It’s commendable to see Bauchi State’s commitment to health through the declaration of a state of emergency and a pledge to allocate 15% of its budget to health, aligning with the Abuja Declaration. This initiative underscores their dedication to improving health services and immunisation coverage, especially crucial given the challenges highlighted in some local government areas. The collaboration with organizations like AHBN and AFENET also shows a proactive approach in addressing gaps in immunisation and healthcare financing.

The Nigerian Army has arrested 21 suspects and confiscated 10 boats, five vehicles, and several motorcycles in a crackdown on illegal oil refineries in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. The operation, led by Major General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division, was part of ‘Operation Udoka’ targeting oil bunkering activities in the state.

Thursday’s raid at Obuaku and Imo River Waterside in Ipu town followed previous operations within the month at Obuaku and Isimini Waterside, where approximately 20 suspects were apprehended and 16 boats were seized. During the latest operation, the troops destroyed numerous oil storage tanks, crude oil, and illegally refined petroleum products.

Maj.-Gen. Dada emphasized the detrimental effect of oil vandalism on the national economy and declared a commitment to preventing such activities within the Division’s jurisdiction. He issued a stern warning to those involved in these illegal operations to desist or face severe consequences, noting that the arrested suspects would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for prosecution.

Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), reported that the agency responded to 850 incidents in the first six months of 2024 and a total of 7,292 incidents from June 1, 2019, to June 30, 2024. In June alone, LASEMA attended to 126 incidents, with trucks and tankers accounting for the highest number at 47 incidents. These included 29 accidents, 16 breakdowns, one fallen truck or tanker, and one fallen container. Road accidents comprised 33 incidents, followed by 21 medical emergencies and 14 fire disasters.

The analysis revealed that Alimosho Local Government Area had the highest number of incidents with 25, followed by Ikeja (16), Eti-Osa (15), and Kosofe (10). Other areas with notable incidents included Mushin, Oshodi-Isolo (eight each), Surulere (seven), Agege (six), and Shomolu (five). Some local governments like Apapa, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Lagos Island recorded four incidents each, while Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos Mainland, and Ajeromi-Ifelodun had three incidents each. Epe and Ikorodu recorded the lowest number of incidents with two each.

Dr. Oke-Osanyintolu highlighted that LASEMA responded to various emergencies, including building collapses, fire outbreaks, and medical emergencies. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance and preparedness, urging airline operators to stay updated with weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective operational planning.

Bashir El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, caused a stir on social media when he asserted that President Bola Tinubu would be voted out in the 2027 elections. This statement prompted a response from the Arewa Progressive Forum for Good Governance (APFGG), a northern group. They criticized Bashir and defended Tinubu’s presidency, emphasizing that Northerners would support Tinubu’s re-election.

Bashir’s comments, made on his X account on July 10, 2024, implied that Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani could face unexpected results in the upcoming general elections without repercussions. He wrote about the potential for electoral change and mentioned the IMF and World Bank, suggesting they wouldn’t be able to intervene.

In response, APFGG condemned Bashir’s remarks and challenged his father, Nasir El-Rufai, to run against Tinubu in 2027. They argued that Tinubu’s political structure and efforts to address insecurity and economic hardship would secure him the support of Northern voters. The group also highlighted accusations against Nasir El-Rufai involving ₦423 billion in state funds.

APFGG’s Chairman, Malam Ibrahim Musa Bichi, emphasized Tinubu’s work through the Renewed Hope Agenda and expressed confidence that the real voters in the North would continue to back Tinubu’s administration. The group called on Bashir to recognize the President’s efforts and the support he has garnered within the region.

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather outlook predicting thunderstorms and rains across various parts of the country from Friday to Sunday. NiMet has advised airline operators to obtain updated weather reports and forecasts for effective planning and safety in their operations.

Here’s a summary of the weather forecast:

**Friday:**
– **Morning:** Thunderstorms expected over parts of Kano State and Kaduna State.
– **Later in the Day:** Thunderstorms anticipated in Bauchi State, Gombe State, Zamfara, Sokoto State, Kaduna State, Adamawa, and Taraba.
– **North Central Region (Morning):** Thunderstorms and rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Benue, Niger, and Nasarawa State.
– **North Central Region (Later in the Day):** Thunderstorms in the FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kwara.
– **Southern Region (Morning):** Rains in Oyo State, Ogun, Osun, Edo, Ondo State, Lagos State, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Delta.
– **Southern Region (Later in the Day):** Intermittent rains expected across the entire Southern region.

**Saturday:**
– **Morning:** Thunderstorms expected over Kebbi, Kaduna State, and Zamfara.
– **Afternoon/Evening:** Thunderstorms in Gombe State, Kaduna State, and Bauchi State.
– **Morning (North Central):** Thunderstorms and rains over the FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa State, and Niger.
– **Later in the Day (North Central):** Thunderstorms and rains in the FCT, Plateau, Nasarawa State, and Benue.
– **Southern Region (Morning):** Rains over parts of Ondo State, Ogun, Edo, and Lagos State.
– **Southern Region (Later in the Day):** Intermittent rains expected in Osun, Oyo State, Ogun, Ondo State, Lagos State, Delta, Edo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.

**Sunday:**
– **Morning:** Thunderstorms expected in parts of Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe State, and Bauchi State.
– **Later in the Day:** Thunderstorms anticipated in Katsina State, Zamfara, Sokoto State, and Kebbi.
– **Morning (North Central):** Rains expected in the FCT, Nasarawa State, Plateau, and Niger.
– **Afternoon/Evening (North Central):** Partly cloudy conditions expected.
– **Southern Region (Morning):** Rains over parts of Edo and Lagos State.
– **Southern Region (Afternoon/Evening):** Intermittent rains in Ondo State, Ekiti, and Osun.

NiMet has urged the public to take necessary precautions as strong winds may precede the thunderstorms in affected areas. Airline operators are advised to keep abreast of updated weather reports from NiMet to ensure the safety and efficiency of their operations.

Ever since failing to make President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term cabinet after serving as the Minister of Youth and Sports from 2015 to 2019, Solomon Dalung has emerged as an outspoken critic of the government. Dalung has turned his social media accounts into platforms for critiquing the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari in May 2023.

Dalung has consistently voiced his discontent with the Tinubu administration. In a July 9, 2024 post on X (formerly Twitter), he expressed regret for initially supporting Tinubu, labeling his leadership as a “tragedy” and accusing him of fostering injustice, nepotism, corruption, and impunity. Dalung’s critique extends beyond Tinubu’s leadership, questioning the legitimacy of the electoral process that brought Tinubu to power. He has called for a revolution, urging Nigerians to protest against what he describes as incompetent governance.

In his posts, Dalung criticizes the current administration for failing to address insecurity and economic issues. He accuses Tinubu of being insincere, pointing to instances where the president has asked citizens to sacrifice while his government remains wasteful. Dalung’s fiery rhetoric includes questioning the fairness of the 2023 elections and lamenting the overall state of the nation under Tinubu’s leadership.

Dalung’s endgame appears to be inciting a popular movement against bad governance. He has posted videos of himself dressed in animal skin clothing, reacting to revolutionary songs, and calling for an end to oppression and poor leadership. These posts, featuring music from South African anti-apartheid protests and other revolutionary themes, underscore his call for Nigerians to demand better governance.

Despite his criticisms, Dalung insists that his activism is not a new development but a continuation of his lifelong struggle for justice. He often references his past experiences, such as his arrest and detention alongside former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1995, to bolster his credibility as a genuine advocate for change.

While Dalung’s campaign against the current administration has garnered attention, it also reflects a common trend where former government officials become vocal critics after leaving office. Dalung, however, positions himself as different, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to the struggle for justice and better governance in Nigeria.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will officially be crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland today. The 89-year-old ex-serviceman ascends the throne following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024. As part of the traditional ascension rituals, Olakulehin will tour the Oluwo Labosinde compound at Oja’ba, Ibadan, and the Ose Meji shrine before being crowned. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will then present the staff and other instruments of office to him at Mapo Hall.

Olakulehin became Mogaji in 1986 and had long aspired to ascend the throne. He expressed confidence in reaching this position when he first assumed the Mogaji title over three decades ago.

Controversy has surrounded Olakulehin’s health, with some kingmakers, including Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun of Ibadan, raising concerns about his fitness for the throne. Ajibola claimed that Olakulehin’s ascension was being forced despite his health issues. However, Olakulehin’s family and other kingmakers have rejected these concerns, insisting that he is fit to take on the role.

The ceremony at Mapo Hall, where Governor Makinde will present the instruments of office, marks the official beginning of Olakulehin’s reign as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Senator Ali Ndume has faced criticism following his remarks about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership. Ndume suggested that President Tinubu is unaware of the current security and food crises in Nigeria because he has been ‘caged’ by certain individuals in power. These comments were made during an interview at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on July 10, 2024.

In response, the Progressive Students Movement (PSM) condemned Ndume’s statement. PSM President Bestman Okereafor called the remarks “diminishing and derogatory to the esteemed office of the Executive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” He argued that President Tinubu is fully aware of and in control of the country’s affairs and urged Ndume to propose constructive solutions to the issues affecting Nigeria, especially in his senatorial district. Okereafor also noted the insensitivity of Ndume’s comments, given that Vice President Shettima is from Borno State, Ndume’s constituency.

Furthermore, Okereafor emphasized the importance of addressing the nation’s pressing problems, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and the unregulated sale of PMS, urging President Tinubu to take swift action.

On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court of Nigeria granted financial autonomy to the 774 local government areas in the country. This decision mandates that state governments can no longer receive funds on behalf of local government councils; instead, allocations will be paid directly to the councils from the federation account. The ruling aims to prevent state governments from misusing local government funds and requires that only democratically elected officials, rather than appointees, run local governments.

The reaction from Nigerians on social media has been largely positive, with many seeing this development as a step forward for grassroots governance. Public affairs analysts and civil society organizations have also expressed optimism about the potential impact of this ruling.

Emmanuel Njoku, Director of Democracy and Governance at Connected Development (CODE), described the ruling as a victory for democracy and a significant opportunity for Nigerian youths to engage in local politics and leadership. Njoku, however, cautioned that political challenges, such as the control of State Independent Electoral Commissions, might still hinder the full realization of local government autonomy.

Paul James, Election Program Officer at YIAGA Africa, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the verdict reinforces the local government as a valid third tier of government and is crucial for service delivery at the grassroots level. James also called for further reforms, including ensuring that local government elections are conducted democratically.

Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate, offered a more skeptical view, arguing that the ruling would be ineffective if state governors continue to manipulate local government elections.

Despite these concerns, the general sentiment is that financial autonomy for local governments is a positive development that will increase scrutiny and accountability at the grassroots level.

The Yobe State Government, under Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration since 2019, has employed 3,196 youths in various sectors of the state’s civil service. The employees hold degrees, diplomas, and National Certificates of Education (NCE). Alhaji Barma Shettima, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development, stated that the recruitment aimed to empower youths and reduce redundancy, crime, and social vices.

The employed youths include doctors, pharmacists, midwives, nurses, and laboratory technicians. Additionally, the governor appointed young individuals as chief executives in key government establishments like the Yobe Scholarship Board and the Yobe Information Technology Development Agency. Youths have also been trained in trades such as cosmetology, modern crop cultivation, and animal production to foster meaningful engagement and state development.

The administration also achieved the domestication of the Child Rights Protection Act, with efforts to train stakeholders and sensitize the public about the law. Furthermore, Yobe is set to host the 2024 North East Zonal Sports Festival, and local traditional sports like wrestling and ‘langa’ are being promoted among the youth. Plans are underway to upgrade several stadia, including the August 27 Stadium in Damaturu, to international standards.

Prof. Chidi Odinkalu discussed the Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy in Nigeria. According to him, despite changes in the method of fund allocation to local governments, state governors will still retain control. This is because governors can influence local elections to install preferred chairmen who will return the funds to them. Odinkalu argues that the mandate, as established by the Supreme Court, is not truly with the people but rather with the politicians, making the reforms ineffective without addressing this underlying issue.

Shaba Mohammed, Director of Investigation and Enforcement at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has issued a stern warning against obstructing NAFDAC personnel during enforcement operations targeting substandard drugs and falsified goods. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, Mohammed emphasized that attacks on NAFDAC’s enforcement team, such as the incident in February involving drug hawkers and touts, will not be tolerated.

Several individuals involved in the February attack have been arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mohammed stressed that these legal actions are intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions.

“Those arraigned recently in the court are part of those who attacked NAFDAC officials while on enforcement duty some months ago. Arraigning them in court is to pay for their sins; this is also to advise the public to desist from attacking NAFDAC staff while on duty,” he said.

Mohammed acknowledged that counterfeit products still circulate within the country, largely due to the activities of unscrupulous individuals who exploit hawkers to distribute these illicit goods. NAFDAC is committed to eradicating this problem by continuing to arrest hawkers and tracing the sources of counterfeit products, whether imported or locally produced.

“The public should support NAFDAC to sanitise the system. Anyone caught in such an act will be prosecuted thoroughly because that is obstruction of a Federal Government team in performing its jobs. Sales of drugs in marketplaces, hawking, or in moving vehicles is actually prohibited by NAFDAC law. This is regarded as a criminal act, and that is why we are prosecuting those that have committed crimes against the NAFDAC act,” he stated.

As Director of Investigation and Enforcement, Mohammed will collaborate closely with the Federal Task Force, which includes other related agencies such as the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, Customs Service, and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC). The task force’s strategies to curb counterfeit drugs include manning points of entry to intercept illicit products and deploying Post Marketing Surveillance officials who will operate as undercover agents.

Mohammed urged the public to support NAFDAC’s efforts in sanitizing the system and emphasized that all individuals involved in obstructing NAFDAC’s operations or distributing counterfeit products will face prosecution.

Emmanuel Nnamani, the Executive Chairman of the Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS), has issued a stern warning against the issuance of fake receipts to taxpayers, highlighting that impersonation of the organization is a criminal offense. This announcement came in response to recent fraudulent activities involving fake notices and receipts in the state.

Nnamani clarified that a printed notice for Capital Gains Tax dated July 2, which requested taxpayers to make payments into personal accounts, was not an official communication from ESIRS. He emphasized that the fraudulent plot was designed to defraud taxpayers in Enugu State by impersonating the revenue service.

The chairman condemned these malicious acts, particularly targeting the Nsukka area, and reiterated that ESIRS had not issued any fake Capital Gains Tax notices. He urged the public to be vigilant and to report any imposters or suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.

“Kindly discard any letterhead, receipt, or individual directing you to pay to an individual account. Be cautious, send this message to friends and family,” Nnamani advised.

He further stressed that all state Internal Generated Revenue payments must be made into the state account through any commercial bank using PayDirect, Remita, eTranzact, Flutterwave, or by paying online at www.irs.en.gov.ng. This measure ensures that all transactions are secure and verifiable, safeguarding taxpayers from fraudulent schemes.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold initiatives to promote livestock development and end the persistent herders-farmers conflicts across communities. He highlighted the recent inauguration of the livestock reforms implementation committee and the establishment of the Ministry for Livestock Development as historic efforts to transform the agricultural landscape and enhance food security sustainably.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by his Counselor and Senior Advisor, Sa’adu Salaudeen, at the launch of the National Animal Identification Traceability System (NAITS) for the state, organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the governor expressed his appreciation for these significant steps. He noted that President Tinubu’s inauguration of the livestock reforms committee and the creation of the Ministry for Livestock Development have generated national excitement about the future of livestock value chains and the potential to end the recurrent clashes between herders and farmers.

Governor AbdulRazaq also praised the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and his team for their dedication to transforming the agricultural sector and supporting economic diversification. He pledged to support the agricultural initiative by facilitating the construction and equipping of the Kwara NAITS center and called for further collaboration with the federal government, particularly in developing irrigation for year-round farming and agricultural mechanization.

Sen. Abdullahi emphasized that NAITS is part of President Tinubu’s national livestock transformation programs aimed at reducing cattle rustling, minimizing farmers-herders clashes, and fostering peaceful coexistence in the country. He highlighted the administration’s efforts to develop the livestock industry to meet domestic demands and eventually export to foreign markets. Abdullahi called on key stakeholders to view NAITS as a beneficial initiative and praised Governor AbdulRazaq for his commitment to agricultural development in Kwara State.

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, affirmed that the state government would continue leveraging technology and innovation to drive agricultural transformation. She emphasized that NAITS is a critical tool for agricultural excellence and highlighted its potential to improve farmers’ livelihoods, enhance food production, facilitate access to new markets and finance, and reduce poverty.