Wednesday, May 8

UNICEF report highlights challenges faced by Nigeria’s education system in student retention
8May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

UNICEF report highlights challenges faced by Nigeria’s education system in student retention

In a recent regional stakeholder meeting in Bauchi, Gombe, and Adamawa states, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed concerns over the retention, transition, and completion rates of students in the Nigerian education system, particularly in the North East and North West regions. Tushar Rane, the Chief of Field Office for UNICEF in Bauchi, mentioned that the current situation regarding student retention has deteriorated compared to a decade ago. He highlighted the alarming statistics of out-of-school children, with 10.2 million in the primary school-age group and 8.1 million in the junior secondary school-age group, placing Nigeria at the forefront of global education challenges. According to Rane, only 63 percent of primary school-age children attend school regularly, ...
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Wenger’s Take on PSG’s Loss to Dortmund: Highlighting Vitinha’s Performance
8May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Sports

Wenger’s Take on PSG’s Loss to Dortmund: Highlighting Vitinha’s Performance

In the Champions League semifinal clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Dortmund, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger singled out Portuguese midfielder Vitinha as the standout performer for PSG. PSG, despite high hopes, faced elimination at Parc des Princes after succumbing to Dortmund's prowess. With a goal deficit from the initial leg, PSG's hopes of a comeback were dashed when Mats Hummels scored a crucial header in the 50th minute, adding to Julian Brandt's earlier corner goal. Despite PSG's efforts and hitting the woodwork four times, Dortmund held on, frustrating the hosts and preventing any chance of reversing the deficit. Wenger criticized PSG's overreliance on individual brilliance from stars like Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, emphasizing the need for a more colle...
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Senator Ibrahim Seeks Court Intervention to Nullify Aiyedatiwa’s APC Governorship Nomination in Ondo State
8May By Obi UgochuwkuNo Comments
Politics

Senator Ibrahim Seeks Court Intervention to Nullify Aiyedatiwa’s APC Governorship Nomination in Ondo State

In a legal move, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has taken the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to a Federal High Court in Abuja. The case revolves around the contentious primary election that led to Aiyedatiwa's emergence as the APC candidate for the upcoming November elections. Representing Ondo South in the Senate, Ibrahim is urging the court to void Aiyedatiwa's nomination due to alleged irregularities in the primary election held on April 20. He claims that the election violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and was marked by several discrepancies. Senator Ibrahim, a gubernatorial aspirant in the primary election, contends that certain delegates were not prope...
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Ex-convict and Accomplice Arrested by Osun Amotekun for Burglary
8May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Ex-convict and Accomplice Arrested by Osun Amotekun for Burglary

Two individuals, Yekini Sulikaleni, a 30-year-old ex-convict, and his accomplice Toheeb Yekini, aged 35, were apprehended by operatives of the Osun Amotekun Corps for burglary. The arrest took place in the Oje Oniyan area of Iwo local government, following a distress call received by the Amotekun Command around 11:30 am on Tuesday. Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi, the Corps Commander, disclosed that prompt action by the Amotekun operatives led to the apprehension of the suspects at the scene. Adewinmbi mentioned, "The suspects confessed to their involvement in the crime and sought forgiveness. This is not the first time they have committed such acts, as one of them, Yekini Sulikaleni, has previously served jail time for similar offenses." He emphasized the importance of residen...
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Eight Suspected Internet Fraudsters Arrested by EFCC in Uyo, Akwa Ibom
8May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Eight Suspected Internet Fraudsters Arrested by EFCC in Uyo, Akwa Ibom

According to a statement from the EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has apprehended eight individuals believed to be involved in internet fraud. The arrests took place on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Osongama Extension following actionable intelligence received by the agency. Among the items seized from the suspects were seven laptops, 13 smartphones, two wristwatches, and one router. Upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspects will be brought before the court to face charges. The EFCC statement noted, “Operatives of Uyo Zonal Command of the EFCC on Thursday, May 2, 2024, arrested eight suspected internet fraudsters in an early morning sting operation at Osong Ama Extension in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. “Their appreh...
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Grand Opening of Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina by Tinubu
8May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Grand Opening of Funtua Inland Dry Port in Katsina by Tinubu

Scheduled for May 9, President Bola Tinubu will be officially opening the Funtua Inland Dry Port situated in Katsina State. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, on Wednesday, the Assistant Director of the Public Relations Unit at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Rebecca Adamu, revealed this information. The inauguration, set to occur at the Funtua IDP Project Site in Katsina at 11:00 am, will witness the presence of significant stakeholders and esteemed guests. According to Adamu, “The establishment of the inland dry port will facilitate shipping and port services accessibility for importers and exporters in the hinterland, “This initiative will alleviate congestion at seaports, generate job opportunities, enhance revenue for the government, and more. Furthermore,...
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Jigawa State Government Introduces Three New Agencies
8May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Jigawa State Government Introduces Three New Agencies

In a recent development, the Jigawa State executive council has given the green light for the establishment of three new agencies within the state. Speaking to reporters, Sagir Musa Ahmad, the Commissioner for Information, Youth Support, and Culture, confirmed this decision. This move came after deliberations at the state executive council meeting chaired by Governor Umar Namadi. The commissioner elaborated that the council's decision followed the presentation of Draft Bills on New Agencies. These bills will now be forwarded to the State House Assembly for approval and enactment into law. Among the newly proposed agencies are the Jigawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (JISITDEA) and the Jigawa State Residents Identity Management Agency (JISRIMA). Additionally, ...
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Insights into the Cybersecurity Levy on Electronic Transactions in Nigeria by CBN
8May By Afolake IbidunNo Comments
Business

Insights into the Cybersecurity Levy on Electronic Transactions in Nigeria by CBN

An uproar has been triggered among Nigerians by the recent introduction of the 0.5% cybersecurity levy mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria. A directive was issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria to all banks, instructing them to deduct and remit a 0.5% levy on all electronic transactions as per the Cybercrimes (prohibition, prevention, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2024. Highlighted here are key points that Nigerians should be aware of regarding this new legislation. About the Cybersecurity Levy It is important to note that the levy amounts to 0.5% on all electronic transactions, not 0.005%. This levy is to be enforced by all Banks, Other Financial Institutions, and payment service providers. The Central Bank of Nigeria specified that the levy funds should be remitted to the National Cyber...
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Devastating Rainstorm Hits Kaduna Community, Damaging 1,000 Houses
8May By Ofomata EdidiongNo Comments
Metro

Devastating Rainstorm Hits Kaduna Community, Damaging 1,000 Houses

A heartbreaking situation unfolded in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State as a rainstorm wreaked havoc on Thursday, causing destruction to over 1,000 houses, market structures, 11 places of worship, and disrupting the lives of residents in 10 different communities. Mr. Tanko Gajere, a resident of Kasuwan Magani, recounted the harrowing experience following the relentless downpour that began at 6:30 pm on Thursday and persisted for more than three hours. The storm left more than 400 families homeless as it ravaged over 400 houses, 11 churches, and a modern market in the area. Describing the aftermath, he expressed, “We are facing dire circumstances. Some families were already struggling to put food on the table, let alone repair their now-damaged homes.” The sheer force of the...
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Rivers Political Crisis Deepens as LGSC Prohibits Officers from Appearing Before Assembly
8May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
News

Rivers Political Crisis Deepens as LGSC Prohibits Officers from Appearing Before Assembly

In response to the escalating political crisis in Rivers State, the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission has issued a directive barring officers from the 23 LG areas in the state from attending the Rivers State Assembly. A circular was sent to all heads of local government administration, signed by the Director of Information and Communications of the commission, Ebirieneuket, Nteile, outlining the new policy. The circular states that any staff member who fails to comply with the instructions will face dismissal from service. As per the circular, it reads, “I am directed to inform you and all officers of the 23 Local Government Councils in Rivers State not to honour/appear before the Members of Assembly or any purported invitation by anybody or group of persons in any guise...
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