Headlines

Zamfara State chapter of the Master Bakers Association, MBA, has ordered its members to stop production of bread until it settles with the State Government over the ban on motorcycles carrying breads.

The Association refuted the claim that the motorcycle riders carrying loaves of bread were supplying bread to bandits in the forests.

The State Government had recently banned any motorcycle carrying loaves of bread, saying that they were supplying the bread to bandits operating in the State.

The Government also banned the sale of petroleum in cans, pointing out that the breads and cans of fuel were encouraging the terrorists to unleash terror attacks on residents.

Addressing newsmen in Gusau, the State Financial Secretary of the Association, Mallam Habibu explained that the union would not resume production of bread until it settled the matter with the State Government.

“We have been holding a series of meetings with the State Government to resolve the issue. I am very much sure that very soon the issue will be resolved,” he added.

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked illegal occupants at the proposed Abuja Technology Village site, along Airport Road, to vacate the area.

Wike gave the directive when he visited the area in Abuja on Monday.

The former Rivers State governor was accompanied by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji.

The minister said that he would direct the Department of Development Control to issue the illegal occupants an ultimatum to leave, adding that the indigenous community in the area had been compensated since 2015.

“I am not impressed with what I am seeing. We don’t lack the political will. If you don’t take action, people will not believe that anything is possible.

“I will call the Development Control Department and give them an ultimatum for these people to leave. They have been compensated since 2015.

“I urge those who settled here illegally to know that we will not hesitate to move them out. No amount of campaign will stop us from doing the right thing,” he said.

Wike advised the management of the Abuja Technology Village to take possession of the space, fence the area and show some level of presence.

He explained that he invited Nnaji to accompany him to the site so that he could take control of the place and see how investors could come in.

Wike asked the management of the Technology Village to send him an estimate of what would be required to erect a befitting office on the site.

The Nigerian Federal Government has begun setting up the E-Gates facility at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport located in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this through his official X account following his inspection tour of the installation work underway at the international airport in Abuja on Monday.

He said the E-gates facility will be implemented at all of Nigeria’s five international airports.

“Today (Monday), I took a tour of ongoing projects. First, the E-Gates facility is currently being installed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja”, he said.

Tunji-Ojo indicated that he evaluated the implementation of the E-border data and control centre at the Nigeria Immigration Service headquarters, targeting an enhancement of national security.

LeadingReporters learnt recalls that the Minister in November last year unveiled plans to implement E-gates in the Nation’s international airports by February 2024.

Tension flared in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, as personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clashed violently with Bureau De Change (BDC) operators on Monday.

The confrontation occurred amidst efforts to curb the alarming depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies.

Reports indicate that the BDC operators were compelled to shut down their businesses in a bid to mitigate the free fall of the naira, which had recently plunged to approximately N1,700 to a dollar and N2,100 to the British Pound.

Operatives of the EFCC resorted to the use of firearms to enforce the closure of the BDCs today as they met severe resistance from the dealers.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Abuja zone, expressed deep sorrow on Monday over the loss of several of its members due to economic hardship, inadequate remuneration, and unfavorable working conditions prevailing in the country.

According to ASUU, at least 46 academics have passed away in universities within the Abuja zone, including the University of Abuja, Federal University of Technology Minna, Federal University Lafia, Nasarawa State University Nasarawa, and Ibrahim Babaginda University, Lapai.

The union highlighted the recent demise of Professor Johnson Oyero, an esteemed scholar in Fisheries at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, attributing his death to the lack of access to quality medical facilities.

Salahu Muhammed, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Abuja zone, conveyed these concerns in a statement released to the press in Abuja.

Muhammed stated, “Over the past decade, an increasing number of Nigerian academics have sought opportunities abroad due to challenging circumstances at home. This trend has placed additional strain on those who remain within the country, leading to a decline in their level of dedication and patriotism.”

He emphasized the adverse impact of poor remuneration and working conditions on the mental and physical well-being of academic staff, noting that many have succumbed to the pressure, stress, and associated health issues.

“The loss of 46 members within universities in the Abuja zone underscores the severity of the situation,” Muhammed added. “Tragically, we mourn the recent passing of Professor Johnson Oyero, whose death highlights the dire consequences of inadequate access to quality healthcare.”

ASUU reiterated its call for urgent reforms to address the systemic challenges facing the education sector, including the need for improved funding, better infrastructure, and enhanced welfare for academic staff.

The union urged stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of educators and invest in creating a conducive environment for teaching, research, and scholarly pursuits.

The National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC in collaboration with the Pharmacist Council of Nigeria, PCN have sealed off 1,321 medicine stores for operating illegally in Kano.

Mr Francis Ononiwu, the Director Investigation and Enforcement NAFDAC, made this known while addressing newsmen on Monday in Kano.

He said the joint operations took place on Saturday and Sunday February 17 and February 18.

He said the stores were located in the Malam sealed Kato Square, Niger Street and Sabon Gari Market Kano.

“The enforcement action was to ensure medical dealers relocate to Coordinated wholesale centre, CWC in Dangwauro, along Zaria Road Kano.

“This is in line with our regulatory function of enforcement and ensure that only quality drugs are in circulation.

“We need to sanitize drug distribution system in the country. If drugs are not kept in a cooling premises it degrade into poisonous substances,” Ononiwu said.

He noted that most of the medicine premises visited were operating in an unventilated environment.

“Some drugs need to be stored In a refrigerator especially life saving drugs for quality output.

“Investigation revealed that some of this medicine outlet smuggle fake, narcotics products and banned products such as analgin injection illegally.

“The use of narcotics drugs contributed to the security situation in the country.

He called on the Medicine dealers to see their relocation as the survival of public health and as part of effort to continue to fight against substandard drugs.

“Medicine dealers relocation to CWC,the regulatory bodies could easily supervise any drugs coming in to address the issue of fake and substandard drugs,” Ononiwu said.

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is reeling from a devastating loss following the tragic death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist who served as the caretaker of the Zoological garden for over a decade.

According to a press release issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the unfortunate incident occurred on Wednesday, 19th February, 2024. Mr. Olawuyi was attacked by a 9-year-old male lion while he was carrying out his duties of feeding the animals within their enclosure at the Zoological garden.

Despite the valiant efforts of other staff members present at the scene, the attack proved fatal, resulting in severe injuries to Mr. Olawuyi.

Upon receiving the distressing news, the University’s management, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, immediately halted ongoing activities to assess the situation firsthand.

Despite all medical efforts, as confirmed by the Acting Director of the University Health and Medical Centre, Dr. Tirimisiyu Olatunji, Mr. Olawuyi succumbed to his injuries.

In response to the incident, the aggressive lion responsible for the attack has been euthanized by the authorities. Mr. Olawuyi had been responsible for the care of the lions since their birth on campus approximately nine years ago, making the tragic circumstances of his death even more poignant.

In a show of support, the University management has dispatched a delegation to extend condolences to the deceased’s widow and children, urging them to find solace in faith during this challenging time.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, aiming to determine both its immediate and underlying causes.

As the OAU community mourns the loss of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, they collectively pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

Cement manufacturers in Nigeria have unanimously agreed to bring down the price of the product to between N7,000 and N8,000 per 50kg depending on the location across the country.

This was disclosed after a meeting with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, and attended by his counterparts from the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, including Doris Uzoka-Anite, in Abuja on Monday.

The meeting is part of efforts made by the federal government to identify the underlying reasons for the abrupt increase in commodity price with a view towards reducing it.

Manufacturers who attended the meeting also expressed their readiness to willingness to reduce the prices in future as soon as the federal government intervention are fulfilled.

Leading reporters learnt BUA Industries also disclosed plans to bring 6 million tons of cement into the market to mitigate the surging prices.

The federal government has also declared its intention to encourage the introduction of six new manufacturers.

Recall that the price of cement increased to an all-time high of N15,000 in major cities including some parts of Abuja.