News Rider

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja R-L: Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun presenting a copy of Ogun State Investment Opportunity book to the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery in Abeokuta recently.  United Kingdom has pledged to invest $5 million towards the establishment of battery recycling and treatment facility in Nigeria. The $5m investment, to be provided through UK’s Manufacturing Africa programme is expected to create a lithium-ion battery and lead acid battery recycling and treatment plant in Ogun State using patented recycling technology. These were part of the highlights when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery embarked on a four-day official visit to Lagos and Ogun states. During the visit, he engaged in conversations that focused on enhancing economic ties, driving investments, prosperity opportunities and future priorities that could be beneficial to the states and the UK. He underscored the United Kingdom’s commitm

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako alongside the Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Sanitarian Yakubu Baba and other officers at the unveiling of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and water treatment materials in Abuja on Wednesday  President Bola Tinubu has directed intervention Ministries and Agencies to occupy Maiduguri in order to mitigate the impact of flooding on human health and the environment.  The Registrar of Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), Sanitarian Yakubu Baba disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while informing the media on the council's plans to address the aftermath of flooding in Borno State.  News Rider reports that the flooding, which many described as most devastating since the creation of the state in 1976, was linked to the overflow and collapse of Alau Dam on early Tuesday morning, September 10, 2024.  In addition to the collapsed dam, the heavy downpo

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako while briefing the media on interventions by Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) to mitigate the 2024 flooding across the states in Abuja on Wednesday.  At least, 300 persons have been confirmed dead, 80, 000 houses damaged while over 1,000, 000 have been displaced in 176 Local Government Areas as flood wrecked 29 States.  The affected states are Ogun, Rivers, Imo, Lagos, Ekiti, Edo, Kwara, Adamawa, Niger, Kogi, Katsina, Taraba, Kano, Kebbi, FCT, Anambra, Delta, Bayelsa and Ebonyi.  Also, Gombe, AkwaIbom, Cross River, and Osun States, while Borno, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger and Jigawa are worst-hit by the disaster.  Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing the media on Interventions by Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) to mitigate the 2024 flooding across the states.  While describing the floodi

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government in collaboration with stakeholders in the environment sector have taken bold steps to end plastic pollution across the country.  News Rider reports that the task would be achieved through the successful implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme for plastic packaging and plastic waste. This formed the crux of discuss at the conclusion of  National Guidelines for the Implementation of EPR programme for plastic packaging on Wednesday in Abuja, organised by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Nigeria is estimated to generate about 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, even as Lagos State accounts for 15 percent of the total waste generated through plastics.  Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako stated that the sector-specific national guidelines were part of the measures established by the Federal Government to tackle plastic pollut

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja Federal Government has placed 11 States on flood alert as the Cameroonian government commenced the gradual release of water from Lagdo Dam. The states are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers that share border with River Benue.  Director General/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) Umar Ibrahim Mohammed disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.  Mohammed pointed out that the gradual release of water from the dam commenced on Tuesday, September 17, adding that spilling of water from Lagdo dam is expected to stop as soon as there is noticeable decrease in flow into the Lagdo reservoir. The statement reads: "The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) wishes to inform the general public that the Authority of Lagdo dam in Cameroon have informed the Agency that the dam management will begin regulated water releases at the rate of 100m% (8,640,000m/day) Tuesday, S

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja United Arab Emirates has donated 50 tons of humanitarian aid for victims devastated by flood in different parts of Nigeria.  The relief materials were delivered to Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and handed over to NEMA by the UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Salem Alshamsi. In her X handle @TheZubaidaUmar on Tuesday, the Director-General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar stated that she received the donation on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria. She lauded the UAE Embassy in Nigeria for their gesture and commitment in assisting victims of disasters in Nigeria. Umar noted that the aid would be promptly distributed to flood victims in order to assist in alleviating the sufferings of the impacted communities. The DG assured that the relief materials would be immediately distributed to Borno and other States affected by the flood, once cleared. "I want to assure Nigerians that once we take custody of these items, they will be

At least, 40 persons died on Saturday when a boat carrying 50 passengers, who were mostly farmers capsized in Zamfara State.  The incident occurred in Gummi Local Government Area of the state when the deceased were en route to their farms.  President Bola Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed sadness over the tragic loss of lives following a boat accident and floods in Zamfara state. While consoling the people and government of Zamfara state, he assured the bereaved families of the Federal Government’s unwavering support. He said: "The loss of these hardworking farmers is not just a tragedy for Zamfara but for the entire nation. We share in the grief of their families and the wider community who are reeling from the shock of these disasters. The Federal Government stands with the people of Zamfara in this difficult time. The President lamented the increasing boat mishaps across the country, assuring that the g

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja            Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo  The Federal Government has declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as public holiday to mark the Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.  Eid-ul-Mawlid is the remembrance of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani made the declaration on behalf of the Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Friday. Tunji-Ojo enjoined the Muslims and all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilience. While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, he implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation.

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja          Bayo Onanuga  The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga has absolved Nigeria from any form of human rights abuse, stating categorically that the country is governed by law.  This followed the arrest of president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero on Monday morning, September 9, 2024, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Reacting, the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday condemned the arrest of Ajaero, describing it as blatant intimidation and a violation of trade unions freedom. The statement read: "Joe was released last night (Monday night) but it is clear that his ordeal is not yet over. We condemn the actions of the Nigerian government and demand that they end their persecution of Joe Ajaero." Though the labour union leader was released late on Monday night on administrative bail after hours of int

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja  R-L: Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO) Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako presenting a Compendium of Ecological Projects to the  Chairman of Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) Comrade Chuks Oyema in Abuja on Tuesday.  The Permanent Secretary of Ecological Project Office (EPO) Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako has disclosed that the office does not have any record of abandoned project since 2015.  She stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) to her office in Abuja. Ndayako maintained her readiness to partner with the media in the coverage of various ecological intervention projects implemented by the office in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. "We welcome media partnership because you are the key stakeholders that will be able to tell our stories, ask us questions and also visit the host communities to ask them the impact

                            Houses submerged by flood in Maiduguri on Tuesday         At least, thousands of residents have been displaced while several inmates escaped as fast-moving waters led to heavy flooding that swept more than 70 percent of  Maiduguri metropolis, the Borno State capital.  The flood also ravaged other major locations in the city, including the palace of the Shehu of Borno, Umar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, Lagos Area, Monday Market and  cemetery.  Also, the state secretariat, post office, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and Maiduguri Zoo popularly called Sanda Kyarimi Park Zoo were some of the critical infrastructure submerged by the flood on Tuesday.  Some of the inmates allegedly drowned while several others escaped when a prison wall located along the Custom area was destroyed by the flood.  The flooding, which many described as most devastating since the creation of the state in 1976, was linked to the overflow and collapse of Alau Dam in the stat

        Comrade Joe Ajaero The president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero was on Monday morning arrested by the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He was on his way to London to attend the ongoing Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference when he was arrested at the airport by the DSS.  Since the incident, DSS has refused to issue a statement on why Ajaero was arrested.  However, a source, who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the DSS may have arrested Ajaero over his refusal to appear before the police again on Thursday, September 5, alongside the General Secretary of NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja to answer questions on alleged criminal intimidation, conducts likely to cause a breach of public peace, and malicious damage to property. But a Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, declared that the arrest of Comrade Ajaero is unconnected with the earlier invitation by the Nigeria police forc

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja          Chief Ajuri Ngelale  A Human Right Activist, Mahdi Shehu; Ex- Senator Shehu Sani and other Nigerians have made mind-boggling reactions over the exit of Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale.  News Rider reports that on Saturday, September 7, the Social Media was awash with the news of Ngelale's decision to step down from official duties indefinitely. Ngelale had disclosed that he would embark on indefinite leave to deal with medical issues that is presently affecting his nuclear family. His resignation was contained in a memo and submitted to the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila read.  But the Presidency had also on Saturday, September 7, issued a statement, accepting Ngelale's decision to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence due to personal and health-related reasons. The statement, which was shared on the X handle of the Presidency, @NGRPresident was n

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja        Ajuri Ngelale  The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale has stepped down from his official duties indefinitely. This implies that Ngelale will no longer serve as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.  He announced his decision to embark on indefinite leave through a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday.  Ngelale noted that he had submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of his plan to proceed on indefinite leave. He maintained that he stepped down from his official duties to deal with medical issues that is presently affecting his nuclear family. The statement reads: "On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my offi

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The Federal Government has disclosed that only public servants with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) would be allowed to purchase a bag of rice at N40,000.  Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari stated this while flagging off the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice.  He said that the essence of restricting the purchase of rice with only persons with NIN was to curtail racketeering. Kyari pointed out that the rice would be sold strictly to one person per bag, adding that the steps taken by the Federal Government would lead to the crash of food items in the markets.  He said: "The rice, which is to be sold at a flat rate of N40,000 naira only for 50kg is the Federal Government's intervention for the sales of subsidised milled rice to ameliorate the prevailing food crises in Nigeria. "This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted seven States of Benue, Kogi, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Rivers, and Bayelsa on looming flood, given the rising water levels in River Benue and River Niger. To this end, the agency enjoined the affected states to take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of potential floods. In a statement on Thursday night, NEMA’s Head of Press Unit, Manzo Ezekiel advised states in the central and southern regions to prepare for potential floods that may soon affect communities downstream. "The advice has become imperative to activate the State, Local Government Authorities and communities to take necessary actions to mitigate against the risk of flooding and avoid the scale of losses recorded so far in areas that have been impacted, including loss of lives, displacement of communities, and significant damage to property and infrastructures. "Specifically, the states that are highly probable to the ha

Burkina Faso has shunned the logo of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and unveiled a new biometric passport for its citizens.  This followed the prolonged fracas between the country and ECOWAS, an indication that the country has already exited from the regional bloc.  Recall that Burkina Faso, alongside Niger Republic and Mali, led by military juntas severed ties with ECOWAS since January.  The decision to issue passports without the ECOWAS logo was announced by Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana on Tuesday. He said: "On this passport, there's no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of ECOWAS either. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso." ECOWAS had warned that the three countries' withdrawal from the 15-member states would rattle the freedom of movement of over 400 million people living in the bloc.  The three neighbouring c

             Rebecca Cheptegei  Ugandan Olympic marathon athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei dies at 33.  She died on Thursday, September 5, four days after her ex-boyfriend poured petrol on her and set her ablaze in Kenya.  Cheptegei, who competed at the just concluded Olympic in Paris, France, suffered more than 75 percent burn on her body during Sunday's attack. This latest attack on Cheptegei makes it the third  prominent sportswoman to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. In a condolence message posted on his X handle, the president of Uganda Olympics Committee, Donald Rukare condemned violence against women.  He said: "We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei... following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.  "May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women." The athlete, who finished 44th in Paris, was admitted in a hospital at the Kenyan Rift Valley city of Eldoret after the attack. Seni

The matriarch of the Yar’Adua's family, Hajiya Dada touched the lives of many Nigerians through her charity works especially in the North.  She died on Monday evening, September 2, 2004, at the age of 102.  Dada, who is the mother of former president of Nigeria, late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua passed away at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina after a brief illness. Aside the late president, Dada was also the mother of late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and the current Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua.  She was buried in Katsina on Tuesday, September 3, in accordance with Islamic rites. Her husband was also a politician, administrator and Minister of Lagos Affairs during Nigeria’s First Republic.   Since in the 60's Hajiya Dada became an influential figure in Nigeria’s polity, as many aspiring politicians sought her advice before venturing into politics.  The matriarch died exactly 14 years after the passing of former president Yar’Adua and 27 y

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja         President Bola Tinubu has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with China to jointly promote the Belt and Road Initiative. News Rider reports that Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) also known in China as the One Belt One Road is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organisations. The BRI consists of six urban development land corridors linked by road, rail, energy, and digital infrastructure and the Maritime Silk Road linked by the development of ports, though Nigeria had signed the Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China in 2018.  Other MoU's signed include: 'Cooperation in the peaceful application of Nuclear Energy'; 'Strengthening cooperation on Human Resource Development under the Global Development Initiative'; 'Media Exchange and Cooperation', as well as 'Between China Media Group and the Nigerian Tele

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja L-R: President Bola Tinubu in a handshake with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the former's official visit to  Beijing, China on Tuesday.  As part of its efforts to revamp Nigeria’s ailing economy, President Bola Tinubu has brokered deal with Huawei Technologies’ Beijing to jointly establish a PV laboratory with Nigeria’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA). This formed part of the deliberations when Tinubu visited Huawei Technologies’ Beijing Research Centre on Tuesday in continuation of his official visit to China. PV laboratory is a photovoltaic (PV) module that is equipped with a solar simulator and most advanced technology for bifacial and large solar PV module testing.  It paves the way for Electrical Insulation Measurement tests to ascertain that electrical breakdown do not occur  and that conducting elements in a module are sufficiently isolated from the frame. The company also announced the launch of DigiTruck, a mobile ICT classroom ai