NIGERIAN NOTCH

A shocking case of baby trafficking has come to light in Asaba, Delta State, where a 26-year-old woman, Rachael, sold her two-week-old baby girl for N4 million, but received only N600,000. Rachael, who was paraded at the state Police Command alongside two accomplices, claimed she sold the baby due to her inability to cater for her. The baby's father had allegedly denied paternity, leaving Rachael to care for the child alone. According to Rachael, she was introduced to a woman who helped her sell the baby. The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, admitted to selling the baby for N3.5 million and giving Rachael N600,000. The buyer, a 42-year-old woman, claimed she paid N4 million for the baby, believing she was adopting the child through a legitimate process. The police are investigating the case, and the baby has been recovered. The incident highlights the need for stricter laws and regulations to prevent child trafficking and ensure the protection of vulnerable chil...

In a significant move, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has announced that the National Identification Number (NIN) is now a prerequisite for accessing social services in Nigeria. This development is part of the federal government's efforts to provide digital identity for all Nigerians, a central focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. According to Akume, the NIN will be required for vulnerable populations to benefit from palliatives. This move is expected to enhance the government's ability to provide targeted support to those who need it most. The Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu, has also reiterated his ministry's collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure the seamless integration of the NIN with social services. The NIMC has been commended for its efforts in establishing a robust and inclusive national identity syste...

The federal government has announced the disbursement of N32.8 billion to over 169,000 indigent students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration efforts to ensure that no Nigerian child is unable to attend a higher institution due to poverty. According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, N20 billion was spent on school fees, while N12.8 billion was allocated for student allowances. The minister emphasized that the program is transparent, straightforward, and can accommodate as many qualified individuals as possible. Key Highlights of the Student Loan Scheme are, s tudents admitted to federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, or technical colleges are eligible to apply.  The loans are interest-free, with tuition fees paid directly to institutions and monthly stipends provided for upkeep.  The entire application process is c...

Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has made a startling claim that his political adversaries are plotting to arrest, detain, and torture him in the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA). Despite these threats, El-Rufai remains resolute, asserting that he will not be intimidated or forced into exile. According to El-Rufai, he has received credible information about the planned arrest, which is allegedly based on fabricated allegations. He expressed confidence in his imminent return to Nigeria, stating that he has nothing to hide and fears no one. El-Rufai also revealed that his friends, family, and political associates have been subjected to similar threats, which he believes are aimed at forcing him into self-imposed exile. However, he has decided to pause his academic pursuits and dedicate more time to confronting his adversaries within Nigeria. The former governor reflected on the historical context of political repression, noting that the arrest...

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a review of transaction fees for automated teller machines (ATMs) across the country, effectively ending free ATM withdrawals. The new charges will take effect from March 1, 2025. According to a circular signed by the Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, John Onojah, the review aims to address rising operational costs and enhance efficiency within the banking sector. Key changes under the new review include: - On-Us transactions (same bank's ATM): Free withdrawals will continue. - Not-On-Us transactions (other banks' ATMs):     - On-site ATMs (within bank premises): N100 per N20,000 withdrawal.     - Off-site ATMs (outside bank premises): N100 per N20,000 withdrawal, plus an additional surcharge of up to N500.     - International withdrawals: Charges will be based on the exact amount imposed by the international acquirer. The CBN cited risi...

The federal government has reiterated its dedication to strengthening local governance and ensuring the full implementation of local government autonomy in Nigeria. This commitment was reaffirmed by Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Rt. Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, at the Nigeria Local Government Development Summit held in Abuja. Jisalo emphasized that a strong and effective local government system is the foundation of national progress. He noted that the federal government, through his ministry, is ready to support initiatives that strengthen governance at the grassroots level, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 8-Point Renewed Hope Agenda. The summit, themed "The Supreme Court Ruling on Local Government Autonomy and the Future of Local Government Administration and Grassroots Development," brought together key stakeholders to discuss the impact of the recent Supreme Court judgment granting financial and administrative autonom...

In a significant development for the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie has been sworn in as the institution's 6th substantive Rector. The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, marked the beginning of a new era for the polytechnic. In her inaugural address, Dr. Awuzie outlined her vision for the institution, prioritizing anti-cultism, staff welfare, and academic excellence. She emphasized that cultism and its associated vices would have no place in the institution, and her administration would strengthen anti-cult measures by partnering with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders.  Dr. Awuzie also assured staff that their welfare, training, and professional development would be top priorities. "We will foster an environment of inclusiveness, respect, and productivity, ensuring that every staff member finds fulfillment in his role," she said. The new Rector's guiding principles for the nex...

••• Demands for accountability from public officers shouldn't be given ethnic coloration  Former Minister of Lands and Housing, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Nduese  Essien has enjoined people to reject the ethnic undertones creeping into plan by anti-grat agencies to try the former Akwa Ibom governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel. Addressing journalists at his country home, Ikot Ibiok in Eket Local Government Area on Sunday, the former House of Representatives member denied any ethnic dimension to the investigation of Emmanuel. The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking led by one Fejiro Oliver from Delta State had petitioned to EFCC and ICPC, over an alleged mismanagement of funds by the administration of Udom Emmanuel in Akwa Ibom State, from 2015-2023, an action that has generated controversy in the state by a body called Ibibio Leadership Summit led by Solomon Johnny. Some journalists from private newspapers and some media aides of Governor Umo Eno are involved in accusing Senato...

Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President of Nigeria,  yesterday paid a visit to his former principal, ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, at his Abeokuta residence on Monday. The meeting, which lasted for two hours, however sparked speculation about Atiku's potential 2027 presidential ambitions. However, Atiku dismissed these rumors, stating that his visit was merely a courtesy call. Atiku arrived at Obasanjo's residence at 12:37 p.m., accompanied by notable politicians, including former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Liyel Imoke, as well as Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi. The group was received by Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, an elder statesman and close associate of Obasanjo. After the meeting, Atiku declined to comment on his future political plans, emphasizing that his visit was not related to the 2027 elections. "It is a courtesy visit. I am not going to talk about 2027 or politics. I am not here because of 2027," he declared ¹. This clarification puts to rest specul...

.....Warns Against Human Rights Abuses The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has banned police officers from carrying assault rifles while dressed in civilian attire (mufti). This directive was issued during a virtual meeting with strategic police managers, where Egbetokun emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and operating in approved uniforms. The IGP warned tactical squads against the misuse of power and improper dressing, stating that any conduct violating human rights will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences. He also prohibited the indiscriminate transfer of cases without his written approval, citing concerns over delayed justice and undue burdens on affected parties. Key highlights of the directive include that no mufti with assault rifles, as police officers are no longer allowed to carry assault arms while dressed in civilian attire. He also stressed that only approved uniforms should be worn by operatives  wh...