Daybreak, Politics, Entertainment, Sport

Category: News

You can add some category description here.

Nigerian Army Plans Comprehensive Review of Operational Engagements
The Nigerian Army is set to conduct a thorough evaluation and comprehensive review of its ongoing operational engagements across all theatres of operations within the country’s six geo-political zones. The aim is to make informed decisions that will enhance the effectiveness of addressing the prevalent security challenges.
According to a statement from Brigadier General Nwachukwu Onyema, the Director of Army Public Relations, the review will be a key agenda at the Chief of Army Staff’s conference scheduled to take place in Maiduguri from December 10 to 16. The conference will serve as a platform for assessing and analyzing the Nigerian Army’s operational activities throughout the year.
The statement highlights the significance of the conference in providing the Army with valuable insights to formulate result-oriented strategies for addressing multifaceted security challenges in the country. The week-long event is considered essential to national security, peace, and stability.
Brigadier General Onyema emphasizes that the conference will allow the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to engage with field commanders directly. The gathering will foster discussions, guidance, and interaction with General Officers Commanding, Field Commanders, and other senior officers, contributing to the enhancement of Nigerian Army operations and activities.
The conference, commencing on December 11, 2023, will be graced by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Tinubu, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour. The opening ceremony will include an address to troops of Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, inspection of the ongoing Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Maiduguri, and the laying of the foundation stone of Headquarters 7 Division by the Special Guest of Honour.”
December 8, 2023
SOSG SPENDS N18 BILLION ON ROADS CONSTRUCTION AND OTHERS
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The Sokoto State government has during it’s 3rd Executive Council meeting, held on Wednesday, approved the sum of N18bn for the construction of roads execution and various laudable projects in the state.
This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information and Societal Reorientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi who led other Commissioners during the briefing,
He stated this during the outcome of the Executive Council Meeting which was presided over by the state Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu during which a number of memos were considered and passed, leading to the award of a number of contracts.
Danchadi said, The projects were in fulfillment of the Sokoto State Governor’s 9 points development agenda as pledged during the 2023 electioneering campaign.
Sambo Danchadi, who expressed the state government’s desire to bring about meaningful and sustainable projects to the good people of Sokoto State, also urged for sustained prayers and good wishes to the government.
Also explaining, Barrister Nasir Aliyu Dantsoho, the state commissioner for Lands and Housing, said the council has approved the award of contracts for the construction of Runjin Sambo roads network at the cost of N2,189,228,907.57 billion and rehabilitation of Bodinga Street along Maiduguri Road for N816,289,000.
Director New Media with the Ministry of Information,Isah Abubakar Shuni further stated that Dantsoho, disclosed that this is in addition to the reconstruction of Forces Avenue and Lodge Road at the cost of N488,890,000, as well as the reconstruction of a road along Sokoto old market and Mai Ruwa roundabout along Ali Akilu road for N998,518,000 and that of Gidan Man Ada roundabout for N94,731,918.35, respectively.
On his own part, the state Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, said the council also approved the contract for the purchase of vehicles for the office of the state governor at the cost of of N1,001,250,000.
Gosta said vehicles will be purchased to reinforce the state governor’s convoy.
Also, the Commissioner for Environment, Nura Shehu Tangaza, said the council has awarded contract for the construction of road and culverts linking Silame – Gande Bridge, at the cost of N2,244,988,000 billion.
Also awarded was the contract for the replacement of streetlights along 39 roads in the metropolis from Generator – Powered lights to Solar- Powered streetlights across the State metropolis at the cost of N1,756,498,937 billion, while another set of streetlights was awarded for five new additional roads at the cost of N97,256,000 million.
The state commissioner for water resources, Yusuf Muhammad Maccido, said the council has also awarded contracts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 47 roads within Tudun Wada and Unguwar Rogo areas in the state metropolis at the cost of N8,999,215,102.00 billion.
December 8, 2023
Nigeria in Negotiations with India for Tejas Fighter Jets
Nigeria is currently in active discussions with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited regarding the procurement of Tejas fighter jets. The Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics, C. B. Ananthakrishnan, revealed this information, mentioning ongoing talks with Argentina, Egypt, and the Philippines for similar aircraft purchases.
C. B. Ananthakrishnan stated, ‘Discussions with Nigeria, Philippines, and Argentina to export the Tejas fighter jets are progressing.’ He added that Egypt has expressed interest in the light combat aircraft, although talks are still in the preliminary stages.
While exports constitute only one percent of the revenues for Hindustan Aeronautics, the company is making efforts to expand its international presence. It is establishing offices in overseas markets and engaging with the Nigerian Army Aviation and Argentine Air Force to provide training and spares, enhancing its export capabilities.
In November, it was reported that the Nigerian Air Force had secured a deal with an Italian defence company for the supply of 24 M-346 master aircraft, valued at around €1.2 billion. This deal includes approaching various defence companies for munitions, missiles, precision-guided bombs, and rockets to support the acquired platforms.”
December 8, 2023
Breaking News: Ogun Government Offers N50m Bounty for Information on Finance Director’s Killers
The Ogun State Government has declared a N50 million reward for individuals providing information leading to the arrest of the killers of Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, the former Director of Finance and Administration associated with Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office. The deceased, along with two others, was confronted by armed assailants while returning to the Governor’s Office with a significant sum of money withdrawn from two major banks in Abeokuta.
The gunmen fatally attacked the chartered accountant, a native of Ifonyintedo, and fled with the substantial cash. Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed deep sorrow and trauma over the killing, vowing relentless efforts to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
In an official statement on Friday, the state government announced a cash reward of N50 million for anyone providing information that could assist security agents in apprehending the killers. The government is determined to leave no stone unturned in resolving this heinous crime.”
December 8, 2023
Relocation Of Kogi Election Petition Tribunal To Abuja, Protection of Corruption – Kamal Toyin
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The President of a political pressure group, ‘Project Kogi Development’ (PKD), Kamal Toyin on Thursday in Lokoja kicked against the movement of the sitting of the state off -cycle Governorship Election Petition Tribunal from Lokoja to Abuja.
Toyin who told a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday that the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja was done in bad faith described the relocation as a “bias measure to protect corruption.”
Toyin said : “The President of the Court of Appeal should have launched a thorough investigation into the allegations against the Secretary before moving the Panel to Abuja.”
He vowed that the group : “will continue to monitor proceedings and expose any act of corruption around what is currently happening in Kogi State.
He pointed out that What the Secretary of the Panel claimed to be an attack wasn’t reported to have happened at the sitting of the Panel adding “Who gave the security advice to relocate the Panel? What was the rationale behind the relocation?”
Toyin said the just concluded governorship election in the state was the most divisive in the history of the state.
“A particular political party and certain politicians resorted to ethnic warfare, division fun and inflammatory statements which could have caused serious disaffection among the the ethnic groups that make up Kogi State.
The President took exceptions to the utterances and actions of Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before, during and after the election.
“His utterances and actions are dangerous to the peace and unity of our dear state.His statement that a particular ethnic group is a common enemy is an invitation to crisis and breach of peace.”
“It was reckless and unexpected of a person who was nursing the dream of leading a state like Kogi State,” he said.
Toyin recalled some ugly incidents before and during the election, expressing worry that
the peace of the state is being threatened by those who lost the election.
He also decried the attack on the official residence of the state Resident Electoral Commissioner , alleging that the attack came after the SDP publicly declared that it had no confidence in the REC, Mr Gabriel Longpert.
He wondered why police and the DSS have not deem it fit to hold Ajaka accountable for his actions and utterances up till now.
“There must be something the two agencies are hiding from us. Is Muritala Yakubu Ajaka above the law? Does he enjoy immunity by virtue of his status as an candidate” ?
“The Police and the DSS have a lot to tell Kogites on why they are shielding Muritala Yakubu Ajaka from arrest despite all the atrocities traced to him and his men,” he said.
The group also threw its weight behind a sister group, the United Front for Democracy over its “in- depth investigations into the activities of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kogi State.
“We have credible intelligence that the Secretary of the Panel, Mr David Umar Mike has heavily compromised.”
“His claims that the SDP filed petition before the expiration of the legally provided window was not only found to be false, but very bias and defensive of the SDP by a Secretary whose watchword should be neutrality.”
“As far as we are concerned, the Secretary has turned himself to the Secretary of the SDP.
“The Secretary forgot the fact that the world has become very technical and confirmation of payment via Remita is just a click away.
“All the material facts before us is that no payment was done via the Remit platform by the SDP before the expiration of the legally stipulated filing period.”
“He can be compromised but he can’t compromise Remita.”
“As far as we are concerned and according to the provision of Section 134 of the Electoral Act, the SDP has no petition before the Panel.”
“The party might have a petition with the Secretary which was given to him, ostensibly on Monday 4th December, 2023″.
“We believe the President of the Court of Appeal and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be honourable enough to do what is fair, just and legal,” Toyin ascertained.
December 8, 2023
Wike kick starts rehabilitation roads in Asokoro District
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has flagged off to kick start the resurfacing and rehabilitation of existing roads in the Asokoro District of the FCT.
During the flag-off exercise at the AYA round-about in Abuja on Thursday, Wike said that the rehabilitation project was part President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister disclosed that the President has given a marching order to the FCT Administration to do everything humanly possible to ensure that the city of Abuja becomes what it should, as that the President is committed to the welfare and upliftment of the lives of residents of the FCT.
He also disclosed that the FCT Administration will soon carry out the resurfacing of roads in Maitama and Wuse Districts of the FCT and assured that the projects would be completed before May 29, 2024 during the first year anniversary of Mr President in office.
The FCT Minister pledged his commitment to deliver the mandate of Mr. President in the FCT, noted that the FCTA has available funds from revenue generated internally and the federal allocation, to carry out the road rehabilitation exercise.
He stressed that the FCT Administration will not be distracted by critics of government policies, as the FCT Administration would do what is best for the generality of people as mandated by the President.
Wike said the administration will remain focused and courageous in taking decisions favourable to residents of the FCT, despite the recent demonstrations against some of the policies of the FCT Administration.
He said, “The policies you make, it may not favour some people, but what is important is the generality of the people, not few people who benefit at the detriment of others.”
The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud in agreement, said that FCT roads over the years have suffered the effect of time and usage, leading to portholes, uneven surfaces and general deterioration.
Mahmoud said that the rehabilitation of the roads mark a significant step towards revitalization of infrastructure and enhancing the overall quality of life of FCT residents; that it reflects the commitment of the FCT to safety and economic prosperity.
She added that improved road surfaces mean safer journeys for commuters in the FCT, reduction of accidents, vehicular damages, and beauty of the communities in the FCT.
She commended the FCT minister for the bold steps taken to carry out the rehabilitation works and called for the understanding of road users during the period of the exercise.
In their separate remarks, the Chairmen, Senate and House of Representatives Committees on FCT, Senator Ibrahim Bomai and Hon. Aliyu Mukhtar Betara, respectively promised to cooperate with the FCT Administration to ensure the success of all projects in the FCT.
The MD Arab Contractor – the construction company in charge of the project, Engr. Mohammed El-Edaros thanked the FCT Minister for his support and also assured that the project would be completed within schedule.
December 8, 2023
ANHeJ decries N1.33Tr FG health budget as ridiculously low
…Calls for 15% Implementation of Abuja Declaration for Healthcare Sector
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHeJ) have decried the N1.33 trillion Federal Government Health budget as ridiculously low, as the Association prevailed President Bola Tinubu to implement 15 percent of the ‘Abuja Declaration’ of its country’s annual budget to the health sector to reverse the prevalence of maternal mortality deaths in the country.
ANHeJ President, Mr. Joseph Kadiri made this known at the opening of the 7th Annual conference of ANHEJ with the theme, “Health Security: Nigeria’s Efforts to Achieve Universal Health Coverage”, on Thursday 7th December 2023 in Nasarawa state.
Kadiri lamented the proposed allocation of N1.33 trillion, representing only five percent of the entire 2024 Proposed Budget is abysmally low and stressed on the need to inject more funds to the health sector to ensure the full implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
Kadiri also lamented the refusal of the Federal Gvernment’s inability to draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, despite the already strategic efforts seen from many countries towards mobilizing resources to curb future epidemics.
He noted that prioritizing adequate funds will boost health security for the attainment of universal health coverage.
“This conference brings together stakeholders from both the public and private space in the health sector to examine the federal government’s efforts to tackle the country’s poor health indices such as the maternal mortality rate which is still among the highest in the world, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, a high under-five mortality rate of 117 per 1, 000 live births, and the rate of women that deliver outside health facilities at over 65%, among other statistics.”
Furthermore, Country Director BudgIT Gabriel Okeowo represented by Rachael Abujah, the Vice President of the ANHEJ speaking on Sub-theme: 3 “Improving access to healthcare: the role of the Primary Health Care (PHCs)”, called for a collective approach to ensuring that PHCs are well-equipped and accessible to all even as he urged journalists for storytelling that will enhance the positive impact of community-based PHCs on areas that require urgent attention.
“In a nation where access to quality healthcare remains a paramount concern, the role of PHCs cannot be overstated. These community-based healthcare centers serve as the cornerstone of our healthcare system, acting as the first line of defense and support for individuals and families. Sub-theme 3 underscores the imperative of enhancing access to healthcare through the pivotal role played by PHCs.”
“Let us use this platform to foster a dialogue that identifies obstacles and propels us toward actionable solutions. By advocating for the role of PHCs in improving healthcare accessibility, we contribute to the overarching goal of a healthier and more resilient nation.”
“I encourage each one of you to actively engage in discussions, share insights, and collaborate on ideas that will shape the narrative around Sub-theme 3 and, in turn, drive positive changes in our healthcare landscape.”
Also, personalities who have made an impact in promoting health security in various ministries and agencies were awarded by the Association
One of the the awardees, the Director General National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Prof. Moji Adeyeye represented by the Special Adviser NAFDAC Nantim Dadi, and the former Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care and Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, represented by Mohammad Ohitoto highlighted the Association’s contribution to the country’s polio-free certification, adding that adequate communication is key to eliminating diseases and sicknesses in the country.
Daybreak reports that the aim of the Conference is to take stock of progress, challenges of critical areas in the healthcare sector that requires urgent attention, particularly on the current diphtheria outbreak which has claimed over 600 lives from over 7, 000 cases.
December 8, 2023
I did not release N25bn Military Pensioners Fund to Defence Minister- Betta Edu
…Says Ministry processing 17,077 Veterans,264,560 Pensioners
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister For Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, has refuted the news that the ministry has released N25 billion Military Pensioners Fund directly to the Defense Minister, Muhammed Badaru.
Edu reacted to the alleged the news in the media been drawn to a fake news making rounds in the media and public spaces alleging N25 Billion purportedly meant for the Retired Military Pensioners from the Conditioner Cash Transfer Funds has been given to the Minister of Defense, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar.
In a press release issued by the ministry, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs urged the general public to disregard such reports as not only fake, deliberate, and malicious attempt by mischief-makers, disgruntled elements and enemies of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration to tarnish the image and integrity of the Honourable Minister.
The statement added, “For the records, at no time did the Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation give or contemplate giving funds meant for the Pensioners of the Retired Military personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces to Ministers or Ministries.
For the avoidance of doubt, 17,077 Veterans, and 264,560 Pensioners list were submitted to the National Social Safety-Nets Coordinating Office
(NASSCO), in the third week of November and the process of in-person verification of the names submitted by the Nigerian Legion and the Pensioners group is still ongoing.
Similarly, the office responsible for the verification of the register under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation is doing a painstaking job, of working with the World Bank. All the captured retired veterans who meet the criteria and pensioners will be paid once the rigorous verification exercise is completed.
The Members of the public ,especially the media, are hereby informed that the ministry has not released or planning to release any money meant for the Renewed Hope Cash Transfer to any individual or group.
In line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, all funds upon confirmation of the beneficiaries’ details, are to be sent directly to them through their bank accounts and is verifiable.
The good intention of Mr. President to expand the National Social Register and commence payment of the N25,000 for three months to accommodate the veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces, which is a novel idea and the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria, should be appreciated by Nigerians and not allow themselves to be distracted or misinformed by naysayers.
December 8, 2023
Gov Eno swears in 31 LG Transition Chairmen in A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Thursday in Uyo swore in 31 newly appointed Local Government Transition chairmen with a charge for them to reside in their Councils.
At the occasion,, Eno reminded the chairmen that have been selected not because they are the most qualified and urged them to work harmoniously with their people to advance the administration’s agenda of growth and prosperity.
The Governor said that the 2024 Budget has made provisions for the conduct of Local Government Election, after the expiration of the current Transition period adding that the State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), has already commenced the process.
He tasked them to partner with the state government to execute at least one laudable project that would touch and impact the lives of the people of their areas.
“My Monitoring and Evaluation Team will be on ground to ensure that, this is done. We are determined and dedicated to ensuring that we bring development to our people, especially in the rural areas, in line with the Arise Agenda.
“You are the Chief Security Officer in your respective Councils, you must ensure that you maintain peace and create harmonious relationship with your people.
“Let me state very clearly that you must reside in your respective Local Government Areas. You cannot administer your councils from another location.
“According to Section 78 of Akwa Local Government (Administration) Law 2017; “The principal Officers of the Local Government shall reside in their respective Local Government Councils.
“A contravention of this section shall be deemed to be a misconduct and as such an indictable offense.” The definition of the Principal Officers is further explained in Section 83 of the same law. I encourage you all to get familiar with these sections.
“In addition, I want to emphasize emphatically that zoning must and will be maintained. I encourage and expect this, to be followed to the letter. If zoning does not favour you, please do not waste your time or resources to pursue an office; you will not get it.” Eno stated.
He thanked members of the State Assembly for the expeditious manner they approved his request to constitute Interim Administration in the Local Government Areas.
The chairmen are expected to swear in other members of the transition committees in their respective Councils.
December 7, 2023
CSO accuses Total,NOSDRA of downplaying impact of Egina Spill
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A Civil Society Organization working to promote fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta,Policy Alert, has said that statements by Total Energies and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) on the recent mishap at the Egina – Floating, Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) were aimed at downplaying the impact of the spill.
It would be recalled that on the morning of November 15, the TotalEnergies-operated FPSO off the coast of Nigeria reportedly spilled more than 100,000 gallons of oil in a loading accident.
In a statement signed by Edidiong Dickson, Programme Officer, Energy, Extractives and Climate Justice and made available to newsmen in Uyo yesterday, the organization said it was curious that the operator, Total Energies, and the regulator, NOSDRA, dwelt on the argument that the shore line was not impacted.
“This is a deliberate attempt to downplay the effects of the spill on an ecosystem facing pressure from several stressors.
“It shows how much corporate and regulatory actors in the oil and gas sector are willing to bend reality in the course of abdicating accountability and oversight.” The statement said.
It added that while the shores may not be impacted, the containment and clean up efforts has seen the introduction of chemicals into the sea aimed at breaking down the spilled oil.
Such actions, the organization maintained, “threatens the fragile marine ecosystem, imperils thousands of fisherfolk who depend on the ocean for their livelihoods, and exposes millions of others to nutrition insecurity and health hazards.”
The organization maintained that regulatory laxity has contributed to inaction about several spills that have caused environmental degradation on a grand scale over the years in the Niger Delta.
It therefore urged NOSDRA to step up to the plate in its regulatory functions to forestall similar occurrences in a region that has already been designated as a pollution hotspot.
December 7, 2023