Sen. Sahabi Ya’u (APC – Zamfara North) has urged youths to refrain from participating in the planned nationwide protest, warning that it could exacerbate the insecurity issues in Zamfara State. During a news conference in Gusau on Tuesday, Ya’u emphasized that the state has been severely impacted by banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis.

He cautioned that joining the mass protest, which could be hijacked by hoodlums, would only worsen the already dire situation in Zamfara. Instead, he encouraged youths to seek dialogue with the government to address their grievances, rather than engaging in activities that could lead to further instability.

“The state has been crippled by banditry, kidnapping, and other crimes, resulting in a serious humanitarian crisis,” Ya’u stated. “Joining this mass protest that could be hijacked by hoodlums will only worsen the situation of Zamfara state.”

Ya’u also highlighted that governments at various levels are implementing policies to address the rising cost of living and strengthen the economy, urging patience and dialogue as better alternatives to protests. “In every good thing, there is always a challenge that comes with it, so we must give the government time to allow such policies to mature,” he added. “We must therefore embrace dialogue with the government, which is always a better option than protest, because its attendant consequences will never be pleasant.”

He stressed that allowing security agencies to focus on combating banditry and kidnapping is crucial for the state’s stability and security.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed profound condolences to the family of the late Onyeka Onwenu, a distinguished Nigerian icon celebrated for her contributions to music, acting, journalism, activism, and politics. In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu mourned Onwenu’s passing and lauded her lasting impact on Nigeria’s cultural and social landscape.

He praised her for her 1990s hit, “One Love,” which he described as an anthem that “evoked a fervour of fellowship and harmony,” highlighting her dedication to promoting unity and the public good through her art. The President also fondly recalled her collaboration with King Sunny Ade on the 1980s classic, “Wait for Me,” which was a melodic campaign for family planning.

“Her artistic interventions in promoting public good were many and memorable,” he noted, celebrating her ability to bring joy and laughter to countless individuals through her various artistic endeavors.

President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the entertainment industry, the government of Imo State, and the numerous fans mourning this “immeasurable loss.” He expressed hope for Onwenu’s eternal peace, envisioning her in a place “where the music never fades and where there is ‘Dancing in the Sun’.”

He concluded by affirming that Onwenu’s legacy would live on through her timeless masterpieces, ensuring that her contributions to Nigerian culture and society will not be forgotten.

Security measures have been intensified around the access points of Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal-II (MMA2) in anticipation of a planned protest. Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Ltd, the operator of the MMA2 terminal, has coordinated with various security agencies to ensure the safety of passengers and property.

Ajoke Yinka-Olawuyi, Bi-Courtney’s Head of Corporate Communications, informed the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that monitoring of the situation is ongoing, and efforts are being made to maintain safety at the terminal. “We are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with security agencies at the terminal. We have beefed up security at our access points to ensure passenger safety at the airport,” she said.

Monica Oguta, Head of Aviation Security at Bi-Courtney, added that they have sought support from the Nigerian Police Force, the military airport command, and other relevant security agencies to ensure adequate protection during the protest.

Despite the heightened security, normal flight operations continue as of Wednesday morning, ensuring that the airport remains functional and passengers can proceed with their travel plans without disruptions.

The Ondo State Entrepreneurship Agency (ONDEA) has launched an initiative to create 5000 remote job opportunities for residents. The program, announced by ONDEA Chairman Sunny Francis, who also serves as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is designed to tackle unemployment, boost economic growth, and establish Akure as the tech capital of Nigeria.

Francis emphasized the transformative potential of this five-year initiative, which collaborates with international companies to provide sustainable employment that allows residents to work from home. Job placements will span various fields, including tech, off-site perimeter surveillance, content creation and design, digital marketing, software development, virtual customer service, and remote writing and editing.

The initiative aims to enhance living standards, reduce poverty levels, and contribute to the state’s economic development by generating increased income and economic activity. Interested individuals can visit ONDEA’s portal at www.ondea.ng/remotejobs for more information.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that nearly 19 million adolescent girls will have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence by the age of 20. A new analysis in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health reveals that 16% of adolescent girls faced such violence in the past year. Dr. Pascale Allotey of WHO emphasizes the severe and lasting harm caused by intimate partner violence during these formative years, highlighting it as a significant public health issue requiring targeted prevention and support.

The analysis shows high rates of violence against adolescent girls, with regional variations—Oceania and central sub-Saharan Africa having the highest rates, while central Europe and central Asia have the lowest. Intimate partner violence is more prevalent in lower-income countries, where fewer girls attend secondary school, and girls have weaker legal rights. Child marriage and spousal age differences also increase risks.

Dr. Lynnmarie Sardinha, another WHO expert, stresses the need for policies promoting gender equality, secondary education for girls, and the end of harmful practices like child marriage to reduce gender-based violence. WHO is working with countries to measure and address violence against women, with new guidelines on preventing child marriage expected by the end of 2024.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed confidence that politicians who lost the 2023 elections are behind the upcoming nationwide protest against the high cost of living, scheduled from August 1 to August 10. He believes the protest is not organic and accused these politicians of trying to gain power through the backdoor, which he warned could lead to anarchy.

Akpabio advised Nigerian youths not to be misled politically, emphasizing that any destruction of property would cost Nigeria money that could otherwise be used for development. This statement was made after President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law.

In a related development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, assured that peaceful and lawful protesters in the state would receive adequate protection, emphasizing the commitment to maintain peace and order.

The Federal Government has declared all 256 custodial centres across Nigeria as “red zones” ahead of the planned nationwide protests on August 1. Haliru Nababa, Controller General of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), emphasized that individuals without legitimate business should avoid these centres. He warned that attacking or tampering with these facilities could lead to a breakdown of law and order and exacerbate security issues.

Nababa stated that custodial and non-custodial centres are critical national assets essential for public safety and national security. He urged the public to cooperate with the NCoS to protect correctional facilities and reported that adequate security measures, including the activation of the Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF), have been put in place.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities via email at info@corrections.gov.ng, the official website www.corrections.gov.ng, or by calling 09060004598 or 08075050006 directly.

Security agencies in Oyo State, including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Army, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCos), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and Amotekun Corps, conducted a joint show of force in Ibadan ahead of the planned nationwide protests. The exercise began at the Police Command headquarters in Eleyele and covered key areas like Mokola roundabout, Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi-Gate, Iwo Road, Bodija, and Challenge.

Commissioner of Police Ayodele Sonubi explained that the aim was to demonstrate the readiness of security personnel to maintain peace and protect lives and property. He emphasized that while the right to peaceful protest is recognized, any shift to violence would prompt a response to restore order. The government is aware of the public’s grievances and is taking steps to address them, urging all parties to protest peacefully without infringing on others’ rights or coercing participation.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reports that 16 ships are awaiting berth at Lagos ports. Of these, two vessels will dock with petrol, and two will arrive with bulk and butane gas. Additionally, three vessels will bring general cargo, three will carry bulk wheat, and six will deliver boats, containers, towing equipment, Single Buoy Mooring (SBM), and fresh fish. These ships are set to berth at ENL Consortium, AMPT, Apapa Bulk, and Greenview Development Nigeria Ltd. terminals in Lagos. Currently, nine vessels are discharging crude oil, diesel, containers, gasoline oil, and other cargoes at various Lagos ports.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Mandate Secretariat for Youth Affairs in the FCT. This decision follows a request from the youth during a previous interactive session. Wike made this announcement during an engagement with residents of Bwari Area Council, emphasizing the importance of peace-building across the FCT and discouraging participation in the planned nationwide protests from August 1 to 10.

Wike assured residents of the government’s commitment to providing basic infrastructure, with ongoing rural road constructions in the satellite towns of the FCT expected to be completed by December 2024. He also addressed issues of injustice and marginalization faced by indigenous people, promising to give them a sense of belonging. The youths in the FCT, represented by Ezekiel Dalhatu, decided to opt out of the planned protests and engage in dialogue with the government instead. John Gabaya, Chairman of Bwari Area Council, supported this approach, urging the youth to embrace dialogue over protest.

During the event, a life-size portrait of Wike was presented by the youths and stakeholders as a token of appreciation.

The Katsina State Government has formed a committee to oversee the distribution of rice allocated to the state by the Federal Government. This initiative aims to ensure that the distribution is conducted fairly and transparently, targeting vulnerable individuals within the state.

Committee Members:

1. Chairman: Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, Secretary to the Government of the state
2. Special Adviser on Public Service Administration Reform
3. Commissioner for Special Duties
4. Commissioner for Information
5. Representative of the State House of Assembly
6. Managing Director of the State Irrigation Authority
7. Executive Chairman of the Zakkat and Waqab Board
8. Commander of Hisbah Board
9. ALGON Chairman
10. Representatives from:
    • Police
    • DSS
    • Katsina Emirate Council
    • Daura Emirate Council
    • JIBWIS and Darika Islamic sects
    • Youth Council of Nigeria
    • Nigeria Youths Congress
    • Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Terms of Reference:

1. Ascertain and Confirm: Verify the number of bags of rice received from the Federal Government.
2. Develop Procedure: Create a systematic approach for sharing the rice across the 34 local government areas.
3. Ensure Fair Distribution: Guarantee that the palliatives are distributed fairly, targeting vulnerable groups such as widows, divorcees, and elderly men and women.

The committee is expected to submit its report within three weeks. The acting Governor, Malam Faruk Lawal-Jobe, announced that the state had received 20 trucks of rice from the Federal Government and that the state government had provided logistics support for the distribution to various local government areas.

This information was conveyed in a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu-Zango, on Monday in Katsina.

The Nigerian government is seeking a $500 million loan from the World Bank to address water security issues through the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project. This initiative aims to improve dam safety, strengthen water resource management, and boost agricultural productivity.

Key Objectives of the SPIN Project:

1. Institutional Development and Capacity Building:
   • Enhance the capabilities of institutions involved in water resource management.
   • Empower Water User Associations to manage irrigation projects effectively.
2. Irrigation Modernization:
   • Rehabilitate approximately 30,000 hectares of existing irrigated command areas in the initial stage.
   • Plan to repair and rehabilitate an additional 40,000 hectares of irrigated land in subsequent phases.
3. Improvements in Dam Operations and Safety:
   • Address the urgent need for increased dam safety highlighted by the severe floods of 2022, which caused an estimated $6.7 billion in economic damage.
   • Focus on enhancing the operational safety of existing dams to prevent future flooding and water-related disasters.
4. Project Management:
   • Ensure effective implementation and oversight of the various components of the project.

Hydropower Component:

• Greenfield and Brownfield Investments:
  • Explore potential interventions in both new (greenfield) and existing (brownfield) hydropower facilities.
• Gurara II Multipurpose Dam:
  • Prioritized as a key greenfield investment with a hydropower capacity of 360 megawatts (MW) and a reservoir capacity of 400 million cubic meters (MCM).
  • Supports irrigation schemes, aquaculture, and electricity generation.

Broader Goals:

• Address water resources management, water security, and energy security challenges in Nigeria.
• Invest in irrigation, dams, storage infrastructure, and hydropower facilities to enhance overall water and energy sustainability.

The SPIN project is slated to begin on September 26, focusing on these comprehensive efforts to bolster Nigeria’s water and agricultural infrastructure, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits for the nation.

Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State has emphasized the importance of strategic engagement with citizens while cautioning against participating in the planned nationwide protests. Speaking at a town hall meeting with critical stakeholders on the state of Kaduna and Nigeria in general, Sani reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare and security of its citizens. He expressed concerns about faceless groups planning protests under the guise of demanding good governance.

Addressing Economic Challenges

Sani acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, attributing them to years of mismanagement and corruption. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu is working to reset the economy with policies aimed at sustainable growth, despite some causing temporary discomfort. The governor emphasized ongoing efforts to rebuild trust, enhance security, and implement pro-poor policies.

Call for Stability and Progress

The governor called the planned protests unnecessary and ill-timed, recalling that past protests in the state often escalated into violence and destruction. He urged stakeholders to prioritize stability and progress, advising against actions that could trigger unrest. Sani assured that the government is taking steps to address security challenges and improve socio-economic conditions.

Unity and Responsible Actions

Sani called for unity and responsible actions to support the state’s development and the nation’s progress. Representing the traditional institution, the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, appealed for patience and urged communities to refrain from protesting. He emphasized the importance of coming together to find solutions for issues facing the Northern region.

Religious and Labor Leaders’ Stance

Representatives from religious organizations, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi and Rev. Joseph Hayab, urged their followers to avoid protests organized by unidentified groups. Gumi acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but expressed concerns about potential hijacking by malicious actors.

The State Chairmen of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdullahi Danfulani and Ayuba Suleiman respectively, stated they would not participate in any protest, noting that they had not received directives from their national bodies.

Market Community’s Position

Alhaji Dayyabu Maigonjo, representing the Kaduna State market community, corroborated the TUC and NLC’s stance, warning that protests could lead to theft and destruction, posing dangers to the people. He affirmed that the market community would not engage in such activities.

Conclusion

Gov. Sani’s address emphasized the need for strategic engagement and unity in tackling the state’s and nation’s challenges. He called for responsible actions from all stakeholders to support ongoing efforts for economic recovery and social stability.

Sen. Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, lauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to Nigerian workers, demonstrated through the prompt signing of the Minimum Wage Bill into law. In a statement issued in Abuja, Lado emphasized that this action underscores Tinubu’s dedication to his promises and to the welfare of Nigerian workers.

Lado highlighted the significance of the bill, noting that it not only fulfills Tinubu’s campaign promise to ensure a living wage but also includes a provision for mandatory review of the national minimum wage every three years, rather than five. This change ensures that workers’ wages will be adjusted more frequently to reflect economic conditions.

“The signing of the Minimum Wage bill into law by President Bola Tinubu is both a promise kept and a demonstration of his people-centric governance model. Tinubu promised to pay a living wage to Nigerian workers during his electioneering campaigns and he has kept to that promise,” Lado stated.

Recognition of Workers and Collaborators

Lado commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and contributions to nation-building, urging them to continue delivering effective services for the nation’s growth and development. He also praised the leadership of the Organised Labour Movement, specifically acknowledging Joe Ajaero of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Festus Osifo of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their role in negotiating the wage increase.

Additionally, Lado acknowledged the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abass, for their swift passage of the Minimum Wage Bill. He noted their dedication to the welfare of Nigerian workers and their support for Tinubu’s people-oriented policies.

Acknowledgment of Private Sector and Governors’ Support

Lado also extended his commendation to the leadership of the Organised Private Sector and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for aligning with Tinubu’s vision and agreeing to implement the new minimum wage. He emphasized the collective effort required to ensure the welfare of workers across the country.

Future Outlook

Lado expressed optimism about the future, stating that the empathy and care demonstrated by President Tinubu in his first year are just the beginning. He anticipates that more economic policies initiated by the administration will soon yield positive results, further improving the lives of Nigerians.

In conclusion, Lado’s statement underscores the administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in achieving this goal.

MTN Nigeria has announced the closure of its offices nationwide on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The company issued a notice titled “Shop Closure” on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, informing customers of the closure without specifying the reason or the reopening date. The notice assures customers that support will still be available via digital channels 24/7.

Possible Reasons for Closure

The closure coincides with increasing tensions in the country as Nigerian youths prepare for a nationwide protest against economic hardship, set to take place from August 1 to August 10, 2024. While MTN’s notice does not explicitly link the closure to the protests, the timing suggests a potential connection.

Recent Customer Protests

On Monday, aggrieved customers protested at MTN offices across the country due to the blockage of SIM cards. The protests were sparked by the telecom company’s enforcement of the July 31 deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage mandated by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). Many subscribers were affected by the blockage, leading to significant frustration and anger.

In Lagos, particularly at the MTN office in FESTAC, the situation escalated as angry subscribers tore down the company’s iron fence. The widespread discontent highlights the urgency and severity of the issue.

NCC’s Intervention

In response to the protests and public outcry, the NCC ordered telecommunication operators to reconnect all phone lines that were disconnected due to the NIN-SIM verification exercise. This reactivation is intended to be temporary, allowing affected consumers time to properly link their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to their SIM cards.

Conclusion

While MTN Nigeria has not provided specific reasons for the closure of its offices, the current economic protests and recent SIM blockage controversy are likely factors. Customers are advised to utilize digital channels for support during this period and to stay informed about any further announcements from the company.

The Osun State Government has directed all private and public schools to begin their third term vacation early due to the upcoming nationwide protests. The directive, issued by Muritala Jimoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, mandates that all schools must commence their vacation by Wednesday, July 31.

Jimoh’s statement emphasizes the safety of students during the protests and advises parents and guardians to take necessary precautions to ensure their children’s well-being during this period.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over the nationwide protests planned in response to the prevailing economic hardship in the country. These protests are scheduled to take place from August 1 to August 10, 2024, under the banner #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria.