NIGERIAN NOTCH

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the commitment of his administration towards education for human capital development in the country, stressing that his government has made education a top priority. The president stated this while delivering an address at the 38th convocation ceremony of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) which ended yesterday. President Tinubu, who was represented by the minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, said, “This administration will continue to support education because of our strong belief that our survival can only be assured by the quality of our human capital development. This is why we made education the top priority of our administration. “While supporting all aspects of education, this administration will focus on skills, technology and vocational education as core drivers of the educational system that will prepare graduands for employment and as employers of labour. “For this purpose, the FG is building 24 skills and vocational hubs i...

.... Mr Ibu’s death, one too many – Tinubu’s minister, Musawa mourns The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has expressed sadness over the death of renowned Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu. The minister, in a statement through her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Nneka Anibeze, described the occurence as “one death, too many”. Musawa said this was coming just 24 hours after the death of yet another Nollywood actor, Sisi Quadri. “I’m deeply shocked at too many deaths occurring at the same time. Mr Ibu was a household name who made families happy throughout his acting career. “His death at this time is very unfortunate and a sad one for us all in the entertainment industry. “We will sorely miss him. May his soul est in peace,” she said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 62-year-old John Okafor was confirmed dead by Mr Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria on Saturday. Okafor was said t...

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has charged serving lawmakers - both at the federal and state levels, to deliver on their mandate, by ensuring quality representation in all ramifications. According to him, Nigeria will attain greatness if those in the lawmaking arm of government justify their election, by delivering tangible projects that will further boost the education sector. The move, he said, will complement the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, and further spread the wave of development in the country. Akpabio spoke on Saturday at the 38th Convocation Ceremony of Bayero University, Kano and conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin and the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Akpabio, also commended Senator Jibrin and Dr. Adesina, for their commitment to the ideals of democracy, by positively impacting his community, delivering laudable projects and seeking positive change i...

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Doctor William Folohunso Kumuyi, has advised Christians against giving their offerings to the Church but rather give it to the poor and unemployed in their communities. Kumuyi, who made the statement in a video that has gone viral, was heard telling his church congregation that Christians should not spend all their money on building churches but also help their poor neighbours who can’t afford basic life needs. Kumuyi narrated how a preacher had instructed his members to give monies meant for offering to the poor and unemployed people around them. Recall that a controversial OAP, Daddy Freeze had rebuked some Nigerian pastors over their ostentatious lifestyle while their members lived in abject poverty. Freeze was quoted to have said, “When I started going against tithe, there’s no Nigerian pastor that didn’t respond. “I just came and read the bible to them: Deuteronomy chapter 14, if you read from verse 22, it sai...

The Trade Union Congress says the union did not betray the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over its refusal to participate in the two-day protest declared by the NLC. Recall that the NLC recently embarked on a nationwide protest over the level of hardship in the country and the failure of the Federal Government to negotiate a new minimum wage. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, TUC president, Festus Osifo, stated that the body never agreed to embark on a protest with the NLC. He said, ‘I’ll just explain exactly what happened to you. Now, you see when you have when you say somebody opt out from a process, it means that the person was in before, it means that there was an agreement to do something. “When there is an agreement to do something at the last minute, you will not say I am not doing again. That is opting out, then you can use the word sold out. But in this scenario, there wasn’t any agreement to do anything. “We did not have any conversation; nobody e...

BY RAYMOND OZOJI,  Awka  The allegations of community vigilantes in Anambra State taking oaths with criminals and criminal elements infiltrating the vigilante service has not only made the war against criminalities in the hinterlands unsuccessful but has also made the bushes and forests a safe heaven for criminals who have their camps in such places.  Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo at a meeting with Traditional Rulers and Presidents-General recently in Awka, accused local vigilantes of working with criminal elements to terrorise citizens in the countryside. Governor Soludo who berated such ungodly situation, wondered why some heads of the vigilantes do not reside in their respective communities where they are policing instead they lived outside their areas of operations. The governor said irrespective of the fact that his government spent  state resources in combating insecurity in the state, some communities have remained adamant because the people hav...

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Friday, signed the New Enugu City Development Agency Bill, Enugu State Geographical Information System Service Bill, and Enugu State Independence Electoral Commission, ENSIC, (Amendment) Bill into Law. Speaking during the signing, which was witnessed by the speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, at Government House, Enugu, on Friday, Mbah said that while the New Enugu City Development Agency Law had an administrative authority to manage the development of a new city masterplan that would cater for the present and future generations, the Enugu State Geographical Information System Service Law was for the automation and digitalisation of processes for service delivery, starting with lands. He explained that the ENSIEC Amendment Law would bring the state’s election management body in tandem with amendments to the 1999 Constitution as it concerns electoral bodies. On the New Enugu City Development Agency,...

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON has congratulated the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau on his conferment with  a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) by the Bayero University, Kano. In a congratulatory message personally signed by the President of the Senate, he described Senator Jibrin Barau as "A worthy brother". He said the Deputy President of the Senate was well deserved of the honour bestowed on him by the university noting that "Senator Barau's experience has continued to enrich legislation as we strive to contribute our quota to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration." He said "On behalf of my family, the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District and the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I felicitate with one of the longest serving legislators in the National Assembly; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau CON, on his conferment with a Doctorate Degree (Hono...

The Federal Government says it has paid $120m out of the $1.3bn owed gas firms for the supply of gas for the running of power plants in Nigeria.  The Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the development was due to gas suppliers stopping the supply of gas for the generation of electricity over the indebtedness of the sector to producers Nigeria’s power generation has dropped in recent weeks. According to the Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the development was due to gas suppliers stopping the supply of gas for the generation of electricity over the indebtedness of the sector to producers. But during the 7th Nigeria International Energy Summit, the Director, Decade of Gas Secretariat Ed Ubong said the Federal Government has paid part of the debts. “As of last year, that (gas debts) was about $1.3bn, depending on how you add up the numbers. But I am pleased that between October and the end of January, the government has paid over $120m to offset some of t...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the licenses of 4,173 Bureaux De Change Operators, accusing the affected institutions of failing to observe regulatory provisions. This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Sidi Ali Hakama. According to the apex bank, the move is part of efforts to restore confidence in the nation’s foreign exchange market. Noting that the list of affected BDC operators is available on its website, the CBN said it is revising the regulatory and supervisory guidelines for Bureau de Change operations in Nigeria, adding that compliance with the new requirements will be mandatory for all stakeholders in the sector. It stated that the action is an exercise of the powers conferred on it under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, Act No. 5, and the Revised Operational Guidelines for Bureaux De Change 2015 (the Guidelines).

A lone crash involving one unidentified commercial driver of a Mercedes truck with registration number: XD131NSH was involved in a fatal road traffic crash today 1st March, 2024 at about 09:30hrs, the crash took the lives of the driver and his conductor The cause of the crash was attributed to excessive speed and loss of control. According to eyewitness report, the driver was on speed, lost control, and rammed into a big gutter by the road side and crashed Two people comprising (2 male adults) were involved in the crash. The dead victims were  taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Mortuary, Ihialla by good Samaritans before the arrival of FRSC rescue team. However, the FRSC rescue team have removed the debris littered on the expressway and normalcy in human and vehicular movement has been restored. The Sector Commander Anambra State Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, has however sympathised with the family of the dead victims. He therefore warned motorists to desist from...

....Says We’ll judge you by how well our borders are protected The Federal Government has charged the 19th Comptroller General of Immigration Service (CGIS), Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap, to ensure the effective discharge of her mandate, saying she would be judged by how well she is able to protect the nation’s vast borders. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the charge on Friday in Abuja, shortly after decorating the new CGIS. He said, “You have held command positions across the country, and that means you are conversant with the issues. Please, we believe in you. The president believes in you. On Tuesday, the president specially recognised her and gave her a presidential handshake. To whom much is given, much is expected. I want you to also be a team player. This is not the time to remember the ills of anyone. “We will judge you on how well you protect our borders. In the security of Nigeria, the NIS has a great role to play. Please, be creative. Be innovative...

Nigerians are grappling with high costs of living including cement as the prices of 50kg are between N10,000 to N11,000. Despite a recent agreement from cement manufacturers like Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, Lafarge Africa, and other major producers to cap the prices between N7,000 to N8,000, Nigerians are still groaning.  Although President Bola Tinubu has called on cement companies to further review the prices, it has been difficult for Nigerians to build houses during this hardship. In this article, Vanguard reveals four ways to build houses with little or no cement in Nigeria. 1. Container house Building a house with container is fast becoming popular not only in Nigeria but around the globe. This undoubtedly is cheaper than building houses with cement. It only requires a few bags of cement where the container needs to be erected for foundational purposes. Apart from its affordability, building houses with containers is durable, fast, sustainable, and reliable. The m...

Gov. Alex Otti of Abia State, has debunked media reports claiming that he sued President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Federal Government. The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, dismissed the said reports as fake news, and urged members of the public to discountenance them. The statement made available to newsmen reads; ”Abia State Government’s attention has been drawn to a fake report trending on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), that the Governor had sued the Nigerian Government and President Bola Tinubu at the International Criminal Court (ICC). “The fake news claims that Governor Otti sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and President Tinubu for allegedly refusing to grant the request of the Abia Governor to establish a seaport as well as an international airport in Abia. “Another part of the badly stringed and concocted report alleges that Governor Otti had also placed a ban on businesses operated by Nigerians of northern extract...

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has said it would sale Treasury Bills, TBs, worth N1.64 trillion for the second quarter 2024, Q2’24. This is contained in the apex bank’s Nigeria Treasury Bills Issue programme released today. Treasury Bills are short term (less than one year) debt instruments used by the CBN to borrow money from the public on behalf of the federal government. The CBN also uses TBs to control money supply in the economy. The TB issue programme commences on March 7th, and ends on May 23rd, 2024. During the period, the apex bank will issue TBs worth N414.29 billion on 91 days tenor, N43.74 billion on 182 days and N1.18 trillion on 364 days. A breakdown of the programme revealed that in March, the apex bank plans to sell N660.62 billion worth of TBs, comprising N32.73 billion worth of 91 days bills, N12.97  billion worth of 182 days bills and N614.92 billion worth of 364 bills. In April, the apex bank plans to sell N292.17 billion worth of TBs, comprising ...

President Bola Tinubu has directed cement companies in Nigeria to reverse the recent hike in the price of cement.  This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, on Thursday shortly after inspecting BUA cement factory in Sokoto State. According to the minister, the new presidential order is mandating all cement manufacturing companies to maintain the previous price of the commodity to ease the economic hardships Nigerians are experiencing.  “I want to encourage them to abide by the directive of Mr. President so that we can achieve massive housing programme and the renewed hope agenda of concrete roads of by the President,” he was quoted by Daily Trust.  He continued: “When the chairman of the company visited Mr President last week, he assured that the 5th line will soon commence operation and with my visit here, I can confirm the 5th line, though waiting to be commissioned has already commenced operation."  He however commended the mana...

The speaker of the house of representatives  Tajudeen Abbas has said that consitution review will help address the flaws encountered at the 2023 polls.  He said “It is our desire that on the 17th of March 2025, we will have harmonized documents considered in the House. It is our belief that by April 2025, we will have the final copies of draft amendments produced.   “We are also optimistic that by 12th May, 2025, we’ll have the final clean copy of amendments bills agreed on. And we are looking at 22nd May 2025 as a time when we will have the final report laid for consideration and voting. This is to say that members will be voting on the work we have done on this important date of 22nd May 2025 “…If it delays more than that, it will not go beyond August of 2025 because we believe that by August 2025, the president will receive the bills that will be presented to him for presidential assent. So, our target is that transmission of bills to Mr President for assen...

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, led by Mazi Okwu Nnabuike has warned that it will not take lightly any attempt to doctor the Oronsaye report.  The directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the implementation of the Oronsaye Report was received with delight by a vast majority of Ngerians, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide inclusive. We have always advocated that the cost of governance be curtailed amid the dwindling economic fortunes of the country.  However, we are taken aback by a recent doctored report planted by fifth columnists, in which they listed the Project Development Institute, PRODA, Enugu, as one of the agencies of government to be merged or scrapped. We received this with great consternation and shock considering the clear provisions of the Oronsaye Report, as well as the report by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which formed the Government White Paper.  The SGF report titled: “RE: RESTRUCTURING & ...

The Mayor of the City of Blanco, Texas, USA, Mike Arnold, has said that the Nigerian economy is well on track. Arnold, who is also the founder of Africa Arise USA, Arise Academy IDP Camp Schools, and the #IDPjustice campaign,  in an article made available to Nigerian Notch, said “I have been to Nigeria many times, the nation is going places and will even get there even faster when it begins implementing policies that make her more self-sufficient and less dependent on others, thereby unleashing her pent-up entrepreneurial potential.”  According to him, there used to be a tendency among Nigerians to think that foreign is better. “Now, that fallacious mindset is gradually dying out. Nigerians are beginning to understand and accept that they can achieve greatness, too – without foreign inspiration, leadership or funds. This is why Nigerian music and movies are rising in prominence globally. “It’s not just entertainment. Nigeria’s entrepreneurs are catching on, and the...

Aides to Governor Alex Otti and his predecessor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu have taken to conventional and social media platforms to attack one another over claims by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Geometric Power Ltd, Osisioma, Aba, Prof. Barth Nnaji, that he was to receive payment on the proposed five per cent equity of the state government in Geometric Power Ltd. Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, had during a news briefing at the headquarters of the company last weekend claimed that the out-gone government of Ikpeazu was yet to remit to the company, their part of financial commitment to the project. Rising in defence of his boss, Mr. John Okiyi-Kalu, who served as both Commissioner for Information and Trade and Investment in the last administration, said: “I was at the Abia State Executive Council meeting chaired by the then governor, Dr. Ikpeazu, wherein approval was given to Abia State Ministry of Finance to invest $5 million in Geometric Power Company as payment...

….Tells Labour to join politics in 2027 ….Vows to fight corruption President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, frowned at the protest called by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, saying his administration cannot be judged after just nine months in office. The NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, on February 8, issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Federal Government over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidy. In response to the NLC, Tinubu said, “It is unacceptable to call for strike in just nine months of an administration,” saying it should wait till the 2027 general elections to contest. Tinubu spoke at the inauguration of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, LRMT, held at Ikeja Train Station. The President, who arrived at the venue, Ikeja Train Station, at exactly 12.10 pm for the official flag-off, later witnessed the signing of the contract for phase two of the LMRT Redline project between the state governme...

 A leap year occurs once every four years to account for the extra time it takes for the Earth to complete its orbit around the Sun. This adjustment is necessary to keep the calendar year synchronised with the astronomical year. Individuals born on Feb. 29, also known as leap day, have a unique birthday that only comes around every four years. They often refer to themselves as ‘special breeds’ or ‘special beings’ due to the rarity of their birthdate. Some of these celebrants express joy and gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate their birthdays in a way that sets them apart from others. For those born on Feb. 29, celebrating birthdays can be a mixture of joy and occasional challenges. While some see their unique birthdate as a blessing, others see it as awkward when comparing their birthday celebrations to those who have annual birthdays. Some Lagos residents, born Feb. 29, expressed their views about the day in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (N...

About 85.51 million bank customers or more may not to be able to withdraw from their bank accounts by March 1, 2024, due to their inability to link their National Identification Numbers (NINs) and/or Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) to their accounts, findings have revealed, as most bank's have intimated their customers of this Development.  Recall that data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) shows Nigeria has 146 million active bank customers (individuals) as of December 2022. As of January 26, 2024, the BVN count on the NIBSS portal was 60.49 million. On NIN, about 104 million NINs have been issued as of December 2023. And with about 24 hours to the March 1, 2024 deadline given by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for customers to link their Bank Verification Number (BVN) and/or National Identity Number (NIN) to their bank accounts and wallets, Nigerians have raised issues surrounding verifying their NIN with the National Identity Management Commiss...

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu, yesterday, assured Nigerians that his administration would restructure the country as earlier promised, but noted that a good foundation must be laid. Tinubu gave the assurance during a visit to the National Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State. After the closed-door meeting with some selected leaders of the group, the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Mr Jare Ajayi, quoted the President as having assured Nigerians that he would still restructure but that certain structures need to be put in place. Quoting the President, Ajayi said: “On the issues of restructuring, the President said that he is aware of the need to restructure Nigeria but that a good foundation must be laid before bringing the restructuring in place such that if it is done in a rush without a proper foundation, the restructuring may collapse very soon but it would be done. “He (Tinubu) said that when he to...

President Tinubu, during his visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, to commiserate with the people of the state over the death of the former governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, said that he (Akeredolu) left a void that will be difficult to fill. Tinubu said: “This sentiment should inspire us to live each day with purpose, to pursue our goals with determination, and to leave behind a legacy that will be remembered fondly by those whose lives we have touched “He truly embodied courage and fearlessness, especially in his relentless pursuit of good governance. “I can only describe him as a fearless fighter, his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people and his courageous nature will always be remembered.” Speaking during his visit to the family of the late governor in his Owo home, the President described him as a fighter and fearless defender of truth. The President, who had a closed-door meeting with Mrs Akeredolu, also visited where the late Governor was laid to...

The Katsina State Government has aligned with The Alternative Bank’s mission to support rural economies through innovative financial solutions, tailored to empower local businesses and stimulate sustainable development across the state. The Bank, in a statement disclosed that the official endorsement marks a significant milestone for the Alternative Bank as it embarks on a new chapter in Katsina with the launch of its first branch in the state. According to the statement, Special Adviser to the state governor on Banking, Malik Anas, the Governor, Dikko Radda, has expressed confidence in the success of The Alternative Bank in the North West region. In his words, “One of our aims as a government is to enhance the growth of our people, especially those in rural areas. We seek the cooperation of The Alternative Bank in this area. We are ready to give the necessary support to the bank to forge ahead and contribute to the economic development of Nigeria.” Dr. Abdulmumin Usman, th...

… says Anambra not part of the Niger Delta, for which NDDC was established  The Senate has thrown out a bill seeking to include Anambra State as one of the member states of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, saying that the state was not part of the Niger Delta region, which is the reason for the establishment of the interventionist agency.  Speaking yesterday after the lead debate on the bill for an Act to amend the Niger Delta Development (Establishment Etc.) Act N 86 LFN 2004 to include Anambra State as one of the Member States (SB 271) as sponsored by Senator Tony Nwoye, LP, Anambra North, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, explained that Anambra State is not part of the Niger Delta region.  According to Akpabio, the NDDC was created to address the environmental degradation in the region following the oil exploration activities in the zone, adding that although Anambra is now among the oil-producing states and is getting 13% ...