Category: News

Naira scarcity is biting harder across the country as banks have limited cash withdrawals, findings have shown.

Residents of Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Adamawa and in other parts of the country are expressing concerns over their inability to withdraw huge cash in their banks, raising fears of scarcity as experienced during the naira swap.

This has also affected business transactions in local markets, especially in the northern part of Nigeria where buyers and sellers prefer to deal in cash instead of bank transfers.

On November 1,it was reported that cash scarcity had resurfaced in Borno and Kano states as the December 31 deadline for the use of the old N200, N500 and N1,000 banknotes draws nearer.

The report had forced the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to explained that “The seeming cash scarcity in some locations is due largely to high volume withdrawals from the CBN branches by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and panic withdrawals by customers from the Automated Teller Machines, ATMs).”

The CBN, through its Director, Corporate Communications, Isa Abdulmumin, added, “While we note the concerns of Nigerians on the availability of cash for financial transactions, we wish to assure the public that there is sufficient stock of currency notes for economic activities in the country. The branches of the CBN across the country are also working to ensure the seamless circulation of cash in their respective states of operation.

The lifeless bodies of the cleaners were seen laid in a drainage channel as onlookers mourned.

The gathering of onlookers and other street cleaners led to blockade of the road, leaving commuters stranded for hours

According to eyewitnesses, the victims who were said to be from the same family, were hit by a vehicle whose driver lost control, swerving to escape an early morning raid by LASTMA.

“This has been happening for a very long time, the exploitation and the wickedness by Lagos state government and LASTMA, this wickedness must stop.

“Look at what happened, two family members died because a LASTMA official was chasing a bus. This has been happening for a very long time,” said a resident, identified as Friday.

At the venue, some street cleaners were seen ranting, accusing the state government of endangering their lives.

All civil attempts to take them off the road fell on deaf ears until the intervention of a horde of police officers who dispersed them after sporadic gunfire in the air.

Meanwhile, there was a mild protest against the operation of LASTMA at Ile Zik bus stop close to Ikeja Along.

Drivers who participated in the protest carried placards bearing inscriptions to express their grievances against LASTMA.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his Imo State counterpart and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Governor Hope Uzodinma, on his victory at Saturday’s governorship election in the state, saying his re-election is well deserved.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday in London, said Governor Uzodinma’s success in the election is a validation of people’s acceptance of his administration, having impacted positively in the lives of the citizens during his first term in office.

He said the people of Imo State deserve commendation for coming out en-masse to perform their civic responsibility and for defying all odds to vote for Governor Uzodinma-led APC administration in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said Governor Uzodinma’s victory is a clear manifestation that the APC remains the party of choice for Nigerians, stressing that the party will continue to work in the best interest of Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

He said: “I congratulate my brother and the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma, for emerging victorious in Saturday’s gubernatorial election. I am glad that Governor Hope Uzodinma was returned by the good people of Imo State after a convincing victory over his opponents as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the poll.

“Governor Hope Uzodinma’s re-election affirms his administration’s good performance in the last four years. I believe strongly that he was re-elected because he delivered beyond the expectations of the Imo people during his first term.

“The APC candidate’s victory across the 27 local government areas in Imo State with over 400,000 vote margin against his main opponent, is a confirmation of the trust and belief of the people in the APC-led administration in Imo State, having benefitted immensely from the various people-oriented programmes of his administration.

“The real winners at the end of the day are citizens of Imo State because they have re-elected a “talk and do” governor. The victory is deserving. It is an assurance to us that the APC government at the state and national levels is doing something right. We know there are areas of improvement and we are determined to ensure that we give Nigerians the best they deserve.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu for creating a level playing ground for the gubernatorial elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.

He said the President deserves commendation for deepening democracy and the electoral process in Nigeria, considering some successes recorded in the Imo governorship election and gubernatorial polls in Kogi and Bayelsa states. How

A new Commissioner of Police, CP Isyaku Mohammed has been posted to Osun State Command and has assumed office today 10th November, 2023. This is sequel to the recent retirement of former Commissioner of Police, AIG Patrick Kehinde Longe, (psc).

He was born some decades ago in Jos, Jos North L.G.A of Plateau State. He has grown to become an achiever.

The Commissioner of Police, a holder of M.Sc in Business Administration, M.Sc in Strategic Studies & Security Administration and B.Sc in Accounting. He is also a Fellow of Certified National Accountant of Nigeria (FCNA). He was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force in August, 1996 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (Cadet ASP).

CP Isyaku Mohammed has served in various capacities at different States of the country including FCT, Abuja. A pure-bred professional who has, since joining the Force, made waves in the departments that hold the Nigeria Police namely: Administration, Operations and Investigations like a colossus.

CP Isyaku served last as CP Police Account and Budget, Force Headquarters Abuja before his transfer to this Police Command.

He is a good communicator, Competent, embodiment of transparency, justice and worthy of emulation.

He is happily married with wonderful children.

The Oyo State Mineral Development Agency has sealed some mining sites, operating without consent letters and community development agreement in the state.

The Director General (DG) of the Agency, Mr Abiodun Oni, disclosed this while addressing shortly after the exercise in Ibadan.

Mr Abiodun Oni stated that the decision was to restore order by stopping all illegal activities in the mining sector for the good of the State.

He said prior to this time, the Agency requested for the consent letters, community development agreement and other relevant documents that legalize the operation of every mining industry in the state.

Oni stated further that the state government under the leadership of His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde is ready to partner with all stakeholders to sanitize Oyo State mining sector as contained in the Mining Act and all relevant Laws.

He said this was the reason for the verification of the relevant documents, by the Oyo State government.

The DG maintained that the Agency will not condone any act of illegality, adding that the Governor has signed an Executive order, which gives the agency the power to seal any mining industries that fails to comply with the rules and regulations guiding the sector.

The coordinating Director of the Agency, Mrs Jolade Omidiran urged miners and all relevant stakeholders to submit their documents before the enforcement team gets to their site.

The Osun State Government, on Thursday, budgeted the sum of N273,908,997,410.00 for the 2024 fiscal year. The state governor stated this while presenting the budget christened ‘Budget of Reconstruction and Recovery’ to the State House of Assembly.

He said N165,654,976,700.00 was for recurrent expenditure while the sum of N108,254,020,710.00 was for capital expenditure. This, Adeleke said was a reflection of the focus of his administration to rebuild the battered state that he inherited.

The governor also said the budget was a sign that his administration was targetting recovery after successful revamping of all sectors of the state. He assured the lawmakers of his administration’s will and determination to ensure the achievement of budgetary goals once the proposal was passed into the Appropriation Act.

He said, “I am highly delighted to present to you and honourable members of the Assembly, the 2024 draft Budget tagged “BUDGET OF RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY” in the sum of Two Hundred and Seventy- Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety -Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Ten Naira (N273,908,997,410.00).

“This figure is made up of recurrent expenditure of One Hundred and Sixty – Five Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy – Six Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (N165,654,976,700.00) and capital expenditure of One Hundred and Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Fifty – Four Million, Twenty Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N108,254,020,710.00). “The tag for this budget reflects our current focus of rebuilding the battered state we inherited.”

In his remarks, the Speaker, state House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, commended Adeleke for constant engagement with the people through impactful policies and programmes. Egbedun assured that the lawmakers would work diligently to ensure timely passage of the bill, while also carrying out oversight functions to ensure that public funds were utilized efficiently for maximum benefit of the people.

Prof. Tajudeen Olumoko of Dean of Student Affairs, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, has been sacked over allegations of certificate racketeering.

The sacking of Olumoko was sequel to hias alleged involvement in certificate racketeering syndicate issued genuine Lagos State University certificates to interested individuals at fees ranging from N2m to N3m, depending on the course.

A news report published on Monday, revealed the allegations against him which led to his removal.

Meanwhile, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Dr Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, is said to have been appointed to act as the new Dean of Student Affairs.

Details later…

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday signed the 2023 Supplementary Budget N2.17trn into law at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Last Thursday, the Senate and the House of Representatives passed the N2.17trn 2023 supplementary appropriation bill after a third reading.

Before the passage of the bill, the Senate adopted the report of the harmonised sittings of both red and green chambers on the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill as submitted by the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West).

The bill expeditiously scaled readings in both upper and lower chambers as lawmakers said it was for the benefit of the country. Tinubu had written the National Assembly seeking the approval of the sum of N2,176,791,286,033 as the 2023 supplementary budget to address labour wage adjustments, security, and more.

The President had also sent the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) & Fiscal Strategy Paper to both chambers of the National Assembly, Recently, the Senate passed N819bn making provision for a N500bn palliative package.

Tinubu had said the supplementary bill was necessary for additional palliative measures including wage awards. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the President on Monday approved the 2023 supplementary budget of N2.1 trillion

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, assured that Tongeji Island belongs to Nigeria as the Republic of Benin is not contesting the ownership of the oil-rich enclave.

Governor Abiodun disclosed this when he received the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

According to the governor, the island and its people have been part and parcel of Ogun State and have no connection with any other country.

“Tongeji Island is an area that has been under our radar. Sadly, I have not been able to visit. I have slated to visit several times. The former Chief of Naval Staff at a point in time wanted us to go with the former Flag Officer Commanding, but something happened that day, and we could not go.

“I raised the matter with the President of Benin Republic the two times I met him to let him know that Tongeji Island is a no-go area for them and he accepted that, contrary to what people are speculating. They are not contesting the island with us.

“I agree that we mark that area with our presence by providing services for the people. The Jetty that you mentioned, I will tell our Ministry of Works team to go there and take a look so that we can put a cost implication to that. You mentioned the issues of power, water supply, and Primary Healthcare Centre. Those ones, we can immediately swing into action when we go there.

“If we are claiming that it is our territory, they must see us providing some services for our people and this has been brought to the fore a few times that our people there are complaining that we are not looking after them. We will immediately begin to provide them those services,” the governor assured.

Abiodun said Ogun Waterside due to its proximity to the Delta, had security issues in the past when people from the Niger Delta made incursions into the area and carried out criminal activities, noting that it was imperative to have Naval presence as the area is where the State’s seaport would be sited.

He said his administration’s efforts at providing security to the people living in that axis led to the procurement of gun boats for the police, maintaining that the presence of men of the NIgeria Navy would be highly welcome as towns in the area could only be accessible by water.

“We have Ogun State Port on the drawing board in the Olokola area, and that is basically a Navy responsibility. We will be making the announcement very soon because it has been in the pipeline for so many years. For one reason or the other, it didn’t happen then, but it is going to happen.

“A lot is going to happen along that corridor that requires heavy Navy presence. The federal government is reactivating a multi-billion dollar initiative which is going to be big responsibility on the part of the Navy because it is going to sit on the territorial waters around Ogun Waterside,” the governor added.

He said his administration is working assiduously towards making the State an oil-producing State, just as he assured the Nigerian Navy that a committee would be set up to work with the force in identifying a location where an administrative facility would be made available for their use.

Speaking earlier, Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who is the 44th Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, lauded the State for its conducive business environment which has made it the industrial hub of the nation and emphasized the need for the state to work towards becoming an oil producing State through the Tongeji Island.

He said the force had spread its operations to Tongeji to safeguard not only the lives of Nigerians living in the Island, but to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria and all its assets, appealing to the governor to provide jetties for seamless operations there.

Admiral Hassan also pleaded with the state government to provide the inhabitants of the Island with health facility, water supply and electricity to make them have a sense of belonging, suggesting also that government could turn the Island to tourism centre because of its potentials.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and technology in Oyo state, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu has said that the state government was aware that teachers are retiring, and the staff strength in primary schools are reducing.

Prof Abdulwaheed however assured that “by God’s grace, we will recruit more teachers in the basic education sector by February 2024,”

Speaking on the lingering issue of recruitment of primary school teachers, the Education commissioner said, “We are aware that teachers are retiring, and the staff strength in our primary schools are reducing. I assure you that, by God’s grace, we will recruit more teachers in the basic education sector by February 2024,” he said.

The Commissioner stressed that standard in education must not dwindle, and appealed to education Secretaries and private schools’ owners to take the issue of standard in schools seriously.

The commissioner who gave the assurance in a meeting with basic education stakeholders on Wednesday said also hinted that “mushroom” schools would not be allowed to operate in Oyo State.

He said the executive would work with Education Secretaries, and Heads of Sections in all local governments towards shutting down substandard primary schools in the state.

He charged the Education Secretaries, Heads of Sections in the 33 Local Government areas of the state to get set, as the meeting was part of steps and institutional preparations towards the crackdown.