The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), combating insurgency in the Lake Chad region, reported that 263 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to troops. This announcement was made by Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, the Chief Military Public Information Officer of MNJTF in N’djamena, Chad. The surrenders occurred between July 11 and July 17, 2024, as part of the ongoing Operation Lake Sanity II.

**Wave of Surrenders:**
– **July 1:** The wave began with five terrorists surrendering to MNJTF troops in Wulgo, on the Nigeria-Cameroon border. Preliminary information indicated these individuals hailed from Tumbuma and Kutumgulla in Marte Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. On the same day, Malum Kori Bukar, a 50-year-old, escaped from the Jibilaram hideout and surrendered to the troops.
– **July 11:** 19 terrorists surrendered in the village of Madaya, in extreme North Cameroon, and another 11 surrendered in Wulgo from the Tumbuma hideout in two waves.
– **July 12:** 64 individuals surrendered in Bonderi, Cameroon, including 6 adult males, 20 women, and 38 children.
– **July 13:** 27 terrorists surrendered.

Preliminary investigations revealed that all the surrendered individuals belonged to Nigerian communities. They were handed over to the troops of Operation HADIN KAI for further action.

In the heart of Sokoto, where the relentless sun bakes the earth, Waliyat Suleiman stands as a beacon of resilience amidst adversity. As the principal of Iqra’a Academy, she nurtures the minds of tomorrow despite the harsh economic climate under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, the Federal Government agreed with labor unions to set the new national minimum wage at ₦70,000. Suleiman, however, shares her struggle of surviving on the current minimum wage of less than ₦30,000.

Living on Minimum Wage

Suleiman describes living on the minimum wage as challenging, with 70% of her salary going toward feeding, transportation, rent, and school fees, leaving only 30% for savings. The rising cost of living has made basic necessities such as food, housing, and healthcare increasingly unaffordable.

Coping Strategies

To cope with economic hardships, Suleiman lives within her means, prioritizes necessities, and cuts costs wherever possible. Despite her efforts, she has no regular financial support, as she is the first child who lost her father at nine years old and cannot rely on others who are also struggling.

Necessary Changes

Suleiman believes that an even distribution of wealth, deflation, democratic participation, and support for local businesses are essential to improve living conditions. She supports the organized labor’s proposal of a ₦250,000 minimum wage, expressing optimism for better times ahead.

Waliyat Suleiman’s story is a testament to the resilience and hope of many Nigerians facing similar challenges, striving for a better future despite the odds.

Folarin Oworu, the Programme Coordinator of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI), announced a nationwide campaign to mobilise and educate all 36 states on converting petrol vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG). This initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal by promoting CNG as a cleaner, more affordable alternative.

Speaking at a rally in Mando Motor Park, Kaduna, Oworu outlined the initiative’s focus on converting commercial vehicles. The Kaduna rally began with 100 conversion kits, and similar rallies are planned across the country, with Lagos being the next stop. The goal is to cover all states by year-end.

Oworu explained that the conversions are free for road transport unions, aiming to lower commercial transportation costs. He highlighted that the government partners with various state locations for vehicle conversions. The initiative targets converting up to 250,000 vehicles annually, starting next year, with each conversion kit costing between ₦1 million to ₦1.5 million.

Najim Yasin, former National President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), praised the initiative, urging transport workers to participate. He emphasized that the programme would reduce fuel prices and transportation costs, alleviating public hardship.

In a heartfelt message, Barrister Julius Abure, the national chairman of the Labour Party, along with the party’s leadership, extended warm congratulations to Mr. Peter Obi on his 63rd birthday. They described him as a dogged fighter, a unifier, a pacifist, and a leader with both vision and conscience.

Abure highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that birthdays offer a moment to reflect on one’s journey and achievements. “Birthdays are a special occasion,” Abure remarked, “but they are even more profound when you consider the path one has walked and the blessings received along the way. As the psalmist said, ‘Count your blessings, name them one by one, it would surprise you what the Lord has done for you.'”

Abure praised Obi as a beacon of hope and a leader with a clear vision. “When we look at you, we see the blessings of God all around you; we see hope amidst hopelessness, a new Nigeria despite current challenges,” he said. “You are a dogged fighter, a unifier, a pacifist, and a leader with both vision and conscience.”

The statement also touched on the struggles faced by Nigerians, yet reaffirmed faith in a brighter future. “Although we face significant challenges and suffering, we remain hopeful and believe that God is still in control,” Abure said.

Abure expressed wishes for Obi’s continued health and success, affirming the party’s celebration of his achievements and optimism for his future contributions to the nation. “Once again, we congratulate you on this auspicious occasion of your birthday,” Abure concluded.

The Akwa Ibom Government has announced that it received 24,000 bags of 25kg rice from the Federal Government to alleviate the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria. Commissioner for Information, Ini Ememobong, made this known in a statement in Uyo on Friday.

The Federal Government had recently dispatched 20 trucks, each carrying 1,200 bags of 25kg rice, to every state in the federation. Ememobong conveyed Governor Umo Eno’s gratitude for this gesture, noting that it demonstrates the government’s responsiveness and care in addressing the food crisis and hunger challenges faced by citizens.

Ememobong also revealed that the state will soon receive an additional 24,000 bags of 25kg rice, bringing the total to 48,000 bags. This will allow for the distribution of 20 bags of 25kg rice to each of the 2,272 gazetted villages in Akwa Ibom. The distribution will be managed at council headquarters by the council chairmen.

The food intervention aims to mitigate the hardships currently being experienced by citizens. Ememobong emphasized that the families benefiting from this intervention will have more food available, improving their situation. He also reiterated the state government’s commitment to finding long-term solutions to hunger through initiatives such as the “go-back-farm” program.

Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has reassured Nigerians that the House is diligently reviewing the 2024 Supplementary Budget bill submitted by President Bola Tinubu. This request, made pursuant to Section 58, sub-section two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, aims to fund critical infrastructure projects, education, healthcare access, and public welfare initiatives.

In an interview on Friday, July 19, Agbese stated, “We will scrutinise every bit of the budget proposal to ensure that ultimately each kobo is well utilised and that the budget is in the best interest of our constituents.” The ₦6.2 trillion budget is divided into two main components: ₦3.2 trillion for Renewed Hope infrastructure projects and other critical infrastructure projects across the country, and ₦3 trillion to meet further recurrent expenditure requirements necessary for the proper operation of the Federal Government.

Agbese emphasized that the House will engage with stakeholders, conduct public hearings, and scrutinize the bill to ensure that it serves the best interests of Nigerians. He further explained that the House would work closely with the Senate to ensure the bill’s swift passage.

“We will work together to ensure that the budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and oversight,” Agbese said. He highlighted that the focus areas in the supplementary budget include critical infrastructure projects that will impact the lives of Nigerians, such as roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities. Additionally, the budget will address education and public welfare initiatives to benefit constituents across the country.

Agbese assured that the House would take the time necessary to ensure the supplementary budget is passed with the required scrutiny and oversight, rather than rushing the process.

Ibom Air has refuted claims that it has been blacklisted over contract breaches. The company’s management described these allegations as false and misleading. Aniekan Essienette, the Group Manager of Marketing and Communication, stated in a press release from Uyo that the airline has not been blacklisted by any lessor, whether local or international, as the company owns all its aircraft.

Essienette emphasized, “We did not take any aircraft on lease from any lessor.” She reiterated that Ibom Air’s reputation has been unfairly tarnished by these erroneous reports, which contradict the company’s high corporate governance standards. She assured business partners that Ibom Air owns all seven aircraft it operates, all of which are financed by Nigerian banks.

Furthermore, Essienette confirmed that Ibom Air is in good standing with its financiers and remains committed to honoring all agreements it has entered into.