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Folarin Kehinde

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NYSC portal crash leaves prospective corps members stranded in Cross River

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Thousands of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members are currently stranded in Cross River State due to the sudden crash of the NYSC registration portal on Saturday night.

The portal, which opened on June 8, 2024, crashed less than 12 hours later, leaving registrants stranded.

Leading reporters learnt that thousands of Nigerian graduates, waiting to enrol in the NYSC scheme, were left stranded at Ikom, Calabar, Ogoja, and Ugep, at various computer centres across the state while trying to register for the exercise.

Two days later, on June 10th, 2024, the NYSC headquarters finally stated its apology, explaining that the portal crash was due to a conflict in the link between NIMC’s access to NYSC’s database, which led to the system disruption.

The statement reads in parts: “This is to inform all critical stakeholders of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), accredited NYSC Cyber Café Operators (CB0), 2024 batch “B’ Prospective Corps Members (PCM) and the general public that we are aware of service disruption recently experienced on our registration portal.

“We have reviewed the situation and narrowed the cause of breakdown to conflict on the link in between NIMC access to our database containing sensitive user profile information and our technical crew has made additional changes to our technical infrastructure, which necessitated temporary disablement of access to batch “B” PCM registration to prevent further complications and technical irregularities.

“Note that no specific technical action is required of our esteemed CBOS. However, CBOS is implored to update and educate Prospective Corp Members on this development pending resolution. All 2024 batch “B’ Prospective Corps Members are hereby cautioned to desist from ascribing fault to CBOS for the delay.

“We strongly recommend that all CBOS repose the confidentiality of their access code to prevent unauthorized use by providing an additional layer of security for their account (Additional details are available in our help centre).

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Entertainment

Popular Yoruba actress, Aunty Ramota reportedly in ‘coma’ after BBL surgery

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Popular Yoruba actress and comedian, Ramota Adetu, popularly known as ‘Aunty Ramota’, is said to have fallen into a coma following a Brazillian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery she underwent in a hospital in Ikorodu on Saturday, June 8.

A blogger, Tosin Silverdam, in a post on Instagram claimed that Aunty Ramota had undergone the BBL surgery to enhance her appearance.

Tosin said the procedure encountered complications, resulting in her current comatose state.

“Aunty Ramota slipped into a coma on Saturday, June 8th, subsequent to her BBL surgery at a hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos State, due to surgical complications,” Tosin said.

The incident has sparked a range of reactions, with some questioning the authenticity of the news, while others expressed genuine concern and hope for her prompt recovery.

In response to the news, popular actress Toyin Lawani commented, “It’s a skit, forget. I’m not even falling for this. I’m just imagining how it will look on her legs. I know it’s a joke though. No doctor will do that to her; they would be jailed. It’s not ethical because of her condition.”

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Headlines

FG releases plan for democracy day celebration

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government has released a list of events for this year’s Democracy Day celebration on June 12.

The details were unveiled in a notice issued by Abdulhakeem Adeoye on behalf of the Director of Information and Public Relations in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Sunday, June 9.

According to the notice, the celebration will commence on Tuesday, June 11, with a symposium at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 9am.

This will be followed by a youth conference at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00pm.

On Wednesday, June 12, the events will feature a grand parade at Eagle Square, Abuja, starting at 8:00am.

The day will conclude with a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00pm.

“The programmes lined up for the celebration include a symposium on Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 AM at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

“Later that day, a youth conference will be held at Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, at 6:00pm.

“A grand parade will take place on Wednesday, June 12, at 8:00am at Eagle Square, Abuja,” followed by “a dinner at the State House Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, at 6:00pm,” the notice stated.

Only accredited Villa correspondents will be granted access to cover the events held at the Presidential Villa.

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Headlines

BREAKING: 35 lawmakers seek six-year tenure for president, rotation among zones

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A total of 35 lawmakers in the House of Representatives have commenced advocacy for significant alterations to the 1999 Constitution.

The lawmakers are aiming to establish the rotation of the Presidency among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and introduce a single six-year term for the President and Governors.

Speaking on behalf of the group in Abuja, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency in Imo State, stated, “The reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors will go a long way in cost-cutting measures.”

According to them, the proposed constitutional changes will enhance political stability and governance efficiency.

By rotating the Presidency among the six geo-political zones, the lawmakers say they aim to promote national unity and ensure a fair representation of all regions in the country’s highest office.

They further stated that the single six-year term for Presidents and Governors is intended to reduce the financial and political costs associated with frequent election cycles and transitions.

“This measure is expected to allow elected leaders to focus on long-term developmental projects without the distractions of re-election campaigns,” Ugochinyere stated.

Ugochinyere added that the proposal is currently under discussion within the legislative framework, and further updates on its progress and potential implications are anticipated.

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BREAKING: Labour set to resume strike Tuesday after rejecting N62,000, insists on N250,000

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Organised Labour has said it will not accept any N62,000 or N100,000 “starvation wage” as the minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

It insisted on N250,000, being its latest demand at the last meeting of the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage on Friday, as the living wage for an average Nigerian worker.

This was made known on Monday by Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, while fielding questions on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief show.

Onyeka said the one-week grace period given to the Federal Government last Tuesday, June 4, 2024, would expire by the midnight of Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

According to him, should the Federal Government and National Assembly fail to act on the demands of workers by tomorrow (Tuesday), the organs of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, would meet to decide on the resumption of the nationwide industrial action relaxed last week.

“Our position is very clear. We have never considered accepting N62,000 or any other wage that we know is below what we know is able to take Nigerian workers home. We will not negotiate a starvation wage.

“We have never contemplated N100,000 let alone N62,000. We are still at N250,000, that is where we are, and that is what we considered enough concession to the government and the other social partners in this particular situation. We are not just driven by frivolities but the realities of the market place; realities of things we buy every day, bag of rice, yam, garri, and all of that.

“The Federal Government and the National Assembly have the call now. It is not our call. Our demand is there for them (the government) to look at and send an Executive Bill to the National Assembly, and for the National Assembly to look at what we have demanded, the various fact of the law, and then come up with a National Minimum Act that meets our demands.”

He continued: “If that does not meet our demand, we have given the Federal Government a one-week notice to look at the issues and that one week expires tomorrow (Tuesday). If after tomorrow, we have not seen any tangible response from the government, the organs of the Organised Labour will meet to decide on what next.

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Headlines

Shock as Kwara intending pilgrim commits suicide in Saudi Arabia

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Two intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Kwara State, Salihu Mohammed and Hawawu Mohammed, have died in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

The executive secretary of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims’ Board, AbdulSalam AbdulKabir, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He said while Saliu Mohammed died in an intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina after suddenly falling ill, Hawawu Mohammed died, “following what Saudi authorities have investigated and found to be an unfortunate suicidal episode from the rooftop of her apartment in Madina.”

The statement read: “Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Board sends heartfelt commiserations to the families of two of our pilgrims who returned to their Lord in Madina, Saudi Arabia.

“Saliu Mohammed, who arrived with Batch 3 of the state contingent, died in an intensive care unit of a public hospital in Madina after suddenly falling ill; while Hajia Hawawu Mohammed (Batch 9) also died following what Saudi authorities have investigated and found to be an unfortunate suicidal episode from the rooftop of her apartment in Madina.

“The pilgrims’ board deeply regrets these sad events, but submits totally to the decree and ultimate knowledge of Allah in all affairs.

“The board sends profound condolences to their families and asks Allah to grant them comfort and forgive the deceased.”

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FG ban underaged girls from lodging in hotels

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Uju Ohaneye, has said the Federal Government would no longer allow underaged girls to be lodged in hotels across the country.

She said this was part of the precautionary measures to halt human trafficking especially Nigerian girls.

She made the disclosure at the weekend while speaking on the occasion of Graduation and Grant Presentation of financial assistance to youth who participated in the Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, organised by the Office of the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Technical Education, Abiola Arogundade.

The Minister of Women Affairs remarks was on the heels of a trending video of Nigerian girls who were trafficked to Ghana for prostitution.The teenage girls were aged between 15-16 years.

Aside from a ban on lodging of underaged girls, Honourable Ohaneye also said her Ministry was determined to stop premature deaths of Nigerians as hospitals would no longer be allowed to reject emergency patients.

She said:”Women have been suffering in this country. Today, we have talked about allowing the poor to breathe in this country.

“Meanwhile I am sure you saw the video circulating about our girls taken to Ghana. Did you see it? Very good. Action will start on Monday. You will hear about our action first thing on Monday morning. That is the first I am going to approach and see what we can do about it.

“Nigeria must be better. From 20th (June), we have directed hotels to put a sign outside from the Ministry of Women. No lodging of underage girls. (Otherwise) what happened in Niger State will be an understatement to what will happen in the FCT and I mean it. No more lodging of underage girls and no more bullying in schools.

“And our hospitals will also put a sign of ‘No more rejection of emergency patients.’ These are some of the major issues we have in this country.”

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NITDA unveils technovation strategic plans to equip 30 million Nigerians with digital skills

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

As part of efforts aimed at enhancing digital literacy in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled eight strategic pillars to equip 30 million Nigerians within the next three and half years with digital skills, a transformative journey with the Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan, 2024 – 2027 (SRAP 2.0).

The Director General, NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi while speaking in an exclusive interview with LEADING REPORTERS over the weekend in Abuja stated that the move is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to ensure that every young Nigerian is equipped with relevant
skills to thrive in this rapidly evolving world.

Abdullahi explained that eight strategic pillars are crafted with the use of Artificial intelligence (AI) tools which will be deployed in all the 774 local government in line the National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), non – governmental organizations in Nigeria and other strategic partners in Nigeria.

He noted that the first pillar: foster digital literacy and cultivate talent will be achieved by developing the National Digital Literacy Framework, which has the target of achieving 95% digital literacy by 2020.

“To do that, we have initiatives in three streams. We looked at those in the formal education. How many Nigerians are in formal education from kindergarten to tertiary institutions? Based on the available data, we have over 20 million Nigerians in the formal education. So we are working with the Minister of Education to review the curriculum and infuse digital literacy as part of our formal education so that people learn as they grow.”

The second pillar he said focuses on building a robust technology research ecosystem where innovation is born, fostering developments that propel nations towards prosperity and global competitiveness.

He noted that these advancements not only enhance productivity across industries but also establish a country’s
competitive advantage on the global stage. For instance, breakthroughs in AI, Robotics, and IoT have revolutionised sectors from manufacturing
to healthcare, driving both economic growth and societal progress.

Abdullahi emphasized that investing in technology research equips Nigeria with the tools to navigate and lead in the Fourth
Industrial Revolution adding that by focusing on strategic areas
such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics,
Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing, Nigeria aims to position itself among the top 25 percent of nations globally in these fields.

“This ambition not only draws vital research funding but also attracts
global partnerships, enhancing Nigeria’s standing as a leader in technological innovation.”

The third pillar which speaks to Strengthen Policy Implementation and legal framework focuses on enhancing Nigeria’s digital technology landscape to support its transformation, ensuring policies are not only forward-thinking but also adaptable to emerging technological trends.

He stated that the evolving digital domain demands a regulatory approach that balances innovation with security,
privacy, and ethical considerations hence by revisiting and strengthening existing policies and legal structures, Nigeria can unlock new opportunities for digital advancement and economic growth.

The fourth pillar: To promote inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, Abdullahi explained that this pillar aims at removing barriers and foster an inclusive digital environment where every Nigerian, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or geographical
location, can thrive.

He added that the digital divide poses a significant challenge to achieving the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and undermines efforts towards equitable development.

“With a strategic focus on inclusivity, Nigeria positions itself to harness the potential of its diverse population, bridging gaps and ensuring that digital advancements benefit all layers of society.”

The fifth pillar: Strengthen Cybersecurity and enhance Digital Trust stated that in the digital age, cybersecurity is not just a
technical necessity but a critical foundation for trust and confidence in digital services adding that as the digital landscape evolves, the threats to data security and system integrity grow more sophisticated.

“Recognising this, our strategic
emphasis on cybersecurity aims to build a
resilient digital environment where citizens
and businesses can operate with confidence. This move is essential to safeguard our digital assets, protect personal information, and ensure the continuity of critical services, thereby fostering a secure and trustful digital ecosystem.”

The 6th Pillar: Nurture an Innovative and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Abdullahi noted that nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem is pivotal for advancing Nigeria’s socio-economic development and global competitiveness adding Innovation and entrepreneurship are the engines of growth, driving competitiveness and economic diversification.

He stated that this strategic pillar aims to transform Nigeria into a hub for IT products and services, enhancing ICT’s contribution to the GDP and fostering a dynamic ecosystem that propels economic growth adding that by creating a supportive environment that encourages creativity, Nigeria can unlock the potential of its entrepreneurs to innovate, scale up, and compete on the international stage.

The 7th pillar: Forge Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration, Abdullahi explained that strategic partnerships are fundamental to advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda adding that collaborating with public and private sector entities, academia, and international organisations will enhance SRAP 2.0’s impact and visibility, aligning with global eorts to achieve development goals.

“This Pillar emphasises the importance of synergistic relationships to amplify
Nigeria’s digital initiatives and global presence.

“Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, strategic
geopolitical position, and burgeoning tech ecosystem present a unique competitive advantage. Leveraging these strengths
through international collaborations can elevate Nigeria’s status as a key player in
the global digital landscape.”

The 8th Pillar: Cultivate a Vibrant Organizational Culture and an Agile Workforce in NITDA, Abdullahi noted thar the move is paramount to NITDA’s pursuit of organisational excellence as it underscores the importance of fostering an environment that encourages learning, psychological safety, and adaptability, ensuring that the workforce is prepared to meet the dynamic challenges of the digital age.

“A progressive organisational culture and agile workforce present an opportunity
to enhance innovation, efficiency,
and responsiveness within NITDA.

“By embracing flexibility, collaboration, and
transparency, NITDA can foster a culture that supports continuous improvement
and adaptability.

“NITDA’s commitment to a learning and
psychologically safe environment sets it apart, enabling it to attract and retain top talent while fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation.

“This approach not only enhances
employee engagement and productivity but also positions NITDA as a leader in organisational culture within the public sector.” he added.

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Headlines

Sultan declares June 16 Sallah day

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day after affirming that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.

Sultan disclosed this in a statement on Friday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sambo Junaid, in Sokoto State.

”His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.

“The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country also wishes all Muslims a Happy Eid-El-Kabir. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen”, the Sultanate council said in the statement.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, signalling the beginning of the 12th Islamic month.

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court affirmed that Friday marks the beginning of the holy month.

Also, the Hajj pilgrimage for 1445 AH-2024 will commence on Friday, June 14, with the day of Arafah falling on Saturday, June 15.

With the development, the Muslim biggest festival, Eid Al-Adha, will be observed on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

The Arafat Day, which precedes the festival, will fall on June 15.

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Headlines

Borno State Governor Zulum Hands Over to Deputy, Takes One Month Break

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has transferred power to his deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, to act as governor during his absence for a month.

Kadafur will serve as acting governor from June 10 to July 8, 2024.

This development was announced during an emergency session of the Borno State House of Assembly (BOSHA) on Friday.

According to the Speaker, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, Governor Zulum’s decision is in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), ensuring a smooth transition of power.

“Borno State House of Assembly has received an Executive Communication informing the Members of handing over the affairs of activities of the office of the Executive Governor of Borno State to the Deputy Governor,” Lawan said.

The Speaker praised the move, stating that it guarantees continuity of governance and the smooth operation of state affairs.

This is not the first instance of Governor Zulum handing over power to his deputy. During his first term, he similarly transferred power to Kadafur while performing the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Meanwhile, the House leader, Hon. Dige Muhammad, moved a motion for the House to recess and reconvene on July 9, 2024, which was adopted.

The assembly was thereafter adjourned accordingly.

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