Nelson Ugwuagbo

Days after the killing of at least 16 soldiers and officers of the Nigerian Army in Okuoma community of Delta, the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, visited President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja on Tuesday.

Oborevwori told State House correspondents after the meeting that the situation is under control, assuring Nigerians that there will be no further attacks.

However, he declined to confirm alleged reprisal attacks by the military and the number of casualties, saying he is constrained to speak on such issues being an unfolding security matter.

Oborevwori said he met with the security heads in Bomadi on Monday but is yet to meet members of the community involved as they are currently dispersed and at large.

At least 16 Nigerian soldiers were killed while on a peace-keeping mission to douse clashes between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

A Commanding Officer, two Majors, one Captain, 12 soldiers, and one civilian lost their lives in the ambush on Thursday, March 14, 2024.

Channels Television reported late on Saturday that 15 bodies of the soldiers were recovered by soldiers of the Joint Task Force under the supervision of General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam.

Responding to the development in a statement he signed on Sunday, Tinubu vowed retribution, saying, “The cowardly offenders responsible for this heinous crime will not go unpunished.”

The response was titled ‘Statement on the killing of Nigerian soldiers on a peace mission to Okuoma community in Delta State.’

While noting that the military high command is already responding to the incident, Tinubu gave fresh marching orders for the manhunt and prosecution of the perpetrators, saying, “The Defence Headquarters and Chief of Defence Staff have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.”

Details shortly…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday rejected the bail application by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, however, granted an accelerated hearing instead.

Counsel for the IPOB leader, Alloy Ejimakor, had at the last adjourned date urged the court to admit Kanu to bail before the commencement of the trial.

Ejimakor stated that Kanu’s health condition was deteriorating, adding that his continued detention by the DSS was a threat to his life.

Ejimakor also argued that the continued incarceration of Kanu would not enable him to put up a good defence in the matter.

But the counsel for the FG, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the bail application and instead grant an accelerated hearing.

He noted that the DSS has a medical facility that could take care of him.

Awomolo also accused Kanu of once jumping bail, adding that he failed to declare on oath in the affidavit filed by his lawyer that if granted bail, he wouldn’t jump bail.

He was earlier granted bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, after spending 18 months in detention but he fled the country after an invasion of his residence by the military in September 2017.

A prosecution witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ijeoma Maltida, has revealed how the Head of the Stakeholders Unit, Federal Inland Revenue Services, Emmanuella-Eteta Ita, siphoned and diverted large sums of money meant for stakeholders’ assignments to the account of her private school, Surestart School Limited.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, revealed the development of the court proceeding in a statement on Monday.

Oyewale said, “A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of the Head of Stakeholders Unit of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, Emmanuella Eteta Ita, on Monday, March 18, 2024, told Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court in Abuja, how Ita siphoned and diverted large sums of money meant for stakeholders’ assignments to her private school, Surestart School Limited..

“Ita ran Surestart School Limited while serving as the Head of the Stakeholders Unit of the FIRS.

“The witness, Ijeoma Maltida, while giving her testimony during a cross-examination by defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, revealed that the first defendant, Ita, undertook some stakeholders’ assignments and the funds meant for the projects were traced into her account with the payment narration.

“Investigations showed that the same funds were sent directly into the account of the second defendant, Surestart School Limited.”

Quoting the witness, Oyewale noted, “When she came to our office, we took her statement, we were cordial with her, and she was treated very well with utmost respect. While she was with us for reconciliation, she started bringing documents, and she also opted to pay back for some reconciliation she could not account for.

“She said in her statement that she would pay back the money, I don’t know where she got the money from, and so far, she has refunded about N17 million, though she told us that she benefited about N5 million from the programme,.

“I don’t know the standard practice of sourcing for funds before asking for reimbursement, and it is not within the scope of our investigation. All I know is that she undertook some of the stakeholders’ events, and we saw that those monies that came from FIRS went directly into the account of the second defendant, and the description was that the assignment was not done.”

Matilda continued, “She said the vendors that were supposed to do the events had given their evidence in court and testified that the receipts didn’t come from them. She further claimed that those receipts were given to her by one Daniel, who was a staff of FIRS.

“We were told he was late, and we demanded the death certificate which was given to us. We requested his account details, and we discovered he was also a beneficiary. We wrote to FIRS, UBA, System Spec, and invited everyone involved in this matter, and everything we have here is a result of our investigations.”

Oyewale noted that after the cross-examination, Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter till March 20 and 21, 2024, for continuation of cross-examination.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has proposed the sum of N26.6 billion to FCT Water Board and Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to provide clean water and maintain a healthy environment in the territory.

Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, who stated this when he appeared before the Senate and House Committees on FCT to defend the N1.15 trillion 2024 proposed FCT Statutory Budget, said that of the N26.6 billion, N9 billion was earmarked for the water sector to enhance water treatment and supply in the FCT.

Wike added that out of the N9 billion, N2.2 billion was earmarked for water treatment chemicals, while N7.4 billion was for the FCT Water Board personnel and overhead costs, and capital expenditure.

“Through the 2024 statutory budget, we shall accelerate the implementation of the Greater Abuja Water Project being executed through a China Exim Bank Loan, but for which we are to make counterpart funding provision.

“The completion of implementation of the project will extend water supply to about 26 districts and layouts,” Wike said.

Wike explained that the FCTA has reached an advanced stage in exploiting Public Private Partnership for the deployment of pre-paid meters for dispensing of water at points of consumption.

This, according to him, is to bridge the wide gap between current revenue generation in the water sector, its inherent potential, as well as the need to minimise wastages.

He stressed that successful implementation of the initiative will greatly assist in addressing the revenue shortfalls of the sector.

The minister also explained that a total of N17.6 billion was allocated to the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

“It is worthy to note that the City Cleaning contracts of the FCT require over N7 billion per annum, while the maintenance of the Wupa Sewage Treatment Plant requires about N2.5 billion annually.

“We are also reviewing our mode of operations to initiate a more cost-efficient city cleaning strategy in the 2024 fiscal year,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman Senate and House Committees on FCT, Ibrahim Bomai, and Muktar Betara respectively, who commended the minister for the development stride in the FCT, assured him the full support of the National Assembly.

Videos circulating on social media reveal a state of chaos reported to be happening at Okpanam Road axis, Midwifery, in Asaba, Delta State capital.

One of the videos reveals a scene where policemen were firing into the air, while another video shows a group of people blocking the road with motorcycles.

In response to the flurry of questions concerning what is going in Asaba, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, stated on X that the officers were deployed to control a protest against a state task force.

He wrote, “They are policemen deployed to quell an ongoing protest against one of the State taskforce in Asaba pls.”

The cause of the protest is yet to be revealed.

watch the video below:

Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi stands at the helm of the Department of State Services (DSS) with a reputation for integrity, firmness, and dedication. As the Director General of the DSS, Bichi has exhibited numerous commendable characteristics that have not only defined his leadership style but have also shaped the institution he leads.

One of Bichi’s most notable qualities is his unwavering stance against corruption. With zero tolerance for corrupt practices, he has implemented stringent measures to ensure that the DSS operates with the highest standards of integrity and transparency. Under his leadership, the agency has become a beacon of integrity in Nigeria’s security apparatus.

Politeness coupled with firmness is another hallmark of Bichi’s leadership. He understands the importance of maintaining professionalism while dealing with sensitive security matters. His diplomatic approach, combined with a resolute demeanor, has earned him respect both within the agency and among his peers in the security community.

Bichi’s commitment to his job is unparalleled. He approaches his responsibilities with dedication and a sense of duty, always prioritizing the safety and security of the nation above all else. His tireless efforts have contributed significantly to the DSS’s effectiveness in safeguarding Nigeria from internal and external threats.

Beyond his dedication to the job, Bichi has a deep-seated love and respect for the DSS institution. He recognizes the agency’s crucial role in maintaining national security and upholding the rule of law. His profound commitment to the ideals of the DSS has inspired confidence and loyalty among its personnel, fostering a culture of excellence within the organization.

A detribalized leader, Bichi embodies inclusivity and unity. He promotes a merit-based system within the DSS, ensuring that individuals are recognized and rewarded based on their abilities and contributions rather than their ethnic or regional backgrounds. This approach has fostered a sense of belonging and cohesion among the agency’s diverse workforce.

His tenure as the Director General of the DSS is notable for its longevity. As the longest-serving DG in the history of the agency, he has demonstrated remarkable stability and continuity in leadership, providing a steady hand during times of uncertainty and transition.

Importantly, Bichi is not only concerned with the agency’s mission but also with the welfare of its staff. He recognizes the importance of a motivated and well-equipped workforce in achieving organizational objectives. Under his leadership, the DSS has implemented various initiatives to improve the welfare and professional development opportunities for its personnel.

In conclusion, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi’s tenure as the Director General of the Department of State Services has been characterized by his unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism, and the welfare of his staff. His leadership has not only strengthened the DSS but has also enhanced its reputation as a pillar of national security in Nigeria.

Charles Bassey wrote from Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja

Inflationary pressure in Nigeria has continued on a rise with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data showing that headline inflation rate increased to 31.70% relative to the January 2024 headline inflation rate which was 29.90%.

That implies that in February 2024, the rate of increase in the average price level was more than the rate of increase in the average price level in January 2024.

The February 2024 inflation rate showed an increase of 1.80% points when compared to the January 2024 headline inflation rate.

On a year-on-year basis, the headline inflation rate was 9.79% points higher compared to the rate recorded in February 2023, which was 21.91%.

According to the latest NBS figure released on Friday, the headline inflation rate increased in the month of February 2024 when compared to the same month in the preceding year (February 2023).

On a month-on-month basis, the headline inflation rate in February 2024 was 3.12%, which was 0.48% higher than the rate recorded in January 2024 (2.64%).

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Temitope Ilori as the new Director General of the National Agency For The Control of AIDS.

Dr. Ilori, who is the first female to be appointed the Director-General of the agency began her initial term of four years on February 22, 2024.

The Head of Public Relations and Protocol of NACA, Toyin Aderibigbe made this known in a press statement made available on Thursday.

Dr. Ilori took over from her predecessor, Dr Gambo Aliyu, who was the DG of the agency from June 2019 till February 2024.

Up until her appointment, Dr. Ilori was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, and a Consultant Family Physician in the Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

“Dr Ilori obtained her MBBS degree from the University of Ibadan and had her residency training at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. She graduated as the best graduating Fellow of the Faculty of Family Medicine, West African College of Physicians in April 2012 winning the A.O. Senbanjo Prize. She is also an Associate Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

“Dr Ilori has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is a PhD Fellow at the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa sponsored by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa. Her areas of research interest include Primary Care, Immunization, Public Health Nutrition, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Women’s and Child’s Health. She is a prolific researcher who has co-authored over 30 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

“She has been involved in policy formulation and strategic development. She was a Commissioner for Health, Osun State, Nigeria from 2011 to 2014 and Chairperson, Osun State Agency on Control of HIV/AIDS, and Osun State Technical Working Group on Immunization,” the statement noted.

In a bid to enhance Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, especially among girls, the TechWomen Nigeria Alumni Association and Fellows has trained 50 secondary school girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on various aspect of STEM education to boost their technological capacity.

The President, TechWomen Nigeria Alumni Association, Carolyn Seaman while speaking over the weekend in Abuja at the climax of the 2024 Tech Community Impact Week stated that the students have been introduced to physical computing with excellent and instructive materials and tools with which they are able to test first-hand the whole process of physical computing.

According to Seaman, the training process was an engaging and enriching experience for them, adding that the girls were able to learn on the board and actually practice a hands-on impact of what they were taught.

She noted that the TechWomen alumni and fellows were also able to learn and see first-hand how this is implemented and they can take it further to ensure sustainability of the impact.

U.S. Department of State Tech Women Program, volunteer and mentor, Kathy Giori noted that they aim to empower girls on how to understand how they can use little tiny sensors, instrument the world, take actions upon it, and then make the world a better place.

Giori explained that her dream as an electrical engineer is to get more students into STEM technology, and particularly for girls, who are majorly stigmatized, adding that apart from her passion, the training is about bringing physical computing to the world, especially Nigeria being super welcoming place for her to leverage her passion.

“So we want kids to engage in physical computing, and that’s why I’m here is I volunteer for Microblocks, the URL microblocks.fun.

“So when I did the workshop today at the Fab Lab in Abuja, the children coded their examples, brought them up to show the rest of the students, and you just plug in from board, I can see their code.

“And then I gave them a few tips on
updating their code. They go back, and they have the code with my updates. Now, the reason I’m so
passionate about physical computing is these are tiny little microcontrollers that cost,
you know, less than a dollar sometimes.

“And if children only need the opportunity to learn about inputs and outputs in the physical world, to take actions such as a motion
sensor detecting no motion would turn off the lights automatically, would turn off the air conditioning automatically.” She added.

United State Exchange Alumni Stella Uzochukwu on her part noted that they aim to ensure that students not just learn micro beads but are exposed to the fab lab space.

“We want to ensure that almost everybody is a thinker, because this is about problem solving.

“So what they did today was about problem solving. We want them to also learn how to problem solve and also be able to say things, solve problems within their community, basically, that’s what we want them to do.”

A recipient of the training, Olubayife Simisola expressed delight on the knowledge acquired and a dream fulfilled adding that the use of Microblogs for computing is really amazing.

“Microblocks is really
amazing. Before, I only thought you could use JavaScript, Python to do coding and invent stuff. But
now, Microblocks, you can also use Microblogs to make things, like send stuff for security purposes.”

Simisola explained that the training has been an eye opener and an opportunity to learn new computer inventions, adding that the knowledge acquired would be replicated among colleagues.

“It is encouraging me more to go deeper into what I believe is to be true. And I also say, with what I’ve learned from here, I’m going back to my school and I’m going to tell all the students, not just the girls in my school. I’m going to tell both girls and boys about what I’ve learned here.”