An evening fire has burnt some parts of the building of Practicing Primary School, located inside St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State.

Although there was no casualty recorded, it was gathered that the fire was caused as a result of bush burning, which occurred late on Saturday and affected some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks.

Some eyewitnesses around the vicinity told our correspondent that the fire burnt for several minutes until men of the state fire service arrived at the scene and stopped it from further escalation to other structures.

When contacted, the head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Sunday.

Chiketa said a crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were immediately deployed to the scene when it received the distress call, and the fire was fought and contained.

He said, “On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at about 4:40 pm, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call reporting about a bushfire outbreak at the Practicing Primary School, located inside St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State.

“Immediately, a crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene, and the fire was fought and contained.

“The bushfire outbreak affected some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks but was stopped from further escalation by the Anambra firemen.

“There was no casualty recorded. The firefighters left the scene at 5:45 pm on the same day.”

He cautioned that due to the dry season, people should avoid anything that could cause fire. He noted that people should clear the bushes/grasses in or surrounding their homes, offices, shops, factories, business areas, schools, and churches, among others

Similarly, there was a fire outbreak that occurred at the Lord’s Plaza, in the Onitsha Main Market, by Emeka Ofor, opposite the United Bank of Africa.

Although the cause of the fire could not be ascertained, it was gathered that two lock-up attachment shops on the ground floor of the plaza were affected.

The state fire service chief, who confirmed the development, said, “Earlier in the morning at 6:10 am, a tensed-up woman ran into one of the Anambra State Fire Service Stations situated in Onitsha Main-Market and reported the ongoing fire outbreak at the above-mentioned plaza.

“A crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were immediately deployed to the scene, and the fire was contained.

“Two lock-up attachment shops on the ground floor were affected. There was no casualty. The firemen departed the scene and returned to the station at about 7:58 am the same morning.

“Be fire conscious. Fire kills, but we can prevent it.”

The state Media and Publicity Unit also confirmed a case of a fire outbreak behind the Security Office, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus, Awka.

It said the call was received at about 04:05 pm on Friday, adding that a crew of firemen on duty and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene immediately, and they contained the fire outbreak.

“No damage nor casualty was recorded. The firemen withdrew from the scene at 05:09 pm on the same day.”

The Nigerian Police Force has issued a stern warning to citizens, emphasising the importance of cooperating with public officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, and shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the police highlighted relevant sections of the Criminal Code Act and the Police Act 2020 that outline penalties for resisting or obstructing public officers.

According to Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act, anyone who obstructs or resists a public officer engaged in their duties can be imprisoned for up to two years.

Additionally, Section 42 of the Police Act 2020 states that citizens are bound to assist judges, magistrates, police officers, or other authorized persons in arresting or preventing the escape of suspects.

The police also cited Section 98 of the Police Act 2020, which stipulates that assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer in the discharge of their duty can result in a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for six months, or both. Furthermore, Section 99 of the same Act emphasises that refusing or neglecting to aid and assist a police officer in danger can lead to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for three months, or both.

Adejobi wrote, “Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Resisting public officers

“Any person who in any manner obstructs or resists any public officer while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of the duties of his office under any order, Act, law, or Statute, or obstructs or resists any person while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of any duty imposed on him by an order, Act, law, or statute, is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years.

“Section 42 of the Police Act 2020: A person is bound to assist a judge, magistrate or police officer or other person reasonably demanding his aid in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect whom the the judge, magistrate, police officer or other person is authorized to arrest.

“Section 98 Police Act 2020: A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duty, or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer or other person aiding or assisting the police officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.

“Section 99, Police Act 2020: When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid and assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.”

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the deaths of four individuals following an attack by suspected terrorists on its facilities at the Kangiwa border, Kebbi State.

This is contained in a statement by the service public relations officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Kenneth Udo, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Udo said the attack occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Friday, January 10, resulting in the deaths of a local watchman and three contractors.

“The service regrets to announce a recent attack by a suspected terrorist group on our facilities and contractors on-site, at the Kangiwa border in Kangiwa local government area of Kebbi State.

“The attack led to the death of four persons, including a local Watchman and three contractors. We also recorded substantial damages on our security facilities. No immigration officers were killed during the attack,” he said.

He, however, extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that efforts were underway, in collaboration with sister agencies, to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mr Udo also reiterated the NIS’ unwavering resolve to continue its core mandate of securing the nation’s borders and enhancing national security.

“The service remains resolute and undeterred in carrying on with its core mandate of border security in tandem with the goal of securing the nation,” he said.

The Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State has secured 50 Acres of farmland in Ogun for the 2025 farming season and beyond.

Johnson Babatunde, the executive chairman of the LCDA, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Sunday.

Mr Babatunde said that over 50 acres of land at Obada Oko in Abeokuta North Local Government area of Ogun would be given to interested residents for crop and animal farming to cushion the effects of food challenges.

He said that the council would assist interested residents of Orile-Agege in farming on the land using modern technologies.

“The project will also usher in new creativity, imagination, and skills in planting crops and raising animals with modern production methods,” the council chairman said.

Mr Babatunde said the efforts were meant to empower Orile-Agege youths and other residents interested in farming, noting that the project would ensure surplus food.

He said the project was part of the council’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment, with a special focus on youth development.

“By investing in agriculture, we are fostering an environment that encourages young people to explore opportunities in farming, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” he said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has lauded the appointment of Alaafin-elect Abimbola Owoade.

He also congratulated the Alaafin-elect on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo town.

Mr Ogunwusi said this in a statement on Saturday.

He lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for providing an enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that resulted in the emergence of the Alaafin-elect.

Mr Ogunwusi also applauded kingmakers, the royal families and the people of Oyo for the patience and maturity displayed throughout the sacred process, which lasted over two years.

According to him, the decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the people of Oyo.

“Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and cultural preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yorubaland.

“This interconnected lineage emphasises the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage.

“The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy,” the Ife monarch said.

Mr Ogunwusi noted that Mr Owoade’s ascension was a testament to the resilience of traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.

He called on the sons and daughters of Oyo to rally around the new Alaafin and work together to uphold the glory of Oyo town.

The Kogi government has committed N7 billion to upgrade 88 additional primary healthcare centres across the state.

Governor Ahmed Ododo announced this on Saturday in Lokoja during the official handing over of sites to contractors to upgrade the 88 PHCs.

Mr Ododo explained that these new PHCs would complement the ongoing upgrade of 70 existing PHCs into functional Level-two facilities.

He described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing healthcare delivery and achieving universal health coverage for citizens.

Mr Ododo said that, with the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Kogi government had committed more than N7 billion to this project, reflecting an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

“Today, we hand over these project sites to contractors who have successfully navigated a rigorous procurement process,” stated the governor.

He urged contractors to maintain high standards of professionalism and complete the projects within the stipulated four-month timeframe. Mr Ododo also emphasised the importance of engaging local communities, collaborating with local leaders, and adhering to social and environmental safeguards.

Mr Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support for healthcare at the grassroots level, noting that the president’s engagement had strengthened the commitment of international partners to Nigeria’s healthcare goals.

Musa Muazu, the executive director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, commended the government’s efforts to upgrade PHC facilities, particularly in rural areas, and reiterated the state’s commitment to improving healthcare services.

Mr Muazu said the scheme was a testament to the state government’s dedication to improving the well-being of its people.

Four contractors will handle the upgrade of the 88 PHCs across the state, including INKNUEL Ltd, Multipurpose Erand Ltd, QSA Nig Ltd, and Base-SAN Ventures.

Meta has reportedly instructed its facilities teams to remove menstrual products from men’s bathrooms in its Silicon Valley, Texas, and New York offices, The New York Times reported.

The decision, made under CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s direction, follows recent budget cuts and restructuring efforts within the tech giant.

The menstrual products, initially placed in men’s bathrooms to accommodate non-binary and transgender employees, were part of Meta’s broader inclusivity initiatives.

In addition, Meta has reportedly removed transgender and non-binary “themes” from its Messenger chat app, which previously allowed users to customise the app’s colours and wallpaper.

The change has sparked frustration among some employees.

According to The New York Times, some staff members were angered by executives’ attempts to conceal changes to the company’s “Hateful Conduct” policy before it was officially announced.

Typically, revisions to significant policies are reviewed and commented on by employees across the policy division, but most staff did not have the opportunity this time.

The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) on Saturday inducted no fewer than 400 graduate Engineers of the Class 2024 of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), Kaduna.

The induction marked a significant milestone in the careers of the graduate engineers.

They were formally inducted into the engineering profession by the society and Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).

The inductees graduated from the Departments of Aerospace, Automotive, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.

Others included electrical and electronics, civil and environmental engineering, information and communication technology, and telecommunications engineering.

In his address, Auwal Kasim, provost of the AFIT, charged the graduates to exhibit professional competence, due diligence, and moral ethics in their practice.

Represented by the provost, the commandant of AFIT, AVM Sani Rabe, highlighted its achievements and its commitment to producing well-rounded engineers.

He said the institute had grown significantly since its establishment 40 years ago, with five faculties offering 22 NUC-accredited programmes, a postgraduate school, and two NBTE-accredited programs.

Mr Rabe emphasised the importance of professional ethics, urging graduate engineers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and responsibility in their practice.

He also encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and stay abreast of the latest developments and advancements in their field.

The commandant reiterated AFIT’s openness to collaborations with stakeholders, such as the NSE and COREN, to make its engineering programmes globally relevant and competitive.

Earlier, the president of NSE, Margaret Oguntala, urged the graduate engineers to uphold the ethics of the engineering profession wherever they may find themselves.

Dignitaries from the Nigerian Air Force, the NSE, COREN, and other stakeholders in the engineering profession attended the induction ceremony.

President Bola Tinubu rejoices with Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on his 60th birthday on Jan.12.

The President commended Aiyedatiwa for his dedication and political consistency, beginning from his membership of the Action Congress of Nigeria in 2011, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, his spokesman, said in a statement.

“His steadfastness throughout the party’s metamorphosis and final transition to the All Progressives Congress exemplifies his loyalty, dedication, and commitment,” said Tinubu.

He said Aiyedatiwa became deputy governor of Ondo State in 2021, and by a stroke of fate, became the acting Governor and was ultimately sworn in as Governor in 2023, succeeding his mentor, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu.

“Aiyedatiwa’s impressive political trajectory is a testament to the potential and possibilities in Nigerian politics,” President Tinubu said.
He further recognised the Governor’s electoral victory in 2024, which allowed him to continue raising standards in key areas such as health and education, directly improving the lives of citizens.

“President Tinubu appreciates Governor Aiyedatiwa’s invaluable contributions as a Commissioner representing Ondo State at the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“His deep understanding of grassroots development has played a crucial role in strengthening the institution to better serve its purpose,” he said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Subomi and Wahab, sons of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, for questioning over alleged naira abuse.

In a notice by Michael Wetkas, Acting Director of the Lagos Directorate of the EFCC, the agency instructed the duo to appear before the head of the Special Operations Team at its office located at 15A Awolowo Road, Lagos, by 10 a.m. on Monday, January 13, 2025.

Details shortly…

The Federal Government has congratulated Lebanon President elect, Joseph Aoun.

Aoun secured 99 votes from the 128-seat parliament to win the presidency, breaking a deadlock that has left the country without a Head of State since October 2022.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja in a statement said Nigeria is looking forward to further strengthen relations with Lebanon.

The statement by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson, reads: “Nigeria looks forward to further strengthening our historic, strong, and vibrant relationship for the benefit of all our people.

“Lebanon’s parliament has elected the country’s army chief as president, ending a power vacuum that has lasted more than two years.”

Joseph Aoun’s candidacy for the mainly ceremonial role – which is reserved for a Maronite Christian under a sectarian power-sharing system – was backed by several key political parties, as well as the US, France and Saudi Arabia.

A rival preferred by Hezbollah, the powerful Shia Muslim militia and political party supported by Iran, withdrew on Wednesday and endorsed the commander.

His election comes six weeks after Lebanon agreed a ceasefire to end a war between Israel and Hezbollah, which left the group significantly weakened and devastated areas where it holds sway.

The Lebanese army, which Aoun had led since 2017, was not involved in the conflict and has a key role under the ceasefire deal. It is required to deploy soldiers in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops withdraw and to ensure Hezbollah ends its armed presence there by 26 January.

In a speech to lawmakers following his election on Thursday, Aoun declared that “a new phase in Lebanon’s history” had begun.

The 60-year-old pledged to work during his six-year term to ensure that the Lebanese state had “the exclusive right to bear arms” – a reference to Hezbollah, which had built a force considered more powerful than the army to resist Israel before their 13-month conflict, in violation of a UN Security Council resolution that ended their last war in 2006.

Aoun said one of his main priorities was repairing the destruction caused by “Israeli aggression” in southern Lebanon, Beirut’s southern suburbs and the eastern Bekaa Valley during the war, which the World Bank estimates will cost $8.5bn (£6.9bn).

He also promised to push through the political and economic reforms widely seen as necessary in a country that has been affected by multiple crises.

Besides the Hezbollah-Israel conflict, they include a six-year-long economic depression that is one of the worst recorded in modern times, and the 2020 Beirut port explosion that killed more than 200 people.

The Ogun State Government said it has put measures in place to end security challenges in the state, following the reported bandits’ invasion of the South-West.

The Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday.

According to Mr Akinmade, the state government is in firm control of its security architecture through robust collaboration among security agencies and local security apparatus.

He explained that part of the strategy to secure farmlands was the heavy deployment of armed security guards at the local level and constant security patrols to protect farmers in their farms.

He also noted that the present security arrangements in the state were evident in the peaceful atmosphere experienced in the nooks and crannies of the state during the festive period.

He said, “The recent reported influx of bandits into the South-West coincided with the recent security meeting of the heads of security agencies in the state. After a careful review of the state of security in the state, the agencies resolved to double their efforts to sustain the unprecedented peace and tranquillity the state has been enjoying. The state is leaving no room for destabilising infiltration of bandits from any part of the country. Our security agencies have, therefore, revitalised their winning formula and strategies, including visible presence in every nook and cranny of the state, patrols, manning of key and vulnerable points.’’

The governor’s aide also acknowledged the current synergy between Ogun and Oyo states in sharing intelligence, with regards to movements and operations of suspected bandits within the axis.

He stated, “All ethnic groups, the Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulani, Edo, Igala, Urhobo, Ebira, and others are united by a common goal to jointly fight whoever comes to disturb the peaceful environment in Ogun.”

The statement reiterated the government’s warning to deal with anybody who procured or provided accommodation for any bandit from any ethnic extraction to operate in the state.

“Such a person will face the wrath of the law,” it added.

A civil society group, Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, has challenged President Bola Tinubu to make public the source of the $2.7 million spent in hiring U.S. lobbyists to burnish his image over his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and certificate forgery.

“More than 24 hours after a whistle-blower exposed the plans of the Tinubu government to hire a foreign lobbyist to burnish the image of President Bola Tinubu, the presidency has yet to respond to the story,” the group noted in a statement signed by Ifeanyi Okechukwu.

Peoples Gazette had uncovered how Mr Tinubu sought the service of lobbyists in the United States to help convince lawmakers and policymakers that he exemplifies acceptable personal honesty to lead Nigeria, after suffering a reputation blow following reports of his involvement in drug peddling and certificate fraud.

Mr Tinubu engaged public relations experts, including David Spaulding of Lenape Legal, domiciled in a sleepy Philadelphia suburb, to help his administration navigate Washington’s concerns about his unpalatable public profile.

The civil society group noted that despite sufficient documented evidence indicting Mr Tinubu, “the federal government had not publicly addressed the issue,” noting that the president’s alleged involvement in drug trafficking “continues to hurt the image of Nigeria internationally”.

“There have been several outrages within and outside Nigeria bordering on President Tinubu’s documented history as a drug dealer. Recall that the culpability of the President in his indictment in a Chicago High Court in the United States of America is one of the grounds upon which his election was challenged in the 2023 elections,” the group noted.

The group further condemned Mr Tinubu’s indulgence in several foreign trips at the expense of Nigeria’s ailing economy, claiming such had not resulted in any positive results for the country.

It stated, “Since assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu had committed more time to foreign travels than any of those before him with little justification to show for the president’s offshore meeting resulting in reduction of Foreign Direct Investment under his tenure so far.”

The group charged Mr Tinubu to clarify the source of the monies spent in image burnishing, wondering if the president’s latest step would obliterate his records of indictment.

“But since the Tinubu administration has now resulted in burnishing the image of the President, it is pertinent to ask the government if there is anything else that the Nigerian public needs to know, first about the truth and nothing but the truth about the President’s documented indictment and, second, about the source of funding the public image contractor hired for the job,” the group stated.

It added, “Acknowledging that the Supreme Court’s judgement on the electability of President Tinubu on account of the documented indictment on drug trafficking did not substantially rule on the merit of the case but selected the President on technical grounds, would the image laundering drive make the President electable in 2027 in such a way that crime of the past would be forgotten and never-to-be-mentioned ever again?”

After being largely reduced to ashes by wildfire, Altadena was being patrolled by National Guard soldiers on Friday.

For residents of this devastated Los Angeles suburb, the arrival of these men in uniform is too little, too late.

“We didn’t see a single firefighter while we were throwing buckets of water to defend our house against the flames” on Tuesday night, said Nicholas Norman, 40.

“They were too busy over in the Palisades saving the rich and famous’s properties, and they let us common folks burn,” said the teacher.

But the fire did not discriminate.

In the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood, the first to be hit by the flames this week, wealthy residents share the same resentment toward the authorities.

“Our city has completely let us down,” said Nicole Perri, outraged by the fact that hydrants being used by firefighters ran dry or lost pressure.

Her lavish Palisades home was burnt to cinders. In a state of shock, the 32-year-old stylist wants to see accountability.

“Things should have been in place that could have prevented this,” she told AFP.

“We’ve lost everything, and I just feel zero support from our city, our horrible mayor and our governor.

Multiple fires that continue to ravage Los Angeles have killed at least 11 people, authorities say.

Around 10,000 buildings have been destroyed, and well over 100,000 residents have been forced to evacuate.

So far authorities have largely blamed the intense 100 mile (160 kilometer) per hour winds that raged earlier this week, and recent months of drought, for the disaster.

But this explanation alone falls short for many Californians, thousands of whom have lost everything.

Karen Bass, the city’s mayor, has come in for heavy criticism because she was visiting the African nation of Ghana when the fire started, despite dire weather warnings in the preceding days.

Budget cuts to the fire department, and a series of evacuation warnings erroneously sent to millions of people this week, have only stoked the anger further.

“I don’t think the officials were prepared at all,” said James Brown, a 65-year-old retired lawyer in Altadena.

“There’s going to have to be a real evaluation here, because hundreds and hundreds of thousands of people have just been completely displaced,” he told AFP.

“It’s like you’re in a war zone.”

Mayor Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, both Democrats, have separately called for investigations.

Republican president-elect Donald Trump has fanned the flames of controversy, blaming California’s liberal leadership and encouraging his followers to do the same.

But the highly politicised attacks by Trump – who made false claims about why fire hydrants ran dry – have also frustrated some survivors in Altadena.

“That’s textbook Trump: he’s trying to start a polemic with false information,” said architect Ross Ramsey, 37.

“It’s too early to point fingers or blame anybody for anything,” he told AFP, while clearing ashes from the remains of his mother’s house.

“We should be focusing on the people who are trying to pick up their lives and how to help them… Then we can point fingers and figure this all out, with real facts and real data.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid heartfelt tribute to six soldiers who lost their lives while repelling a terrorist attack in Damboa, Borno State, describing them as “eternal heroes” whose sacrifices will forever be remembered in Nigeria’s history.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, also reaffirmed his deep sorrow and firm solidarity with the families of the heroic soldiers.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, Vice President Shettima noted that the military recorded a decisive victory in Nigeria’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts but regretted that the price of freedom is eternally steep.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I received news of our brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation in Damboa. These six valiant soldiers demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of danger by protecting their fellow citizens,” he said.

The attack took place in Sabon Gari, with terrorists attempting to ambush troops at a Forward Operating Base. The soldiers’ decisive response, bolstered by reinforcements and air support from Operation HADIN KAI, not only neutralised 34 terrorists but also led to the troops recovering weapons and ammunition and largely weakening the attackers’ capabilities.

Vice President Shettima lauded the soldiers’ heroism, saying, “Their sacrifices remind us of the extraordinary price of peace and security. These heroes died ensuring that their fellow Nigerians can live in safety, free from the scourge of insecurity that has impacted our country.”

He reassured the grieving families that their beloved children did not die in vain, noting that “their sacrifices will be forever remembered in our nation’s history, and their memory will continue to inspire future generations of Nigerians.

“To our armed forces, your unwavering commitment to protecting our citizens, even at the cost of your own lives, fills us with profound gratitude and respect. We will continue to support you and provide all necessary resources to ensure you can carry out your duties effectively,” the Vice President added.

He further urged Nigerians to honour the fallen heroes by standing firm in the collective pursuit of peace and security.

“May Allah grant our fallen heroes Aljannah Firdaus, comfort their families, and give us all the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” VP Shettima prayed.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Army yesterday expressed sadness over the demise of the six soldiers.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdullaziz Musa Yar’Adua who made the lamentation in a statement in Abuja, commiserated with the Nigerian Army and families of the fallen heroes over the unfortunate incident.

Yar’Adua said: “The Senate Committee on Army is deeply saddened on the loss of six brave soldiers who fought against ISWAP/Boko Haram in Sabon Gari, Damboa local government area of Borno state on January 4, 2025.

“On behalf of the Committee, I wish to extend our condolences to the Nigerian Army and the families of the fallen heroes.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the launch of two new account types targeted at Nigerians in the diaspora: the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account (NRNOA) and the Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account (NRNIA).

These accounts are designed to enhance diaspora participation in the Nigerian economy while offering secure and flexible financial management options.

The introduction of these accounts was detailed in a circular signed by Dr. W. J. Kanya, Acting Director of the Trade and Exchange Department. According to the circular, the NRNOA allows Non-Resident Nigerians (NRNs) to remit their foreign earnings to Nigeria and manage funds in both foreign and local currencies. On the other hand, the NRNIA provides NRNs the opportunity to invest in assets within Nigeria, using either foreign currency (FCY) or local currency (Naira).

Account holders can maintain both foreign currency and Naira accounts, facilitating diverse transactions and investments. The initiative promises significant benefits, including improved access for NRNs to Nigerian economic opportunities and increased diaspora contributions to the nation’s socio-economic development. Additionally, the NRNIA provides a pathway for diaspora participation in Nigeria’s Diaspora Bond and other locally issued debt instruments.

The accounts are set to be available from January 1, 2025, with eligibility subject to Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, details of which will be released in forthcoming Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

The CBN noted that this policy aligns with Memorandum 17 of the CBN Foreign Exchange Manual (2018).

The NRNOA enables NRNs to deposit foreign earnings such as salaries, dividends, and rental income into accounts held in freely convertible currencies specified by the CBN. Funds can also be converted to Naira at prevailing exchange rates through authorized dealers, allowing account holders to meet personal expenses in Nigeria, such as family maintenance, education, and healthcare.

Balances in FCY accounts under the NRNOA can be fully repatriated without restrictions, while interest earned on deposits will be subject to applicable Nigerian tax laws. The accounts also comply with global Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) standards, ensuring secure and transparent transactions.

The NRNIA focuses on investment opportunities, enabling NRNs to invest in both foreign and local currency assets. Account holders can explore financial markets and instruments, including foreign currency bonds, fixed deposits, equities, government securities, and mortgage products.

The NRNIA ensures ease of capital mobility, with investment principal and profits fully repatriable. Tax obligations will apply to investments, except for specific exemptions like government bonds. This account also aligns with international AML/CTF standards, ensuring secure investment transactions.

Eligibility criteria for the NRNIA include a valid or expired Nigerian passport with a foreign passport, or evidence of Nigerian citizenship through parentage. Proof of residency and source of income documentation, such as salary slips or business registration documents, are also required.

The CBN is leveraging digital platforms to simplify onboarding and KYC updates. Banks are encouraged to integrate with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) platform, enabling NRNs to acquire Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) for account opening.

Repatriation of FCY balances in the NRNOA and NRNIA are unrestricted, while Naira balances linked to prior foreign inflows and investment proceeds can also be repatriated. Local transfers within Nigeria are allowed only in Naira, and local deposits are prohibited except for traceable proceeds from approved local investments.

The CBN noted the integration of these accounts with Nigeria’s Diaspora Bond and financial markets. NRNs can use the NRNIA to participate in local and FCY-denominated financial instruments, furthering their investment diversification. The initiative also seeks to reduce reliance on third parties for managing local obligations, providing a secure and efficient alternative for NRNs.

The Executive Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, Usman Hamzat, has approved N20,000 monthly palliative for members of staff of the council from January 2025.

Mr Hamzat, while giving his remarks at the Thanksgiving and Staff Recognition Ceremony on Thursday at the council secretariat, thanked the workers for their support for remarkable achievements in the previous years.

According to him, several new initiatives are aimed at motivating members of staff and driving growth within the local government area.

He said, “A new staff bus will be officially presented to the staff to ease transportation challenges and reduce expenses. Also, each staff member will receive an additional ₦20,000 monthly as palliative support for the next three months, with the possibility of an extension. We are always emphasising our commitment to staff welfare and rewarding initiative as outlined in our H.E.E.D.S. agenda for a greater Ifako-Ijaiye.’’

The chairman also gave N5 million to the revenue team to further encourage and accelerate the growing revenue generation.

He added that the gesture is a fulfilment of his earlier promise to reward the team if the internally generated revenue improved by the end of 2024, a goal that was successfully achieved.

Mr Hamzat also recognised outstanding employees with cash rewards, washing machines, and other valuable items worth millions of naira.

The council boss, in particular, honoured four members of staff for their exceptional dedication and commitment by presenting each of them with a washing machine and a cash prize of ₦50,000.

The chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees, Ifako-Ijaiye branch, Folorunso David, thanked the council chairman for his visionary leadership style.

Mr David referred to him as a visionary leader who has transformed the governance framework of the local government and elevated Ifako-Ijaiye to greater heights among the local government areas in Nigeria.

“As we can see, additional cash incentives of ₦100,000 each were presented to the best cleaner, security personnel, and five other members of staff, including area officers from Iju and Ogba, in recognition of their outstanding performances on duty.

Mr David said, “We also conferred excellence awards on the council manager, Akeem Adesanya and other key officials in appreciation of their staff-friendly policies and unwavering support throughout 2024.”

While delivering his speech, Mr Adesanya described Ifako-Ijaiye as a leading local government in Lagos State and a benchmark for excellence in the country.

Reflecting on past years, the council manager noted that staff initially resisted being posted to Ifako-Ijaiye due to its challenges.

“However, the narrative has changed significantly, as employees now compete to be posted here, inspired by the remarkable achievements spearheaded by the executive chairman, Usman Akanbi Hamzat.

“We attribute this transformation to the chairman’s unwavering commitment to staff welfare, which has fostered a productive and motivated workforce, ultimately driving the local government to unprecedented success,” Mr Adesanya said.

Laide Taiwo (procurement department), Tolani Kabiru (vice chairman’s office), Odedeyi Yusuf (HRO’s office), and Ilori Hakeem (Ogba area office) were beneficiaries of washing machines and N50,000 cash grants.

Additional cash incentives of ₦100,000 were presented to the best cleaner, best security personnel, and five other staff members, including area officers from Iju and Ogba, in recognition of their outstanding performance in fulfilling their duties.

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has sworn in five new permanent secretaries into the civil service.

Mr Yahaya, who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony in Gombe on Thursday, said his administration was committed to enhancing service delivery and strengthening good governance through sustained civil service reforms.

He described the appointment of the permanent secretaries as well deserved, adding that their elevation was a testament to their qualifications, dedication, loyalty and commitment to the progress of the state.

According to Mr Yahaya, the role of permanent secretaries is pivotal in ensuring continuity and efficiency of governance; hence, the need for them to adhere to their responsibilities to move the state forward.

“Permanent secretaries form the backbone of the civil service. You are the administrative engine that drives the effective implementation of government policies and programmes. As you assume this important office, I wish to remind you of the immense responsibilities that come with it. You are entrusted with the sacred duty of serving the people of Gombe State with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Your decisions will directly impact the lives of our citizens, and I am confident that you will carry out your roles with the highest ethical standards and an unwavering sense of duty,” he said.

Mr Yahaya urged civil servants to be dedicated and productive, stressing that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, incompetence and wastefulness.

“Your service to the state must match the goodwill our administration has shown as we continue to strive for excellence in governance and service delivery,” he said.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ibrahim Njodi, stated that the appointment of the new permanent secretaries was a testament to the governor’s penchant for recognising hard work and commitment to service.

The newly appointed permanent secretaries are Muazu Usman, Mohammed Abubakar, Mohammed Yusuf, Ahmed Guli and Alhassan Ibrahim.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in permanent secretaries, Mr Usman expressed gratitude to Mr Yahaya for finding them worthy to serve the state.

Mr Usman promised that they would be committed, loyal, selfless, transparent and accountable in the discharge of their duties.

The Christ Mitots School in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has suspended a 45-year-old teacher, Stella Nwadigo, seen in a video abusing a three-year-old pupil for his inability to write numbers.

The school confirmed the suspension in a statement by its management on Thursday.

A two-minute video which went viral on Wednesday had shown the teacher slapping the toddler for not learning number writing fast.

The video attracted public condemnation leading to the teacher’s arrest.

In the statement, the school condemned the teacher’s action, describing it as unacceptable.

“We are aware of a deeply troubling incident involving a teacher engaging in physical discipline of a student in a manner that is completely unacceptable. As an institution that is deeply committed to fostering a culture of respect, care and dignity, we are horrified by this incident and wish to make it clear that such actions will not be tolerated. In response, the teacher involved has been suspended indefinitely, while a thorough investigation is being conducted,” it said.

The school said that its immediate and decisive action reflected its zero-tolerance for misconduct and its obligation to safeguard every child under its care.

It stated, “As such, we have an open door policy to provide students, parents and guardians with a safe space to voice any concerns without fear.”

The school said that it had apologised to the pupil and his family.

It added, “We have reached out to them to express our regret. We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we work to address this matter responsibly and comprehensively. We will be organising mandatory training sessions for teachers to reinforce child protection protocols, emphasise positive disciplinary practices, and cultivate greater sensitivity in interactions with students.”

According to the school, it has also introduced a whistle-blowing system to encourage prompt reporting of inappropriate behaviour.

The China Development Bank has announced the approval of a $254.76m (€245m) loan to support the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria.

According to information released on its website on Tuesday, the financial backing is expected to ensure the seamless continuation of the construction work.

It said on its website, “China Development Bank released on Tuesday that the bank has recently granted a loan of 245m euros ($254.76m) to the Kano-Kaduna railway project in Nigeria, providing financial support for the smooth progress of the project.”

The railway, a standard-gauge line stretching 203 kilometres, will link Kano, a key commercial city in northern Nigeria, to the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Once operational, it will provide residents with a safer and more efficient mode of transport, improving regional connectivity.

In addition to easing transportation, the project is expected to spur economic growth by fostering the development of industries along its corridor.

It is also set to create numerous employment opportunities during its construction and subsequent operations.

The Kano-Kaduna railway has been listed as a practical cooperation project under the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

The project is being executed by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and financed by the CDB.
According to the bank, construction is progressing well. The CDB reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government to ensure the disbursement of funds and effective management of the next phases of the project.

The China Exim Bank, who was to be the funder of this project, backed off, with Nigeria announcing the CDB as the new financier.

The CDB noted, “Going forward, it will closely coordinate with Nigerian partners to ensure the smooth disbursement of subsequent loans and effective post-loan management.”

Last year, President Bola Tinubu assured that the Ibadan-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano railway project would be completed to satisfaction.

The Federal Government hopes that the ongoing construction of the Kaduna to Kano rail line will be completed before the end of this year.

About N44.4bn has been budgeted this year for the completion of the Abuja-Kaduna Railway project, Lagos-Ibadan railway, and other railway projects across the country.

The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, is scheduled to arrive in Abuja on Wednesday for an official visit.

During the visit, Yi, who is a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, will engage in discussions aimed at strengthening ties between Nigeria and China.