The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all political parties in Edo State to halt their campaign activities ahead of the upcoming governorship election on Saturday.

According to a statement from Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, all campaigns must cease by midnight on Thursday, September 19, 2024.

INEC emphasized that any form of rally, procession, or media campaign after this deadline would be illegal.

The commission also reminded candidates, parties, and their supporters that they must not wear campaign outfits or carry promotional materials to the polling stations on election day.

The statement referenced Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the Edo State governorship election, warning of penalties for any violations as stipulated in Section 96 of the Electoral Act.

INEC noted, “It is illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight.

“The Commission wishes to remind political parties that in line with Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, and item 12 of the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2024 Edo State Governorship election, all campaigns by political parties end at midnight today, Thursday 19th September 2024.

“It is therefore illegal for any political party in Edo State to engage in rallies, processions or media campaigns from midnight today. These prohibitions, including sanctions, are provided for in Section 96 of the Electoral Act 2022.

“Similarly, on Election Day, Saturday 21st September 2024, parties, candidates and their supporters should not appear at the polling units in their campaign attires or carry any campaign materials with them.”

PZ Cussons Plc, the parent company of PZ Cussons Nigeria, says the company is planning to sell its African subsidiaries.

In its ‘Results for the year ended 31 May 2024,’ published on Wednesday, PZ Cussons said the company is looking at partial or full sale.

PZ Cussons said the sale will reduce the company’s exposure to naira fluctuations.

According to the consumer goods manufacturer, the board has received multiple interests in the sale of its African business.

 

“The Group is currently engaged in a process to sell its St Tropez brand and is exploring potential transactions that could lead to a partial or full sale of its Africa business, having received a number of expressions of interest,” PZ Cussons said.

“A partial or full sale of the Group’s Africa business could materially reduce the Group’s exposure to fluctuations in the Naira exchange rate.

“The Board has committed to using any proceeds from these transactions to first reduce gross borrowings, and consequently the level of the Group’s net interest cost.”

‘NIGERIANS ARE FACING UNPRECEDENTED ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES’

Jonathan Myers, PZ Cussons’ chief executive officer (CEO), said Nigerians are facing unprecedented inflation and economic difficulties.

Myers said the naira devaluation has also significantly impacted the company’s financials.

“The period was marked by a 70% devaluation of the Nigerian Naira, which has had significant implications on our reported financials,” he said.

“We have worked hard to mitigate the impact of this on the Group, while continuing to serve Nigerian consumers who are facing unprecedented inflation and economic difficulties.”

Commenting on the impact of the naira devaluation, PZ Cussons said a foreign exchange loss of £107.5 million “primarily arose from the translation and settlement of USD denominated liabilities in our Nigerian subsidiaries and is wholly the result of the devaluation of the Naira, which fell by 70% from 31 May 2023 to 31 May 2024”.

In April, Myers said the company was reviewing its brands and geographies over macroeconomic challenges and complexities in Nigeria.

He spoke a month after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rejected PZ Cussons’ request to acquire the shares of minority shareholders in PZ Cussons Nigeria Limited, its Nigerian subsidiary.

In September 2023, PZ Cussons had shown interest in buying the remaining 26.73 percent minority shares in its Nigerian subsidiary, at a price of N21 per unit.

As of May 31, PZ Cussons holds a 73.27 percent stake in the Nigerian subsidiary, which represents 2.90 billion shares, worth N45.53 billion as of September 18.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) internal exams.

Candidates can now access their results online, as confirmed by Naija News.

NECO announced the results of the June/July 2024 SSCE, revealing that 60.55% of candidates earned five credits or more in English Language and Mathematics.

This announcement was made by NECO Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, during a press briefing at NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State.

According to a message on the NECO website, a token is required to check the results, which can be used up to five times.

The message states, “This is to inform the general public that henceforth our result checker token will be used to check a candidate’s result once (up to five times); i.e., you cannot use another token to check the same result again. Any further checks (of the same result) would require the use of the NECO E-Verify result verification portal to verify/confirm such results.”

This new system provides a convenient online method for checking NECO results, including SSCE, BECE, and NCEE results.

Tokens can be shared with candidates, parents, schools, and organizations interested in viewing the results.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you check your 2024 NECO SSCE results:

Before You Begin:

Ensure you have the following:

– Your NECO Examination Number
– The Examination Year (e.g., 2024)
– A valid email address
– A NECO Result Checking Token (details on how to purchase this are provided below)

Step 1: Purchase Your NECO Result Checking Token

Before accessing your results, you must purchase a NECO Result Checking Token. This replaces the old scratch card system.

To buy the token:
1. Visit the NECO Results website: [https://result.neco.gov.ng]

2. Click on ‘Purchase Token’.

3. If you already have an account, log in with your email and password. If not, create an account by clicking on ‘Register’ and entering your details.

4. Once logged in, click on ‘Purchase Token’ again and follow the instructions to make your payment.

5. Payment can be made using a debit card. After successful payment, the token will appear in your account under ‘My Tokens’.

Step 2: Access the NECO Result Checking Portal

Once you have your token, proceed to check your results:

1. Visit the NECO Result Checking Portal at [https://result.neco.gov.ng]

2. You will see a form on the homepage that needs to be filled out with your exam details.

Step 3: Enter Your Exam Details

Carefully fill in the form with the following details:
– Exam Year: Select 2024 (or the relevant year).

– Exam Type: Choose the correct exam type, e.g., SSCE Internal (JUN/JUL) or SSCE External (NOV/DEC).

– Token Number: Enter the token number you purchased in Step 1.

– Examination/Registration Number: Input your NECO examination number.

Finally, click on the “Check My Result” button to view your results.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to check your 2024 NECO results easily. Remember, tokens can only be used up to five times for the same result, and further verification will require the NECO E-Verify portal.

Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to move in the latest FIFA global ranking released by the world football body earlier today, September 19, 2024.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria who recorded one win and one draw during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers earlier this month, maintained their 39th position on the ranking.

Recall that the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory at home against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and played to a 0-0 draw away against the Amavubi of Rwanda in the said AFCON qualifiers.

Despite their recent performances, the three-time African champions are currently ranked sixth in Africa. The top five teams on the continent based on the latest ranking are Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, and Tunisia.

Reigning FIFA World Cup champions, Argentina remain the best rated national team in the world according to the football body. Other countries in the top five globally are France, Spain, England, and Brazil.

Below are the top 40 ranked teams in the September 2024 FIFA ranking

1. Argentina

2. France

3. Spain

4. England

5. Brazil

6. Belgium

7. Netherlands

8. Portugal

9. Colombia

10. Italy

11. Uruguay

12. Croatia

13. Germany

14. Morocco

15. Switzerland

16. Japan

17. Mexico

18. USA

19. Iran

20. Denmark

21. Senegal

22. Austria

23. Korea Republic

24. Ukraine

25. Australia

26. Türkiye

27. Ecuador

28. Sweden

29. Wales

30. Poland

31. Egypt

32. Hungary

33. Côte d’Ivoire

34. Russia

35. Serbia

36. Tunisia

37. Panama

38. Canada

39. Nigeria

40. Venezuela

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has officially declared his campaign activities closed in line with the electoral laws.

The Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO), in a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae, said that all campaign activities had ceased as of Sept. 19.

The statement reads, “We would like to inform the general public that the current campaign has been officially concluded Ighodalo and consequently directed that no activity in this regard should exceed midnight, Sept. 19.

“After this time, any publications, advertisements, jingles, or any other promotional materials made in respect of the subject matter have not the blessing, endorsement or authorisation of Ighodalo or all that is associated with him in respect of same.

“Please be advised, therefore, Ighodalo will not be liable or held responsible for any consequences arising from any further campaign or promotional activities or communications conducted after the campaign’s official closing time and date.

“Ighodalo expressed profound gratitude to the good people of Edo for their overwhelming support and participation throughout the campaign.”

He urged all voters to turn out in large numbers, exercise their civic duty and remain vigilant to protect and defend their votes on election day.

Ighodalo added, “As we close this chapter, we thank every supporter for embracing the message of ‘the pathway to prosperity for all.

“Together, let us ensure that our collective will is respected at the polls.”

Former Arsenal striker, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, 33, has been charged with drug smuggling after UK authorities uncovered cannabis worth £600,000 at Stansted Airport.

Emmanuel-Thomas, who currently plays for Greenock Morton after signing with the club earlier this year, was arrested on Wednesday morning at 8 am following the discovery by UK Border Force officials.

The drugs, weighing approximately 60 kilograms, were found in two suitcases that had arrived on a flight from Bangkok on September 2.

Drugs

According to the National Crime Agency (NCA), Emmanuel-Thomas was promptly arrested and charged with importing class B drugs.

The footballer, once praised by Arsène Wenger for his potential, is now in custody and is set to appear at Carlisle Magistrates Court on Thursday to answer the charges.

In addition to Emmanuel-Thomas, two women, aged 28 and 32, were also arrested at Stansted Airport in connection with the incident.

Both women face similar drug importation charges and were granted bail after their initial court appearance at Chelmsford Magistrates Court. They are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on October 1.

Senior Investigating Officer at the NCA, David Phillips, emphasized the agency’s commitment to tackling drug smuggling operations, noting that they work closely with Border Force to target both couriers and those organizing such crimes.

Phillips said: “The NCA continues to work with partners like Border Force to target those involved in drug smuggling – that includes both the couriers and the organizers.

“We would appeal to anyone who is approached to engage in any kind of smuggling to think very carefully about the likely consequences of their actions, and the potentially life-changing risks they will be taking.”

Emmanuel-Thomas, who began his football career at Arsenal’s youth academy at just eight years old, made his Premier League debut in 2010 in a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea.

However, after struggling to secure a place in the first team, he left Arsenal in 2011, signing with Ipswich Town for £1.1 million.

Ahead of the Saturday gubernatorial election, the Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki has disclosed that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will accept the outcome of a properly conducted election.

The governor stated this on Thursday in a post on his official X handle while sharing updates on his meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.

Obaseki added that his major demand was for the Edo people to be allowed to freely go to the polls to elect the candidates of their choice.

“We are not asking for any favour but are stating that Edo citizens should be free to go to the polls to elect the candidates of their choice. We will accept the outcome of a properly conducted election.

“For eight years, the security forces in the state have been highly cooperative in helping us address security concerns. Together, we have established Forward Operating Bases and designed a digitised security architecture that has made Edo one of the safest states in the nation,” he posted.

Substandard products, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals and medical devices, with a total value of ₦43 billion, were recently set ablaze by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Naija News reports that NAFDAC destroyed the said items on Thursday at the Moniya dump site located in the Akinyele Local Government Area in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

Representatives from various security agencies and the Oyo State Government monitored the exercise.

During the proceedings, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Professor Christiana Mojisola Adeyeye, who was represented by Pharm Shabba Mohammed, the Director of Investigation and Enforcement, indicated that the products were voluntarily surrendered to the agency by compliant companies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and trade unions.

Professor Adeyeye elaborated on the extensive measures that facilitated the confiscation of numerous registered and unregistered pharmaceutical products, highlighting a series of raids conducted in various locations.

The confiscated items encompassed aphrodisiacs, sex enhancement medications, over-the-counter drugs, and prescription-only pharmaceuticals.

“Over thirty different products were seized in total,” Adeyeye noted, highlighting that the confiscated items included banned substances such as codeine and narcotics, with a total value exceeding ₦48 million.

“The agency has been actively gathering intelligence on illegal warehousing, sale, and distribution of narcotics by pharmaceutical vendors in Lagos and other states.

“Recent raids conducted by the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate resulted in the confiscation of products worth over ₦700 million.

“In addition to counterfeit pharmaceuticals, the operation also targeted contraband items such as unregistered soaps, tomato paste, and counterfeit beverages,” the NAFDAC DG noted.

Adeyeye underscored the critical role of public participation in the fight against counterfeit medications and substandard food items.

She encouraged individuals to report illegal activities to the closest NAFDAC office for prompt investigation.

“Through these measures, NAFDAC seeks to safeguard public health and safety while fostering adherence to regulations within the pharmaceutical sector,” she remarked.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has firmly denied any involvement in a purported plan to remove the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II.

Naija News reports that this comes after a viral social media post alleged that Ganduje was leading a renewed effort to dethrone the emir, a claim the former Kano State governor has dismissed as baseless.

The controversy stems from a previous incident during Ganduje’s tenure as governor, when Emir Sanusi was removed from his position, a decision upheld by the courts.

Many at the time speculated that the ruling was influenced by the government of the day.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ganduje, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Enlightenment, categorically distanced himself from any fresh moves against the Emir.

He stressed that since he no longer holds the office of governor or speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, he has no authority over such matters.

The statement also ridiculed the idea that Ganduje would be plotting to influence the emirate’s affairs, noting that his current focus is on leading the APC and ensuring the continued success of the party.

The statement read, “Ganduje has nothing to do with the present enthronement or dethronement of Emir Mohammad Sanusi in Kano. It should be noted that he is no longer the executive governor or the speaker of the House of Assembly and therefore cannot have anything to do further with the Emirship of Kano.

“It is laughable that Ganduje who has left office as governor for some years now would be accused of masterminding a fresh plot to remove or enthrone an Emir. He is now very busy with leading the APC. He is satisfied with the enormous contributions he made in terms of massive dividends of democracy, infrastructural developments, and the good governance he provided while he held sway as governor.

“Those who are behind this sinister move to malign the APC national chairman have revealed the clandestine and dangerous motive of the sponsors to create bad blood between Ganduje and the presidency.

“Let me reiterate here that he has great respect for the national leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu. The relationship has been very cordial and no amount of blackmail can destroy the solidity of the partnership.”

The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has alleged that the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, was fully involved in banditry activities in the state.

Governor Dauda Lawal further alleged that Matawalle as governor, kept some bandits in the Zamfara State government house.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday in an interview with Television Continental (TVC). He demanded that Matawalle resign his position as Minister.

Govern Lawal said, “There were a lot of issues in the past with my predecessor. In fact, let me say this is very categorical. If I were him, I would resign and face all the allegations against me. And that would have been more honorable because from all the information we’re getting, my predecessor was fully involved in some of these banditry issues.

“Typical is the fact that there was a permanent secretary when his children were abducted; it was unfortunate that he had to pay ransom through the government house. And it was also very clear based on all the allegations that bandits were being kept at government house. You know, there are so many issues.

The Zamfara State Governor explained that the appointment of the former governor as Minister of State for Defence by President Bola Tinubu was unfair to the people of the state.

He advised Matawalle to resign from his position and clear his name.

“So for me, honestly, if I were him, I would step aside and face this allegation until I clear my name before I come back and continue my job. That should have been more honorable. And how can you imagine all these allegations against him? And he’s still the Minister of Defense. I mean, that is unfair.

“This man could have been honorable, stay aside, face all these allegations, clear his name and then come back and continue to do whatever he wants to do. Whether he wants to remain as minister or he wants to do something else, that would have been more honorable as far as I’m concerned. If I’m in that position, believe me, I’ll put in my resignation letter,” Governor Lawal added.