Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello has said that the rising unemployment figure as provided by the National Bureau of Statics will need to be scrutinised.
He added that, since people are inflating the figures to discredit the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Bello who spoke on Channels Television programme on Tuesday said that the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in six years out performed that the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 16 years.
He opined that the figures since 2023 general elections is around the corner, since people would like to latch on that to discredit he ruling party under the leadership of Buhari, stressing that very soon all the outstanding performances of the present administration would be put together for Nigrians to see.
Faulting the statistics from NBS on the unemployment level, the governor said, “We should subject the numbers to scrutiny. How credible are some of these figures? Figures from the National Bureau of statistics should be queried. What are the parameters used to arrive at those figures? Generally let me say that 2023 as we all know is around the corner and some people are engineering some of these numbers in other to discredit the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, and for whatever reason, I don’t know.
According to him; “There are some numbers reported of Kogi State which I have in front of me, which are completely at variance with what is been published. Let me also tell you that the challenges that we are facing today in this country is not just local.”
“Talking about the figures from the World Poverty Clock, which tagged Nigeria as the world poverty capital, Bello said that the report is not correct. “Who are those that came to the country to assess the figures? Where are the places that they visited? I will query the figures as well”.
Unknown gunmen have abducted three cattle breeders in Idi Ope, near Igangan, in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo state.
Newsfocusng gathered that the three victims were said to be of Yoruba origin, they were identified as Kabiru Oladimeji, Kazeem and Soka.
The trio, our correspondent gathered were said to be on their way to visit the person who manages the ranch for them when their abductors laid ambush for them and whisked them away.
The whereabout of the kidnaped victims is still not yet ascertained as at the time of filing this report on Tuesday.
It was gathered that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims demanding N10million ransom.
When contacted that, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr Adewale Osifeso confirmed the abduction.
He said that the trio were kidnapped on Sunday.
He, however, added that the incident was reported to the police on Monday.
Osifeso appealed to members of the public to help the police by reporting criminal activities to them without waisting time.
According to him, “Three Male victims were indeed abducted around 1820hrs on Sunday 02/05/2021 at Idi Ope village near Igangan.
“The case was however reported 1154hrs on Monday 03/05/2021.
“Efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend the abductors.
“Members of the Public are advised to always report incidences on time to aid prompt and swift action from the Police at all times”.
The Federal Government has approved the extension of the deadline for NIN-SIM data verification till 30th of June, 2021.
The extension came after a virtual meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami; Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Adeolu Akande; the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof Umar Garba Dambatta; and the Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
Ikechukwu Adinde and Kayode Adegoke, spokespersons of NCC and the Ministry of Communication, confirmed this in a joint press statement made available to newsmen in Abuja .
They said extension of the deadline was based on a request by stakeholders who said postponing the exercise till June 30 will make it easier for all citizens and legal residents to register.
The statement reads in bits; “Significant progress has been made in the NIN-SIM verification process. For example, almost 54 Million people have obtained their NIN and this can translate to up to 190 Million mobile numbers, since empirical evidence suggests that each unique NIN maps to 3 to 4 phone lines. The much awaited Android enrolment system is now ready for deployment and this has the potential to significantly accelerate the speed and ease of enrolments”.
The statement said the telecom providers and other enrolment agents have also opened several centres across the country to make it easier for eligible citizens and residents to obtain and link their NINs.
Sections 27 and 29 of the National Identity Management Commission Act 2007 provides for the mandatory use of National Identity Number for accessing several government services.
This is similar to the use of Social Security Number and National Insurance Number for accessing services in the United States of America and the United Kingdom respectively.
The statement quoted minister as thanking Nigerians for their patience and compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the NIN-SIM registration exercise.
“He again reiterated government’s commitment to continually taking decisions aimed at easing the pains of the citizens with regard to issues related to NIN and SIM registration”, it said.
The eldest daughter of Billionaire Bill Gates and estranged wife, Melinda Gates, Jennifer Gates has reacted to the divorce statement issued by her parents.
It would be recalled that, Bill and Melinda issued the statement yesterday announcing that their marriage of 27 years is over. They, however, said they would continue to work together on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The estranged couple posted the same joint statement about their divorce on Twitter, which read: “After a great deal of thought and a lot of work, we have made the decision to end our marriage. Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives. We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue to work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in this next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”
Reacting, Jennifer, 25, said it has been “a challenging stretch of time,” but said she’s learning to support her family at the moment.
she wrote on Instagram, “I’m still learning how to best support my own process and emotions as well as my family members at this time and am grateful for the space to do so.”
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) through its Department of Parks and Recreation over the years weekend hinted that felling trees attract a fine of one hundred thousand Naira (N100,000) per tree.
The Director of the Department,Hajia Riskatu Abdulazeez gave this hint during a tour of some sites where blossoming flamboyant trees are planted within the city centre, over the weekend.
While adding that trees are not just planted for environmental protection alone, but for beautification and aesthetic appeal.
According to her, it is an offence for residents to cut down trees planted in both private and public compounds without seeking permission from FCT Administration.
She, therefore, said that anyone caught cutting down grown up trees both in private compound and in public places will pay a fine of N100,000 per tree.
Abdulazeez , however, noted that once trees planted in private houses have grown, it has become a public property that requires the permission of government before it can be removed.
She further stated that, after any tree is cut down with the permission of the Department, it is also mandatory that two trees are planted as replacement for each tree removed.
She further explained that even estate developers who remove public trees to pave ways for their projects, are also compelled by laws to pay and replant the trees.
According to her, ” Cutting down of trees is not allowed in the city, we have a penalty. The policy stipulates that if you plant a tree in your compound, once it is grown, it is no more your tree, it has become a public property.
” Before such trees are cut down, the permission of the Department of Parks and Recreation must be sought. Anyone who cuts down tree illegaly, depending on the size and age of the tree , such person will pay a fine of N100,000 per tree and will also be compelled to plant a minimum of two trees as replacement.
” Even when permission is granted for anyone to legally remove trees, such trees must be replaced with two trees and if there is no space within the place where the trees were removed, the Department will provide a place where the trees can be planted.
” As for the housing developers who have been cutting down trees to pave ways for their construction, most of them apply for permission to remove trees and they are also made to pay before removing the trees”, Abdulazeez added.
She further stated that, government was making efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on the city and won’t allow reckless actions that can further endanger life.
” Trees in general has enormous benefits and importance for human being. The oxygen we breath is from the trees, we breath out carbon dioxide which the trees use to live.
” Apart from the life the trees give us, it also douses noise it reduces glare and mitigates the effects of climate change. We are all feeling the effects of climate change , it is attributed to the rate at which we cut down trees, leading to deforestation.
Abdulazeez noted that nature has made human being to be dependent on trees for oxygen while the trees also depend on human being for carbon dioxide.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has reiterated the commitment of FCT Administration to continue to work closely with the Nigerian Armed Forces and all other security agencies for the continuous security of the FCT and the safety of its residents.
He made this known when he received on a courtesy visit a delegation from the Defence Headquarters Garrison in his office, yesterday.
IAccording to a statement made available to Newsfocusng by his Chief Press Secretary, I Mr Anthony Ogunleye stated that , Abuja has been secure due to the close working relationship between the heads of the various military formations and other security agencies in the FCT over the years.
The minister thanked them for the good working relationship between them as members of FCT Security Committee and within the various security task forces that they operate in.
The statement reads in bits , “we will work very closely with you and your offices under the various task forces that you operate, as well as the main Security Committee which meets regularly”
“Usually in that Committee, as you know, we have the representative of the political leadership at the Area Council level, the traditional leadership of the FCT Council of Chiefs as well as the religious organizations as represented by CAN and National Mosque Committee”.
The Minister, however reminded his guests that Abuja occupies a very unique position as the capital city of Nigeria, its major political center, and the headquarters of its armed forces and diplomatic corps.
Earlier, the Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison Maj. Gen. Preye Fakrogha said that he was in the FCTA on a familiarization visit following his appointment.
He said that he had visited other Security agencies within the Territory and pledged to work closely with all of them in line with the leadership philosophy of the Chief of Defence Staff.
He said it was in demonstration of this, that the heads of the other military formations in the FCT had accompanied him on the visit to the FCTA and assured that all the security agencies in the FCT will work in synergy so that the security of the nation’s capital will be guaranteed.
Accompanying the Garrison Commander to the FCTA were Army HQ Garrison Commander, Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Commander, Naval Unit Abuja, Navy Commodore Sulaiman D. Ibrahim and Commander, 053 HQ, NAF Camp, Abuja, Air Commodore Christopher Akpa.
In attendance at the event were the Hon. Minister of State of the FCT, Dr Ramatu Tijanni Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, the Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Malam Bahir Mai-Bornu, the Director, Department of Security Services, FCTA Mr Adamu Gwary and other senior staff of the FCTA.
Residents of Mpape a satellite community under the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were on Monday morning thrown into fear, when they gathered that a middle age man, in his early forties were on Sunday night kidnapped.
A source close to the family hinted that the man was returning home in Jikoko, a hilly settlement in Mpape, when his assailants to stopped him attacked his car.
Newsfocusng learnt that, the man attempted to escape the scene according to the source was stopped by scare of gun shot. It was also gathered that the car- Toyota Corolla was riddled with gun bullets, while the four tires of the car were also punctured with gun shorts.
An eyewitness who saw the car before it was towed to Mpape police divisional headquarters, maintained that apart from the holes the bullets left on the body of the car, there were blood stains.
As the time of filling this report, it was reliably gathered that the kidnappers have called the family for a ransom of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) .
His concern was the proximity of Mpape to Millitary barracks and the three arms zone in Abuja.
In another development, the people of Katampe on Friday night had their fare share, when a group of armed bandits, attack a church holding vigil.
One of the victims whose personal belongings like phones, money and other items, narrated his ordeal .
It also gathered that two of the church members were kidnapped. It was also not clear if they have regained their freedom. The night marauders was reportedly to have killed four.
One of the family of the victims however called on the FCT Minister and police with other security agencies to rise up to the occasion as the men of the under world are now carrying out their evil activities in nation’s capital without fear.
Suspected Fulani herdsmen have attacked some communities in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State and killed 19 people, among them were children.
Some of the communities attacked were; Tse Amgbem, Udam near Aondoana, and Agbanu Seghev/Ukuse all in Gwer West LGA area of Benue State.
An indigene who claimed to have escaped the attack, Terna Abende, told newsmen that the attackers came through Akpachi in Otukpo Local Government Area to attack Tse Amgbem.
Abenda stated that , “About 5am Monday the attackers stormed Tse Amgbem and Udam near the Aondoana community and killed several people and several others injured.
“The attackers who are suspected to be Fulani herdsmen also burnt down houses.”
Our correspondent reliably gathered that the suspected herdsmen had earlier on Sunday ambushed some motorcyclists at separate areas on Naka Nagi Agagbe and Naka/Makurdi roads killing six persons.
An indigene of Gwer West LGA who identified himself as Albert said that herdsmen had taken over seven wards of the council; Sengev, Gaagev/Tongev, Saghev/Ukusu , Tough, Ateer/ Ijaha ,Gaambe Ushin, and Mbachohon Avihijme.
Confirming the attacks, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Mrs Grace Igbabon, told our correspondent on the phone that eighteen people were killed in three separate attacks in the council area between Sunday and Monday.
According to her, “We had about six persons yesterday (Sunday) and 13 people today.
“I was told that the attackers were suspected Fulani herdsmen who attacked the Mbamodu community and killed 13 people and several others injured. The attackers burnt down several houses in the community.
The chairman added, “Other incidents happened on Sunday at the other side of Mbachon, some motorcyclists were riding on the road and they saw a man in military uniform who flagged them down.
“I was told that in the process of slowing down, another set of people who possibly had laid ambush came out from the bush and shot at them, four of them died and one later escaped.
“Also along Naka/Makurdi Road on Sunday, they (suspected herdsmen) killed two others.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of Benue State Command, DSP Catherine Anene, said she only heard about the attack on some communities near Aondoana in the local government but had no details.
The Tech mogul , Bill Gates released a Twitter statement on Monday to announce that they agreed to get a divorce after twenty seven years of marriage.
He said they decided to go their separate ways after a “great deal of thought and a lot of work.”
He noted that they had raised “three incredible children” and worked to help people all over the world.
In a joint statement Monday, the couple announced they’ve made a decision to end their marriage, saying, “Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives.”
They continue, “We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives.”
Bill and Melinda began dating in 1987 after meeting at a New York trade show, and she’d go on to work in marketing for Microsoft and be appointed as General Manager of Information Products in the early ’90s.
The couple weded on January 1, 1994 in Hawaii … and Melinda left the company in 1996 to focus on starting their family.
Bill and Melinda have 3 adult children — Jennifer, Rory and Phoebe — and reside in their huge, earth-sheltered family mansion, dubbed Xanadu 2.0, overlooking Lake Washington in Medina, WA.
Along with being mega rich, the 2 are widely known for their philanthropic efforts ever since launching the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000. It was estimated in 2014 that they had donated $28 BILLION to the foundation, a number that’s only skyrocketed in recent years.
For instance, the Gates Foundation made a contribution of $250 million in late 2020 to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fr Ejike Mbaka, Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, has admitted he truly took three contractors to President Muhammadu Buhari and why.
Responding to the allegations made by Presidency in a statement by Garba Shehu, he said he never stood to gain anything personally from the contract, which he said was “contract of securing the country.”
Recall that he had last week asked Buhari to resign, calling on the National Assembly to impeach him if he fails to resign over worsening insecurity.
The Presidency fired back, alleging Mbaka started attacking Buhari because his quest for contracts was not granted.
“Father Mbaka asked for a meeting and to the shock of presidential aides, he came accompanied by three contractors,” the presidency, in a statement by Garba Shehu, had alleged.
“The President graciously allowed them in, and to everyone’s surprise, Father Mbaka asked for contracts as compensation for his support.”
In his homely on Sunday, Mbaka said the meeting was during Buhari’s first term and not recently as being insinuated, added that it would be “stupid to be attacking a messenger of God,” stating the three persons he took to the presidency were white men who he didn’t know.
Continuing, he said the white men requested his assistance in reaching the President.
He made this known while addressing thousands in his congregation in Emene, Enugu state, he said: “When they talked about giving Father Mbaka contracts, I don’t want to talk about that, I was laughing. It is a laughable, childish accusation. Whoever is saying that is a shame to himself and shame to the people he is representing.
According to him; “The three men he talked about, I am not here to defend anybody’s stupid allegation but God used that man to tell the world that Buhari’s government is not giving me money.
“Shehu, may God bless you for telling everybody that you are not giving me a contract. And these are the three men that we brought that will handle insecurity for the country; they had the gadgets. The white people had the facilities. That was during the first administration.
“They said they will help them in conquering insecurity. They had the platform to end insecurity in this country under one month; under Abba Kyari. I just handed them over to the government people. They denied them of these.
“I don’t even know these people. They just came to Enugu and said, can I help them reach the government, that the level of insecurity in this country and how Nigeria has been shipping their oil out, refining and bringing them back, that we are losing.
“That they have all it takes to revive the oil apparatus in the country and get the whole youths employed and the issue of insecurity will die. These are the three people they rejected their offer, since they know how to talk.”
He berated the presidency for not having a “reward mechanism”.
“All the people they have been giving contracts, are they better than me? Am I begging them, do they know how many people I feed? Fortunately, they reported that they denied me of the contract — which contract?”
He continued; “And even the people they are talking about that went there, I didn’t even discuss one percent of ‘if you get this contract’; contract of securing the country? What am I going to gain from it?
“They have shown that they don’t have what they will call, reward mechanism. If Shehu is a human… I don’t even know who the Shehu is. He should be apologising that by now, they have not come down to say nagode Allah for surviving whatever they are passing through.
“The last person this administration should fight is Father Mbaka talking here because if they speak against me, the anger of heaven will be upon them and how they will end will shock everybody.”
He dared the All Progressives Congress (APC) to report him to Rome as threatened.
“If Rome hears that Father Mbaka is challenging evil governance, Rome will clap for me, so quickly go to Rome,” he said.
“Why I don’t want them even to report this to Rome is because if pope hears the extent of my involvement, they may give me a position I may not like you want to report Messi to FIFA that he plays too much ball? They will make him soccer ambassador.”
