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  • Another Batch Of Nigerians From Ukraine Arrives In Abuja

    Another Batch Of Nigerians From Ukraine Arrives In Abuja

    Another set of Nigerians fleeing the crisis in Ukraine, have been successfully evacuated by the Nigerian Government.

    The 306 Nigerians arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Sunday morning.

    They were brought home via an Air Peace flight from Budapest, Hungary where they had crossed over to safety from Ukraine.

    Read Also: Nigerian Students Trapped In Ukraine Appeal For Urgent Evacuation

    This is the 4th batch of returnees in the on-going evacuation approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and other agencies are presently attending to the returnees.

    While welcoming the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, Director-General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, informed them that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the evacuation back home to safety and also provided a sum of USD$100 to be given to each of them in aid of their transportation to their various locations.

    The DG NEMA who was represented by the Director Search and Rescue Air Commodore Edward Adedokun, further informed the returnees that arrangement has also been made for a night’s accommodation for them to rest before continuing to their homes.

    However, those whose relatives had come to pick them up were free to go.

  • BREAKING: First Batch Of Stranded Nigerians From Ukraine Arrives Abuja

    BREAKING: First Batch Of Stranded Nigerians From Ukraine Arrives Abuja

    The first batch of Nigerian evacuees from Ukraine has arrived in Abuja.

    This is according to an update by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) on its Twitter handle.

    The evacuation followed the conflict that broke out in Ukraine.

    The passengers, numbering about 450 from Romania, landed at the private jet terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 7:10 am (WAT) via a Max Air flight on Friday. They are mostly students who fled Ukraine to Romania following Russia’s invasion of the Eastern European country.

    They were received by government officials and are expected to undergo documentation after which they will head home and self-isolate in line with the COVID-19 protocols.

    Details later…

  • Evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine begins Wednesday as Gbajabiamila Meets Minister

    Evacuation of Nigerians in Ukraine begins Wednesday as Gbajabiamila Meets Minister

    The House Representatives said on Monday that it would give every needed support to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin the evacuation of Nigerians back from Ukraine.

    The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, again re-enforced the position of the legislature when he invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyeama, to his office in Abuja on Monday for a meeting on the plight of Nigerians caught in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

    The first batch of the air-lifting is now scheduled to take place on Wednesday this week, according to the minister.

    The evacuation, earlier planned for Monday (yesterday), was rescheduled for Wednesday to give enough room for the ministry, the House and the Nigerian foreign missions in Ukraine, Poland and Russia to complete the formalities of moving Nigerians from inside Ukraine to safe borders with neighbouring countries.

    Gbajabiamila, while commending the ministry for the steps taken so far to ensure the safety of Nigerians, the majority of who are students, however, stated that the country must find ways to quicken its response time to emergencies.

    He noted that response mechanisms, including funds, aeroplanes and other equipment, must readily be on standby to respond to life-threatening situations such as the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and how they affected Nigerians.

    “We must be in a state of readiness at all times. We should have our own planes and necessary funding to respond quickly to such emergencies”, the Speaker stated.

    He stated that measures the National Assembly would take included legislation to address such emergencies and supplementary appropriations among others.

    Gbajabiamila recalled how the House was left with no choice but to pass a resolution on Thursday last week, mandating its Majority Leader, Rep. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, and the Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep.Yusuf Buba, to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and proceed to Ukraine by the weekend to facilitate the air-lifting of students home.

    He added that this was the last resort as members were bombarded with telephone calls by their constituents, coupled with the viral videos and pictures of Nigerians caught in the conflict, appealing to the Nigerian Government to come to their aid urgently.

    Onyeama, while giving the Speaker a situation report, reassured him that things were under control in Ukraine, as the Federal Government had put necessary arrangements in place to ensure the safe return of Nigerians.

    He disclosed that in the last few days, the ministry in conjunction with the missions had completed formalities for Nigerians to move to safe border points from where they would be transported in buses to the airports in neighbouring countries.

    He listed Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and even Russia, among the countries to be used as exit points.

    The minister, who said there were about 5,600 Nigerian students in Ukraine, added that there were also non-students, some of whom might not have been legally documented.

    He informed Gbajabiamila that working closely with the governments of those countries, the ministry had secured their cooperation to grant access to Nigerians into their territories, preparatory for the evaluation.

    Onyeama addressed reports that Africans, particularly Nigerians, were not allowed to leave Ukraine or granted access into the neighbouring countries, blaming the chaos at some of the borders on “panic” and the fact that so many people were rushing at the time on hearing the sound of bombs and artillery fire.

    “Where we are now is the point of ascertaining the exact number we are dealing with and to agree on the location for the evaluation.

    “We are thinking Bucharest; but all of this is being sorted out and we are constantly working to ensure that everything goes on very smoothly”, the minister added.

    Onyeama also explained that the delay in evacuating Nigerians wasn’t because the government wasn’t ready or didn’t know what to do.

    According to him, “80% to 90%” of countries and people did not believe that Russia would indeed invade Ukraine.

    “I was in touch with our ambassador early enough and he assured us that there was no need for evacuation. The students even said there was no problem at all.

    “Also, the Ukrainian government did not want people to leave, and especially because most of our people are students, who will not be able to go back to Ukraine again, should they leave”, Onyeama further stated.

  • Russia-Ukraine Crisis: 256 Nigerians Have Been Received In Poland, Hungary, Romania – FG

    Russia-Ukraine Crisis: 256 Nigerians Have Been Received In Poland, Hungary, Romania – FG

    The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday said 130 Nigerians have been received by the country’s embassy in Romania.

    In a statement, the ministry explained that it has also provided accommodation for them while arrangements are being made to take them back home.

    “Also, officials at Budapest, Hungary have received and accommodated 74 Nigerians safely, where they are being documented for subsequent travel arrangements back to Nigeria,” the statement, signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, read.

    According to him, another batch of about 200 Nigerians is expected in Budapest later in the day. He also said 52 persons have been received in Warsaw, Poland. Of the number, 23 are being processed at the Polish Government Reception Point at Hala Kijowska.

    “The camp is well organised with beds and beddings, food, heating, clothing, and medicals for evacuees,” the statement added.

    “We assure Nigerians that all hands are on deck and arrangements are being put in place to effectively evacuate our citizens, in safety and dignity.”

    The Federal Government’s recent move was a sequel to the Russian invasion of Ukraine about five days ago. On Sunday, the ministry said the Hungarian and Romanian governments have approved visa-free access to Nigerians coming from the Eastern European nation.

    “For now, movement to the Hungarian Zahony border and Romanian Suceava, Tulcea, Satu Mare County & Maramures borders is advised, as they have approved visa-free access to all Nigerians coming from Ukraine and arrangements for accommodation and feeding before evacuation is arranged,” Aduda said.

    Right To Safe Passage

    On the same day, the presidency described reports of Nigerians being barred from exiting Ukraine as “unfortunate”. It said the government is concerned about the safety and human rights of all Nigerians.

    “We understand the pain and fear that is confronting all people who find themselves in this terrifying place,” presidential aide, Garba Shehu, said in a statement.

    “We also appreciate that those in official positions in security and border management will in most cases be experiencing impossible expectations in a situation they never expected. But, for that reason, it is paramount that everyone is treated with dignity and without favour.

    “All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under UN Convention and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference.”

  • Electoral bill: Buhari keeps Nigerians in suspense

    Electoral bill: Buhari keeps Nigerians in suspense

    By Joyce Babayeju

    “He should sign latest Friday if nothing else comes up”. –Femi Adesina

    ” let’s wait and see our expectation is that he would assent to the bill”—Yiaga Africa

    There are strong indications that the President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, on Friday.

    Sources in the presidency said the President had been briefed on the amendments and “should sign latest Friday if nothing else comes up”.

    Also, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, had earlier confirmed that the President could sign the bill on Thursday or Friday.

    He gave the hint during an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme Tuesday.

    Adesina said, “He (Buhari) will sign it (the bill) any moment from now.

    “It could be today, it could be tomorrow, it could be anytime, but within the 30 days.

    “It could be signed today; it could be signed tomorrow. In a matter of hours, not days. Hours could be 24 hours, it could be 48 hours; not days, not weeks.”

    On January 31, 2022, the National Assembly transmitted the reworked amendment bill to the President for assent.

    Electoral bill: Buhari’s delay signals tenure elongation plan, PDP alleges
    Buhari consequently forwarded it to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for legal advice.

    By law, the President is expected to respond to the National Assembly’s proposal not more than 30 days after receiving it.

    Recall that the President has in the last five years rejected electoral amendment bills five times.

    The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, had said last month said the new law was needed to enable the commission release the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2023 general election.

  • Nigerians groan as fuel scarcity bites harder

    Nigerians groan as fuel scarcity bites harder

    Nigerians have taken to social media to express concern, frustration and anger over fuel scarcity, which is biting harder in some parts of the country.

    Long queues were spotted earlier today in parts of Lagos and Abuja, causing motorists to hike fare amidst gridlock occasioned by the scarcity.

    A popular Social Media pastor, tweeted via @Olubankoleidowu “We are finished! This fresh fuel scarcity is reminding us of what decision we should make come 2023. Nigerians be wise. God will not come down from heaven to fight your battles that was why he gave you brain”

    A Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo, is one among many Nigerians who have expressed sadness over the fuel scarcity in the country.

    Adulteration responsible for fuel scarcity – Investigation
    He wrote: “The negative uncertainty in this Nigeria is alarming.

    “You just go out and on your way back, boom! Fuel scarcity.”

    Aligning with Ekubo’s thoughts

    Salihu tweeted via @salihusakpe “This is Nigeria where it’ll be white and the next minute it’ll turn to black”

    Another Nigerian wondered why there should ever be petro scarcity.

    He tweeted via @iamangelraf: “You will hate Lagos more anytime there’s fuel scarcity.

    “After data na fuel. Nigerians can hardly do without these products.”

    Apparently feeling the harsh effect, A Nigerian tweeted via @tesla_tunes “They should not play rough play which one is fuel scarcity again at this time. Not this time pls”

    @solaceomolaiye reacted by tweeting, “The rate of hold-ups in Abuja is becoming alarming amidst PMS Scarcity, is like we are having illegal migrants from Lagos into Abuja”

    A source, who prefers anonymity, claims that the hardship Nigerians are suffering over fuel scarcity is a result of lack of petroleum product at the depots, but refused to dismiss speculations that fuel subsidy removal was connected with the current scarcity.

    Frustrated, @abrahamgreat tweeted, “To be experiencing Motor spirit scarcity in one of the largest OPEC countries is one more proof that Nigeria is not designed for the citizens but for a sect of men who lack empathy, vision and strategy to transform anything.

    “There is HOPE. This country shall be BUILT.”

    Recall that the IMF, on Monday, insisted on fuel subsidy removal by the Nigerian authorities, saying there should be compensation for the poor and transparent use of resources.

  • 120 million Nigerians at risk of leprosy, rabies, snakebites, others –FG

    120 million Nigerians at risk of leprosy, rabies, snakebites, others –FG

    The Federal Government has said Nigeria is endemic to 14 of the 20 neglected tropical diseases listed by the World Health Organisation.

    It also stated that over 120 million Nigerians were at risk of contracting the NTDs.

    The Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Morenikeji Alex-Okoh, disclosed this at the commemoration of the Neglected Tropical Diseases in Abuja on Friday.

    A statement by the acting Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Health, Brendan Nwokike, which was made available to The PUNCH on Sunday, quoted Alex-Okoh as saying, “Nigeria is currently endemic to 14 NTDs; we have successfully eradicated guinea worm. The diseases we are still battling with include lymphatic filariasis, soil transmitted helminthiasis, onchocerciasis, trachoma (granular conjunctivitis) and schistosomiasis (bilharzia).

    Others are rabies, leprosy, yaws, snakebites, leishmaniasis, Human African Trypanosomiasis, mycetoma and fascioliasis.

    Also quoted to have spoken at the event, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunmimbe Mamora, added that over 120 million Nigerians were at the risk of the NTDs.

    He said, “Over the years, the country has been battling seriously to eliminate most of these tropical diseases using approaches like preventive chemotherapy by conducting mass administration of medicines; morbidity management and disability prevention; integrated vector control; sound sanitation and hygiene practices with safe water supply etc.

    “Currently, we are charting a new course of community engagement for tackling the NTDs for sustainability and ownership.

    “Over 120 million Nigerians are at risk of the NTDs. The target of the government is to eliminate all the preventable NTDs and ensure the effective control of case management of the NTDs on or before 2030 by mapping of the endemic areas with some of these diseases in all the 774 LGAs in the country, and putting in place policies and guidelines to guide all stakeholders etc.”

  • IBB: How late Abacha outsmarted prominent Nigerians to get to power

    IBB: How late Abacha outsmarted prominent Nigerians to get to power

    Former military head of state, brahim Badamasi Babangida has narrated how former military ruler, Sani Abacha deceived “prominent Nigerians” to get to power.

    Speaking in an interview with Daily Trust TV, Babaginda said Abacha deceived Nigerians by promising to return the country to civilian rule after deposing Shonekan.

    Babangida,“Abacha’s government was very smart. They knew who were the most vociferous discussants about the election, about the coup, about June 12 and so on.

    They started talking to them and sold a dummy to them and encouraged them to get rid of the interim government: ‘when we get rid of the interim government, we will bring you back to come and take over your democracy so that a civilian government would be installed’.

    “They sold that dummy to the public and to some prominent persons within the society, and when Abacha stepped in, there were drumming and sighs; ‘Good thing! Next thing is going to be a democratically-elected government’. I knew, we knew, that it wouldn’t be because the argument was: ‘Why should I risk my life only to come and hand over power to you?’ That was what happened.

    “I knew it will not come as a surprise because even though I was outside – outside the service – I knew what was going on.”

  • Many Nigerians are obsessed with me – Fani-Kayode

    Many Nigerians are obsessed with me – Fani-Kayode

    Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, said many Nigerians are obsessed with him and he loves it.

    The ex-minister said it amazes him that Nigerians are obsessed with what he says, who he is with and many other things.

    “The obsession that many Nigerians have with FFK amazes me,” Fani-Kayode wrote on social media.

    “What he does, what he says, where he goes, what he wears, who he is with, what he eats, what he drinks, what he writes, what he thinks, what he loves, what he hates, who he sees etc.

    “It is an obsession and I love it!”

    Fani-Kayode, however, limited those who could comment on the post on Facebook and Instagram.

  • Aregbesola Enjoins Agencies And Ministry Of Interior Officials To Serve Nigerians

    Aregbesola Enjoins Agencies And Ministry Of Interior Officials To Serve Nigerians

    By Richard Ayinde, Osogbo.

    The Federal Government has charged security agencies in the country to serve the Nigerian people by strengthening internal security.

    Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, gave the charge at the Second Ministerial Retreat of the Ministry on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State Capital.

    “At the back of our mind, we must never forget, above all things, that our main purpose is to serve the people by strengthening internal security and give all the people resident in the country the peace of mind they deserve”, the minister said at the event.

    Ogbeni Aregbesola also charged the agencies under the Ministry to forge strategic alliance with sister agencies.

    “It is also important for the four agencies to forge strategic alliances with other agencies, especially in light of new security challenges to our facilities and the nation at large.

    “This retreat should also afford us critical and creative thinking and original solutions and ideas. Everyone should speak freely but creatively and intelligently. No one should be a bench warmer,” the Minister told the gathering.

    On the recent spate of external attacks on the Custodial Centres of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCoS, the Minister noted that men of the underworld have capitalized on the general insecurity in the country to lead unconscionable attacks on her facilities, but that the Federal Government is rising up to the new challenge posed by these attacks.

    “I must address the scourge of recent vicious attacks on our custodial facilities. Men of the underworld have capitalised on the general insecurity in the country to lead unconscionable attacks on few of our centres. Our gallant officers and men of different security agencies have given their all, including sacrificing their lives to protect these centres. May God grant those who have died eternal rest and comfort the family they have left behind. As a government, we will continue to support the families of our heroes.

    “We are in extraordinary times as a nation. We are facing unique challenges that will define how we live, moving forward. As a result, there is no shortage of work to be done, or responsibilities to bear. The Federal Government is rising up to the new challenge posed by these attacks.

    “We have commenced retraining of our officers to respond to these attacks, whilst providing more sophisticated weaponry for their use. We have invested in the construction of 3,000 modern capacity custodial centres in each of the six geo-political zones,” the Minister noted.

    Setting agenda for the retreat, the Ministernoted that there is an urgent need to put in place well thought-out policies and programme that would ensure effectiveness and efficiency toward improving internal security, according to the mandate handed down by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “In order to achieve Mr President’s mandate, there is an urgent need to put in place well thought-out policies and programme that would ensure effectiveness and efficiency toward improving internal security. There is need to determine where we are on the delivery of internal security, the challenges and the limitations. These would enable us develop plans and strategies with timelines for effective service delivery.

    “As a Ministry and Agencies, we must work towards improving on the following, amongst others; Ensuring and maintaining relative public safety and security of all Nigerians and foreign nationals’ residents in country; Timely processing of applications for Business Permit and Expatriate Quota Positions in a manner that would promote transfer of skills to Nigerians and create employment while enhancing internal security; Prompt processing of all citizenship related applications and encouragement of wider spread of Marriage Registries nationwide,” the Minister stated.

    In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaibu Belgore, stated that the Ministry will serve as a means of evolving solutions to the several security challenges facing the country.

    “This retreat will serve as a platform for the Ministry and Agencies to evolve solutions for the various internal security challenges affecting the nation. The topic of this retreat has been carefully selected to illuminate the focus of the Ministry’s mandate and identityour challenges,” Dr. Shuaibu stated.

    The retreat which continues on Friday through Saturday, with the theme“Developing Internal Security and Public Safety towards a Five-year Strategic Plan for Accelerated National Development,” will end with the production of a Five Years Strategic Plan for the Ministry and its agencies.

    The event hosted by the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AdbulRahmanAbdulRazaq, had in attendanceRepresentative of the Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Kolapo Sulu Gambari; the Controller General, Federal Fire Service, CG Ibrahim Liman; Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, CG Abubakar Audi; Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, CG Haliru Nababa; Ag. Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, CG Idris Isah General; others include Directors in the Ministry, Deputy Controllers General, Deputy Comptrollers General, Deputy Commandants General, ACGs, Controllers, Commandants and other dignitaries.