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  • Iwuanyanwu: Igbo committed to Tinubu presidency

    Iwuanyanwu: Igbo committed to Tinubu presidency

    President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has declared the resolution of the Igbo community to extend their support to President Bola Tinubu. 

    He reiterated that the Igbo are committed to pledging their allegiance and loyalty to President Tinubu, acknowledging him as the President of Nigeria and also their brother.

    Iwuanyanwu spoke when he visited the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, at the Iga Idugaran Palace. He stressed the need for collaboration and support from President Tinubu in addressing the legitimate concerns of the Igbo community.

    He said: “Let him believe us, this statement is being made by the leader of Igbos. What we want from the leadership is justice, fairness, equity. 

    “We don’t want to take another person’s state, whatever is our right should be given to us. We are will support him and be loyal to him. Anybody who fights him unjustly, we will join him to fight such a a person, but we want him to help us get whatever is our right. “

    Dispelling any misconceptions regarding the relationship between the Yoruba and the Igbo, Chief Iwuanyanwu said there is no rift between the two communities. He also stressed the need for peaceful co-existence and respect for the law, and emphasised the importance of upholding the values ingrained by their forefathers in obeying the laws of the land and promoting harmonious relationships.

    Read Also; Electricity disruption nationwide caused by shutdown of Egbin Power Plant – IED

    Reflecting on the recent political landscape, Chief Iwuanyanwu acknowledged the Igbos’ historical alliance with President Tinubu during his time as Governor of Lagos, applauding the favourable treatment extended to the Igbo community.

    Oba Akiolu noted the belief of Lagosians in the value of forming connections and maintaining peace, emphasising that those who come to Lagos will prosper and contribute to the progress of the city and the nation as a whole.

     The monarch hoped that the current leadership will do right by everyone, saying it is only a matter of time before all efforts come to fruition, particularly with President Tinubu. He also restarted that genuine contributions from individuals towards the success and progress of the country will lead to collective well-being and prosperity for all.

    He said: “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Any leader anywhere, if you have the fear of God, you’re disciplined and you’re prayerful and you wish the best for your fellow being, all will be well with you. I have said it times without number, we have no problem in this country, it is just problem of closeness to God, discipline and love for all. 

    “With the emergence of this our present president, it is just a question of time, all will be worth it. Everybody must have to contribute genuinely to the success and progress of this country and all will be well.”

  • Facebook building communities via technology

    Facebook building communities via technology

    Facebook’s parent company, Meta, yesterday said it remained committed to Nigeria and other parts of Africa as it strives to supporting the growing ecosystems of creators and building communities through technology.

    Its Communications Director, Africa Middle East & Turkey, Kezia Anim-Addo, who spoke during the release of the social media giant’s ‘2023 Africa Year in Review’ to showcase some of its significant investments and works across Sub-Saharan Africa this year, said: “As we reflect on the past year, we are thrilled to announce our key milestones and investments across sub-Saharan Africa. We remain committed to the continent and our 2023 highlights, reinforces some of the impact we’ve been able to create by supporting the growing ecosystems of creators and building communities through technology.”

    The infographi highlighted Meta’s ongoing milestones and successes across the region while reinforcing its continued investment and commitment to sub-Saharan Africa.

    With a focus on connecting communities, supporting the creator ecosystem, and driving innovation, Meta has strategically directed resources toward initiatives that align with its mission to give people the power to build communities and bring the world closer together.

    Read Also; Electricity disruption nationwide caused by shutdown of Egbin Power Plant – IED

    Some of the key highlights in the 2023 Year in Review include Creator Lab Live: Launched the Creator Lab Live, a first-of-its-kind educational in-real-life programme for creators in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa to inspire creativity, spread positivity, build connections and demonstrate care for the creator community; Instagram Creators x Brand Academy nano course: Launched the Instagram Creators x Brand Academy nano course in South Africa in partnership with Red and Yellow (Creative School of Business), a short course to educate creators, aspiring creators and brands on best practices and ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ that announced the rising stars edition of our ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign to amplify the voices and stories of eight emerging young talents across Africa who are building a global presence, and changing the way the continent and its people are viewed on the international stage including rolling out Instagram #AfricaMade Reels challenge.

    Others are WhatsApp Channels: Launched a content series through collaboration with local content creators in SSA to showcase the benefits of WhatsApp Channels for users; EbaSafeOnline: Launched a first-of-its-kind youth safety educational comic book titled #EbaSafeOnline, available in 11 of South Africa’s official languages in partnership with Ethnikids, an online bookstore in South Africa; Youth Safety and Wellbeing: Held a Youth Safety and Wellbeing week in South Africa, engaging with more than 300 youths, parents, educators, and policymakers to educate and inform youth and parents about Meta’s safety tools; My Digital World: Hosted a Digital Literacy for Peacebuilding forum in Ethiopia to address the role of digital literacy in peacebuilding and announce the expansion of My Digital World – aimed at equipping young people with information and skills to help them thrive in a digitally connected world; African XR Realities Lab: Partnered with Electric South to launch the African XR Realities Lab, an incubation program featuring eight Extended Reality (XR) prototypes leveraging diverse, immersive technologies; Meta Connect 2023: Launched a digital campaign in collaboration with Nigerian creators to produce captivating content in anticipation of the annual Meta Connect conference.

  • Fed Govt to revive Ogun cassava industry

    Fed Govt to revive Ogun cassava industry

    The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is set to revive the moribund Garri Processing Factory in Alapoti Village of Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    The move comes as a beacon of hope for the predominantly agrarian community, the second-largest farm settlement in Ogun and a key producer within the cassava value chain in the Southwest.  

    The intervention is the result of a directive by the Minister, Dr. Betta Edu, to the National Programme Manager of the Community and Social Development Projects, Olubunmi Bello, to visit the village.

     The Alapoti village, a 20-minute drive from Lagos through the Agbara corridor, holds immense potential to be a major supply source of cassava produce to Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

     The Baale of the town, Chief Mattew Akanbi Oluwaloni, thanked the Ministry for the laudable initiative, which is like an answered prayer for the village. 

    He highlighted  reliance on manual methods of cassava processing, deplorable access road, and difficulties in sourcing raw materials and accessing markets for their products as some of the challenges they face.

    Read Also: Be hopeful of better tomorrow, Abiodun urges Nigerians

     Bello assured the community of the minister’s commitment to addressing their plight.  

    According to her, Dr Edu has directed that no effort should be spared towards giving necessary assistance to intervene in the community by establishing a befitting Cassava Processing plant in the village.

    “We are dedicated to assisting in building a befitting Cassava processing plant here in this community, including the provision of grants and support through cooperative groups, to enhance production capacity,” Bello said.

    She said the initiatives align with the Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    The community leaders pledged to hand over the building for the revival of the processing factory, which was initially designed to handle 10 tons of cassava daily.

     The community anticipates processing up to 40 tons of cassava daily during the harvest season.

     Apart from garri, other products from cassava processing include Fufu, Lafun (Cassava Flour), Pupuru (a cassava snack), and animal feed derived from dried cassava peel.

     The community also outlined other requests, including the expansion and conversion of the current building, construction of a new shed for various processing stages, increasing processing capacity, setting up a packaging line and introducing alternate energy sources to optimize operational costs.

     This transformative initiative holds promise for Alapoti Village, signalling a potential overhaul in cassava processing and economic growth for its residents and environs.

     Accompanying the CSDP National Programme Manager were key figures including the Special Adviser to the Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Kola Salako, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development) of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta Prof Kola Adebayo, and Ayoola Jolayemi, Executive Director, Quintas Farm Gate Industries Limited.

  • Two arrested for alleged manufacturing of fake drinks in Lagos

    Two arrested for alleged manufacturing of fake drinks in Lagos

    Police operatives attached to Ojo Division area of Lagos State on Wednesday, December 20, arrested one Imo Lawrence and his ally, Magnus Nwonka, allegedly involved in manufacturing fake drinks in the state.

    The Nation learnt that Lawrence aged 35 and Nwonka aged 42 were in possession of fake drinks.

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    The spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed their arrest on his official X handle.

    He explained: “In the course of investigation, the suspects led detectives to their inconspicuous, multi-room ‘factory.’”

    Hundeyin disclosed that further investigation was ongoing on the discovery.

  • Tinubu focused on job creation, capital accessibility to revamp economy – Shettima 

    Tinubu focused on job creation, capital accessibility to revamp economy – Shettima 

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday, December 20, said the Tinubu administration is strategically focusing on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication to revamp the economy.

    Vice President Shettima stated this while commissioning the corporate headquarters of the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in Abuja.

    According to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima also said the federal government, under President Bola Tinubu’s watch, will never shift ground in its determination to protect businesses in Nigeria.

    According to him, enterprises are not only the very bedrock of a society but also reflect the direction the government is heading to and the speed with which it is doing so.

    Shettima said, “Allow me to emphasise the importance of this moment: there is no more fitting time than now to reinforce the protection of enterprises in Nigeria. These enterprises not only stand as the very bedrock of our society but also reflect the direction the government is headed and the velocity with which we do so.

    “This moment solidifies His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assurance to protect our enterprises. It resonates deeply within our economic revitalisation plan. His focus on job creation, capital accessibility, economic growth, and poverty eradication forms the very skeleton of our strategy to invigorate the economy. Inevitably, this path demands tough decisions, yet ones essential to our success.”

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    The VP also recalled that he had inaugurated the National MSME Council ten days ago, saying it was just the beginning that sets the stage for what is up ahead.

    Explaining how President Tinubu intends to make sure businesses and other economic enterprises prosper in the country, VP Shettima said, “Notably, our partnership with the Bank of Industry to unveil a N75 billion, 9% interest loan accessible to Nigerian MSMEs as of January 2024 is a pivotal stride. This initiative is geared towards fostering a more conducive and enabling business environment.

    “This government doesn’t just boast some of the nation’s finest talents; it champions those invested in ensuring our business owners have front-row seats in our journey towards progress. Our goal is to cultivate an ecosystem where Nigerian businesses become regular features in globally recognized publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times for the right reasons.

    “We are all well aware that Mr. President’s readiness to take action has never faltered, and what we are witnessing here is just a component of the strategies in place to create a future brimming with endless opportunities”.

    The Vice President congratulated the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the leadership of SMEDAN, saying they have proven that they are ready to transform “concepts into tangible actions.

    “This initiative renews hope for a critical segment of our entrepreneurial community, and highlights our sensitivity to the economic clock of the nation,” he added.

    Earlier in her remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Uzoka-Anite, thanked Vice President Shettima for his unwavering support to MSMEs in the country.

    She said the completion and commissioning of the new SMEDAN Complex is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the development of the MSME space.

    She also outlined other initiatives of the federal government targeted at building capacity and linking MSMEs to markets at home and abroad.

    For his part, the Director General of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, thanked the Vice President for his support and guidance in the actualisation of the project and leadership in the MSME space. 

    He said the agency and the entire MSME community in Nigeria have recorded significant achievements within a short period of time under the leadership of the VP. 

    He assured that the agency will continue to collaborate with sister organisations to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.

    Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Sen. Fadahunsi Anthony; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Niger Delta, Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong; Chairman of the House Committee on Small and Medium Enterprises, Hon. Mansur Manu Soro; Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Evelyn Ngige, as well as heads of government agencies and parastatals.

  • Free train ride: Get your ticket online – NRC tells passengers

    Free train ride: Get your ticket online – NRC tells passengers

    The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has asked passengers willing to travel during the yuletide to obtain their free tickets online.

    The Corporation in a statement by its management on Wednesday night stated that tickets will not be issued at any of its Corporation’s train stations.

    It further stated that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.

    The statement reads: “In line with Mr. President’s directive, the General Public may note that the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) will commence free train service on its entire Passengers’ services from Thursday 21st December 2023 to Thursday 4th January 2024, both days inclusive.

    “Passengers are advised to obtain their free tickets via the online e-ticketing platforms only.

    “Tickets will not be issued at any of the Corporation’s Train Stations.

    “Please note that no commuter will be allowed to board the train without a ticket.

    “We enjoin commuters to be orderly, obey security personnel and the laid down boarding instructions of the NRC and those of its officials while at the station and on-board the trains.”

    However, a source in the Ministry of Transportation said the directive by the President may lead to stampede.

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    He argued that inadequate time to prepare for the implementation of the directive could lead to the stampede and confusion.

    He also added that some passengers who had purchased their tickets online prior to the directive may have to contend with those willing to travel free of charge.

    He however said staff of the ministry and concerned agency were working out modalities to ensure hitch-free travel for interested passengers.

    He said: “I need to be frank with you at this point as a realist, naturally there will be hitches with this directive considering that there is no much time for preparation before implementation commences but we at the ministry are working out modalities to ensure the order by the president is carried out effectively.

    “We must also bear in mind that some people have bought their tickets online prior to this directive. So, passengers who have bought tickets online may clash with those who want to travel free of charge and it may lead to stampede.

    He added: “For the train ride, it will be on four designated route. The routes are; Lagos-Ibadan, Abuja-Kaduna, Warri-Itakpe and Ido-Ijoko.”

  • Organ harvesting: Culprits to face full wrath of law – FG

    Organ harvesting: Culprits to face full wrath of law – FG

    The federal government has reiterated its resolve to fully enforce the law governing organ donation and transplant in the country in accordance with the law.

    The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, while reacting to media reports on organ harvesting in Abuja, condemned the illegality perpetrated by the suspects while commiserating with the unsuspecting victims.

    In a statement by the Director of Media & Public Relations, Patricia Deworitshe on Wednesday, said the ministry affirmed that everyone found culpable in the criminal act will face the full wrath of the law

    It reads in part: “The attention of the Federal Ministry of Health has been drawn to a report emanating from the Daily Trust Newspaper titled “Inside Abuja’s Kidney Market where the Rich prey on the Poor in the FCT”.

    “The Ministry has noted with great concern and condemns in totality such barbaric inhuman criminal practice of kidney trafficking revealed in that report.

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    “We acknowledge the pain of those affected and wish to let the public know that the National Health Act (NHA) 2014 Sections 51-56, prohibits such illegality. “Person Who contravene or fail to comply with the provisions of the section commit an offence and is liable on conviction or a fine of N1,000,000 or imprisonment of not less than
    two years or both”.

    “It is pertinent to note that both the seller and the buyers of this illegal trade as well as the medical practitioners and facilities where this criminal act is being performed will face the full wrath of the law.

    “Donation of kidney should be on informed consent of the donor, done based on medical advice with privileged information about the process in order to save lives.

    “However, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)is looking into allegations levelled against medical practitioners engaged in such activities.

    “While the Federal Ministry of Health remains committed to improving regulatory standards and practices to enhance effective and efficient healthcare system in line with the renewed hope agenda, the public is hereby advised not to engage in such illegal practices and should contact the Federal Ministry of Health on 08033228978 for any information that can lead to the arrest of such perpetrators”.

  • Electricity disruption nationwide caused by shutdown of Egbin Power Plant – IED

    Electricity disruption nationwide caused by shutdown of Egbin Power Plant – IED

    Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IE) has explained why some parts of Lagos State and by extension, nationwide is experiencing power supply disruption.

    The Nation learnt Egbin Power Station, one of the largest thermal power stations in the country, has been temporarily shut down to facilitate maintenance work on a crucial gas pipeline.

    The Egbin power station is located in the Ikorodu area of Lagos state and supplies around 16% of the total electricity to the National Grid.

    It has an installed capacity of 1320MW which makes it the largest provider of electricity in Nigeria.

    The plant’s closure, according to Ikeja Electric is necessary to allow the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) to conduct vital maintenance on the gas pipeline that supplies the facility.

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    The DisCo in an announcement on its official X handle on Wednesday, apologised for the inconvenience.

    It said: “Please be informed that the current power supply disruption is as a result of the ongoing maintenance work on the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) gas pipeline supplying gas to Egbin Power Generation Company”.

    “Consequently, this has led to temporary shut down of the plant, resulting in extensive load shedding nationwide

    “We sincerely apologise for inconvenience caused by this situation…”

    The temporary shutdown of the Egbin Power Station has resulted in a significant reduction of power available to distribution companies and load centers nationwide.

    The shutdown, commenced at 11:13 hours on December 18, 2023, is expected to last for three days, causing a substantial reduction in the national power grid’s capacity.

  • Rivers crisis: Fubara committed to peace, resolution not signed under duress – Commissioner

    Rivers crisis: Fubara committed to peace, resolution not signed under duress – Commissioner

    The commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State, Joseph Johnson has confirmed that
    Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s signature on the publicly disclosed resolution document on the Rivers crisis was not forged.

    Johnson also stated that the governor signed the peace pact willingly and without any pressure.

    The Nation reports that the document of his “peace agreement” with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, was released after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu and the parties in the political crisis in Rivers state.

    Fubara on Monday, Decembee 18, signed an eight-point agreement to facilitate a truce between him and Wike.

    President Tinubu chaired the meeting which was attended by Fubara, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Wike, former Governor Peter Odili, Speaker Martins Amaewhule, chairmen of the state chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chukwuemeka and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker Committee Chairman Tony Okocha, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) Senator Adolphus Wabara, among others at the Aso Villa.

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    While giving an address during the 3rd Convocation and 6th Founders Day ceremonies of the PAMO University of Medical Sciences in Iriebe, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state, on Tuesday, the governor assured he was prepared to pay any price for peace to reign.

    In his statement that was greeted with a thunderous applause, Fubara noted: “There is no price that will be too big to pay to ensure that peace prevails.”

    Speaking on Channels TV, Johnson explained that his principal would implement the agreement reached because he is a man of his word and committed to the process of peace.

    He said: “There is nothing to doubt it. We have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didn’t sign.

    “The Bible that we all profess says we should pursue peace with all men at all cost. Mr Governor is a stickler for the rules.

    “And if His Excellency, the President has intervened, he (Fubara) is not a man of perfidy. He will not say something and do the other.

    “In the next couple of hours, I will be unveiling some of the approvals His Excellency has already given as an indication that he is prepared for peace.”

    The commissioner also indicated that the governor’s acceptance of the decisions made during the meeting on Monday did not indicate weakness.

    He said: “I was in that meeting and the governor did not negotiate from the place of weakness.

    “There was no pressure from anywhere; when people disagree, they come to the round table and settle.

    “There is nothing to doubt about it, we have gone beyond the issue as to who signed, and who didn’t sign.”

  • Why JAMB candidates will pay extra for 2024 UTME – Registar

    Why JAMB candidates will pay extra for 2024 UTME – Registar

    Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Ishaq Oloyede, has denied that the examination body increased the fees for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 2024.

    He explained that the extra money being paid by candidates was a charge by operators of Computer Based Test (CBT) centres to assuage the high cost of diesel.

    He said JAMB only facilitated the process of collecting the payments so that candidates would not be exploited by the operators.

    Prof Oloyede said this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, December 20.

    The JAMB registrar also knocked some universities for overshooting the number of students approved to be admitted for a session.

    This, he said, eventually causes problems for the students.

    Read Also: Amosun to Oshiomhole: you are responsible for your removal as APC chairman

    He promised to turn over the names of such institutions to the House Committee for further legislative action.

    The Registrar also said the examination body was working to recover N4.2 billion owed by Zenith Bank over previous transactions.

    He said the matter was being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Oloyede stated: “For the CBT centres, I also feel their pain because we also have about 45 of them owned by JAMB directly. We know what they are going through.

    “The money is not paid by JAMB but the students themselves. You know N700 for registration and N700 for examination but given the cost of diesel this year, we only allowed them, not that we are paying them because we are collecting from the students and passing to the centres.

    “This year we are about announcing. The advertisement is just coming out. We are going to allow them to charge as much as N1500 for UTME because of cost of diesel.

    “But you can see the press in the past one week, that JAMB has increased the cost. What we have done is to allow to the CBT centres to charge more than they are charging. But because we are going to collect it for them, why are we collecting it is because if we leave them alone they will extort the students and they will be collecting N4000 or N5000. That is why we said pay to us and we would transfer it to you weekly.

    “We have raised it from N700 to N1500 effective from 2024 so as to allow them to recoup. We have not increased JAMB fee. We only allowed this people to charge a better fee by adding to what they are charging but all the newspapers had reported it that we have increased the charges.

    Also speaking on the approval given to higher institutions on the number of students to be admitted, he said most of them are admitting more than the approved number.

    “We are ready to give you the names and you don’t need to go far. They are many of them around. It is general indiscipline. NUC gives the quota for universities, NBTE gives for polytechnics and NCC gives for Colleges of Education. But unfortunately some of these our people would go and, not only would they get more, they would not disclose the admission until candidates are ready to go on NYSC and they cannot go because without admission letter they can go.

    “It is then they would talk about regularisation. How can you regularise what is not regular? So what we are saying is that you have admitted a candidate four years ago, we provided the data for Bureau of Statistics, now suddenly about one million emerged that were not registered at all and people would say it is JAMB who is holding them.

    “We are holding them because they were not properly admitted. We would provide you a list of such people and you call them. Many of them would write letters of apology this year and they would still do it next year and they would write another letter of apology. You cannot kill them.”

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon Oboku Ofoji, urged the Board to reconcile its financial records with the office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

    He said the interface with the examination body was not a witch-hunt.

    He said it was an effort to improve the educational sector in the country.

    “I want to also clear one wrong impression that it is a witch-hunt. This job is about our country and educational sector. so for us to interface with you and you see all the national television here, to me I was thinking that JAMB would appreciate this conversation openly. It goes a long way to inform Nigerians how prepared JAMB is. We all owe Nigerians explanations about our stewardship.”