By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the appointment of Engineer Bello Babayo Bello as Executive Director (Networks) at the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

The Governor said President Tinubu has made an excellent choice in Engineer Bello, describing the new appointee as an illustrious son of Gombe and cerebral young man with extensive experience in power systems management and deep understanding of the complexities in the energy sector.

Governor Inuwa urged Engineer Bello to justify the confidence reposed in him by bringing to bear, his wealth of experience and expertise in driving forward President Tinubu’s energy initiatives and ensuring sustainable development.

“This appointment is not just an honour for you but also a source of pride for Gombe State. We are confident that you will excel in this new capacity and contribute to the advancement of the NDPHC”, the Governor remarked.

He encouraged Engineer Bello to remain steadfast in his commitment to excellence, urging him to face the challenges ahead with the same commitment and innovative thinking that have defined his career thus far.

Meanwhile, Engineer Bello had earlier today, paid a thank you visit to Governor Inuwa Yahaya at his residence in Abuja, where he appreciated the support, facilitation and encouragement of the governor as regards his new appointment.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards implementing the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on financial autonomy for local government areas (LGAs).

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has inaugurated an inter-ministerial committee to enforce the court’s judgement. 

The committee’s establishment follows the Supreme Court’s July 11 ruling, which ordered the federal government to pay allocations directly to local government councils.

This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to implement the Constitution’s provisions, recognising local governments as the third tier of government. 

The committee comprises representatives from various ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Its primary goal is to ensure local governments receive full autonomy, enabling them to function effectively without state government interference. 

The SGF’s office stated, “This move is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to give appropriate implementation to the provisions of the Constitution, which recognizes local governments as the third tier of government.”

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a directive to all workers in the country to halt economic activities if its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, is arrested by the Nigerian Police.

This announcement follows the police’s invitation to Ajaero for questioning over allegations, including involvement in terrorism financing.

In response, the NLC held an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at Labour House.

The Congress resolved to request more time from the police to consult with legal advisors.

Addressing workers who had gathered in solidarity, NLC Deputy President Kabiru Ado Sani stated that the union would respect the law by honoring the police invitation but would seek an extension.

He further warned that any arrest or detention of Ajaero would prompt a nationwide strike, urging workers to remain on alert.

Sani assured members that further instructions would be communicated and advised them to return to work peacefully until notified otherwise.

By Uzair Adam

A member of the Hunters Association of Nigeria (HAN), Aliyu Yahaya, was brutally killed by bandits in Magamar-Jibia town, Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The attackers set fire to his home, burning his body inside, and abducted his wife, son, and three neighbors during the raid, which took place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage in the community, with residents calling on the government to take immediate action to address the increasing insecurity in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Katsina State, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to apprehend the culprits and rescue the kidnapped victims.

Community leaders, including Alhaji Sani Salisu, have expressed frustration over the lack of security in the region and are urging the authorities to increase security presence to prevent such tragic events in the future.

Residents are also appealing for swift action to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped individuals and to help alleviate the trauma faced by their families and the community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The United States government has announced a significant humanitarian aid package for Nigeria, providing $27 million to support vulnerable populations affected by food insecurity and climate change. 

This funding is part of a larger $536 million aid package for Sub-Saharan Africa, unveiled by Uzra Zeya, US Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights. 

The aid will be distributed through the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, and brings the total US humanitarian assistance to the region in Fiscal Year 2024 to nearly $3.7 billion. 

The assistance aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals, including refugees, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons, with a focus on crises in the Sahel region and support for durable solutions such as voluntary returns and refugee integration. 

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, highlighted the importance of this funding, stating that it demonstrates the US’ commitment to providing life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable people and host communities. 

“This aid will make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need in Nigeria and across the continent,” Ambassador Mills said. “We stand with Nigeria in its efforts to address humanitarian challenges and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji were ambushed by terrorists in Bachaka Kurya Forest, Gudu Local Government Area, Sokoto State, resulting in the loss of four military personnel. 

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Abuja, stating, “The ambush took place near the Nigeria-Niger border.

In the ensuing firefight, several terrorists were killed, and troops recovered weapons and ammunition.” The military authorities identified the perpetrators as a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. 

“The corpses of the killed terrorist reveal that it was perpetrated by a terror group from Niger Republic known as Lakurawa. Sadly, 4 of our personnel were killed in the encounter,” the statement added. 

The military has vowed to pursue the remaining members of the terror group, who escaped into Niger Republic.

“Troops are however in pursuit to find and destroy the terrorist,” the statement concluded.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). 

This is contained in a statement released today by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) via his social media handles. 

The renowned scholar, who boasts qualifications from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan, is expected to bring his expertise to bear in leading the commission. 

Professor Usman’s experience in Hajj operations is noteworthy, having previously served as Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, where he successfully managed the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country. 

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. President Tinubu has charged the new Chairman to discharge his duties with “integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.”

The appointment of Prof. Pakistan comes a few days after the immediate sacked former NAHCON chairman, Jalal Arabi, was alleged to have squandered and mismanaged Hajj funds.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

João Félix is set to rejoin Chelsea on a permanent deal from Atlético Madrid, according to exclusive reports.

The agreement between the two clubs has been finalized, paving the way for Félix’s return to Stamford Bridge. 

As revealed earlier, Félix’s move is part of a deal involving Conor Gallagher, who will head to Madrid on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Félix will travel to London within the next 24-48 hours to undergo a medical and sign a six-year contract valid until June 2030.

The deal also includes an option to extend until 2031. 

Félix’s return to Chelsea marks a significant coup for the club, with the Portuguese star having expressed his desire to rejoin the Blues.

Fans are eagerly anticipating the move, with many taking to social media to express their excitement.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The NNPC Limited has released its 2023 Audited Financial Statement (AFS), declaring a net profit of N3.297 trillion at the close of the financial year which ended in December 2023, an increase of over N700 billion (28%) when compared to the 2022 profit of N2.548 trillion.

In a world press conference held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja on Monday, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, Mr.

Umar Ajiya said the release of the AFS is a testament to the Company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“Our fiscal performance reflects both strategic foresight and operational resilience. Despite inherent challenges of our operational and economic environment, we have improved the productivity and the financial performance of this great company,” Ajiya stated.

Ajiya added that posting such impressive returns demonstrates NNPC Ltd’s commitment to sustaining profitability and supporting the attainment of national energy security as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, and by extension, as expected by the Company’s shareholders.

Explaining that the NNPC Ltd. will announce its Initial Public offer (IPO) once the shareholders and Board make a decision, he also debunked claims on subsidy payment, saying the Company was only taking care of PMS importation shortfall between it and the Federation.

Speaking earlier at the press conference, the Chairman of the NNPC Ltd. Board, Chief Pius Akinyelure said that the excellent performance came as the fruit of the PIA 2021, and the commitment of the Board, Management and staff of the company.

Akinyelure added that the shareholders of the company have since approved a final dividend of N2.1trn in line with PIA 2021 provisions.In her remarks at the briefing, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mrs.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

The protest in Nigeria has taken a tragic turn with the display of foreign flags by some Northern youths as a demonstration against the government. This action undermines Nigeria’s sovereignty and raises concerns about the changing dynamics in the world.

As the Punch editorial pointed out, the flag-waving campaign shows that Nigeria should be wary of foreign interference, as witnessed in the crises in some West African countries that led to undemocratic military takeovers. There are speculations that some protesters were sponsored to raise the Russian flag as a deliberate attempt to provoke the military into intervention.

While Nigerians can express their grievances over economic hardship, they should do so through legitimate and peaceful means. Resorting to violent demonstrations that result in loss of life and destruction of livelihoods is counterproductive.

It is concerning that underage protesters and youths were the ones mostly flaunting the Russian flags, forcing security agents to clamp down on them. The government should be compassionate in dealing with these minors, as they may be ignorant of the implications of their actions. Rather than facing harsh punishments, they should be sent to remand centres for civil education and skills training.

The media have reported the loss of lives and an estimated daily loss of N400 billion due to the protests. This raises the question of whether the demonstrations were truly worth the cost.

The government should be open to dialogue and engagement with citizens to address their challenges. The security services, too, should be vigilant and professional in handling protesters, especially the young ones.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has a crucial role to play in checking the influx of foreigners with ulterior motives, as there have been allegations of illegal immigrants participating in the protests.

Religious and community leaders should admonish their followers on the consequences of unbecoming behaviours and appeal to the government to address the citizens’ concerns.

Despite the hardship, Nigerians must remain patriotic and respect their country’s sovereignty. Raising flags of other countries and seeking their intervention in domestic affairs is a treasonable offence.

The government should realize that the majority of the citizens are against the protest, not because they are not feeling the pinch of hardship, but because they believe the issue can be resolved through other peaceful means. The government should, therefore, take appropriate actions to address the citizens’ concerns.

Nigeria will overcome this challenge, but change begins with us.

Rabi Ummi Umar wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.