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FCT Police debunk viral robbery in traffic video

Ijeoma OPARA
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FCT Police debunk viral robbery in traffic video

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has debunked a robbery incident captured in a video circulating on social media via a statement released late Wednesday, April 24.

The statement signed by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Josephine Adeh disclosed that the robbery incident captured in the video did not occur in Nigeria and urged social media users to desist from misinforming the public.

“Upon meticulous analysis of the video, it becomes evident that the robbery incident did not even occur in Nigeria. This conclusion is drawn from the vehicle registration number plate design and the steering position of the vehicle, which is right-hand drive (RHD).

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“It is important to note that Nigeria does not allow RHD vehicles on its roads neither are the roads fashioned to accommodate such cars as seen in the video. The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, psc, mni, urges those circulating the video to desist from such actions as it may cause apprehension and unwarranted panic among the populace,” Adeh noted.

A video that captured road users being robbed by some thugs at a traffic light had been circulated on social media, with a caption suggesting that the incident occurred in Abuja.

In the video, five men were captured robbing occupants of two vehicles of their belongings and running into the darkness afterwards.

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The video was accompanied by a caption that read, “The frightening moment thugs waylaid folks waiting for traffic light to turn green in Abuja. These days, life is ugly, nasty, and brutish. We all should be very vigilant and extremely careful lest we fall into or are caught up and mired into such a situation.”

The video has been reposted many times since Wednesday, especially by social media users on Facebook.

119 inmates escape after rain destroys Suleja Correctional Centre

Bankole ABE
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119 inmates escape after rain destroys Suleja Correctional Centre

NEARLY 120 inmates of the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre, Niger state, have escaped after the fence of the facility collapsed during a heavy rainfall on Wednesday, April 24.

Parts of the prison fence were destroyed by the rain that pounded the ancient town and its neighbours, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Many prisoners took advantage of the incident to escape.

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The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), in a statement on Thursday, April 25, confirmed the inmates’ escape from the centre.

The spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of NCoS, Adamu Duza, confirmed that 119 inmates escaped.

Duza said the downpour that lasted for several hours wreaked havoc on the centre and surrounding buildings, destroying part of the custodial facility, including its perimeter fence, giving way to the escape of all inmates at the facility.

He added that the Service had begun efforts to recapture the fleeing inmates, working in conjunction with sister security agencies.

Ten fleeing inmates have so far been captured, and they have been taken into custody, he said.

“The service is not unmindful of the fact that many of its facilities were built during the colonial era and are old and weak. The Service is making frantic efforts to ensure that all ageing facilities give way to modern ones.

“The Controller of Corrections, FCT Command, Francis John, wishes to assure the public that the service is on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal businesses without fear or hindrance,” the statement read.

A top source within the Niger State Police Command who did not want his name mentioned also confirmed the incident to The ICIR in a chat on Thursday.

According to him, the incident was not a jailbreak but happened as a result of a heavy downpour.

“Yes, the incident happened; about 100 escaped, but we are working with the Prison authorities to re-arrest some of the inmates who escaped,” he stated.

He added that some had been re-arrested between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Over the years, Nigeria has experienced several jailbreaks. The immediate past government of President Muhammadu Buhari saw a flurry of jailbreaks.

Buhari’s Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in 2022, said about 3,906 prisoners who escaped from various jailbreaks across the country were still at large.

This report captures 18 jailbreaks under Buhari, who led Nigeria as elected President between May 29, 2015, and May 29, 2023.

GWR confirms Nigerian woman for breaking longest interviewing marathon record

Itoro ETUKUDO
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GWR confirms Nigerian woman for breaking longest interviewing marathon record

GUINNESS World Records has confirmed Nigerian woman Clara Chizoba Kronborg, who recently broke the record for the longest interviewing marathon in 55 hours, 24 seconds.

According to Guinness World Records, Kronborg’s record attempt took place on a docked yacht in Marbella, Spain. She started on March 8 and ended on March 10, 2024.

Kronborg interviewed 90 people from different fields, including politicians, business owners, content creators, actors, and real estate agents. The interviews focused on how each guest achieved success in their respective fields.

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She told GWR that her record attempt was a way of bringing individuals together to share their stories and inspire the world.

“This record attempt was about bringing together diverse individuals, sharing their inspiring narratives, and forging meaningful connections on a global scale.

“I am committed to amplifying voices, particularly those of hardworking women, and using their stories to inspire others facing similar challenges”, she said.

GWR noted that Kronborg faced a couple of challenges during her record attempt. However, “as with all longest marathon record attempts, she accrued five minutes of rest time after each hour of interviewing; only during these breaks was she permitted to nap, change her clothes, or go to the bathroom.”

Kronborg noted that it feels surreal to be a world record holder now.

“Recalling everything I went through physically, mentally, financially, emotionally. It feels so unreal. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment because I know lives have been touched and changed. This achievement is dedicated to all those who dare to dream and persist, regardless of the challenges they face,” she told GWR.

The previous record was 37 hours, 44 minutes, held by Rob Oliver from the United States of America (USA) in 2022.

The ICIR reports that there has been an upsurge in the number of Nigerians pursuing GWR in the past year.

In June 2023, Hilda Baci succeeded in her longest cooking attempt and was confirmed by the GWR.

This organisation reported a Nigerian Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, who completed his attempt at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon on April 20, playing the game of chess for 60 hours.

The chess master noted that he attempted to break the record in a bid to raise $1m (£805,000) for charity to support chess education for millions of children.

Although the Guinness World Record is yet to confirm the new record officially, many Nigerians took to social media to celebrate his successful attempt.

Multichoice Nigeria increases subscription rates 2 times in 5 months

Ijeoma OPARA
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Multichoice Nigeria increases subscription rates 2 times in 5 months

PAY television service provider Multichoice Nigeria has announced an increase in subscription rates for its DStv and GOtv packages for the second time in five months.

The new tariff hike was announced on Wednesday, April 24, via emails to customers and will take effect from Wednesday, May 1, 2024, a week after the announcement.

The organisation cited a “rise in cost of business operations” as the reason for the hike.

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“We understand the impact this change may have on you, our valued customer, but the rise in the cost of business operations has led us to make this difficult decision. It remains our mission to provide the best entertainment and viewing experience to you, and (we) are committed to continue to deliver high-quality content and unparalleled service,” the statement read.

For DStv, the Premium package now costs N37,000, an increase of N7,500 from N29,500, which was the price before the increase.

The Compact Plus package now costs N25,000, up from N19,800, while the Compact is N15,700, an increase of N3,200 from the previous price of N12,500.

Lower packages like Confam now go for N9,300 from N7,400, Yanga for N5,100 from N4,200 and Padi, N3,600, increased from N2950.

HDPVR Access subscribers will now pay N5,000 as against the N4,000 that was previously paid.

The Supa Plus package on GOtv will now cost N15,700 from N12,500, the Supa bouquet will cost N9,600 against N7,600 currently being paid, while GOtv Max is now N7,200 from N5,700.

The Jolli package will cost N4,850 from N3,950, Jinja will now go for N3,300 monthly, from N2,700, while subscribers of the Smallie package will now pay N1,575 from N1,300.

In December 2023, barely five months ago, Multichoice effected a tariff increase on its packages by about 20 per cent.

This is also the organisation’s third tariff hike in less than a year, as prices were also increased in May 2023.

In 2022, Multichoice Nigeria’s constant increase in subscription rates prompted Nigerians to alert the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), whose officials launched investigations into the organisation’s activities.

After investigations, the FCCPC ordered that in the event of a hike in subscription rates without additional value, certain features should be made available to consumers to prevent exploitation.

However, the email sent to customers on Wednesday did not mention any extra value being added due to the hike.

Religious, traditional leaders to administer 20% of food palliatives, school feeding funds – FG

Marcus FATUNMOLE
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Religious, traditional leaders to administer 20% of food palliatives, school feeding funds – FG

THE Federal Government has approved routing 20 per cent of its food palliative intervention through religious and traditional institutions nationwide.

Besides, the government will channel 20 per cent of the funds for its school feeding programme through the country’s religious bodies.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima revealed these during his keynote address at a high-level dialogue of faith leaders on nutrition in Nigeria, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, April 24.

He made the disclosures while responding to some religious and traditional leaders’ concerns over the exclusion of traditional and religious leaders by the Federal Government in its programmes.

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Shettima said: “The Imam of Bayero University (BUK) mentioned the exclusion of the traditional and religious leaders in the distribution of palliatives.

” The President has approved that 20 per cent of the palliative in terms of food intervention be routed through our religious organisations and the traditional institutions.

“The Tsangaya schools, the mission schools will be specially targeted for such intervention.”

He further mentioned that the government was working out the logistics through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to facilitate the seamless execution of the intervention.

According to him, the intervention will be anchored in the office of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, who will also join in the programme’s anchor.

“We are going to provide the overall supervision towards the implementation of the programme.

Shettima also stated that the government had initiated engagements and was formulating procedures for the intervention to guarantee transparent disbursement, adding that the programme would include Tsangaya and mission schools.

The ICIR reports that many Nigerians have continued to grapple with the impact of fuel subsidy removal and market inflation despite the palliatives promised by the federal government in 2023 to cushion the effects of the economic hardship.

The palliatives include the conditional cash transfer of N25,000 to households, N35,000 wage increment for workers, N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector, and N125 billion to empower the micro, small and medium enterprises.

The government also approved N5 billion for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to address the lingering hardship faced by the citizens, among other palliatives.

Many Nigerians have said they did not get or see anyone benefit from the palliatives.

Besides, investigations by The ICIR also revealed that some internally displaced persons and poor Nigerians did not receive the palliatives in Benue state.

This was as the Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP) issued state governors a seven-day ultimatum in September 2023 to publish the spending details of the N2 billion palliative interventions disbursed to them by the Federal Government.

“We’ve given Nigeria’s 36 state governors seven days to publish details on the spending of the N72 billion fuel subsidy palliative disbursed to them by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and the reliefs provided with the money,” SERAP said.

Aviation minister orders immediate suspension Of Dana Air

Bankole ABE
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Aviation minister orders immediate suspension Of Dana Air

THE Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has directed the immediate suspension of Dana Air, a day after one of the airline’s planes skidded off the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos runway.

The minister ordered the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to carry out the suspension order.

Keyamo also ordered a thorough audit of the airline.

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According to him, the comprehensive evaluation will cover every facet of safety measures, maintenance processes, and financial soundness to guarantee complete adherence to the aviation industry’s regulations.  

The minister explained that the action was required to guarantee safety and regulatory compliance in a letter addressed to the NCAA Director-General titled “Immediate Suspension of Dana Air Pending Safety and Financial Health Audit.

“In light of these incidents, with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the honourable minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airlines’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted.

“This audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with our aviation regulations,” the Minister stated.

He noted that the latest incident made clear how urgent the situation was and how quickly and forcefully action must be taken to protect the interests of all parties concerned. 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) temporarily closed Murtala Mohammed Airport runway 18L/36R to aircraft traffic due to the incident on Tuesday.

The runway was reopened on Wednesday morning following the evacuation and recovery of the aircraft by FAAN’s emergency response team.

This was declared in a statement by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

Orah claimed that extensive clearance operations were carried out to guarantee that there was no foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway that might jeopardise flight safety.

She said that after the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the FAAN operations division comprehensively evaluated the runway surface, it was determined that operations could resume.

She added that a suitable notice to airmen (NOTAM) had been sent out in this respect.

Orah assured that FAAN was committed to providing all airport users with a safe, secure, and efficient air transport environment.

The Dana Air aircraft, with 83 passengers and registration number 5N BKI, was flying from Abuja to Lagos when it suffered a runway excursion at the Lagos Airport on Tuesday, April 23.

Dana Air management said it eventually grounded the aircraft pending further investigation.

 The airline confirmed the incident to The ICIR in a statement from its Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Ezenwa.

A runway excursion occurs when an aircraft veers off the runway in use during the take-off or landing run.

According to the statement, the incident has been reported to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Board (NSIB) and the NCAA.

It noted that passengers onboard the aircraft were safely disembarked without injuries and apologised to all passengers, commending the efforts of the airport authorities.

In January 2018, a commercial aircraft belonging to Dana Air used its left wing to hit a fence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

In July 2022, the NCAA suspended the airline’s Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) due to financial obligations and the conduct of safe flight operations.

In 2012, 159 passengers died on one of the airline’s flights when it crashed into buildings in Lagos.

 

Tinubu approves consumer credit scheme to support housing, vehicle, other purchases

Harrison EDEH
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Tinubu approves consumer credit scheme to support housing, vehicle, other purchases

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has approved the launch of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme to cater to crucial needs such as housing, vehicles, health, and other crucial needs.

The programme is designed to offer credit facilities to working citizens in the country.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement he signed on Wednesday, April 24.

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“Consumer credit serves as the lifeblood of modern economies, enabling citizens to enhance their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time.

He added: “It facilitates crucial purchases, such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, essential for ongoing stability to pursue their aspirations.”

He explained that individuals build credit histories through responsible repayment, unlocking more opportunities for a better life. He also stated that the increased demand for goods and services stimulates local industry and job creation.

Ngelale noted that the President believed every hardworking Nigerian should have access to social mobility, with consumer credit playing a pivotal role in achieving this vision.

Besides, he disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) could achieve its mandate through the following:

  • Strengthening Nigeria’s credit reporting systems, ensuring every economically active citizen has a dependable credit score. This score becomes personal equity they build, facilitating access to consumer credit.
  • Offering credit guarantees and wholesale lending to financial institutions dedicated to broadening consumer credit access.
  • Promoting responsible consumer credit as a pathway to an improved quality of life, and fostering a cultural shift towards growth and financial responsibility.

Ngelale also informed that in line with the President’s directive to expand consumer credit access to Nigerians, CREDICORP had launched a portal for Nigerians to express interest in receiving consumer credit.

He noted that this was in collaboration with financial institutions and cooperatives nationwide, which aims to broaden consumer credit availability.

He advised working Nigerians interested in receiving consumer credit to visit www.credicorp.ng to express interest. The deadline is May 15, 2024.

He added that the scheme would be rolled out in phases, starting with civil servants and cascading to other Nigerians.

Springer Nature organises webinar on migration, sustainability

Blessing Amala Muonwe
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Springer Nature organises webinar on migration, sustainability

Springer Nature is inviting journalists who have an interest in exploring migration and sustainability to a webinar.

The webinar-themed “Migration: the missing link” is part of a webinar series of Science for a Sustainable Future, a joint initiative of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) and Springer Nature.

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In this webinar, speakers will explore how journalists can effectively measure, predict, and respond to migration and what the research tells us about solutions for managing and adapting to population movement across disciplines.

The panel will also consider how migration can and should be involved in broader sustainability discussions and the essential role of diverse representation.

The webinar will be held on May 2. To apply, click here.

Rivers Attorney-General rejects redeployment, resigns from cabinet

Bankole ABE
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Rivers Attorney-General rejects redeployment, resigns from cabinet

THE Rivers State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Zacchaeus Adangor, has rejected his redeployment to the Ministry of Special Duties and resigned from the State Executive Council (SEC).

Adangor, a close ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, had earlier resigned as the state’s Attorney-General on December 14 when the state governor, Siminalayi Fubura’s with Wike was at its peak.

However, he and the other commissioners who resigned due to the crisis rejoined the administration after being reaffirmed by the state House of Assembly.

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 In his resignation letter, sighted by The ICIR, Adangor rejected his new position and claimed that Fubara interfered with his ability to carry out his obligations as the state’s Attorney-General.

“I wish to state for the record that I am no longer willing to continue to serve in the administration of His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, Governor of Rivers State, in any capacity whatsoever.

“It is important to mention that the Governor of Rivers State had in the past couple of weeks wilfully interfered with the performance of my duties as the Honourable Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Rivers State, by directing me not to defend, oppose, or appear in suits instituted against the Honourable Attorney-General and the government of Rivers State by persons admittedly hired and sponsored by the government of Rivers State,” the former commissioner stated in the letter.

Adangor stated that having ‘dutifully’ served the government and Rivers State for five years, he must quit the Fubara administration to preserve his reputation.

Fubara reorganised his cabinet earlier in the week and appointed Adangor as Commissioner for Special Duties (Governor’s Office).

The governor redeployed two Wike’s loyalists during the reorganisation.

In addition to Adangor, Fubara moved the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment.

This minor cabinet reshuffle was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, April 23.

 The development followed a protracted feud between former Governor Wike and his successor, Fubara.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, an eight-point ceasefire was reached, which mandated Fubara to reappoint several commissioners who resigned from his government.

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Before Tinubu’s intervention, 27 members of the state House of Assembly had defected from the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to the All Progressives Congress (APC), in which Wike is serving as a minister under the Nigerian government in Abuja.

While Tinubu’s peace deal appears to have failed to end the feud between Wike and Fubara, virtually all the Assembly members who defected to the APC have opposed several of the governor’s decisions and overruled him.

 

 

UNESCO invites journalists to annual World Press Freedom Day conference

Itoro ETUKUDO
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0
UNESCO invites journalists to annual World Press Freedom Day conference

THE United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is collaborating with the government of Chile to invite journalists worldwide to a global conference to celebrate World Press Freedom Day.

The theme for this year’s annual World Press Freedom Day Global Conference is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.”

The conference is set to focus on the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

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It will highlight the significant role played by the press, journalism, access to information, and dissemination of information in ensuring and securing a sustainable future that respects individuals’ rights and diversity of voices, as well as gender equality.

The conference will be held on May 2 to 5 in Santiago, Chile. Interested journalists can join virtually or in-person.

Interested journalists can register here.

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