Vice-President Kashim Shettima expressed strong confidence in the current administration’s ability to address various concerns raised by different segments of the Nigerian population. During a courtesy visit from the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) youth wing, led by the National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the youth of Nigeria.

Shettima highlighted that President Tinubu holds Nigerian youths in high regard, a sentiment reflected in his appointments, policies, and initiatives. Among these are the Youth Investment Fund, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Program (iDICE), and the National Youth Development Bank. These initiatives, according to Shettima, demonstrate the administration’s focus on addressing the genuine concerns of young Nigerians and its confidence in the potential of the youth.

He further assured the youth leaders that the administration is working diligently to ensure all concerns and requests are addressed. He also appealed for patience, noting that the government’s plans and programmes would begin to manifest over time.

Dayo Israel, the APC National Youth Leader, expressed gratitude to the vice-president for his support of youth affairs. He informed Shettima about the APC Youth Wing’s programmes, designed to engage and empower young Nigerians regardless of their socio-political backgrounds. He highlighted the development of a four-year strategic plan aimed at helping young Nigerians navigate challenges and harness opportunities within and outside the country. Some of the initiatives include the Enterprise-Skills Development Training (EDET) Programme and the Workplace Readiness and Employability Skills Training Programme (WREST-P).

Israel also invited the vice-president to participate in the upcoming Progressive Youth Leadership Summit, themed “Shaping the Future We Want: Restiveness, Inclusion, Development, Action,” which aims to further engage the youth in the country’s development.

Nigerian investigative journalist David Hundeyin has accused an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) called Dialogue Earth of offering him an ₦800,000 bribe to write a negative review about the Dangote Refinery. In a detailed post on his X account on August 10, 2024, Hundeyin revealed that the NGO approached him last week with a brief that required him to criticize the refinery, using climate change and environmental concerns as justifications.

Hundeyin identified Dialogue Earth, formerly known as China Dialogue Trust, as a London-based NGO headed by Oxford professor Sam Geall. He alleged that the organization is funded by American intelligence fronts such as the Ford Foundation and ClimateWorks, the latter being blacklisted in India for funding organizations working against India’s national interest.

Despite suspecting the NGO’s intentions from the outset, Hundeyin decided to play along to gather evidence. He claimed the brief implied that a prominent local voice, like his, should advocate for the Nigerian government to shut down the refinery, citing “energy transition commitments” and “environmental policy” as reasons. After obtaining the brief, Hundeyin shared screenshots to substantiate his claims.

He stated that he exposed this plot to highlight what he perceives as a concerted effort by American and European state and private interests to keep Africa impoverished. Hundeyin argued that these entities are invested in maintaining the status quo in Africa and regularly use covert means to sabotage progress on the continent.

This revelation comes amid ongoing tensions between the Dangote Refinery and Nigerian oil sector regulators. Aliko Dangote, the owner of the refinery, has accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria of attempting to sabotage the $20 billion facility by refusing to supply it with crude oil. Additionally, he has alleged that some government officials and regulators, who have stakes in foreign refining plants, are deliberately frustrating the refinery’s operations to protect their interests.

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that their recent raid on Labour House in Abuja was not aimed at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters. According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the raid, which occurred on August 7, was part of an investigation targeting a prime suspect linked to criminal activities. The suspect, a foreign national, was traced to a shop within the Labour House building.

The police have emphasized that the operation was solely focused on apprehending the suspect and had no connection to the NLC or its operations. The raid was conducted with legal authority and aimed to address a significant security threat posed by the suspect. The police have called for cooperation from the NLC and urged Nigerians to be vigilant and perform security checks on individuals seeking to rent spaces within their premises.

Imane Khelif made history by becoming the first Algerian woman to win an Olympic boxing title at the 2024 Games in Paris. She claimed the welterweight gold medal with a unanimous decision victory over China’s Yang Liu.

Khelif, who had previously won silver at the 2022 World Championships, was a focal point in the media due to a gender dispute controversy at the Paris Games. She firmly stated her identity and expressed her triumph as a response to her critics. At 25, Khelif’s victory represents the culmination of eight years of hard work and dedication, and she expressed her joy and gratitude for the support she received from Algeria and beyond.

This gold medal also marks Algeria’s first boxing gold since Hocine Soltani won at the 1996 Atlanta Games. Khelif’s achievement underscores her perseverance and the significant milestone for Algerian sports.

Mrs. Esther Wilson-Jack, the newly appointed Head of Service of the Federation, has expressed her gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for her appointment. During a formal presentation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Esan, officially introduced Wilson-Jack to the President.

Esan praised the smooth transition process, noting that Wilson-Jack had spent several weeks with her, learning the responsibilities of the role. She expressed confidence in Wilson-Jack’s capabilities, describing her as intelligent, hardworking, and empathetic. Esan emphasized the importance of the civil service in delivering on the President’s promises and expressed her belief that Wilson-Jack would excel in her new role.

In her remarks, Wilson-Jack acknowledged the significance of her appointment, viewing it as a divine assignment. She assured President Tinubu of her commitment to the role and pledged to work collaboratively with the entire civil service to fulfill the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Former Kano State Governor, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reassess its policies, acknowledging mistakes and making necessary adjustments to alleviate the widespread hunger and hardship in Nigeria. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shekarau emphasized the importance of learning from errors and called on the government to identify and correct policies that have contributed to the current economic crisis.

Shekarau’s advice comes in the wake of significant economic challenges triggered by the Tinubu administration’s decisions to remove fuel subsidies and unify the exchange rate. These measures have led to a sharp devaluation of the naira and a surge in the prices of petrol, food, and other essential commodities, resulting in heightened inflation and widespread discontent among Nigerians.

Despite efforts by the government to mitigate the impact of these reforms—including distributing food palliatives, signing a new minimum wage bill, and providing stipends to vulnerable groups—many citizens continue to face severe economic hardship. Nationwide protests have erupted as a response to the escalating hunger and inflation, with the public demanding immediate and effective solutions.

Shekarau stressed the need for the government to acknowledge its mistakes and take corrective action. He urged the Tinubu administration to review its policies, recognize the errors that have been made, and address the issues causing the current crisis.

IGP Egbetokun Assures Increased Police Deployment to Yobe for Enhanced Security”

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has committed to deploying additional police personnel to Yobe State to bolster security and address recent unrest. This assurance was given through Deputy Inspector-General of Police Bala Chiroma during a courtesy visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni.

On Friday, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, conveyed his commitment to improving security in Yobe State. The pledge was communicated by DIG Bala Chiroma, who is responsible for Administration and Finance.

DIG Bala Chiroma’s visit to Governor Mai Mala Buni was part of an operational assignment directed by the IGP. The visit aimed to provide a firsthand assessment of the security situation in Yobe and develop strategies to prevent further disturbances.

DIG Chiroma highlighted that addressing manpower shortages is crucial for enhancing security. He noted that additional police personnel would be sourced and deployed to Yobe State to strengthen the existing security framework.

Governor Mai Mala Buni expressed appreciation for the security agencies’ efforts in maintaining peace in Yobe State. He assured that the state government would support all measures to sustain and improve the relative peace currently enjoyed in the region.

The additional personnel are expected to enhance security operations, manage public order, and address any emerging threats effectively. The deployment is part of a broader strategy to reinforce law enforcement and ensure a stable environment for residents.

DIG Bala Chiroma, originally from Potiskum Local Government Area in Yobe State, brings a personal connection to the region, further emphasizing his commitment to improving security locally.

The increase in police personnel aims to provide a more robust response to any security challenges, support ongoing peace efforts, and address recent concerns that may have prompted the need for additional resources.

The Governor and the IGP’s assurances aim to reassure the people of Yobe State of the authorities’ commitment to their safety and well-being, fostering a sense of security and stability in the region.

The deployment of additional police resources reflects a strategic approach to not only manage current issues but also to prevent future problems and enhance overall security in Yobe State.

The proactive steps taken by the Inspector General of Police, including the deployment of more personnel, underscore a commitment to improving security in Yobe State. This response aims to address the immediate concerns, enhance law enforcement capabilities, and support the state government in maintaining peace and stability.

A plane carrying 62 people crashed near Sao Paulo in Brazil on Friday.

The deceased included 58 passengers and four crew members

Although it was initially not known what happened to them, confirmation came in the late hours of the day that all the 62 on board died.

The plane, Flight 2283, fell in the city of Vinhedo, the airline that operates the plane, Voepass Linhas Aéreas, said.

Local officials near the crash site said there were no survivors, although only one home in the local condominium complex, the residential area where the crash occurred, had been damaged while none of the residents were hurt.

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, confirmed the crash while speaking during an event shortly after the crash.

“I have to be the bearer of really bad news,” the president said, stressing the fact of the crash and asking for a minute of silence for the victims.

Airline Voepass said the plane, which had taken off from Cascavel, in the state of Parana, and was bound for Sao Paulo’s main international airport, crashed in Vinhedo, a town about 80 kilometres northwest of Sao Paulo.

The aircraft was listed by flight tracker FlightRadar24 as an ATR 72-500 turboprop.

“Gov. Alia Condemns Unprovoked Attack on Ayati Village, Calls for Enhanced Security in Benue”

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has voiced his profound sadness and condemnation following a recent violent attack on Ayati Village in the Ukum Local Government Area. The attack, carried out by armed bandits, resulted in numerous civilian casualties and has heightened concerns about security and safety in the region.

The assault on Ayati Village was reportedly unprovoked and targeted unarmed civilians. Such attacks have become alarmingly frequent in Benue State, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity among local communities.

The attack resulted in multiple deaths and inflicted significant trauma on the residents of Ayati Village. This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued various parts of Benue State, particularly in Ukum Local Government Area.

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia strongly condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow for the victims and their families. He criticized the senseless violence perpetrated by armed bandits against innocent civilians.

Governor Alia expressed his concern that such attacks continue despite the presence of security forces in the region. He acknowledged that while efforts have been made to maintain security, the persistence of these attacks indicates a need for more effective measures.

Governor Alia has called for an improvement in security surveillance and enforcement. He stressed the importance of ensuring that vulnerable communities, such as those in Ukum, are adequately protected and not left exposed to threats.

The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to using lawful procedures to safeguard the people of Benue State. He emphasized that his administration would continue to seek both discreet and overt measures to enhance security and address the root causes of the violence.

In addition to his public condemnation, Governor Alia extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack. He offered prayers for comfort and resilience for the affected families and communities.

The Governor assured the people of Benue State that his administration is dedicated to restoring peace and stability in the Sankera region, which has been particularly hard hit by violence. He outlined plans to work closely with security agencies and community leaders to devise effective strategies for long-term peace.

Governor Alia also emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the state government, security forces, and local communities to address security challenges comprehensively. By engaging all stakeholders, he aims to build a more robust and resilient approach to conflict resolution and prevention.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s response to the attack on Ayati Village reflects his deep concern for the safety and well-being of Benue State’s residents. His condemnation of the violence, combined with calls for enhanced security measures and support for affected families, underscores his commitment to addressing the ongoing security challenges and fostering a safer environment for all.