Some demonstrators protesting against the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest have just arrived at the National Stadium in five coastal buses.
Although they acknowledged being affected by the country’s harsh economic conditions, they said that resorting to protests would not solve the problems.
A review of the budget performance documents of Kano State revealed that, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State had spent a total of N10 billion on furniture and equipping offices within the initial six months of 2024.
While office furniture and fittings gulped N10.4billion, capital expenditure for water resources took only N4.2 billion in the first six months of 2024.
The state had budgeted N3.9 billion for office furniture and fittings for the whole of 2024 fiscal year, however as of the second quarter of the year, N10.4 billion was already spent.
This is in contrast to Rural and community development capital expenditure which stood at N179 million, N2.5 billion was spent on capital expenditure for the education sector, higher education was N323.6million, health expenditure capital expenditure stood at N959 million, rehabilitation of hospitals/health centres was N1.3 billion.
All of these expenditures are less than the money spent on office furniture and fittings.
The allocation of funds for office furniture and fittings by the Kano State government raises concerns, especially considering the state’s numerous developmental challenges, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, recurring water shortages, and other essential needs that require immediate funding and support.
It also comes at a time where there are calls for cut for cost in governance.
Weeks ago, a Northern group, the Northern Patriotic Agenda (NPA) had advised Governor Abba Yusuf, to focus on his administration of the state and delivery of democracy dividends to the residents of the state.
The group had also criticised Governor Yusuf for neglecting his gubernatorial duties and engaging in political grandstanding, perpetuating the suffering of the people of Kano.
Following the ongoing hunger protest across the nation, security operatives in the Federal Capital Territory have been seen firing teargas at the protesters.
Watch video below:
Gunshots were fired into air at the popular Top Medical junction in Tunga area of Minna, Niger State capital, when protesters attempted to block the road.
The Police had earlier fired teargas to disperse the protesters but they attempted to reassemble while aiming at mounting a road block on the ever busy road.
The policemen on ground had to fire gunshots into the air to scare them away.
When our correspondent arrived the scene, policemen and vigilantes were seen removing the stones the protesters had use to barricade a section of the road.
Security Operatives comprising the police, military, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have taken over perceived hot spots including the Popular Kpakungu Roundabout on Minna-Bida road where protest held early this year.
Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have dispersed some youths who tried to break into a store along Zoo road in the state capital.
The suspects had attempted to force their way into the two storey building housing Sadaraki Stores.
But the police quickly moved in to stall their action. However, before the arrival of security operatives, the suspects had destroyed windows of the building.
So far, there is low compliance with the protest against hunger in the ancient city as many residents are indoor.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had, on Wednesday, said he had intelligence that evil-minded persons were plotting to hijack the protest.
The governor, who invited genuine protesters to Government House, Kano, warned trouble makers to steer clear off the state.
Details later…
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, advocates for a comprehensive and long-term strategy to address Nigeria’s economic hardship, emphasizing that temporary solutions like grain procurement are insufficient.
Atiku, in a post on his verified Facebook page, noted that he was disheartened by the “escalating hunger crisis engulfing millions of Nigerian children, a number that has now swelled to approximately 4.4 million, as reported by the World Food Programme (WFP).”
The opposition leader also stated that the federal and state governments must act decisively to address the cause of this crisis, added that “short-term measures, such as grain procurement, are mere band-aids and fall woefully short of the comprehensive action needed.”
He therefore called for a “more holistic and sustainable approach, including bolstering security measures to ensure safe access to food.”
“The government must prioritize long-term strategies to curb food inflation, enhance security, and stabilize the forex rate, thereby safeguarding food security for all Nigerians.
“In particular, the government of Katsina State must heed expert advice, invest in agricultural development, support our farmers, and implement measures to prevent further displacement of communities.
“It is also vital to collaborate with humanitarian organizations and the international community to mitigate the impact of this crisis and work towards a brighter, more secure future for all Nigerians,” he added.
In a heartfelt reflection shared three years ago, Nigerian music legend and actress Onyeka Onwenu opened up about her legacy and final wishes. She expressed her desires for how she would like to be remembered and laid to rest after she passes on.
The iconic artiste, died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli.
“Do it quickly, quietly and privately,” Onwenu wrote in an opinion piece on Premium Times in 2021, emphasising that her burial should be devoid of unnecessary fanfare.
She urged her loved ones to “mourn, yes but not excessively,” and to instead focus on celebrating her life with prayers and light-hearted moments.
“Celebrate me with prayers, lunch or dinner afterwards. Share some jokes about me and laugh.
“Make merriment and then go about your business. If my friends want to celebrate me, they should do so while I am alive, so that I can enjoy it with them, not when I am gone and have no idea about this. That is me Onyeka Onwenu,” she said.
Onyeka Onwenu was a legend with an iconic personality. She had a career spanning music, movies, advocacy, journalism, and politics..
She also held various roles, including chairing the Imo State Council for Arts and Culture and judging on the X Factor series.
Her music and writings have been widely recognised, with notable songs including ‘One Love’ and ‘You and I’. She is also the author of the book ‘My Father’s Daughter,’ an autobiography.
Aribemchukwu, the daughter of Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, has been killed.
She was reportedly killed in her Parkview Estate residence in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.
Until her death, the late Aribemchukwu was a doctor and had recently married.
Chukwu’s father, Soboma Ajumogobia, is the younger brother of Odein Ajumogobia, a former Minister of State for Petroleum and later a former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The Nation learnt that Aribemchukwu was killed last (Tuesday) night, and her body was discovered this morning outside the gate of her residence.
The spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed her death.
Hundeyin said the body has been recovered, and three suspects have been arrested in connection to her death.
He further noted that the three people arrested in connection to the murder of Aribemchukwu were her domestic staff.
“Kamala Harris has wiped out Donald Trump’s lead across seven battleground states, as the vice president rides a wave of enthusiasm among young, Black and Hispanic voters,” according to a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll.
These states include: Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin.
“Harris was backed by 48% of voters to 47% for Trump — a statistical dead heat — in the swing states that will likely decide November’s election. That’s a stronger showing than the two-point deficit for President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the race. The Democratic vice president overtook her GOP rival in Arizona and Nevada, and more than doubled Biden’s lead over Trump in Michigan.”
“The numbers suggest Kamala Harris has a shot at reassembling the voter coalition that propelled President Barack Obama to the White House — and a clearer path to victory than Biden, who’d struggled to galvanize the Democratic base”.
The race still remains a toss-up. Across the surveyed swing states overall — Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin — the gap between the candidates is within the poll’s statistical margin of error.
What’s more, Harris may currently be enjoying a “honeymoon phase” — in the words of Trump’s top pollster — and she faces a challenge to win trust on some issues vital to voters, notably her ability to manage the economy and immigration.
The FGN Power Company (FGNPC) announced the signing of a major Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPC&F) contract with Elsewedy and Power China for the rehabilitation and construction of distribution lines under Phase I of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
The contract, valued at US$118,148,469.72, involves the construction and rehabilitation of 2,670 kilometres of 33kV, 11kV, and 400V distribution lines across the country.
This project is designed to complement ongoing mid-stream transmission projects to secure power delivery to residential, commercial, and industrial clusters across Nigeria. By upgrading the distribution network, FGNPC aims to significantly increase electricity reliability and accessibility for millions of Nigerians.
The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This project marks a significant step towards achieving our goal of reliable and sustainable electricity for all Nigerians. We are committed to working with top-tier partners like Elsewedy and Power China to deliver on this promise.”
Mr Kenny Anuwe, Managing Director of FGN Power Company, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Elsewedy and Power China on this transformative project. Their proven expertise and commitment to excellence make them ideal partners for delivering this critical infrastructure. Siemens, known for its strengths in advanced technology and innovation, does not specialise in distribution lines.
Therefore, it was a strategic decision to collaborate with Elsewedy, bearing in mind the successful partnership between both companies in Egypt. This partnership with Elsewedy Electric will ensure the highest quality and efficiency in delivering the necessary infrastructure. Together, we will combine our strengths and deliver comprehensive solutions to meet Nigeria’s growing energy and infrastructure needs.”
The project will deliver construction of 687 kilometres of new distribution lines (greenfield) and the rehabilitation of 1,983 kilometres of existing lines (brownfield). FGNPC has worked closely with Enugu and Benin DisCos and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to develop a comprehensive project definition aligned with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Mr Islam Isharawy, Country Manager at Elsewedy, added: “We are honoured to contribute our expertise to Nigeria’s ambitious energy goals. This project represents a significant opportunity to upgrade Nigeria’s power distribution infrastructure.”
Mr Tino Dong, Vice President for Central and West Africa at Power China, commented: “Power China believes in the President’s vision for the power sector and is committed to high-quality and reliable power solutions as part of our interventions. We look forward to a successful collaboration with FGNPC and Elsewedy to bring improved power distribution to Nigeria.”
