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Atiku assures suspended Ningi in N3.7bn budget padding saga that he has support

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Atiku assures suspended Ningi in N3.7bn budget padding saga that he has support

Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, extends his assurance to Bauchi Central Senator, Abdul Ningi, letting him know he is not fighting alone in his battle. Ningi had been suspended from the Senate for three months due to his accusation of budget padding. During an interview with the BBC, Ningi alleged that N3.7 trillion from the 2027 budget could not be accounted for in any project. In a gesture of solidarity, Atiku expressed his support for the suspended senator for the stance that led to his suspension. After his visit to Ningi, Atiku shared on X, “I emphasized to Sen. Abdul Ningi, @Sen_AbdulNingi, representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, the critical need to uphold the integrity of government institutions for t...

Report Reveals Majority of Social Infrastructures in Jigawa Inaccessible to PWDs

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Report Reveals Majority of Social Infrastructures in Jigawa Inaccessible to PWDs

A recent report indicates that over 56% of social infrastructures in Jigawa State are not easily accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the region. This finding emerged from a survey conducted by the Connect Development Project Trust and was unveiled during a stakeholders' gathering in Dutse, the capital city of Jigawa State. During the presentation of the report's findings, Program Assistant Miss Nkem Gloria explained that the research aimed to gather baseline data on the presence of governance accountability systems and the accessibility of social infrastructures for PWDs in the project states. She highlighted that "56% of community projects lack specific provisions for accommodating PWDs." "81% of the populace is unaware of state legislation that incorporates the needs of...

Concerns Raised by Birnin Gwari Residents on the Rise of Banditry

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Metro

Concerns Raised by Birnin Gwari Residents on the Rise of Banditry

In Kaduna State, specifically in the Birnin Gwari local government area, the Birnin-Gwari Emirate Progressives Union (BEPU) has voiced its worries regarding the increasing incidents of banditry in the region. They have urged the government and security agencies to take necessary actions to safeguard lives and property. A statement issued by Pharm. Jemila Sani, the chairperson of the group, expressed disapproval of the recent tragic assaults carried out by armed bandits at Unguwan Danko and Unguwan Kanawa of Dogondawa Ward, leading to the demise of 23 individuals. While acknowledging the efforts of the security personnel in addressing the situation, the union has called for further proactive measures to be taken. The union has urgently brought to the attention of the authorities the re...

Tragedy strikes as two Navy helicopters collide mid-air and crash in Malaysia

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Metro

Tragedy strikes as two Navy helicopters collide mid-air and crash in Malaysia

Tragic news emerged as a total of ten lives were lost due to a horrific incident where two navy helicopters collided in mid-air during a military training session for a Royal Malaysian Navy parade. Reports from BBC suggest that one of the helicopters grazed the rotor of the other, resulting in a catastrophic crash that claimed the lives of at least ten individuals. Local media has been circulating footage of the fateful event which took place on Monday night. The collision occurred in the Malaysian town of Lumut, where a navy base is located. The Royal Malaysian Navy confirmed, "All the victims were tragically pronounced deceased at the scene, and their remains were transported to the [Lumut] Military Hospital for identification purposes." One of the helicopters involved was identifie...

Experts Warn of Impending Decrease in Life Expectancy in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

23Apr

By Linda IfeomaNo Comments

Health

Experts Warn of Impending Decrease in Life Expectancy in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

Nigerians are facing a looming threat to their health as the cost of essential pharmaceutical products, including malaria, antibiotics, anti-diabetes, and hypertension drugs, continues to rise. This worrying trend has raised concerns about a potential increase in mortality rates and a decrease in life expectancy. The escalation in drug prices has been unprecedented, with retail prices skyrocketing by as much as 300% on a daily basis. This surge in pharmaceutical inflation is exacerbating the existing challenges posed by food inflation, which spiked to 40.01% in March. Recent market surveys have revealed staggering price hikes in commonly used drugs across Nigeria. For instance, the prices of antibiotics and malaria medications like Tavernic have surged from N11,370 to N25,735 since Jan...

Experts Warn of Impending Life Expectancy Reduction in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

23Apr

By Afolake IbidunNo Comments

Business

Experts Warn of Impending Life Expectancy Reduction in Nigeria Due to Soaring Drug Prices

Heightened fears of increased mortality and reduced life expectancy among Nigerians have been sparked by the rising prices of essential pharmaceutical products such as malaria, antibiotics, anti-diabetes, and hypertension drugs. This alarming situation is exacerbated by the unchecked daily increase of at least 300% in retail prices for commonly used drugs in Nigeria. In addition to the existing food inflation rate of 40.01% in March, the pharmaceutical inflation rate has witnessed a sharp surge over the past four months. Recent market surveys conducted in Abuja revealed staggering price hikes, with medications like Tavernic soaring to N25,735 from N11,370 in January, and Levofloxacin SGS selling for N1,200 from N550. Other examples include Terivid tablet 200mg (N10,320 from N4,460), Co...

Israel Accused of Human Rights Violations in Gaza Conflict

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Israel Accused of Human Rights Violations in Gaza Conflict

According to the latest annual report by the US State Department, the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a notable deterioration of human rights conditions in the region. Highlighted in the report are various human rights violations, including reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and the unwarranted arrest of journalists. The State Department’s 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices underscored these concerning issues. Addressing concerns about the apparent discrepancy in the treatment of allegations against the Israeli military, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that investigations into these matters are actively ongoing. During a recent briefing where the human rights report was presented, Blinken stated, “Our...

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Inter Milan Secures 20th Title by Defeating AC Milan in Serie A

Sealing their 20th Serie A championship, Inter Milan triumphed over their rivals AC Milan with a 2-1 victory on Monday. The Nerazzurri took the lead in the first half with Francesco Acerbi’s header. In the second half, Inter extended their lead at the San Siro with Marcus Thuram’s finish. Although Fikayo Tomori scored a late goal for Milan, it was only a consolation. Tempers flared in the Derby's closing stages, leading to red cards for Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria from AC Milan, and Denzel Dumfries from Inter. With only five fixtures remaining, Simone Inzaghi’s squad has now secured an insurmountable 17-point lead over their city rivals in the Serie A standings.

Samson Siasia reveals FIFA’s request to NFF to withhold investigation information

23Apr

By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments

Sports

Samson Siasia reveals FIFA’s request to NFF to withhold investigation information

In a recent revelation, Samson Siasia, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, has criticized the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their negligence during FIFA's probe into match-fixing allegations against him. Siasia was implicated in bribery and suspected involvement in match-fixing, leading to a life ban from all football-related activities imposed by the world football governing body in 2019. The ban was later reduced to five years following an appeal. Speaking to Athlist, the 56-year-old, whose ban is nearing its end, accused the NFF of providing little support during the FIFA investigation period. Reflecting on the situation, Siasia expressed his disappointment, stating, "Nigeria abandoned me when I needed them the most. It was merely an allegation of bribery. But what c...

23Apr

By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments

News

Asylum Seekers in the UK can finally be Deported to Rwanda

The deportation bill for sending asylum seekers from the UK to Rwanda is set to be enacted into law following the decision by opposition and crossbench peers to withdraw their opposition on Monday night. This move paves the way for potential legal battles concerning the removal of a number of individuals seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. After a lengthy battle between the Commons and the Lords over the crucial legislation, the bill has finally been passed, with expectations for it to receive royal assent by Tuesday. Sources within the Home Office have informed The Guardian UK that a specific group of asylum seekers, deemed to have weak legal grounds to stay in the UK, has been identified to be among the first batch slated for relocation to East Africa in July. NewsNow has reported ...