News

By Nasidi Ibrahim Saal

The Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers (NIMechE) Kano chapter conducted its Annual General Meeting and elected new executives, as enshrined by its laws. 

The chairman is expected to have two years in office, while the other exco members have one year, with the exclusion of Office 1 as a permanent seat constitutionally reserved for the outgoing chairman.

The chairman of the Election, Engr Balarabe Inuwa Abdullahi, while addressing the media at the venue (Ministry of Works Kano state), stated that the election was conducted successfully.

The newly elected offices are chairman, vice chairman, secretary, assistant secretary, and financial secretary are:

Engr. Usman Hamza Ibrahim

Engr. Asma’u Ja’afar Baba

Engr. Mudashir Sunmonu

Engr. Auwal Rabiu

Engr. Ramadan Nura Abdullahi,

Engr Muhammad Mukhtar Sakurai and Engr Dr Umma Abdullahi occupied the treasurer and technical secretary positions, respectively.

The outgoing chairman, Engr Lawan Usman Isah, thanks the electoral committee and the outgoing exco for their diligent work discharging their duties.

The occasion was graced with the esteemed presence of dignitaries, including the Representative of the National Chairman of NIMechE, Engr George,Engr Prof.A A Adamu, and Engr Dr.Aminu Sabo.

By Sabiu Abdullahi  

The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved a historic milestone, recording an all-time high revenue collection of N1.5 trillion from January to September 2024.  

Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in charge of the command, made the announcement during a parade on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, attributing the success to “meticulous documentation and professional discipline” by officers and men.  

Olomu praised the officers for their “resilience, commitment, and professionalism” and charged them to strive for more. “We must surpass this achievement.

We cannot afford to relax.”  He assured that the service will continue to reward diligence, commitment, and dedication to duty by officers.  Comptroller Olomu attributed the command’s outstanding performance to the motivation and rewards system introduced for officers who performed creditably.

“The excellent revenue generation is a result of blockage of all revenue generating leakage and proper documentation of payments by officers who were adequately motivated.”  

He encouraged officers to strive for excellence in carrying out their statutory duties.  

Olomu expressed appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, and his management team for leading by example.

By Uzair Adam

The Kano State Government has extended a N100 million donation to assist victims of the recent floods in Borno State.

The cheque was presented by Kano State’s Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, and the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Eradication, Hajiya Amina Sani, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

The presentation took place at the Borno Government House in Maiduguri and was received by Governor Babagana Zulum.

Expressing solidarity with the people of Borno, Governor Yusuf described the flood disaster as “catastrophic” and called for collective support to mitigate the impact on those affected.

He also prayed for the souls of the deceased and wished a swift recovery for the injured.Governor Yusuf emphasized the strong, historic ties between Kano and Borno states, reaffirming Kano’s support during this challenging time.

In response, Governor Zulum expressed deep appreciation for Kano State’s generosity and pledged that the funds would be utilized effectively to aid the victims.

He commended the show of unity between Nigerian states in times of crisis.

The donation reflects a shared commitment to assist communities facing humanitarian emergencies.

By Anas Abbas

The Nigeria Police Force has assured citizens of enhanced security measures during the 2024 Eid-el-Maulud celebrations, marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed Command Commissioners and Zonal Assistant Inspectors-General to deploy personnel and resources to high-risk areas, including major highways, places of worship, and public gathering points.

The police force has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the public and preventing crime during and after the festive period. IGP Egbetokun extended warm felicitations to Muslim faithful, praying for a joyous and harmonious celebration.

The police are working in collaboration with other security agencies, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure a secure and incident-free celebration across the country.

The Eid-el-Maulud celebration is a significant event in the Islamic calendar, and the police’s security measures aim to provide a safe environment for all Nigerians to observe the holiday.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini  

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has called on the Muslim Ummah to draw inspiration and lessons from the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Maulud today.  

The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, encouraged Muslims to imbibe the Prophet’s qualities of tolerance, humility, modesty, and honesty in their daily lives. 

He stated the importance of reflecting on the teachings of the Prophet and integrating his legacy of unity, integrity, peaceful coexistence, and love for one’s neighbor into the fabric of society.  

He stated, “As we commemorate this great and epochal day, I enjoin us to continue to demonstrate in our lives what the noble messenger of Allah bequeathed to humanity in ethos, manners, and relationships for the good of the society.” 

He highlighted the need for Nigerians to uphold these teachings as a foundation for national unity and development, saying “the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are indispensable in the quest for meaningful development and the good management of Nigeria’s diversity.” 

The NSGF Chairman urged that the celebration of the Prophet’s birth should serve as a moment for spiritual rejuvenation and as a reminder for Nigerians to come together in prayer for unity, stability, and progress, particularly during these challenging times.  

He noted that collective faith in God and sustained prayers for peace across the nation would help achieve the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers. 

The Governor also called on citizens to continue being law-abiding and to protect the peace and tranquility that Gombe State currently enjoys, urging them to shun any actions that could threaten the state’s harmonious environment.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar

Department of State Services (DSS) operatives have arrested Omoyele Sowore, convener of the #RevolutionNow protest.

According to SaharaReporters, Sowore was arrested on Sunday at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos upon his arrival in Nigeria.

Sowore’s arrest may be connected to the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protest held across the country in August.

The Take-It-Back Movement and several other civil society organisations spearheaded the protest.

Sowore is also the convener of the movement.

Another protest is being planned by organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest — scheduled for October 1.

In a post via his X page, Sowore said he was detained by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and his passport was seized.

“I had just arrived in Nigeria from the USA to the MMIA in Lagos; upon reaching Nigerian Immigration, my passport was seized, and they told me they had orders to detain me,” he wrote.

“This is not unexpected because I have always known that It is part of the broader clampdown by the fascist Bola Ahmed Tinubu regime on dissent and their fear of the upcoming #FearlessINOctober revolt.

“In case this becomes another prolonged and protracted detention, I urge our citizens to ensure they ALL stop tyranny by all means acceptable and necessary by engaging in the planned series of direct actions slated for October 1st and beyond.”

By Uzair Adam 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has deployed over 100 trucks to the Dangote Refinery in preparation for petrol loading, scheduled to begin on Sunday, September 15, 2024. 

According to a post by NNPC on its official X handle, the trucks were dispatched to the refinery’s fuel loading gantry in Ibeju-Lekki on Saturday, with more expected to arrive. 

“As of Saturday afternoon, more than 100 trucks had been mobilised, and by the end of the day, up to 300 trucks are expected to be stationed at the gantry,” the company said.

The deployment marks a significant step toward ensuring timely petrol distribution from the Dangote Refinery, which is expected to enhance fuel availability nationwide.

By Uzair Adam President Bola Tinubu has praised the military for their successful operations against security threats in the North-West, reaffirming the nation’s confidence in the security forces’ ability to maintain peace.

According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the President’s commendation followed the recent neutralization of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji.

Sububu had long terrorized communities in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other regions in the North-West.

In addition, security forces eliminated another high-profile terrorist, Sani Wala Burki, in a joint operation in Katsina, while dismantling a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were rescued.

President Tinubu credited the military high command, intelligence agencies, and troops for their coordination, courage, and perseverance, leading to these significant breakthroughs.

He urged them to remain committed until all threats, both immediate and potential, are eradicated.“The President reassures security agencies of his continued support in achieving the goal of safeguarding the nation,” Onanuga stated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has announced a cash reward of N1 million for the troops involved in a recent operation in Zamfara State that resulted in the elimination of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu Buzu. 

The operation, carried out by troops from the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), was a significant success, with the troops displaying bravery and precision in neutralizing Buzu and several of his fighters.

The operation also resulted in the recovery of weapons and motorcycles. General Musa praised the troops for their dedication and excellence, stating that the reward was a way to honor their service.

The operation is seen as a major blow to the bandit group’s operational capabilities and underscores the Nigerian military’s efforts to combat terrorism in the region. 

This success comes on the heels of a recent attack by the same group, which blocked the Gusau-Funtua highway in Zamfara State and abducted several travelers. The police are still working to determine the exact number of those kidnapped.

By Uzair Adam

The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has extended its deepest gratitude to the Federal Government of Nigeria as it celebrates its 64th anniversary.

Speaking on the occasion, the OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais acknowledged the significant role Nigeria has played in the organization since its membership began in 1971.

He commended Nigeria for its unwavering support in maintaining a stable and balanced global oil market.

Reflecting on the historic meeting in Baghdad 64 years ago, Al Ghais emphasized the foundational agreement signed by the five original members: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.

He stated that, “This event marked the inception of OPEC and a new era of international energy collaboration.”

Al Ghais recognized the leadership of Nigerian officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, and National Representative Mele Kyari.

He also highlighted the contributions of all OPEC member countries, past and present, including heads of state, ministers, governors, and the dedicated staff at the Secretariat.

As September 14, designated as OPEC Day, is observed, Al Ghais called for reflection on OPEC’s journey and anticipation of its future prospects.

He expressed confidence that the organization’s most significant achievements are yet to come and encouraged continued participation in shaping its future.

The message concluded with a heartfelt wish for a happy OPEC Day to all members and partners.