News Rider

House of Representatives has querried the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) for spending N81.2 billion to plant 21m trees in 11 States of the Federation.  News Rider reports that 11 states of Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Yobe and Borno benefitted from the tree planting.  They are classified as the frontline states with a projected population of over 54 million and 394, 000 landmass.  The states, which cut across the North East and North West region of Nigeria are worst hit by desertification. Chairman of Ad hoc Committee investigating the  ‘Utilisation of Ecological Funds Released To NAGGW From 2015 Till Date’, Rep. Isma’ila Dabo on Wednesday in Abuja expressed dismay over the claims made by the agency.  He pointed out that there are persistent environmental challenges despite the huge funds spent on the programme, adding that investment made by the Federal Government and international partners...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Participants at a one-day workshop on 'Reforms Focusing on Financial Management, Gender and Operational Disparities in the Nigerian Defence and Security Sector' held in Keffi, Nasarawa State recently.  The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has tasked security agencies on transparency and accountability in financial dealings by properly disclosing the relevant components of the Defence and Security procurement processes.  This was even as the organisation sought for adequate respect for human rights of the citizens, while upholding the sanity and sanctity of the constitution and international human rights convention.  These were the outcome of a one-day workshop on 'Reforms Focusing on Financial Management, Gender and Operational Disparities in the Nigerian Defence and Security Sector' held in Keffi, Nasarawa State on August 29, 2023.  Participants were drawn from security agencies, civil society organisations, academ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Military officers have taken over leadership affairs in Gabon and canceled the Presidential election that produced Ali Bongo Ondimba.   This is even as the military officers dissolved state institutions on Wednesday in a coup meant to salvage the soul of Gabon.  News Rider reports that Niger Republic was toppled by the military on July 26, 2023, and they are yet to relinquish powere despite threats and counter threats from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The coup was linked to rising insecurity and a lack of economic growth. To that effect, Gabonese border has been shutdown until further notice, just as sporadic gunshots filtered the air in the country’s capital, Libreville.  According to reports by the local media, the officers noted that the general election was not credible and the results were annulled. Prior to the coup, Gabon’s national electoral body informed that President Ondimba from the ruling Democ...

The crisis rocking the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) deepened on Tuesday when former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso-led faction of the party expelled the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT) Dr Boniface Aniebonam and other national officers for allegedly  engaging in anti-party activities. Aside Aniebonam, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Agbo Major and other officials were caught up in the crisis.  At the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, the National Legal Adviser, Mr Robort Hon accused them of sabotaging NNPP, adding that Aniebonam created a parallel group, with the aim of  causing disunity in the party. Those in attendance were the Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf; Acting National Chairman, Malam Abah-Kawu Ali; Speaker of Kano State House of Assembly, Hon Jibrin Isma'l Falgore and many others. Hon noted that the NEC also moved several other motions relating to the Logo of the party, amendment of the constitution, rat...

      Scene of the demolished illegal market in Asokoro, Abuja Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished an illegal market for providing hideout for hoodlums and drug dealers in Asokoro area of Abuja. The market sited at Hassan Musa Katsina street, near Kpaduma II in Asokoro Extension is popularly known as Kasuwan Dare.  Speaking after the demolition on Tuesday, Director, Department of Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Mr Mukhtar Galadima noted that the market constituted a threat to residents of the area and commuters.  He hinted that the miscreants operating in the market were mutilating the landscape of the entire environment, which the administration felt posed serious threat to the city.  Galadima noted that the market was pulled down due to insecurity, just as it also shielded miscreants, drug dealers and criminals from their nefarious activities.  He lamented that FCTA had demolish...

Determined to wipe out remnants of Boko Haram  enclaves in Borno and surrounding States, troops of 144 Battalion have rescued 25 hostages from the terrorists den.  Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said on Monday that the gallant troops extricated 14 hostages in conjunction with Hybrid Force.  He noted that the hostages, which comprise six women and eight children were rescued during a clearance operation at Gobara village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno on Saturday. Nwachukwu said that the troops of 82 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Hybrid Force, raided the terrorists enclave in Gava village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno and rescued 11 civilians in a similar operation on Sunday. He informed that all the rescued victims are presently in troops’ custody undergoing profiling. The Army spokesman hinted that seven members of Boko Haram family surrendered to troops of 81 Division Task Force Battalion at Dikwa L...

  Demolished duplex on Plot 226 in Wuse Zone 6 Abuja on Monday.   The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has  demolished a multimillion naira duplex erected on Plot 226 in Wuse Zone 6 area of Abuja for violating building regulations.  Director, Department of Development Control, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) Mr Mukhtar Galadima who led the exercise on Monday noted that the  house was built on unapproved land. He maintained that the building was illegally developed without valid title and building plan approval despite all warnings issued by the AMMC.  Galadima said that his team had carried out extensive investigation to ascertain the original owner of the plot, given varying claims by the parties. He noted that investigation revealed that the developer was not the owner of the plot, which was why the FCTA had to pull down the building. The director hinted that the FCT Administration would not consider the status...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Prof Godson Ana The Dean, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof Godson Ana has opened up on why mosquitoes gravitate to the ear and nasal region.  In an interview with News Rider on Friday in Abuja, he noted that mosquitoes are attracted to smell and Carbondioxide oozing from the nasal region.  He said that mosquito is one of the greatest foe of mankind that is responsible for most of the public health scourges especially malaria.  The environmentalist hinted that the changes in weather and global warming affected the cycle of mosquitoes, adding that mosquitoes need air to breath which is why they rest on the surface of the water.  Ana, who is also the President of Environmental Health Scientists Association of Nigeria noted that the fight against mosquito should be multi-dimensional as mosquito invasion does not represent peace.  The don disclosed that the war against mosquitoes is far from b...

 First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu (4th left); on of the beneficiaries, Adijat Ayodele from Kwara State (4th right) and other dignitaries at the presentation of scholarships to 43 students in Abuja on Saturday.  The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has offered scholarships to 43 students of tertiary institution courtsey of her National Scholarship Programme (NASP) under Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI). At the maiden ceremony of the initiative on Saturday in Abuja, Mrs Tinubu informed that each beneficiary would get N4 million across four academic sessions and a new laptop. News Rider reports that the beneficiaries were selected from the 36 States of the Federation including the FCT, while each awardee was nominated by their state governor.  The first lady noted that the Renewed Hope Initiative scholarship is a transformative scheme that would change lives and shape the destiny of youths across the nation. She said that it required the collective responsibility ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja At least, two people were confirmed dead and 37 others injured when a two-storey building collapsed on Wednesday night in Abuja.  The incident occured at Lagos street, Garki Village area of Garki District, just as the injured victims were safely evacuated to various medical facilities in Abuja. Findings by News Rider revealed that the collapsed structure was constructed for both residential and commercial use. The Director-General of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Abbass Iddriss confirmed the incident via a statement on Thursday.  He noted that others were reportedly trapped, adding that though rescue team are on ground, that rescue operation is slow due to the heavy rainfall.  Iddriss lauded the efforts of all stakeholders working hard manually to rescue trapped persons, including members of the community.  He stated that rescue mission is in progress, while  awaiting the arrival of more equipment to enhance the ope...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Cross section of stakeholders at the just concluded capacity building for Community Observers, Response Networks and Media on warning and early response held in Kaduna State recently.  Development partners have endorsed the mainstreaming of gender into early warning and early response mechanisms, with a view to integrate youth and vulnerable groups in planning and policy response to early warning.  This was even as they advocated for adequate funding of response agencies to enhance operational efficiency in early warning system and response process.  These formed the crux of discuss at the end of a 2-day capacity building for Community Observers, Response Networks and Media on warning and early response held in Kaduna State from August 22 to 23, 2023.  It was organised by Civil Society Legislative Advocay  Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) with the support of Open Foundat...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         Prof Godson Ana The Dean, Faculty of Public Health, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Prof Godson Ana has described mosquito as one of the leading causes of cerebral hemorrhage, liver problems, body weakness and low birth weight in unborn children.  To this end, he cautioned Nigerians against poor hygiene and storage of stagnant waters, adding that more funds should be appropriated for environmental and sanitation related control measures.  He stated this in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, on the sidelines of the 2023 World Mosquito Day (WMD) symposium organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) in collaboration with Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) with the theme: "Fighting the World's Deadliest Killer–The Mosquito". Ana, who is also the President of Environmental Health Scientists Association of Nigeria harped on the need for strict enforcement of sanitatio...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Cross section of stakeholders at the 2023 World Mosquito Day (WMD) in Abuja yesterday.  Environmentalists have called on the three tiers of government to increase investment in research and development to completely eradicate malaria in Nigeria.  This formed the crux of discuss on Monday in Abuja at a one-day symposium organised by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) in collaboration with Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) to mark the 2023 World Mosquito Day (WMD) with the theme: "Fighting the World's Deadliest Killer–The Mosquito". News Rider reports that WMD was designated annually on August 20, to raise awareness on mosquito-borne diseases, effect on human health and global efforts toward the eradication of the vector.  It was also set aside to commemorate the contributions of a British doctor, Sir Ronald Ross, who discovered that female anopheline mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans in 1897. The Dean, F...

The Governor of Borno, Babagana Zulum has approved the payment of N308 million as scholarship to 14,416 indigent students of the State. At a news conference over the weekend in Maiduguri, Executive Secretary of Borno State Scholarship Board, Malam Bala Isa stated that the scholarship would cover outstanding entitlements for students in 2021/2022 academic session. He noted that the gesture would enable the Board to concentrate on 2022/2023 academic session.  The governor lamented that students are resuming for academic activities at a time when parents are faced with economic challenges and students academic demands. He was optimistic that the payment would relieve the burden of academic demands placed on the parents.  Zulum enjoined the students to be hard working, committed and dedicated to their studies, and make good use of their allowances for academic development.  A member of the National Union of Borno State Students (NUBOSS) Ahmad Kyari described the g...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Members of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) during a road walk to commemorate 2023 World Mosquito day in Abuja. The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has intensified its efforts towards the reduction of diseases caused by mosquitoes.  Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, in commemoration of this year's World Mosquito Day (WMD) with the theme: "'Fighting the World's Deadliest Killer–The Mosquito". News Rider reports that WMD was designated annually on August 20, to raise awareness on mosquito-borne diseases, effect on human health and global efforts toward the eradication of the vector.. It was also set aside to commemorate the contributions of a British doctor, Sir Ronald Ross, who discovered that female anopheline mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans in 1897. In honour of WMD, the EHCON in...

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has donated relief materials to flood victims in 22 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State. At the distribution of support materials to the victims on Friday, NEMA's Distribution Supervisor, Hajiya Ummuna Ahmed, noted that the special intervention was meant to cushion the impact of the disaster. The relief materials are grinding machines, sewing machines, water pumping machines, insecticides and pesticides, mattresses, bed sheets, mats, rice and cooking oil.  Ahmed hinted that the agency had sustained awareness among the people living in flood- prone areas on the need to be extra vigilant and prepared for possible flooding during the rainy season. She enjoined them to relocate from the lower ground to higher ground for their safety, adding that the beneficiaries of the relief materials were carefully selected from the affected LGAs. The supervisor classified the beneficiaries as the most vulnerable victims of the 2...

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has opened up on how 36 gallant officers were killed in Niger State. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said on Thursday that some of the casualties were killed by terrorists.  Terrorists had ambushed troops in the Zungeru region of the state, and some valiant soldiers paid the supreme price. At a biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations, Buba hinted that some of the troops also died when an evacuation helicopter crashed on August 14, 2023, in the state.  A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission had crashed on Monday in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.  The spokesperson, who failed to provide the cause of the helicopter crash, hinted that investigation is still underway to determine the cause. He enjoined citizens to be cautious of propaganda and fake news by terrorists, urging them to remain patriotic.

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja      Nyesom Wike and David Umahi President Bola Tinubu has assigned former Governors Nyesom Wike and David Umahi to the Ministries of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Works respectively.  This is contained in the 46 Ministerial list sighted by News Rider on Wednesday in Abuja.  Other ministers that made the list are Ahmed M. Dangiwa (Housing and Urban Development), Zephaniah Jisalo (Special Duties and Inter-Govermental Affairs),  Hannatu Musawa (Art, Culture and the Creative Economy) and Bunmi Tunji  (Marine and Blue Economy).  Below are the full list of ministers and their portfolios.  1. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tuani, 2. Minister of Environment and Ecological Management, (Kaduna) 3. Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management, Ishak Salaco  4. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun 5. Minister of Marine and B...

The Zamfara Government has introduced performance index for 18 new commissioners in the State. Governor Dauda Lawal stated this on Wednesday at the inauguration of the commissioners in Gusau.  News Rider reports that the Oath of office was administered on the newly appointees of the executive council by the State Chief Judge, Justice Kulu Aliyu.  Lawal enjoined the appointees to redouble their efforts as they would be assessed based on key performance index.  The governor therefore urged them to embrace good working relationship and synergy with their ministries for the benefit of the state.

The Gombe State Government has commenced the distribution of palliatives to 30, 000 beneficiaries in order to lessen the impact of petrol subsidy removal.  Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated this on Tuesday while flagging off the distribution of items in Dadin Kowa community in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of the state. He noted that the items were part of the first phase of the distribution of palliatives, adding that over 420, 000 persons would likely benefit from the palliatives across the state. Yahaya pointed out that the first phase would capture 30, 000 beneficiaries, saying that each of the beneficiaries would receive one bag of 5kg rice, one carton of Spaghetti, two bags of fertilisers and two litres of pesticides. The governor noted that inclusion of agricultural inputs is strategic, considering that 80 per cent of Gombe citizens are engaged in agriculture. He said that the support would facilitate bountiful harvest, improve livelihoods and promote food securi...

The Kaduna State Government has indicated its readiness to train 5,000 women and girls in collaboration with Google on data science, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurial application of digital technologies. Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun disclosed on Tuesday that the partnership would be a significant move towards promoting technology inclusivity. Balogun hinted that the initiative is part of a broader skills development programme supported by Google.org. that aims to empower 20,000 more women and young people across Nigeria. He disclosed that the women and girls would be empowered with 21st century skills, thereby positioning the trainees for opportunities in the digital and creative industries. The director noted that the future of technology in Nigeria hinges on tapping into the potential of every individual, irrespective of gender, adding that partnering with Kaduna state is a testament of its unwavering belief in the transformative power of w...

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted Nigerians that 19 States and 56 communities across the country may likely witness heavy rainfall that could lead to flooding within the month. Lagos Territorial Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, who disclosed this on Monday via a statement, listed the affected areas as Delta State: Aboh, Ekiti State: Ado Ekiti, Ondo State: Akure, Idanre, Ifon, Iju Itaogbolu, Ogbese, Owo, Owena and Ondo town.  Others are Lagos State: Apapa, Badagry, Eti Osa, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Ikoyi, Lagos Island, Ojo Lagos, Surulere; Anambra: Atani; Ogun State: Ifo, Ota, Sagamu; Nasarawa State: Lafia, Wamba, and Cross River State: Ikom and Ogoja.   Also in the list are Bauchi State: Jamaare, Misau, Azare, Itas, Kafin Madaki, Kari, Kirfi, Tafawa Balewa, Katagum; Jigawa: Hadejia, Miga; Osun State: Ilesa, Oshogbo and Kwara: Kosubosu. The rest are Zamfara State: Anka, Bungudu, Gusau; Sokoto State; Goronyo; Adamawa; Numan, Shelleng; ...

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has unveiled an online top-up programme for Higher National Diploma (HND) holders. In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, the NBTE Head of Media Unit, Mrs Fatima Abubakar, hinted that the course would also facilitate the progression of HND holders to higher degrees. She said that the portal was designed for HND holders willing to acquire a Bachelor’s Degree with foreign accredited universities through online top-up course for one year. Abubakar lamented that attempts in the past to get the National Universities Commission (NUC) to approve a two-year Master of Technology for HND holders in some polytechnics failed.  ”Many times, HND Holders are forced to go for a one year Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) before they could be admitted into the Master’s Program in Universities. ”The disadvantage of the PGD is that holders who continue to do Ph.D. and wish to migrate to a Nigerian University will always be qu...

In a bid to improve the quality of lives of the residents, the Zamfara State government has commenced free monthly medical outreach for patients with critical healthcare needs.  The special medical outreach is expected to cover  at least 1,000 patients with groin swellings; 200 Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients and 1,000 cataracts patients. Malam Sulaiman Idris, Media Aide to Governor Dauda Lawal, who disclosed this on Sunday in Gusua, noted that the exercise is part of the administration’s commitment to revive the health sector.  He pointed out that the programme is designed to cover all the 14 Local Government Areas of the state, adding that the health personnels kick-started the first phase by providing free medical services to the less-privileged. “Beneficiaries included patients that required cataract extraction, groin swellings (hernias, hydroceles) surgery, VVF repairs and those  needing health counselling,’’ he added.  He noted that 81 ca...

Governor Babagana Zulum receiving a publication from the VC of Army University, Biu, Prof. Kyari Mohammed in Maiduguri on Friday.  The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has approved N50 million and the construction of staff quarters and students hostels for the take-off of Nigerian Army University, Biu (NAUB). He hinted this while receiving the management of the university led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kyari Mohammed who visited him on Friday in Maiduguri.  The governor directed the Commissioner for Works and Housing to produce architectural design for the project.  He also instructed the Ministry of Education to prepare a list of deserving students from the three senatorial zones of the state that would be awarded scholarship to study at the university. Zulum informed all state-owned tertiary institutions to re-introduce convocation ceremonies which were suspended due to the activities of Boko Haram insurgency.  He informed that such ceremoni...

      Late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya  The Founder, Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya is dead.  He died on Monday, August 7, in the United States of America at the age of 67.  His death was confirmed in a post through the official Facebook page of the church. It reads: “The fountain of Life Church Family, in total submission to the will of God Almighty announces the passing unto greater glory of our Father, Teacher, a great servant of the Most High God, Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, Founding Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, who passed unto glory on the 7th of August 2023 in the USA. “We are in total submission to you LORD!!! “We thank the Lord for the gift of a greater leader!!!” The Lagos State Government has expressed sadness over the death of the Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya. In a statement on Tuesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the death of the cleric as a great loss to the entire congr...

   Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje  The former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje has emerged the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This is even as Senator Ajibola Basiru was elected as the National Secretary at the 12th NEC meeting of the APC held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton on Thursday in Abuja.  Acting National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kiyari, disclosed this while addressing newsmen shortly after the executive session of the committee.  He noted that the election is in line with Article 13(2), adding that NEC transferred its powers to NWC to fill other vacant positions in the administrative organ of the party. Barrister Mustapha Abubakar later administered the oath of allegiance on the two leaders.

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended its nationwide protest after talks with President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening at the State House, Abuja. Leadership of the NLC was led by its President, Joe Ajaero, while Festus Usifo led the TUC. The labour leaders resolved to end the protest after fruitful and frank discussion with Tinubu, and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues submitted.  They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as it affected the working people and Nigerians in general. Tinubu assured that the Port Harcourt refinery would start production by December after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA. The president also assured the labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria, while pleading with them to j...

The new military government in Niger has reopened the country’s land borders and airspace with five neighbouring countries, one week after the coup.  Spokesman for the junta announced on television on Tuesday evening that border crossings to Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Libya, and Chad were reopened. This was even as the junta appointed new governors for the country’s eight regions, adding that Niger’s borders with Benin and Nigeria, both ECOWAS members, remained closed for the time being. ECOWAS had on Sunday issued an ultimatum to the coup leaders demanding that the democratically elected President, Mohamed Bazoum be released and reinstated within a week. They also warned that they may apply force to reinstate the ousted President. Already, 10 Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Defence Chiefs are holding talks in Abuja over the Niger crisis.  The meeting is attended by 10 countries including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Liberia, Ghana, Gambia, Cot...

The organised labour has lamented that Nigerians are suffocating under the current economic challenges, with a call on the Federal Government to reverse the anti-people policies.  This is even as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) pleaded with the Federal Government to end the arbitrary increase of school fees across the tertiary institutions, and fix the moribund refineries.  NLC Chairman in Plateau State, Comrade Eugene Manji, who disclosed this while addressing workers on Wednesday, noted that subsidy removal exposed Nigerians to untold hardship. He sought an end to unexplainable taxes and utilities, adding that some Nigerians could barely feed their families due to the harsh economic situation. Manji wondered how many parents would be able to pay their children’s school fees upon resumption in September, lamenting that the increase in petrol from  N195 to N617 crippled every sector of the economy. “We are not antagonising government but before you remove s...