News Rider

National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has unveiled over 60 new and reviewed curricula for  polytechnics.  The National Occupational Standards (NOS) and Open, Distance and Flexible e-Learning (ODFeL) Courseware in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) were also reviewed.  Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof. Idris Bugaje, disclosed this at the public presentation of the new and reviewed National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) curricula, NOS and ODFeL in Abuja on Tuesday. Some of the new and reviewed curricula were ND/HND in Petroleum and Gas Processing Engineering, Transport, Planning and Management, Strategic Communication and Media Studies, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, and Organic Agricultural Technology. Also, Homeland Security, Articulated Vehicle Driving, Construction Equipment Operation, and Traditional and Herbal Hygiene were part of the new and reviewed NOS for skill training. Bugaje stated that the curricula would provide general

Nigeria’s debt profile has risen to N44.06 trillion, approximately $101.91 billion in the third quarter (Q3) of 2022. This was against the N42.84 trillion, equivalent to $103.31 billion recorded in the second quarter (Q2) of 2022. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed this on Tuesday through its Nigerian Domestic and Foreign Debt Report for Q3 2022 released in Abuja. The report highlighted that Nigeria’s public debt stock which included external and domestic debt increased by 2.84 per cent in Q3 of 2022. It indicated that external debt stood at N17.14 trillion ($39.66 billion) in Q3 2022, while domestic debt was N26.91 trillion ($62.25 billion). The report also revealed that the total public debt stood at 38.92 per cent in Q3 2022, while domestic debt was recorded at 61.08 per cent. To this end, the Federal Government’s share of domestic debt stood at 80.07 per cent in Q3 of 2022. A breakdown of the report by States highlighted that  Lagos recorded the highest domes

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has insisted that the COVID-19 pandemic would permanently act as pathogen in humans and animals in the nearest future, adding that it remains a global health threat.  This was even as 170,000 persons died globally from COVID-19-related virus in the last eight weeks despite the preventive measures adopted more than a year ago when Omicron infections surged.  Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus stated this on Monday while commenting on the recently concluded 14th COVID Emergency Committee meeting held in Geneva via videoconference on Friday.  “It is three years since COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern. The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was first reported in Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019,’’ he said.  Over 752.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been recorded globally, including 6.8 million deaths as contained in WHO’s Coronavirus dashboard. Ghebreyesus lamented that surveillance and ge

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested some cartels across the country for allegedly hawking the redesigned naira notes. This was even as the gangs were intercepted by the operatives of secret police during an operation. A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr Peter Afunanya on Monday in Abuja, revealed that some bank officials were aiding the economic crime.  To this end, the service cautioned the currency racketeers to desist from such ignoble act, urging the regulatory authorities to step up their monitoring and supervisory roles to address the emerging trends. He stated that the DSS had already ordered its commands and formations to spot all persons and groups engaged in the illegal sale of the notes.  The DSS spokesman urged anyone with useful information relating to the sales of the new currency to report to the relevant authorities.  President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday extended the deadline for the exchange of old naira notes to F

      Alhaji Lai Mohammed and President Muhammadu Buhari  The Federal Government has accepted the visa ban imposed by the United States of America on democracy saboteurs in Nigeria.  Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this on Monday at the 20th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari’s (PMB) Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023) in Abuja.  He noted that any action taken against anyone who undermined the nation's democracy and watered by the blood of many patriots is right and justified. United States government had on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 announced visa ban for individuals that disrupted the recent elections in Nigeria.  The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that the move was intended to support Nigeria’s aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law. But the minister insisted that the President Buhari-led administration is committed to free, fair and credible elections as well as a sm

       President Muhammadu Buhari and CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele  President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the deadline for the exchange of old naira notes to Friday, February 10, 2023.  This is even as the President also approved a seven-day grace period beginning from February 10 to 17,  in compliance with Sections 20 (3) and 22 of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.  He noted that the grace period would enable Nigerians to deposit their old notes at the CBN after the February deadline. With the latest development, the initial deadline of January 31 as announced by the CBN to phase-out old notes would no longer be feasible.  Buhari gave the approval on Sunday at a meeting with the Governor of the CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele in Daura, Katsina State.  A statement by the President’s spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, revealed that the extension would enable Nigerians to successfully change their currencies to the redesigned notes, and reduce the risk of loss, especially among the unde

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) nationwide to February 5, 2023.  The electoral body had earlier extended the deadline for the collection of PVCs, which was scheduled to end on 29th January. INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, had on Friday stated that his meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) would focus on the ongoing collection PVCs in its 774 Local Government Offices nationwide. But the National Commissioner of INEC, Mr  Festus Okoye in a statement on Saturday stated that the time frame has been pushed forward by one week. This, he said was part of the resolutions reached during a meeting with the RECs, warning that this would be the last extension for the exercise.  He said: “Arising from reports from the various States and discussions with Resident Electoral Commissioners, the commission has decided to further extend PVC collection in all its Local Government Off

A Katsina-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Dahiru Barau-Mangal foundation has commenced free urology surgery for 50 vulnerable residents in the state. The free medical outreach was flagged off on Saturday at Amadi Rimi Orthopedic hospital located along Dutsinma road in the state capital.  A member, board of trustees of the foundation, Mr Hussaini Kabir stated that they had already screened over 37 patients for the surgery. He noted that the patients are currently undergoing series of medical investigations, as the exercise would be conducted at no cost to them. Kabir said that the surgery is expected to commence on Monday, January 30, adding that four to five patients would be operated on daily. He disclosed that the foundation would bear the full cost of the expenses to be incurred during the surgery, including drugs and other necessary items until they have fully recovered.  Kabir said that the foundation had undertaken such free medical outreach on quarterly bas

At least, 8,150 persons were displaced when an aircraft belonging to Nigeria Air Force (NAF) bombed Galadima Kogo community in Niger State.  Many vigilantes' including the Commander of the group were also injured during the incident.  This was even as a good number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who lived in the location were also killed. BOblog had reported that several people died on January 24, 2023 when a strange aircfraft bombed Vigilance members at Galadima Kogo community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.  Secretary to Niger State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Matane confirmed in Minna on Saturday that the aircraft belonged to NAF, who were unaware that security personnel were in the area. He noted that it was not a mysterious aircraft as being speculated in the media, adding that government was also aware of the presence of IDPs in the area. Matane said that government had discussed with Shiroro Local Government Council officials and the manage

Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State, Prof Kabiru Bala has disclosed that lifting embargo on employment would address manpower shortfall in teaching and research institutions.  At the 42nd convocation ceremony of ABU in Zaria on Saturday, Bala noted that the challenges resulted from government policies like embargo on employment.  The Office of the Head of Service of the Federation (OHSF) had in May 15, 2020 through a memo, announced the general suspension of recruitment into the Public Service as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on Federal Government’s revenue projections. Bala pleaded with the federal government to lift the embargo on recruitment to enable universities address the widening gaps. He said: “ABU is facing challenges of financial sustainability since the aftermath of COVID-19, serious legal battles that affect its finances and other government policies that exert pressure on its fina

        Late Hassan Abdullahi Sule  Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has described the death of his son, Hassan Abdullahi Sule as a test from God.  Sule stated this in Nasarawa on Friday while receiving condolences at the palace of his father, the Sarkin Gudi, HRH Alhaji Sule Bawa in Akwanga Local Government Area. “I see this as a test from God. I was the person consoling somebody that lost his 9 children and 70 cows yesterday. And today, God decided to test me, to see whether I was sincere in consoling that bereaved father, ” he said.  The deceased died on Thursday night after he was discovered unconscious in front of his apartment and taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead. Sule noted that God promised to test the faith of every believer as contained in the Holy Qu’ran. While stating that it was only God that had the power to take away his late son, he described him as a calm, disciplined and obedient young man.  The governor said: "He grew up carry

         Governor Ademola Adeleke The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has rejected the judgement of the Election Petitions Tribunal that nullified his election.  To this end, he described the verdict as a miscarriage of justice, with a promise to challenge the ruling at the Court of Appeal. The tribunal sitting in Osogbo had on Friday sacked Adeleke as the elected governor of the state and declared Gboyega Oyetola as the winner of the June 16, 2022 Gubernatorial election.   Justice Tetsea Kume submitted that the governorship election was marred by over-voting in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. He stated that the certificate of return should be issued to Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) adding that the election failed to comply with the Electoral Act. Speaking from his hometown, Ede on Friday, Gov Adeleke faulted the over-voting statement, describing it as an unfair interpretation against the will of majority of voters.   He pleaded with hi

Governor Ademola Adeleke Osun State Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo has nullified the election of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This is even as the tribunal on Friday, January 27 declared Gboyega Oyetola as the winner of the June 16, 2022 Gubernatorial election.  The 3-man panel led by Justice Tertsea Kume instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi. Kume noted that the certificate of return should be issued to Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) adding that the election failed to comply with the Electoral Act. He held that the governorship election was marred by over-voting in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. The panel chairman stated that after deducting the excessive votes, the figure Mr Oyetola polled at the election was 314, 921. Earlier, the immediate past governor of the state, Oyetola argued

Troops of the Operation Delta Safe have demolished 39 illegal oil refining sites in the South South zone. This was even as the troops arrested 40 suspected economic saboteurs during the raid in the last two weeks.  The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami stated this on Thursday during a bi-weekly news briefing on military operations in Abuja. He noted that the troops in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations destroyed 48 cooking ovens, 103 storage tanks, 27 dugout pits and 33 wooden boats during the period. Danmadami hinted that the troops also recovered one tug boat, a barge, three pumping machines, three speed boats and 13 vehicles. The troops also uncovered 274,000 litres of crude oil, 71,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and 15 Ak47 rifles. He stated that all the recovered items and apprehended suspects were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.  “Equally, the air component of the Operation Delta Safe

Six persons have died as terrorists numbering over 50  attacked a mining site at Damidami village in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State. BOblog gathered that three of the artisinal miners were killed on site while three others drowned in River Shiroro in an attempt to escape from the terrorists.  Sources confirmed that the terrorists swooped on the miners at the site, which is approximately 20 kilometers from Kuchi town on Wednesday after the Security Joint Taskforce repelled them from attacking the town.  One of the miners, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that he was fortunate to escape the onslaught.  “Many of us ran into the bush when we saw them coming on motorcycles. They shot into the air as they rode into the site. Some of us escaped to the riverside but many were surrounded by the terrorists", he said. He disclosed that the three victims that were shot couldn't hand over their money, handset and gold to the terrorists.  “They demanded for

                    Senator Jibrilla Bindow The immediate past Governor of Adamawa State,  Senator Jibrilla Bindow has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC). He confirmed his exit from the APC on Tuesday evening in a letter addressed to the APC chairman Kolere Ward in Mubi North Local Government Area.  This development brings to rest his weeks of rumored absence from APC activities, which Bindow had frantically denied.  He attributed unresolved crisis within the party at the state level, events of the 2019 general election and the 2022 Governorship primary as the major reasons for discarding the APC.  Bindow disclosed that lack of genuine reconciliation with aggrieved stakeholders within the party in Adamawa State since last year's governorship primary placed him at a disadvantaged position. He occupied the Senatorial seat for Adamawa North District from 2011 to 2015 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In the build-up to the 2015 election, he

Several people feared dead as strange aircfraft reportedly bombed Vigilance members at Galadima Kogo community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.  Several vigilantes' including the Commander of the group were also injured during the incident on Tuesday.  BOblog gathered that the vigilance members were preparing to launch counter-operation against terrorists when the aircraft bombed the community.  Bandits had on Monday raided the community, abducted several villagers and stole large number of cattle.  One of the community leaders, who spoke on condition of anonymity described the incident as unbelievable.  He said: "As at now, I cannot say how many people have been killed, but I know they are many. “What I know is that two Hilux vans have evacuated the dead from the camp".  He lamented that the community is presently helpless as the vigilantes that protected them against unwarranted attacked have been killed by bandits.  The state’s Commissioner

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has revealed that there would be earlier than the long-term average rainfall in most parts of the country. To this end, the agency stated that parts of Katsina, Zamfara, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Cross River, Ebonyi, Imo, and Rivers would likely experience delayed onset of rainfall.  At the launch of the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) in Abuja on Tuesday, Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika hinted that the onset dates for rainfall ranges from 2nd March to 7th July 2023. “The onset is expected to become established in early March from the coastal states of Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom; in April for the Inland States of the South; in May around the central States and around July in the northern States", he said.  Sirika noted that parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, Bauchi, Kaduna, and FCT would likely observe below normal to near normal annual rainfall. He said that the annual rainfall amount is expected to range from 420 mm in

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has dedicated the International Day of Education to girls and women in Afghanistan deprived their right to education. This is even as the world body sought for the immediate lifting of ban restricting access to the education of girls and women in Afghanistan. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated 24th January annually as International Day of Education to raise awareness on the role of education for peace and development. Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay disclosed this in her message to commemorate the 2023 edition of the International Day of Education with the theme: "To invest in people, prioritise education”. Taliban-led Afghanistan had in December 2022 banned  women from attending university education, a situation that sparked reaction from the United States and the United Nations over assault on human rights. Azoulay hinted that education must be prioritis

                    Godwin Emefiele  Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has insisted that the January 31 deadline to phase-out old notes remains sacrosanct.  The apex bank had in October 2022 announced that the redesigned naira notes and existing currencies would circulate together until January 31, 2023, being the deadline to end the circulation of old notes.  Part of the reasons for the redesigned notes was to curb excessive hoarding by Nigerians, just as it would curtail counterfeit and ransom payment to terrorists and kidnappers. Shortly after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele disclosed that the 90 days window given to Nigerians to deposit their old currencies was enough. He noted that the CBN pleaded with the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) to extend their working hours, and to work on weekends. Emefiele hinted that the new currencies are available and there would be no need to extend the deadline for the phase-out

        Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed  The Presidential Candidate of Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi has promised to create more jobs for unemployed Nigerians If given the opportunity to govern the country.  At a presidential campaign rally in Katsina State on  Monday, the former Governor of Anambra State vowed to eradicate poverty and insecurity in Nigeria.  He pledged to enhance business activities, with a promise to build a new Nigeria devoid of poverty, insecurity and other societal vices.  Obi hinted that both the present and next generation would be proud to live in the new Nigeria that he would unfold if elected.  He assured that he would prioritise development programmes for the youths in order to end their involvement in thuggery, drugs and other criminal activities. The presidential candidate hinted that he had already designed policies and programmes, aimed at improving the living condition of the citizens and move the country forward. Obi pleaded with the electorate

At least, 2.5 million Nigerians were ruined and displaced during the 2022 flooding across the country. This was even as the flood led to the death of 662 persons, while the states worst hit by the disaster were Anambra, Delta, Kogi, Rivers, Benue, Yobe, Cross River and Bayelsa. Director-General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Mr Mustapha Ahmed stated this at the opening of a one-week strategic executive course for Nigeria Emergency Management Stakeholders on Monday in Abuja. Aside the casualties, thousands of houses, hectares of farmlands and several critical national assets were destroyed during the unprecedented flooding in the history of Nigeria. Ahmed stated that the capacity building was crucial at a time when the country was recovering from the losses recorded during the 2022 flood disaster. He was optimistic that the training would provide an opportunity for the participants to share their experiences, and develop holistic approaches to disaster and cr

Unidentified gunmen have murdered four persons at Gambar Sabon-Layi community in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.  This was even as the gunmen also abducted one person during the attack on Sunday morning at about 2:00 a.m.  Public Relations Officer of Bauchi Police Command, SP Ahmad Wakil confirmed the incident on Sunday. He hinted that gunmen attacked the community in the early hours of Sunday, 22nd January and abducted one other person. Wakil stated that the Commissioner of Police, Aminu Alhassan had ordered discreet investigation to arrest the culprits. “A distress call was received by the command on the 22nd January 2023 at about 3:45 a.m, indicating that on the same date at about 2:00 a.m, some unknown gunmen invaded Gambar Sabon-Layi village and attacked innocent residents. “On receiving the report, detectives of the command drafted to the scene led by the DPO of Tafawa Balewa Divisional Police Headquarters, evacuated the victims to the Tafawa Bale

        Most Rev Dr Nkechi Nwosu History beckoned as the Methodist Church Nigeria on Sunday enthroned the first female Bishop, Rt Rev. Nkechi Nwosu. She was consecrated by the Archbishop of Kaduna, His Grace, Most Rev Dr Joseph Nnonah at the Christ Methodist Cathedral, Jos. Rev Nwosu, who will serve as Bishop of Jos Diocese told newsmen that God used the epoch-making event to inform the world that its time to release women to fulfill their destiny.  She disclosed that women and men needed to join forces in order to achieve the mandate of God. The new Bishop said: "God knew that in creating only Adam, He will not be able to fulfil his heart’s desire, so He had to create a woman to complement him. “For the word of God to reach to the end of the world, humans must put their hands together to serve God irrespective of gender because God is a spirit".  Nwosu disclosed that every child of God who is genuinely born again and dwell in the Holy Spirit is a son of God. She

At least, 1,773 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) have died while fighting the war against Boko Haram and Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North East. In an interview with NAN in Maiduguri on  Saturday, the Chairman of CJTF, Babashehu Abdulganiu hinted that the deaths were recorded between 2012 and 2022. He noted that the operatives paid the supreme price while fighting terrorists alongside the military in their enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Lake Chad area. Abdulganiu said that some died repelling attacks in Maiduguri while others sacrificed their lives by hugging suicide bombers during attempts to attack innocent people. The chairman disclosed that in spite of the high casualty figure, the CJTF remained resolute in its determination to support the military in riding the state of terrorists. He said that the group, which is now backed by law, commenced their activities in a bid to rid the state of all forms of terrorism

        Senator Godswill Akpabio  The Supreme Court has reinstated Godswill Akpabio as the  candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District. A five-member panel of the court led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun on Friday unanimously allowed the appeal filed by the APC. The court, in its decision presented by Justice Ibrahim Saulawa set aside the November 14 judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal, Abuja which earlier voided Akpabio’s nomination. It held that the issue of nomination of candidates was an internal affair of the political party as courts lacked jurisdiction over it. The apex court stated that it was the National Working Committee (NWC) of a party that is empowered to conduct valid primaries for the selection of candidates. It also held that the Court of Appeal was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction over the appeal filed by retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Udom Ekpoudom. Recall that the Court of Appea

      Late Prof Theophilus  Ogunlesi  President Muhammadu Buhari and Ogun State government have been thrown into mourning as Nigeria’s first Professor of Medicine, Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi dies at 99. Late Ogunlesi, who hailed from Sagamu area of Ogun State, died on Thursday, January 20.  The family in a statement signed by Adeleke Ogunlesi and shared by Tolu Ogunlesi, Special Assistant on Digital/New Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, confirmed his demise. According to the family, funeral arrangements would be announced in due course. The late Professor Emeritus is survived by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. President Buhari also condoled with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) family members and friends of late Emeritus Professor of Medicine. In a condolence message by the President's  spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina on Friday in Abuja, said that late Ogunlesi made history in 1965 as Nigeria’s first Professor of Medicine. Buhari also sympathis

The national population and housing census is expected to commence from March 29 to April 1, 2023, 16 years after the last enumeration exercise in 2016. Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC) Nasir Kwarra disclosed stated this on Friday shortly after his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. He noted that NPC staff would be at the field enumerating people from March 29 to April 2.  Kwarra hinted that the technological tools to be used during the exercise would code buildings and landmass by providing information such as location and landscape.  This, he believed would guarantee credible exercise, adding that foreigners residing in Nigeria would be enumerated.   Kwarra disclosed that the Federal Government earmarked N40bn for the census in the 2023 Appropriation Act. A breakdown of the allotment revealed that N10m was set aside for the national population and housing census. This was even as the national population data bank, populat

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has alerted Nigerians on the outbreak of diphtheria, following reported cases of the disease in Lagos and Kano states. BOblog had reported on Thursday that 15 people  died while 78 suspected cases were already recorded as killer disease, diphtheria invaded 14 Local Government Areas in Kano State.  Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that forms toxin in humans. It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death.  Risk factors of diphtheria include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.  The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa in a public health advisory issued on Friday, revealed that the agency is also monitoring the situation in Osun and Yobe states.  Adetifa urged health workers to maintain a high index of suspicion for diphtheria by being vigilant and looking out for symptoms of the infectio

Suspected Fulani bandits have beheaded eight persons in Abagana community along Makurdi/Lafia road in Benue State. The incident occured on Thursday night opposite the Internally Displaced Persons Camp (IDPs) in the state.  Bandits had invaded the community and killed seven people barely two years after the latest attack.  BOblog learnt that bandits attacked the community around 9 pm, shot sporadically and killed a family of six and two others.  The dead victims include a man, his wife, four children and two others.  Narrating the incident, a source who spoke on condition of anonymity said that: "On Thursday night at about 9 pm, suspected Fulani bandits invaded Abagana community opposite the IDP camp and killed many people. “Eight corpses, including women and children, have been recovered and another eight people were seriously injured. They have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment. “Some of the bodies were beheaded and the heads were taken away. A man with hi

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed that all the passengers abducted at a railway station in Edo State have regained freedom.  Suspected herdsmen allegedly armed with AK 47 rifles had on Saturday, 7 January, 2021 kidnapped 31 passengers at Tom Ikimi Train Station, Igueben in Igueben Local Government Area of the state. BOblog had reported that the passengers were waiting to board a 4 p.m. train from Igueben to Warri when the kidnappers struck, shot sporadically and abducted some passengers, leaving many injured. The NRC’s Deputy Director of Public Relations Mahmood Yakub in a statement on Thursday confirmed that all the abducted persons have been released to their families. He maintained that none of the victims was hurt or injured during their period of captivity and release. NRC also appreciated the role, patience and cooperation of the families of the victims, as well as the roles played by the security agencies, state government and those who contributed

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday compensated families of slain officers with automatic employment and cheques containing undisclosed sums of money.  The seven NSCDC personnel were killed during an ambush by bandits at a mining site at Kuriga village in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State on January 10, 2023. Scores of other security agents were also killed by bandits during the attack. Addressing the bereaved families at the NSCDC Kaduna Command Headquarters, the Commandant General of NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi offered one employment slot to each of the seven family of the slain personnel.  He noted that the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola approved the employment and cheques, regretting that the Corps had in the past lost officers in the line of duties, but not as much when compared to the Kaduna incident. Audi described the killing as colossal, just as he pleaded with other personnel not to be discouraged by the u

At least, 15 people have died and 78 suspected cases  recorded as killer disease, diphtheria invaded 14 Local Government Areas in Kano State.  Diphtheria is a serious infection caused by strains of bacteria called Corynebacterium diphtheriae that forms toxin in humans. It can lead to difficulty in breathing, heart rhythm problems, and even death.  Risk factors of diphtheriae include crowded environments, poor hygiene, and lack of immunization.  The state Epidemiologist, Dr Abdullahi Kauran-Mata, who confirmed the killer disease in Abuja on Thursday, said that out of the 27 samples taken to the laboratory, eight were confirmed positive. He noted that death from probable cases must have exceeded 15 as of January 18, adding that the government has commenced sensitisation through the radio to enlighten the communities about the disease.  ”Currently, the state government has set up a diphtheria treatment centre with support from the international medical humanitarian organisatio