In a significant political shift, Alhaji Bello Layya, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman of Argungu Local Government Area in Kebbi State, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with 1,500 supporters. The mass defection, which also included all the local government ward chairmen, youth and women leaders, and former House of Representatives member Garba Musa-Gulma, was officially received by Governor Nasir Idris at the APC Zonal Campaign Rally in Argungu.

Governor Idris, represented by his Deputy, Senator Umar Abubakar-Tafida, expressed his pleasure at the defection, seeing it as a testament to the trust in the APC’s leadership. He credited the party’s success to its achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure within the first year of APC’s governance in the state. He urged the electorate to support the APC in the upcoming local government elections, emphasizing the importance of casting votes for continued development in the state.

The event also featured calls from other APC leaders for party loyalists to ensure a strong voter turnout. The rally marked the beginning of a zonal campaign that will extend to all levels of the community, with a strong emphasis on grassroots mobilization.

The campaign entourage paid homage to the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Sama’ila-Mera, who advised politicians in the state to unite and work towards the common goals of peace and development. Governor Idris affirmed his commitment to collaborating with traditional institutions for the benefit of the state.

Jimi Lawal, a former Special Adviser to Nasir El-Rufai, the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, is under investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged fraudulent Light Rail Project valued at ₦11 billion. The ICPC suspects the project may be non-existent despite full payment being made.

Lawal, originally from Ogun State, is being investigated for “criminal conspiracy” and improper loan procurement. The commission has requested that the Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) place him on a watchlist to prevent him from fleeing the country.

The ICPC’s investigation extends beyond Lawal, involving 20 other officials from El-Rufai’s administration and the Managing Director of a company linked to $350 million in loans for various state infrastructure projects. This inquiry is part of a broader probe into alleged financial mismanagement during El-Rufai’s tenure as governor.

In response, El-Rufai has denied the allegations, calling the investigations politically motivated and has initiated legal action to challenge a related report by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, which accused his administration of siphoning approximately ₦423 billion. The ongoing investigations and legal battles suggest that this issue will remain a focal point of public scrutiny in the coming months.

Nigeria is rapidly establishing itself as a leading provider of high-tech military hardware in Africa, according to the Federal Government. This was announced by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, during a news conference celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON).

Matawalle emphasized the significant advancements in DICON under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the corporation’s transformation into a modern, capable producer of sophisticated arms and ammunition. This evolution has drawn considerable interest from other African nations, positioning Nigeria as a key player in the continent’s defence sector.

The minister noted that this growing demand from African countries could greatly boost Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, create jobs for skilled workers, and reduce capital flight. He also highlighted the strategic importance of DICON’s operations, with certain capabilities remaining classified for security reasons.

As Nigeria prepares to host the maiden Africa Defence Industries Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, the event will showcase the country’s expanding military hardware production capabilities to over 150 foreign nationals. Matawalle assured that DICON’s renewed focus and the new DICON Act 2023 would further contribute to Nigeria’s national security and economic growth.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates. Key highlights include:

• Total Candidates Registered: 1,814,736 from 25,126 recognized secondary schools.
• Candidates Who Sat for the Exam: 1,805,216.
• Performance: 1,301,941 candidates (72.12%) obtained credits in at least five subjects, including English and Mathematics, marking a 7.69% decrease from 2023.
• Withheld Results: 215,267 results (11.92%) were withheld due to alleged malpractice, with issues like cell phone usage and organized cheating contributing to the problem.
• Special Needs Candidates: 109,115 candidates were provided with adequate support during the exam.

Candidates can check their results online and apply for their Digital Certificates, with hard copies of certificates expected within 90 days.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has announced the immediate removal of the curfew imposed on Kaduna and Zaria towns, effective from August 13, 2024. The curfew, which had restricted movement from 6 pm to 8 am, was lifted following a comprehensive review by the Kaduna State Security Council.

Governor Sani, who chaired the assessment meeting leading to this decision, expressed gratitude to security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and other stakeholders for their efforts in managing recent unrest. The lifting of the curfew marks a significant step towards restoring normalcy and allowing residents to move freely and engage in activities without restrictions.

Despite the easing of restrictions, the Security Council has issued a warning regarding unverified gatherings and processions. It emphasized that all such events must be coordinated with relevant authorities to prevent potential disruptions to public order.

“Security forces will remain vigilant and will take action against individuals or groups threatening public peace,” the Council’s statement cautioned.

Governor Sani reaffirmed his commitment to engaging with all critical stakeholders to ensure the ongoing peace, unity, and development of Kaduna State.

In response to recent unrest, the Kano State Police Command has transferred 76 individuals, including a foreign national, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for a detailed investigation into charges of sedition. The suspects are implicated in protests across northern Nigeria, during which they were reportedly seen waving Russian flags.

The protests, initially sparked by widespread hunger and economic dissatisfaction, escalated into violence, prompting a significant law enforcement response. Kano State Commissioner of Police, Salman Garba, confirmed the transfers and highlighted the extensive efforts made by the police to manage the situation.

“In line with the directives of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Kano Command has acted diligently to address the aftermath of these protests,” Garba stated. He noted that the operations resulted in the arrest of 873 suspects and the recovery of various exhibits, including two AK-47 rifles.

The 76 suspects now in Abuja are being investigated for their alleged roles in the unrest. Garba also revealed that a foreign national among the detainees is facing additional scrutiny. Alongside the transfer of these suspects, 150 individuals have been arrested for breaching the curfew imposed during the unrest, and six are facing charges related to the destruction and looting of the Kano Printing Press.

Further actions include the prosecution of 600 individuals for offences such as criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, and arson. Garba commended the Kano State Police Command’s overall performance in crime prevention, citing arrests of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and car thieves as notable achievements.

The ongoing investigation aims to address the complexities of the protests and ensure accountability for those involved in the disturbances.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has issued a strong warning to state governments that fail to implement the newly mandated ₦70,000 national minimum wage, signaling potential disruptions to state activities if compliance is not achieved. The ultimatum was announced by Shehu Muhammed, the newly elected ASCSN President, during the association’s 5th Quadrennial Delegates Conference held in Lagos.

Muhammed emphasized that there is no excuse for state governments to delay the implementation, especially in light of increased revenue from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) following the removal of the fuel subsidy. He asserted, “For states not ready to implement the new minimum wage, let me tell you categorically, it is impossible. We are coming for them.”

The ASCSN leadership has urged state governments to prioritize the wage increase to enhance the living standards of their citizens. Muhammed advised states to focus on reducing waste and curbing financial leakages, as well as indexing income to inflation rates to ensure that the wage increase meets the needs of workers effectively.

Joshua Apebo, the ASCSN Secretary General, supported the call for immediate action, stressing that the improved FAAC allocation should facilitate the wage increase and improve the quality of life for workers.

In solidarity, Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), endorsed ASCSN’s position, encouraging the new leadership to prioritize worker welfare and the union’s goals.

The ASCSN’s firm stance reflects a broader push by organized labor to ensure fair compensation and improved conditions for civil servants across Nigeria.

In a bid to tackle Nigeria’s youth unemployment crisis, the Bola Tinubu administration has launched the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme. Announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during the Nigeria Police Youth Summit in Abuja on August 12, 2024, the initiative is set to generate three million jobs for Nigerian youths.

The 3MTT Programme, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Technology, seeks to equip young Nigerians with essential skills and education. The focus of the programme is to prepare youths for roles in national security intelligence, reflecting President Tinubu’s commitment to integrating youth development into the country’s broader national development strategy.

Idris, represented by Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, highlighted the programme as a key element of the “Renewed Hope Agenda.” This agenda includes additional measures such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), designed to provide financial support to students, and the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy, aimed at reducing transportation costs by up to 70%.

Idris emphasized the importance of the programme for personal and economic growth, urging Nigerian youths to fully engage with these government initiatives. He also stressed the need for moral reorientation among the youth, warning against the spread of fake news and disinformation, which he believes undermines national security and societal values.

“The 3MTT Programme is a testament to President Tinubu’s vision of leveraging youth potential to drive national progress and security,” Idris stated, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to addressing critical youth employment issues while fostering a robust national value system.

A tragic boat accident occurred in the Dundaye community of Wamakko Local Government Area (LGA) in Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The incident, which happened on the evening of August 11, 2024, involved a boat carrying 24 people. As of August 13, 2024, rescue operations have successfully recovered four bodies, and 19 survivors have been accounted for.

Alhaji Aliyu Kafindangi, Head of the Sokoto Field Operation Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the details to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). According to Kafindangi, the rescue efforts have been carried out by a combined team from NEMA, the Nigerian Red Cross, Fire Services, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), and local divers.

“One body was recovered on Sunday, and three more were found on Monday, bringing the total number of fatalities to four. We are still searching for one missing person,” Kafindangi said.

The official expressed gratitude to the state and local governments, as well as community members, for their assistance in the ongoing search and rescue efforts. The focus now remains on locating the missing person and ensuring that all necessary support is provided to the affected families.

On August 13, 2024, the Federal Government made a significant contribution to healthcare in Osun State by donating multimillion-naira worth of medical equipment to the Ijebu-Jesa General Hospital in Oriade Local Government Area. The donation, which is part of President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Health Intervention’ programme, was facilitated through the National Lottery Trust Fund (NLTF).

The medical equipment provided includes:

• One X-ray mobile machine
• Four infant incubators
• Three hematocrit centrifuges
• Ten suction machines
• Five autoclaves
• Three defibrillators
• Two electrophoretic tanks/machines
• Two physiotherapy equipment
• Two ENT diagnostic sets
• Ten sphygmomanometers (both digital and manual)
• Three cesarean section instruments

Tosin Adeyanju, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NLTF, highlighted the donation as a crucial part of the health intervention program aimed at improving healthcare services and saving lives. Adeyanju emphasized that the equipment would enhance the quality of care at the Ijebu-Jesa General Hospital and expressed hope that it would be used to benefit the community.

Community leaders, including Olugbenga Abudiore, President of the Ijebu-Jesa Union’s Conference, and Oba Taiwo Aribisiala, the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa, expressed their gratitude for the donation. They assured that the equipment would be well-maintained and utilized effectively. However, Oba Aribisiala also requested additional support from the federal government in the form of medical personnel and security to ensure the equipment’s proper use and safety.

The donation is part of a broader effort by the NLTF to support health interventions funded by lottery revenues, aiming to address critical needs in various communities across Nigeria.

Dr. Ayodele Festus Olorunfemi, the Labour Party (LP) candidate for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election, has pledged to eradicate corruption in public offices if he wins the election. In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olorunfemi emphasized his commitment to zero tolerance for corruption and the mismanagement of public funds.

Olorunfemi criticized the current state of public governance, attributing widespread poverty and dissatisfaction among the populace to corruption and bribery. He stressed that his administration would implement stringent measures to combat these issues, promising a robust accountability system and transparency in public procurement processes.

“I am determined to end corruption in Ondo State,” Olorunfemi stated. “Corruption is the root cause of the difficulties faced by the masses, and it is our duty to eradicate it to ensure that state resources are used for the benefit of all.”

The LP candidate also drew parallels with Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, highlighting Otti’s success in managing state resources effectively and asserting that his own administration would follow a similar path of integrity and accountability.

Olorunfemi’s campaign comes as one of 17 contenders for the governorship seat in the November 16 election, with his focus on reforming governance to bridge the gap between the rich and poor in Ondo State.

President Bola Tinubu is set to undertake a pivotal three-day official visit to Equatorial Guinea starting August 14, 2024. This diplomatic mission, marked by high-level meetings and discussions, aims to enhance cooperation between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, with a focus on the oil and gas sector and security collaboration.

The visit, at the invitation of Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, will see Tinubu accompanied by key members of his administration, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar. The agenda includes crucial negotiations and agreements aimed at bolstering economic and security ties between the two nations.

This trip underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s international relationships and leveraging strategic partnerships to advance national interests on the global stage.

The Kwara State Government has inaugurated a 300-man surveillance taskforce to check indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the Ilorin metropolis of the state capital.

Commissioner for Environment Hajia Nafisat Musa Buge disclosed this during the official inauguration of the environmental taskforce held at the ministry’s conference hall in Ilorin on Monday.

Buge declared: “Indiscriminate dumping of refuse is a general phenomenon that requires urgent attention, most especially in the Ilorin metropolis. The only solution to eradicate it is to aggressively commence a rethinking of sustainable waste management by the government and sensitise the people on the dangers inherent in dumping refuse indiscriminately.”

The commissioner emphasised that members of the public must cooperate with the government and its agencies to find a lasting solution to the problem to forestall the outbreak of diseases, especially cholera, which is already ravaging some states in the country.

The new strategies listed to be employed by the ministry include outlawing the dumping of refuse on road medians, roundabouts, drainage channels and waterways.

The new strategies also forbid anybody from displaying wares or goods beyond the gutter on the roadsides for trading activities.

The ministry will, with immediate effect, remove the bigger roll-roll (waste) bins from the roadsides or roundabouts and take them to secure places where vehicular movements will not be impeded.

Waste bins have also been placed at different collection points for evacuation to the final dump site, while well-organised consultants have been put in place to evacuate refuse from the collection points within 24 hours.

Similarly, scavenging is no longer allowed in the metropolis, as all previously registered scavengers have been advised to do their business at the government dump site at Sokoto-Aiyekale off the expressway, according to a statement by the press secretary of the ministry, Kamaldeen Aliagan, in Ilorin on Monday.

The ministry has also engaged 38 commercial waste consultants and allocated them to different communities to collect refuse with the payment of a monthly token. Otherwise, refuse should be dumped inside the government mobile collection vans whenever they come to the communities.

While administering the oath of allegiance to members of the taskforce, Chief Magistrate Ibrahim Dansuki stressed the need for the taskforce committee to adhere strictly to the environmental laws to avoid litigation.

Ladoja Receives Beaded Crown from Olubadan in Ceremony at New Palace.

High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, has officially received the Ibadan beaded crown from the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin Ige Olakulehin I. The significant ceremony took place on Monday at the new Olubadan palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area.

The event marked Ladoja’s acceptance of the beaded crown, despite his earlier insistence that he would not accept it. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Abdul Raheem Adebayo Lawal, and the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Muhammad Abiodun Fadeyi. Traditional rulers, political officeholders, and well-wishers also graced the occasion.

This event was particularly notable as it was the first official duty performed by the Olubadan since his coronation on July 12. Deputy Governor Lawal congratulated the people of Ibadan, emphasizing the state government’s commitment to enhancing the traditional institution in the state.

In his remarks, Ladoja expressed that Ibadan has its own unique way of resolving misunderstandings and issues. He noted that the process and acceptance of the beaded crown signify the resolution of any previous disagreements and the unity of the Ibadan people.