Headlines

Prince Henry Odianosen Okojie, a federal lawmaker representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East Federal Constituency in Edo State, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt at his Uromi residence on Friday morning.

The attackers, disguised as police officers, arrived in a Lexus GX 470 with a Rivers State registration number, PHC 253 FF.

According to his media aide, Michael Ihaza, the armed men claimed to have an appointment and proceeded to the seating room.

However, the timely intervention of Okojie’s security personnel thwarted the assassination attempt.

Two suspects, including the driver, were apprehended and are being interrogated by the Nigeria Police Force’s Uromi Area Command.

During questioning, they confessed to being hired by PDP leaders in Esan North East Local Government Area.

Okojie, husband of Nollywood star Mercy Johnson, is a prominent figure in Edo State politics. His narrow escape highlights concerns about political violence and intimidation ahead of the elections.

Lagos State Police Command operatives have apprehended two women, Ujunwa Una and Chinelo Igbechionwu, for conspiracy and child trafficking.

The suspects were intercepted by Ojodu Division patrol officers at Berger bus-stop, a key entry point into Lagos State.

A Good Samaritan had tipped off the officers about the suspects, who were traveling with two six-day-old newborn baby girls from Abia State on September 9, 2024.

Investigations revealed that the suspects were en route to deliver the babies to a nurse in Lagos, as arranged by the mother. Upon questioning, the suspects confessed to the crime, revealing they were paid ₦150,000 for transporting the babies.

The suspects claimed the mother sold the babies due to her inability to provide proper care. The case has been transferred to the Gender Unit, and the newborns are now in the custody of a motherless babies’ home for care and medical evaluation.

The arrested suspects were arraigned on September 19, 2024, while efforts are underway to apprehend other conspirators.

Prince Hez Okonkwo, a former Labour Party (LP) House of Representatives candidate in Anambra State, has reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the party and its leader, Peter Obi.

In a personally signed statement on Thursday, Okonkwo described Obi as the Labour Party’s face in Nigeria, stressing that the party’s existence is inextricably linked to Obi’s leadership.

Okonkwo dismissed rumors of attending a press conference organized by embattled national chairman Julius Abure, labeling them “baseless propaganda.” He clarified that he was in Kaduna State on personal business and did not attend the Abuja conference.

Okonkwo’s longstanding friendship with Obi predates the 2023 elections. “Peter Obi is more than a friend; he’s a symbol of our party’s ideals,” Okonkwo said.

When questioned about his commitment, Okonkwo asked rhetorically, “What is the Labour Party without Peter Obi?” This underscores his conviction that Obi is vital to the party’s identity and success.

Okonkwo’s reaffirmation aims to dispel doubts about his relationship with Obi and reassure supporters of his dedication to the Labour Party’s principles.

Kayode Egbetokun the Inspector General of Police, has ordered the restriction of all vehicle movement on roads, waterways, and other forms of transportation during the Edo State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, 2024.

The restriction of movement is from 6 am to 6 pm on election day.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Friday.

ACP Adejobi however, said there are exceptions to the restriction.

This includes accredited media, electoral officials, ambulances, and emergency responders.

The restriction, according to the force spokesman, is part of security measures to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process during the off-cycle election.

Soft drinks manufacturing company, Coca-Cola has announced plans to invest $1 billion in the country over the next five years.

This announcement was made during a meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the global leadership team of Coca-Cola Company, led by Mr. John Murphy, President and Chief Financial Officer, and Ambassador Segun Apata, Chairman of Nigerian Bottling Company.

According to a statement by the special adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu commended Coca-Cola for its long-standing partnership with Nigeria.

”We are business-friendly, and as I said at my inauguration, we must create an environment of easy-in and easy-out for businesses.

”We are building a financial system where you can invest, re-invest, and repatriate all your dividends. I have a firm belief in that,” he said.

Tinubu told the delegation that private sector partnerships, which sustain investments, are central to his government’s far-reaching reforms to improve the business environment.

He pledged that the government would continue partnering with Coca-Cola to expand investments in Nigeria and address environmental issues, including climate change.

Murphy noted that the company generates N320 billion annually through nearly 300,000 customers and contributes almost N90 billion in revenue to the Nigerian government.

”We are very proud of the growth of the business over a long period and its impact on the daily lives of many Nigerians.

”Beyond the financial impacts, we are also very committed to supporting the communities, and over the last number of years, we’ve had a special focus on several areas in the world of sustainability, water packaging and others, ” he said.

On his part, Mr Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, explained that the company’s confidence in Nigerian government policies had encouraged it to make the $1 billion investment pledge.

”Mr President, in your inaugural address, we were very pleased to hear of your invitation for foreign investors to invest and your assurance that foreign businesses can repatriate dividends and profits.

”That assurance gives us the confidence to continue our investments. Since 2013, we have invested $ 1.5 billion in Nigeria in capacity expansion, transformation of our supply chain infrastructure capabilities, training, and development.

”I am very pleased to announce that, with a predictable and enabling environment in place, we plan to invest an additional $1 billion over the next five years.

”We believe Nigeria’s potential is tremendous, and we are committed to working with the government to realise this potential,” he said.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, announced that the Federal Government is working to decriminalize attempted suicide.

This move is part of the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030), launched to enhance mental health and prevent suicide.

The current law, Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, considers attempted suicide a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison. However, Pate emphasized that instead of punishment, individuals who attempt suicide need support and help.

According to Pate, Nigeria’s suicide rate is alarmingly high, with 12.9 cases per 100,000 people. The majority of these cases involve young people aged 15 to 29, making suicide the fourth leading cause of death in this age group in Africa, accounting for 40% of all suicide deaths.

The National Suicide Strategic Framework aims to identify risk and protective factors associated with suicide in Nigeria. It outlines strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention, aligning with international best practices.

Pate confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is collaborating with the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to address the law criminalizing attempted suicide. This move will bring Nigeria in line with countries that have already decriminalized attempted suicide.

The 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day, commemorated on September 10, focuses on “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This initiative encourages a shift from stigmatizing and punishing individuals who attempt suicide to providing them with the necessary support and care.

By decriminalizing attempted suicide, Nigeria can begin to address the root causes of mental health issues and provide hope for those struggling.