Headlines

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has banned the use of ‘Ghana Must Go’ sacks by passengers at all airports in the country.

According to a circular by FAAN, titled, ‘Re: Prohibition of Usage Of Ghana Must Go’, signed by Manager, Airport Services, Henok Gizachew, the ban is particularly for passengers travelling through the country’s international airports.

Gizachew stated that the sack was banned by the authority as it has cost the airlines huge loss and also damaged the airports conveyor belt system.

He noted that passengers who wish to use ‘Ghana Must Go’ to travel must have the same well package in carton or hardcover of rectangular size.

The use of the ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags have been attributed to the breakdown of many of the country’s airports’ conveyor belt systems and one that has put enormous costs on the shoulders of the airport authority.

The popular Ghana Must Go sack which comes in different sizes is very popular among many Nigerian travellers due to its light weight and capacity to carry more loads.

Adamawa State government has approved N836 million for the construction of the 42km Damare- Borong Road to facilitate human and vehicular movement.

The road links the permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Girei local government area of the state.

The project which was made known after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting yesterday in Yola, links Girei and Demsa local government areas.

The commissioner for education, Dr Umar Garba Pella, told journalists that the project was awarded to Hydro Source and Resource Nigeria Limited and has the completion period of 12 months.

Pella said the council also approved over N117 million variation for the construction of modern laboratory at Specialist Hospital, Yola.

He said the project was initially awarded at over N578 million, adding that the variation was to cover the cost of increased price of building materials.

In a harrowing turn of events, the families of the prospective corps members from Akwa Ibom State, abducted on August 17, 2023, en route to their orientation camp in Sokoto State, have continued to endure unimaginable distress.

The abductors, demanding exorbitant ransoms for their release, have plunged the families into a state of desperation.

Mr Mfon Friday, a member of the affected families, revealed to Vanguard that the escalating demand for ransom has reached a staggering N30.8 million.

Expressing vehement frustration and concern, he recounted the parents’ ordeal in facing the kidnappers’ demands.

He said the captors had not released the victims despite payments totalling N30.8 million, including a previous payment of N17.2 million and an additional N13.6 million.

“Our children are still in Zamfara bush, including the driver of AKTC, and it is over 100 days since they were kidnapped,” lamented Friday.

“The kidnappers demanded another N70 million this week, threatening dire consequences if the amount isn’t paid promptly,” he added.

According to a source within the affected families who spoke on condition of anonymity, the released female victims from last month were seriously ill, and the remaining seven captives are reportedly unwell.

The kidnappers’ demands for a substantial ransom allegedly stem from the sickness of the corp members, heightening fears for their safety.

The families’ desperation has led to a plea for urgent intervention from government authorities, well-meaning citizens, and the general public.

One of the victim’s siblings, who spoke in confidence after the affected families met in Uyo on Tuesday, disclosed that the abductors were paid the N17.2 million ransom before they released the female victims last month, who they gathered were seriously sick.

In fact, I learned that the remaining seven have also fallen seriously sick, and that is why the kidnappers are demanding this huge ransom and threatening that if we don’t pay very soon, those children will die. I am scared; I don’t want my sister to die. We are orphans, we struggled to go to school,” she lamented.

The absence of swift action to rescue these young graduates has fueled frustration and anxiety among the families, prompting calls for immediate assistance to prevent a tragic outcome.

…. urges govt to create more neuro rehabilitation center

The Spine and Brain Foundation Africa has solicited for more funds to project public awareness and education against cases of spinal cord and brain injury due to road accidents.

The Founder and Executive Director Brain & Spine Foundation Africa, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa while speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the National Brain and Spine Injury Conference 2023 stated that the
the dream of comprehensive intervention and funding appears distant, and those affected find themselves grappling with neglect in the broader healthcare discourse.

Okwuolisa noted that the suffering of survival serves as a testament to the life-altering nature of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries—not just for the survivors alone but for their families and the communities that bear Witness to their struggles, hence the need for more funding.

She explained that Brain and spinal cord injuries are not mere statistics but they are profound disruptions to lives, families, and communities in which behind each incident is & narrative of pain, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit and as such the need to find innovative solutions, foster awareness, and fortify their emergency response mechanisms.

“We also aim to enhance the effectiveness of our emergency rescue systems, recognizing the profound truth that in the realm of brain injuries, every passing minute can reshape a life.

“Urgently, we call for funds to amplify public awareness and education. Collaborations and training programs must be prioritized as we work towards a future where the prevention of these injuries becomes second nature.

“Our motivation extends beyond the present generation; we undertake this responsibility for our future generations because, in the unpredictable course of life, nobody is immune from its events.”

Similarly, Okwuolisa lamented the few numbers of neuro rehabilitation centres and mass exodus neurological professionals but urged the government to create more neuro centers and improve the welfare of neuro professionals to cater for victims of brain and spine injury.

“We need a comprehensive neuro rehab center in Nigeria, everyday 24 people die from road accident according to data from the FRSC and 34 million sustain brain injury but the only way to reduce it is to continue to educate people because the only key to preventing road accident is through education and sensitization.

“Let us not forget the harsh reality that our country faces a scarcity of neuro professionals. The current harsh economic conditions have triggered a mass exodus of medical professionals to nations where their welfare is prioritized.

“This mass departure accentuates the critical need for the prevention of neurological emergencies, especially considering the inadequacy of our primary healthcare to stabilize patients and transport them to facilities equipped to manage such cases.”

She however appeal to all Nigerians to take preventive measures always especially to avoid road crashes which is the only antidote to being a victim of brain and spine injury.

Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali represented by the Corps Medical Officer, Dr Davidson Okuobeya stated that due to the large population of Nigerians and soaring number of road crashes, the FRSC need a staff capacity of 500,000 to respond adequately to road crashes.

Biu assured that with collaboration with other sister agencies, ambulances manned by trained paramedics from FRSC will soon be made available nationwide to respond cases of road crashes and reduce the cases of brain and spine injury.

A branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos State has come under fire for inviting Fuji singer, Pasuma, and street-hop artiste, Portable, to its praise night event.

The flyer for the event was posted on the church’s Facebook page on Wednesday, and netizens took to the comment section to slam the church for inviting secular artistes to its event.

A Facebook user, Bolanle Bamidele Adewuyi, wrote, “This is disheartening… Is this what you turn the Church of God to? It’s hilarious.”

Another commenter, Festus Olanrewaji Ojo wrote, “This is a shame! Shame and a very big shame.”

“This is totally nonsense,” BU KO LA commented.

Ayo Ife wrote, “The artists are not complete yet Una for kuku add Naira Marley so that the soul winning can be complete!”

Edafe Oghenebrume said, “This is a sacrilege in the Celestial Church of Christ. It is disheartening, pathetic, shameful and disgraceful. I wonder about the spiritual orientation of your Shepherd-In-Charge and the congregation.”

Becky Wunmi Hassan Ayoade added, “There is nothing they will not turn celestial church to.”

However, some netizens noted that they would be present for the event.

Abike Ade said, “I will surely be there.”

Another Facebook user, Abike Garment, wrote, “I must be there make I come dance away my sorrow.”

President Bola Tinubu has presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to expedite its passage by January 1, 2024, to ensure the smooth functioning of his administration.

Themed “Budget of Renewed Hope,” the 2024 budget prioritizes human capital development, poverty reduction, and internal security reforms.

In his address to a joint session of the National Assembly, Tinubu emphasized the importance of timely budget passage, stating, “I urge the National Assembly to ensure the passage of this budget by January 1, 2024, to enable our government to function properly and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.”

The president noted that the 2024 budget proposal allocates significant resources to education, healthcare, and social protection programmes with the aim of addressing the challenges of poverty and inequality that hinder Nigeria’s progress.

President Tinubu also highlighted the need to strengthen the country’s internal security architecture to confront the security threats that have plagued the nation over the years.

Present during the budget presentation were Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganjude; amongst others.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, November 29, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion at the National Assembly.

The appropriation bill which was christened the “Budget of Renewed Hope” was presented before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives

Details to come……

President Bola Tinubu today presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, outlining his administration’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

Themed “Budget of Renewed Hope,” the proposed budget focuses on national security, job creation, economic stability, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

Addressing the joint session, President Tinubu said the nation’s internal security architecture will be overhauled to enhance law enforcement capabilities with a view to safeguarding lives, property, and investments across the country.

He said the proposed budget prioritizes human capital development, with particular attention given to children, because human capital remains the most critical resource for national development.

“To improve the effectiveness of our budget performance, the government will focus on ensuring value for money, greater transparency, and accountability. In this regard, we will work more closely with development partners and the private sector.

“To address long-standing issues in the education sector, a more sustainable model of funding tertiary education will be implemented, including the Student Loan Scheme scheduled to become operational by January 2024,” the President affirmed.

Speaking on the economy, President Tinubu said a stable macro-economic environment is crucial in his administration’s bid to catalyze private investment and accelerate economic growth; hence, his government shall continue to implement business and investment friendly measures for sustainable growth.

“We expect the economy to grow by a minimum of 3.76 percent, above the forecasted world average. Inflation is expected to moderate to 21.4 percent in 2024. In preparing the 2024 Budget, our primary objective has been to sustain our robust foundation for sustainable economic development. A critical focus of this budget and the medium-term expenditure framework is Nigeria’s commitment to a greener future.

“Emphasizing public-private partnerships, we have strategically made provisions to leverage private capital for big-ticket infrastructure projects in energy, transportation, and other sectors. This marks a critical step towards diversifying our energy mix, enhancing efficiency, and fostering the development of renewable energy sources. By allocating resources to support innovative and environmentally conscious initiatives, we aim to position Nigeria as a regional leader in the global movement towards clean and sustainable energy.

“As we approach the COP28 climate summit, a pivotal moment for global climate action, I have directed relevant government agencies to diligently work towards securing substantial funding commitments that will bolster Nigeria’s energy transition. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to attract international partnerships and investments that align with our national goals. I call upon our representatives to engage proactively to showcase the strides we have made in the quest to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy projects.

“Together, we will strive for Nigeria to emerge from COP28 with tangible commitments, reinforcing our dedication to a future where energy is not only a catalyst for development but also a driver of environmental stewardship,” he said.