President Bola Tinubu on Monday, mourned a former Broadcaster of the Nigerian Television Authority, Aisha Bello Mustapha who died in the early hours of Monday.

Tinubu’s condolence message was made known by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, and shared on his Facebook page on Monday.

Tinubu extends his deepest condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and the management and staff of NTA.

The post read, “The President joins them in paying solemn respects to the highly professional news anchor and presenter, who spent 35 years at NTA until her retirement in 2022.

“During her time as the presenter of the flagship ‘NTA Network News at 9’, Nigerians and viewers around the world looked forward to seeing her smile, warmth, and wisdom as she delivered news that can be trusted objectively.

“She mentored many young women who took to broadcasting, mainly by watching and listening to her eloquence, passion, and integrity on the screen, in the newsroom, and off the screen.

“Her legacy in broadcast journalism lives on in the rich news archives she leaves behind and the contributions she made to the development of broadcasting in Nigeria.

She brought news to life and will continue to be a beacon to inspire generations in the beautiful art of broadcasting,” the President stated.

“President Tinubu prays Gto od to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and comfort for those who mourn”.

However, a funeral prayer will be held for the late newscaster in Abuja on Monday, December 11.

Newly inaugurated Argentina’s President Javier Milei has taken immediate action to streamline the government, consolidating federal ministries from 18 to nine on his first day in office.

This drastic measure is part of his commitment to curbing government spending and addressing the rampant inflation plaguing the South American nation.

The presidential decree, signed shortly after Mr Milei’s inaugural address on Sunday, is set to be officially gazetted later today, signalling a swift implementation of his vision for a more efficient and cost-effective government structure.

Widely viewed as a political outsider in the traditional Argentine political landscape, Mr Milei is positioning himself as a transformative leader determined to redirect the country away from hyperinflation, which is nearing 200 per cent.

With over 40 per cent of the population living below the poverty line and the peso experiencing significant depreciation, his administration faces a daunting economic scenario.

Argentina’s negative net international reserves and looming payments of over $4 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and private-sector creditors by the end of January underscore the situation’s urgency.

The reduction in the size of the government reflects Mr Milei’s proactive approach, setting a precedent for the necessary measures he believes are crucial to overcoming decades of economic stagnation and decline.

Addressing the nation after assuming office, Mr Milei emphasised the unavoidable need for a shock adjustment, acknowledging the short-term challenges.

Despite the anticipated worsening of the situation, he expressed confidence in the eventual fruition of their efforts, laying the groundwork for robust and sustainable growth.

“There is no alternative to a shock adjustment,” Mr Milei said after officially assuming office yesterday.

“There is no money. We know that in the short term, the situation will worsen, but soon we will see the fruits of our effort, having created the base for solid and sustainable growth.”

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has promoted 5,004 senior officers who participated in the 2023 exercise conducted by the Civil Defence, Corrections, Fire and Immigration Services Board.

This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer, assistant controller of corrections, Abubakar Umar, on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Umar quoted the NCoS Controller General, Haliru Nababa, as charging the beneficiaries to get ready for more work, knowing full well that promotion comes with additional responsibility.

Mr Nababa admonished the newly promoted officers to brace up for the tasks ahead.

He encouraged those that missed the promotion to remained steadfast as more opportunities abound in the future.

According to him, seven Controllers of Corrections were elevated to the rank of Assistant Controller General of Corrections, while 35 Deputy Controllers of Corrections were promoted to Controller of Corrections.

“Others promoted to new ranks include 68 Deputy Controllers of Corrections, 129 Assistant Controllers of Corrections, 426 Chief Superintendents of Corrections, and 650 Superintendents of Corrections.

“1,048 Deputy Superintendents of Corrections and 2,641 Assistant Superintendents of Corrections among whom are those qualified for upgrading and omitted from advancement,” he said.

The NCoS boss said the Service was committed to improving staff welfare as well as ensuring inmates were reformed and rehabilitated in line with accepted global standard.

The immediate past President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan (APC-Yobe), has congratulated the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, on his 61st birthday celebration.

Mr Lawan, in a birthday message to Mr Akpabio in Abuja on Saturday, extolled the Senate President for his remarkable achievements throughout his political career.

He commended Mr Akpabio’s efforts in championing legislative initiatives and lauded his unwavering determination in advocating for good governance.

“As you celebrate your 61st birthday anniversary today, I join in congratulating you on the remarkable achievements you have displayed throughout your political career as an uncommon leader.

“Your dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of the Nigerian people have not gone unnoticed.

“Your visionary leadership has paved the way for positive change and progress, and the citizens of your beloved state, Akwa-Ibom, can attest to this.

“As President of the Nigerian Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, you have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to making a lasting impact as you stir the affairs of the National Assembly.”

Mr Lawan commended Mr Akpabio’s tireless efforts in championing legislative initiatives and applauded his unwavering determination to advocate good governance.

“Your vision and passion continue to inspire us all, and we are grateful for your steadfast devotion to public service. Indeed, Nigerians are grateful for your tireless efforts in striving for a better future for our country.

“On the special occasion of your birthday celebration, I extend my warmest wishes to you, your family and loved ones. May your birthday be filled with joy, happiness, and the recognition of the profound impact you have made on the lives of so many.

“We look forward to many more years of your exemplary leadership and dedication to our great nation,” Mr Lawan said.

The Nigerian Breweries Plc has announced the resignation of Mr Asue Ighodalo as the chairman of its Board of Directors, effective December 31, 2023, after informing it of his decision to offer himself for public service.

Disclosing this in a corporate filing on the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Friday, the company secretary, Uaboi Agbebaku, revealed that the changes in its board of directors were made after the board meeting on December 7, 2023.

This development comes after Mr Ighodalo, who hails from Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government in Edo Central, indicated interest to run in the upcoming governorship election in the state.

He is said to be the anointed of incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki, to fly the party’s ticket, but will have incumbent deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, as one of the major contenders to slug it out with.

According to the Nigeria Breweries, the longest-serving Director, Sijbe Hiemstra, will take over as interim chairman of the board from January 1, 2024, and also oversee the process of appointing a substantive chairman during the transition period.

It read in part, “The chairman informed the board today of his decision to offer himself for public service. As a result, he will be resigning from the Board and as the chairman of the board on December 31, 2023 to enable him devote his full attention to the new cause.

“To give the board enough time to appoint a substantive chairman, the longest serving director, Mr. Sijbe “Siep” Hiemstra was appointed to act as the chairman in the interim effective the 1 of January 2024,” it stated.

The company noted that Hiemstra, until his appointment, was a member of Nigerian Breweries’ governance committee who also served on the company’s statutory audit committee.

“He joined the board on August 1, 2011 and is a past Heineken Regional President for Africa and Middle East,” it added.

Similarly, Mrs Ndidi O. Nwuneli has also notified the Board of her intention to step down from her position as a director from December 31, 2023, following the completion of her nine-year tenure as an independent non-executive director.In her place, the Board of Directors appointed Mrs Stella Ojekwe-Onyejeli to fill the position on the board effective January 1, 2024.

“Ojekwe-Onyejeli brings to the Board years of experience as a risk manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry, and skilled in enterprise risk management, business planning, internal audit, and analytical skills,” Nigerian Breweries said.

“She currently serves on the boards of Coronation Insurance Plc and Rand Merchant Bank, amongst others. The company is pleased to have someone with her knowledge and experience join its board,” the company said.

The Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai and the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, have visited Tudun Biri in Kaduna State where villagers attending Maulud celebration were bombed on Sunday evening.

The village was struck by an accidental airstrike on Sunday during a Maulud celebration, resulting in the loss of scores of lives.

The two leaders joined other leaders from the Tijjaniyya Islamic sect for a visit to the village on Friday.

Sanusi is a spiritual leader in the Tijanniyah Sufi order of Nigeria.

The Republican candidates for president largely avoided criticising frontrunner Donald Trump in their final debate outing in Alabama.

For almost two hours, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy fended off moderators’ invitations to attack him.

Only ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie addressed Mr Trump directly, saying he would use another term in office to persecute political rivals.

Mr Trump maintained his policy of non-attendance at the debate.

The former president has refused to take part in any of the preceding three contests and has consistently called on the Republican Party to cancel the bouts, insisting that no other candidate can overcome his double digit lead.

Despite Mr Trump’s absence, Mr Christie condemned the former president as a “dictator” during heated attacks.

His comments come after Mr Trump refused to rule out using the power of the presidency to attack political rivals during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday. He promised he would not be a dictator upon returning to office “except for day one”.

But Mr Christie failed to draw his rivals, chiefly Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, to join his broadside against Mr Trump.

Mr DeSantis, who has struggled to differentiate himself from his one-time ally and fellow Florida resident, did concede that he felt the Republican frontrunner was too old for another term as president and urged that voters support the “next generation of leaders”.

“Father time is undefeated,” Mr DeSantis said. “The idea that we are going to put somebody up there who is 80 and there is going to be no effects from that, we all know that’s not true.

“And while Ms Haley attacked Mr Trump – under whom she served as UN Ambassador – over his failure to combat China, she defended his trade record with Beijing. When asked directly about the former president’s controversial ban on immigration from seven Muslim majority countries, however, she simply said she would apply a new policy.

But Mr Christie refused to let his rivals off the hook, suggesting that their refusal to criticise Mr Trump was because “they have future aspirations”, alluding to their potential desire to join his administration.

“There’s no bigger issue in this race than Donald Trump,” Mr Christie insisted. “This is an angry, bitter man who now wants to be back as president because he wants to exact retribution on anyone who has disagreed with him.

“After Mr DeSantis refused to answer a host’s question about Mr Trump’s mental fitness for office, Mr Christie again went on the attack. It led to a lengthy shouting match between the two men.

“Guys, guys, guys,” host Megyn Kelly eventually interrupted. “No talking over each other.”

By contrast to his rivals, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy refused to condemn Mr Trump, instead seeking to defend the 2021 Capitol Riot and rattling off several conspiracy theories.

“Why am I the only person, on this stage at least, who can say that Jan. 6 now does look like it was an inside job?” Mr Ramaswamy said.

In a statement after the debate, a spokesperson for Mr Trump’s fundraising campaign called the debate “the biggest waste of time, money, and energy that politics has ever seen”.

The People’s Democratic Party has accused officials in Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s government of stealing public funds.

Mr Akeredolu’s administration denied any theft of state funds, describing the accusation as laughable.

Mr Akeredolu has yet to return to Ondo more than three months after his return from an overseas medical trip.

PDP chair in Ondo, Fatai Adams, made the allegation while addressing journalists in Akure.

“Most disturbing, however, is that our finances are suffering as hard-earned resources of the state are being pilfered by interest groups within and outside government; this is to the detriment of our development and wellbeing,” Mr Adams said.

The opposition chieftain said the PDP was duty-bound to be concerned about the state’s resources and finances, citing the palliative fund “totalling N7 billion.”

“For the past years that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has been governor, not once has any financial update been given to the citizenry. Curious and inexplicable expenditure has been the order of the day,” stated the PDP chief.

“Therefore, we demand a balance sheet on the finances of our state.” According to him, when the PDP was in government, the party gave a monthly update on the state’s finances, sometimes at the end of every financial year.

“The issue of the palliative fund totalling N7 billion is of absolute concern and interest to the people of Ondo state, who readily declare that no palliative came their way and therefore seek answers to the administration of the fund,” Mr Adams said.

He added, “Government is hereby invited to render an account of how this money is spent immediately or cause actions to be taken to unravel the many debauchery that was perpetrated in the name of palliatives in our state.”

However, information commissioner Bamidele Olateju-Ademola said, “It’s laughable if the opposition party is saying this stuff.” The commissioner told Peoples Gazette that the Akeredolu government “has checks and balances, especially in approving state funds.”

“For instance, I have a limit to the amount I can approve as a commissioner in the state,” Ms Olateju-Ademola said. “I can’t approve any amount above N1 million, and anything above that would have to get the governor’s approval before it can go.”

She said, “Even the governor can’t approve any amount beyond N20 million, and anything above that will have to pass through the state council. It gets approval if they all agree.”

The commissioner explained that the approval would go through stages, pointing out that it would involve the commissioner for finance before going to the state accountant general’s office.

“So, how can such pilfering happen with these checks in the system?” Ms Olateju-Ademola said.

Andrew Alli, the first son of former governor of Edo State, Ambrose Alli, has endorsed top Nigerian lawyer Asue Ighodalo, who appears to be seeking to replace Governor Godwin Obaseki on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the upcoming state election.

Mr Ighodalo, who hails from Ewohimi, Esan South-East Local Government in Edo Central, was in a viral video on Tuesday, seen addressing his kinsmen at his ward with the help of a hired interpreter.

The video prompted claims that Mr Ighodalo could not speak his Esan dialect.

Mr Ighodalo, theco-founder of the top Nigerian commercial law firm Banwo & Ighodalo, told his kinsmen that the development of the state must dominate aspirations of its people.

“I do things in Esan land because we’re not noisy. My brother is here, I’m here, my parents were here. I’m a true Esan boy. I’m not going to use homeboy, because they’ve used it badly. I am an Esan boy, I’m a true Edo boy. I’m a true Nigerian. This is what I am,” he said during the meeting.

“Since 2008, I’ve been in the economic team of the state, starting from the administration of former governor Adams Oshiomhole. Since Godwin Obaseki came in as chairman of the economic team, I have been coming to Edo State to support and advise the government.

“I’ve been advising since 2008, which is 15 years ago, which means I come into Edo State five, six, so many times a year for government business, not to talk of my own business.

“So, people can say what they like. Because we’re not noisy, and because we’re not jumping from one ‘mama put’ to another, does not mean I’m not a true Edo boy. This issue of an Edo boy, this issue of a true son of the soil, is in the heart.

“There are many of our brothers and sisters in the diaspora who are more Edo than many of them who live here. So it’s in the heart, it’s what you do in your heart, it’s not how many pepper soup joints you go. So, all those of us in the diaspora, those of us in the diaspora in Nigeria diaspora abroad, all the best hands must come to develop Edo State.

“Someone cannot sit in the village or in ‘mama put’ and say the rest of us can’t come and develop our state, it’s not done. We must all come together and develop Edo State, plus the people in ‘mama put,’ plus the people in Canada, we must come together and develop Edo State,” he stated.

Throwing his weight behind Mr Ighodalo’s governorship ambition, Mr Alli, in his reaction on his X account on Sunday, stated that Edo people are not bothered about the inability to speak the dialect but are more concerned about who is able to lead the state forward.

“Yes, we don’t give a sh**t. Because we major in the majors. We care about his policies and track record. Not this BS. We know where he went to school, we know how he made his money. We know the engagement he’s been having with EDSG,” his post read.

On Ighodalo being attacked due to his linguistic abilities, Mr Alli said, “If they are attacking Asue because of his linguistic abilities, then that basically says that they can’t attack him on the substance.”

Similarly, prominent Nigerian businessman Aloy Chife backed Mr Alli’s characterisation of Ighodalo, saying, “Absolutely! Well said! We’re privileged to have him put himself forward. A++ candidate.”

Mr Obaseli’s choice of someone from Edo Central to succeed him is said to be in the spirit of fairness as since the return of democracy in 1999, Edo North and Edo South had taken turns to rule the state with Edo Central’s only chance being short-lived by the court after Professor Oserhiemen Osunbor spent only 18 months in office (April 2007 to November 11, 2008).

Other governors and their deputies that had ruled the state since the start of the fourth republic include: Lucky Igbinedion (Edo South) and Mike Oghiadomhe (Edo North), 1999 to 2007; Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) and Pius Odubu (Edo South), 2008 to 2016; Godwin Obaseki (Edo South) and Philip Shuaibu (Edo North), 2016 which is to end in 2024.

Mr Ighodalo, who has yet to formally announce his ambition, is expected to slug it out with Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu for the PDP’s governorship ticket, which would come after the party’s primaries in early 2024.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has inaugurated caretaker committees to run the affairs of the local government councils in the state, pending the election of new councils.

At the ceremony held at the New Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi, Mr Alia said that the action was in line with Section 21(3), subsections (1) and (2) of the Local Government (Amendment) Law, 2012, of the state.

He said that the caretaker committees were for 21 out of the 23 local councils, as the state House of Assembly had yet to confirm the nominees for Agatu and Oju local councils.

“I stand before you today to inaugurate the chairmen and members of local government interim councils following Section 21(3), subsections (1) and (2) of the Local Government (Amendment) Law 2012, as enacted by the esteemed Benue State House of Assembly.

“Today, we are witnessing the birth of a new era, an era of progress, unity and prosperity for the people of Benue State.

As we embark on this new chapter, as a government, we recognise the immense responsibility that lies upon our shoulders. Our primary duty is to serve the people, to be their voice, and to advocate for their needs and aspirations,” he said.

He tasked the new chairmen with ensuring that the concerns of the people were heard, their rights protected, and their lives improved.

“We must fulfil those expectations. To the chairmen and members of the interim councils, I urge you to embrace this opportunity to lead with integrity, transparency and fairness. Your role is not merely administrative; it is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of the people you represent.

“I encourage you to listen attentively to their needs, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to collaborate with all stakeholders. By fostering an inclusive environment, we can harness the collective wisdom and strengths of our diverse population, ensuring a more prosperous future for all.

“Remember, leadership is not about personal gains or accolades; it is about service and sacrifice. It is about putting the needs of the people before our own and working tirelessly to create an enabling environment for growth, development and progress. Let us be guided by the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability at all times,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the ability of members of the committees to excel in their new responsibilities and urged them to serve with distinction, rise above limitations, break barriers and bring positive changes to the state.

“Finally, you will observe that only 21 interim chairmen have taken their oath of office. Our primary goal is to ensure a smooth and well-executed governance system that benefits both the government and the local communities it serves.

“While we understand the challenges and apprehension that come with such decisions, be assured that due processes will be followed to ensure the early inauguration of the remaining chairmen. As you proceed to your respective local governments, expedite the process of swearing in other members of your interim council,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the caretaker committees, the caretaker chairman of Konshisha LG, Philip Achua, pledged to justify their appointment by working towards the success of the administration.

The state House of Assembly had ordered the dissolution of the elected local councils after uncovering large-scale fraud in their operations.

The Emir of Zazzau in Kaduna State, Mallam Ahmed Bamalli, has condoled victims of recent drone attack by the army on Tudun Biri community in the Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

The monarch made the call in a message to journalists by the Emirate Council’s Media and Publicity Officer, Mallam Abdullahi Kwarbai, on Tuesday in Zaria.

Mr Bamalli said in spite of being outside the state on official engagements as of the time of the incident, he was briefed by the District Head of Rigasa whose area was affected and Administrator, Kaduna Metropolitan Authority, the Mr Samuel Aruwan.

The emir, therefore, commended and appreciated the prompt measures taken by Governor Uba Sani’s administration.

Commiserating with the families of the victims of the attack, the emir urged the community members to remain calm and shun attempts by some elements in the area who wanted to use the incident to cause chaos.

Mr Bamalli called for measures to forestall recurrence of the incident and prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed as he wished those with injuries speedy recovery.

Villagers in Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA of Kaduna State were killed during a Maulud celebration on Sunday.

The Defence Headquarters said the drone attack on the community was based on information about untoward activities of terrorists in the area.

The army said the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle detachment had at about 2200hrs on Sunday, observed movement of terrorists at Ligarma, known to be a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.

It said the aerial surveillance captured movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.

As part of the efforts to decongest the correctional centres, the federal government has settled N52 million in fines and compensation for 399 inmates at various centres across Kaduna State.

The state’s correctional service comptroller, Ado Saleh, disclosed this during the inauguration of the initiative at Zaria on Monday.

Mr Saleh said, “We are here to release 68 inmates from Zaria, Makarfi, Soba and Ikara correctional centres.”

He said 110 inmates were earlier released in Kaduna, adding that the ceremony in Zaria was a continuation of the programme designed and implemented by the federal government.

“The commencement of the programme is simultaneously taking place at Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria to see the release of 281 across the state.

“Of the 281 to be released across Kaduna State during the ceremony, 68 were from Za1ria Zone,” he said.

The comptroller explained that of the 68 inmates, 43 were from Zaria, 19 were from Soba, five were from Makarfi, and 19 were from Ikara correctional centres.

He added that each beneficiary would be given N10,000 to pay as transport fare.

Earlier, Olubunmi Ojo, Minister of Interior, said the initiative was to decongest the correctional centres.

Mr Ojo, represented by John Otuka, the ministry’s assistant legal adviser, said facilities and centres across the country were overstretched.

He added that the gesture was to reduce the number of inmates at the centres and leave the rest to the judiciary to act.

Mr Ojo said no fewer than 4,068 inmates would benefit from the initiative nationwide.

While speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Solomon Atambe, a resident of Railway Quarters, Sabon-Gari-Zaria, commended the federal government for the gesture.

The federal government on Monday resumed the trial of suspected Boko Haram members in the Kainji Prosecution Project Phase IV in Abuja.

Speaking at the opening of the court session, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the first phase commenced in 2017.

Mr Fagbemi said the federal government, in the 2017 trial, secured 366 convictions, while 896 others were discharged for lack of evidence and 61 cases adjourned for further hearings.

He said the resumption of the prosecution of terrorism suspects marked another step in ensuring the security and safety of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“There have been three phases of the exercise so far, spanning between October 2017 and July 2018.

“I must, at this point, challenge all stakeholders to ensure that the momentum is sustained, seeing how important this assignment is to the wellbeing of our beloved country and its people,” he said.

Mr Fagbemi said the federal government would deploy resources to enhance its prosecutorial capacities.

He added that the ministry would continue to support efforts towards the deradicalisation and reintegration of repentant terrorists.

“I would like to urge the prosecutors and defence counsel to continue to maintain the highest levels of professional standards in this national assignment,” Mr Fagbemi added.

On his part, the Director of Criminal Justice, Legal Aid Council, Abdulfattah Bakre, said they had the consent of the defendants to represent them in the case.

“We were in Kainji some years ago, and also recently, we were in Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, where we interacted with them, and we have been fully instructed to represent them,” he said.

The National Human Rights Commission representative said they would ensure the defendants’ rights were respected during the trial.

The Attorney General personally commenced the prosecution of the suspects at the resumed hearing on Monday.

The trial is being presided over by Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, said the resumption of the trial was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law and human rights-based approach to countering terrorism.

The Board of Immigration, Civil Defence, Fire and Correctional Services has approved the promotion of 32,361 personnel from the four services.

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed details of the promotions through the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, on Friday in Abuja.

A total of 4, 498 of those promoted were personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service out of the 7,000 wardens who sat for the promotion examination.

Also, 4, 598 Immigration officers out of 6,544 were promoted while 1,680 out of 1,698 fire service personnel who sat for the promotion examinations were elevated.

The majority of those promoted were, however, from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) which had 21,385 out of its 25,951 that sat for the promotion examinations coming out successful.

The minister said it was the first time in the history of the board that such a huge number of officers were promoted.

Tunji-Ojo charged the beneficiaries to commit themselves to the service of the nation.

“You should see this promotion as a new frontier in the way and manner you carry out your responsibilities; promotions come with enormous responsibilities and to whom much is given, much is expected,” he added.

On Friday, Madagascar’s High Constitutional Court declared incumbent President Andry Rajoelina as the winner of last month’s election, effectively handing him a third term.

Mr Rajoelina got 58.96 per cent of the votes cast, the court said after dismissing various challenges lodged against the provisional results announced by the electoral body.

“Andry Rajoelina is elected as the president of the republic of Madagascar and is taking his functions as soon as the swearing (is conducted),” said Florent Rakotoarisoa, the head of the high constitutional court.

One of the challenges dismissed included one from the runner-up, lawmaker Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, who got 14.39 per cent of the vote, according to the court.

Ten out of 13 candidates boycotted the poll, but their names were already on the ballot, leaving them to share the remaining votes. Turnout was 46.35 per cent, the court said.

The November 16 election was preceded by weeks of protests, with the opposition accusing Mr Rajoelina of creating unfair election conditions.

Mr Rajoelina has dismissed allegations of unfairness of the vote, and the army has warned against attempts to destabilise the country.

The opposition has described voter turnout as the lowest in the country’s history.

Hajo Andrianainarivelo, a former minister among the candidates who boycotted the poll, has vowed to fight against what he said was a lack of respect for the laws of the land and oppression of the people.

“The popular fight begins now,” he said on Thursday.Mr Rajoelina, 49, first came to power in a 2009 coup.

He stepped down in 2014 as leader of a transitional authority but then became president again after winning a 2018 election.

The Jigawa government has approved over N1 billion for foreign scholarships and school infrastructure development projects in the state.

The approval was announced in a statement by information commissioner Sagir Musa on Friday.

The State Executive Council (SEC) approved the projects during its meeting on Thursday.

Mr Musa said the SEC approved 534,372 dollars sequel to a memo presented by the ministry of higher education seeking payment of tuition, accommodation, application fees, and foreign students support services in respect of 184 indigent students transferred from Sudan to Near East University, Cyprus.

The commissioner said the SEC also approved N312 million for the payment of 12 months’ living allowances, visa, air tickets, and other logistics for travel arrangements of the affected students.

The commissioner said the SEC equally approved the N697.8 million counterpart fund for the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

He said this would facilitate the construction of 156 new classrooms, renovation of 207 others, construction of 39 toilets, provision of 68 handpumps and boreholes, and supply of 14,016 sets of classroom furniture and perimeter fence in various schools across Jigawa.

Mr Musa said the council approved N73 million for hostels, senior staff quarters and library rehabilitation projects at two secondary schools.

He said the projects would also facilitate the procurement and installation of solar-powered pumps at Government Day Science Secondary School Hadejia and Kafin Hausa, respectively.

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has approved more than N1.3 billion for the payment of final examination fees for indigent pupils in public secondary schools in the state.

The Chief Executive Officer, Planning and Research Department of the state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Alhaji Mukhtar Abdulmumini, disclosed this in Katsina during the fourth quarter meeting of the social protection Technical Working Group.

The meeting, which was in line with the social protection policy, was supported by UNICEF, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

According to Abdulmumini, within the period, N370.9 million was spent on 20,269 pupils who sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.

He added that N992.9 million was approved for 48,385 students who sat for the National Examination Council.

He stated, “Also, the sum of N27.9 million was paid for 1,878 who sat for the National Board for Arabic and Islamic examination.”

He also said that N4.5 million was paid for pupils who took the National Business and Technical Examination Board exams.

According to him, the amount spent for the payment of final examinations for the state’s indigenes in this quarter is more than N1.3 billion.

He said payment of the examination fees was an effort to encourage the indigent pupils who sat for their various final examinations including WAEC, NECO, NBAIS and NABTEB.

Mr Abdulmumini further revealed that in an effort to reduce the rate of unemployment and boost education in the state, the government had recruited 7,325 new teachers for primary and secondary schools.

“Within the period, no fewer than 350 evaluators received training on essential quality assurance skills for teachers. The government has also procured chemistry materials to 30 schools at N26 million.

Katsina state, in collaboration with UNICEF and in their effort on climate change, granted N150, 000 to 25 schools in five LGAs each. The grant will be used for the prevention of desert encroachment and erosion through planting trees in their schools and to take other measures.

The disbursement of the grant is the first phase, the second phase will be disbursed soon and is N100,000.

The benefiting LGAs include Bindawa, Funtua, Bakori, Kaita and Jibia,” Mr Abdulmumini said.

The Civil Liberties Organisation has urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on the failed Nkwelle-Nsugbe-Umueri-Aguleri federal road in Anambra State.

Chairman of CLO in the state, Mr Vincent Ezekwueme, said the organisation was making a passionate and life-saving appeal to President Bola Tinubu; Minister of Work, Chief David Umahi and the Federal Emergency Roads Maintenance Agency to declare emergency on the Nkwelle-Nsugbe-Umueri-Aguleri federal road,Ezekwueme who spoke in Enugu on Tuesday said that President Tinubu should out of patriotism and magnanimity send his minister of works to urgently visit the deplorable road.

According to him, the road has made life unbearable for those living around the axis.

“Instead of acting as a link, the road has disconnected the vast majority of our people due to its failed state. Those living or coming in have been cut off completely due to its inaccessible and despicable state, ” he said.

The CLO boss also reiterated its earlier call on the Federal Government to expedite action towards construction of Enugu-Ugwuoba-Awka-Onitsha and Nnewi-Uga-Okigwe federal roads.

“These federal roads, when done, will ameliorate devastating and excruciating sufferings and hardships citizens, visitors and road users experience on a daily basis,” he said.

He noted that the poor condition of the roads had worsened insecurity in Anambra and the neighbouring Enugu State.

President Bola Tinubu has sought the approval of the Senate for a 2023-2024 external borrowing plan of $8.6 billion and €100 million.

Mr Tinubu disclosed the borrowing plan in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpiabio and read at plenary on Tuesday.

Mr Tinubu said the request for the borrowings was earlier contained in the 2022 to 2024 external borrowing plans approved by former President Muhammadu Buhari at the Federal Executive Council on May 15.

The president said the federal government needed external borrowing to bridge the country’s financial gap, stating that the funds would be used to execute key infrastructure projects, including power, railway, and health projects.

“The projects cut across all sectors with specific emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, security, employment generation amongst others,” said Mr Tinubu.

He said following the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant impact on the economy, the African Development Bank and the World Bank Group indicated interest to assist Nigeria in mitigating the impact.

Mr Tinubu said the projects and programmes in the borrowing plan were selected based on positive technical and economic evaluation and their expected contribution to the country’s economic development.

The president also listed employment generation, skills acquisition, support towards the emergence of entrepreneurs, poverty education and food security to improve the livelihood of Nigerians as reasons for the facility.

Mr Akpiabio mandated the Senate committee on local and foreign debt to look at the letter for further legislative work and report back in one week.