Headlines

Hundreds of protesters has taken to the road in Maraba, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Watch video below;

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.