Nigeria to strenghten defence ties with Germany

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana has said that with the new circle of projects by the German Technical Advisory Group (GTAG), the Defence relationship between Nigeria and Germany will be strengthened. The Permanent Secretary stated this when he met with a high-level delegation from the German Technological Advisory Group, led by Mr. Marcus Ohm in Ship House, Abuja. He said: “ I am happy for accepting the new project circle and I promise we are going to sustain it.” Dr. Kana highlighted Nigeria government’s efforts since the last time the group visited the project. He said Nigeria government has developed a framework and the Defence Headquarters has been mandated to bring up projects within the framework for proper coordination, planning and execution. He emphasized the importance of modernizing the Nigerian Armed Forces through, enhanced security intelligence sharing, equipment upgrades and capacity building as well as the need for Nigerian personnel involvement in the project planning and execution for the purpose of sustainability. Mr. Ohm expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s progress, stating: “The project is going in the right direction.” He therefore pledged Germany’s commitment to delivering successful projects. The meeting highlighted the mutual benefits of cooperation, with both nations committed to transparency, dedication and enhanced collaboration.

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Edo: Okpebholo appoints Gani Audu as Chief of Staff

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect. In an official communication signed by the Secretary to State Government, Musa Umar Ikhilor, Audu’s appointment will help Governor Okpebholo in driving meaningful reforms in the State. “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly the good people of Edo State, that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Hon. Gani Audu as his Chief of Staff. The appointment takes immediate effect,” the official communication signed by the Secretary to State Government read. Hon. Audu, born 18th August 1969, obtained an HND from Auchi Polytechnic in 1994, a PGD in Business Administration from Benson Idahosa University in 2011 and an M.Sc in Intelligence and Global Security from Baze University, Abuja in 2024. Hon. Audu was an elected Chairman of Etsako West Local Government Council from 2004 to 2010. He was elected member Edo State House of Assembly (Etsako West Constituency 1) from 2015 to 2023. Hon. Audu was the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2020 Edo State Governorship elections.

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Pensioners demand payment of accrued rights

Concerned by the deteriorating conditions of NUP/CPS Retirees in Nigeria, Stakeholders have pleaded with the Federal Government to release funds for the payment of accrued rights portion of retirees’ pension benefits. The Stakeholders, majorly Pensioners from Federal and Lagos State governments, under NUP/CPS Lagos State Chapter and Lagos Sector stated this in a communique issued in Lagos on Tuesday. The Group accused the Accountant General of the Federation, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein for the refusal to release funds for payment of accrued rights as appropriated by the National Assembly in 2023 and 2024 Budgets. The Stakeholders also claimed Federal government is yet to pay outstanding accrued rights, arising from Pension increment of 2007, 2010 and consequential adjustment of 2019, which includes 20% – 28% increase of 2024 as well as the approved N32,000.00 pension increase across board, arising from the current minimum wage of N70,000.00. The Stateholders also demand the implementation of three months palliatives to Pensioners by the Federal Government. “Denial of Pensioners of the National Health Insurance Scheme NHIS,and that the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, from inception in 2004,is a disaster, a one-chance Agenda, in which Nigerian workers wereblindfolded to accept. “The Stakeholders condemned in strong terms, the withholding ofpension money of CPS Retirees by African Alliance Insurance, AAI asthey have resorted to eating crumbs on the table. “To avert a nation-wide protest, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is urged to take Executive action by directing release of funds for payment of outstanding accrued rights and pension increment to CPS Retirees in nodistant time. “Taking into account, the Pension Reform Act of 2004 and 2014, theStakeholders demand fairness and equity from PENCOM for all CPSRetirees and call for a review of the Pension Reform Act.” They commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu forapproving the payment of accrued interest for CPS Retirees in the stateand urged him to actualize it to enable them enjoy the yuletide period.

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Alleged N101.4bn fraud: Court orders service of hearing notice on Yahaya Bello

Justice Maryanne Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, has directed that a hearing notice be served on Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, at his residence and on the court’s notice board. This follows his repeated failure to appear in court for arraignment on charges of fraud involving N101.4 billion. In a ruling on Thursday, November 14, 2024, Justice Anenih instructed that the hearing notice be pasted at Bello’s residence at No. 9 Benghazi Street, Wuse Zone 4, Abuja, and displayed on the court’s notice board. The court issued this order as the public summons requiring Bello’s appearance is set to expire on November 17, 2024, allowing him a few remaining days to comply. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC requested an adjournment to allow Bello more time to respond to the public summons, which provides a 30-day period for his appearance. According to the counsel to the EFCC,  Jamiu Agoro, the option of issuing a warrant of arrest is premature as the 30-day compliance period has not yet expired. Justice Anenih thereafter granted the EFCC’s request for an adjournment, setting November 27, 2024, as the new date for Bello to appear in court for arraignment. Recall that the court had previously issued a public summons on October 3, 2024, after Bello failed to attend prior hearings related to the new 16-count charges filed against him by the EFCC. The charges include allegations of fraud amounting to N101.4 billion.

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Emefiele’s CBN new Naira notes different from President’s approval, Witness tells Court

The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor Godwin Emefiele continued on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court in Maitama, with a  fifth prosecution witness, Kingsley Obiora, former CBN Deputy Governor in charge of policy, disclosing that the new naira notes printed and released into circulation under Emefiele’s leadership did not match the President’s approval.

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2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Eight commences

The 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Eight will commence in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Thursday, November 14, 2024.Eight clubs have been drawn into two groups and matches will commence from 10:00am.All matches will be decided at the picturesque Basketball Stadium, 53 Niger Street, Old Port Harcourt township.The venue is the home ground of the reigning Basketball champions in Nigeria, Rivers Hoopers Basketball club of Port Harcourt.Meanwhile, Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green who fielded questions from journalists at a world press conference in Port Harcourt promised that the State is set to put up a show and host the best ever finals of the competition.“We hosted the final eight competition last year and it was described by many as the best and we intend to raise the bar a notch higher,” Barr. Green said.“Rivers State is a home of hospitality and excellence. Like the former Minister of Sports in Nigeria, Sam Enoh once said, Port Harcourt and indeed Rivers State has fast become a hub of Sports in the country. “We welcome all participating clubs and visitors to Port Harcourt. They are assured of the traditional Rivers hospitality and may the best team win,” he concluded.Fixtures for day one (Thursday, November 14, 2024)Gboko City Chiefs vs Police Baton (10:00am)Niles University vs Kwara Falcons (12:00pm)Hoops and Read vs Kano Pillars (2:00pm)Rivers Hoopers vs Gombe Bulls (4:00pm)All games to be decided at the BasketBall Stadium, 53 Niger Street, Old Port Harcourt township._At a glance: 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League Final Eight in Port Harcourt Rivers State*There are two groups of four teams each.These are the groupsGroup AGboko City Chiefs Police BatonHoops and Read Kano Pillars Group BRivers Hoopers  Gombe BullsNiles University Kwara Falcons

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Edo Guber: Tinubu congratulates Okpebholo on inauguration

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State. In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure. Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki. Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress. He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state. The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance. Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure. Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024. The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.

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