Day: September 11, 2024

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the release of its President, Mr Joe Ajaero from detention.

Mr Adewale Adeyanju, Deputy President of NLC gave the confirmation in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajaero was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on his way to the UK for a meeting.

Adeyanju said NLC was pleased to inform the public that ‘Ajaero was released late last night, at approximately 11:00 p.m following intense pressure mounted by the NLC.

‘This is in compliance with the demands issued by the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC.

‘NAC had given the government a firm ultimatum, with a deadline of 12 midnight, to release Comrade Ajaero, whose detention was a clear violation of our rights and an affront to the principles of democracy.

‘While we celebrate his release, the NLC remains vigilant.

‘We will conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensu
re that his health has not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out to him.

‘The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are assured that his health is intact,’ he said.

Adeyanju said the NLC ‘unequivocally condemned’ the reckless abuse of power and reaffirms its commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness.

He said that the NLC stood on its demands on the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol (PMS), electricity tariffs and demanded immediate implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

See also CSO opposes NLC planned strike

Adeyanju commended Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), affiliates, and the international community for the unwavering support and massive solidarity.

‘The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.

‘The National Executive Counc
il (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed for today has therefore been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle.

‘The NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Super Eagles interim coach Augustine Eguavoen has dismissed rumours making the rounds that he has quit his role, following Tuesday’s barren draw against the Amavubi of Rwanda in Kigali.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rumours of Eguavoen’s resignation started making the rounds, following his post-match reaction in Kigali.

This was after Super Eagles 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match day two qualifying match against Rwanda, which ended 0-0 at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

However, Eguavoen, who spoke to newsmen after the team touched down in Abuja, debunked the rumours as false and misleading, saying that he was misquoted.

He sais he was still in charge of the Super Eagles and would sit down with the federation’s hierarchy to evaluate the team’s performance, following the two matches played.

‘It is quite unfortunate that people would just trigger something that is not correct, and at the situation that we are in now, we don’t need negative stories.

‘I only talked about sitting
down with the hierarchy of the federation after these two games to see how we go about prosecuting the next games.

‘But, when I saw that story, I was kind of really worried and concerned. Whatever people are reading out there is not correct, and I am still very much in charge.

‘I am the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, saddled with the responsibility of taking charge of the Super Eagles at this moment, and that’s where we are,’ he said.

See also 2023 Afrobasket: Head Coach Wakama, names 20 ahead of build-up

NAN reports that the Eagles will next confront the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, mid-October.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed to ensure that the notorious terrorist and bandit leader, Bello Turji is captured soon.

Musa said this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said: ‘Turji’s capture is imminent’.

On the alleged imposition of levy on communities by the terrorist kingpin, the CDS said the military was working with other security agencies and the state government to provide adequate protection for the citizens.

He called on the communities to support the military and ther security agencies to be able to protect them, adding that the cooperation of the people remained key to defeating the adversaries.

‘On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual that feels power, but I can bet you that it is just a matter of time.

‘We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue.

‘That is why we all must come together to w
ork with members of the armed forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.

‘Please do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is really happening.

‘Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.

‘I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation.

See also Plateau crisis: Adopt more aggressive posture against terrorists – COAS charges troops

‘You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniform, you don’t know them, but they know you.

‘And within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult,’ he said.

Musa assured Nigerians that the armed forces would continue to lead other security agencies to leverage on their strengths to be able to rid the country of s
ecurity threats.

‘Our intention is to make sure that life returns to normalcy in Nigeria. It is a work for all of us together, including members of the press,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government and stakeholders have agreed to collaborate in boosting the productivity of the Nigeria’s poultry sector.

Winnie Lai-Solarin, Director, Department of Animal Husbandry Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), said this at a meeting with members of the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for Poultry Value Chain.

Lai-Solarin said there was the need for all relevant stakeholders to join the platform to foster collaborative partnerships that would activate innovative developments to the growth of the poultry industry.

Organised by the AFOS Foundation, an NGO, the meeting specifically aimed at fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving to drive growth and development of the sector.

Lai-Solarin, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting productivity across the nation’s agricultural value chain.

‘The poultry sector will be among the most prioritised.

‘We are committed to working together to overcome the challenges facing
our industry.

‘This meeting marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cooperation.’

Prof. Udo Herbert, the Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), called for concerted efforts to boost the sector.

Herbert underscored the importance of addressing identified gaps and challenges in the poultry value chain by bringing all stakeholders together under a platform to optimise productivity.

He expressed the readiness of the institute to play a major role on the multi-stakeholders’ platform to mitigate challenges faced by actors in the value chain.

The stakeholders deliberated on key issues such as value chain development, policy advocacy, inclusive finance, capacity building and public private partnerships.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori died Wednesday at the age of 86 in Lima, “after a long battle against cancer,” confirmed his daughter and political leader Keiko Fujimori.

“Our father, Alberto Fujimori, has just departed to meet the Lord,” Keiko wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Hours before his death, the spokesperson for the Fuerza Popular party, Miguel Torres, said that the former president was in a “delicate” state and going through “a difficult time.”

Fujimori, who served as Peru’s president from 1990 to 2000, was released from prison last December, where he was serving a 25-year sentence for crimes against humanity. Enditem

Source: The Namibia News Agency

Swakopmund: Team Otjozondjupa won the National Debate Championships , which concluded at Swakopmund on Tuesday . The competition was organised by the Namibian Schools Debating Association ( NSDA ), a non – profit making organisation operating under the Ministry of Education , Arts and Culture , and consisted of 14 teams from all regions which were made up of learners from various schools . Otjozondjupa won unanimously against Omusati after the two teams debated on the motion on whether or not to remove VIP convoys ’ privileges , which the winning team opposed . Team Ohangwena emerged third in the competition sponsored by the Motor Vehicle Association ( MVA ) Fund . The championships commenced on Saturday and included discussions and debates on vital themes concerning road safety in Namibia . Erongo Region Governor Neville Andr é Itope in a speech delivered on his behalf noted that a review of the VIP convoy privileges is warranted to ensure that it is not abused and does not contribute to unsafe practices on
national roads . “ While I understand the need for security and efficiency in certain cases , we must question whether these convoys set a good example for ordinary citizens . If we are to create a culture of road safety , we must ensure that everyone , regardless of status , adheres to the same road safety regulations ,” he emphasised . MVA Fund Manager for Accident and Injury Prevention , Jones Lutombi , said debating the topic encourages critical thinking and empowers students to explore the complexities of road safety . “ It challenges them to consider how education , infrastructure , enforcement , and community engagement all play roles in protecting pedestrians . While there are challenges to ensuring pedestrian safety , there are also countless opportunities for solutions , from improving crosswalks and traffic signals , to advocating for stricter enforcement of traffic laws ,” he said . NSDA president Dr Elizabeth Namundjebo explained that the competition starts at school level and then moves on to cl
uster level , circuit level and regional level . Eventually , teams are selected to represent their regions at the national level . Namundjebo noted that public speaking and debate can help to inspire people and change their perspectives on certain issues.

Source: The Namibia News Agency