“Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives would guide Nigeria towards advancement and wealth.

He conveyed this assurance during a gathering with officials from the Forum of APC Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

Ganduje praised Tinubu’s leadership qualities, highlighting his bold decisions that, unlike previous administrations, are poised to propel the country toward prosperity and development. He emphasized the forthcoming positive impacts of Tinubu’s reforms, such as enhanced fuel production in refineries and the introduction of cost-effective CNG vehicles for transportation. Ganduje affirmed that Tinubu’s reforms will elevate Nigeria to a higher level.”

The Adamawa State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has formally introduced its newly elected leadership.

The fresh executive team, set to serve for a five-year tenure, comprises Rev Joel Danjuma Manzo as Chairman, Rev Victor Saje as Vice Chairman, Rev Emeka Obionyo as Secretary, Rev Gambo Bupwada as Assistant Secretary, and Rev Malacy Wache as Treasurer.

The inauguration, held at St Monica Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, LCCN, situated in Jimeta, Yola, also saw the induction of departmental heads. Barrister Victor Eze takes on the role of Director of Legal and Public Affairs, while Pastor Ishaku Shehu assumes the position of Director for State Issues and Welfare. Evangelist Haruna Donge is appointed as Director for Planning, Research, and Strategy, and David Simon Dzalla will serve as Director of Education, Women, and Youths.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the National President of CAN, represented by Prof Samson Fatokun, the National Secretary, expressed confidence in the abilities of the new executives and advised them to uphold fairness in their duties.

The Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, represented by the State Commissioner of Women Affairs, Wunfe Anthony, emphasized the importance of religious leaders promoting peaceful coexistence. She assured governmental support for the success of the new CAN leadership.

In his inaugural address, the new State CAN Chairman, Rev Joel Manzo, urged all residents to prioritize peace. He pledged to build upon the achievements of the former CAN chairman, Bishop Stephen Mamza, who continues to serve as the Catholic Bishop of Yola.

“President Tinubu Greenlights N3.3 Trillion Partial Payment for Power Sector Debts”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given the go-ahead for the partial payment of Nigeria’s staggering N3.3 trillion power sector debts, a move aimed at addressing longstanding financial challenges within the sector. Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, announced this development during the 8th Africa Energy Marketplace in Abuja on Thursday.

The breakdown of the approved payment plan reveals that the federal government’s N1.3 trillion debt to power-generating companies will be settled through a combination of cash injections and promissory notes. Additionally, approximately $1.3 billion (equivalent to N1.994 trillion at the current official exchange rate) owed to gas companies will be repaid via cash payments and future royalties.

Adelabu emphasized that the government has already initiated payments towards the N1.3 trillion debt owed to power-generating companies, with plans to address the remaining portion through promissory notes over the next two to five years. Furthermore, he highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing outstanding debts owed to gas suppliers, with a recent $120 million payment made in March as part of the $1.3 billion owed.

Despite these efforts to alleviate financial strains within the power sector, challenges persist, as evidenced by the recent approval of a 230% electricity tariff hike for band A customers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. While the government later reduced the hike, reactions from various quarters, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, indicate widespread opposition to the tariff adjustment.

The decision to address power sector debts reflects a concerted effort by the government to stabilize the sector and enhance electricity supply across the country. However, ongoing debates surrounding tariff adjustments underscore the complexity of balancing financial sustainability with consumer affordability in the quest for a more reliable and accessible power infrastructure.

Title: “NCC Cracks Down on Pre-Registered SIM Cards: Illicit Practice Sparks National Security Concerns”

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a firm stance against the illicit trade of pre-registered SIM cards, issuing a stark warning to Nigerians regarding the severe dangers associated with their purchase and use. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Commission emphasized that such actions are not only illegal but also pose significant threats to national security, potentially leading to imprisonment for offenders.

Pre-registered SIM cards, which are often sold through unauthorized channels, have been identified as a breeding ground for criminal activities, including identity theft, financial fraud, kidnapping, and armed robbery. The NCC underscored that individuals unwittingly using these SIM cards run the risk of being implicated in serious crimes, facing legal consequences as a result.

Furthermore, the NCC expressed concern over the adverse impact of pre-registered SIM cards on data accuracy and law enforcement efforts. By circumventing proper registration procedures, the reliability of consumer information is compromised, hindering authorities’ ability to track and apprehend criminals effectively. This undermines the integrity of telecommunications services and poses a significant challenge to maintaining public safety and order.

In light of these risks, the NCC’s message serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action. By raising awareness about the perils associated with pre-registered SIM cards, the Commission aims to educate the public and foster compliance with legal regulations governing the telecommunications sector. Through concerted efforts to eradicate this illicit practice, the NCC seeks to safeguard national security and ensure the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.

Mukaila Lamidi, also known as Auxiliary and a former chairman of the Park Management System in Oyo State, has been remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre by an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan. Chief Magistrate Olabisi Ogunkanmi ordered the remand on Thursday, citing a lack of jurisdiction.

Auxiliary was recently apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his residence in the Olodo area of Ibadan. This arrest came months after the police had declared him wanted for his alleged involvement in multiple armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders. He was publicly presented on Thursday morning by the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola.

During the presentation, Commissioner Adebola credited a cooperative effort with other security agencies for Auxiliary’s arrest and expressed gratitude to the public for their valuable information in combating crime.

Magistrate Ogunkanmi stated that Lamidi’s remand will continue until legal advice is received from the state Director of Public Prosecution. The case was adjourned until July 11 for further mention.

Lamidi faces a four-count charge, including conspiracy, causing death, and theft. CSP Funke Fawole, head of the Police Command’s Legal Department, informed the court that Lamidi and accomplices, who are still at large, allegedly committed these crimes at the Baba-Onilu Shopping Complex on Iwo Road, Ibadan. The charges include violations of Sections 383 and 316, punishable under Sections 319, 111, 390 (9), 324, and 516 of the Oyo State Criminal Code Laws of 2000.

Fawole detailed that on June 16, 2021, Lamidi and his accomplices allegedly caused the death of Azeez Rahman Abiodun, 36, by stabbing him in the chest. On the same day, they also allegedly conspired to steal assorted phones valued at N150 million from Azeez Hammed Adebayo.

Six months have passed since the tragic murder of Taiwo Oyekanmi, the Director of Finance for the Ogun State governor’s office, yet his killers remain at large. Oyekanmi was fatally shot on November 29, 2023, while returning from a bank where he had withdrawn a substantial sum of money for government use.

Reports indicate that five hooded gunmen hijacked the bullion van carrying the funds as it ascended the popular Kuto Bridge in Abeokuta. They opened fire on Oyekanmi, broke into the bullion van with sledgehammers, and made off with the money. Despite the Ogun State Government’s offer of a N50 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators, no arrests have been made.

While the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, previously stated that investigations were at an advanced stage, there have been no recent updates on the case. When contacted, the command’s spokesman, Omolola Odutola, failed to provide further information, suggesting that members of the public could assist the police by providing relevant information.

The lack of progress in apprehending Oyekanmi’s killers underscores the importance of community involvement in crime-solving efforts and the need for continued pressure on law enforcement to ensure justice for the victim and his family.

Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, reiterated that ensuring the proper conduct of elections in Nigeria is the responsibility of every citizen. During a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Prof. Simeon Bamire, Agboke highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and academic institutions like OAU.

He commended the lecturers of OAU for their performance as INEC adhoc staff during the 2022 gubernatorial election and the 2023 general elections, emphasizing the need for further collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking to improve the electoral process. Agboke emphasized that achieving success in elections requires collective effort and innovative solutions.

In response, Prof. Bamire acknowledged the significance of INEC in Nigeria’s democratic process and expressed satisfaction with its achievements, despite challenges in the country. He assured Agboke of the university’s support and willingness to collaborate with INEC whenever needed, emphasizing the importance of working together to enhance the electoral process.

The EFCC, alongside the Federal Government, is doubling down on its efforts to combat the proliferation of false information in Nigeria. This collaboration was emphasized during the official launch of the EFCC Radio, 97.3 FM, in Abuja, where Minister Mohammed Idris and EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede expressed their strong support.

Minister Idris praised the EFCC for its tireless work in addressing economic and financial crimes, stressing the agency’s undeniable impact in Nigeria. He specifically commended the establishment of the radio station as a vital tool in challenging misinformation and biased narratives regarding EFCC’s activities.

Assuring continued backing, Idris promised increased support and cooperation in the radio station’s operations and other initiatives by the commission.

Olukoyede reflected on the journey toward establishing the radio station, labeling its launch as a significant achievement. He condemned the spread of false information, recognizing its detrimental effects on the EFCC’s anti-corruption efforts, and emphasized the radio station’s role in disseminating accurate narratives.

Senator Emmanuel Udende reiterated corruption’s harmful effects on Nigeria’s progress, emphasizing its status as a major obstacle to national advancement.

Honourable Kayode Akinolu urged Nigerians to embrace EFCC Radio as their primary source of information, underscoring the importance of public awareness in the fight against corruption.

Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed his devastation over the collapse of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Amphitheatre roof. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor conveyed his prayers for the quick recovery of the injured students and assured them of the state government’s support. Adeleke directed the Commissioner for Education to collaborate with the university authorities to provide necessary interventions to mitigate the impact on the affected individuals. He urged the people of the state to stand in solidarity with the institution and injured students, offering any available support, including blood donations if needed.

The governor emphasized his hope for the swift recovery of the injured students and expressed confidence that OAU would overcome this challenge and continue its pursuit of academic excellence.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Simeon Bamire, confirmed that the injured students received prompt medical attention, and academic and administrative activities continue while the Amphitheatre remains closed for assessment and repair.

A significant step forward in addressing wildlife conservation and protection in Nigeria.

The Wildlife Trafficking and Habitat Destruction Bill has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives during Thursday’s plenary session. Sponsored by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency of Benue State, the bill aims to combat the rising threats of wildlife trade and trafficking by establishing a robust legislative framework.

Highlighting the urgency of addressing these challenges, Hon. Ugbor emphasized the need for the 10th National Assembly to confront issues such as illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss, and the decline of Nigeria’s unique wildlife populations. He stressed the importance of reviewing the existing legal framework to enhance law enforcement capabilities and impose strict penalties on poachers and traffickers.

The bill proposes measures to strengthen law enforcement agencies, empower investigators with broader authority, expedite wildlife cases, and recover assets related to illegal activities. It also aligns with international treaties, encourages global cooperation, and seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Recognizing the critical role of protecting endangered species, members of the House voiced their support for the bill, citing its alignment with international treaties and the need to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity.

Following deliberations, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, passed the bill for a second reading after a vote. He referred it to the House Committee on Environment, tasking them to submit their report within two weeks for further consideration.

The Nigerian government has assured the public of the safety and security of the country’s N20 trillion pension fund. Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, addressed concerns in a statement on Thursday, following criticisms from labor unions regarding potential tampering with the fund. Edun clarified that there are strict regulations governing the pension industry, ensuring the protection of workers’ savings. He emphasized that the government has no intention of exceeding these regulations and denied allegations of borrowing the pension fund for infrastructure development. Instead, there is an initiative to explore how these funds can be used within legal bounds to drive investment in key growth areas.