NIGERIAN NOTCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

….as state awards contract for system 44 -Lekki 2 to Ikota channel concrete lining Lagos State Government has explained that the recent removal of shanties on the coastal road, along Mayegun and Jakande area of Lekki, was not to hurt its citizens, but done for over-riding public interest. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, made this affirmation on Sunday, when he led state officials on the continuation of inspection tour to some parts of the state. The commissioner was accompanied by the Special Adviser, Environment, Mr kunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretaries , Environmental Services, Gaji  Omobolaji Tajudeen; Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood  Adegbite;  MD LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, GM LASPARK, Mrs Adetoun Popoola, General Manager, LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi; General Manager,  LASWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi and some Directors. Wahab, added that as part of efforts to actualize its promise to sustain a flood free Lagos, govern

The Federal Government, FG, has clarified that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed with a United Kingdom firm, Messrs. MPH Rail Development (UK) Limited, for the design and construction of the Port Harcourt, Enugu, Calabar and Abuja standard gauge rail line on Public, Private Partnership (PPP) basis was not legally binding. The Ministry of Transportation, in a statement issued on Sunday evening by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, Olujimi Oyetomi, stressed that MoU was a non-binding agreement that states each party’s intentions to take action, conduct a business transaction, or form a new partnership. He added that the MoU  provides only a platform for further engagement, discussion, scrutiny, and the provision of required guarantees by the parties to reach an agreement if the parties are satisfied. Oyetomi noted that the clarification became imperative following comments and commentaries by certain persons, especially on social med

Face of Arise Africa is the first of its kind and the biggest scholarship pageant competition in Nigeria. It is not justanother beauty pageant, but an act towards inspiring and nurturing young, talented models as we seek to raise the beautiful continent of Africa. It is also another season to celebrate people, places and values during this season,  special recognitions will be given to distinguished personalities during FAA. Face of Arise Africa Beauty Pageant will also afford the organizers opportunity to choose  Brand Ambassador who will run charitable projects within and outside Nigeria and also represent Nigeria in international competitions.  Why Face Of Arise Africa ? In today's world, there is a quest among our youths to explore their talents and be identified as celebrities; but due to the non availability of adequate platforms in Africa for self discovery, most young people  have become susceptible to the clarion call of sacrilegious, and lewd sexuality driven

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deal with the insecurity confronting the nation decisively.  National President of the Igbo group, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, who gave the advice in a statement on Sunday, urged the president to act fast and escape what he called “Goodluck Jonathan treatment”.  Okwu said the series of abductions in the country within the last two weeks showed a clearly designed plan to make the government lose the confidence of the people.  He said, “when the Chibok incident occurred, then president Goodluck Jonathan did not realise quickly that it was a gang-up against his government. Even the security agencies were not telling him the truth.  “By the time the government realised what was happening, it was late and it became an international issue, such that even the wife of the American president joined the bring back our girls campaign.  “The same forces are at it again; thi