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Clerics to FG, NASS: Don’t succumb to legalising gay marriage

Clerics have advised the federal government and National Assembly not to succumb to the pressure of legalising gay marriage in Nigeria. They spoke at the 16th edition of St. Patrick Archdiocesan Feast Day celebration and cultural fiesta and launching of N70 million for community bus, organised by St. Patrick Edo/Delta Catholic Community, Holy Rosary Parish, Wuse-Abuja. Addressing newsmen at the event, Bishop of Uromi Diocese, Donatus Ogun, said homosexuality was against God’s plan of creation. He said:  “Naturally, homosexuality is contrary to the divine plan. Homosexuality for many reasons opposes God’s plan because it doesn’t lead to procreation. “When God created man and woman, he said be fruitful and multiply. To multiply is one of the vocations of the human person. The supposed orientation of people going after the same sex, is not part of God’s plan. “I think personally we are managing a crisis of global economy, those who call themselves the bigger economies, are try

Abia to borrow $125 million from Islamic dev bank – Otti

…denies borrowing N144 billion …promises to wipe out pension, workers’ salary arrears by end of March Governor Alex Otti has revealed that Abia State Government, had received approval for a $125 million loan facility from Islamic Development Bank, but added that the state had not drawn the loan. He said the necessary documentations were being done before the funds would be drawn. Otti who disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen during a media parley in Umuahia Monday night, also said that the State had received approval for loans from another bank although he did not disclose the name of the bank. He further said that the state had been receiving loan offers from many other commercial banks but added that non of the facilities had been drawn. According to him, even though the state needs loan to finance its 2024 budget, it will not rush to withdraw any loan until it is needed. “We are financially enlightened as a state that we will not draw any loan until we ne

Troops Rescue 16 Abducted In Katsina After 46 Days In Captivity

Troops from Combat Team 3 stationed in Maraban Maigora, Katsina State, on Monday, rescued 10 women and 6 minors who had been held captive by bandits since 3rd February, 2024. A credible source from the military disclosed that the victims were rescued during a routine patrol at the Rimi community after being held by the hoodlums for 46 days. According to the military source, the rescued victims were among the 54 women abducted along the Gamji-Dandume road in early February 2024. Following their rescue, the women and children were promptly handed over to the Chairman of Sabuwa LGA, who in turn reunited them with their relatives. While confirming the development, Governor Dikko Radda in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, on Monday, commended the troops for their bravery and decisive action. The Governor acknowledged the gravity of the situation, reassuring the public of his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating banditry wit

Undersea cable cut: Service now restored, telcos, NCC confirm

Contrary to the expectation that the undersea cable cut which disrupted banking and telecom services in Nigeria and some parts of Africa, will last for about two weeks more, indications are that services are almost 100 percent back. Telecom companies in Nigeria which mostly bore the brunt of the disruption confessed yesterday that services were over 90 percent restored as engineers worked beyond schedules to ensure the disruption did not last more than necessary. Chairman of the umbrella body of Nigerian telcos, Association of Licensed Telecom Operator in Nigeria, ALTON, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, told Vanguard exclusively that whatever little disruptions experienced in the services of his members could only be as a result of backlog of congestions, occasioned by the cut. He said: “As we speak, service is almost restored. When the problem happened almost every operator re-routed to alternative platforms and the effect of the congestion is what subscribers could be experiencing no

Flags fly at half mast, as Army begins 3-day mourning for slain soldiers

The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Monday began a three day national mourning for the 17 soldiers killed by irate youths at Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State. Among the 17 killed are the Commanding Officer of 181 Amphibious Battalion Oleh (Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Hassan Ali), the Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander in Bomadi (Major Gembu Shafa), another Major and a Captain. In this regard, flags are to flown at half-mast in all military locations nationwide. Sources said, a signal to that effect has been issued to all the three Services – the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force. “A directive has been issued by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa to the three Services to that effect. “From  Monday March 18, 2024, up till March 20, 2024, all colours, (flags) are to be flown at half-mast in honour of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) personnel Killed In Action (KIA).” Flying  the flag at half mast is to show respect and sorro

Wike presents N1.1 trn FCT 2024 budget to NASS

The FCT Minister Nyesome Wike on Monday presented a 2024 statutory budget figure of one trillion, one hundred and forty-seven billion, seven hundred and eighty million, six hundred and ten thousand, two hundred and eighty-three naira N1, 147, 780, 610, 283.00 for the Territory’s total recurrent and capital expenditure as well as expected total revenue. The budget which was presented to both Chambers of the National Assembly, came with an appeal for synergy in achieving the development of the capital city to its envisaged status of a modern city comparable to other world capitals. The Minister at separate budget defence sessions with the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on the the FCT appraised highlights of the FCT’s 2023 Appropriation before presenting the 2024 Statutory budget proposals. The Minister explained to the lawmakers that the FCT 2024 total budget figure comprised of Distributive and non Distributive Revenues. Distributive Revenues, according to Wik

CBN Further Slashes Customs Exchange Rate By 1.5%

For the second time in seven days, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has slashed the exchange rate for computing Customs duties at the nation’s seaports and airports from N1,617.96/$1 to N1,593.41/$1 representing 1.5% reduction. The slash, analysts argued, was as a result of the Naira strengthening against the US Dollar at the official window over the weekend. According to data on the Federal Government Single Window for Trade, the exchange rate for clearance of cargoes at the seaports on Monday stood at N1,593.41/$1 against N1617.96/$1 it were over the weekend. This showed that the Customs exchange rate was reduced by N24.55. To this end, importers that opened Form ‘M’ on will pay less to clear their cargoes as import duties are benchmarked against the US dollar. Also, importers will open Form ‘M’ at a lower rate compared to those who opened Form ‘M’ before Monday, March 18, 2024 according to the apex bank’s new directive to Customs to use the rate on the date of submittin

‘Prioritize security, food insecurity, power’ — Peter Obi demands review of 2024 budget

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has demanded a total review of the 2024 budget. The Labour Party leader asked the government to prioritize proffering lasting solutions to the nation’s deteriorating security situation, widespread poverty, food insecurity, and crumbling infrastructure. Obi made this appeal in a statement via his verified X handle on Monday. His call comes on the heels of controversies surrounding the 2024 budget and its allocation of resources. He stated, “Having followed the controversies trailing the 2024 budget, and having read some of the budgetary provisions and allocations of resources, I wish to respectfully appeal for a total review of the entire budget.” Obi urged swift action from both the executive and legislative branches, saying the government must attend to  the urgency of the matter. He stated, “The Executive and Legislative arms should initiate an immediate review of the budget as it is still in early days of impleme

BREAKING: President Tinubu's Administration To Launch A N100bn Consumer Credit Scheme

The Tinubu led administration is set to revive the manufacturing sector by further strengthening the purchasing power of the consumers, President Bola Tinubu's administration has said a total sum of N100bn has been provided for manufacturers in the 2024 budget. What to know: - President Bola Tinubu has restated his desire several times to ensure Nigerian consumers can afford goods and services by designing a scheme that allows them to pay overtime for consumables as obtainable in many parts of the world. - ⁠The scheme is expected to cover everyday household items including automobiles, furnitures, gadgets etc. - ⁠Also included is a functional mortgage system that will provide affordable housing to average Nigerians where they can repay over a very long period. - ⁠The N100bn is a catalytic fund that has not yet been withdrawn as the committee in charge is still finalizing the procedure for the scheme. - ⁠When the scheme kicks off, eligible Nigerians will have more access

SEN UBAH VISITS ANAMBRA APC, DECLARES INTENTION TO CONTEST 2025 GUBER PRIMARY

The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District, Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah on Saturday March 16, 2024, visited the Anambra State Secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing the party leaders at the Secretariat located in Awka, Senator Ubah disclosed that he was there to appreciate them for their continuous support and to discuss his intention to contest the next Gubernatorial Primary in the state as well as the upcoming Colloquium scheduled for the 22nd day of March and the Mega Empowerment Rally planned for the following day, March 23, 2024. Senator Ubah who was accompanied to the event by a strong delegation led by the Director-General of Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation, Chief Vin Onyeka further appreciated the executive members of the party in the state for their tireless efforts to make the party stronger and reassured them that he would continue to make the party proud. Responding, the Anambra State Chairman of the Party, Chief Basil Ejidike appreci