Category: News

Abdulrazaq is an outstanding achiever, First Lady Tinubu says amid new project flag-offs

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is an outstanding leader and amazing achiever who has done exceptionally well for his people, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu remarked on Wednesday as her visit to the state capital entered the second day.

Joined by the wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman, his wife Amb. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and several other first ladies from across the country, the day began with the First Lady flagging off the distribution of 10,000 professional kits to midwives in the North Central region.

Next to that was her launching of the General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover in Ilorin — a gesture the widow of the no-nonsense late general Cecilia Idiagbon said was memorable and reflective of Governor Abdulrazaq’s respect for history.

Senator Tinubu later visited the Innovation Hub, a facility that is designed to be Kwara’s version of the Silicon Valley to raise generations of techies and build skills that resolve local developmental challenges.

“I am so, so glad with what I have seen. This is truly amazing, and I am going back home to tell the President what I have seen. You (Governor) are a man truly in love with your people. You have really done so well,” she said as the Managing Director of the Hub Temi Kolawole took her through the mandate of the multibilion naira facility while the Governor and his wife sat next to her.

The sight of the facility triggered a brief conversation around her setting up a “Dream Centre”, which she said is an idea she hopes would give talented underprivileged children a platform to shine and rule their world.

“What I have seen here is borne out of a clear dream about where the Governor wants his people to be. This dream is coming alive…. We can stay here forever. You have enough projects to showcase, and I am indeedvery proud of you,” the Senator said.

Her motorcade then headed to the site of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, the foundation stone of which she unveiled.

Designed to be a multi-storey building, the hospital is rising from the ashes of the old civil service clinic in the GRA and is meant to offer premium healthcare services for the people of the state and beyond, according to the Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Ahmed el-Imam.

The First Lady then officially opened the Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover in downtown Ilorin — named after the revered Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Chiefs.

The General Tunde Idiagbon Flyover is 562m long, while the Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover stretches across 457.4 metres — both of them adding to the road networks which reduce travel time and the aesthetics of the capital city.

Senator Tinubu immediately proceeded to the Sugar Factory Film Studio, another legacy project of the Abdulrazaq administration, wrapping up the day’s activities.

Speaking at the distribution of professional kits for midwives, Senator Tinubu commended the Governor and his wife for the top-quality hospitality accorded her and her entourage.

“This is the standard we want to see in other states. This is truly amazing. Everything we have seen is of very good quality. Despite the short notice, the hospitality is amazing, and I want other First Ladies to copy this as a template,” she said.

Speaking on the kits presented to midwives, she said: “This is to complement the ongoing federal

government’s retraining exercise of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide. I am informed that the 54,346,000 health workers have already completed their training, and that is why the Renewed Hope Initiatives (RHI) procured 60,000 branded scrubs and 60,000 crocs as incentives to encourage and support the tireless dedication of our midwives,” she said.

“All the six geopolitical zones will be receiving 10,000 crocs and 10,000 scrubs to be shared among the states in the region. We will be visiting other states for the allocation of these items.

“Tomorrow by the grace of God, I will be launching the free to shine and triple elimination campaigns of HIV, Hepatitis and Syphilis also here in Kwara state.”

Governor Abdulrazaq commended the First Lady for the humanitarian gestures, saying: “The kits will not only ensure that our health workers are well-equipped to perform their duties but also send a strong message of solidarity and hope to those who are devoted to protecting the health of our mothers and children.

“These dedicated men and women deserve our full support, and this gesture by Her Excellency is a clear reflection of the commitment to their welfare and safety.”

Mrs AbdulRazaq, in her remarks, said the initiative by the First Lady exemplifies her commitment to the welfare and professionalism of midwives across the nation, and praised her for her service to humanity.

“We are confident that these kits will significantly enhance the quality of maternal and child healthcare services in our zone,” she said.

Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako said midwives play vital roles in preventing maternal and perinatal death, and are most times the only skilled health professionals available in communities.

He described the event as a significant step to strengthen the capacity of midwives and advance the goals of sustainable development.

Executive Director National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) Dr Muyi Aina, who highlighted some of the achievements of the agency, said the professional kits will strengthen the work of the midwives.

He applauded the First Lady’s strong support for maternal health.

All the events were attended by dignitaries from across the state and beyond, including Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi and his wife Abieyuwa; federal and state parliamentarians such as Speaker Yakubu Danladi Salihu, Senator Sadiq Umar, Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya; cabinet members; heads of government agencies and parastatals; party leaders; clerics; and community leaders.

January 30, 2025
Center decries corruption allegations against Nigerian lawmakers, demands probe

The Center for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity (CFTPI) is alarmed by corruption allegations involving members of the National Assembly, particularly the claims that some legislators demanded bribes from Vice-Chancellors of universities in exchange for budget approvals.

“These allegations, if proven true, represent a gross abuse of power, a betrayal of public trust, and a blatant violation of the oversight functions enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution,” according to a statement by Victor Agi, Head, Public Relations at CFTPI.

The Center condemns the alleged practices in the strongest terms, saying such actions, which are not only unethical but also inimical to national development, undermine the integrity of public institutions, perpetuate systemic corruption, and deprive Nigerians of quality education and infrastructure.

“We call for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the serious allegations to ensure that those found culpable are held accountable. The National Assembly, as the people’s representatives, is constitutionally mandated to perform supervision that guarantees fiscal discipline and accountability.

“When office holders exploit responsibilities for personal gain, they betray public trust and erode the foundation of democracy and governance. This latest development reflects a recurring pattern of abuse of power, as seen in previous scandals involving federal lawmakers. A history of legislative corruption further illustrates this trend,” said Agi.

The CFTPI spokesperson recalled when the former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, in 2016, exposed how the House of Representatives leadership allegedly padded the national budget with over ₦250 billion worth of projects, and said Jibrin’s suspension, instead of an investigation, illustrated the entrenched resistance to transparency.

“Reports of legislators requesting bribes from heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in exchange for favorable evaluations or budget approvals are rampant. This corrupt practice weakens governance institutions and compromises service delivery to Nigerians. Some lawmakers have manipulated the budget and inserted projects awarded to associates or shell companies, ignoring essential infrastructure.

“Constituency projects have been characterized by inflated costs, substandard execution, or non-execution; misappropriation has robbed citizens of the benefits meant for their communities. Despite the efforts of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) through its Constituency and Executive Project Tracking initiatives, frivolous constituency projects are found in budgets.

“Furthermore, the National Assembly’s use of probe panels to investigate corruption has itself become a conduit for further corrupt practices. Over the years, a litany of grand corruption-related probes has been set up since 1999, only for most to be abandoned for unjustified reasons, raising questions about the true intentions behind such inquiries.

“Inquiries often become avenues for political bargaining, cover-ups, or selective justice. The Center’s Probes Monitor portal provides comprehensive documentation of abandoned investigations, underscoring the urgent need for a functional and independent legislative oversight mechanism that prioritizes genuine accountability over vested interests,” CFTPI adds.

The organization demands urgent reforms, including independent investigations and prosecutions by relevant anti-corruption agencies. “Strengthening institutional oversight is critical, and the executive, the judiciary, civil society groups and the media must play a more active role in ensuring that the National Assembly operates with transparency and integrity.”

Stressing that the legislature is not above the law and must be held to the highest standards of accountability, the Center, led by Dr. Umar Yakubu, calls for the resubmission of the Whistleblower Protection Bill and encourages Nigerians to rise against legislative corruption by continually pushing for accountability from their representatives.

“Past attempts to expose corruption in the National Assembly have been met with intimidation and victimization. Therefore, whistleblowers must be protected and incentivized to expose corruption without fear of retaliation. Constituents should monitor the activities of lawmakers, engage in public discourse, and reject leaders who abuse their positions,” the statement adds.

January 30, 2025
We have cleared Umuahia forests of criminal elements — Hunters

The leader of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Services (NHFSS), in Abia State, Sunday Chukwudiegwu Mmeribe, has said that his members have cleared forests in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, of criminal elements.

Mmeribe, who spoke on his team’s operations, said his members relied on tip-offs from local farmers in ar resting drug dealers and other criminal elements hiding in forests in the state, adding that his members’ efforts contributed to the improved security witnessed in Umuahia.

He further said that they usually obtained valuable information from traditional rulers and also collaborat ed with security agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to him, “Since 2016, the forest guards have been arresting kidnappers, child trafficking syndi cates, and other criminal elements, promptly handing the suspects over to the appropriate security agencies within 24 hours.”

He also disclosed that the Ikpa forest, located between Ubaha and Umuezeoma in the Oriendu Ancient Kingdom in Umuahia North LGA, has been significantly sanitized of criminals, pointing out that farmers, particularly women, were harassed or assaulted in the past by criminals, which scared villagers from going to their farms.

Mmeribe, who praised Governor Alex Otti’s efforts in tackling criminal activities in forests and other localities in Abia, appealed to his administra tion for functional vehicles and other resources to enhance their operations, lamenting the lack of support.

January 30, 2025
Abia govt, traders endorse NAFDAC’s fight against fake products

Abia State government has promised to collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in eradicating fake and expired products in Eziukwu road market in Aba, popularly known as the Cemetery market.

The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Kingsley Nwokocha, made this known at the Eziukwu market where he warned the traders on the implications of fake products and re-dating of expired products in the market.

The commissioner identified fake products as a big menace to society and a danger to people’s health.

Also, the Mayor of Aba South LGA, Obialor Anyanwu, who was represented by the secretary to the local government, Mr Gideon Aduka, expressed worry at the activities of some traders who produce fake products or re-write the dates of already expired products in Eziukwu market.

He thanked NAFDAC for the war against unwholesome activities in the market.

In his speech, the interim chairman of Eziukwu market, Alphonsus Udeigbo informed the commissioner that a five-man committee had been set up by his leadership to fight against fake, expired, and re-dated products and the perpetrators.

Udeigbo equally thanked NAFDAC and the Abia State government for interventions in the market.

The South East zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr Martins Iluyomade, who led the raid, said that many people usually travel overseas to treat terminal diseases, some of which could be traced to what they consumed.

During the operation, shops in some sections of the market were sealed by NAFDAC for allegedly being used to produce fake products and re-dating expired ones.

Also, fake and expired products were confiscated and destroyed by the Food and Drug Regulatory Agency.

January 30, 2025
Following African Success, ThetaRay expands its Cognitive AI Financial Crime Tech in US

Building on its success in Africa and other international markets, ThetaRay, a global leader in Cognitive AI Financial Crime Compliance, is expanding its footprint in North America, partnering with IDB Bank, a New York-based private and commercial bank, to implement its advanced Transaction Monitoring solution.

This collaboration signifies a major move by IDB Bank to strengthen its regulatory compliance and financial integrity while ensuring secure and efficient service for its clients, following ThetaRay’s proven ability to enhance financial security in diverse global markets.

The partnership will see IDB Bank integrate ThetaRay’s innovative technology to enhance its ability to detect and combat financial crimes. ThetaRay’s Cognitive AI solution is designed to distinguish between legitimate transactions and those of bad actors, thereby allowing financial institutions to effectively serve their customers while intercepting illicit activities. This technology is especially important in today’s complex financial landscape, where threats from drug and human trafficking, terror financing, and other illicit activities continue to evolve.

Peter Reynolds, CEO of ThetaRay, who has been leading the charge in the AI and financial compliance space, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to add IDB Bank in New York to the fast-growing list of global banks using our solution”. He also noted that “The US is a key market we are growing in and we see the clear need for financial institutions to continue focusing on their ability to detect financial crime”.

Reynolds also added that their “Cognitive AI solution, a first of its kind, distinguishes between the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’, the legitimate business and honest customers looking to make safe transactions, and the bad actors of this world” and that “ThetaRay provides solutions that empower our clients effectively

serving both new and existing customers”.

Ziv Biron, President & CEO of IDB Bank, also commented on the strategic importance of this partnership. He stated, “We are confident that our partnership with ThetaRay will strategically enhance our operational fortitude and core competencies to serve our clients in an increasingly nuanced financial services environment,”.

ThetaRay’s technology aims to overcome the limitations of traditional rule-based systems by offering solutions that shorten implementation lifecycles and enable more efficient, risk-aware compliance operations. By identifying hidden criminal networks and delivering actionable insights, ThetaRay empowers organizations to address evolving threats effectively, maintain positive relationships with regulators, and improve customer experiences. In regions like Africa, where financial transactions are often delayed by complex compliance requirements, and where many institutions struggle with outdated systems, ThetaRay’s AI-powered solutions help to streamline processes and strengthen security measures.

Erel Margalit, Chairman of ThetaRay and founder of JVP, emphasized the importance of AI in coping with the sophistication of financial crimes. He noted, “AI is becoming the way forward to cope with the sophistication of drug and human trafficking, terror financing, cross-border payments, and correspondent banking”. He also said, “AI also serves as the enabler for productive corridors of trade and finance, facilitating international financial transactions in a secure and efficient manner,” and that he is “delighted to have our partners at IDB engage ThetaRay as they move forward in their continuous fight against financial crime,”.

The company’s GenAI Financial Crime Detection Suite, developed in partnership with Microsoft, further enhances risk assessment, operational efficiency, and anti-money laundering (AML) reporting capabilities. For example, MFS Africa, the largest digital payments hub in Africa, has implemented ThetaRay’s SONAR SaaS solution, which includes AI-powered AML transaction monitoring and sanctions list screening.

Additionally, Clicksendnow, a market-challenger in African remittance payments, also uses ThetaRay’s SONAR platform for automated transaction monitoring and sanction screening. Other African clients include Nigerian fintech Arca and South Africa’s Apollo Fintech.

ThetaRay’s solution has also been implemented in other leading international banks in Europe, South America, and Africa.

January 29, 2025
PDP crisis: Thugs clash over at Bo Anyanwu, Ude-OkoyeT meeting

ABUJA: A fight broke out between thugs loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and those loyal to his challenger, Hon. Sunday Udo-Okoye, after the latter was forced out of the PDP National Executive Committee (NEC) Hall venue of the 79th Board of Trustees meeting.

Trouble started when Anyanwu’s loyalists who were already seated in the hall, drew the Ahmed Makarfi-led BoT Secretariat to Udo-Okoye’s presence.

They insisted that Udo-Okoye should leave because he was not a member of the board.

To demonstrate their seriousness, one
of Anyanwu’s aides, Emmanuel Okoronkwo took it upon himself to physically remove Udo-Okoye after manhandling him and pushing him out of the hall.

Outnumbered, Ude-Okoye who was at this time outside the hall, beckoned on his supporters who were lurking outside. Some of them scaled the Secretariat fence to force their principal back into the hall but they were prevented from doing by the armed security operatives.

The operatives were however able to temporarily contain the situation and the 79th BoT meeting went ahead.

Earlier, Anyanwu who was the first to arrive took his seat on the high table alongside the BoT Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara and Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Umar Damagun.

His rival, Udo-Okoye who was dressed in a blue national attire with a red cap; walked into the hall at exactly 12:02 pm and also took a seat at the extreme end of the high table. He sat through the opening ceremony.

The BoT Chairman, Senator Wabara, addressed the gathering where he implored all to set aside personal interests to rebuild the party in the interest of Nigerians.

Speaking in a similar vein, Damagum in his address of welcome accused party leaders of fueling the crisis in the party.

He called on everyone to conduct a soul search and make sacrifices for the party’s survival.

As at the time of filing this report (1:35pm), three Army pick up trucks had arrived at the Secretariat and are packed meters away from the venue of the meeting. The BoT meeting is still ongoing.

…Details later

January 29, 2025
‘Good news, Tech experts welcome China’s DeepSeek AI rivaling ChatGPT

China-based DeepSeek artificial intelligence (AI) model has shaken the sector by offering high performance apparently at a fraction of the cost of those developed by US giants, with many experts saying the release also hints at opportunity for investment minnow Europe.

DeepSeek’s large language model (LLM) is “making a mockery of the (idea that) we need a trillion dollars to train the next level of AGI”, or artificial general intelligence, said Neil Lawrence, machine learning professor at Britain’s University of Cambridge.

He was referring to the US announcement last week of a pharaonic “Stargate” programme to build $500 billion worth of AI infrastructure, a plan led by ChatGPT creator OpenAI.

Largely destined to be pumped into data centres packed with the latest AI chips, the scale of the sums underscored that almost no European firm can access the resources to compete at the cutting edge.

But DeepSeek’s claim that it succeeded in producing a model with similar capabilities to OpenAI’s for just $5.6 million has upended those certainties.

The technology promised “models that are more efficient and less hungry for GPUs [graphic processing units], for energy and for cash,” Laurent Daudet, chief executive of French generative AI company LightOn, told AFP.

“It’s interesting for Europe to see that we don’t need a Stargate project to do something interesting… to innovate, you don’t need $500 billion,” he said.

The shock has battered AI-related tech stocks in recent days, including key chipmaker Nvidia.

“It shows that competition is very, very strong and that there’ll be a price war too,” said Nicolas Gaudemet, AI chief at the consulting firm Onepoint.

“An additional provider will bring prices down,” he predicted.

– Open source –

Cambridge professor Lawrence said it was a “tragedy” that DeepSeek had not emerged from Europe’s deep reserves of AI talent in both academia and business.

But he added that DeepSeek’s “small change in the recipe” was just “a glimpse of the innovation” ahead.

“It is very encouraging for Europe… there will be more than one DeepSeek,” he said.

Lawrence singled out for praise DeepSeek’s open-source methodology, under which the developers exposed the guts of their project to the wider AI community, which can then build further on it.

That was good news for European contenders such as France’s Mistral, Gaudemet said.

“They can reuse (DeepSeek’s models) to train up theirs and stay in the race,” he said, though “they’ll have to be very good, because the competition isn’t just between the US and Europe — China is showing that it’s capable”.

Jonas Andrulis, CEO of German AI firm Aleph Alpha, told AFP his company was already offering DeepSeek’s capabilities to clients.

But he added that he had long expected such models to “become a commodity”.

“We have to drive meaningful innovation beyond ‘Hey, those guys also did an LLM’,” Andrulis said.

– ‘Card to play’ –

Cheaper AI could mean more tools adapted for local markets and individual businesses rather than a massively resourced and centralised model.

“There is a future for more frugal models that can perform just as well, especially for business needs,” LightOn’s Daudet said.

He described his company’s role as building the “chassis” of a usable vehicle around the “motor” of an AI model — “how a business can use it in a totally secure, personalisable way, with all the guarantees they want”.

“There’s obviously a card to be played for (European) companies, which is security, the aspect of ‘your data will stay in Europe’ and be handled by people whose interests are… in Europe,” Onepoint’s Gaudemet said.

“A lot of countries in the world that are not the US or China feel a little bit uneasy to accept full-on dependencies to one of those two power blocs,” said Andrulis.

“This is a valid strategy to basically be the collaborative, fair, open third way that’s not trying to strong-arm you in one way or the other.”

Europe has “some of the strongest researchers in the world and bottom-up, we understand where those strengths are”, Lawrence said.

“We don’t need massive amounts of investment, but we do need people who are listening to people in their own countries and their own continent… not having their heads turned by whatever (OpenAI chief) Sam Altman’s latest narrative is,” he added.

‘Good news’: Dutch chip giant ASML welcomes DeepSeek

The head of Dutch giant ASML, which makes chip-making machines that power the tech industry, Wednesday welcomed the emergence of China’s low-cost AI firm DeepSeek and predicted others would disrupt the sector.

The arrival of DeepSeek and its AI chatbot developed at a fraction of the cost of Western competitors has upended the tech world and wiped billions off share prices.

But ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said that DeepSeek addressed two problems faced by the AI industry — it was too expensive and too energy-hungry.

“If you ask me, for us, anyone that lowers cost is in fact good news for ASML,” Fouquet told reporters as he presented the firm’s 2024 results.

“Because lower cost means AI can be used in more applications. More applications means more chips. And we are in the business of providing equipment to people to make chips,” he said.

Given the potential size of the AI market, Fouquet said more upstarts would likely explode onto the scene in coming months.

Asked about DeepSeek as the “elephant in the room”, Fouquet quipped: “You should expect to see a few elephants in the room in the next few months or few years.”

“And I think the competition, especially when it comes to software… will be very high.”

– ‘Very bullish’ –

Fouquet hailed a “record year” for ASML in 2024 terms of sales, which came in at 28.3 billion euros ($29.5 billion).

Investors cheered a strong final quarter in terms of net bookings that were almost double market expectations at 7.1 billion euros.

Shares in ASML, which had suffered from a DeepSeek-inspired rout like the rest of the tech sector, rebounded strongly, up around 10 percent.

Despite a dip in after-tax profits to 7.6 billion euros, compared to 7.8 billion euros for 2023, Fouquet said the firm was “very bullish” for the future.

“If I summarize a bit the future, it’s bright… I think, if anything, AI has strengthened the opportunity for this business,” he said.

Nevertheless, he admitted that while some of ASML’s customers were seizing the opportunities presented by AI, others were lagging behind, making the outlook uneven.

“The opportunity that AI represents for the entire economy, for the entirety of humanity, is huge. And we are just at the beginning of that,” he said.

ASML left its annual sales forecast for 2025 of between 30-35 billion euros unchanged since its last guidance in October.

Longer-term sale guidance was also unchanged at between 44-60 billion euros for 2030 as ASML pins its hopes on AI

January 29, 2025
Oba of Benin pledges support to PANDEF, sparks new hope for Niger Delta unity

The recent visit of the National Working Committee of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) to the Oba of Benin’s palace has brought a renewed sense of optimism for the region’s future.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, welcomed the PANDEF leadership with open arms, offering his full support and vowing to collaborate closely with the group to advance the region’s interests.

During the visit, the Oba highlighted the pivotal role played by Ambassador Godknows Igali, a prominent figure within PANDEF, describing him as “a brilliant and intelligent man.” His Royal Majesty fondly recalled Ambassador Igali’s efforts years ago to raise international awareness about the return of Benin’s stolen artifacts, acknowledging the ambassador’s instrumental role in bringing attention to the issue at a foreign exhibition.

In his remarks to the Oba, Ambassador Igali reflected on the historical significance of the Benin throne and its deep connection to the peoples of the Niger Delta. He emphasized the region’s shared heritage, noting that the unity of the Niger Delta, formed through inter-ethnic marriages over centuries, has been a cornerstone of the region’s progress. He specifically mentioned how this unity facilitated the rise of Senator Joseph Wayas as Senate President in the past.

Igali also underscored the importance of the royal blessing from the Oba for PANDEF’s new executive committee, which, he believes, will help guide the region toward continued success and progress. The PANDEF chairman called for collective action in ensuring the prosperity of the Niger Delta, while stressing the need to keep the region united in the face of ongoing challenges.

The PANDEF delegation, which included key figures such as the Deputy National Chairman Hon. Bassey Ekefre, National Secretary Chief Engr. Reynolds Dagogo-Jack, and National Treasurer Mrs. Ifeoma Agboma, was warmly received by the Oba and other Edo State leaders. The visit also demonstrated the high regard the Oba holds for the entire Niger Delta, as he expressed his unwavering commitment to the region’s welfare.

As part of their visit, PANDEF also attended the funeral service for the late General Godwin Abbe, a former military governor of Rivers and Akwa Ibom states and the pioneer chairman of Nigeria’s presidential amnesty program.

The PANDEF committee concluded their visit with well-wishes for the success of the Benin Royal Museum and a peaceful reign for Oba Ewuare II.

Statement from PANDEF Spokesman, Olorogun Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini said: “On behalf of the entire PANDEF leadership and the people of the Niger Delta, I express our deepest gratitude to His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, for his warm reception and unwavering support during our visit to his palace. His commitment to the unity and progress of the Niger Delta has inspired hope in all of us. We look forward to working together to address the challenges facing our people, and we are optimistic that with the blessing of such a revered monarch, our efforts will bear fruit. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the late General Godwin Abbe, whose contributions to the region and the nation will forever be remembered.”

January 29, 2025
One dead, 4 rescued, others trapped as 2-storey building collapses in Lekki

A building collapsed in Lagos yesterday, leaving one person dead, four rescued, while others are trapped beneath the rubbles.

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The building, located at Ikota, Lekki area of Lagos State, was a two-storey affair still under construction.

Men of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA; Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, among other rescue teams, are still at the scene to rescue trapped victims.

At press time, only one causality could be confirmed in the unfortunate incident.

The four rescued victims, with varying degrees of injuries, were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, the cause of the incident had not be ascertained at press time.

The building collpase, according to an eyewitness, occurred at about 4 p.m.

Upon receipt of a distress call, the State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, directed immediate deployment of disaster management, rescue and recovery operation team ro the scene.

The team, led by the Eti-Osa Divisional Officer, Chief Superintendent of Corps David Oyende, synergised with other emergency first responders’ teams to commence search, rescue, recovery and evacuation

“The Command’s personnel at the scene have confirmed the successful rescue of four persons alive.

“Rescue operation is still ongoing,” Keshinro confirmed.

Below are more images from the scene:

January 29, 2025
Gov Lawal inspects seized arms cache, lauds DSS

Zamfara State Governor, Alhaji Dauda Lawal on Tuesday night commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for sharing intelligence with the Nigerian Armed Forces which led to the seizure of a large cache of arms and ammunitions couriered from Niger Republic.

The Governor’s commendation came after he inspected the seized cache of arms and ammunitions

in Gusau, the State Capital.

Governor Lawal thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for greatly supporting the DSS and military to make Zamfara State and all of Nigeria safer. He assured that his government would continue to support the Security Agencies in Zamfara State to tackle terrorists and criminals.

He applauded DSS officers and expressed confidence in the ability of the Service to guarantee the internal security of Nigeria.

DSS operatives had in a joint operation with troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, on Monday and Tuesday, successfully trailed a notorious arms courier, Abubakar Umar aka Dangada, from Niger Republic up to the Kaura Namoda-Zurmi Road.

According to security sources, DSS intelligence revealed that, Umar was billed to convey the munitions from Niger Republic to Birnin Magaji LGA for onward delivery to some banditry kingpins, particularly Kachallah Atta, Alhaji Shinge, Alhaji Nashama and a certain Zaki.According to DSS sources, inside a red Abuja- registered Volkswagen Golf station wagon car (RBC 731 GU), which the arms couriers abandoned after fleeing with serious bullet wounds, were seven AK-47 rifles, two PKT GPMG and two AK-103 rifles. Also recovered were 169 rounds of 7.62x39mm calibre of ammunition, 9 PKT rounds of ammunition, with one chain; and 13 empty magazines.

January 29, 2025