The Niger Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Ministry of Youths Development to engage corps members in agricultural activities to support food security. The signing ceremony took place at the Government House in Minna, with Governor Mohammed Bago representing the state and Minister for Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, representing the ministry.

Governor Bago highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision for food security and focuses on youth empowerment through agriculture. He emphasized that with youth comprising 80% of Nigeria’s population, venturing into agriculture would help them become self-reliant. The partnership aims to leverage the manpower represented by the corps members, addressing the need for more professionals in the agricultural value chain.

The governor also mentioned that the state is committed to an agricultural revolution, including building the largest greenhouse estate in Africa, which could employ a million people. Additionally, the state is developing 100 farm estates and cultivating 250,000 hectares of land across its 25 local government areas.

Minister Bio-Ibrahim praised the governor for his dedication to supporting the NYSC and for investing in the construction of a permanent NYSC camp in the state. She noted that this partnership would help the NYSC become self-sustaining amid current economic changes.

The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has forecasted thunderstorms and rains across various parts of the country from Wednesday to Friday. There is a high likelihood of continuous rains in Lagos, which might lead to flooding.

On Wednesday, morning thunderstorms are expected over Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Taraba, and Adamawa states, with afternoon and evening thunderstorms over Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Kaduna, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe states. In the North Central region, thunderstorms are expected in the morning over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, and Niger states, and later in the day over Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, the Federal Capital Territory, and Benue states. The southern region will see morning rains over Lagos, Ondo, Delta, Ogun, Abia, Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, with thunderstorms and rains expected over the entire region in the afternoon and evening.

On Thursday, morning thunderstorms are anticipated over Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna states, with afternoon and evening thunderstorms over Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa states. In the North Central region, morning thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger states, with thunderstorms later in the day over Nasarawa, Plateau, and Benue states. The southern region will experience morning thunderstorms and rains over Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Lagos, Delta, Abia, Rivers, Edo, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, with rains expected over the entire region in the afternoon and evening.

On Friday, morning thunderstorms are expected over Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, and Gombe states, with thunderstorms over the entire region later in the day. In the North Central region, the morning will be partly cloudy, with thunderstorms later in the day over the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Nasarawa, Niger, Benue, and Kogi states. The southern region will see morning rains over Lagos, Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River states, with rains expected over the entire region in the afternoon and evening.

NIMET advises the public to take adequate precautions due to the likelihood of strong winds preceding the rains and potential flood incidents, especially in areas expecting continuous rains. Airline operators are encouraged to obtain updated weather reports and forecasts from NIMET for effective planning of their operations.

The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) has shortlisted 98 lawyers for the 2024 conferment of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) title. This list includes 87 advocate applicants and 11 academic applicants. The announcement was made by Hajo Bello, the chief registrar of the Supreme Court and secretary of the LPPC, on Monday, July 1.

Bello clarified that the publication of the list does not guarantee that the applicants will receive the SAN title. The general public is invited to comment on the integrity, reputation, and competence of the listed applicants. Complaints about any applicant must be accompanied by a verifying affidavit, deposed before a superior court of record in Nigeria or a notary public, and submitted in twenty copies.

The shortlisted advocate applicants, in order of seniority at the bar, are:

1. Lateef Olaseinde Karim, Esq.
2. Godwin Tagbo Ike, Esq.
3. Johnson Odionu, Esq.
4. Nnodim Marcellinus Duru, Esq.
5. Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia, Esq.
6. Soronnadi Anthony Njoku, Esq.
7. Adamu Abubakar, Esq.
8. Charles Oyaole Musa, Esq.
9. Udochi Nunny Iheanacho, Esq.
10. David Dare Onietan, Esq.
11. Elele Chinatu Casmir, Esq.
12. Josiah Rapuluchuks Nduka, Esq.
13. Godwin Ikechukwu Obeta, Esq.
14. Habeeb Orisavia Ilavbare, Esq.
15. Moses Kolade Obafemi, Esq.
16. Mathew Echezonam Esonanjor, Esq.
17. Baba Fika Dalah, Esq.
18. Babatunde Ademoye Sodipo, Esq.
19. Mustapha Ikhegbe Abubakar, Esq.
20. Emmanuel Ibhagbemien Esene, Esq.
21. Henry Adedayo Bello, Esq.
22. Boniface Chinedu Moore, Esq.
23. Clement Amechi Ezika, Esq.
24. Omokayode Adebayo Dada, Esq.
25. Edwin Anikwem, Esq.
26. Roy Ogbonnaya Umahi Nwaeze, Esq.
27. Olumide Oniyire Olugbenga, Esq.
28. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, Esq.
29. Ayoola Olufemi Ajayi, Esq.
30. Paul Chukwuma Obi, Esq.
31. Olasupo Dominic Ati-John, Esq.
32. Cole Segun Ololade, Esq.
33. Charles Ayodeji Adeogun-Phillips, Esq.
34. Okechukwu Kingsley Ajunwa, Esq.
35. Jacob Ocheogbu Ifere, Esq.
36. Emmanuel Aderemi Adekile, Esq.
37. Christopher Ehumadu Okeke, Esq.
38. Waziri Yusha’u Mamman, Esq.
39. Oluronke Adeyemi, Esq.
40. Oluwole Olawale Afolabi, Esq.
41. Toboukebide Kekemeke, Esq.
42. Akinbamigbe Adesomoju, Esq.
43. Victor Owarienomare Odjemu, Esq.
44. Josiah Ojochide Daniel-Ebune, Esq.
45. Olukunle Ogheneovo Edun, Esq.
46. Abdulaziz Enebi Ibrahim, Esq.
47. Stanley Chidozie Imo, Esq.
48. Charles Oladipo Titiloye, Esq.
49. Abdulkarim Kana Abubakar, Esq.
50. Kingsley Chuku, Esq.
51. Adeyinka Oluwaseun Aderemi, Esq.
52. Olaolu Akintunde Owolabi, Esq.
53. Adedeji Sharafadeen Abdulkadir, Esq.
54. Idowu Omotunde Benson, Esq.
55. Kolawole James Olowookere, Esq.
56. Chinasa Thelma Unaegbunam, Esq.
57. Ademola Oluwawolemi Esan, Esq.
58. Omosanya Atilola Popoola, Esq.
59. Taiye Ayotunde Oniyide, Esq.
60. Emonye Oga Adekwu, Esq.
61. Aderemi Oguntoye, Esq.
62. Kashopefoluwa Olawale Balogun, Esq.
63. Abdul Adamu, Esq.
64. Theodore Okey Ezeobi, Esq.
65. Rilwan Birnin Kebbi Umar, Esq.
66. Chienye Ifeanyichukwu Okafor, Esq.
67. Kaka Shehu Lawan, Esq.
68. Abba Muhammed, Esq.
69. Wendy Nwenenda Kuku, Esq.
70. Ekele Enyinnaya Iheanacho, Esq.
71. Okechukwu George Edeze, Esq.
72. Akinyemi Oluwole Olujinmi, Esq.
73. Gyang Yaya Zi, Esq.
74. Idris Abubakar, Esq.
75. George Ibrahim, Esq.
76. Boonyameen Babajide Lawal, Esq.
77. Terkaa Jeremiah Aondo, Esq.
78. Tochukwu Peter Tochukwu, Esq.
79. Uchenna Uzo Njoku, Esq.
80. Paul Babatunde Daudu, Esq.
81. Chukwudi Kachikwu Enebeli, Esq.
82. Yusuf Olatunji Ogunrinde, Esq.
83. Tobechukwu Kenechukwu Nweke, Esq.
84. Ademola Kamardeen Abimbola, Esq.
85. Yunus Abdulsalam, Esq.
86. Mofesomo Ayodeji Tayo-Oyetibo, Esq.
87. Chukwuemeka Agamadodaigwe Nnawuchi, Esq.

The shortlisted academic applicants, in order of seniority at the bar, are:

1. John Alewo Agbonika
2. Osy Ezechukwunyere Nwebo
3. Nlerum Sunday Okogbule
4. Nnamdi Onyeka Obiaraeri
5. Nathaniel Ahagbue Inegbedion
6. Collins Chijioke Obioma
7. Violet Aigbokhaevbo
8. Augustine Robert Agom
9. Ibrahim Abdulqadir Abikan
10. Chima Josephat Ubanyionwu
11. Ganiyu Adeyemi Oke

The LPPC has emphasized the importance of public feedback and transparency in the selection process for the prestigious SAN title.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has implemented measures to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive official information, emphasizing the legal repercussions of such actions. This warning was reiterated by George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), during a workshop organized by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms (BPSR) and the Office of the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

### Key Points:
– **Unauthorized Disclosure:** Akume, represented by Dr. Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the SGF, highlighted that unauthorized leakage of official documents is a felony, with no constitutional or Freedom of Information Act defense.
– **Legal Framework:** According to Section 97 (2) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria, any public service employee who abstracts or copies a document without proper authority commits a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison.
– **Past Measures:** In August 2021 and February 2024, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation issued service-wide circulars to contain the leakage of sensitive information, especially on social media.
– **Regulation of Civil Society Organizations:** Akume called for regulating civil society organizations that misuse the Freedom of Information Act to harass public officers and disseminate false information.
– **Role of Communication Managers:** Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of BPSR, emphasized the critical role of communication managers in government MDAs in preventing misinformation and ensuring accurate and prompt information delivery to the public. He urged them to familiarize themselves with the Official Secrets Act and use both traditional and social media platforms effectively.

### Workshop Theme:
The workshop, themed “Renewing Hope and Strengthening of National Unity through Effective Communication and the Role of the Official Secret Acts in Maintaining Confidentiality and National Security,” underscored the importance of accurate communication and the enforcement of confidentiality to maintain national security.

The government’s focus is on ensuring that sensitive information is protected and only disseminated through proper channels to maintain integrity and public trust.

The House of Representatives in Nigeria has introduced a bill to establish a new state named Etiti State in the South East region. This proposal is titled “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (HB. 1525)” and aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to increase the number of states from 36 to 37.

### Key Details of the Bill:
– **Introduction and Sponsors:** The bill was introduced by Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah and co-sponsored by Rep. Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Rep. Kama Nkemkama, Rep. Princess Chinwe Nnabuife, and Rep. Anayo Onwuegbu. It passed its first reading during a plenary session.
– **Proposed Changes:** The bill seeks to amend three sections of the 1999 Constitution to incorporate Etiti State into the constitution’s list of states, placing it after Enugu.
– **Geographical Composition:** Etiti State would be carved out from parts of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, encompassing 11 local government areas.
– **State Capital:** Lokpanta is proposed to be the capital of Etiti State.
– **Affected Local Government Areas:**
– **Abia:** Isuikwuato and Umu-Nneochi
– **Anambra:** Orumba North and Orumba South
– **Ebonyi:** Ivo and Ohaozara
– **Enugu:** Aninri, Agwu, and Oji River
– **Imo:** Okigwe and Onuimo

### Objective:
The bill aims to adjust the listing of local governments by state, reassigning the mentioned local government areas to the newly proposed Etiti State. If passed, this legislation would mark a significant reorganization of Nigeria’s state boundaries and administrative divisions.

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), in collaboration with Agence Française de Développement (AFD), has initiated the groundbreaking of the Mile 2 and Marina Interchange Hubs. These projects mark a major advancement in Lagos’ transportation infrastructure, aiming to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time for residents.

### Key Points of the Mile 2 and Marina Interchange Hubs:
– **Central Nexus:** The hubs are designed to be a central point for various transportation modes, including buses, BRT, and rail services.
– **Seamless Network:** This initiative is part of the broader Lagos State Transport Master Plan to create a seamless and efficient transport network.
– **Government Commitment:** Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, highlighted the project’s role in transforming Lagos into a world-class megacity, enhancing connectivity, and improving residents’ quality of life.
– **International Collaboration:** Xavier Muron, AFD’s Country Director in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of sustainable urban development and the effective movement of people as key goals of the project.
– **Modern Amenities:** The hubs will offer modern amenities, ensuring a superior travel experience.
– **Economic Impact:** Improved transport links are expected to stimulate local economies, attract investments, and create job opportunities, aligning with sustainable development goals.
– **Completion Timeline:** The project is slated for completion in 15 months, setting a new standard for public transportation infrastructure in Nigeria.

### About LAMATA
LAMATA is a governmental body tasked with coordinating public transportation in Lagos State, aiming to implement and maintain a sustainable and efficient transport system for improved mobility of Lagos residents.

About AFD
AFD is a public financial institution that implements France’s development policy, financing projects that enhance living conditions, promote economic growth, and protect the planet.

According to data from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), India has been the top country of origin for new Canadian citizens since 2005, with 536,279 individuals gaining citizenship. Nigeria also ranks significantly, with over 71,459 Nigerians becoming Canadian citizens between 2005 and 2024, placing Nigeria 10th among the countries of birth for new Canadian citizens.

This data highlights the diversity of Canada’s new citizen population, with new Canadians originating from at least 196 countries and territories. However, nearly half of the new citizens come from the top 10 countries of origin.

Political sociologist and migration expert Irene Bloemraad emphasized the benefits of high citizenship levels, noting a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes, a greater sense of belonging to Canada, and the ability to participate in elections and influence policy.

“Canada stands out among other immigrant-receiving countries in the very high level of citizenship among immigrants in the country. High levels of citizenship are a good thing: research shows a correlation between holding citizenship and better economic outcomes, a greater sense of belonging to Canada and, of course, the ability to participate in elections and have a say in policy,” Bloemraad said .

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) in Nigeria has urged Organised Labour to consider declaring a nationwide strike over the minimum wage and the recent increase in electricity tariffs. CDWR is calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) to initiate a 48-hour general strike and mass protest to demand a minimum wage of at least ₦200,000 and the reversal of all anti-poor policies.

Chinedu Bosah, the National Publicity Secretary of CDWR, emphasized the need for decisive action due to the deadlock in minimum wage negotiations between labor representatives and the government/private sector. He highlighted the recent successful mass protest in Kenya, which led to the withdrawal of a contentious policy, as a source of inspiration for Nigerians to force the government to reverse harmful policies.

“The mass protest of mostly young people has just forced the Ruto-led government in Kenya to withdraw the IMF/World Bank-inspired tax increment policy. This example shows that it is also possible for Nigerian working people and youth to force the Tinubu-led government to reverse the prices of petroleum products, electricity tariffs, fee hikes in public schools, and all other neo-liberal capitalist policies, policies which would give some immediate respite to most Nigerians,” Bosah stated.

CDWR also advocated for an automatic adjustment of the minimum wage in line with inflation and rising living costs to prevent wages from falling behind the poverty line. They emphasized that minimum wage adjustments should not wait for four or five years but should be aligned with the rate of inflation and rising costs of living.

The CDWR acknowledged the challenges in persuading the capitalist elite to agree to and implement these demands but emphasized the importance of a serious struggle to secure these vital concessions.

The call to action by CDWR reflects the ongoing economic hardships faced by many Nigerians, as well as the urgent need for policies that address the increasing cost of living and ensure economic justice for workers.

Nick Imudia, the Group CEO of D.light International, has passed away. The family of the former CEO of Konga, an e-commerce company, has strongly refuted rumors that he took his own life.

In a statement issued by Dr. Anthony N. Imudia, the family dismissed reports that Nick had made farewell calls to his brother and daughter, providing instructions before his death. Earlier reports suggested that Imudia had killed himself by jumping from the balcony of his Lekki, Lagos apartment on the night of Tuesday, June 25, 2024. The reports also stated that before jumping, he had instructed his United States-based brother on how to distribute his wealth should anything happen to him.

The family has labelled these claims as false. The statement, quoted by Sahara Reporters, read:

“The family of Nick Imudia is unhappy with the unprofessional manner the media has wrongly characterised the reporting of Nick Imudia’s death as suicide. This is also supported by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police’s office that has vowed to investigate the sudden death of Nick. Neither did Nick call his brother in America with instructions on how to distribute his wealth, nor placed a call to his daughter with any instructions.

“How come the news was reported so hastily (less than 3 hours from his death) before his family members even knew about it, and the medical team was still trying to resuscitate him at the hospital? The Imudia family wonders!”

Nick Imudia resided in Nairobi, Kenya, where D.light International’s headquarters are located, and he oversaw the company’s global operations from there.

A member of the House of Representatives, Prof. Oby Orogbu (LP-Anambra), representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency, recently distributed sewing and grinding machines to 200 widows and youths. This initiative aims to promote economic self-sufficiency, reduce poverty, and foster community development. The distribution event took place in Awka, in collaboration with the Federal College of Horticulture, Norton Innovation Services Ltd, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

During the event, Orogbu emphasized the importance of empowering women and youths as a means to promote sustainable development, alleviate poverty, and create a brighter future. She highlighted that the initiative, starting with 200 beneficiaries, is committed to mitigating the impact of ongoing economic challenges. Orogbu expressed optimism that this empowerment initiative would have a significant impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and the wider community, leading to the flourishing of small-scale businesses, upliftment of families, and thriving communities.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the lawmaker for the timely support. Patience Anagor, a widow from Amanuke community, stated that she would use the equipment to start her own business and support her family. Ejike Ikechukwu, a youth from Nise community, acknowledged the positive impact of the initiative on his life and promised to use the equipment responsibly.

This initiative demonstrates a commitment to community development and support for vulnerable groups in society, aiming to create opportunities for economic growth and self-reliance among widows and youths in the constituency.

In a recent case involving 25 students of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, who were charged with conspiracy, murder, and negligence, twelve students were discharged by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan. The charges stemmed from the alleged murder of Alex Timilehin, a 200-level Mechanical Engineering student, who was beaten to death by some of his colleagues over alleged phone theft.

The twelve discharged students are Kehinde Martins, Samuel Okorie, Mustapha Khalid, Yusuf Adeniran, Joseph Areoye, Iyanuoluwa Oyelakin, Obaloluwa Olalekan, Emmanuel Adejumobi, John Daudu, Moses Abiola, Hammad Tijani, and David Kolawole. Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi discharged these students based on legal advice indicating that there was no evidence linking them to the alleged offences.

Additionally, Femi Oladoye, a university security guard charged with negligence of duty, was granted bail for ₦250,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The court has adjourned the case until July 8 for further mention. The prosecutor, CSP Funke Fawole, stated that the remaining defendants were involved in the unlawful beating and subsequent death of Jefry Akro, using planks and electrical wires, while the security guard failed to prevent the incident. The offences are said to contravene Sections 516, 515, and 324 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

In the ongoing trial of former Governor Ayodele Fayose for ₦6.9 billion in fraud and money laundering, a prosecution witness, Abubakar Madaki, told a Federal High Court in Lagos that Fayose did not personally conduct any of the financial transactions related to the charges. This evidence emerged during cross-examination, where Madaki, an EFCC Investigating Officer, confirmed that his investigation was based on facts provided by others who witnessed or participated in the transactions.

Fayose, initially arraigned in October 2018, faces charges brought by the EFCC. He has consistently pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. The trial, now before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, resumed with Madaki continuing his testimony.

During cross-examination, the defense highlighted that Fayose did not personally handle any relevant transactions and that the witness based his findings on third-party accounts and recovered documents. The defense also questioned the absence of direct evidence linking Fayose to the receipt of funds from Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro or any document acknowledging such receipts.

The prosecution alleged that funds meant for Fayose’s gubernatorial campaign in Ekiti were transferred in a manner designed to disguise their source, with cash transactions avoiding institutional records. The trial is set to continue on July 19, as the defense challenges the evidence and the prosecution seeks to substantiate its claims of financial misconduct.

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the publication of the commission’s report reviewing the 2023 elections, now available on the INEC website. Speaking at the induction retreat for Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Lagos, Yakubu revealed that the commission has formulated 142 recommendations to enhance future electoral processes.

Yakubu highlighted the categorization of these recommendations, noting that most are actionable by INEC through administrative measures. Some require cooperation with security agencies, amendments to the electoral legal framework by the National Assembly, or implementation by political parties and other stakeholders. He assured that once the report is finalized, it will be publicly shared, and INEC will engage with Nigerians on the proposed reforms.

Yakubu emphasized the continuous nature of elections in Nigeria, mentioning the nine by-elections conducted since the inauguration of the National and State Assembly in 2023 and the five remaining by-elections before the 2027 general elections. He mentioned that the FCT Area Council elections are due in 2026, indicating no respite for the commission.

Addressing the flood disaster in Edo State, Yakubu reported that over 4,000 Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were affected, with about 3,500 recovered so far. He assured that additional support from neighboring states would be sought to ensure sufficient machines for the election.

The retreat aims not only to induct new appointees but also to review performance, reappraise processes, discuss innovations, and engage service providers. Yakubu emphasized the need for continuous improvement and implementation of reforms and innovations. He highlighted the importance of leveraging experience to address recurring challenges in pre-election and post-election litigations, logistics, voter education, strategic communication, combating fake news, inclusivity, voter registration, polling unit management, technology, political party issues, election security, and code of conduct.

Yakubu expressed gratitude to Development Associates Inc. (DAI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) for supporting the retreat and reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparent and inclusive elections. The retreat had in attendance RECs from the 36 states, directors, and other management staff members of the commission.