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.
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.
The Federal Government has announced that petrol supply from Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, September 15, 2024, following a pricing and supply agreement reached between both parties.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Zacch Adedeji, a member of the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Products and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) will serve as the sole buyer of petrol from the refinery.
Other marketers will purchase the product from NNPC.The agreement stipulates that starting October 1, 2024, NNPC will supply 385,000 barrels of crude oil per day to Dangote Refinery, with payments to be made in Naira.
In return, Dangote Refinery will provide petrol and diesel to the domestic market, with diesel available for purchase by any interested buyer, while petrol will be reserved exclusively for NNPC.
The deal is expected to alleviate the ongoing petrol shortages across the country and ensure continued subsidy payments on the product.
The Presidential Committee confirmed that the first batch of petrol from Dangote Refinery will be ready for loading on Sunday.
Yelwa Zangam is a gridlocked, rural area located in Jos North Local Government, Plateau State, North-Central, Nigeria. It has an estimated population of over 10,000 inhabitants and its nearest villages. The hinterland is just 21 minutes’ drive from the University of Jos, main campus. Most of the people are agrarian farmers and living below a minimal income.
Nigeria operates a three tier system of government, consist the federal, the state and the local government. Similarly, the Nigerian health system functions along such relations. Primary health care is at the local government stage, Secondary health care is managed by the state and the tertiary health system by maintained by the Federal.
Primary Health care is known for intervening, caring and controlling communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases, taking care of antenatal and post-natal, observing child growth, dispensing vaccines to children and Health Education and Community Mobilization.
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), a body oversees, coordinates and regulates the standard of Primary Health Care in Nigeria. The minimum infrastructural requirements for such a health centre; are as follows; a least 13 rooms in good condition with functional doors and netted windows, separated female and male words toilets, water supply (borehole), electricity (or alternative source of power), sanitary waste collection spot, waste disposal site and staff accommodation. However, it has a staff station, two consulting rooms, two delivery rooms (labour rooms), maternity sections, and a laboratory and the building must be fenced.
The United Nations, Refugee Agency (UNCHR) stated in its ‘Emergency Handbook the primary healthcare workforce is composed of a wide range of health professionals, including medical doctors, nurses, midwives, clinical officers or physician assistants, laboratory technicians, pharmacists, community health workers, managerial and supporting staff.
Yelwan Zangam’s Primary Health care began 31 years ago and was built by the local government in 2001 through direct allocations from federation funds. Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization, an international organisation under a sub-body ‘GAVI FUNDS’ partnered with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for the renovating the centre in 2011.
Now, the unfenced facility faced a series of challenges; a leak roofing with only 6 rooms apart from the labour room, unkempt rooms in shambles conditions, single working toilets, no water supply, shortage of mattresses, obsolete medical equipment, dearth of medical personnel and constants insufficiency of drugs supply problems. Since its existence, the hospital has not been connected to an electric power source.
Fali Emmanuel John is a Health Officer in primary health care. He narrates a dire condition “We are facing a lot of problems in maintaining the hospital. Firstly, non-availability of electricity and solar systems for the storage of children’s vaccines, even if there is electricity. It’s compulsory to have a solar system. Due to power instability in Nigeria, so that we can render vaccination daily. Lack of electricity is a big setback to the community and the hospital. Secondly, our personnel need staff quarters. Primary health care is established for 24-hour services. Definitely, staff accommodation should be within the vicinity”.
He reiterates “The community starts building a staff quarters. But they are overstrained. The building is uncompleted”.
Mr. John lamented “The hospital is supposed to have 10 to 20 medical staff. According to medical ethics, working hours range from three shifts; morning, afternoon and evening (night). The deficiency of personnel here is too bad. We only have 3 medical doctors. Sometimes 1 medical doctor works for 24 hours, which is unprofessional and painful to us”.
“Issues concerning drugs, the government are making a little effort. We urged for more. Before the community donated money for drugs and other essentials”, he added.
Fauziya Musa Abdullahi is a nursing mother, who visits the hospital often for antenatal services and delivers her 6-month son to primary health care. She expresses “The most difficulty, women encounter is during night hours. For example, if a woman came to give birth. On certain occasions, there is no doctor available”.
She added “Sometimes, drugs are not available. It’s for patients to buy from the city. During, my last admission here. I wait for a long moment. Before drugs, injections and intravenous drips were bought. If authorities get involved and provide drugs in a hospital. It will be good for the patient to have treatment in any given situation”.
Usman Garba Danladi, an assistant sectary to the community and for years among the people work in progress of Yelwa Zangam community, says “For now, a local agency, Plateau State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), supplies drugs”.
He shared “30 years ago, local government authority grants a fund under a scheme ‘REVOLVING FUNDS’, it was used to supply drugs and other necessary items. The drugs were sold to patients at affordable prices”.
“Financial challenges for buying drugs. Some patients run away with complicated health issues”, he cried out.
Nigeria’s highest court, on 11 July passed a judgement for local government to have full autonomy. Henceforth, the allocation from the federation account is to be funded directly into the local government, not through the state government ‘Joint account’. Mr. Danladi chip in “I am dreamt for local government to be independent. In the past, primary health care was managed from local government funds, not state government. Certainly, with this development electricity will be installed, more workforce and enough drugs to the patients and the facility will be improved”.
Mr John remarks “I am grateful to Almighty God for the Supreme Court’s verdict to allow local government to use their money for local affairs. Local government autonomy is a great success to health sectors”.
Abdullahi D. Hassan writes from Jos in Plateau State and can be reached via +234 803 323 7977.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Operation Whirlwind has announced a major seizure of over 20,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N18 million, during a seven-day operation in the Zone ‘A’ area.
According to Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, “These seizures were made at strategic locations in Ogun State, including Ere River, Imeko, and Idiroko, where smugglers attempted to illegally transport fuel. The operation also led to the confiscation of five vehicles used for smuggling.”
Ejibunu stated the need for a collective effort to tackle the illegal exportation of PMS to neighbouring countries, stating that such activities pose a threat to Nigeria’s economic stability.
He assured that his team will intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s petroleum resources and bring economic saboteurs to justice, warning smugglers to desist from their actions and embrace legitimate trade.
“There is no hiding place for those involved in illicit trade. Their only option is to embrace legitimate business,” he said.
In aggressive, offensive operations against terrorism and insurgency, Nigerian Army troops have obliterated yet another terrorist stronghold, successfully rescuing kidnapped students and seizing a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Troops also eliminated some insurgents, while some others were captured alive.
On 12 September 2024, acting on reliable intelligence, troops stationed in Kaduna State launched a highly coordinated operation aimed at rescuing abducted persons from violent extremist camps. Engaging in an intense firefight at Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops overpowered the terrorists, forcing them to flee and abandoning their captives.
A thorough sweep of the area led to the rescue of 13 victims, comprising six males and seven females, as well as the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, four magazines, a locally fabricated rifle and the sum of ₦192,220.00.
Five solar panels, five mobile phones, dry rations, and clothing items were also recovered. The rescued victims have been evacuated to 1 Division Medical Services and Hospital for medical attention.
In another decisive operation, troops in Kachia Local Government Area have intercepted two notorious terrorist logistics suppliers, Mallam Usman Waikili and Salisu Idris, at Kagarko village. The troops confiscated the sum of ₦1,306,700.00, three SIM cards, two mobile phones, three national identity cards, 8 ATM cards, 2 Moniepoint POS machines, an MTN MiFi and other items from the suspects.
In a separate operation in Suleja, Niger State, troops stormed a terrorist hideout, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The troops’ overwhelming firepower led to the neutralization of 3 terrorists, while three others, identified as Mallam Halalu, Mallam Suleiman, and Mr. Musa, were captured alive. The suspects led the troops to a hidden armoury, where 3 AK-47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm.
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ‘s new report on the country’s trade balance.
According to the report, Nigeria recorded another trade surplus in the second quarter of 2024, hitting N6.95 trillion.
The current surplus is 6.60% higher than the N6.52 trillion surplus recorded in the first quarter.
Just days after the country recorded almost 100 percent oversubscription of its first $500 million domestic bond and half-year revenue of N9.1 trillion, the latest report underscores the increasing positive shifts in the economy over the last year.
President Tinubu expresses confidence in the reforms his administration is pursuing and believes they will create a more robust economy that will usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigerians.
The NBS report reflects the country’s strong export performance in the second quarter.
Although total merchandise trade in Q2 2024 stood at N31.89 trillion, a 3.76% decline compared to the preceding quarter (Q1 2024), it marked a 150.39% rise from the corresponding period in 2023.
The NBS reported that the Q2 surplus was essentially driven by exports to Europe, the United States and Asia.
Total exports stood at N19.42 trillion, accounting for 60.89% of the country’s total trade. This represents a 1.31% increase from N19.17 trillion in the first quarter and a 201.76% surge from N6.44 trillion recorded in Q2 2023.
The dominance of crude oil exports remains a key factor in this performance, contributing N14.56 trillion, or 74.98% of total exports.
Non-crude oil exports, valued at N4.86 trillion, comprised 25.02% of the total export value, with non-oil products contributing N1.94 trillion.
The strong export performance, particularly in crude oil, ensured Nigeria maintained a favourable trade balance.
In Q2 2024, European and American countries dominated Nigeria’s top export destinations. Spain emerged as the largest export partner, receiving goods valued at N2.01 trillion, accounting for 10.34% of Nigeria’s total exports.
The United States followed closely with N1.86 trillion (9.56%), while France imported N1.82 trillion of Nigerian goods, representing 9.37% of total exports.Nigeria’s other major export partners include India (N1.65 trillion or 8.50%) and the Netherlands (N1.38 trillion).
Generally, the economic indicators, which were very low when President Tinubu assumed office last year, are turning positive.
The government will continue to consolidate on the gains of the reforms as more fiscal and tax policy reforms already embarked upon by the administration come to fruition.
President Tinubu is determined to confront the inhibitions that have stunted the growth and development necessary to unlock the country’s full potential.
Indeed, when people begin to do things in such a way as to defy their rules or behaviours, it is only proper for scientific research to be conducted to discover the reason(s) behind such behavioural change. In fact, for leaders, it is essential to continuously study the people’s behaviour to decode their actions and inactions in response to government decisions for the sake of the government’s sustainability and continued law and order in the polity. If, however, this is not done accordingly, there is every tendency that, in time, a government may not know it has lost the people’s confidence.
An example of such a situation is that of the present Nigeria, where its people, who in their usual antecedents are most unlikely to protest against hardship and pain, went to the streets to express dissatisfaction with how things are happening in the country.
Just as the haranguing of the taciturn is altogether a surprise and definitely attention seeking, Nigerians, in unison, going out to the streets to express anger is astonishing and thus a clear message to the government that all is not well in the country. And true to it, most Nigerians are in untold hardship, increasingly perceiving the miasma of hopelessness with each passing day.
The people cannot be well and happy in an economy, with its currency becoming valueless at the end of every business day. This implies that at every sunrise, the Naira in the hands of Nigerians can buy less than what it could have on the previous day. And with the government’s refusal to subsidise fuel and electricity, the economy, which is already unproductive, has nosedived the more, leaving entrepreneurs at the receiving end. The nation’s economy now has no middle class. Poverty is in every corner of Nigeria, with illiteracy buttressing it.
This economic downturn has had a ripple effect on the social fabric of the nation. Crime rates have skyrocketed as young people, desperate for survival, resort to illegal activities. The once vibrant and bustling cities are now ghost towns as businesses close down and unemployment soars. The health sector is already deplorable and is now on the brink of collapse. Hospitals lack basic amenities, forcing patients to purchase essential drugs and supplies. The educational sector is not spared either. Public schools are dilapidated, and teachers are poorly remunerated, leading to a decline in the quality of education.
The political landscape is equally fraught with challenges. The ruling class is more concerned with self-enrichment than the welfare of the people. Corruption is endemic, and public funds are siphoned into private pockets. Irregularities mar the electoral process, and the voices of the people are often ignored. The lack of accountability and transparency has eroded the trust between the government and the governed.
The security situation in the country is also a major concern. Banditry and kidnapping have become commonplace in most parts of the country. The people live in fear and uncertainty, as their lives and property are not safe.
It is evident that Nigeria is at a crossroads. The government must take urgent steps to address the myriad problems facing the nation. This includes revamping the economy, improving the standard of living, providing adequate security, and promoting good governance. The government must also listen to the people and implement policies that are in their best interest.
The time for empty promises and rhetoric is over. The people are demanding action. The government must deliver on its promises or risk losing the trust and confidence of the people. The future of Nigeria depends on the choices made today.
Someone who stands up for justice and rejects ineptitude and injustice in all facets of his people’s lives is considered a comrade.
Dan Bello is a well-known character who appears everywhere. He uncovers a secret: the Nigerian government is embezzling and laundering money. Despite being abroad, more precisely, born in the United States of America, where everyone is entitled to freedom, and living in China, the birthplace of major global advancements.
Dan Bello conducts in-depth research and analysis to spit out everything the Nigerian government is doing. He affects all three branches of the government, clerics, and the populace at large.
Although he had few views when posting his skits on social media, his consistency helped him grow over at least two years. He raises awareness of the hardships and unrest occurring in Nigeria, particularly among the northerners, as well as the bribery and corruption that have become ingrained in the country’s citizenry.
Despite his abundance of knowledge, he made the Nigerian people aware of what was happening outside their doors—the waste and theft of the country’s natural resources and wealth by providing them with factual and empirical reports.
Unfortunately, he is being attacked, mistreated, and vilified by a few ignorant and disloyal young people in the north just because he exposed their political ancestors, who exploited the nation as a prop for themselves and their progeny.
It touches my heart more, but I understand how our youths have turned to beggars for food without thinking about the consequences in their lives. All they need is their boss’s appreciation and happiness, regardless of how others are torturing and tormenting by their action.
Even now, our people still find it difficult to embrace the harsh reality of their religious beliefs, political opinions, and relationships with loved ones.
I felt compelled to appeal to Dan Bello because it hurts to fight for the people you love and those people to fight back because they are self-centred and ignorant. But I beg of you, Dan Bello, and your men, including Barr. Bulama Bukarti, Jafar Jafar, Salisu Zango, Barr. Abba Hikima and the rest of your team have taken me as mentors and role models for journalism and freedom fighters, not to mention them. I promise to work tirelessly alongside you and your team to uncover the truth no matter where it may be found, all the way to the end of this incredible journey to liberate ourselves from the oppressive leaders that rule us.
I pray to Almighty Allah to provide you success, direction, and safety wherever you are. I hope that my beloved Nigeria will soon be restored and revitalised.
Gaddafi Yusuf isa Mass Communications student from A.M.T Massive College and can be via gaddafiyusuf240@gmail.com.
The global internet user base has grown consistently in recent years, with countries with larger populations leading the charge.
However, some smaller nations also boast impressive online activity.
According to Exploding Topics, here are the ten countries with the largest number of internet users:
1. China – 1.05 billion: With its massive population, China tops the list with an estimated 1.05 billion internet users, accounting for 74.36% of its population.
2. India – 692 million: India ranks second, with 692 million people online, representing 49.15% of its population.
3. United States—311.3 million: The U.S. has 311.3 million internet users, which translates to a high penetration rate of 93.79%.
4. Indonesia – 212.9 million: Indonesia has 212.9 million people online, with a penetration rate of 77.76%.
5. Brazil – 181.8 million: Brazil has 181.8 million internet users, covering nearly 85% of its population.
6. Russia – 127.6 million: Russia follows with 127.6 million users, almost 90% of its population.
7. Nigeria – 122.5 million: Nigeria ranks seventh globally, with over 122.5 million internet users, more than half of its population.
8. Japan—102.5 million: Japan has 102.5 million internet users, which is more than 80% of its population.
9. Mexico – 100.6 million: Mexico has 100.6 million people online, with nearly 80% penetration.
10. Pakistan – 87.35 million: Pakistan rounds out the top 10 with 87.35 million internet users, despite only 40% of its population being connected.
