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The National Chairperson of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Ajuri Ahmed, has hinted at a potential coalition of major political parties to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s expected re-election bid in the 2027 elections.
President Tinubu is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ahmed made this statement in Akure, Ondo State, during the NNPP’s campaign flag-off for the state’s upcoming governorship election, scheduled for 16 November.
He revealed that discussions were ongoing to prevent the APC from retaining power beyond 2027.
He also warned political parties to be vigilant and resist attempts by the APC to sow discord within their ranks.
However, the NNPP chieftain did not disclose which other political parties were involved in the coalition talks.
Ahmed added that if the coalition discussions fail, the NNPP is prepared to go it alone.
“Our door is open for any coalition ahead of the 2027 election. And if it doesn’t work, our party is capable of standing on its own,” he stated.
Additionally, he expressed concern over the possibility of election manipulation by the APC in the upcoming governorship election in Ondo State, emphasizing the importance of NNPP supporters voting and safeguarding their votes.
“There is widespread fear that the ruling party may attempt to manipulate the election in their favor because they do not want strong opposition,” Mr. Ahmed said.
He stressed the need for credible party agents to protect the votes before, during, and after the election.
Presenting the party’s flag to NNPP’s governorship candidate, Olugbenga Edema, Ahmed urged opposition parties to prevent internal interference that could lead to disunity.
He emphasized that maintaining unity and integrity is crucial for opposition parties, warning that the ruling APC could turn Nigeria into a one-party state before the 2027 elections if opposition parties fail to stay united.
Commodities price jump 45.92% under Tinubu as small business owners lament downturn
The World Bank has released the Nigeria Development Update report, offering a bleak outlook on poverty in Nigeria, as it stated that over 129 million Nigerians now live below the national poverty line.
It released the report on Thursday in Abuja as Nigerians lamented the worsening hunger nationwide, and wondered when the country’s ballooning rate of inflation would slow down.
The global financial body’s report revealed that the over 129 million Nigerians who now live below the national poverty line represented a sharp rise from 40.1 per cent in 2018 to 56 per cent in 2024.
The World Bank report read, “With growth proving too slow to outpace inflation, poverty has risen sharply. Since 2018, the share of Nigerians living below the national poverty line16 is estimated to have risen sharply from 40.1 per cent to 56.0 per cent.
“Combined with population growth, this means that some 129 million Nigerians are living in poverty. This stark increase partly reflects Nigeria’s beleaguered growth record. Real GDP per capita has not recovered to the level it was at prior to the oil price-induced recession in 2016.
“The COVID-19 pandemic compounded this drop in economic activity. Moreover, growth is failing to outpace inflation: large increases in prices across almost all goods have diminished purchasing power.”
It added, “Multiple shocks in a context of high economic insecurity have deepened and broadened poverty, with over 115 million Nigerians estimated to have been poor in 2023. Since 2018/19, an additional nearly 35 million people have fallen into poverty, so that more than half of Nigerians (51.1 per cent of the population in 2023) are now estimated to live in poverty.”
The PUNCH observed that there was an increase from 115 million in 2023 to 129 million in 2024, which means that 14 million Nigerians have become poorer this year.
The Washington-based bank attributed this surge to inflation, poor economic management, and external shocks.
“Several shocks have contributed to this major increase and changing profile of the poor: the COVID-19 recession, natural disasters such as flooding, growing insecurity, the high cost of the demonetization policy in Q1 2023, high inflation, and low economic growth.
“Previous domestic policy missteps compounded the effects of the shocks, particularly rising inflation, eroding the purchasing power, especially of urban households, pushing many into poverty. The government is ramping up the cash transfer programs to support economically insecure households to help weather the crisis,” the report noted.
It further revealed that while poverty remained a rural phenomenon, urban poverty had grown significantly, with 31.3 per cent of urban dwellers now living in poverty, up from 18 per cent in 2018.
Bauchi gov kicks
However, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and the World Bank expressed opposing views on the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update report in Abuja.
Mohammed criticised the policies, saying they failed to deliver the expected economic relief.
But the World Bank countered that the reforms, although painful, were crucial for Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth.
The Bauchi governor further highlighted the financial difficulties faced by state governments, stating that revenue allocations were insufficient to meet critical needs.
He said, “We should go back to the basics. Nigerians are not enjoying the regime at this time across board, not only the Federal Government, including the state and local governments. Therefore, the onus rests on you, the finance and the managers of the economy.
“We need to come up with a budget programme with economic policies that will reduce hardship. The money that we are sharing is not enough. The report spoke about employment, wages, and how many per cent of Nigerians are even employed. Most of our people live in the informal sector; we should look at how we can make them self-employed.
“The purchasing power has dwindled, these policies are not working and you know that.”
He complained that inflation was eroding the value of funds distributed through the Federation Account Allocation Committee, leaving state governments struggling.
“With all humility, please review your policies, they’re not working. Even the growing FAAC allocation is not enough because inflation is eating it up and the purchasing power of the people is dwindling, we are all living with these people and I can tell you we are at risk of being lynched because of your policies,” the Bauchi governor said.
On the issue of minimum wage, Mohammed disclosed that Bauchi State was still paying the previous wage of N33,000 but has set up a committee to consider the new wage implementation.
He pointed out that while some states can afford N70,000, Bauchi is prioritising sustainability.
“Some states can afford N70,000, some cannot. We in Bauchi State are paying the old minimum wage religiously. We’re looking at paying the new minimum wage as soon as possible,” he said, adding that infrastructure development remained a challenge after meeting wage obligations.
In his presentation, Alex Sienaert, the World Bank’s lead economist for Nigeria, said Nigeria needed more productive jobs as more employment did not translate to reduced poverty.
He also said that the increase in minimum wage would only impact about four per cent of Nigerians.
He noted, “The Federal Government of Nigeria increased the minimum wage, which will affect only a small share of the population. Raising the minimum wage directly affects only 4.1 per cent of working age Nigerians.”
He further stressed the importance of creating productive jobs to tackle poverty, noting that employment alone is not enough unless the jobs are well-paying.
The new World Bank report also noted, “Being employed, however, is no guarantee of being able to escape poverty. Many jobs are not productive and therefore remunerative enough to afford a life beyond poverty.”
It added, “Jobs hold the key to sharing the proceeds of growth. Since Nigeria has a young and growing population, the jobs that can harness the country’s potential ‘demographic dividend’ are needed now.”
Sienaert also dismissed claims that the institution seeks to keep Nigeria economically dependent.
“I’m in this position of having been the lead economist at the World Bank here in Nigeria on economic policy issues for two years now, and I just want to tell you that I’ve not seen any conspiracy within the World Bank or otherwise to keep Nigeria down,” Sienaert said.
He added, “The World Bank is here to help, I’m here to help. Our whole team is here to help. We’re here to provide advice and low cost financing in support of Nigeria getting its own house in order for its own sake.”
He pointed out that Nigeria’s fiscal deficit had shrunk from 6.2 per cent of GDP in 2022 to 4.4 per cent in the first half of 2023, thanks to reforms such as the removal of FX and fuel subsidies.
Meanwhile, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr Ndiame Diop, urged the Federal Government to sustain its reforms, warning that reversing them would be disastrous.
Diop cautioned that “reversing these reforms would be detrimental and would spell doom for Nigeria.”
He acknowledged that the reforms are difficult but essential to stabilise the economy.
Diop also noted that the World Bank is willing to offer Nigeria more loans as well as technical assistance in support of ongoing reforms.
Answering a question about whether the World Bank will keep providing loans to Nigeria, Diop said “Yes, we do have in the pipeline for this fiscal year several projects financed by the World Bank. These are government projects, implemented mostly by the states.”
He added, “Nigeria is a very important partner for the World Bank. We have been providing technical support, but also financing. But what is really important is that our financing comes with technical support and implementation support, and really making sure things go according to plan.”
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, expressed optimism about the country’s economic trajectory.
Edun argued that Nigeria is “turning the corner,” crediting efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to stabilise monetary policy and manage exchange rates.
He said, “Nigeria is already turning the corner. When you look at the figures, what has been done in terms of monetary policy by the governor of the central bank, ably assisted, I may say, by the fiscal side, coping with those heightened interest rates, all in a bid to get the economy stable.”
He further disclosed that the government plans to stimulate job creation through a housing finance initiative that offers near-single-digit mortgage rates.
The minister said that the removal of the subsidy has helped ease the burden that subsidy puts on Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
“The key thing here is that for the first time in 40 years, the vexed issue of fuel subsidy, and linked to it, the foreign exchange subsidy, costing five percent of GDP has gone,” Edun said.
The finance minister also emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to maintaining its course.
He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course, tackle inflation, and ensure we move in the right direction.”
In defence of the recent interest rate increase, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso explained that the hike was necessary to tackle inflation.
“Ours will be to continue orthodox monetary policy and use our tools to ensure that we can bring price stability to our economy,” Cardoso said, adding that the CBN has successfully increased foreign exchange inflows from $200 million to $600m.
He clarified that the exchange rate is driven by economic fundamentals, not determined by the central bank.
“The CBN doesn’t determine the exchange rate. The fundamentals do. We will provide policies to make sure the policies are there in the market,” he said.
“The confidence in the naira is gradually returning as a result of the policies that we are already undertaking, which goes back to the whole issue of Orthodox monetary policy, that is really what begins to encourage people to hold onto naira,” he added.
He also noted that although the bank will not continue any quasi-fiscal intervention, it plans to complete any pending or unfinished ones.
Experts react
Amal Hassan, CEO of Outsource Global Limited, called on the Federal Government to improve the investment climate.
“The government must de-risk the economy to make it easy for investors to come in,” she said.
Despite Nigeria’s negative global image, Hassan noted that international businesses remain attracted by the country’s pool of talent.
World Bank Senior Vice President and Chief Economist, Indermit Gill, wrapped up the discussion by calling on Nigeria’s economic units, including the monetary and fiscal, to collaborate more effectively.
He emphasised the need for unified efforts to drive economic reforms and growth.
Nigerians lament
Nigerians have lamented the increasing hardships in the country, characterised by rising inflation, soaring food prices, and increasing unemployment.
Many households affected by government policies are struggling to meet their basic needs, leading them to adopt unconventional means of survival.
This is as President Tinubu, who is on a two-weeks annual vacation, is expected to return to the country on October 21, a presidential source confirmed to The PUNCH on Thursday.
From cutting out dry-cleaning expenses to discontinuing lesson teachers to avoiding fumigation costs to video calling relatives rather than taking flights, Nigerian households are eliminating luxuries that create employment and opportunities for SMEs and economic stimulation.
Faced with soaring prices and dwindling resources, families are increasingly turning to creative solutions, such as bartering goods and services or engaging in informal economic activities, to make ends meet.
This situation is compounded by the president’s extended annual vacation leaving citizens feeling increasingly disconnected from the leadership during these difficult times.
Since Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, the average price of commodities in Nigeria has increased by 45.92 per cent to 32.70 per cent as the headline inflation rate in September 2024.
This rate is from 22.41 per cent recorded in May 2023, indicating a 10 percentage point increase.
The Inflation rate escalated for 13 consecutive months due to various factors, including the removal of fuel subsidy, which led to increased transportation and production costs, and the depreciation of the naira against major currencies.
A breakdown of the National Bureau of Statistics monthly inflation report showed that the average price of commodities moved from 22.41 per cent in May to 22.79 per cent in June. In July, the rate increased by 1.29 per cent to 24.08 inflation rate. August inflation was 25.80 per cent, September (26.72), October(27.33), November (28.20), December (28.92).
As of late 2023, inflation surged, driven by higher prices for food, energy, and essential goods.
By January 2024, the inflation rate increased further to 29.90 per cent, mainly on the cost of food items.
It was 31.70 per cent in February, 33.20 per cent in March, 33.69 per cent in April, 33.95 per cent inMay, and 34.19 per cent in June 2024 before it dropped to 33.40 per cent in July, 32.15 per cent in August and 32.70 per cent in September.
The Central Bank of Nigeria responded with interest rate hikes by 850 basis points to curb inflation, attempting to stabilise the economy and restore investor confidence.
These measures, while aimed at controlling inflation, have raised concerns about their impact on economic growth and the cost of borrowing for businesses and consumers.
Similarly, power and petrol costs have surged astronomically beyond the pocket of the Nigerians.
Despite promising to bring down the price of petrol during his campaign, Tinubu’s administration had repeatedly increased petrol price by about 488 per cent – from N175 in May 2023 to N1,030 in October 2024 –inflicting more pain on the already impoverished Nigerians.
Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product experienced a year-on-year growth of 3.19 per cent in real terms during the second quarter of 2024. This growth hasn’t brought about any change in the life of the average person on the street.
The government’s economic policies and reforms are under scrutiny as citizens face the repercussions of rising living costs, which could influence public sentiment and political stability in the coming months.
“The pain is much and can’t be tolerated anymore. Nigerians are suffering. The government has to act fast before it gets out of hand,” a resident of Kubwa in Abuja, Adebayo Timothy, stated.
Fresh details regarding the death of renowned novelist, playwright, and Nollywood filmmaker, Biyi Bandele, have emerged.
Recalls that Bandele died on 9 August 2022 in Lagos at the age of 54.
Temi Bandele, the daughter of the filmmaker announced his death in a statement but did not disclose the cause.
The Guardian UK in a report published on Sunday, revealed that Bandele committed suicide in August 2022.
The paper noted that Bandele ended his life a day after a conversation with his editor, Hannah Chukwu, about his novel, ‘Yorùbá Boy Running’ in early April 2022.
The paper said after their discussion, Bandele sent his editor a revised version of the manuscript before committing suicide.
The newspaper reported, “On the following day, the 54-year-old filmmaker, playwright and novelist took his own life.
“He left behind an impressive and strikingly varied body of work: the film adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun, which took seven years to make; stage versions of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko and Lorca’s Yerma; poetry, screenplays and several novels including 2007’s Burma Boy, which told the story of his father’s harrowing and brutal experiences as a British army soldier in the second world war.”
Bandele’s ‘Yorùbá Boy Running’ chronicles the life of Samuel Àjàyí Crowther, who navigated a harrowing journey in the 19th century. Crowther’s life unfolded from abduction and enslavement to abandonment in Sierra Leone, ultimately leading to his return to Nigeria.
His journey culminated in a distinguished career in the clergy, where he made history as the first Black bishop ordained by the Anglican Church.
Bandele before his death directed and adapted the screenplay for ‘Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman’ in 2022, a film based on Wole Soyinka’s classic drama, ‘Death and the King’s Horseman.’
This adaptation was produced for EbonyLife Films and released on 28 October 2022. The film was produced by Mo Abudu, James Amuta, Judith Audu-Foght, Adeola Osunkojo, and Heidi Uys, and was distributed by Netflix.
The film featured a talented cast, including Odunlade Adekola, Shaffy Bello, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omowunmi Dada, Jide Kosoko, Kevin Ushi, Jenny Stead, and Mark Elderkin, among others.
The Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominikoron, accused of raping and murdering 22-year-old fashion designer, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, on Thursday, opened his defence at his trial.
Naija News reports that the defendant is standing trial bordering on rape, conspiracy, felony, sexual assault, and murder brought against him by the Lagos State Government
Ominikoron, who testified in his defence before the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square, told the court that he did not rape nor kill Oluwabamise.
He narrated to Justice Sherifat Sonaike that on February 26, 2022, he was on an afternoon shift, which he resumed by 1 pm, and his route was from Oshodi to Ajah.
According to him, he made a round trip and went on the second trip back to Ajah, saying that it was already around 7 to 8 pm. He said he couldn’t continue working but decided to illegally pick passengers while going back to Oshodi, a term he and his colleague call Korokpe.
The charges revealed that the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, around 7 pm, near the Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.
The prosecution alleged that Ominikoron forcibly had sexual intercourse with Oluwabamise Ayanwole before murdering her.
On the last adjourned date on June 24, the trial was stalled due to the defendant’s leg injury sustained in prison.
The court was told that Ominikoron fell in the bathroom on Sunday, June 23, 2024, injuring his left leg, which caused his absence in court.
During hearing on Thursday, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, told the court that the case had been stalled since November last year and then told the court that the business of the day was for the defence to open its case.
The judge therefore ordered the defence to open its case. Ominikoron, who was led in his defence witness by his counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, told the court that he picked the late Bamishe at Chevron, and three male passengers at Agungi.
According to him, one of the male passengers was coming forward, and he thought it was to pay him, then the passenger threw something at his head and showed him a gun, asking him to cooperate.
The defendant explained that when they pick up passengers illegally, they usually tell them to sit at the back so that officials of the BRT services on monitoring would not see them in the bus and sanction the drivers.
He said he followed the instructions of the man who asked him to divert his route and told him to put his vehicle on neutral.
The defendant further explained that the light inside the bus was on but it was the dim light since he was avoiding being caught for picking passengers.
Omotubora then called for the audio recording of Bamishe, which was played in the open court.
He then asked Ominikoron if he was aware that the late Bamishe was recording or sending voice notes, and he said he wasn’t, that the first time he heard it was when it was played to him at the Panti Police Station after he had made his statement, but he didn’t understand it because of the language barrier.
The defendant told the court that he didn’t know the three men he picked up at Agungi as he had never seen them before and would not be able to identify them.
He said that in Panti, he was severely tortured and the police asked him to just agree with anything they said.
Ominikoron said, “I was brought out and questioned every 15 to 20 minutes and they continually took my statements.
“I could not write my statements due to the torture, so two to three people questioned me while the writer sat in front and wrote down my response.”
Omotuba then asked for Exhibits 10a, b, 11, and 12. Exhibit 10 was one of his previous statements that was read.
In the statement, he said she sat behind him, and he was telling her that he liked her, but later asked her to go to the back to avoid the LSBS officers from arresting him, and she went to the second to the last seat.
Ominikoron said that at the Osborne area, one of the guys pointed a gun at him and diverted him.
He added that when they stopped, Bamishe was screaming for help while she was being dragged but he couldn’t help because a gun was pointed at him.
Ominikoron said later, the men came down from the bus, then he went to the back to look for her, but when he couldn’t find her, saying that he went back to his seat and drove off until he packed his bus at the toll-gate/7-Up terminal.
He said he went home and was home throughout the next day, being Sunday. Adding that on his way to work on Monday, still in shock, he was called to get to Oshodi.
He said on getting there, he heard that one of his passengers was missing. Ominikoron told the court that he later called one of his friends, Mr Hope, and told him he had a problem with his landlord and in his office so he needed to discuss it with him.
He said he went to Ogun State to meet his friend and told him he wanted to stay there for a while.
When asked if he slept with anyone on his bus, he said he didn’t do that and that the male passengers raped Bamishe and dragged her out.
He said he was shocked, so he couldn’t tell anyone what happened while explaining what happened on Monday.
“While still on my way to work, I was called to the head office in Oshodi to meet Mr Ola. On getting there, I was told not to drive out, but wait.
“Then some of my colleagues were now saying that I did ‘Korokpe’, after saying I didn’t do that, they now said one of my passengers is missing.
“After hearing this, I now found a way to leave the depot because I was afraid that the rumour had got to the office and I remembered that my MD had continually told us that he could not use N1m to chase someone even if it was N100. So, I ran away because picking people illegally is equal to stealing,” he said.
When asked if he knew a certain MaryJane or raped her on November 25, 2021, he said he knew her but didn’t rape her.
He said though they were in a relationship, he had never been intimate with her.
He claimed that the last time they met, he sent her N3,000 for her sick child and started avoiding her because she was always demanding money from him anytime they met.
He was also asked if he attempted to rape Doctor (name withheld) and exchanged phone numbers on December 29, 2021, in Ikorodu; he denied knowing her nor going to Ikorodu on that day.
However, the case was adjourned till October 21, 2024, for the continuation of the defendant’s examination in chief.
Former Minister of Information, Jerry Gana, on Thursday, refuted claims that members of former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s cabinet encountered evil spirits during their time at the State House.
Gana made this assertion at a press conference held to announce the upcoming four-day International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative (ABLI) in Abuja, set to commence on October 21.
The ABLI initiative, themed “Value-based Leadership Model for Africa,” aims to cultivate a new generation of transformational leaders across the continent, with a particular focus on Nigeria.
Gana’s comments were a direct response to allegations made by Reuben Abati, former spokesperson to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who in 2016 wrote an article titled “The Spiritual Side of Aso Rock.”
In this piece, Abati suggested that a supernatural force loomed over the State House, calling for it to be converted into a museum and abandoned. He further indicated that a cleric had informed him that Aso Rock was “full of evil spirits.”
Abati recounted his own distressing experiences while residing in the Presidential Villa, stating he suffered physical ailments and could not sleep in the assigned apartment for an hour over a six-month period.
When asked if he had encountered similar supernatural occurrences during his tenure as minister, a visibly puzzled Gana shook his head. He emphasized that the absence of such experiences during Obasanjo’s administration does not imply their non-existence.
He said, “We don’t live in a free environment where you are not free to do whatever you like. You are either for light or darkness. You are either for God or the devil. There are forces within the environment in which we live that if you do not spiritually agree on who to follow, you can’t know where you belong. So the issue of spiritual forces is real. That is why the Bible says we are the light of the world.
“So whatever tension you are referring to, I don’t know. During our own time, we didn’t see the thing (demon). Maybe they are too afraid of us. But I am not saying they are not there.
“From my personal experience during the eight years of General Olusegun Obasanjo, we met for prayers every day when we were here in Abuja. We believe that God is sovereign and He will give us the understanding to be able to do the best for the country. We met every morning by 6 am to pray for just God’s wisdom and guidance.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has recorded 14,237 cases of cholera across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory, spanning 339 local government areas as of October 13, 2024.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, who made this known at a press briefing in Abuja, on Thursday, said 378 deaths had been recorded from cholera.
The DG also disclosed that the number of confirmed Mpox cases in the country increased to 102 across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory, up from the previous total of 94 cases.
Idris said cholera remained a serious public health issue, particularly in areas with inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene systems.
He, however, said the centre was working with stakeholders to mitigate the spread.
“As of October 13, 2024, a total of 14,237 cases of cholera have been reported across 35 states and the FCT, spanning 339 local government areas.
“Sadly, 378 lives have been lost, resulting in a case-fatality ratio of about 2.7 per cent. The burden of this outbreak disproportionately affects the most vulnerable–children under the age of five.
“This year has seen two significant waves of cholera, with the most recent surge, reported during the week of September 29, attributed to the heavy rains and subsequent flooding.
“This is a pattern we anticipated, having foreseen the risks through data and advisories provided by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
“The floods in the northern states such as Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano have exacerbated the spread of cholera, making these states the current epicentres of the outbreak.
“Earlier in the year, the cholera cases were concentrated in southern states as the rains began there, but we have seen a shift, with northern states now accounting for a significant portion of cases.
“The number of suspected cholera cases and deaths in 2024 has more than doubled when compared to this time last year.
“These numbers reflect the severity of the outbreak and reinforce the need for continuous vigilance and action.
“It also underscores the developmental issues that should be addressed both at the national and sub-national levels with improved commitment towards addressing challenges relating to inadequate access to clean water, open defecation, poor environmental sanitation, food and personal hygiene.”
He said the agency has deployed rapid response teams, including experts from health line ministries to the affected northern states.
He added that high-level advocacy visits, including to Borno State, were conducted to engage with states’ health leadership, encourage response teams, and offer support to communities displaced by floods.
“Our efforts have been bolstered by collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
“Together, we have successfully supported our sister agency, the NPCHDA, to carry out reactive cholera vaccinations in internally displaced persons camps, a move that has proven crucial in the reduction in cases being reported.
“We urge all Nigerians to practice good personal, food, and environmental hygiene, with emphasis on regular hand washing with soap and water under running water; and seek medical care immediately if cholera symptoms—such as severe diarrhoea and vomiting—occur.
“Looking ahead, our priorities remain clear -we will continue to enhance surveillance, improve prompt treatment of affected persons, and strengthen Water Sanitation and Hygiene practices in affected communities. Cholera is a preventable disease, and with collective effort, we can control and eventually eliminate this threat,” he stated.
On Mpox, Idris said in response to the threat, especially in light of regional cross-border transmission, the NCDC has reinforced its strategy to prevent the spread of the virus.
“We are primarily dealing with the Clade IIB variant, which has been circulating in Nigeria; however, we are also monitoring the situation in Cameroun where both Clade IB & IIB are reported, and heightening our surveillance for the Clade IB, a more severe strain currently circulating in Kenya, Uganda, Burundi, and the DRC, which has the potential for rapid spread through community transmission.
“Nigeria has continued to manage the outbreak with vigilance. As of October 13, a total of 102 confirmed cases have been recorded across 26 states and the FCT, from 1,339 suspected cases. Encouragingly, there have been no recorded deaths, but we remain cautious.
“The observed steady rise in the number of reported cases in recent weeks can be attributed to enhanced surveillance and improved case detection across the country,” he said.
He stated that the agency’s response strategy rested on stakeholder engagement, surveillance and diagnostic capacity, community engagement, and vaccination campaign.
He added, “In partnership with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, we are facilitating the deployment of 10,000 doses of the Mpox Jynneos vaccine, prioritising high-risk groups such as contacts of confirmed cases and immunocompromised individuals.
“Priority states for this vaccination campaign include Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, based on the burden of Mpox cases reported since 2017.
“Anyone with rash illness is advised to visit the nearest health facility for care. The general public is advised to avoid direct contact with sick or dead animals and avoid consumption of under-cooked meat.”
The lawmaker representing Abia North in the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, has revealed that he earns a total of N14 million monthly as a Senator.
During an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Kalu dismissed the widespread belief that lawmakers live in luxury while the masses suffer in poverty.
“I earn N14 million for everything in a month. That is everything encompassing, the overhead, the worker’s salary, everybody,” Kalu stated.
The former governor of Abia State argued that the N14 million is not sufficient to cover his expenses, including travel to his constituency and maintaining his constituency office.
In response to allegations regarding lawmakers being provided luxury official vehicles, Kalu clarified that no personal vehicles are given to Senators. Instead, only committees within the National Assembly receive vehicles for official use.
“I am in the Senate, and a lot of things are said about the Senators. I sit there quietly and watch, and most of these things are not true. All I know is that committees get vehicles, no lawmaker is given any vehicle,” Kalu explained.
The Labour Party (LP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Bola Tinubu of inflicting hardship on Nigerians.
The party, through its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, submitted that it is the ideology of the APC to cause hardship.
Speaking during an interview with Punch published on Thursday, Ifoh said President Tinubu had promised to continue from where former President Muhammadu Buhari stopped and the reality of what he said is the pain and penury Nigerians are passing through at the moment.
He lamented that many Nigerians are unable to feed properly, pay their medical bills and afford other basic necessities of life due to the harsh policies of the current government.
The LP spokesperson made the submission in response to a question on the appropriateness of a suggestion for the Tinubu administration to seek help from former President Goodluck Jonathan to stabilise the economy and currency.
In response, Ifoh said: “It is not about seeking help. It is about the ideology of the party. The ideology is to bring hardship. The ideology is like what this current President said, to continue from where the previous President stopped. It is about the pain and penury they intend to inflict on Nigeria and they are succeeding.
“At this rate, I don’t know where Nigeria will be in the next three years. At this rate, people can’t pay their health bills and even eat. Every day, they are increasing taxes. And they are achieving what they want to achieve. You can see the rate of school dropouts. So, it is not about being stubborn. It is about the policy.”
Controversial Nigerian artist, Speed Darlington, has expressed his intention to retract his public apology to fellow musician, Burna Boy, after disclosing the circumstances that led to the apology.
Previously, Speed Darlington issued a public statement, apologizing for remarks he made about Burna Boy, which allegedly led to his arrest.
However, in a recent video update, the singer clarified that his apology was not genuine but was made solely to retrieve his seized phone.
According to him, he was pressured into making the apology by his lawyer, who insisted that posting it online was the best way to secure the release of his phone.
Despite complying, Speed Darlington claims his phone remains in police custody, prompting his decision to delete the apology.
The singer further taunted his critics, stating that all the information on his seized phone is backed up on his laptop, and he plans to purchase a new phone soon.
Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, recently entertained fans with a humorous video in which he cross-dressed and grooved to his incoming track.
In the clip, Portable who claimed he was invited to a party hosted by Diddy, created a song about the event where he advised his fans not to attend.
Dressed in an eye-catching pink feminine outfit, Portable donned a matching pink crop top, short skirt, and wig. Adding to the playful theme, he accessorized with a pink wristband and slippers, fully committing to the look.
Throughout the video, the singer showed off some dance moves, even attempting to wiggle his waist for his audience while smiling at the camera.
Portable confidently posed and danced in front of the camera.
Sharing the video, he wrote:
“Don’t go to DIDDY Party ???? Out Soon ??.”
Watch the video below:
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The Sokoto State government has announced a massive 55 per cent discount rates for rice and other basic but essential commodities and food items.
The discount was announced by the state governor Ahmed Aliyu during the inauguration of the sales of subsidised items in Kware LGA.
The inauguration signalled the commencement of the programme across the 244 wards.
Aliyu disclosed that the programme aims to ameliorating the economic hardship citizens face, assuring that the programme would be sustained to herald food security in Sokoto.
“We have made the process transparent and non-political with a view to ensuring the success of this initiative in supporting the entire population of the state.
“Our goal is to ensure that all residents of Sokoto, regardless of political affiliation or religious background, benefit from this programme,” he assured.
The governor revealed that the state government had spent N14.4 billion to procure 280 trucks of rice for onward sale to the public.
“Each ward will receive 600 bags of 50 kg rice, sold at a 55 per cent discount rate. We have reduced the price of a 50 kg bag to N38,700, a 25 kg bag to N19,350, and a 10 kg bag to N7,740,” he said.
Mr Aliyu added that his government did not intend to collect the proceeds from the sales. He said it would open a special account where the funds would be used to buy more foodstuff for the programme’s sustainability.
“I have also directed the sales committee to provide smaller measurements for those who cannot afford the 10 kg bags,” he added.
The governor urged religious scholars in the state to use their pulpits to continuously encourage wealthy individuals to support the less privileged in their communities.
He further assured that adequate measures had been put in place to ensure that the commodities reached the intended beneficiaries.
The chairman of the sales committee, Chiso Dattijo, assured the governor that due process would be strictly followed during the sales process
No fewer than 36 suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested at different locations in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, disclosed the arrest of the suspects on Thursday.
The suspects were arrested on October 11, 2024, following actionable intelligence linking them with suspected online criminal activities.
It was gathered that the suspects impersonated foreign nationals using social media platforms to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Items recovered from them include eight luxury vehicles and sophisticated brands of mobile phones and laptops.
The EFCC said the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
A member of the Yoruba Nation agitators, Adejumo Lateef, has died while in custody, officials of the Nigeria Correctional Services revealed on Wednesday, October 16.
Lateef, the 18th defendant in an ongoing trial, was part of a group facing charges in connection with the April 13, 2024 invasion of the Oyo State government Secretariat.
The suspects, under the aegis of Yoruba Nation Agitators, are accused of attempting to declare the sovereign Republic of Yoruba Nation (Oodua Republic) during the incident. The case, filed under suit number I/51c/2024, is being heard at the Fiat Court 3 of the Oyo State High Court, Ring Road, Ibadan, presided over by Justice K. B. Olawoyin.
The 27 defendants, including the late Adejumo Lateef, face charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, unlawful assembly, treasonable felony, and treason. Among those standing trial are Adeyemo Peter, Adeyemo Joseph, Amos Oluwaseyi Ogundeji, and Ayanwale Rofiat, along with others such as Fatoki Anthony, Murittala Abefe, and Ismaila Adepoju.
The charges stem from the events of April 13, 2024, and are punishable under Section 37(2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
At Wednesday’s court session, the case could not proceed as planned due to the majority of the defendants lacking legal representation. Adebola Ogungbe represented the 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 12th defendants, while Toluwase Ogundeji stood in for the 15th defendant. Two additional lawyers, Yomi Ogunlola and S.A. Sanmi, volunteered to represent other unrepresented defendants.
However, the 6th, 23rd, and 24th defendants informed the court that they would contact their families to arrange legal representation. As a result, Justice Olawoyin adjourned the case to November 6, 8, and 13 for arraignment and further hearings.
The case is being prosecuted by a team from the Oyo State Government led by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr. S. O. Adeoye, along with Deputy DPP O. R. Yussuf, and other senior state counsels including S. A. Osuolale, Yisa Busari, and O. A. Bolarinwa.
The death of Adejumo Lateef in custody adds another layer of complexity to the already sensitive case involving the Yoruba Nation movement.
A notorious Nigerian human trafficker has been arrested by the Buduburam District Police in the Gomoa East District of the Central Region, Ghana after a decade on the police wanted list.
The accused nick-named Pu**y Mama, has allegedly trafficked over 3,000 victims across Africa.
According to a police report, the suspect, who identified as inters3x with both male and female genitalia, is allegedly involved in trafficking women and girls from Nigeria, Liberia, and Togo into Ghana for prostitution.
It was gathered that the women were forced into prostitution at popular venues, including hostels and nightclubs in Kasoa, Buduburam and nearby areas.
He was said to have lured the women with promises of lucrative jobs but later coerced them into prost!tution.
He had evaded arrest by Nigerian and Ghanaian police for 10 years due to alleged mystical powers.
According to police sources, the alleged human trafficker always disappeared before authorities could get to him.
However, luck eluded him during one of his operations.
While trafficking another set of young girls from Nigeria to Ghana for prostitution, he was arrested by a young female police officer.
He was subsequently arraigned before the Kasoa Ofaakor Circuit on Wednesday, October 9, 2024
The court, presided over by His Lordship Isaac Oheneba Kuffour, remanded the accused in police custody.
He is expected to reappear before the court on October 18, 2024.
Meanwhile, the Central Regional Chairman for the Nigerian Community, Sir Emmanuel Azubuike, who doubles as the Africa Coordinator for the International Human Rights Observatory, commended the police for their bravery.
Citing the numerous times the accused escaped from police custody over the years, he charged the Ghana Police Service and the Chief Justice to be vigilant so he doesn’t escape again.