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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that the average price of a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas rose from N6,430.02 in August to N6,699.63 in September 2024.
According to the report, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cooking gas increased by 4.89 percent on a month-on-month basis from N15,552.56 in August 2024 to N16,313.43 in September.
The average retail price for 12.5kg cooking gas rose by 76.41 percent on a year-on-year basis from N9,247.40 recorded in September 2023 to N16,313.43 in September 2024.
The NBS disclosed this in its newly released “Cooking Gas Price Watch” report for September 2024, published on Friday in Abuja.
According to the report, the September price represented a 4.19 percent increase, compared to what it was in August.
The average price of 5kg of cooking gas increased on a year-on-year basis by 59.90 percent from N4,189.96 in September 2023 to N6,699.63 in September 2024.
Analysis by states revealed that Rivers State recorded the highest average price at N7,285.71, followed by Gombe State at N7,271.88, and Borno State at N7,089.72.
Kebbi recorded the lowest price at N5,950.00, followed by Kano and Benue at N6,133.33 and N6,143.52, respectively.
The North-East recorded the highest average retail price at N6,929.02 for 5 kg of cooking gas, followed by the South-East at N6,893.47.
“The North-West recorded the lowest average retail price at NN6,382.30,” the NBS said.
The report also showed that Rivers recorded the highest average retail price of N17,992.86, followed by Gombe at N17,942.86 and Zamfara at N17,475.00, while the lowest average price for 12.5kg of cooking gas was recorded in Adamawa at N13,983.33, followed by Nassarawa and Bauchi with N14,938.50 and N15,000.00, respectively.
Analysis by zone showed that the South-East recorded the highest average retail price of N16,957.29, followed by the South-West at N16,665.45.
The report said the North-East recorded the lowest price at N15,770.75.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price per litre of kerosene increased to N1,957.44 in September 2024 on a month-on-month basis.
The increase showed an increase of 5.97 percent, compared to the N1,847.59 recorded in August 2024.
According to the NBS National Kerosene Price Watch for September 2024 on a year-on-year basis, the average retail price per litre of kerosene rose by 50.68 percent from N1,299.03 in September 2023.
The report’s state profile analysis indicated that Abuja had the highest average price for kerosene in August at N2,816.67 per litre, followed by Kaduna at N2,437.50 and Akwa Ibom at N2,411.11.
“On the other hand, the lowest price was recorded in Bayelsa at N1,416.67, followed by Borno at N1,477.83 and Ekiti at N1,635.00.”
The NBS also analysed that the North-Central recorded the highest average retail price per litre of kerosene at N2,194.05, followed by the North-West at N2,092.92, adding that the South-East recorded the lowest average retail price per liter of kerosene at N1,718.89.
The average retail price per gallon of kerosene paid by consumers in September 2024 was N6,818.1, indicating an increase of 5.84 percent increase from N6,441.94 recorded in August 2024.
On a year-on-year basis, the average price per gallon of kerosene increased by 55.69 percent from N4,379.31 in September 2023.
Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for kerosene at N8,400 per gallon, followed by Jigawa at N8,100 and Kebbi and Ogun at N8,000, while Nasarawa had the lowest at N5,250, with the North-West averaging the highest regional price at N7,809.52.
Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan has shared the reason the founder of Mavin Records, Michael Ajereh popularly known as Don Jazzy donated ₦100 million to his Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
The VeryDarkMan unveiled his NGO on Saturday.
The NGO is geared towards transforming public education in Nigeria through the integration of cutting-edge technologies and innovative teaching methods, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
After the launch, he received more than ₦35 million in 24 hours from different sectors.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, VDM acknowledged the donation, explaining that Don Jazzy decided to support the critic’s initiative because it revolves around humanity.
“Let it be known that on the 16 October 2024, this man named Michael Collins Ajereh aka Don Jazzy donated 100 million to give public school kids advanced education with the aim to give them a good educational foundation.
“Let it be known that Don Jazzy gave money to someone named Martins Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan because he believes in his work for humanity,” he wrote.
VDM disclosed that they have only met once, adding that they did not interact for long during that moment.
“I and him met once, shook hands and that was it. We no even talk for 1 minute ooo, no be say he no my background or anything.”
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested two 15-year-old junior secondary school students for their alleged involvement in a robbery at a mobile phone shop in Wunti Market, Bauchi Metropolis.
The incident, reported to the Police by the shop owner on October 1, involved the theft of numerous electronic items, including 100 mobile phones, 75 MP4 players, and various accessories.
A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ahmed Wakili, indicates that the complaint prompted the Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State, CP Auwal Muhammad to order a swift investigation led by the Operation Restore Peace (ORP) unit, under the direction of CSP Kim Albert.
The investigation led to the arrest of suspects, identified as Hamza Sadiq and Adamu Ahmadu, both JSS 3 students at Bakari Dukku Comprehensive Secondary School.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to having managed to obtain the shop key from where it was stored for safekeeping, timed the shop owner’s departure for the village market, and repeatedly opened the shop door to steal from it during the day. The suspects sold the stolen items randomly at lower prices, ranging from N8,000 to N5,000.”
The police added that “The proceeds of the crime were used to purchase clothes, food, and a smartphone, which was later stolen from one of the suspects as well.”
The police recovered 21 mobile phones, 5 MP4 players, and additional items from the suspects.
Upon completion of the investigation, both individuals will be placed in a remand home for rehabilitation.
The Bauchi State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to combating crime and encouraged the public to report suspicious activities to local authorities
Professor Iliyasu Usman, an Igbo man, has been appointed as the Imam of the Abuja National Mosque.
Usman delivered his first khutbah (sermon) today during the Jumm’at prayer, signifying an important occasion for the Muslim community in Nigeria.
This appointment has been widely celebrated, particularly among the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), which regards it as a reflection of Usman’s dedication to Islamic scholarship and leadership.
In a statement, SEMON commended the inclusivity demonstrated by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by the President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar.
SEMON highlighted that this appointment represents not only a personal achievement for Usman but also a sacred responsibility to guide the Muslim community in worship and service to Allah.
The organization expressed optimism that his leadership would strengthen the Igbo Muslim community and promote unity within the broader Nigerian Muslim populace.
The statement reads, “We, the South East Muslim Organisation of Nigeria (SEMON), extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Ilyasu Usman on your recent appointment as an Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja.
“This prestigious role is not only a testament to your unwavering dedication and scholarly excellence but also a divine blessing and responsibility to lead the Ummah in worship and service to Allah.
“We pray that Allah (SWT) grants you the wisdom, strength, and steadfastness to discharge this sacred duty with diligence, integrity, and humility. May your leadership inspire unity, peace, and piety.”
He stated that the investigation conducted by the command revealed that the video depicting individuals, including vendors, accusing Anjorin-Lawal of theft was based on a misunderstanding of the facts.
“There was no case of stealing to start with; our investigation revealed that the seller of the goods gave the wrong account number. Out of the 10 digits the person was to provide, one digit was given wrongly and our investigation revealed that Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal did the transfer to the wrong account number.
“But when it turned out that it was a mistake of facts and that they called her a thief in error, Lizzy (Anjorin-Lawal) took the assault meted out against her up and after the suspects were arrested and the case had gone to court, for reasons best known to her, she said she was no longer interested in the case and the case was withdrawn,” Hundeyin told The PUNCH.
Hundeyin elaborated that the individuals who accused Anjorin-Lawal of theft acknowledged their error while providing their statements at the police station, clarifying that it was the seller who had provided her with incorrect account information.
“Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal transferred what she was supposed to transfer, which was about ₦90,000, into the wrong account that she was given and there was a receipt; when it was becoming too hot, she again transferred money to the correct account number they gave her.
“So, she did a double transfer just to avoid trouble, even though the mistake was not hers. So, I am confirming that the police investigation revealed that there was no stealing. Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal was not culpable of stealing as she did not engage in stealing according to our investigation,” the PPRO added.
Naija News understands that Anjorin had been accused of theft and assaulted by several traders during her visit to the market, an incident captured in a video that gained widespread attention online.
The actress has since debunked the accusation.
In February 2024, at least six traders were apprehended in connection with the assault.
These individuals were subsequently brought before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island Local Government, facing charges of assault and blackmail against Anjorin-Lawal during her attempt to purchase gold.
The accused—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were formally charged, while two additional suspects remain at large.
Prosecutor Sola Samuel informed the court that the six defendants, along with the two fugitives, conspired to commit the crime by forcibly pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in significant bodily harm within Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island.
Samuel asserted that the defendants’ actions disrupted public order.
He indicated that the alleged offences violated Sections 411 and 413; 168(d) and 170(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, which carry corresponding penalties under the same legislation.
All defendants entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.
The defence attorney, Ade Oshodi, requested that the court grant bail under the most lenient conditions, emphasizing their status as traders.
In his decision, Magistrate A.A. Paul approved bail for each defendant in the amount of ₦200,000, requiring one surety per individual.
The sureties must be residents of Lagos and provide proof of tax payment.
The defendants were ordered to remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until they fulfill their bail conditions.
![Ogun Govt Begins Teachers’ Recruitment [See Requirements]](/media/k2/items/cache/716c4d9e89a3e676c66db054634c9a2e_M.jpg)
Governor Dapo Abiodun’s government of Ogun State has announced plans to hire an additional 1,000 educators to address current staffing shortages in state-owned schools.
The recruitment plan was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu.
The statement mentioned that applicants are required to have a minimum of a National Certificate in Education (NCE) or a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.A. (Edu)/B.Sc. (Ed)/B.Ed.) with a Second Class Lower in the appropriate subjects or courses.
Naija News reports that this recruitment effort is being managed by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, working together with the State Teaching Service Commission, the State Universal Basic Education Board, and the Ogun State Technical and Vocational Education Board.
The Ogun State Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel is a unique program aimed at addressing staffing gaps in the state’s public elementary, middle, and technical schools.
“Those from other disciplines (different from education) must possess a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education from reputable universities,” adding that “applicants to be considered for Technical Colleges will be expected to hold B.Sc. in Technical Education/B.Sc. in Engineering/B.Eng./HND in Engineering Fields.
“Interested applicants are to apply through the Ogun State Job Portal via www.teach.ogunstate.gov.ng between Wednesday, October 16, and Wednesday, November 6, 2024.”
According to the statement, successful applicants, referred to as TEACH Interns, will be assigned to Local Government Areas requiring their assistance and will be compensated with a monthly allowance for a period of two years.
Following this, they will undergo evaluations based on various criteria, including skill level, dedication to their responsibilities, timeliness, regard for established authority, and readiness to serve in any location assigned to them.
The 1,000 interns set to be hired represent the final group of 5,000 interns pledged by Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Naija News understands that a portion of the initial 4,000 interns received job offers and now serve as full-time educators.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has authorized higher institutions of learning to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.
The issue of the minimum age for admission to the nation’s tertiary institutions was discussed at the 2024 Policy Meeting, where it was decided that the minimum age for the 2024/25 academic session would be 16 years.
Muhammed Babaji, the Director of Admissions, stated in a press release on Thursday that candidates who meet the institution’s admission standards should not be denied admission by August 2025 solely based on age.
“The Board acknowledges that some institutions expect the 2024/2025 admission process to extend into July 2025.
“Without compromising standards or infringing on individual institutions’ admission policies, the Board has decided to allow any willing institution to admit candidates who will be 16 years old by August 31, 2025.
“This is without prejudice to any institution that has set its own minimum age requirement of 16 years, which remains unchanged,” he said.
The statement also requested institutions to gather information from their Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and submit a list of candidates who will turn 16 between January 1 and August 31, 2025, who are eligible for admission, within a week of the announcement.
He noted that this effort aims to ensure fairness, as those whose 2024 admissions extend until August 2025 should not be unduly favored.
The Board reiterated that any institution that insists on maintaining a minimum age of 16 years as of 2024 is free to do so.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed N1.298 trillion to the Federal Government, state governments, and Local Government Councils (LGCs) for the month of September.
This was revealed in a communiqué issued after FAAC’s October meeting, which took place on Thursday in Abuja.
Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), shared the communiqué with the press.
The document stated that the N1.298 trillion distributed revenue consisted of N124.716 billion in statutory revenue and N543.518 billion in Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.
Additionally, the breakdown included N18.445 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), N462.191 billion from Exchange Difference revenue, and an augmentation of N150 billion.
It also noted that the total available revenue for September was N2.258 trillion.
It stated, “Total deduction for the cost of collection was N80.993 billion, while total transfers, interventions and refunds was N878.946 billion.”
The statement further explained that gross statutory revenue in September 2024 stood at N1.043 trillion, a decline of N177.426 billion from the N1.221 trillion collected in August.
In terms of VAT, gross revenue of N583.675 billion was generated in September, which represented a slight increase of N10.334 billion over the N573.341 billion recorded in August.
“From the N1.298 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received a total sum of N424.867 billion, and the state governments received a total sum of N453.724 billion.”
LGA allocation
- The LGCs were allocated N329.864 billion, while N90.415 billion (representing 13% of mineral revenue) was distributed to the oil-producing states as derivation revenue.
- Regarding the N124.716 billion statutory revenue, the Federal Government received N43.037 billion, state governments were allocated N21.829 billion, and LGCs received N16.829 billion.
- An additional N43.021 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was distributed to the oil-producing states as derivation revenue.
“From the N543.518 billion VAT revenue, the Federal Government received N81.528 billion, the state governments received N271.759 billion and the LGCs received N190.231 billion,” the statement added.
Oil and gas revenues: The communiqué also noted that in September, Oil and Gas Royalty, Excise Duty, EMTL, and CET Levies saw significant increases, while VAT and Import Duty recorded marginal growth.
However, the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), and other revenues witnessed notable declines.
[Nairametrics]
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of late President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, describing him as a “colossus of many parts”.
In a heartfelt tribute on Friday, Tinubu said Iwuanyanwu, who passed away on July 25, 2024, was renowned for his contributions to sports, business, politics, and philanthropy, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s development.
In his message, President Tinubu highlighted Chief Iwuanyanwu’s pioneering role in Nigerian sports, particularly as the founder of Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club (now Heartland F.C.), which achieved significant success under his leadership.
Tinubu praised the late statesman’s dedication to excellence, which saw his club win several national and international championships.
Beyond sports, Chief Iwuanyanwu served Nigeria in numerous official capacities, including as the founding chairman of the Raw Materials and Research Development Council (RMRDC) and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC).
He also chaired the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) board, the Nigerian National Lottery, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
Describing him as “courageous, defiant of injustice, and uncompromising,” Tinubu lauded Iwuanyanwu’s contributions to business and philanthropy.
He noted that the elder statesman believed deeply in Nigeria’s potential, with investments spanning multiple sectors.
Tinubu also acknowledged his philanthropic efforts, which included scholarships for indigent students, the construction of schools and hospitals, and support for numerous charitable causes.
The President expressed his condolences to the Iwuanyanwu family, the government and people of Imo State, and the wider Igbo community as preparations begin for the late statesman’s burial.
Tinubu remarked that Iwuanyanwu’s legacy of service and leadership would be fondly remembered, and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.
Iwuanyanwu, who was 81 years old, is remembered as a towering figure whose influence extended across various sectors of Nigerian life. His death, President Tinubu said, is a “massive loss to the nation.”
[Leadership]
A driver of the Lagos State Bus Rapid Transport, Andrew Nice Omininikoron, standing trial over the alleged murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwola, has opened his defence in the state high court at Tafawa Balewa Square annex.
The defendant, who was led in his testimony by his counsel, Abayomi Omotubora, told Justice Sherifat Shonaike that he didn’t rape or kill Miss Ayanwola, as accused.
He said it was three male passengers, who boarded his bus after official hours, that raped her and threw her off the vehicle.
Omininikoron was arraigned in March 2022 on four counts bordering on alleged rape, conspiracy and murder of the 22-year-old lady on February 26, 2022, on the Lekki-Ajah Expressway.
He was said to have conspired with others now at large and forcefully had sexual intercourse with the fashion designer after which they murdered her.
But while giving his testimony, he told the court that he illegally picked up Bamise at the Chevron bus stop on a return trip to Oshodi after he had off-loaded passengers on the Oshodi-Ajah route at around 8pm that day.
“I resumed at our Oshodi office that day on the afternoon shift. I loaded my bus with passengers going to Ajah. On getting to Ajah, I offloaded the passengers and took a return trip with another set of passengers to Oshodi, offloaded them and then loaded another round to Ajah. It was around 8pm, by then, I am not permitted to load any more passengers to Oshodi. But we normally pick passengers after 8pm and tell them the cowry machine is not working, so that they can pay the bus fare in cash and we will keep the money for ourselves.
“Our salary is not enough, they promised us N120,000 monthly, but we are paid N71,000. Whenever we load passengers after official hours, we usually have them sit at the back and dim the bright lights in the bus so that the surveillance cameras on our routes cannot spot them.”
He added that shortly after Bamise boarded his bus, he picked up three more passengers—all males—at Agungi bus stop.
The driver said around Osbourne under bridge, one of the men walked up to him at the driver’s seat and pointed a gun at him, ordering him to cooperate with them. He said he had never seen them before and could only recognise the man who pointed a gun at him.
“The driver’s seat usually has a glass around the driver, like a room to one’s self, but the bus I drove that day had no door. I was heading towards Third Mainland Bridge but they ordered me to drive to Carter bridge.
“The three men dragged her down, she was shouting for help and they raped her. They pushed her off the bus and alighted afterwards while I continued on my trip. On getting to Oshodi, I parked the bus and went home. That day was a Saturday, I was off duty the next day.
“On Monday, I was going to work when my MD called me to see my depot manager (Mr Ola) at Oshodi. When I got there, I was told not to drive any bus but to wait. While waiting, a colleague asked me why I picked up a passenger illegally, as she has now gone missing. When I heard that, I was afraid and fled because I know my employers will not take it easy with me. My MD used to say that he will spend N1 million to deal with anyone who stole N100 from him. Picking passengers illegally amounts to stealing from the company.”
The defendant told the court further that he fled to Ososa in Ogun State to stay with his friend (Hope), adding that he was arrested there by DSS officials arrested.
When he was asked if he was aware the deceased was sending voice notes to her friend that night expressing her misgivings about the other passengers on the bus, he said he didn’t know.
During police interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, the defendant alleged that he was tortured by the officers and that they refused to give him water when he told them he was thirsty.
He added that he couldn’t write his statements because he was weak from the beatings he received.
The defendant also denied sexually assaulting two other women (names withheld) on his bus at different intervals before the alleged incident with Bamise and that he wasn’t questioned about the women.
He however said he dated one of them, but broke up with her because she was always asking him for money.
While adjourning at the request of his counsel for further examination-in-chief of the defendant till Monday, October 21, Justice Sonaike strongly expressed displeasure at the slow pace of the case.
The court said the frequent adjournment in the trial had been at the instance of the defence counsel and that the last hearing was on February 15, 2024.
The Director of Public Prosecutions at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Babajide Martins, in his response to Omotubora’s request for adjournment, said he had received a query by the Attorney General of the state over the case, as the Prosecution had closed its case since November 2023.
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Three, out of the eight corps members from Akwa Ibom State, who were kidnapped in Zamfara State on their way for the mandatory one year national service have recounted their harrowing experiences in their kidnappers’ den.
The victims, before regaining their freedom, stayed between two months and one year in captivity.
Speaking with our correspondent in Akwa Ibom in an interview facilitated by the Founder, Open Forum Care for Humanity Foundation, Matthew Koffi Okono on Thursday, the freed corps members (one female and two males) narrated how they were tortured, fed with grasses and drank flood water.
They thanked governments (Federal and Akwa Ibom State) and the NYSC for interventions and pleaded to be employed in the civil service or have any other rewarding establishments.
How it all happened
“The incident happened on August 17, 2023. It was along Gusau road, Zamfara State. You can’t move at speed because of bad spots on the road. They mounted a road block with logs of wood and we thought it was a checkpoint, our driver slowed down waiting for them to remove the blockade.
“Unfortunately, the guys came out, some were wearing kaftans, some put on military camouflage and insignia. They were well armed and they marshalled us out into the bush, including the driver. They carried some of our luggages, stripped us of our belongings, but in the process of taking us into the bush, about three persons escaped.
Our ‘place of abode’
The place is a forest, it was an open place and there was no shelter, there were only rice sacs which we put on the ground to sleep.
Anytime it rained, we would go under the tree shades for cover until the rains stopped.
All of us, including the kidnappers, stayed there together, they never left us; the only difference is that they held us in captivity and were expecting ransom or money at the end of the day, while we were only expecting our freedom. They are used to that kind of lifestyle while we are not. It was a traumatic experience
The most traumatic experience in the forest
There are so many that I don’t know the one that is most traumatic, is it staying in that bush without the sound of anything other than wild animals? I never knew that I would survive it, let alone staying there for several months. We saw snakes, scorpions, even bush dogs. The only thing is that if those bush dogs come, our captors will shoot in the air and they will run and never come back. We’ve killed scorpions, snakes. It was just God that was protecting us there.
How they singled me out and took me to Kaduna
Yes they singled me (Solomon) out and said I’m the most stubborn of us all. This could be because I told them there was no money to pay for my ransom and when they contacted my parents, they also told them that there was no money. They threatened to kill one of us so that we would know that they were serious. I was beaten, tortured and forced to eat grass and drink flood water. Before the grass incident, we stayed for three weeks without food and water. I was later chained and transported from Zamfara to Kaduna on motorcycle through bush tracks.
That was around December, I was very sick; for three months, I couldn’t urinate or defecate, I thought I would die. From the torture and beatings, I had a tear on my head and arms. All these marks on my body (showing off the marks) were from there.
There was nothing like medical care. If you complain, they’ll ask you to sit down. I was just there. I wore the same clothes for the one year I stayed with them and bathed like three times.
Our routine in the forest
Nothing, when I wake up, I’ll just start my own prayer and be sitting down, nowhere to go to, no one to talk to because I was separated from others. Sometimes they asked me to fetch water and I will go with like three armed guards to get it for them.
At some point, I lost hope of coming out alive but I still believed in God. I believed that one day I’ll be released and God did it for me.
How the rescue came
As I said I was separated from my colleagues and taken to Kaduna, so on August 22, 2024, about one year and five days, the military came and I was rescued alive. I want to use this opportunity to deeply thank the Army for their gallantry, President Bola Tinubu, Director-General of NYSC, General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed, Governor Umo Eno, other security operatives, and well-meaning Nigerians for their efforts in securing our freedom.
Lady shares experience while in captivity
For me, I stayed there for two months, I gained freedom in October 2023. I never believed that I could survive a day in the forest. As my colleague said, for three weeks, there was nothing like food or water until it rained, we were drinking the flood water. So many of us fell sick. it was horrible, we were kept in a small place and you can’t go anywhere.
The issue is that the people you were facing don’t even understand your dialect or English language, even pidgin. We were trying as much as possible to use sign language to communicate. Also, there’s a way you will behave, they would think you wanted to escape and that would even earn us severe beating. Even as a lady. I wore only one piece of clothing for two months. Even when you are in your period, you are just there, not moving anywhere to clean up. I can’t remember bathing up to three times before I was rescued.
Response from the government and the NYSC
Government facilitated our freedom and when we were eventually released, though different months and dates, NYSC paid us arrears of our monthly allowances and presented us with two options of either to continue with our service year or to start afresh. We chose to continue and not to start afresh having suffered so much in the kidnappers’ den. We all have received our discharge certificates.
Our expectations
We want to passionately appeal to both the federal and the Akwa Ibom state government to grant us employment to assuage our trauma. They should have compassion on us having suffered so much for months in captivity; it won’t be nice that we will be staying idle at home, we want to be employed and have something to care for our families.”
[DailyPost]
- 2,400 illegal arms destroyed
- ‘Anti-terror war at advanced stage’
Bandits and terrorists got a sizeable number of their arms and ammunition from securitymen, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has said.
Ribadu, at the destruction of seized/recovered 2,400 illicit small arms and light weapons in Abuja yesterday, expressed worry that most of such arms were sold to criminals by security personnel.
Also in Abuja, the Defence Ministry announced that the ongoing anti-terror war had moved from normal military operations to the use of drones, and advanced war technique.
Fifty new fighter jets are to be added to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet between December this year and 2026 to rev up the war against insurgents and other criminal elements in the country, Ribadu reaffirmed.
At the arms destruction by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms And Light Weapons (NCCSALW), a unit in the Office of the NSA, Ribadu, assured that the government would do everything possible to keep the country safe and secure.
He said: “We have to find a way of putting a stop to this. We must if we want to recover our country and live in peace and stability.
“The worst human being is a policeman or a soldier who will take arms from his own formation and sell it or hire it out for the bad people to come and kill his own colleagues.
“We must fight these people but also there are merchants of death and evil from outside the world.
“The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to our national security, exacerbating issues such as insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.
“We have laws that govern ownership of small arms. If you do not follow it, it is an illegal arm and it is supposed to be destroyed completely.”
The NSA said the military and other security agencies would secure the country against the merchants of death by all means possible.
He said with the present leadership, the country would overcome all the country’s security challenges within the shortest possible time.
“We are not going to relent. They think we are jokers. We are not, we know what we are doing. And I can assure you with the leadership we have today in our country, with the set of people in charge, we have hope.
“Just give us time. It will change. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to our national security. We will fight it. We will secure this country,” Ribadu added.
NCCSALW Director-General Johnson Kokumo said the challenge posed by the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) was one of the major threats to peace and security not only in the country but in West Africa.
He said the 2,400 destroyed weapons, comprised unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms.
Kokumo added: “These weapons were mopped up by the military, police and other security agencies across the country.
“By permanently removing these arms from circulation, we reduce the risk they pose to our communities and send a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the illegal trafficking and possession of small arms and light weapons.’’
NAF to get 50 new fighter jets
At his second biannual meeting with branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding NAF formations in Abuja, the Chief of Air Staff(CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the expected 50 fighter jets would complement the 12 already in NAF’s inventory.
Abubakar encouraged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.
He said: “A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.
“Over the past year, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.
“This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time.
“Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.’’
Also yesterday, the Defence Ministry said the ongoing military operations against insurgents in the Northeast and Northwest had reached an advanced stage with the deployment of sophisticated satellite assets.
It said: “Right now, we have moved from normal military operations to advanced military operations. We now use drones. We need satellite to do that. Our troops have to identify where our enemies are. As it is now, without satellites, we cannot operate our drones.
“There will be pollution, or rather, what you call accidents, among the drones in the space. Therefore, we need satellites to do that operation.”
Permanent Secretary of the ministry Ibrahim Kana stated this at the Stakeholders Engagement organised by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd., NigComSat.
Kana lauded President Bola Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for protecting the country
He said: “I want to use the opportunity, really, to thank His Excellency, Mr President, for bringing us together and making sure that we all work together and providing all the necessary requirements, particularly launching of more satellites in space.”
President Tinubu’s efforts in the fight against insecurity in the North was also commended by the Arewa Elders Progressive Group yesterday.
The group noted that Tinubu’s approach to tackling insecurity, particularly his decision to use military force to crush bandits, has shown promising results.
The commendation was contained in a statement by the group’s Chairman, Mustafa Dutsinma.
[TheNation]
Kenyan President William Ruto on Friday nominated his interior minister as deputy to replace Rigathi Gachagua who was sacked in a historic impeachment.
Kithuri Kindiki, a 52-year-old academic turned political heavyweight, was among front-runners for the post floated by Kenyan media after the Senate voted to remove Gachagua late Thursday after a day of high drama.
The impeachment of Ruto’s 2022 election running mate Gachagua had transfixed the East African country, generally regarded as a stable democracy in a turbulent region.
The fast-moving drama continued apace on Friday as National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula announced Ruto’s choice of Kindiki, asking parliamentarians to move ahead with the vote to confirm the appointment.
Kindiki has served as interior minister in Ruto’s government for more than two years, but came under fire over alleged police brutality during the sometimes deadly anti-government protests that rocked Kenya earlier this year.
The upper house Senate had pushed ahead with Gachagua’s impeachment on Thursday — finding him guilty of five of the 11 charges against him — despite the absence of the embattled 59-year-old.
He is the first deputy president to be impeached since the process was introduced in Kenya’s revised 2010 constitution.
Gachagua failed to testify in his defence after being rushed to hospital in a Nairobi suburb, plunging the session into disarray.
The Senate rejected an appeal by Gachagua’s legal team to delay the hearings, prompting the lawyers to walk out in protest.
Kenyan newspapers led with the news Friday, with The Standard newspaper running an image of Gachagua with the headline “Fired”.
“The night of long knives that sealed Gachagua’s fate,” The Nation wrote on its website.
His downfall is the culmination of a bitter falling out with Ruto, who he helped win a closely fought election in 2022 by rallying support from the crucial Mount Kenya region.
The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, had overwhelmingly also voted for impeachment in an October 8 vote.
Gachagua was admitted to Karen Hospital with chest pains and would remain there for tests and observation for 48-72 hours, chief cardiologiest Dan Gikonyo told reporters Thursday, describing his condition as stable.
– ‘Gross violation’ –
Gachagua was found guilty on charges of “gross violation” of the constitution, including threatening judges and practising ethnically divisive politics, but cleared of others including corruption and money-laundering.
He has denied all the charges and no criminal proceedings have been launched against him.
He can however fight the impeachment in the courts — although previous attempts to halt the process in the run-up to the Senate vote all failed.
A powerful businessman from Kenya’s biggest tribe, the Kikuyu, Gachagua — also known as “Riggy G”, weathered previous corruption scandals to become deputy leader as Ruto’s running mate in the 2022 poll.
But in recent weeks, he has complained of being sidelined by the president, while also being accused of supporting youth-led anti-government protests that broke out in June.
Ruto has not given any public comment on the impeachment, but Gachagua has said the process could not have gone ahead without his boss’s blessing.
[Vanguard]
Ericsson Nigeria, an information and communications technology company, says there are plans to build a technology hub worth $19 million in the country.
Peter Ogundele, the company’s managing director, spoke on the plan at the Nigeria-Sweden business forum, a gathering focused on trade, investment, digital economy, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Ogundele said Ericsson has been active in Nigeria since independence and was formally registered in 1978 — adding that the company has partnered with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and other organisations on capacity building for 25 years.
“We can train them, Ericsson will also take part in it, and some of them can be exported into the world,” Ogundele said.
On digital skills development, Akinola Jones, director at Gluwa, a digital wallet service, said the company would train over 30,000 people under the ‘renewed hope agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He added that once the firm’s satellite launches in December 2024, Nigerians would connect directly to it, marking a significant milestone for the country’s tech ecosystem.
Jones said his company has started training 1,000 people in Jigawa state and plans to extend it across northern Nigeria.
“We have given about 100 million dollars in loans. It’s not just about disbursing loans or growing portfolios; it’s really about giving back,” he said.
“We are aiming for a lot of impact and are working with the government and presidency to train people on digital skills.
“And when it comes to funding, we’ve been very innovative. It’s not always about foreign funds; local solutions to local problems matter.”
‘A NEW NIGERIA IS CALLING, AND WE ARE READY FOR BUSINESS’
Speaking at the forum, Vice-President Kashim Shettima assured the Swedish investors of Nigeria’s readiness for business, highlighting the global transition to a green economy.
He said the world’s economic focus is shifting towards Africa and that Nigeria could play a crucial role in the transition.
Shettima, currently in Sweden for a two-day working visit, is representing Tinubu in bilateral talks.
He is expected to engage in high-level bilateral talks with key government officials, including a meeting with Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and the Swedish prime minister.
“Nigeria, a country of 220 million people, will surpass the United States by 2050 to become the third most populous nation on earth,” Shettima said.
“By the end of the century, Nigeria will be the most populous nation. Population offers opportunities. People celebrate China for its population and ingenuity.
“The Nigerian digital ecosystem is eager for support and investment. Nigeria beckons—a new Nigeria is calling on you, and we are ready for business.”
Shettima also expressed confidence in Nigerian youths and urged investors to “seize the moment”.
“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, this is the best time to invest in Nigeria,” he said.
Hakan Danhltor, director of project accelerator at Swedfund, said Nigeria holds the third-highest exposure in the organisation’s portfolio, reflecting their investment in the country.
Danhltor affirmed Swedfund’s commitment to reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development through private-sector investments.
“As a matter of facts, Nigeria is a country where we have the third highest exposure in our recurrent portfolio,” he said.
“We have more than 30 direct to indirect investment in Nigeria in different sector but a lot of them are in the energy sector, helping to use clean energy from the renewable energy.”
On her part, Mikaela Edstrom, of the Swedish Export Credit Agency, praised Nigeria’s economic reforms as a positive step for the country’s future, stating that the agency is closely monitoring its progress.
Edstrom said Swedfund is collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to increase broadband access in Nigeria and expressed enthusiasm for continuing the discussions, noting that the fund seeks new areas of partnership.
[TheCable]