengagement).

    “There are still more people in the system that he needs to take out. We need the days of Okonjo, Soludo, El-Rufai, we need that technocratic core.”

  • Malnourished #EndBadGovernance Protesters Given Biscuits, Water In Abuja Court (Photos)

    The teenagers who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests which took place across the country arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, November 1, looking malnourished.

    In courtroom videos, some male protesters appeared in poor condition and dishevelled. Some of them lay on the floor, groaning, as they were provided with biscuits and bottled water.

    A voice from the video can be heard saying, “As you can see, they have been malnourished. They haven’t eaten for the past four days. They’ve been kept by the government in detention. These are boys between 12, 13, 14 years old.

    “They haven’t had food; they are malnourished, they are sick, they were slumping. They’ve been kept for three months. They have been left without food. We had to provide food for them.”

    Seventy-five suspects, ranging in age from twelve to fifteen, appeared before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a 10-count charge related to their involvement in the protest.

    The suspects, who were allegedly arrested on August 3rd and have since been in detention, are accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu by participating in the nationwide protest.

    However, when they were arraigned in court on Friday, some of the suspects fainted, which made Justice Egwuatu rise abruptly.

    The development caused panic in the courtroom, with some background voices questioning why such young children should be arraigned in court.

  • BREAKING: Judge Flees Courtroom as Malnourished Minors, Detained for Months Over Protests Against Tinubu’s Hardships, Collapse (Video)

    BREAKING: Judge Flees Courtroom as Malnourished Minors, Detained for Months Over Protests Against Tinubu’s Hardships, Collapse (Video)

    A disturbing scene unfolded in an Abuja courtroom today when an undisclosed number of malnourished minors, reportedly detained for over three months following #EndBadGovernance protests, began to collapse, prompting the presiding judge to flee the courtroom.

    Journalist Abiodun Sanusi, who was present, shared his experience on social media, describing the horrifying state of the detained children. “I am currently in court. Seeing how some of these young, malnourished, skeletal-looking children were rushed out of the courtroom as they were too weak to stand on their own,” Sanusi tweeted.

    He recounted the heart-wrenching moment when one of the minors started foaming at the mouth, highlighting the dire physical toll of their prolonged detention.

    Sanusi also noted that the minors eagerly consumed snacks and biscuits provided by concerned lawyers and attendees, emphasizing the desperate need for basic nutrition and humane treatment.

    “The sight was quite emotional,” Sanusi wrote, questioning how the government, police, National Security Adviser, prison authorities, and even the judiciary could permit such “cruel treatment” of young children.

    “At least 80% of Nigerian politicians are culpable for the hunger and deprivation in Nigeria. When will they be arrested, handcuffed, and imprisoned for economic and political sabotage?” he continued. “Nothing short of revolution can take Nigeria out of the grips of these Vagabonds In Power.”

    The minors, who have all denied the charges, face accusations from the police of public disturbance, attempts to destabilize President Tinubu’s administration, and alleged destruction of public properties.

    The sight has sparked outrage online and calls for accountability, as Human Rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong Warns and other  Nigerians, question the treatment of children involved in peaceful protests and the broader implications for human rights under the current government.

  • EPL: Van Nistelrooy To Take Charge Of 3 Man Utd Matches Before Amorim’s Arrival

    EPL: Van Nistelrooy To Take Charge Of 3 Man Utd Matches Before Amorim’s Arrival

    Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to continue in his interim role at Manchester United until November 11.

    This was confirmed following an official club statement on Friday, in which Ruben Amorim’s appointment as the next permanent manager was announced.

    However, Amorim will not resume immediately at Old Trafford, as he will take charge of Sporting Lisbon’s Champions League clash with Manchester City next week.

    Van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

    And the Dutchman will be in the dugout for the visit of Chelsea in the Premier League this Sunday.

    Van Nistelrooy will also take charge of the Europa League clash with PAOK at old Trafford and a Premier League game at home to Leicester City.

    Amorim’s first game will be a trip to Ipswich Town on November 24.

  • Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Black Market and CBN Rates | November 1, 2024

    Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Black Market and CBN Rates | November 1, 2024

    Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today: Black Market and CBN Rates – Friday, November 1, 2024. 

    How much is the Dollar to Naira black market rate today?

    Looking for today’s Dollar to Naira exchange rate? Whether for business, investments, or travel, having the latest exchange rate information is vital. This article highlights the Dollar to Naira exchange rate today in both the black market (parallel market) and the CBN official rates.

    What is 1 US Dollar to Naira Today in the Black Market and CBN?

    As the Naira continues to face challenges, Dollar to Naira exchange rates have become critical for Nigerians. This article covers both the black market Dollar to Naira rate today and the CBN exchange rate for USD to NGN. These rates impact foreign exchange transactions, import-export businesses, and even travel plans.

    Current Dollar to Naira exchange rate in Nigeria (November 1, 2024)

    Black Market (Parallel Market) Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

    • Buying Rate: ₦1,740
    • Selling Rate: ₦1,743

    CBN Official Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate

    • Buying Rate: ₦1,659
    • Selling Rate: ₦1,660

    Other Exchange Rates Today: Pounds and Euro to Naira

    CBN Pounds to Naira Rate

    • Buying Rate: ₦2,195
    • Selling Rate: ₦2,205

    Black Market Euro to Naira Rate

    • Buying Rate: ₦1,875
    • Selling Rate: ₦1,885

    Online Platforms for Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today

    In addition to the black market and CBN rates, online platforms like Geegpay and Grey offer competitive exchange rates.

    Geegpay Rates

    • USD ($): Buying at ₦1,750, Selling at ₦1,757
    • GBP (£): Buying at ₦2,120, Selling at ₦2,127
    • EUR (€): Buying at ₦1,798.03, Selling at ₦1,800.55

    Grey Exchange Rates

    • USD ($): Buying at ₦1,750, Selling at ₦1,755
    • GBP (£): Buying at ₦2,102, Selling at ₦2,205
    • EUR (€): Buying at ₦1,845.03, Selling at ₦1,850

    Dollar to Naira exchange rate history.

    In October 2023, the black market rate was ₦900 per Dollar, reflecting a significant increase in 2024

    Understanding the Black Market Exchange Rate for Dollar to Naira

    The black market—also known as the parallel market—operates outside of government regulation. Due to limited foreign currency supply, the Dollar to Naira black market rate is typically higher than the CBN exchange rate. This difference is driven by actual demand for dollars and naira in the market.

    Why Do People Use the Black Market for USD to NGN?

    1. Favorable Rates: The black market offers higher rates, allowing individuals to get more naira for each dollar.
    2. Accessibility: It’s easier to access foreign currency in the black market without government restrictions.

    FAQs on Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today

    1. Why is there a difference between CBN and black market rates? The CBN exchange rate is regulated, while the black market rate fluctuates based on demand and supply.
    2. Can I exchange dollars at the CBN rate? Only specific transactions like government-approved imports qualify for the CBN rate. Most people rely on the black market for easier access.
    3. Why is the black market exchange rate higher? Due to scarcity and high demand, the black market offers higher rates compared to the official CBN rates.
    4. Are online platforms like Geegpay and Grey safe to use? Yes, these platforms offer regulated services and are trusted for currency exchange, providing an alternative to both the black market and CBN rates.
    5. Will the Naira continue to fall against the Dollar? Factors such as government policy, global economic conditions, and oil prices will determine the future of the Naira.
    6. How often do exchange rates change? Rates fluctuate daily, depending on market conditions.

     

    Latest Forex news in Nigeria Today, November 1, 2024:

    Here are some of the latest updates on Forex in Nigeria for today, November 1, 2024:

    1. Ecobank Nigeria has announced an increase in international transfer fees starting today. This includes a SWIFT charge and revised fees for intra-African transactions.
    2. The Federal Government has introduced a new policy allowing Nigerians to bring dollars held outside the formal banking system into the financial system. This policy offers a nine-month grace period for compliance without legal or financial penalties.
    3. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has injected $500 million to clear the forex backlog, addressing concerns over foreign currency shortages.
    4. Recent reforms in Nigeria’s forex market have led to a significant increase in transactions, with a turnover of $1.83 billion recorded in one week.

     


    Conclusion

    Staying updated on the Dollar to Naira exchange rate today—whether in the black market or via CBN—is crucial for anyone dealing with foreign currency in Nigeria. Whether you’re using platforms like Geegpay, Grey, or relying on the black market, understanding these rates can help you make informed decisions.

    For the latest updates, bookmark this page for real-time information on Dollar to Naira exchange rates.

  • All Federal Roads Will Be Motorable Before Christmas – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has disclosed that the Federal government will strive to ensure that all federal high roads are motorable by Christmas.

    Speaking in Akure, Ondo state, on Thursday at a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organized by the Ministry of Works, Umahi disclosed that the administration inherited over 2,000 uncompleted road projects valued in the trillions of naira. He added that contracts with 10 non-compliant companies have already been terminated, with the potential for further terminations.

    Emphasizing a commitment to transparency, Umahi stated, “Our books are very much open. We will conclude the design [for Ondo state] within November and inaugurate it.” He also mentioned plans to improve roads across the country, noting that federal road controllers have been instructed to report the conditions of roads in their areas to ensure that by Christmas, all federal highways will be in useable condition.

    Umahi pledged government action on Ondo’s Aiyetoro community, which has been grappling with severe sea incursion. “We are coming back after your election to start the Aiyetoro project, which we will construct after this one,” he said, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its dedication to infrastructure and development.

    The minister further confirmed that a 63-kilometer section of the Calabar-Lagos coastal highway in Ondo will be inaugurated in December, with construction to begin after the design’s completion next month.

  • You’ve Lifted 25m People From Poverty With 25k – Shehu Sani Mocks Nigerian Govt

    You’ve Lifted 25m People From Poverty With 25k – Shehu Sani Mocks Nigerian Govt

    Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has mocked the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, over Federal Government’s empowerment programme.

    Sani said Edun thinks he can lift 25 million Nigerians from poverty with N25,000.

    Edun had said the social investment programme had expanded its reach to 25 million vulnerable Nigerians from five million households.

    The programme involves direct cash transfers to individuals on the social register, verified through biometric identification and paid through bank accounts or mobile wallets.

    Speaking with State House Correspondent at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Edun said the first and second payments have already been made to beneficiaries.

    According to Edun: “Those payments have been rolled out. They’ve now reached five million households, 25 million Nigerians, and first and second payments are being made.”

    Reacting, Sani posted on X: “N25k for 25million people.Minister Edun has lifted 25million people out of poverty, they have now arrived at the Airport of prosperity. Kudos.”

  • Allocation Crisis: Rivers NLC Threatens State-Wide Strike

    The Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to go on an indefinite strike if the federal government enforces the court ruling that halts the state’s monthly federal allocation.

    Recall that Justice Joyce Abdulmaliki had issued a ruling preventing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from disbursing the state’s monthly allocation to the government led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

    Reacting, Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwo speaking after an emergency meeting with labor leaders on Thursday stated that organized labor strongly opposes the ruling, adding that if the federal government proceeds with enforcing it, state workers will be left unpaid.

    He added that workers cannot be working without salaries. He explained that workers would be left with no choice but to shut down.

    According to him, the judgment lacks empathy. He stated that Justice Abdumaliki failed to put the citizens and workers of the state into consideration before giving her judgment.

    Rivers NLC chapter called on President Bola Tinubu to avoid implementing the court’s ruling. He also appealed to the Court of Appeal to reverse the ruling.

    NLC argued that taking allocation away from a state would put the state into suffering and disrupt governance.

    “As a state council, we have looked at the issues. We condemn that judgement. The judgement lacks a human face. The judgement lacks empathy. The judge did not take the citizens and workers of Rivers State into consideration before giving the judgement.

    “Everybody knows that taking allocation away from a state will put the state into suffering. It will disrupt governance in a state because governance will not take place without funds,” Arise TV quoted him.

  • EPL: He’s Unselfish, Intelligent – Patrick Vieira Advises Arsenal To Sign 20-Year-Old Star

    EPL: He’s Unselfish, Intelligent – Patrick Vieira Advises Arsenal To Sign 20-Year-Old Star

    Arsenal legend, Patrick Vieira has urged his old club to sign 20-year-old Colombia international, Jhon Duran.

    Vieira said the Aston Villa star is unselfish, intelligent and the right player to take the Gunners to the next level up front.

    Arsenal were credited with an interest in a host of big-name forwards throughout the summer.

    The likes of Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic were all linked with the Premier League North London club.

    However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has decided to keep faith with Kai Havertz in the No.9 role.

    But Vieira believes Duran could be a perfect fit for Arteta’s side.

    “I loved his performance against Bayern Munich,’ Vieira told bettingexpert’s official website.

    “He’s the right player for Arsenal – quick, unselfish, solid in the air, technically skilled, and intelligent in his movement.”

  • Police Officer Gun Down His Wife And Their Domestic Worker

    Posted by Amarachi on Fri 01st Nov, 2024 – tori.ng

    It was gathered that Vele fatally shot his wife and the domestic worker on Tuesday evening, October 29, 2024, at their residence in Masisi policing area, Vhembe District.

    Sergeant Nditsheni Vele
     

    The Police in Limpopo, South Africa have launched a manhunt on an officer, Sergeant Nditsheni Vele, over the alleged killing of his wife and their domestic worker.

    It was gathered that Vele fatally shot his wife and the domestic worker on Tuesday evening, October 29, 2024, at their residence in Masisi policing area, Vhembe District.

    The police urged anyone with useful information that can help locate Sergeant Vele, to contact the nearest Police station.
     

  • Nigerian Man, Four Friends Die After Being Poisoned By Ex-Girlfriend In Edo

    A Nigerian man has died alongside four of his friends after consuming fish pepper soup prepared by his ex-girlfriend.

    The incident reportedly happened in Edo state.

    An X user user on Wednesday evening shared the tragic video showing the lifeless bodies of the five young persons allegedly poisoned by the lady.

    The graphic video footage shows the shirtless bodies in different rooms, with police officers investigating the scene.

    The user claimed the lady allegedly mixed a poisonous substance into pepper soup meant for her ex-boyfriend, who unknowingly shared it with his friends.

    “A girl attempted to poison her boyfriend by putting poison in pepper soup, but four of his friends ended up eating it with him. Tragically, all four friends have now passed away,” the user wrote.

    The Cable reported that the incident has provoked outrage on social media platforms, with some questioning the motive behind the heinous act. Others also claimed the accused lady sought revenge after the breakup.

    There are also reports that the suspect has been arrested.

    Although the exact date of their deaths remains unknown, the incident occurred at Afashio Community, Uzairue, Etsako West LGA.

    Moses Joel Yamu, the Edo state police spokesperson, has yet to officially comment on the matter.