Day: July 11, 2024

Lagos State Government has called for collaboration of corps members in its efforts at curbing substance abuse through the War Against Drug Abuse in Lagos State project.

The wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, made the call on Wednesday while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Iyana-Ipaja.

Sanwo-Olu said there were several programmes and activities being spearheaded by her office for girls, boys, youths, women, elderly and the general public.

She said that War Against Drug Abuse in Lagos State project required the support of everyone in increasing campaign messages and expanding the reach.

‘As young people, your energy, creativity, and resilience are essential to driving the progress and development of Lagos State and Nigeria.

‘Embrace this time with an open mind and a willing heart prepared to make meaningful contributions to the communities you will serve,’ she said.

The governor’s wife said that her office also conceived Boy Child Init
iative and had continued advocacy in the fight against gender-based violence.

‘The Boy Child Initiative is a setting where boys are tutored and guided to inculcate good attitudes that will make them to grow into responsible men in the future.

‘It assists in fostering greater understanding among the male gender, preparing them to be supportive and responsible future fathers, brothers and citizens.

‘Apart from the advocacy aspect, we have also provided protective care for victims, ensuring that they get justice.

‘ These structures are not only to encourage people to speak up and speak out but also to ‘walk the talk’ in making sure that perpetrators face commensurate punishment for evil conducts,’ she said.

She applauded NYSC for efforts in nurturing future leaders of the nation.

The governor’s wife noted that the initiators of scheme envisioned the need to foster national unity and development among all Nigerians, regardless of tribe or cultural beliefs.

Sanwo-Olu implored the corps members to approach t
he service year with dedication and patriotism.

‘Let your actions be guided by the principles of honesty, integrity and excellence.

‘This NYSC programme has, over the years, become a beacon of hope and a cornerstone for youth engagement in our country’s growth.

‘The fact that the scheme is still standing some decades after it was initiated speaks to its relevance and wide acceptability,’ she said.

Sanwo-Olu said that the corps members’ decision to serve Nigeria through the programme was commendable and reflected their commitment to making a positive impact on the society.

‘I know that you have been exposed to some life-changing talks and experiences since you started this journey, but it is important to harp on some important life lessons that will further guide you as you proceed in the journey.

‘As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that you are not just serving your country; you are also shaping your future and the future of our nation.

‘The experiences and lessons you gain during t
his orientation and subsequent service year will be invaluable.

‘The challenges you face will be numerous, but with determination and a positive mindset, you can overcome them and turn them into stepping stones for your success,’ she said.

Earlier, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, the NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, expressed delight at Sanwo-Olu’s visit.

Shw said that the orientation course had recorded significant achievements.

According to her, there have been effective participation in various camp programmes and high level of discipline and enthusiasm among corps members.

‘However, we still have challenges.

‘We seek interventions as we remain hopeful that construction work at the proposed NYSC permanent orientation camp, Agbowa, Ikorodu, will commence soon to resolve accomodation constraints and address the need for suitable orientation facilities,’ she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the event was presentation of a portrait of Sanwo-Olu by two corps members – Odili Em
eka, LA/24B/3681 and Ozondu Patrick, LA/24B/0537.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Ace Musician, Kizz Daniel and his wife, Mjay Anidugbe, are allegedly having challenges in their marriage over infidelity on the side of the artiste

Fans of the sensational singer had recently raised concerns when he removed all footage of his wife from his social media page and his wife’s Instagram account was as well disabled.

According to trending social media reports, the two lovebirds are having difficult times, as the ‘Buga’ crooner has allegedly been unrepentant and unfaithful to his marital vows, and this time his wife has refused to forgive him.

Kizz Daniel is said to have been ‘running helter-skelter’ to save his home, as relatives and friends try to intervene, but the wife has remained adamant, refusing to forgive him and continue with the marriage.

Although, neither Kizz Daniel nor his wife have confirmed the reports, the singer had earlier openly shared his struggles with adultery, among other personal challenges.

The couple who quietly exchanged vows in 2020, kept their marriage away from th
e public eye and the usual social media showcase, characteristic of celebrity marriage.

In May 2021, Kizz Daniel announced the arrival of a set of triplets, though the identity of their mother was hidden.

He later revealed that he had lost one of the triplets just four days after birth.

Kizz Daniel and his wife have, however, maintained a low appearance on social media, refraining from sharing any images of themselves and their twins, Jelani and Jelil, both boys, on social media.

Unlike most celebrity wives, MJay Anidugbe maintains a reserved demeanour, preferring not to extensively share detail about her career or personal life on social media platforms.

However, on March 10 this year, the ‘Twe Twe’ crooner decided to introduce his wife, MJay, to the public through all his social media platforms, the date he also released an EP.

The couple was featured in a short clip joyfully dancing together, and the artiste openly acknowledged his wife as the mother of his children.

The revelation however, stirred
buzz across social media platforms, as many fans had remained skeptical about his marital status, leading to intense speculations and online debate.

The EP released date also coincided with the day MJay Anidugbe secured an endorsement deal with Mikano Motors,and Kiss Daniel took to his Instagram page to congratulate her.

He wrote: ”Congrats Wifey @mrsanidugbe on bagging your first endorsement deal @mikanomotors, 7 days on scene proud of you.’

This public display of affection and encouragement further quell the social media debate among Kizz Daniels’ fans if he was married or was keeping a baby daddy status.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Nollywood actress and producer, Toyin Abraham, has sparked a heated reaction on social media after she was alleged to have illegally effected the arrest of a social media user and his mother for defamation.

During an Instagram live session on Wednesday, the actress denied the allegations, stating that she had instead filed a petition against cyberbullies who defamed her online.

Toyin complained of being bullied online because she supported President Bola Tinubu during the last general elections.

Social media was abuzz with mixed reactions, with some users supporting Abraham’s decision to fight back against bullying, while others accused her of censorship and intimidation.

The debate has sparked a wider conversation about the limits of free speech online and the responsibilities of public figures to protect their reputation.

While some fans have praised her for taking a stand against cyberbullying, others have criticised her for allegedly using her influence to silence critics.

@AjeboDanny, on X, said ,
‘If Ayo is not released today, we will start mass-reporting Toyin’s Instagram page and then move to sending mails to Netflix.

‘Can someone do a list of Toyin’s movies on Netflix and Prime, so we know what titles we are adding to the mails.’

To take things a step further, another X user, Faiza Mahmud, shared an email template to make the reporting process easier for Nigerians.

He wrote, ‘Dear Netflix Team, I am writing to address a concerning issue regarding a producer/actress who has been engaging in oppressive and bullying behaviour toward Nigerians on Twitter.

‘She goes by the name Mrs Toyin Abraham. As a community, we feel strongly that her movies should be boycotted.

‘Observing such mistreatment directed at Nigerians is disheartening, especially considering the diverse and inclusive content that Netflix is known for.

‘It is imperative for Netflix to investigate these incidents and take appropriate action to ensure that all content creators uphold respect and dignity for every culture and community
they represent.

‘I urge Netflix to take a firm stand against such behavior and demonstrate a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all audiences,’ he wrote.

Nigerian reality TV star and influencer, Natacha Akide, also shared her opinion on the ongoing drama involving Toyin Abraham.

The former Big Brother Naija star stated firmly that she did not wish to be misquoted, neither did she support Toyin Abraham.

She noted that Nigerians needed to do better and stop faulting celebrities for the shortcomings of their candidates.

‘As much as I do not support any party in the brewing drama, I will like to implore Nigerians to do better and respect other people’s choices.’

@oluwadharmilaarey said, ‘Most people knew those guys were wrong for constantly bullying her, but because of her choice, they wanted to guilt-trip her.

‘I hope they can learn their lesson. Celebs are humans too,’ he tweeted.

Nigerian skit maker and comedian, Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, also adv
ised fellow celebrities to stop using the police to ‘illegally’ arrest online trolls when they are defamed.

Speaking via his verified social media page, Mr Macaroni tweeted: ‘If anyone insults you or defames your character, go to court and seek justice.

‘Don’t use your friends in government to illegally detain citizens. It may favour you now, but think about tomorrow when you no longer have that power or the closeness to that power.

‘It might not be you, it might be someone you care about. What will become of us if everyone takes law into their own hands.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has inaugurated a Joint Planning Committee for the 30th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), to shape national development.

Inaugurating the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, Bagudu said the previous summit played vital roles in shaping policies of government across the country.

The minister was represented by Mr Nebeolisa Anako, Permanent Secretary of the ministry.

He said the annual summit provides a veritable platform for dialogue among policy makers, corporate leaders, organised private sectors among others.

According to him, the summit provides the opportunity to strengthen the existing mutual and symbiotic relationship between the public and private sectors in the overall interest of Nigeria.

‘The partnership between the sectors has helped in the development of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 to 2025 and the Nigeria agenda 2050.

‘The key outcomes of the summit have always played important roles in shaping the policies of the government.

‘In particular, the summit had in the past contributed to entrenching the culture of development planning in the country.

‘The summit has as well provided invaluable policy recommendations for the government,” he said.

The committee, he said, was expected to articulate the budgetary requirements and sources of funds for hosting the summit.

Bagudu also said it would also propose the optimal strategy for funding the activities of the committee and the summit.

The minister said that efforts had been concluded to forward the 29th summit recommendations and outcomes to the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He commended the public and private sector co-chairs and members of the committee for successfully organising the summit, and for working round the clock to produce the Green Book for the summit.

Earlier, Chairman of the NES, Mr Niyi Yusuf, said the summit was not just about changing policies, but redefining philosophy and approach to development.

‘The NES remains a crucial catalyst for addressing current
challenges and steering Nigeria towards a future of inclusive growth and economic resilience.

‘Celebrating the milestone of the summit is an opportunity to reflect on a legacy that has played a critical role in promoting Nigeria’s transition to a private sector-led economy.

‘This journey of strategic innovation and steadfast collaboration is vital for our continued economic development,” he said.

Yusuf said that one of Nigeria’s pressing concerns was to translate economic growth into improved living standards for the citizens.

‘In spite of experiencing growth, the country grapples with rising unemployment, income disparity and multidimensional poverty’.

He said that these challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability and institutional deficiencies.

The chairman said that Nigeria`s weak economic performance was a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.

He added that the performance was reflected in poor socioeconomic outcomes and declining living stand
ards.

According to him, in light of these severe realities, we hope the summit will be a significant conversation for action among public and private sector stakeholders and all Nigerians.

‘It is a time to reflect on our economy, rethink our economic fundamentals and deliberate on the short, medium and long-term priorities to tackle our challenges.

‘Together, we will explore emerging trends enabling Nigeria to capitalise on new opportunities and chart a path to rapid recovery.

‘I am confident that this partnership will yield outcomes that will set Nigeria on the path of economic recovery and sustainable development.

‘The NES will be a pivotal moment, highlighting the summit’s role in shaping our economic trajectory.

‘It will underscore Nigeria’s significance in transforming the continent through institutions, investment, integration, industry growth and innovation,” he said.

Yusuf urged the minister to present the outcomes of the 29th summit to FEC for consideration and integration into government pl
ans and programmes.

The chairman was represented by Omoboyede Olusanya, Vice Chairman of the 30th NES.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed Sept. 26 for arraignment of another two senior staff of Rural Electrification Agency (REA) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged N1.84 billion fraud.

The officials, who are being prosecuted separately are Aminat Asuni and Laure Abdullahi.

They were part of the five others already arraigned by the ICPC before sister courts.

Justice Nkeonye Maha fixed the date after ICPC’s counsel, Mrs P.N. Emeka, sought an adjournment to enable the commission serve the defendants with the charges.

When the two matters were called, Emeka informed the court that the defendants were evading arrest.

She, however, applied for an adjournment to enable her effect the service of the processes on Asuni and Abdullahi before the next adjourned date, and Justice Maha fixed Sept. 26 for the defendants to take their plea.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)!reports that the ICPC had filed two separate charges against Asuni and Abdullahi.

In t
he first charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/207/2024, the anti-corruption commission filed four-count charge dated May 8 and filed May 10 against Asuni, while Abdullahi was also preferred with four-count charge numbered: FHC/ABJ/CR/208/2024, and filed same day.

Asuni was alleged to have, sometime in March, 2023 or thereabout while being a public officer in the employment of REA Abuja and with intent to defraud the agency, received the sum of N336 million in different tranches through her Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account number: 0022457813 under the false pretence of project supervision.

While, Abdullahi was alleged to have, within the same period and with intent to defraud the agency, received N433 million in different tranches through her GTB account number: 0023343114 under the false pretence of project supervision.

The act was said to have contributed to economic adversity of REA.

The offence is contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences
Act, 2006, among others.

The two officials were being charged for diverting the N336 million and N433 million belonging to the agency.

NAN reports that the money formed part of the N1.84 billion allegedly misappropriated by seven top officials of REA, including Abubakar Sambo, Director of Finance and Account of the agency.

Other staff members under prosecution are Henrrientta Onomen Okojie, Usman Kwakwa, Emmanuel Pada Titus and Musa Umar Karaye.

They were alleged to have conspired to divert the funds for personal use.

President Bola Tinubu had, on March 7, suspended Mr Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of REA indefinitely, alongside three executive directors of the agency.

President Tinubu appointed Mr Abba Abubakar Aliyu as the MD and CEO to replace Ahmad.

The suspension followed an investigation into the financial activities of REA.

According to Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President Media and Publicity, the conduct of the aforementioned officials was
probed over misappropriation of N1.2 billion over the past two years, some of which had already been recovered by anti-graft agencies.

However, investigations by ICPC, weeks after Ahmad’s suspension, revealed that he had no link with the allegations.

Against this backdrop, the anti-corruption commission filed different separates charges against Sambo, Okojie, Asuni, Abdullahi, Kwakwa, Pada and Karaye before Justices Emeka Nwite, Bolaji Olajuwon and Maha of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

While Sambo had been arraigned before Justice Olajuwon; Okojie, Kwakwa, Pada and Karaye were arraigned before Justice Nwite; and Asuni and Abdullahi’s matters are before Justice Maha..

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the deaths of 12 learners from Rocklands Primary School and Laerskool Blyvooruitsig in Carletonville who were involved in a road incident in the Merafong City municipal area on Gauteng’s West Rand.

President Ramaphosa has in a statement sent his condolences to the families, friends, learners and educators of the deceased children.

The President has also wished a speedy and full recovery to the seven learners who suffered injuries in the incident that involved a scholar transport vehicle.

‘The loss of such young lives at the start of a new school term touches all of us as a nation,’ President Ramaphosa said.

‘We wish the affected families and school communities the best as they mourn the passing of children who have been deprived of fulfilling their potential and spending their lives with families and friends.

‘This tragedy, which regretfully is not the first of its kind to confront us, demands that we exercise our obligation to protect our children with the
utmost care,’ the President said.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and her Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have also extended their deepest condolences to the families.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is investigating the cause of the fatal accident, which occurred on the D92 at 06:42 on Wednesday morning.

The crash involved a minibus carrying school children and a light delivery van.

Speaking at the South African Transport Conference at the CSIR earlier this week, Minister Creecy said road safety will receive priority attention in the seventh administration.

Source: South African Government News Agency