News Agency of Nigeria
Taraba Govt. returns 198 stolen cows to owners
Agriculture

Taraba Govt. returns 198 stolen cows to owners

Cows
By Martins Abochol
The Taraba Government on Thursday returned 198 cows recovered from cattle rustlers to their owners in Jalingo.

Dr Aminu Jauro, the Chairman of the Taskforce Committee on Recovery of Stolen Cows to Owners, who handed over the animals in Jalingo, said total recovered cows were 222 and 58 sheep.

Jauro, also the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area and the state’s Chairman of ALGON, said that the feat was achieved through collaboration with security agencies and local hunters.

He said that the committee, after careful screening of 52 cattle owner groups, identified and agreed to return the 198 cows to the owners, remaining 24 cows.
The chairman, who said that the owners of the cows were from Ardo Kola Local Government Area, added that the committee would continue to sensitise the public for owners to come for the remaining cows.

He recalled that the cows were intercepted in Gassol Local Government Area through the efforts of intelligence officers, in collaboration with local hunters.

He listed the committee members to include the local government chairmen of Ardo Kola, Gassol, Jalingo, Lau and Karim Lamido local government areas.

He said representatives of security agencies and MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders were also members of the committee.

In his remark, Alhaji Yau Ibrahim, the Chairman of MIYETTI Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Taraba, commended the state Governor, Agbu Kefas, for the efforts “and for returning the stolen cows to their rightful owners.”

Ibrahim said such efforts would enhance peaceful co-existence.(NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Northern governors mourn elder statesman, Edwin Clark
General News

Northern governors mourn elder statesman, Edwin Clark

Condolence
By Peter Uwumarogie
The Northern State Governors’ Forum has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of elder statesman and Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Clark.

Clark died on Monday after a brief illness.

Chairman of the forum, made up of 19 State Governors, and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya expressed the forum’s sympathy in a condolence message issued to journalists by Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilli, the Director-General, Press Affairs, Gombe Government House.

Yahaya described the former Federal Commissioner for Information as an upright and relentless advocate of fairness.

He said Clark’s contributions to governance, democracy, and national discourse earned him admiration and respect.

The governor extended his heartfelt condolences to the Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family, the government and people of Delta, the South-South region, and Nigeria as a whole.

“Chief Edwin Clark was an advocate for the rights of the downtrodden and a steadfast voice for the Niger Delta and Nigeria as a whole.

“His commitment to justice and good governance distinguished him as a statesman of great repute.

“His demise is a profound loss, not just to the South-South but to the entire country,” he said.

He prayed to the Almighty to grant his family, loved ones, the people of the South-South and Nigeria the strength to bear “this huge loss.” (NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara/Muhammad Lawal

Airtel Nigeria increases data prices
Metro

Airtel Nigeria increases data prices

Increment

By Funmilola Gboteku

Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecommunications operator (Telco) has announced a significant adjustment to its data pricing structure.

A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) using the *312# code and on the Airtel website showed the revised data prices.

According to the telco’s website, the revision, which affects various data bundles, is aimed at mitigating the impact of escalating operational costs on the company’s operations, amidst a challenging economic landscape.

The revised data plans, published on its website, include daily plans: N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day), N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day), N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days), and N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day).

On the other hand, weekly plans have become N350 for 350MB (valid for 7 days), N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for 7 days), N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials (valid for 7 days), and N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days).

Other changes for monthly plan include 3GB for N2,000 (from 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (formerly 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000).

Other adjustments include 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (replacing 18GB at N5,000).

Airtel’s call rates rose to 25 kobo per second from about 18 kobo per second. Like MTN, Airtel has left some tariff plans untouched. For instance, the 5GB plan/week for N1,500 remains unchanged.

This development comes on the heels of a tariff hike of about 50 per cent by MTN Nigeria, which took effect almost a week ago, in a bid to cushion the impact of rising operational costs.

NAN reports that a look at the telco’s X page revealed bitter complaints by subscribers.

A Subscriber, Okikiola (@okikiola_Ayoade) said: “Return our data bundles back e no easy to dey get money, you people dey inconvenience us, data from 3000 for 20gb is now 3000 for 10gb ,Why are we suffering for what we are paying for, ogun dey kee una shey until when we no get clothes for neck again?

Also, Jessy Paul (@Firstjessy), another Subscriber, queried the telco for stopping its previous data offer, saying that the only reason he was using Airtel was because their plans were reasonable.

“Can you change it back to what it used to be or should I break my Airtel SIM and switch to another network?” Paul asked.

Another Subscriber, ShadeFX D BoiCrypt (@ShadeFx__) said: “Life is already hard for us and you decided to add more to it by being heartless, Why increase data plans and then exhaust it so fast.

“What did we do wrong by choosing to use your network? Does it sounds fair to you now? Are you happy? This is Evil,” he said.

However, Airtel on its X page apologised for the inconveniences caused by the data increase to subscribers who complained.

“We extend our sincere understanding regarding your concerns, and wish to apprise you that comprehensive revisions have been effectuated across our voice and data plans,” Airtel said.

NAN reports that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry’s regulatory body, had approved a maximal increment of 50 per cent tariff adjustments to operators, citing the need to ensure the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.

The commission said its approval was in response to prevailing operational costs and was made pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA).

The NCC said that, while recognising the concerns of the public, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. (NAN)

Edited by Christiana Fadare

Kano governor bans student labour in schools
General News

Kano governor bans student labour in schools

Labour

By Aminu Garko

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has issued a stern warning to teachers, prohibiting them from involving students in hard labour, both on and off school grounds.

This is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin-Tofa.

The governor emphasised that schools are for education and moral guidance, not for manual labour.

During an unscheduled visit to the School for Arabic Studies in Kano, the governor had found students digging a toilet pipeline.

Visibly displeased, the governor questioned the headmaster about assigning such tasks to students.

The headmaster explained that the work was assigned after school hours. However, Yusuf ordered the practice to cease immediately.

The governor assured the school management that his administration would renovate all dilapidated buildings, including the attached mosque.

He also instructed that any school projects be submitted to the Ministry of Education or his office for execution.

Yusuf, however, inspected ongoing reconstruction projects at Kano Printing Press, damaged during the End-Bad-Governance protests.

He directed the contractor to adhere strictly to the contract, expressing concerns that some structures did not meet government standards. (NAN)

Edited by Hajara Leman / Kamal Tayo Oropo

A’Ibom governor warns against unauthorised press statements
Metro

A’Ibom governor warns against unauthorised press statements

 Statements

By Isaiah Eka

Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has warned incoming State Executive Council (EXCO) members not to issue press statements without the approval of the Secretary to the State Government.

The governor gave the warning during a Sunday service at the Uyo Archdiocesan Headquarters of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Itiam Etoi in Uyo.

Eno stressed that only the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and the incoming Commissioner for Information can issue press statements on behalf of the government.

He urged the citizens and government officials to uphold peace and unity in the state at all times, calling for continuous efforts toward fostering harmony.

The governor encouraged officials to carry out their duties with decorum, avoiding chaos or actions that might disrupt the peace and unity of the state.

He explained that the clarification was necessary before constituting the new Executive Council, assuring that he was building a team focused on delivering the ARISE Agenda.

“No government appointee has the right to issue a press statement without clearance from the Secretary to Government,” Eno said.

He urged cooperation to avoid unnecessary disruptions.

Eno further explained that only two people, the Commissioner for Information and the Chief Press Secretary, have the authority to speak on behalf of the Akwa Ibom State Government.

“We must continue to maintain decency and decorum in the state, ensuring the growth of peace and unity. Together, we will deliver democracy’s benefits to our people,” he said.

Eno reminded appointees to emulate the Biblical Joseph from the Egyptian cabinet, embracing a forgiving spirit and working towards the state’s development.

The governor also praised the Church for its organisation and commended the homilist’s message on peace and harmony.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Christian community in the state, ensuring their continued growth and well-being.

Earlier, the Methodist Archbishop of Uyo, Rev. John Ene Koko-Bassey, spoke on “Forgiveness,” referencing Genesis 45:3-5.

He urged Christians to emulate Joseph’s forgiveness in the face of offences. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG working to correct January salary shortfalls – JPSNC
Metro

FG working to correct January salary shortfalls – JPSNC

Salary

By Joan Nwagwu

The Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) has assured federal workers that the government is addressing discrepancies in January salaries, which were reportedly lower than previous months.

Mr Benjamin Anthony, National Chairman of the council said this while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

Anthony was reacting to concerns raised by some federal civil service workers about shortfalls in their January salaries.

He disclosed that the shortfalls were traced to a “systematic error’’ in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

“We received complaints, though not in writing, from workers about reductions in their January salaries compared to what they received in October to December, 2024.

“Following the complaints, we issued a memo to all industrial unions to gather details from their members and revert to us, to enable the council escalate it to the federal government for correction.

“Some sources, though unconfirmed from IPPIS, told us that there was a problem.

“They said that it was a systematic mistake from the computers and that they are working to correct it.

“I believed that they are working on it and it will be corrected,” he said.

Anthony urged the affected workers to formally report the discrepancies through their industrial unions to aid resolution.

“We have already written to the Head of Service of the Federation and she has promised to forward the complaint to the Accountant General office to know what the issue is all about.

“She also assured us that, if there are issues, every worker will be paid their correct salaries,’’ he said.

Anthony enjoined the affected workers to check their salary structures to verify their expected earnings before raising concerns.

He said part of the problems might be linked to the peculiar allowance negotiated by the council, which the government had agreed to continue paying, but appears to have been omitted by the IPPIS system.

“The federal government has agreed to continue paying the peculiar allowance, and I believe that is what the system mistakenly removed.

“It will be reinstated, and the affected workers will receive their full entitlements,” he assured.

Anthony expressed confidence in the Head of Service’s commitment to resolving the issue promptly. (NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Singapore opposition leader, found guilty of lying to parliament
Foreign

Singapore opposition leader, found guilty of lying to parliament

Parliament
Singapore’s opposition leader Pritam Singh has been found guilty of two counts of lying to the parliament, a judge announced on Monday.

Singh, secretary-general of the Workers’ Party (WP) and leader of the opposition in the parliament, was convicted in connection with an investigation into former WP lawmaker Raeesah Khan.

Khan resigned in 2021 after admitting to making false statements in the parliament.

In August 2021, Khan falsely claimed that she had accompanied a sexual assault victim to a police station, where the victim was treated inappropriately.

She repeated the claim before finally admitting in November 2021 that it was untrue, according to local media reports.

The matter was referred to the parliament’s Committee of Privileges, which launched an inquiry.

During the inquiry, Singh was accused of making false statements about his role in handling the case.

The court found him guilty of lying about whether, when, and how he had advised Khan to come clean.

Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan ruled that Singh’s testimony was inconsistent with the facts or simply not credible.

Singh’s trial lasted 13 days from October to November 2024.

The prosecution is seeking the maximum fine of 7,000 Singapore dollars (5,250 U.S. dollars) per charge.

Singh’s lawyer objected to the proposed penalty, arguing that Singh was not involved in the original falsehood. (Xinhua/NAN)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Sadiya Hamza

EU hails Made-in-Abia leather craftsmanship 
General News

EU hails Made-in-Abia leather craftsmanship 

Leather

By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom

The European Union (EU) has commended the craftsmanship of Made-in-Abia leather products, reinforcing the state’s reputation as Nigeria’s leading hub for leather production.

The Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Massimo De Luca, made this known during a one-day working visit to Aba.

De Luca said that the state’s leather industry held a lot of potential and talents for possible investments which should earn it  an international recognition.

He said that the union had ongoing collaborations with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and German Cooperation to enhance the global leather sector.

De Luca also said that these collaborations positioned the Union as a key partner in the global leather industrial development.

He revealed that these partnerships focus on quality standards, standardisation, and improved manufacturing practices,

He further said that UNIDO would  soon launch new projects to strengthen value chains, enhance product quality, and improve environmental manufacturing practices in the leather sector.

“It is an area the union keeps being active through a number of projects which are assigned big supports through UNIDO, the UN agency.

“The agency will soon start working in value chains, quality and improvement in manufacturing and environmental.

“It has always been my dream to visit Abia because I have heard so much about Aba shoes and the leather industry.

“The name Abia deserves all the attention and respect worldwide and this is what we need to fight for, Abia first and Abia products first,”he said.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, reaffirmed Abia government’s commitment to boost the local  leather industry.

Inem said that the government would focus on assisting  artisan’s to improve their production quality and traders to expand their leather  obusinesses.

“The government is committed to giving traders all necessary support to help them produce better than they are now and to be more meaningfully engaged.

“Our goal is to assess the challenges you face so we can optimise your operations,” he said.

He further assured traders that the government, through the Ministry of Trade and Investment and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Agency, would draft a comprehensive support mechanism to address their needs.

“We have observed the environment and understand your concerns.

“We will take note of the deficiencies and come back with solutions that will enhance your trade, beyond improving the environment, we want to ensure that you produce better-quality goods,” he said.

Chief Inem also highlighted Gov Alex Otti’s commitment to partnering with the EU to uplift the leather sector in Aba.

He said that the visit by the EU delegation had  demonstrated the government and the union’s keen interest in the growth of the industry in the state.

Inem said that the state government’s intervention would boost Aba’s  leather industry, positioning it for competitiveness in both local and international markets.(NAN)

Edited by Maureen.atuonwu

Lagos Govt. to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island
General News

Lagos Govt. to demolish illegal structures on Banana Island

Demolition

By Lydia Ngwakwe

The Lagos State Government has announced that it will begin marking illegal buildings on Banana Island for demolition,  by Monday.

Mr Gbolahan Oki, General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), made the announcement at a stakeholders meeting on Banana Island, on Thursday.

He said that the buildings were encroaching on prohibited areas, violating building codes and posing safety risks.

Oki said: ” From Monday to Friday, next week, officials will come and mark the buildings; the following week, we will just give you two weeks to get your documents ready.

“After that, I am going to pull everything down.”

The general manager said that the decision followed  illegal constructions on Banana Island, particularly buildings under high-tension power lines and those too close to  shoreline.

He said that the lives of Lagos residents were more important than the value of the property.

Oki said  that LASBCA had taken a similar action in other areas such as Abule Egba, Iya Niba and Iyana Isheri, by removing buildings  under high-tension lines.

The general manager said that buildings under high-tension lines or too close to shoreline violated established planning rules and regulations.

Oki said: “The government’s regulations require buildings to be at least 150 metres from the shoreline, which was generously reduced to 100 metres.

“Even with  the leniency, some developers have failed to comply.”

Dr Babatunde Olajide, Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on e-GIS and Planning Matters, emphasised that the state government, through the governor, was the sole authority on land matters within the state, as stipulated by the Land Use Act.

He said that the state had a master plan for the area, adding that unauthorised sand filling and land reclamation had disrupted the organised development the state envisioned.

He appealed to  the residents to co-operate with the state government, saying that the government was there to serve them and needed their cooperation to do so effectively.

He said that the government had received complaints about illegal extensions in the area and had set up a committee headed by the Mr Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, to investigate.

Mr Olalekan Sodeinde, Permanent Secretary, Office of Urban Development, Lagos State, said that the estate, which was once a source of pride and a premium property location, was losing its status due to negative environmental impacts.

This, he said, was the reason the government intervened to restore order and prevent further degradation.

He also confirmed that the governor directed his Special Adviser on e-GIS and Planning Matters and the Office of Urban Development to conduct an assessment of the situation.

The Chairman, Banana Island Association, Mr Abidemi Sonaike, expressed  willingness  to co-operate with the government and other stakeholders to resolve issues on the estate.

He expressed satisfaction at the government’s initiative in calling the meeting, saying it was a positive first step toward collaboration.

Sonaike called for  joint efforts in finding lasting solutions. (NAN)
Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Ugandan lawmakers in Nigeria to understudy constituency project system
Politics

Ugandan lawmakers in Nigeria to understudy constituency project system

Lawmakers

By EricJames Ochigbo

Members of the Committee on Budget of Ugandan parliament have arrived in Nigeria to understudy the constituency project system.

Speaking at a workshop organised by National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Chairman of the committee, Mr Philip Opolot, said they came to understand the workings of Nigeria’s Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had as its theme: ‘Maximising Impact through Effective Utilisation of Constituency Development Fund for Better Quality Representation at Parliament’.

Opolot said that in Uganda, all funds were domiciled with the executive which carried out intervention as deemed necessary.

He said that a discussions on allowing lawmakers to handle CDF were ongoing since they knew the constituencies better; hence, the need for the workshop.

In his remarks, Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, called for vibrant constituency relations between legislators and constituents in order to maximise CDF.

Sulaiman said that the theme of the workshop was not only topical but timely in view of the importance of CDF as a critical ingredient of democracy.

According to him, in modern democracy, citizens expect to have constant interactions with their elected representatives who can help them address their collective needs.

The director-general stated that the process of constant relations with the people, usually known as constituency relations (CR), was always of mutual benefits to both the elected representatives and the constituents.

“On the part of the elected representatives, it helps to generate policy inputs from the constituents, such as their needs, their assessment of the performance of the legislature and the government in general.

“On the other hand, it helps the constituents to present their needs to their representatives.

“Constituency relations, therefore, provides a direct channel for gathering policy inputs, understanding constituents’ needs and receiving feedbacks on their performance as well as that of the legislature and government at large,” he said.

Sulaiman identified constituency development fund (CDF) as a key component of constituency relations, saying it played crucial role in grassroots development by enabling legislators to finance and implement community-driven projects.

“The effective management of these funds ensures transparent, efficient resource allocation that aligns with national development goals,” he said.

Also speaking, the Ugandan Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Amb. Philip Odidah, commended the National Assembly leadership for its unwavering commitment to strengthening legislative institutions across the African continent.

Odidah said that the role of parliament in any democracy was indispensable, stressing that as representatives of the people, legislators carried the immense responsibility of enacting laws and providing oversight.

According to him, the parliament also ensures that governance aligns with the deep aspirations of the citizens whom they represent.

“This capacity-building programme is, therefore, a commendable initiative to equip Ugandan parliamentarians with essential tools for effective governance, democratic engagement and best practices in legislative work,” he said.

The director-general urged the parliamentarians to take full advantage of the expertise and insights that would be shared.

This, he said, should be an opportunity for constructive dialogue, experience sharing and strengthening of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Uganda and Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

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