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Fire has gutted a part of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
As at the time of filing this report, the cause of the fire outbreak remains unknown but a source at the Federal Fire Service said firefighters are at the scene.
We will update this when we have more details.
The monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of Kogi State has risen from N300 million to N1.5 billion in the last seven years.
Governor Yahaya Bello made this revelation while fielding questions during a two-day training organised for crime and politics reporters in Abuja.
Gov Bello, while x-raying his administration in the last seven years, said the state’s monthly IGR fluctuated between N200m and N300m when he assumed office.
He noted that one of the things he realised on assumption of office was that there was no way the government could be able to meet the demand of the state’s people on a N300m IGR.
He said: “Kogi State has huge deposits of solid minerals. In a particular local government, I discovered that huge mining activities were going on. Some legal and others illegal and the legal ones were paying a meager sum to the government while they pocket over N10bn monthly.
“Other revenue sources were also going into private pockets. So, I decided that the state cannot continue like that. One of the things I then decided to do was to introduce the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and mandate all state revenue agencies to pay into the single account.
“We have grown the IGR to about N1.5bn monthly. With this, we have been able to implement people-oriented projects, starting from roads, education, and health.”
Daily Trust
…says $30bn GDP achievable
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Sunday, told all political appointees that they would be assessed by the performance benchmarks set for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), saying the administration was in a hurry to deliver on its campaign promises.
Mbah stated this in his closing remarks at a three-day Executive Leadership Retreat held for senior political appointees at the Nike Lake Resort in Enugu from Friday to Sunday.
Speaking at the retreat themed “Strategic Leadership for Disruptive Innovation and Sustainable Development” which brought together leadership, development, financial, climate, public sector, strategy and innovation experts such as Prof. Joseph Urama of the African Development Bank, Dr. Ibukun Awosika, Linus Okorie, Dr. Joe Abah, Dr. Sam Onyia, and Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, the governor said that raising the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion was doable if the political appointees applied the knowledge garnered at the retreat to disrupt the status quo which was no longer acceptable.
“I think that everything we have expressed here in terms of our vision is possible. Development history is replete with countries, sub-nationals, and cities where the people have come together and agreed that they would change the narrative, the pattern of growth, and they committed themselves to it, and it happened.
“So, nobody should tell you that what we want to do in Enugu is impossible. With our can-do spirit, we can achieve a $30 billion economy in the next eight years. We can achieve a great city. We can achieve access to the best quality education that any child can have access to in the world. We can also have access to high-quality healthcare service in this state. We can build 10,000 kilometres of road. We can restore water to Enugu in the next two months as promised our people and also make access to clean water happen for our people across the state in no distant time. We can also achieve zero poverty headcount and eradicate poverty from our state and deliver on every promise we made.
“Indeed we can make Enugu the premier destination for business, investment, tourism, and living.
“We are already thinking about the future that we want to bequeath to our children, and history beckons on all of us to do something. If we believe in it, if we have the can-do spirit, then we can make it happen”, the governor said.
Throwing more light on the retreat, the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, said the retreat was put together to digest Governor Peter Mbah’s vision and map out strategies for achieving it across the MDAs.
“We designed it around three key areas. We designed it around leadership, looking at ethical leadership, transformational leadership, and other aspects of leadership. We thought about the strategy that we were going to adopt and planned out our delivery approach. The third one was performance. We looked at it around how to measure what we have agreed success will mean to us as a team. So we have set out a course of action”, he stated.
Other participants, such as the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh; Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Nathaniel Uramah; Commissioner Children, Gender Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ngozi Enih; Executive Chairman, Enugu State Tourism Board, Rita Mbah; and the Chairman, Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), Dr. GOC Ajah, among others, described the retreat as eye-opening, strategic and enriching.
“If we had any iota of doubts in our minds as to the achievability of the lofty vision of the governor, the doubts have petered away. We now feel empowered, more knowledgeable, and charged to go and deliver; and that is exactly what we are going back to our MDAs to do”, Mrs. Enih stated.
Two years after the debut of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards organised by Pacesetter Frontier, the Magazine is set to hold its third edition, Frontier Discourse 3.0.
The Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture and Awards which is billed to hold in Enugu on Saturday, November 18, 2023, was birthed in 2021 as part of the contributions of Pacesetter Frontier to having a sane, orderly and progressive society, one that her citizens can be proud of. It also serves as a means of appreciating the contributions of eminent, outstanding and compassionate individuals to building this kind of society.
In a statement released by the Associate Editor of the Magazine, Uchechukwu Lawrencia, on behalf of the editorial board and host organizing committee, she stated that voting will commence, all other things being equal, early October.
“Through the Frontier Discourse Public Lecture and Awards, robust discussions for the emancipation, advancement, development and progress of the society have been birthed, alongside celebrating and awarding individuals of repute in their various sphere of endeavors.
“The Awards traditionally begin with nominations of respected Nigerians into different categories, done by the editorial board of the magazine. These nominations are made public and eventual Awardees emerge based on the number of votes cast per nominee in their respective categories.
“In addition to the categories of awards in the previous editions, the board has approved new categories.
“The entire categories are Youth Icon of the Year; Business Person of the Year; Lifetime Achievement; Woman of the Time; Frontier Person; Emerging Brand of the Year; Media Personality of the Year (Prints); Media Personality of the Year (Broadcast); Humanitarian Service; Man of the Year; Iroko of the Niger; Most Significant Event of the Time and Literary Icon of the Year awards.
“Voting will commence, all other things being equal, early October, through a voting platform which is entirely free and that will be made available to the public”, she said.
Uchechukwu also noted that just like in the past editions, the board will exclude some categories from the voting poll and decide their recipients.
She called on corporate bodies and public spirited individuals to partner with the Magazine in executing the prestigious annual event. Further details can be sought by calling 08184441324.
Pacesetter Frontier Magazine is a privately owned, quarterly published, multimedia, multi-connect, cosmopolitan, print and online magazine established in 2020 and based in Enugu with a market audience and base cutting across the Southeast and Southsouth geopolitical zones.
Her interests cut across multiple sectors from Politics, News, Economy, Religion and Education to Lifestyle, Culture, Women, Health, Events, etc. Her editions are the Easter, Democracy, Independence and Christmas/New Year editions.
The lecture counts captains of industries, revered spiritual leaders and traditional rulers, veteran politicians, former and sitting governors, former senate president and deputy senate president, youths, civil service organizations, non-governmental organizations, professional bodies, secondary school students, university undergraduates, among others, as her guests.
Thousands of Igbos across the globe to gather in Enugu as Gov Peter Mbah plays host to the historic IGBO DAY CELEBRATION
Theme: IGBO KUNIE
…Many heroes/legends of Igbo Origin to be honoured.
Date: 29th September,2023
Venue: Michael Okpara Square, Enugu
Time: 10: am Prompt.
Under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Engr Prince Arthur Ezeh (Ozoigbondu), Ezenukpo!
Host: His Excellency Barr Dr Peter Mbah Governor Enugu State.
Co Hosts;
HE Governor Hope Uzodinma
Imo State
HE Governor(Prof) Chukwuma Soludo
Anambra State
HE Rt Hon Francis Nwifuru
Ebonyi State
HE Governor Alex Otti
Abia State
HE Governor Sherif Oborevwori
Delta State
HE Governor Simi Fubara
Rivers State
Members of the National Assembly
Hon Ministers of Federal Republic of Nigeria
Eminent Clergymen in Igbo land and Captains of Industry,other great sons and daughters of Ndigbo.
Royal Father of the Day:
His Royal Highness
Igwe Laurence Agubuzo
Chairman South East Council of Traditional Rulers
His Royal Majesty
Igwe Dr Alfred Achebe
Obi of Onitsha
And other eminent Royal Fathers.
A high powered Lecture on IGBO KUNIE will be delivered by His Lordship Most Rev Prof Geoffrey Onah,the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese.
Date: 28th September
Venue: Old Governor’s Lodge, Enugu
Time: 4:pm prompt.
Let’s come together and discuss our vision and mission as a nation.
Signed:
Chief Sir Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu CFR, OON, MON, President General Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide.
Amb Sir Emuchay
Sec General
Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide
Sir Alex Ogbonna PhD
Publicity Secretary
Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo Worldwide
Prof Fred Eze
Chairman CPC
Chief Malachy Oche PhD
Secretary CPC
Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, has reportedly gifted a 13 year old boy, Greatness Ebisike, 10 million naira for his mathematical prowess.
Narrating the story in a statement sent to Pacesetter, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Ex Governor Dave Umahi’s Commissioner for Information, said the remarkable incident took place in Lagos on Friday, September 22, 2023 on his (Umahi’s) way to an official event at Victoria Island.
The 13 year old who Orji said was an SS1 student and hailed from Abia State in the Southeast of Nigeria, was reported to have aced all mathematical questions thrown at him without the use of a calculator.
Part of the statement read: “It was a great and remarkable day for Greatness Ebisike, a highly skilled and mathematically talented chap, when he encountered the usual and rare benevolence of the Hon. Minister of Works, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON.
“The chap who is currently in his Senior Secondary School One in Lagos is 13 years old and hails from Abia State. His sense of mathematical calculation and accuracy in result is simply amazing. He is quick in providing answers to algebraic questions, especially questions on multiplication and addition in Mathematics. Ask him any mathematical question and he replies correctly in just few seconds.
“A team that accompanied the Hon. Minister posed several algebraic questions and he rattled them with dispatch and gave them nothing but the answers. When he was asked to give the sum of 70×70×70, he didn’t waste a moment in giving the answer as 343,000. You need to see the passion, the speed the zeal and the energy with which he tackled every question be was asked.
“The Hon. Minister of Works who also witnessed the rattlings of the chap was enthused by his performance. The Minister made a gift of N10m instantly to the talented chap to assist in furthering his education. He urged him to keep up the passion and get developed in the passion as that would make him a precious resource in the world market.
“The chap dined with the Hon. Minister and received executive handshake from the Hon. Minister together with his guardian.
“According to them, “It was a golden day in their life, having such a rare privilege and benevolence from a man with the heart of gold””.
The statement encouraged Nigerians to believe in the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu and work towards tapping into the vistas of opportunities created by the Tinubu administration.
Further, Orji noted that Sen Engr. David Nweze Umahi mantra was all about building the future of others.
“Life is about helping in the development of the youths, in building capacities of the young ones in both leadership and other works of life. To him (Umahi), life is not worth living if it doesn’t impact on the lives of others.
“He sees the children of others as his own. He is a benefactor and destiny helper to many. He is a talent discoverer, talent developer, talent refiner, mentorship master and bridge builder; giving helping hands beyond tribal and religious boundaries. No wonder he is an ardent disciple of the ‘JAGABAN’ mantra, the builder of human resources and the ‘Akubaraoha’ personified”, Orji quipped.
Abuja residents on Friday took to the Unity Fountain for a candlelight procession in honour of the late singer Mohbad.
The Lagos-born Ilerioluwa Aloba died last week in what many have described as questionable circumstances.
Mohbad’s demise has continued to generate conversations among Nigerians with many taking to the streets to demand justice.
To further amplify the calls for justice, Abuja residents gathered in the heart of the nation’s capital for the candlelight procession and concert a day after Lagosians held a similar event.
Many of them had placards with several inscriptions to drum home their message at the gathering which started at 7 pm. Dressed mostly in white tops, the participants danced to tunes from Mohbad’s songs. Nollywood star Tonko Dikeh was among those at the event.
Before now, there have been protests across the country and beyond as fans, mostly young people, demanded justice for the Peace crooner.
In Calabar, Cross Rivers State, there were protests with residents taking to the streets. They chanted against members of Mohbad’s former record label Marlian Music over allegations of bullying and harassment.
In Taraba, it was a similar situation as residents ignited candles and paid homage to the 27-year-old.
Outside the Nigerian shore, there was a massive billboard in New York with Mohbad’s images as calls for a probe into circumstances surrounding his death continued to gain global mileage.
The gathering and protests come just as police authorities exhumed the singer’s body from his graveside in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State a few days after he was buried.
While an autopsy has since been carried out, the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command Benjamin Hundeyin said the result is being awaited.
“Autopsy has been concluded. Awaiting result…,” he wrote on his X account on Thursday night.
Already, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has charged police authorities in Lagos to conduct a thorough probe into Mohbad’s death. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu equally asked the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigations.
“I would like to assure everyone that I am not oblivious to the sad passing of Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad). We have been closely working behind the scenes with relevant authorities, and keenly following the ongoing investigations,” Sanwo-Olu on his X handle Tuesday.
“However, in order to boost the investigations, I have invited the Department of State Services (DSS) to join the investigation and widen the dragnet with inter-agency collaboration and use of best-in-class technology to unearth the truth.”
The Senate has also waded into the matter with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Entertainment Economy Elisha Abbo visiting the singer’s family in Lagos State.
Accompanied by Tonto and another Nollywood star Iyabo Ojo, Senator Abbo assured the family of the government’s efforts to get justice for Mohbad.
Channels TV
Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso, recently nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has formally assumed duty in an acting capacity, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), pending his confirmation by the Senate.
This follows the resignation of Mr. Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Similarly, the Deputy-Governors-Designate have also assumed duty, in acting capacities, sequel to the formal resignation of Mr Folashodun Shonubi, Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, Mr. Edward Lametek Adamu, and Dr. Kingsley Obiora as Deputy Governors of the CBN.
Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues subscribed to the relevant oaths of office at a brief ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office in Abuja, on Friday, September 2023, and have since settled down to the task of administering monetary and financial sector policies of the Nigerian Government.
An Economic and Development Policy Advisor, Financial Sector Leader, former Chairman Citi Nigeria and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos, Cardoso brings over three decades of managerial experience on board.
He is an alumnus of Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom, where he studied managerial and administrative studies. He also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, United States of America.
It will be recalled that Dr. Cardoso and his colleagues were appointed to their respective positions at the Bank on September 15, 2023, subject to their confirmation by the Senate.
VON
The US Department of State has advised Americans to reconsider travelling to Nigeria “due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed gangs.”
Following its travel advisory update done on Wednesday, the US noted that some areas “have increased risk”.
It advised its citizens against travelling to Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa states due to terrorism and kidnapping; Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states due to kidnapping; Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt) due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.
It further noted that “violent crime – such as armed robbery, assault, carjacking, kidnapping, hostage taking, roadside banditry, and rape – is common throughout the country.”
It said: “Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently, often targeting dual national citizens who have returned to Nigeria for a visit, as well as U.S. citizens with perceived wealth. Kidnapping gangs have also stopped victims on interstate roads.
“Terrorists continue plotting and carrying out attacks in Nigeria. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting shopping centers, malls, markets, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, bars, schools, government installations, transportation hubs, and other places where crowds gather.
“Terrorists are known to work with local gangs to expand their reach.
“There are civil unrest and armed gangs in parts of Southern Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta and Southeast regions. Armed criminality and gangs, including kidnapping and assaults on Nigerian security services, are also pervasive in this region.
“Violence can flare up between communities of farmers and herders in rural areas.
“The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Nigeria due to security conditions.”
It, however, advised citizens who still choose to travel to Nigeria to: “Carry proper identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Nigerian visa, if needed.
“Use caution when walking or driving at night; keep a low profile; Review travel routes and times to vary your predictability; Do not physically resist any robbery attempt; Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
“Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans; Be aware of your surroundings; Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners; Avoid demonstrations and large political gatherings; Review your personal security plans.
“Have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Establish a “proof of life” protocol with your loved ones, so that if you are taken hostage, your loved ones know specific questions (and answers) to ask the hostage-takers to be sure that you are alive (and to rule out a hoax).”
Regarding Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and Northern Adamawa states, the US insisted that the security situation in the states was “fluid and unpredictable due to widespread terrorist activity, inter-communal violence, and kidnapping. Security operations to counter these threats may occur without warning.”
It said, “Terrorist groups based in the Northeast routinely target humanitarian camps, security forces, churches, schools, mosques, government installations, educational institutions, entertainment venues, and road .
As for Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt), the US said crime “is rampant throughout Southern Nigeria, and there is a heightened risk of kidnapping, violent civil unrest, and armed gangs.”
Vanguard
Bandits on Friday morning abducted an unspecified number of students from the Federal University of Gusau.
The bandits in large numbers were also said to have invaded the Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Three hostels were attacked and all the students in there were taken away by the bandits.
The bandits were said to have been engaged by troops of the Nigerian Army in a fierce gun battle, but they escaped with the victims.
Sources in Sabon-Gida told Channels TV that the gunmen invaded the community around 3am and started shooting sporadically.
“They entered the town around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately. We have yet to confirm the number of students kidnapped because the bandits entered three hostels and kidnapped all the students there. It is difficult to ascertain their numbers now.
“They were seriously engaged with the army troops but the way these bandits operate, they will divide themselves into two, one group will move with the kidnapped victims while the other will stay behind to protect the first group.
“The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel,” a source was quoted as saying.
Daily Trust
The procession to honour late Afrobeats singer Mohbad on Thursday evening ended in pandemonium as police dispersed youths who gathered at Lekki Tollgate in Lagos State.
Following last Tuesday’s passing of the 27-year-old under controversial circumstances, there has been public outrage with calls for a “thorough” investigation.
The official candlelight procession in Mohbad’s honour was held at Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island with federal authorities present.
However, several videos widely shared online showed several attendees scampering to safety as police officers shot tear gas canisters at the unrelenting crowd.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Friday, explained that the Lagos State Police Command had an agreement with the organisers of the candlelight procession that the procession was to end by 8 pm at Muri Okunola.
“It was clearly stated for the avoidance of doubt that in the interest of all Lagosians and considering the heavy use of the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the Lekki Toll Gate would be a no-go area,” he said.
According to Hundeyin, procession-goers strayed from the agreed perimeters of the procession, shutting down movement on the Lekki-Epe highway.
“Therefore, in fulfilment of our mandate to protect life and property, maintain law and order and prevent crimes, we adopted the least harmful method of crowd dispersal, following the failure of verbal persuasion – the use of teargas,” the statement continued.
“Not a single live ammunition was fired! The police adopted crowd management best practices in engaging the unruly crowd. No life was lost neither was there any injury”.
Channels TV
The Police have said the autopsy of late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba popularly known as Mohbad, has been completed.
The Police made this known on its X (Twitter) page on Thursday night.
Recall that Lagos State Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, had earlier announced that Mohbad’s body was exhumed for autopsy.
“The Police wish to inform the public that the autopsy procedure for Mr Mohbad has been successfully completed,” the Police wrote.
“Furthermore, the information will be provided as soon as the results are available,” it added.
Mohbad’s death, last Tuesday, raised concerns, as an accusing finger was pointed at the Marlian Record Label’s owner, Afeez Fashola, professionally known as Naira Marley.
He has since said he was innocent, and joining in the call for investigation and justice.
Also, there have been allegations and counter-allegations from relatives over Mohbad’s estate.
Nigerians queried why he was buried at Ikorodu in Lagos a day after he died. But his father provided an explanation, saying that the family followed Yoruba custom.
Meanwhile, Nigerian youths have staged peaceful protests across the country to demand justice for him, with a candlelight procession and concert held in Lekki, Lagos, today.
The Police have vowed to probe his death, as the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also asked that the Department of State Services, DSS, to join in the investigation.
Vanguard