The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has made significant strides in combating human trafficking in the Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Rivers states. The Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, Emmanuel Awhen, reported that the agency has apprehended 115 suspected human traffickers and rescued 75 victims within the zone between July 2023 and now.

Out of the 75 victims rescued, 25 have been empowered with skills in tailoring, hairdressing, barbing, and shoemaking. These victims have been provided shelter, counseling, and subsequently reunited with their families.

In the same period, NAPTIP charged 15 cases to court, securing three convictions, while 12 cases are still pending. Awhen emphasized the need for judges to prioritize human trafficking cases to deter other traffickers.

He noted that coastal communities within the zone are particularly prone to human trafficking, with many victims being rescued from these areas. Awhen appealed for public support in the fight against human trafficking, highlighting the agency’s financial constraints in conducting robust sensitization campaigns and the high cost of feeding victims.

Awhen also advised parents and guardians to be cautious and not let family members deceive them with promises of training or employment for their children, as these often lead to child labor or prostitution. He warned traffickers to desist from such acts, emphasizing that those found guilty would face the full weight of the law.

The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, marked on July 30, focuses on the theme “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.” This year’s campaign calls for accelerated action to end child trafficking, with a particular focus on the disproportionate impact on girls.

Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, also known as Jandor, the Lagos PDP governorship candidate in the 2023 General Elections, has expressed optimism about the future of the party with the support of Funso Doherty. Doherty, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) in Lagos State, recently announced his defection to the PDP.

In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesman, Gbenga Ogunleye, Adediran welcomed Doherty’s defection as a significant development. He emphasized that Doherty’s move reflects the readiness of well-meaning Lagos residents to unite and challenge the ruling party.

“Doherty will not be the last to join the Lagos PDP for the actualisation of the mission to offer a breath of fresh air in governance in 2027,” Adediran stated. He expressed confidence that many more key figures from other political parties, including the APC, and influential leaders across Lagos State would soon declare their allegiance to the PDP.

Adediran praised Doherty as a respected technocrat-turned-politician and expressed his admiration for him. He concluded by asserting that with the combined efforts of Doherty and other stakeholders, the PDP aims to rescue Lagos State from what he described as a self-serving APC-led government by 2027.

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, are notable figures enjoying strong followership within the Obidient community and among Nigerian youths. However, they have different stances regarding the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled from August 1 to August 10, 2024, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.

Peter Obi supports the protests, emphasizing that it is within Nigerians’ constitutional rights to protest, especially in light of the severe economic hardships the country is facing. During a courtesy visit to Alex Otti at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Obi urged protesters to maintain civility and abide by the law. He also called on the police to handle the protests lawfully and encouraged the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with the protesters. Obi stated, “Within the Nigerian constitution, protest is allowed. All I plead for is those who are protesting should do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us to show that as a nation, we live within the law. Everybody knows things are difficult. When they talk about the sponsors of the protests, I say the sponsors are very simple. It’s hunger. It’s hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through.”

In contrast, Alex Otti believes that for protests to be lawful, they must have police approval. He stressed that organizing a protest without such approval would be illegal and potentially harmful. Otti remarked, “First of all, for you to organise a protest, the law requires that you get approval from the security forces, particularly the police, and somebody should take responsibility for getting that approval. If you don’t have the approval, then, it would be against the law for you to go on the street to protest.” He also cautioned protesters to consider the broader implications of their actions, warning that protests might cause more harm than good by restricting movement and possibly inflicting additional hardship on non-protesting citizens.

Otti’s comments have elicited reactions from various quarters, including Obi followers, Labour Party supporters, and other political factions. The differing opinions of Obi and Otti on this matter highlight the complex dynamics within their political community and the broader debate on how to address Nigeria’s pressing economic challenges.

The Mbadiwe brothers have emerged as the first winners of the Head of House (HOH) Challenge in the new season of BBNaija, themed “No Loose Guard.” Despite winning, they will enjoy the luxury of the HOH lounge without the usual immunity that comes with the title, meaning they can still be nominated for eviction. This twist adds an element of unpredictability to the season.

The challenge took place on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM, where housemates voted for their preferred pair through a ballot system. The Mbadiwe Twins tied with the Radicals before ultimately securing the win. The housemates will compete for a grand prize of ₦100 million over the next 10 weeks.

The Police Command in Ogun State has issued a stern warning against unlawful behavior during the planned protest on August 1. The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odunlami, emphasized that any group, association, or individual engaging in violent acts such as killings, destruction of property, obstruction of traffic, or inciting hateful actions will be arrested.

Odunlami stated, “The police will not condone any form of violence within the state. Henceforth, we are sending a warning to youths and the general public to refrain from the destruction of property, killings, obstruction of traffic, as well as inciting and hateful acts.”

She assured that the police would provide adequate security for those participating in peaceful protests and reiterated the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property during the demonstration.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has instructed telecommunication operators to reconnect all phone lines that were disconnected due to the NIN-SIM verification exercise. Over the weekend, many subscribers found their lines blocked because their National Identification Numbers (NINs) had not been linked to their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs), leading to protests at MTN offices across the country on Monday, July 29, 2024.

In response to the disruptions caused by the blockages, the NCC has mandated the immediate reactivation of all affected lines for a limited period. This measure aims to provide subscribers with additional time to verify and link their NINs with their SIMs properly.

Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, stated that the reactivation period is temporary to facilitate the proper linking of NINs to SIMs. The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the importance of this exercise for enhancing national security and ensuring the accuracy of the national SIM ownership database.

The statement highlighted that since December 2023, the deadline for the NIN-SIM verification has been extended multiple times, with the latest deadline set for July 31, 2024. Despite these extensions, many subscribers have not completed the verification process. The NCC reiterated its commitment to prioritizing consumers’ needs and urged those who have yet to verify their SIMs to do so promptly to maintain access to their lines.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, has assured the public that the police command is ready to provide protection to peaceful protesters while warning against any form of violence. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan on the command’s preparedness for the planned nationwide protest on August 1, Sonubi emphasized the citizens’ undebatable right to engage in peaceful protest, urging that it must remain non-violent.

He reiterated that the police would offer adequate protection to peaceful protesters but would not hesitate to address any escalation into violence, noting that such acts would be met with the necessary legal response. Sonubi recalled the significant damage and destruction during the 2020 EndSARs protest, underscoring the police’s commitment to preventing a recurrence.

The police commissioner called for cooperation between the police and protest organizers, encouraging them to reveal their identities and coordinate with law enforcement for a peaceful demonstration. He urged parents, religious leaders, and community influencers to advise against using the protest for violent purposes.

In response, Olojede Victor, Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Student Affairs, and Alao John, the South-West Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), assured that they were working to ensure any protest remained peaceful and were prepared to engage with the government constructively.

Representatives from various groups, including the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekin Abass, and the Deputy Secretary of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), Alimi Aremu, indicated their members would not participate in the protest. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Ariori Asimiyu, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians and called for grievances to be directed to appropriate channels while urging the Federal Government to address the nation’s issues.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, announced that the Federal Government plans to develop standardized websites for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to improve access to information on government services. This decision aims to address complaints from many Nigerians about the difficulty in accessing information due to the inconsistent design of MDA websites.

The minister revealed this initiative during the 6th edition of the monthly Devs-In-Government meeting in Abuja. The project will involve creating standardized government websites for all institutions, ensuring easier access, enhanced security, and a unified virtual identity. A special advisory board will review and refine the project before presenting it to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for adoption. Once approved, all government agencies will be required to migrate to the new standardized platform.

The initiative intends to harmonize website designs across MDAs, making it simpler for Nigerians to navigate and access government services. The project will involve collaboration with government IT experts and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), which already has guidelines in place. The ministry will work with NITDA to interpret these guidelines in clear terms and incorporate feedback from the public to develop a user-friendly standard.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Executive Commissioner of the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), emphasized the importance of considering individual data protection and cybersecurity in the project. The Devs-In-Government initiative, which convenes tech professionals in government, aims to advance the nation’s technological landscape.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and other upcoming refineries in naira. This decision, announced by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, aims to stabilize the pump price of refined fuel and the dollar-naira exchange rate.

Onanuga explained that the Dangote Refinery currently requires 15 cargoes of crude, costing $13.5 billion annually, and the NNPCL has committed to supplying four of these cargoes. The Federal Executive Council approved the sale of the 450,000 barrels intended for domestic consumption in naira to Nigerian refineries, starting with the Dangote refinery as a pilot. This approach includes fixing the exchange rate for the duration of the transaction, with Afreximbank and other Nigerian settlement banks facilitating the trade. This move aims to eliminate the need for international letters of credit and save billions of dollars spent on importing refined fuel.

This development follows Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola’s call for the Federal Government to support Aliko Dangote and other local investors amid a dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The agency’s head, Farouk Ahmed, recently accused the Dangote Refinery of producing fuel with high sulfur levels and attempting to monopolize the oil industry, which could threaten Nigeria’s energy sector.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the new national minimum wage applies to the entire nation, including the Federal Government, states, local governments, the private sector, and individual employers. During the signing ceremony of the Minimum Wage Act (Amendment) Bill by President Bola Tinubu at the State House on Monday, Akpabio highlighted the significant increase from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, noting that no Nigerian worker should be paid less than this amount from now on.

Akpabio praised the rapid passage of the bill by the National Assembly, attributing it to their excitement about the positive impact on workers. He also addressed those planning protests, asserting their right to peaceful demonstrations while cautioning against violence. Akpabio linked the current economic hardships to years of insecurity and expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s efforts to address these challenges.

Professor Julius Ihonvbere, representing Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, echoed these sentiments, stating that the wage increase and shortened negotiation period demonstrate a commitment to improving Nigeria’s prospects. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the minimum wage will be reviewed every three years instead of the previous five, reflecting the government’s responsiveness to labor leaders’ advocacy.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has summoned an emergency plenary session to be held on Wednesday, July 31, at noon. This notice was conveyed in an internal memo by Chinedu Akubueze, Clerk of the Senate, on Monday in Abuja. The memo emphasized the importance of the session, stating that issues of national importance will be discussed.

Akubueze’s memo read: “Dear Distinguished Senators, the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has directed that an emergency plenary sitting of the Senate be convened on Wed July 31, at noon. Distinguished Senators are requested to make all necessary arrangements to attend as issues of national importance will be discussed. We regret all the inconveniences that this interruption of the recess will cause. Thanks for your usual understanding.”

This session interrupts the National Assembly’s annual recess, which began on July 23 and was expected to end on September 17.

Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is actively working to dissuade Abuja youths and stakeholders from participating in the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10. During a recent ministerial engagement with FCT youths from Abuja South Federal Constituency, Wike explained that the purpose of the interaction was to educate them about the negative impacts of the protests and why they should refrain from joining.

Wike acknowledged the achievements of the current administration, stating that it is premature to judge its performance after only one year in office. He highlighted improvements in sectors such as education, health, and security. He emphasized that the focus should be on supporting the government’s efforts and maintaining peace rather than engaging in protests.

Wike also addressed land issues in Abuja, expressing frustration with the focus on land allocations over other developmental needs. He urged residents to prioritize development and infrastructure improvements.

He reassured that efforts are underway to establish the Federal Capital Territory University of Science and Technology, Abaji, as a prestigious institution, and called for cooperation with the current administration to foster progress and stability in the FCT.

Evangelist Ifanseni Ijere of Mega Ministries in Abuja has urged Nigerians to intensify their prayers for President Bola Tinubu, rather than focusing on protests. She emphasized the importance of praying for the country’s leadership to overcome economic challenges, suggesting that prayer is a more effective approach than demonstrations.

Ijere called on Nigerians to support President Tinubu by praying for wisdom and guidance as he leads the country. She encouraged Tinubu to remain focused and not be distracted by critics, believing that divine wisdom will aid him in his leadership role.

In addition, David Ijere expressed a vision for a future Nigeria that would make its citizens proud, where respect and opportunities are available for all. He highlighted that Nigeria has the potential and resources to improve the lives of its people.

Pastor Gabriel Obi also underscored the significance of prayer, stating that it is essential for overcoming life’s challenges and achieving solutions.

Dr. Gabriel Adakole, a public health expert, has called for heightened awareness and prompt treatment of Hepatitis C in Nigeria to prevent severe health complications. Speaking on World Hepatitis Day, which took place on July 2, 2024, Adakole emphasized the need for improved public education and screening to address the high prevalence of the disease and its impact on public health.

Adakole highlighted that Hepatitis C causes chronic inflammation and damage to the liver, potentially leading to serious conditions such as Cirrhosis and liver cancer. He noted that many Nigerians are unaware of their Hepatitis C status due to inadequate screening and misinformation, making early diagnosis and management crucial.

Key points from Adakole’s statements include:

• Symptoms and Risks: Hepatitis C can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, itching, yellowing of the skin, darkened urine, and swelling in the abdomen and legs. If left untreated, it may progress to Cirrhosis, leading to liver failure.
• Exacerbating Factors: Excessive alcohol consumption and conditions like Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) can worsen liver damage.
• Need for Public Health Campaigns: There is a need for increased public health campaigns to educate Nigerians about the risks of untreated Hepatitis C and the benefits of timely medical intervention.
• Treatment and Prevention: While there is no cure for existing liver scarring, treatments can slow its progression and prevent further liver damage. The government is urged to invest in accessible and affordable treatment options.

Nigeria has a significant prevalence of Hepatitis B and C, with over 20 million people living with these conditions. However, more than 80% of those affected are unaware of their status. Adakole’s advocacy underscores the importance of addressing Hepatitis C to improve health outcomes and achieve the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis by 2030.

Rep. Bamidele Salam has praised Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State for his recent decision to provide free health insurance enrollment for all Persons Living with Disabilities (PLwD) in the state. Salam, who chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, commended Adeleke for his commitment to inclusivity and equal access to quality healthcare.

In a statement, Salam highlighted that the governor’s initiative is a significant step toward fulfilling campaign promises and improving the well-being of vulnerable populations. He also noted the procurement of equipment to assist PLwD, further underscoring Adeleke’s dedication to their welfare.

Governor Adeleke directed the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) to start the free enrollment process on July 25, 2024. The enrollment will be open until August 8, covering all nine federal constituencies in the state. This move aims to gather essential data on the medical needs of PLwD and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.

Salam encouraged all eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of this opportunity and praised Adeleke’s leadership and efforts to transform Osun State.

Peter Obi has urged his supporters to respect Kenneth Okonkwo despite recent tensions and Okonkwo’s departure from the Labour Party (LP). Okonkwo, a former spokesperson for the party, publicly criticized Obi, citing his dissatisfaction with Obi’s handling of party crises and his perceived inability to build a strong platform for future elections.

Obi’s call for decorum comes after Okonkwo’s departure, which has intensified the existing issues within the LP. Obi has emphasized that disagreements within a political movement should be handled with respect and that Okonkwo remains a valued ally and brother despite their differing views.

In his statement, Obi condemned personal attacks and called for constructive dialogue rather than derogatory remarks. He highlighted Okonkwo’s loyalty and commitment throughout their association, stressing that differing opinions do not equate to enmity.

The crisis within the LP has been exacerbated by this split, adding to the party’s ongoing challenges with integrity and transparency. Obi’s response aims to calm the situation and maintain a level of respect for Okonkwo amidst the party turmoil.

The recent wave of protests at MTN offices across Nigeria has been triggered by the telecom company’s enforcement of the July 31 deadline for linking SIM cards to National Identification Numbers (NINs). This directive from the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) required all telecom operators to block lines that are not linked to NINs, leading to widespread frustration among customers who found their mobile services disrupted.

The protests have seen customers in cities like Lagos, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Ibadan, Oshogbo, and Sango Otta take to MTN offices to express their dissatisfaction. Many of these protesters believe that the timing of the SIM card blockages is a strategy to divert attention from the upcoming nationwide protest against bad governance, scheduled to start on August 1, 2024. They suspect that the SIM blockage is an attempt to interfere with the protest activities.

Omoyele Sowore, a prominent figure in the protest movement, has called on his followers to voice their grievances and make their concerns known to the telecom company. He has suggested that any service disruptions from MTN could be part of a larger scheme to undermine the protest and has encouraged people to take action in response.

The situation underscores the tension between the government’s regulatory measures and public sentiment, as well as the potential impact of such actions on political and social activism in the country.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kebbi Area Command has launched a manhunt for the attackers responsible for the death of Assistant Superintendent of Customs, Dabo Umar. Umar was killed by armed men on Thursday, July 25, 2024, during an assault on their Koko-Besse patrol base. The attackers also abducted Superintendent of Customs Babagana Abba-Kabiru and demanded a ransom for his release.

The incident occurred as part of the recent intensified anti-smuggling operations in the area. The NCS spokesperson, SC Mohammed Tajuddeen-Salisu, confirmed that Umar’s body has been retrieved and transported to Kaduna for burial according to Islamic rites. The NCS, alongside other security services, is actively pursuing the culprits and has requested the public’s assistance in providing information that could aid in locating the abducted officer.

The NCS Controller, Iheanacho Ernest-Ojike, has expressed condolences to Umar’s family and emphasized the command’s commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted officer while continuing to update the public on the situation.