News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja   Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has disclosed that over 80 percent of 200 food and water samples collected in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment for laboratory analysis tested positive to cholera.  This is even as the council highlighted that the transmission of cholera is majorly through fecal–oral route, which is through hand to mouth, and contaminated water to food.  Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba stated this over the weekend in Abuja while providing update on interventions by the council and ministry on cholera outbreak.  The fecal–oral route describes a particular route of transmission of a disease when fecal matter goes into the mouth through contaminated food or fingers. It can also enter by ingestion of droplets expelled from the throat of an infected person.  Baba lamented that the irony of the disease is that any patient suffering from chole...

Against the backdrop of inequality and alleged discrimination against women in entertainment industry, HELEN OJI takes a look at gender pay gap in that sector. Globally, it has been reported that the female folks face persistent gender pay gap in line of duty especially in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Owing to this, pundits say over the years, it has hindered not only their delivery, but also bruised their ego.  Investigation further revealed that the disparity is more pronounced in Abuja, the nation’s capital with women facing significant barriers to equal pay and opportunities.  Consequently, rights advocates say the issue had over time affected their economic well-being, limited their creative potentials and career advancement, not only in the film industry, but in other aspects of entertainment industry. According to recent global ranking on gender pay gap index, Nigeria ranks 16th compared to 2021 with a gender pay gap of 63.9% and has stayed between 60-6...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba addressing newsmen on cholera outbreak in Abuja on Thursday.  In a bid to squash the rising cases of cholera outbreak, the Federal Government has stated its readiness to activate Environmental Health Emergency Volunteer Corps (EHEVC) in 31 States.  The corps would be mandated to embark on massive chlorination of all sources of water in the communities with confirmed cases of cholera.  Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba stated this on Thursday in Abuja while providing update on interventions by the Council and Federal Ministry of Environment on cholera outbreak. News Rider reports that cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by ingestion of unwholesome food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.  It is an extremely virulent disease that takes between 12 hours and five days for the sy...

BY CHIKA OKEKE It was a gathering of billionaires as Nigeria's multiple award-winning musician, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido married his longtime partner, Chioma Avril Rowland.  Habour Point Centre, Victoria Island Lagos, venue of the traditional marriage was lit with showy display of colorful Asoebi fabrics on Tuesday, June 25.  It was spiced up with the grand entrance of the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi at the venue of the wedding ceremony. The monarch, who appeared in white attire and beaded crown, was seen greeting the dignitaries shortly after his arrival.  Aside the pomp and pageantry that laced the occasion, the  centre was packed with notable personalities such as governors, socialites and celebrities.  Media personality and BBNaija TV host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, hosted the wedding ceremony of Davido and Chioma. Sharing stunning photos of himself on his Instagram handle on Tuesday, Ebuka wrote: "Host #CHIVIDO2024 🎤" Dignitar...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Death Hits 53 The Federal Government has called on States and Local Government authorities to increase surveillance in eateries  like cafeterias, restaurants, 'mama put' and mobile food vendors. Cholera is an acute diarrhoea infection caused by ingestion of unwholesome food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.  It is an extremely virulent disease that takes between 12 hours and five days for the symptoms to manifest. The common early symptoms are frequent watery stool that is usually milky white in colour, nausea and vomiting.  To this end, the government enjoined all the commissioners of environment and local government chairmen to support Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) to step up sanitation and hygiene activities in order to break further transmission and spread of the disease.   The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako disclosed this on Monday in Abuja while...

The tussle for Kano Emirate has taken a new dimension as the State Government vowed to appeal the suit ordering the sack of Emir Muhammad Sanusi II, barely a month after he was restored to the throne by Governor Abba Yusuf. This followed the decision of a Federal High Court in Kano on Thursday, June 20, 2023, which nullified the reinstatement of Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. The court also nullified the Kano Emirate Council (Amendment No. 2) Law, 2024 and all the actions taken after the controversial reinstatement. News Rider reports that the court had scrapped four of the five emirates councils of the state last month and removed all the five emirs, including Aminu Ado-Bayero of Kano. But the Commissioner for Information, Baba Dantiye informed newsmen that the government would appeal the judgment. Recall that Governor Yusuf had on May 23, 2024, signed the bill that repealed the State Emirate Council Law 2019. Also on the same day, the Kano State House of Assembly pas...

      Late Mrs Florence Saraki  Nigerians have been thrown into mourning following the death of Chief Florence Morenike Saraki, the mother of former President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki. Florence died on Tuesday at the age of 89. Saraki announced his mother's death via his social media handles on Tuesday.  The statement read: “With profound sadness and total submission to the will of Almighty God, I announce the passing of my beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and matriarch, Chief Mrs. Florence Morenike Saraki, who peacefully transitioned today, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. “Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared in due course. We appreciate your love, prayers, and support as we mourn Mama’s passing.” In his condolence message, the ward Chairman of People Democratic Party (PDP) Ajikobi Central, Hon Abubakar Yusuf Garba described the late Florence as a pillar of strength. Saraki, who served as the 13th president of the Senate ...

Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted 7-day heavy rainfall and flooding in 15 States.  The states expected to experience heavy rainfall are Niger, Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Ekiti and Osun. In the weekly weather bulletin issued by NiMet on Tuesday, it was revealed that the forecast is valid for seven days from June 18 to June 24, 2024. This is even as the agency disclosed that the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is expected to be strong within the week over the West African region, adding that the strong MJO would lead to good moisture influx and velocity divergence which is expected to enhance the prospects of heavy rainfall. The bulletin reads: “During the week, the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is expected to be strong within the week over the West African region. Good moisture influx and velocity divergence is expected to enhance the prospects of Heavy rainfall over parts of Nige...

Police have rescued three Fouani brothers, the boat captain and his assistant, who were kidnapped on Friday night. The victims were rescued on Monday night through the joint effort of Lagos Marine police and the navy. Police spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that they were rescued late on Monday night in Orugbo Iddo.  He said: "They were rescued late last night (Monday) in Orugbo Iddo. Our marine police with the support of the Nigerian Navy brought them to shore. Five of them, three Lebanese, the boat captain and his assistant. “Thereafter, our tactical team in the area took them home on Banana Island in the early hours of today." News Rider had reported that the Fouani brothers were kidnapped around Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi, Lagos, while travelling from Apapa to Victoria Island by boat on Friday evening, June 14.  Unconfirmed report had indicated that the kidnappers  contacted the company and family, demanding a $1.5 mil...

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has killed 80 terrorists in their hideouts at Gidan Kare village in Faskare Local Government Area of Katsina State. This was even as over 45 motorcycles were destroyed as Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji launched airstrikes at the community on June 15, 2024.  NAF’s spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet stated on Monday in Abuja, that the strikes became necessary following intelligence that terrorists numbering over 100 were burning houses at a settlement about 5 kilometres away from Gidan Kare village.  He disclosed that at about 8.30pm, several houses were observed to be on fire, while the entire village was thrown into pandemonium.  “Moments later, 12 motor cycles were seen departing the village and trailed along a footpath out of the village to a location near Gidan Kare village and Kuka Shidda Camp, where they joined up with a large number of their cohorts.  "Other terrorists were also observed arriving the ...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) has called on government at all levels to initiate policy that would encourage subsidy and free distribution of sanitary pads to students and women.  This, the association believed would trim down the high cost of sanitary pads and guarantee improved hygiene for women and students across the country. Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpan stated this on Friday in Abuja at a one- day sensitisation programme organised by NAWOJ FCT in partnership with Little Angel Pads.  News Rider reports that the event provided an opportunity for the association to distribute free sanitary pads to female students and writing materials to boys, all of Junior Secondary School 1, Jabi, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).  Ikpang disclosed that the school was selected for the programme, targetted at raising awareness about menstrual hygiene among teenage girls, as well as advocating for accessibility...

Nigeria Police Force have launched manhunt to rescue the abducted Managing Director of Fouani Company, Mohamed Fouani, and his three brothers, Abbas Fouani, Youssef Fouani and Amtal Fouani.  The victims were kidnapped on Friday evening, June 14, 2024, around Falomo Bridge, Ikoyi, Lagos while travelling from Apapa to Victoria Island by boat. State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin confirmed over the weekend that the command was aware of the incident and has intensified efforts to rescue the kidnapped brothers.  He said: "The police is aware of the incident and we are looking into it." News Rider reports that Fouani Group is a leading manufacturer of household electronics such as LG, Hisense and Maxi brands. The multinational enterprise operates in countries such as Nigeria, Guinea, Gambia, Lebanon, Congo and Liberia.  But unconfirmed reports indicated that three days after the incident, the victims are yet to be traced.  It was also revealed tha...

Senator Ireti Kingibe  As Muslims joined other faithful worldwide to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe has lamented that the gap between the rich and poor in Nigeria is inexplicable.  To this end, she enjoined the rich to make meaningful sacrifices to reduce the vast gap, adding that some valuables must be shelved for meaningful progress and other considerations.  While wishing Nigerians especially Muslims a peaceful and unifying Eid-el-Kabir celebration, she pleaded with the affluent in the society to allow the poor in their midst to breathe. In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Kennedy Mbele on Sunday in Abuja, the Senator enjoined Nigerians, especially leaders to reflect and emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s virtues of sacrifice. Kingibe stated that there is an inherent lesson to learn in the manner the holy Prophet Mohammed wanted to sacrifice his only son, Issah, without hesita...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja     Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi  President Bola Tinubu has sacked the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) Mamman Ahmadu.  Tinubu had on Saturday directed Ahmadu to resign and hand over to the most senior officer in the Bureau.  News Rider reports that the sack was linked to a larger reorganisation effort in the public procurement system and to reposition the agency for greater efficiency and transparency. Following the directive, Tinubu named a renowned financial expert, Mr. Ayodeji Gbeleyi as the new Director-General of BPP.  Before his appointment, the certified accountant had served as Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Lagos Commissioner of Finance. The removal of Ahmadu and appointment of Gbeleyi were announced in separate statements on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale. Gbeleyi has over 30 years of exp...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: Director of Sports, FCT Sports Council, Mr Luka Istifanus in a chat with the Chairman of FCT Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Jide Oyekunle during a courtesy visit in Abuja on Friday.  Members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have reached a consensus with the Director of Sports, FCT Sports Council, Mr Luka Istifanus on the upcoming football tournament. This formed part of the deliberation when FCT Correspondents Chapel led by its Chairman, Comrade Jide Oyekunle visited the director on Friday in Abuja.  The visit is part of preparations ahead of the 2nd edition of the football tournament billed to take place in the nation's capital.  Oyekunle noted that a pre-tournament press conference and draws will hold on June 18, 2024 at Transcorp Hilton Abuja, adding that the Ambassador of the tournament will be unveiled officially at the event.  He stated that 14 organisations including Aiben, Federal High Court (FHC), Federal ...

        Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo  The Federal Government has declared Monday June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as public holidays to mark this year's Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Friday in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government.  This was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Aishetu Gogo Ndayako. The minister congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the diaspora on the occasion. He enjoined Muslims to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and stability of the country. The minister assured that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to safeguarding the  lives and property of all Nigerians. While wishing Muslims a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the minister advised all Nigerians to take resp...

Federal Government has received a fresh loan from World Bank worth $2.25bn. The international lender indicated that the two approved loans were targetted at stabilising Nigeria’s economy and supporting the vulnerable populations. A breakdown of the funds revealed that $1.5bn was set aside to stabilise Nigeria’s economy to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing Program and $750 million for Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms Program-for-Results in Nigeria, totalling $2.25bn. In a statement on Thursday, the bank informed that the loan is intended to provide immediate financial and technical support for Nigeria’s urgent economic stabilisation efforts. It would also enhance the country’s non-oil revenue generation and safeguard oil revenues, thereby promoting fiscal sustainability and enabling the delivery of quality public services. The statement reads: "The World Bank has today approved two operations: $1.5 billion for the Nigeria Reforms for Economic ...

By Chioma Kanu, Abuja            Chioma Kanu While transparency alone is not sufficient for improving implementation of livelihood projects, inclusive community participation is crucial for realising the positive outcomes associated with greater budget transparency and accountability. Improved budget for livelihoods and good governance require the meaningful engagement of the citizens including female headed households, especially at the grassroots level. While participatory budgeting at community levels focuses on promoting social justice, transparency and accountability by providing the government with community-oriented information and facts that improve financial efficiency, it is surprising that indigenous women group like the Mothers and Marginalised Advocacy Centre’s Udi rightsholders have had little or no knowledge of the goals of government in the budget process. Given the role of infrastructure in enhancing socio-economic development a...

Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed several camps operated by notorious terrorist commanders, Bello Turji and Halilu Buzu in Katsina and Zamfara States.  The newly discovered camps were acquired through Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), even as Air Component of Operation Whirl Punch targeted and engaged the terrorists with rockets and cannons. Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the North.  Buba noted that feedback revealed that several of the terrorists, including some of the commanders were indeed neutralized as a result of the airstrikes. Despite the successful airstrike, the spokesperson said that the Defence Headquarters do not have a report of the death of Turji and Buzu. Similar air interdiction was also conducted in June 8, overhead terrorists’ enclave in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State fol...

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja President Bola Tinubu  President Bola Tinubu has delivered the 2024 Democracy Day speech, making it his second democracy address since he assumed office in 2023.  In the speech that was aired on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Tinubu hailed Nigerians for witnessing 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. He vowed to morally and constitutionally preserve the precious form of governance and do his utmost best to protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of Nigerian citizens.  Read the full text below: My fellow Nigerians, let me begin by congratulating all of us for witnessing the celebration of another Democracy Day today, the 12th day of June 2024. This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance. On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society. Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, w...