The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa said the Nigerian Army has identified the person responsible for the attack and killing of the troops from the 181 Battalion in Okuama community in Delta State.

Musa stated this while giving an address in Abuja on Friday.

He noted that the Army is following up with the suspected culprit, and it is only a matter of time before he is caught.

The CDS said that the Commanding officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel AH Ali, had been targeted for trying to put an end to illegal oil bunkering in the area.

Musa said, “We know who did this, we are following up with him, and it’s just a matter of time, we are sure we are going to get him.”

Explaining the reason behind the attack, the CDS said, “I know him, the CO himself, Lieutenant Colonel Ali, of recent, because we were emphasising, we want the oil production of Nigeria to increase so that we will be able to have enough foreign exchange, and then things can really go down because we all know the challenges we are going through.

“And so, he insisted that all illegal activities within the general area must stop. So, he directed all his troops and they were stopping all these illegal bunkering, stopping all these things, and then these are the people benefitting from it.

“And so, when this issue came, it came as an opportunity for them to also go and do away with him, and that’s exactly what happened.”

Speaking on what led to the unfortunate tragedy, Musa said, “Basically, it was a community clash that was happening and those are his own area of responsibilities, and that was why he responded when initially, his soldiers, some soldiers were apprehended by the communities.

“We know that because of these issues of bunkering, we have a lot of pirates, militants that are still operating in the area, and they have a lot of funding because of the area at which it’s been carried out. So, they always have a lot of arms with them.

“These are people they know and that’s why when he heard it, he felt that these are my community, these are the people I know, and he went to say, oh, this thing that you’re doing is not right, whatever it is within the community;

“…we can do it, invite the stakeholders, let them come and handle it in a single mission and all these things, and the community said okay. And as they turned to go, they were rounding up, killed, not only killed, they were dismembered.

The general then said, “And I don’t know what kind of, for a human being to go to that extent to go for people that came on a peaceful means, then that’s something that must be looked at.”

Gov Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has called for a probe into the stampede at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), which led to the demise of two female students.

The incident occurred on Friday during the state government’s distribution of palliatives to students across the state, an initiative aimed at alleviating the economic challenges faced by students.

Reports from the scene indicated that the tragedy unfolded at the NSUK convocation square, the designated venue for the palliative distribution.

The overcrowding and ensuing chaos resulted in suffocation and the unfortunate demise of two students, with several others sustaining injuries of varying severity.

Governor Sule, in a statement conveyed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives.

“I pray their souls rest in peace. Our thoughts and condolences go to their families and friends at this moment of grief,” he said.

Describing the deaths as painful, Governor Sule emphasized the importance of uncovering the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event and ensuring such a tragedy does not recur.

The governor’s directive has prompted NSUK authorities and security agencies to initiate an immediate inquiry into the incident to identify the factors and individuals responsible for the stampede.

In solidarity and concern, the state deputy governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, visited the injured students to offer support and ascertain their recovery progress.

The palliative distribution initiative, praised for its intention to support students financially and nutritionally, had been successfully executed without incident in other educational institutions within the state, including the Federal University, Lafia, and the Isa Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, among others.

A corp member has come online to lament after he discovered that he was assigned to the South-West security network, codenamed Amotekun Corps.

The young graduate, whose identity is yet to be revealed, shared a screenshot of his NYSC deployment letter on his Twitter page @bigfeeztm.

According to the screenshot, his place of primary assignment is listed as Amotekun, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Expressing disbelief and humorously questioning the authenticity of the posting, the graduate wrote; “NA JOKE BE THIS?”

The unexpected posting to Amotekun Corps, a regional security outfit established to complement the efforts of the Nigerian police and other security agencies in tackling crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property in the South-West region, sparked a flurry of reactions on social media.

The graduate’s post quickly went viral, garnering massive attention and generating a wave of hilarious comments online.

See reactions online;

@ELT_Godwin said; “Lmaoooo you better be happy, you’ll get all the Available jazz and Opapaparada powers. A win win.”

@tfk_gawat said; “Corper Amoteks ???????? For Nigeria for Southwest.”

@theomolaraa said; “Don’t worry, your office is arranged already. You’re just going to be signing and assigning duties. Don’t let people scare you ehn it’s easy job.”

@hezekiah_alao said; “Nothing you wan tell me. You go dey fight beside Sunday Igboho.”

The West African Examinations Council, WAEC, has released the results of the first-ever Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CB-WASSCE) for private candidates, 2024 – first series.

The examination took place between Wednesday, January 31, and Saturday, February 17, 2024.

A total of 8,139 candidates sat the examination at 140 CBT centres nationwide.

According to the examination body, a total of 2,519 candidates, amounting to 30.95 per cent of the 8,139 candidates who sat the examination at 140 CBT centres across the country, obtained credits and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

WAEC noted that 3,424 candidates representing 42.07 per cent obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects (with or without English Language and/or Mathematics).

The entry figure (8,362) of the examination which was conducted between Wednesday, 31 January and Saturday, 17 February, showed a 4.30 per cent decrease in candidature when compared with the 2023 entry figure of 8,738.

Announcing the results in a statement signed by the Acting Head of the Public Affairs Unit, Moyosola Adesina, the Head of Nigeria’s Office of WAEC, Amos Dangut, said 3,862, amounting to 47.45 per cent of the total number of candidates that sat the examination were male, while 4,277, amounting to 52.55 per cent of the candidates were female.

Amongst the candidates that sat the examination, the statement noted that 21 were with varying degrees of special needs. Nine were visually challenged, two had impaired hearing and two were albinos, WAEC said.

The examination body also noted that a total of 459 examiners participated in the coordination and marking exercise.

The examination body further noted that the results of 65 candidates, representing 0.80 per cent of the total number of candidates that sat the examination, are being withheld for various reported cases of examination malpractice.

It, however, admitted that the CBT examination method for WASSCE “drastically reduced examination malpractices”, when compared to reported cases of 413 candidates (4.95 per cent) recorded for WASSCE for private candidates in the 2023-first series.

“These reported cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate committee of the Council for consideration,” it noted.

“Thereafter, the committee’s decisions will be communicated directly to the affected candidates.”

WAEC had in November 2023 announced that it had concluded plans to conduct its WASSCE for private candidates using the computer-based model, which was met with criticism from Nigerians.

Germany has introduced a new regulation to allow international students with student visas to work 9 months prior to their studies.

The country recently announced this second segment of its revamped skilled worker law, following the initial enactment in November 2023. 

The government aims to attract skilled workers from various industries and is doing so through its international student visa route by relaxing regulations.

According to the new regulation, non-EU citizens can apply for the visa for study applications, allowing a stay of up to nine months while preparing a university application. During this period, applicants can undertake language courses, gather necessary documents, and acclimate to the country.

Crucially, prospective students from developing countries can now work up to 20 hours per week during these nine months to support themselves financially. 

These changes benefit international students, including those who are yet to commence their careers, stand to benefit from the new regulations.

The new regulations facilitate the integration of work and study in Germany at all stages of higher education, even before admission. 

Similar to university applicants, third-country nationals interested in apprenticeships in Germany can now work while searching for opportunities. 

They are permitted to stay for nine months, provided they possess B1-level German proficiency and are below 35 years of age. During this period, they can engage in part-time work and continue working for 20 hours per week alongside their training once they secure an apprenticeship.

Under the new regulations, international students in Germany can now work more hours to support themselves financially.  The permitted time has been extended from 120 to 140 full days in any calendar year, equivalent to 20 hours per week, or 280 half days per calendar year.

Graduates of German universities are now allowed an 18-month stay post-graduation for job hunting, with the option to apply for permanent residence after two years of employment.

As these rules remain unchanged, graduates seeking a career change now have an alternative visa pathway through the EU Blue Card or German Skilled Worker Visa.

Also, applicants with a degree or vocational qualification recognized by Germany can apply if they have two years of relevant work experience, even if it’s not in the same field or industry as their qualification.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has issued a new order to agencies under his ministry.

He announced a temporary suspension of any public-funded foreign travels by agencies and officials affiliated with the Ministry.

This is in adherence to President Bola Tinubu’s instruction to halt publicly-funded overseas trips by ministers and government officials.

Keyamo instructed all agencies and personnel within the ministry to cease all authorized foreign travels starting from the 21st of March 2024.

This was contained in an official document dated March 21, 2024, and signed by Dr Emmanuel C. Meribole, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Aviation on behalf of the Honourable Minister.

The statement reads, “I am directed to inform you to suspend all foreign trips approved by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development for all Officers in the Ministry and Agencies under Aviation with effect from 21st March 2024. This is in furtherance of a Presidential directive to suspend public-funded trips by government officials at all levels.

“Any Officer who intends to go on any public funded International trip must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least 2 weeks prior to embarking on such trips which must be deemed absolutely necessary.

“All previously given approvals by the Honourable Minister is hereby put on hold from today 21st March 2024. Please, direct all your DFAs not to process any flight tickets and estacodes for now. Please, this is for strict compliance.”

A bride has sparked reactions online after a video of her remixing her wedding vows surfaced.

The lady was on the altar with her husband as the priest officiating the wedding read out the vows for her to repeat after him.

Instead of the usual “For better or worse”, “For richer or poorer”, “In sickness and in health” and “Till death do us part”, she recited it as “For better for better”,

This has caused quite an uproar as some internet users believe her declaration was wrong while others disagree, claiming it is okay.

See reactions to the bride’s video;

bishy.opeyemi stated: “This is the best way to say your marriage Vows, there’s power in the tongue, you confess what you want.”

ejiro_arure claimed: “I knew she meant well when she said “till death do us part at old age”. May God bless and keep them.”

oppyjay_alaga said: “You people want her to marry an elderly and still be saying “…in poverty” ????. Person wey she use escape poverty oo”

michael._ added: “That’s actually a problem and not being woke or whatever she thinks. You think say the people wey arrange those words no get sense ni?”

Watch Video Below;

Amid ongoing rancour between the Labour Party and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), a former spokesman of the defunct Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, has alleged that Peter Obi is planning to dump the party to join forces with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai in the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a post on his official X account on Friday, Bwala made this allegation and tied the latest development to the ongoing dispute in the Labour Party.

Naija News had earlier reported that the Labour Party had been at odds with the country’s labour union over calls for the removal of the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure.

However, speaking on the rancour, Bwala suggested that Obi will join forces with El-Rufai in the SDP as the Labour Party intensifies efforts to kick out the Abure-led national leadership of the Labour Party.

He wrote, “BREAKING-Peter Obi @PeterObi allegedly planning to unite with El-rufai @elrufai in Social Democratic Party as Nigerian Labour Congress set to take ownership and custody of their political party, the @NgLabour . Recall that there was a judgment of court that states that Nigeria Labour Congress owns Labour Party. NLC is now prepared to take custody of that party. Twist and turns in the coming days. But all that will not give sleepless night to @officialABAT who himself has his magic wands to wield.”

The Federal Government has disclosed its plan to incorporate the Almajiri system into the national school feeding program.

This disclosure was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Home-Grown School Feeding, Dr. Yetunde Adeniji, during a courtesy call to the Jigawa State Governor.

She clarified that her visit was to brief the Governor on the Federal Government’s plans to expand the national school feeding program to Almajiri schools.

She highlighted that Tinubu is passionate about ensuring adequate feeding for schoolchildren across the nation.

In response, Governor Umar Namadi expressed gratitude to the Senior Special Assistant for the visit and extended his thanks to President Tinubu for agreeing to sustain the program.

He further remarked that the school feeding initiative has been successful and beneficial in Jigawa State, assuring all the necessary support for the success of the program.

Governor Namadi stated, “In Jigawa, we know the benefit of the program, and we are eager to see it coming back.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Benjamin Okezie Kalu, highlighted the parliament’s decision to amend the Access to Higher Education Act 2023 to provide equal opportunities for every Nigerian child to obtain a University education regardless of economic circumstances.

Kalu emphasized the importance of addressing challenges in accessing quality education, citing initiatives such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) and ongoing efforts to amend the Act.

He underscored the significance of inclusivity and equity in higher education, advocating for the prioritization of skills acquisition over certificates and emphasizing the role of technology in addressing societal challenges.

Kalu urged collaboration between academia, government, and industry to drive progress and prosperity.

Reno Omokri, a sociopolitical analyst, on Friday suggested that President Bola Tinubu should have probed former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Omokri said Tinubu’s administration should not make the immediate past governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Godwin Emefiele, the only scapegoat.

Posting on X, the public affairs analyst described Buhari’s administration as the worst, while former President Goodluck Jonathan’s government was one of the best in Nigeria’s history.

Omokri said while Jonathan was able to defeat Boko Haram, the insurgents had a field day during Buhari’s administration.

According to Omokri: “The Jonathan administration was one of the best governments in Nigeria’s history because it was a conscience-driven administration, not an ego-led one. Buhari was undoubtedly the worst President we had. And facts prove it.

“When Dr. Jonathan handed power to Buhari, Boko Haram has been defeated. The 2015 election was held in every Local Government and every ward in Nigeria. But after eight years of Buhari, Nigeria experienced a total breakdown of security.

“Nowhere in Northern Nigeria was safe under Buhari. Nowhere. The very people who thought Buhari was coming to rescue them watched as he abandoned them to bandits, killer herders, kidnappers and terrorists. You can imagine over 400 terrorists escaping from Kuje prison. Bandits invading the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna and killing senior officers. Terrorists layer stole an anti-aircraft missile and, wiped out the 157 Task Force in Metele and killing over 200 officers and men.

“And then, after running our military, Buhsri ruined our economy. Jonathan handed over an economy that was the largest in Africa, with a GDP of $540 billion. After eight wasteful years in office, Buhari wiped out $100 billion from our economy and handed over a GDP of $440.8 billion to Tinubu. In less than a year, Tinubu has grown it to $477 billion. Buhari impoverished Nigeria, while he and his Tunde Sabiu Yusuf led cabal became wealthy. People who were struggling before 2015.

“I am reminding Nigerians of this because we have a notoriously short memory. Very soon, people will start eulogising and whitewashing Buhari and trying to blame his mess on the current administration. If not that APC cannot try APC, it would have been good for Tinubu to probe Buhari and give him the Zuma treatment. It is not Emefiele that should be made a scapegoat because he is a minority. Where are the members of Buhari’s cabal who used him?”