JTownGist

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Beijing, China, to commence his official visit to the country.  The President arrived in China in the early hours of Sunday  The President departed Abuja on Thursday enroute to the Chinese Capital for a series of official engagement.  Presidential Spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, had said President Tinubu “will have a brief layover in the United Arab Emirates.”  While addressing a press conference, at the Presidential Villa, Ngelale said, the President is expected to engage in a series of meetings and “activities with immediate and future benefit to the Nigerian economy and the people.”  He said President Tinubu would meet with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, where several MOUs will be signed on deepening cooperation, “green economy, agriculture, satellite technology development, media enterprise development and promotion, as well as blue Economic Development and National Planning Cooperation”.  ...

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (rtd) has decried agitations for a military takeover in the country.  In the last few days, there have been calls for coup by some of the protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstration.  Some of them hit the streets waving Russian flag, while calling for foreign intervention.  The military high command had described the act as treasonable and vowed to crack down on those responsible.  A combined team of Police and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had also raided some spots and made a series of arrests.  Speaking with journalists in Abuja, on Wednesday, Al-Mustapha, who was Chief Security Officer to General Sani Abacha, late Head of State, said, “I am by definition today, a politician. I am looking at this country today from a democratic sense. We have invested in it and we are investing in it. Our researches are all towards the investment of democratic excellence in Nigeria.  “Military subo...

Minister for Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, has accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State of re-bagging food items from the federal government to give the impression that the state government  sponsored such relief materials  for the people of the state  Momoh, who spoke in an interview with Channels TV, was reacting to claims that the federal government failed to deliver on its promise to distribute 20 trucks of rice to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to cushion the effects of food inflation in the country.  The minister, an indigene of Edo State, said he watched on television how protesters broke into some warehouses and looted bags of rice which some state governors refused to share to the masses.  Although he did not mention the affected states, protesters recently looted bags of rice in a warehouse in Edo.  He expressed anger that Obaseki, while addressing protesters recently, reportedl...

Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has dismissed allegations that staff of the company are behind substandard importation of petroleum products into the country.  Speaking Wednesday when he appeared before a Senate Ad-hoc Committee over alleged economic sabotage in the petroleum industry, Kyari said he as the CEO, as well as the NNPCL had faced undue media attacks from persons doing everything to create the impression that the company is sabotaging the nation’s economy.  “NNPCL is faithful and will not lie to the country. We are not criminals and we are not thieves. We will protect our dignity so we can serve this country,” he said.  Speaking further, he revealed that the oil and gas industry is bleeding, adding that there were things they knew but could not talk about in public until “the time comes”.  This comes following recent controversies trailing the company and its operation...

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, has advised state residents against attacking protesters.  Fayoade gave the advice while addressing traditional rulers and community leaders in Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Epe and Lagos Island local government areas during a town hall meeting on Saturday.  There have been reports of a planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians over hardship in the country. The protest is planned to begin on Aug. 1 and end on Aug. 10  Fayoade said that although police and other security agencies had met and declared that there should not be any protest in Lagos State, the residents should not attack any group or groups that might come out to protest.  The commissioner of police said that attacking them would mean taking laws into one’s hands.  “If there must be a protest, it must be peaceful. We want to know those who want to protest so that we can make arrangements for their security.  “It is your right ...

Mobile phone users in Kano are increasingly steering clear of pre-registered SIM cards, citing concerns over their legality and associated risks.  Industry experts note that the illegal trade of pre-registered SIMs has been a longstanding issue, with some vendors offering them as a convenience to customers who want to bypass registration requirements.  However, authorities have cracked down on the practice, emphasising the risks associated with anonymous SIM usage.  On Thursday, July 25, this reporter posed as a customer at the Farm Centre GSM Market to buy pre-registered SIM cards but found no willing sellers. Vendors at the market insisted they did not engage in the illegal trade.  Al’ameen Hassan Tsamiya, a SIM card seller working with Airtel, said, “It is a very serious crime, we all know. I try my best to avoid offering pre-registered SIM cards for sale as my shop is an authorised shop. It will be easy for us to be located and dealt with. And Airtel ...

Islamic scholars have criticised parents and school owners for allowing their children to skip Basic Six and promoting them directly to  JSS1. The condemnation came during the tenth-year graduation ceremony of Al-Azeemant School and Ibtidaiyah. The Chief Imam of Daaru Na’im Central Mosque, Sheikh Imran Abdulmajeed Eleha, emphasised the importance of adhering to educational standards in faith-based institutions.  “In Islamic faith, our standard is based on understanding the Quran, and it is crucial that faith-based schools set the right educational standards for their students,” he stated.  Sheikh Eleha cautioned parents against allowing their children to skip Basic Six, citing its negative impact on their academic performance. He urged Nigerians and educators to align with the government’s educational policies.  Professor Abdulrazaq Abdulmajeed Alaro from the Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin (Unilorin), noted that non-compliance with the 6-3-3-4 educa...

The Plateau State Government has declared war against open defecation to avert cholera outbreak.   While Plateau has not yet reported any cholera cases, the government remains vigilant due to the outbreaks in other parts of the country. The outbreak, which began over a month ago, has spread to 33 states.  During a press conference in Jos, Samuel Nathaniel Dapak, Director General of the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), said the state was aware of the cholera epidemic and was concerned it might spread to the state if preventive measures were not taken.  He said, “We have launched an extensive preventive campaign across the state. We have identified open defecation as one of the fastest ways the disease can break out and spread, and so we have declared war against open defecation in the state.  “The agency knows the danger open defecation can cause to the entire population, and that is why we decided to stimulate awareness...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday spoke about the planned nationwide protest by some Nigerians, emphasising the importance of sustaining democracy and its institutions.  He said that protests are an integral part of democracy, but that no government will condone demonstrations that will lead to the destruction of lives and property.  Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja when he received a Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., Tinubu admitted that he was part of those who engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.  He said: ‘’During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.  “We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy”, he assured.  He said much as...

The Cross River State Government has ordered the arrest and prosecution of over 1,000 illegal miners.  The government said that the Fulani had invaded and were illegally mining gold in Okwa 1 and Okwa 2 in Ukwango community in Boki LGA, as well as Ifumkpa community in Akamkpa LGA.  On Thursday, the House of Assembly directed relevant state agencies to halt the activities of the Fulani migrants engaged in illegal mining.  The assembly further resolved that while security agencies were deployed to the affected communities to arrest the Fulani miners, advocacy groups should educate community leaders on the negative impacts of illegal mining.  Hon Bette Philip Obi, representing Boki 1 State Constituency, and Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry, sponsored the motion under Matters of Urgent Public Importance.  Obi said, “A large influx of unidentified Fulani, estimated to be over 1,000, have entered the Boki communities in pursuit o...

Bandits have abducted two journalists and their family members in Kaduna State. The armed men stormed Danhonu community in Millennium city of Chikun local government.  The armed men stormed Danhonu community in Millennium city of Chikun local government area of Kaduna and raided houses of the reporters of The Nation newspaper, Alhaji AbdulGafar Alabelewe, and that of Blueprint Newspaper, AbdulRaheem Aodu, their wives and children .  Alhaji Alabelewe is also the current chairman of the correspondents chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council.  A family member of one of the victims Taofeeq Olayemi, who confirmed the incident, said the bandits stormed the community at about 10:30pm on Saturday and started shooting sporadically before carrying out their action.  He said they kidnapped Alhaji Alabelewe, his wife and two of his children, while Alhaji Aodu and his wife were kidnapped, leaving behind their sick daughter.  “Initia...

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has extended the deadline for registration of all Point of Sale Operators by additional sixty days  It is reported that the commission had earlier given a deadline of 7th July 2024  However, in a post signed by Management on its X handle on Sunday, it stated that the deadline had been extended by two months.  “The Corporate Affairs Commission wishes to notify Fintech Operators also known as Point of Sales (POS) Operators that the initial deadline of 7th July, 2024 given for the registration of sole Agents, Super Agents and Agents has been extended for a period of sixty days beginning from 7th July, 2024 to the 5th September 2024.  “This is to give sufficient time to Operators particularly those in remote areas who might have encountered network challenges to so register and continue with their businesses,”  It, however, affirmed that “Operators who fail or refuse to register at the end of the extended deadline r...

The ECOWAS Court of Justice, on Thursday, dismissed a suit brought by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA).  Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, Judge Rapporteur who delivered the judgment, said the Court dismissed all claims of rights violations due to a lack of facts and evidence in support of the allegations and ordered the NGO to pay a nominal cost of one hundred thousand naira to the Nigerian government.  The initiating application with suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/40/21 was filed on 22 July 2021 by The Registered Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre, a registered NGO focused on anti-corruption, and non-partisan human rights and development in Nigeria.  The suit was premised on the alleged failure of Nigeria to guarantee the rights to life, dignity of the human person, physical and mental health, and right to a healthy environment for Nigerians particularly those residing in the oil-producing areas of Nigeria.  Re...

Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, has said Nigeria is facing challenges that were inherited.  The Emir made this known when he received the Kano state government delegation that paid him a courtesy visit in his Gidan Dabo palace. on Thursday.  Sanusi said the nation cannot continue lamenting about the challenges, stressing that he is confident that the challenges can be overcome with resilience and attitude.  “I am confident that the nation as a whole faces challenges that are inherited, the states also face challenges that are inherited, but the solution is not to go into lamentations over what had happened in the past, we can’t continue lamenting and then do nothing about it.”  “I am confident that the people of Kano, with our history, our resilience and with our attitude can overcome these challenges. It is important to give the people that leadership to organize them and let them know that they can stand on their feet and not to remain on their...

Supporters of the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, have converged to celebrate his reinstatement as the sole Emir of Kano.  The supporters were from the umbrellas of the Muhammadu Sanusi II colloquium and Yan Dangwalen Jihar Kano—groups that fought and advocated for the return of the Emir.  The get-together event was organised to celebrate the restoration of the Emir and meet with all supporters.  According to the chairman of the event, Ibrahim Musa Abubakar popularly known as Sanyi-sanyi, the meeting is just to celebrate the reinstatement of the Emir. He said, “We cannot express our deepest gratitude to God who opportune Muhammadu Sanusi II to return to Gidan Dabo as Emir. That is why we are gathered here to show our appreciation to God and celebrate the development.” The event had in attendance high personalities, government officials, among others. 

A fire outbreak has razed three apartments at Katsina road near Hauren shanu area of Kano State.  The Public Relations Officer of the state Fire Service, Saminu Yusif Abudullahi, said the incident happened on Tuesday around 8:47am.  He said the central control room of the agency received an emergency call from one Obilo Lucia that there was a fire incident at Katsina road near Hauren shanu.  He said, “Our crew on duty from central and Kantin Kwari fire stations were mobilized to the scene.’’ He added that the operatives were able to successfully manage the situation and saved the remaining apartments from the ground and upper floor of the two buildings from burning, adding that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State, is fast becoming a go to place for top Nigerian politicians.  Before now, the residences of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-Military President Ibrahim Babangida; former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar, were hot spots for politicians who troop there frequently.  But Daura is fast catching up as it played host to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State less than 24 hours after ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar paid a similar visit.  Like Atiku, El-Rufai is not on the same page with the All Progressives Congress (APC) at his home state of Kaduna and at the federal level.  It is unclear if the visit to Buhari is part of the strategies to take on the ruling party in 2027. See pictures below: 

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest metropolis is currently ravaged by a cholera outbreak, which has killed 24 persons and left hundreds hospitalised. Being a densely populated city, Lagos in many cases has recorded the highest number of cases and fatalities in the event of any epidemic or pandemic. Out of over 3,000 deaths recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lagos topped the chart.  And when the cholera outbreak hit the city last week, it sent shivers down the spines of many residents and the neighbouring states. Apart from its huge population, access to basic water and sanitation facilities has been a hard nut to crack battle for many communities.  According to the NCDC, cholera is an acute diarrhea disease caused by Vibrio cholerae; a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium. It is a potentially life-threatening, primarily waterborne disease.  Cholera can be both endemic and epidemic.  In Nigeria, cholera is an endemic and seasonal disease, occurring annually mostly...

Shabu community in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State has been thrown into confusion following the kidnap of a paramount ruler.  The gunmen were said to have stormed the area at about 8pm, on Thursday, whisking him to a yet to be identified location. A source from the area who did not want to be named said Shuaibu was kidnapped few meters from his residence after observing hisIsha’i prayer.  According to him, “We heard that he was kidnapped just a few meters away from his house. The gunmen came in their numbers and took him to an unknown destination.  “We also heard that the police are already following up on the matter to ensure that he is rescued unhurt. Our prayer is that he should return to this community (Shabu) in good health and sound mind.  “The Madakin Shabu has been a peace-loving and kind man. He shows love to everyone irrespective of tribe or religion. He does not deserve this challenge that he is facing at the moment. I, therefore,...

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced dates for the CAF TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON)   CAF Executive Committee ratified the dates at a meeting on Friday and published them on its website, with AFCON scheduled for Dec. 21 2025 to Jan. 18, 2026.  The Women’s tournament which was scheduled for this year has now been postponed to hold from July 5 to July 26, 2025.  The President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, said the delay in the announcement of the dates was due to the extensive global football calendar.  He is, however, hopeful that the tournaments in Morocco would be the best in the continent’s history.  “The announcement of the dates of the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 took much longer than expected, as there were complex and at times challenging discussions with various interested parties, in the light of the extensive International and Domestic Match Calendars...

Food inflation, insecurity blamed The rising cases of acute malnutrition in seven northern states of the country are generating concerns.  The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors without Borders, recently raised the alarm over an overwhelming influx of severely malnourished children at its medical facilities in seven Northern states.   The affected states, according to a statement issued by the MSF Field Communication Officer in Nigeria, Abdulkareem Yakubu, include Kano, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi.   The global humanitarian organisation indicated that the MSF in-patient facilities in Northern Nigeria have recently recorded an “Extraordinary increase in admissions of severely malnourished children with life-threatening complications,” surpassing last year’s figures by over 100 per cent in some locations.   “For the MSF teams, this is an alarming indication of a premature peak of the lean season and the i...