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  • Tinubu leaves Abuja for Lagos, to begin inauguration of projets in Lagos and Abuja to mark first year in office

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    Ahead of the first anniversary of his administration on May 29, President Bola Tinubu departed Abuja on Saturday for Lagos to begin inauguration of projects completed under his administration.
    This is contained in a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Saturday in Abuja.
    Onanuga said that the President would inaugurate the concrete-paved road to the nation’s major ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island on Sunday.
    He said that the reconstructed road, which began under the Muhammadu Buhari Administration, was financed by the Dangote Group, using its tax credits.
    On the same day, Tinubu will virtually inaugurate the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge, which has drawn public acclaim for its excellent finishing and aesthetic furnishing.
    He will also virtually inaugurate the rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the country.
    The highpoint of the President’s engagements on Sunday will be the inauguration of the Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, estimated to cost about N15 trillion.
    Work has begun on the legacy project that will connect nine coastal states, with Section Two already awarded to Hitech Construction Limited.
    The President will return to Abuja on Tuesday to begin another round of inaugurations with the Southern Parkway, which the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration named after him.
    On Wednesday, the President will attend the National Assembly Dialogue Series, after which he will unveil the National Assembly Library Complex, named after him.
    Tinubu will leave the National Assembly to relaunch the commercialisation of Abuja Light Rail, also known as Abuja Metro and symbolically join the train ride to the city centre.
    The Abuja Metro was completed in 2018 by the Buhari Administration.
    It was put into commercial use up till 2020, but with the onset of COVID-19, the train service was abandoned while vandals descended on the facility, putting it out of use.
    FCT Minister Wike, after spending 15 million dollars and building access roads to the various stations, has refurbished it for commercial service.
    After the train ride, the President will also inaugurate the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge and the Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters.
    On May 31, Tinubu will commission the NASENI-Portland Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Reverse Engineering Centre, Utako,

  • Emir of Kano: Islamic scholars seek Tinubu’s intervention

    A group of Islamic scholars in Kano State has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing controversy surrounding the throne of Emir of Kano.
    The leader of the group, Malam Ibrahim Khalil, along with 20 others, made the call in a statement issued in Kano on Saturday.
    The scholars said that Kano State is known for its peace and stability, in spite of its political complexities.
    They, therefore ,urged the President to take necessary steps to prevent the situation from escalating into chaos.
    They acknowledged the recent amendments to the Kano State Emirates Law and the ongoing legal challenges.
    The scholars emphasised the need for peaceful resolution of the impasse and cooperation between the state and federal governments.
    They expressed opposition to any measures that could lead to conflict and loss of lives, and urged both contending parties to resolve their differences through peaceful means.
    They assured Tinubu that they would reach out to the contenders in a bid to promote peace in the state even as they prayed for peace and prosperity in the nation.
    Kano State has witnessed a tensed atmosphere following the passage of law by the state House of Assembly which reinstated the deposed Emir, Sanusi Lamido.
    The law also abolished new emirates created during the tenure of Dr Abudullahi Ganduje, the incumbent national chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) which rules at the federal level.

  • NANS resolves disputes as factional group steps down

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has settled the lingering issues between its two factional groups in the interest of peace and unity of Nigerian students.

    The defunt NANS Senate President, Ekundayo Elvis, at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, announced the stepping down of the defunt group to work with the Lucky Emonefe faction.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is ‘The End of Divided NANS, the Unified Era’.

     

     

    Elvis said that the reason for stepping down was for a purposeful leadership demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu who kept to his campaign promises to the youth and students.

    He added that the promises culminated into signing the students loan law for indigent students and NANS would not want any students to be deprived as a result of rift in the association.

    Elvis said that henceforth, NANS would be under one umbrella body of students both at home and in the diaspora.

    “Let me also state that it is on record that we are not pressured by anybody or any individual in making this decision but rather, the interest of our constituents,” he said.

    On his part, the NANS President, Lucky Emonefe said that the stepping down of the defunt faction marked a new beginning of good things to happen in the association.

    Emonefe called for the support of all members of the association to help the national leadership perform with national goal and interest of peace and progress of the people in focus.

    “From now henceforth, NANS is one, we will speak in one voice and we will carry the Nigerian students along.

    “The defunt president is not cajoled to do this but because students need to benefit, we must come together.

    “This is an internal issue, we disagree to agree. Now Nigerian students is one leadership and we will be united to continuously advocate specially for the interest and yearnings of Nigerian students,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged that going forward, the association would work towards ensuring lasting peace in its processes.

    Akinteye also pledged that the association would come together to avoid any situation of factional groups that would emanate during its convention and elections.

    It would be recalled that on Dec. 1, 2023, NANS converged on Abuja for a national convention and this convention produced a parallel government where two factions emerged. (NAN)

  • NANS resolves disputes as factional group steps down

    The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has settled the lingering issues between its two factional groups in the interest of peace and unity of Nigerian students.

    The defunt NANS Senate President, Ekundayo Elvis, at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, announced the stepping down of the defunt group to work with the Lucky Emonefe faction.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference is ‘The End of Divided NANS, the Unified Era’.

     

     

    Elvis said that the reason for stepping down was for a purposeful leadership demonstrated by President Bola Tinubu who kept to his campaign promises to the youth and students.

    He added that the promises culminated into signing the students loan law for indigent students and NANS would not want any students to be deprived as a result of rift in the association.

    Elvis said that henceforth, NANS would be under one umbrella body of students both at home and in the diaspora.

    “Let me also state that it is on record that we are not pressured by anybody or any individual in making this decision but rather, the interest of our constituents,” he said.

    On his part, the NANS President, Lucky Emonefe said that the stepping down of the defunt faction marked a new beginning of good things to happen in the association.

    Emonefe called for the support of all members of the association to help the national leadership perform with national goal and interest of peace and progress of the people in focus.

    “From now henceforth, NANS is one, we will speak in one voice and we will carry the Nigerian students along.

    “The defunt president is not cajoled to do this but because students need to benefit, we must come together.

    “This is an internal issue, we disagree to agree. Now Nigerian students is one leadership and we will be united to continuously advocate specially for the interest and yearnings of Nigerian students,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the NANS Senate President, Babatunde Akinteye, pledged that going forward, the association would work towards ensuring lasting peace in its processes.

    Akinteye also pledged that the association would come together to avoid any situation of factional groups that would emanate during its convention and elections.

    It would be recalled that on Dec. 1, 2023, NANS converged on Abuja for a national convention and this convention produced a parallel government where two factions emerged. (NAN)

  • Arewa group dismisses Katsina Govermor’s allegation against military

    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Arewa Alliance for Development (AAD),has described the allegation labelled against the military of aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State as untrue.
    Gov. Dikko Radda Of Katsina reportedly alleged that the Military was aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State.
    This is contained in a statement by the Convener of the group, Isyaku Bello and Secretary, Sani Mahdi, on Thursday in Abuja.
    They said the allegation was untrue, adding that the governor might have been fed the wrong facts on the ground.
    The group said the allegation was weighty and capable of dampening morale of troops engaged in military operations in the region.
    They urged leaders in the North-West to put in more efforts to sincerely tackle insecurity in the region, while giving the armed forces all the needed support.
    According to them, the North is “bleeding” economically but the case would have been worse if not for the military under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa.
    The youth group said that statements from leaders should be carefully chosen in view of the security challenges facing the North.
    They added that the military had continued to make sacrifices for peace in the region, saying that any misdemeanor should not be generalised.
    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria have performed creditably, leading to the killings of those disturbing the peace of the region.
    “How can you say the AFN is profiting from terrorism when some of them have fallen victims to the criminals causing devastation in the region?
    “We urge leaders to in words and actions support and not dampen morale of troops.
    “We must not send messages that will cause more tension in the region,” they said. (NAN)

  • Arewa group dismisses Katsina Govermor’s allegation against military

    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Arewa Alliance for Development (AAD),has described the allegation labelled against the military of aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State as untrue.
    Gov. Dikko Radda Of Katsina reportedly alleged that the Military was aiding and profiting from terrorism activities in Katsina State.
    This is contained in a statement by the Convener of the group, Isyaku Bello and Secretary, Sani Mahdi, on Thursday in Abuja.
    They said the allegation was untrue, adding that the governor might have been fed the wrong facts on the ground.
    The group said the allegation was weighty and capable of dampening morale of troops engaged in military operations in the region.
    They urged leaders in the North-West to put in more efforts to sincerely tackle insecurity in the region, while giving the armed forces all the needed support.
    According to them, the North is “bleeding” economically but the case would have been worse if not for the military under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa.
    The youth group said that statements from leaders should be carefully chosen in view of the security challenges facing the North.
    They added that the military had continued to make sacrifices for peace in the region, saying that any misdemeanor should not be generalised.
    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria have performed creditably, leading to the killings of those disturbing the peace of the region.
    “How can you say the AFN is profiting from terrorism when some of them have fallen victims to the criminals causing devastation in the region?
    “We urge leaders to in words and actions support and not dampen morale of troops.
    “We must not send messages that will cause more tension in the region,” they said. (NAN)

  • Invictus Centre: Demonstration of CDS’  commitment to troops’ welfare – CSO

    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Citizens Awareness Initiative (CAI), a civil society group, has lauded the Defence Headquarters’ plans to construct a state-of-the-art Invictus Centre to facilitate complete recovery and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers and veterans.
    The Secretary of CAI, Mr Adams Igonor, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had shown commitment to the welfare of troops with the initiative.
    According to Igonor, the plan was unveiled recently in Abuja, at a reception in honour of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, who were on private visit to Nigeria on the invitation of the CDS.
    He said the centre was expected to be equipped with world class facilities that would aid recovery of the wounded soldiers and offer them post traumatic stress remedies as a result of trauma they might had experienced during operations.
    “We commend Gen. Musa for his avowed commitment to personnel welfare.
    “Nigeria is privileged to become the first African country to join the Invictus community.
    “According to Prince Harry “when person’s trauma affects those around them, the healing of that one person can affect and improve the entire community.
    “We have been following the CDS since his days in the North-East and he has continued to show genuine concern for his troops.”
    The secretary noted that there was no doubt, that the centre would spur them to intensify their fight against enemies of the state.
    “We use this opportunity to congratulate troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, on the proposed centre because it is a big relief, especially for wounded troops,” he added. (NAN)

  • Businessman slams N5bn alleged defamatory suit against journalist, others

     

    A businessman, Alhaji Ibrahim Egungbohun, has filed a N5 billion suit against a journalist, Fisayo Soyombo; Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) and Arise Media Group, over allegations bordering on defamation.

    Egungbohun, in a suit field by his lawyer, Bola Aidi, SAN, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, also sought a N10 million cost of instituting the matter.

    In the writ of summons marked: FCT/CV/2286/2024 and filed on May 3, the claimant sued Soyombo, FIJ and Arise Media Group as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

    Egungbohun, a Nigerian Customs licensed agent, is the Chief Executive Officer of IBD Impex Ltd, a company which is into clearing and forwarding of goods, construction, agriculture, real estate and oil and gas.

    In the suit, he sought “a declaration that the claimant has been defamed by the 1st and 2nd defendants through the various libelous posts and innuendos made by the 1st and 2nd defendants on their X handles @fisayosoyombo and @fijnigeria.

    “A declaration that the claimant has been defamed by the 1st and 2nd defendants through the libelous publications made by the 1st and 2nd defendants on the 2nd defendant’s blog fij.ng in the article titled ‘Undercover as a Smuggler’ published on 21st February 2024.

    “A declaration that the claimant has been defamed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants through the libelous publication/broadcasting made by the defendants on the 3rd defendant’s television programme ‘THE MORNING SHOW’ broadcasted on 24th February, 2024.

    “An order of this court for retraction of the libelous statements and tendering of public apology by each of the defendants to the claimant, to be published by the 1st and 2nd defendants on their X handles; @fisayosoyombo and @fijnigeria and on the 2nd defendant’s blog fij.ng, and to be published/broadcasted by all the defendants in the 3rd defendant’s television programme ‘THE MORNING SHOW.’

    “An order of this court restraining the defendants from any further defamatory publications (including the use of innuendos) against the claimant on their X handles, website, TV programmes or any other means of publication.

    “The sum of N5,000,000,000.00 (Five Billion Naira) as general damages.

    “The sum of N10,000,000, 000.00 (Ten Million Naira) being the cost of instituting this Suit.”

    In his statement of claim attached to the suit, Egungbohun, who hails from Ogun, said he is a socialite and also the owner of IBD International Hotel in Ogun.

    According to him, his hard work, integrity, dedication and tenacity has given him business goodwill among well-meaning Nigerians and has enabled him to establish business and personal relationships with top Nigerian businessmen and politicians.

    He averred that sometime in February 2024, Soyombo began a calumny of defamation against him through his X handle page; @fisayosoyombo.

    He alleged that on Feb 21, Soyombo posted and shared on his X handle page a defamatory article titled: “Undercover as a Smuggler” and published on the FIJ’s blog wherein he was tagged a smuggler.

    The claimant further alleged that the said article had a subcaption: “Popular Socialite Arrested For Gun Running, Ibrahim IBD Dende Regains Freedom.”

    He said in the article, they alleged that, “The status of the founder of the hotel, Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, more commonly known as IBD Dende’, as ILARO’S BIGGEST SMUGGLER, has been helped by his proximity to power, coupled with the influence he has amassed with his wealth.

    “,..Beyond the LAUNDERED IMAGE of him in the media, however, the real Dende HAS BEEN ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING MULTIPLE TIMES; but on each occasion, he emerged unscathed. He is that connected.

    “,..Dende used to import Turkey, but he subsequently SMUGGLED GUNS and his cover was blown… Dende also SMUGGLED CARS, his patronage transcending the political class.

    “As he entrenched his interests in the SHADY TRADE through the years, he started to build a legion of foot soldiers to perfect the DIRTY WORK on his behalf.

    “Some of those boys whom Jide knew personally were bringing in high-value automobiles STASHED WITH ARMS AND AMMUNITION ON DENDE’S BEHALF when they were apprehended in 2018.”

    Egungbohun averred that the defamatory and character assassinating posts made against him by the defendants are permanent in nature.

    According to him, permanence of the publication means that the claimant’s good name and reputation has been smeared for life by the libelous posts of the defendants.

    He said he would rely on all electronic generated evidence mentioned in his statement of claim and would rely on and tender a Certificate of Compliance in line with the provision of the Evidence Act during trial.

    The matter is yet to be assigned to a judge as at the time of filing the report.

  • Group hails defence chief on multi-agency engagements, coordination

    By Sumaila Ogbaje, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA 
    Security Assessment Group (SAG), a civil society organisation, has commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, for the strategic engagement of relevant government agencies towards addressing national security challenges.
    This is contained in a statement by the Group‘s Coordinator, Alhassan Mohammed, on Wednesday in Abuja.
    Mohammed said the different meetings between the CDS and heads of some government agencies in recent time had contributed to the successes in ongoing military operations across the country.
    He said the interactions had helped to bolster collaboration within the country’s security apparatus and other relevant government agencies in addressing the prevailing security challenges.
    According to him, the recent visit by the CDS to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Central Bank of Nigeria and several other sister security agencies is commendable.
    “The visits will provide the much needed synergy against enemies of the state.
    “We particularly welcome the visit to the NIA where the Director-General, Amb. Abubakar lauded General Musa’s dedication to duty and highlighted the mutually beneficial relationship between NIA and AFN.
    “We can say that the visits and engagements are yielding positive results in the different theatres of operation,” he added.

  • Idris restates FG’s commitment to media rights, freedom

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    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has restated Federal Government’s commitment to safeguard press freedom and rights of journalists across the country.

    Idris said this in his speech at Press Freedom and Good Governance Award 2024, organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday night in Abuja.

    The minister, who was the Chairman of the event,  said he was deeply honoured by the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award upon him by the NUJ,  which he described as his immediate constituency.

    According to him the award holds profound significance for him and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    “This year’s theme of World Press Freedom Day resonates deeply with our ministry’s vision and President Tinubu’s priority areas.

    “The areas include restoring trust, reorienting national values, and creating an enabling environment for the media.

    “It underscores the crucial role of journalism in addressing the environmental crisis”, he said.

    According to him, in this moment of environmental crisis, the role of media transcends mere reporting; it embodies a commitment to mobilising mass action for the common good.

    “With the power to inform, educate, and inspire, the media has the unparalleled ability to ignite movements, elevate voices, and effectuate behavioral change toward the environment.

    “I want to reaffirm our sustained commitment to safeguarding press freedom, promoting diverse opinions, and protecting the rights of journalists.

    “Let us redouble our efforts to build a future where journalism thrives, press freedom is upheld, and our planet is safeguarded for generations to come,” Idris said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that categories of awards include Touch Bearers of Press Freedom, Defender of Press Freedom and Best Investigative Reporter of the Year.

    Others were LIFE Time Achievement Awards and Good Governance Award.

    While, Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue got the Good  Governance award on Advocacy of the Masses and Human Rights, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno got the Good Governance Award on Education.

    Also, the Good Governance Award for transparency went to Mr Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPCL.

    Others that clinched the Torch Bearer of Press Freedom Awards include, Edwin Philip of Breeze FM Lafia, Pauline Kuje Vana of NTA Maiduguri and Tayo Ikujuni of NAN.

    Others were Mustapha Batsari of VOA Hausa Service, Gabriel Idibia of Daybreak Newspaper, Adekola Namgbala, Allah el-Kurebe and Publisher of Wikki Times, Mohammed Salisu

    NAN also reports that while the awards for Defender of Press Freedom went to a veteran journalist, Gbenga Onayiga, the Anyim Ude Prize for the best Investigative Reporter went to Umar Audi of Daily Nigerian Newspaper.

    Similarly, the Good Governance Award for Mass Mobilisation went to the Directors-General of Nigerian Television Authority and Voice of Nigeria, Salisu Dembos and Jibrin Baba-Ndace respectively.

    The National President of Nigerian Union of Teachers, Audi Amba got the Good Governance Award for Education, Planning and Leadership.

    The Chief Executive Officer of National Bureau of Statistics, Mr Adeyemu Adeniran, got same award, but on Economic Development.

    NAN reports that the event attracted people from all works of life including   the National Assembly, media and other stakeholders. (NAN)