The Zamfara State Government, through its Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Abdulmalik Gajam, has denied reports circulating on social media that ₦19 billion was allocated for kitchenware for Governor Dauda Lawal. At a media briefing in Gusau, Gajam clarified that this information is false and mischievous, aimed at misleading the public.

Gajam emphasized that the current administration under Governor Lawal has focused on reducing spending to save for the state’s future. He urged media houses and stakeholders to verify information before publishing to avoid spreading unverified news. The government is committed to transparency and welcomes scrutiny from the media, provided it is done with good intentions.

The Commissioner highlighted that such false information could provoke unnecessary reactions among the people of Zamfara. He called on media organizations to act responsibly and ensure that they disseminate only authentic and verified information.

Gajam also outlined the principles behind Lawal’s 2024 “Budget of Rescue,” which aims to generate more revenue, reduce expenditure, and ensure transparency in the release of public funds. The administration’s expenditures are designed to benefit the people of Zamfara, reflecting a commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the Anambra State Governor, launched the Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap initiative to combat child malnutrition in the state. During the launch in Awka, Dr. Soludo highlighted alarming statistics that show many children in Anambra are stunted, wasted, underweight, and unhappy due to malnutrition. Her Healthy Living Initiative aims to provide lasting solutions for children suffering from acute or minor malnutrition.

Dr. Soludo cited the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (2021), which reported that only 23.8% of infants in Anambra are exclusively breastfed, and 45.6% of children meet the minimum diet diversity standard, both figures being lower than the South East zonal average. The Nonye’s Healthy Living Pap, a natural and free complementary meal, is part of the state’s efforts to address food insecurity and socio-economic challenges affecting children’s nutrition.

She urged parents to prioritize their children’s diets to eradicate malnutrition and improve Anambra’s ranking as a state with low under-five mortality rates. Dr. Chioma Mbachu, a Consultant Paediatrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, emphasized the importance of a balanced diet for children’s growth and development, advising against feeding them junk and processed foods.

Dr. Afam Obidike, the Commissioner for Health, described the Healthy Living Pap as a nutritious solution for children over six months old, complementing breast milk. He outlined a distribution plan across the 21 local government areas, ensuring access through referral centers and a database for monitoring children’s recovery progress. This initiative aims to provide every child in Anambra the opportunity to grow healthy and combat the threats of malnutrition.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, has declared drug abuse a pandemic in the state, requiring urgent collective action. Speaking at the “Empowering Her Fortune Initiative (EHF) 2.0″ event, organized by the Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in collaboration with MTN Momo, Ogunlende emphasized the dire consequences of substance abuse on youth, including health risks and fatal road accidents.

Ogunlende urged all relevant stakeholders, including private organizations and community members, to join forces in combating drug abuse to safeguard the lives and futures of young people. Highlighting the state’s efforts, he referenced the “Lagos Kicks Against Drug Abuse” awareness campaign as a crucial initiative in this fight.

The commissioner praised Lagos youths for their behavior during the #EndBadGovernance protests and encouraged them to utilize empowerment opportunities provided by the state, such as the “Students Loan” scheme. He also commended the Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA Chairman, Fuad Atanda-Lawal, for prioritizing women’s empowerment and stressed the importance of not overlooking youth empowerment given their significant population and challenges.

The empowerment event saw 1000 women receiving ₦50,000 each, with notable attendees including lawmakers, traditional chiefs, and APC leaders. Ogunlende’s call to action highlights the critical need for a united approach to address the pervasive issue of drug abuse in Lagos State.

The recent #EndBadGovernance protests, sparked by economic hardships and hunger, have intensified the public discourse around the Nigerian government’s response to civil unrest. This has led to a notable exchange between the Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, reflecting contrasting views on managing public safety and upholding constitutional rights.

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), issued a strong warning to Nigerian military leaders. He cautioned them against using lethal force on peaceful protesters, reminding them of potential accountability for crimes against humanity even after their retirement. He underscored the constitutional right to protest and called on the government and security agencies to protect peaceful demonstrators.

In response, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga criticized Atiku for not addressing the violence and looting that had marred some protests. Onanuga urged Atiku to take a cue from UK opposition figures who have supported government measures against riots. He emphasized that while Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution protects the right to protest, Section 45 permits restrictions for public peace and safety. Onanuga commended the security forces for their restraint and professionalism and called for a more nationalistic approach from Atiku.

This exchange highlights the ongoing debate about balancing civil liberties with the need for public order and safety, amid escalating tensions surrounding the protests in Nigeria.

Cross River State Commissioner for Finance, Michael Odere, has highlighted the substantial financial burden of ₦100 billion required to repair and replace government assets destroyed during the EndSARS protests in 2020. Odere explained that the extensive damage witnessed during those protests has led the state government to adopt a firm stance against violent demonstrations.

Odere praised the Cross River community for supporting the government’s preference for non-violent protests, emphasizing that peace should be maintained. He argued that protests should aim to bring about change without resorting to violence or infringing on the rights of others. He also noted that ongoing protests have negatively impacted the economy, leading to the shutdown of many public and private businesses.

The commissioner reiterated the state’s commitment to reform and improvement across various sectors, including education, agriculture, solid minerals, and security, under Governor Bassey Otu’s leadership.

Residents of Ado in Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State are expressing frustration with the 12-hour curfew imposed in response to the #EndBadGovernance protests. The curfew, which runs from dusk to dawn, has disrupted daily business operations and led to financial losses for many.

Business owners like Evelyn Imagbedion, a market trader, have reported significant setbacks due to the restricted movement, affecting their ability to purchase goods and maintain normal operations. Similarly, Moses Udoh, a barber, has seen a decline in patronage as evening customers are unable to visit due to the curfew. Janet Bello, another local shop owner, also highlighted the negative impact on her business.

The curfew was implemented to address security concerns and prevent further law and order breaches associated with the protests. However, residents are calling for a review of the restrictions, hoping for a return to normalcy as they wait for the resolution of the protests and associated issues.

Shehu Sani, a former Nigerian lawmaker, has called for urgent action from northern elites to address the long-standing issues plaguing the region. In his recent statements on X (formerly Twitter), Sani attributed the violent response to the #EndBadGovernance protests in northern Nigeria to systemic failures, urging a comprehensive strategy to tackle endemic poverty, illiteracy, underdevelopment, and religious extremism.

Sani emphasized that while President Bola Tinubu should be held accountable for his administration’s actions, the root of the region’s problems lies within its own leadership. He urged northern governors, politicians, business leaders, religious figures, and intellectuals to develop an actionable master plan to address these deep-seated issues.

He criticized the use of force to manage the situation, suggesting that it only suppresses unrest temporarily rather than addressing the underlying causes. Sani also stressed the need for introspection and regional development, stating that the north has the resources to build its own wealth and should not seek external scapegoats.

The Kano State Government has allocated ₦502 million for the purchase of 10 water pumps to enhance the Tamburawa and Chalawa water treatment plants. This decision, made during the State Executive Council’s 17th meeting, underscores the administration’s dedication to improving public infrastructure and addressing the growing water needs of Kano’s residents.

The new pumps are expected to significantly increase the capacity and efficiency of these treatment plants, ensuring a more reliable water supply. This investment aims to tackle current challenges and meet the rising demand for clean water in the state.

Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration has also approved several other infrastructure projects, reflecting its commitment to comprehensive development and improving public services. The focus on water infrastructure is part of a broader effort to support sustainable development and enhance the quality of life for Kano’s residents.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which have been ongoing for a week, have seen a significant escalation in tensions, especially in Northern states where some demonstrations have turned violent.

In a disturbing incident on August 8, 2024, during a protest in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, thugs attacked protesters and harassed Channels Television correspondent Deborah Agbalam. The thugs, allegedly connected to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, intimidated and chased away protesters and were involved in violent confrontations. Two protesters were reportedly beaten, and police officers present at the scene did not intervene.

Eyewitnesses and media reports indicate that the thugs were specifically positioned to disrupt the protest and prevent its continuation. The police’s inaction during the attack has raised concerns about their effectiveness in protecting protesters’ rights and maintaining public order.

In response, Rivers State Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu has pledged a thorough investigation into the incident. He has assured that measures will be taken to ensure accountability and to prevent such occurrences in the future. Despite ongoing efforts to engage with protesters and offer support, the latest incident has cast a shadow over the protests’ peaceful nature.

In Katsina State, residents have turned to spiritual means to address the economic hardship and insecurity affecting their community. On August 6, 2024, a large prayer session was held at the Katsina Arabic Teachers College playground, where participants sought Allah’s intervention for relief from ongoing challenges.

The prayer, known as “Al-Qunut,” was offered as a supplication during a specific point in the prayer and is traditionally used in times of calamity. Similar prayer sessions took place at several locations within the Katsina metropolis, including Filin Samji, Filin Yammawa, and Filin Canada football grounds.

Participants described the prayer session as a last resort in their efforts to combat hunger, insecurity, and other issues. The event was organized as part of a broader initiative, which also included planned prayers across mosques and churches nationwide to seek divine help in addressing governance issues and other national concerns.

French pole vaulter Anthony Ammirati, whose unfortunate incident with his manhood during the 2024 Olympic Games caused him to miss out on the final, has reportedly been offered a lucrative deal by a porn site. According to TMZ, the popular adult website CamSoda has offered Ammirati $250,000 to showcase his manhood on camera.

During the competition, Ammirati was attempting to clear 5.70m in front of his home fans. Despite successfully going over the bar, his manhood struck the bar as he was preparing to let go of his pole, causing it to fall and preventing him from advancing to the final. He ultimately finished 12th in Group A.

The incident went viral on social media, leading to jokes and memes about Ammirati’s situation. In response, CamSoda’s VP Daryn Parker expressed admiration for Ammirati’s “talent below the belt” and extended the offer for a 60-minute webcam show without the crossbar.

Despite the viral fame and the offer from CamSoda, Ammirati has expressed his disappointment in not qualifying for the Olympic final. Reflecting on the event, he said, “I’m a bit gutted because I didn’t miss anything on the third attempt at 5.70m. What I did miss was a bit of jumping in training to fine-tune the settings. Just a technical session.”