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NAF airstrikes successfully eliminate terrorist threats in the Lake Chad region

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On Monday, the Nigerian Air Force reported that it successfully eliminated numerous Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists through a series of airstrikes carried out on the outskirts of Lake Chad in Borno State. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for NAF, released a statement in Abuja confirming these operations.

Gabkwet disclosed that the airstrikes effectively eradicated the terrorists’ hideouts and destroyed their infrastructure and strategic logistical base in the region. These operations specifically targeted the areas of Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu between September 27 and September 30. The decision to strike these locations was based on intelligence confirming the terrorists’ activities that posed a threat to military installations and the safety of law-abiding citizens residing in those areas.

In Tumbun Fulani, the NAF observed terrorists loading jerrycans into two concealed gun trucks under shrubbery. As a result, NAF aircraft were immediately deployed to intercept what was believed to be a significant logistical hub. Subsequent assessments revealed that the airstrikes had neutralized several terrorists, and the gun trucks were completely destroyed.

Similar strikes were conducted at Tumbun Shitu after identifying structures suspected to be terrorists’ hideouts hidden amidst thick foliage. The NAF spokesperson noted that three gun trucks with terrorists were spotted moving into this location, necessitating an immediate strike. Post-operation assessments indicated that numerous terrorists were neutralized, and the trucks were rendered inoperable.

The Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to significantly curbing the activities of terrorists, not only in the Northeast but also across Nigeria as a whole. These operational achievements reflect the improved synergy and cooperation among various security agencies, as well as the unwavering support of the Nigerian people.

Today, WAEC convenes to make a decision regarding the withheld examination results

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The West African Examinations Council has convened the 76th session of the Nigeria Examinations Committee to address issues concerning malpractice and irregularities stemming from the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates. This announcement was made via its official X channel on Tuesday.

Just the day before, on Monday, WAEC appointed Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut as the new Head of the Nigeria National Office.

Back in August, the examination body initially released the 2023 WASSCE results. However, it was noted that the results of 262,803 candidates were temporarily withheld due to instances of examination malpractice.

Kogi Governor Commemorates Ilebaye’s Victory in the All-star Edition of BBNaija

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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has congratulated Ilebaye Odiniya, the winner of the Big Brother Naija All-Stars Season reality television show.

The governor commended Ilebaye, a Criminology graduate from Salem University, Lokoja, as a true trendsetter. He believes her victory unequivocally confirms her brilliance, unwavering perseverance, and commendable humility.

This was contained in a statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Onogwu Mohammed, issued on Monday in Lokoja.

The statement read, “I am delighted to congratulate one of our own in Kogi State, Ilebaye Odiniya, for emerging as the winner of the Big Brother Naija Allstars Season reality television show. Ilebaye, you are a Trendsetter who has excelled in both academic and social spheres, and this victory is a testament to your brilliance, intellect, and maturity. Your determination, resilience, and poise set you apart during the three months you spent in the house.”

While celebrating Ilebaye’s achievement, Bello also commended the outstanding performance of Kogi youths in various academic and social endeavours.

He recalled the global recognition received by another Kogi youth, Oluwabukolami Adeyemi, who emerged as the overall best performer in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level Examinations, earning her an overseas scholarship for further education.

The governor emphasised that both Ilebaye and Oluwabukolami should serve as beacons of inspiration and motivation to other youths, not only in Kogi but across Nigeria.

He reassured the citizens of the state that his administration remains committed to supporting and empowering the youth in their pursuit of legitimate aspirations.

He said, “Our administration will continue to support and empower the youth through various initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion, job creation, and harnessing our natural youthful energy.”

He concluded by acknowledging Ilebaye as the face of a positive revolution in the history of African entertainment, not only for the youth of Kogi but for Nigeria, Africa, and the global community.

Chicago University provides access to Tinubu’s academic records for Atiku

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Chicago State University in the United States has complied with a United States District Court’s order to release the academic records of President Bola Tinubu to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

The court’s ruling came after President Tinubu’s objections were dismissed by a US district judge, who adopted the recommended ruling of Magistrate Judge Gilbert.

The judge stated, “For the foregoing reasons, the court overrules President Tinubu’s objections to Magistrate Judge Gilbert’s recommended ruling, and therefore, adopts the ruling in full.

Mr. Atiku’s Application is, therefore, granted.” To meet the impending Supreme Court of Nigeria deadline set for October 5, 2023, the court established an expedited schedule for discovery, directing CSU to produce relevant and non-privileged documents.

The Rule 30(b)(6) deposition of CSU’s corporate designee must be completed by 5:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Regarding Atiku’s request for a copy of Mr. Tinubu’s 1979 diploma issued by CSU, the institution explained, “CSU does not, in the ordinary course, keep copies of student diplomas, and after a diligent search, cannot locate a copy of the original diploma it prepared for Mr. Tinubu in 1979, hence, has no documents responsive to this request.”

Atiku intends to utilize these CSU academic records as part of his appeal to the Supreme Court, challenging Tinubu’s victory in the February 25 presidential election. However, Tinubu’s legal team argues

I got expelled from my convent after acting Lucifer on stage — Beverly Osu 

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I got expelled from my convent after acting Lucifer on stage — Beverly Osu

 

Nollywood actress, Beverly Osu has revealed how she joined a convent as a reverend sister and got expelled.

 

In an interview on Tea With Tay podcast, she explained how her family got her to enroll in a convent when she was still in high school.

 

Osu said that her participation in extracurricular activities including performing secular music and taking part in stage plays, particularly one in which she played Lucifer, led to her expulsion.

 

She, however, stated that the school authorities did not explicitly use the term expulsion, they asked her to continue God’s work elsewhere and never return.

 

She said ,“Family first said this girl is very stubborn, let us throw her in there and I just said okay,”

 

“It is a secondary school ‘Daughters of Divine Love’ but you register, being a sister or not.

 

“Na reverend sister they picked for me so I had to follow the path but they expelled me.

 

“Till today, I still have small resentment like, ‘why una expel me?’ But then, I used to play secular music, I was the drum prefect and I used to do stage plays.

 

“Some girls woke up and said after the stage play, they were seeing me in their dreams and I am a witch because I played Lucifer.

 

“They expelled me because they said I was doing the most with the band, with the stage play, with not sleeping on my bed.

 

“They asked me to go and continue God’s work somewhere else. They did not want to say it is expulsion but they gave me a letter never to come back.”

 

Credit- Punch News

11 Key Points to Understand About the Newly Appointed Head of WAEC Nigeria

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On Monday, the West African Examinations Council announced the appointment of Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut as the new Head of the Nigeria National Office, succeeding Patrick Areghan, whose term concludes this month. Here’s some valuable information about Dr. Dangut:

1. Dr. Dangut was born on October 2, 1967, in the Mbar District of Bokkos Local Government Area, Plateau State.

2. He attended Government Secondary School, Riyom, from 1981 to 1983 and later Government Science School, Kuru, from 1983 to 1986, where he successfully earned his WASC/SC in 1986, both institutions located in Plateau State.

3. He pursued his higher education at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, where he obtained a Bachelor of Agriculture degree in Animal Production in 1991.

4. Dr. Dangut’s professional journey includes roles such as Assistant Registrar/Subject Officer at the Test Development Division of WAEC, Lagos, between July 1998 and January 2005.

5. He further served as Senior Assistant Registrar/Head of Examinations Security and Deputy to the Branch Controller at the Uyo Branch Office from January 2005 to January 2008.

6. Subsequently, he held the position of Senior Assistant Registrar/Head of Examinations Security and Deputy to the Branch Controller at the Bauchi Branch Office from January 2008 to December 2011.

7. From December 2011 to January 2019, he served as Senior Assistant Registrar/Branch Controller at the Yola Branch office.

8. His career progressed, and he became Deputy Registrar/Controller at the Post Examinations Department from January 2019 to October 2020.

9. Following that, he assumed the role of Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator at the Ikeja Zonal Office.

10. Notably, Dr. Dangut is recognized as a dedicated scholar, with a notable presence in the academic realm, contributing to various educational publications in international and national journals.

11. He has also been a prominent speaker, delivering numerous keynotes and presentations at both international and national conferences and fora.

These achievements highlight Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut’s extensive experience and qualifications for his new role as the Head of the Nigeria National Office of the West African Examinations Council.

 

Starlink, the project led by Elon Musk, has formed a strategic partnership with Jumia to broaden its service offerings across Africa

Billionaire Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, is set to collaborate with e-commerce firm Jumia Technologies AG to expand its satellite broadband services across Africa, as reported by Bloomberg.

According to Hisham El Gabry, the Chief Commercial Officer of Jumia, the e-commerce company will soon introduce the sale of Starlink’s satellite terminals and related equipment in various African nations, commencing with Nigeria in the upcoming weeks.

El Gabry expressed, “We have observed Starlink making similar agreements in Southeast Asia and South America, and now Africa will also have the opportunity to access high-speed internet services.”

The strategy involves initiating sales through our websites and agent networks in Nigeria this month, with plans to expand to Kenya subsequently.

This partnership with Jumia will enable Starlink to distribute its terminals in regions that lack formal addresses and comprehensive city mapping.

In January, Nigeria became the first African nation to benefit from Starlink services.

Starlink, an internet service offered by Musk’s SpaceX, aims to enhance internet connectivity in remote and underserved areas globally.

Starlink satellites orbit much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, resulting in reduced latency and the capability to support services that were previously unattainable with conventional satellite internet technology.

 

Bonuses: Falcons express discontent over their treatment during slavery, while NFF maintains that the funds have been disbursed

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Approximately 43 days after the conclusion of the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, tensions are escalating between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Falcons.

The players have voiced their grievances, alleging mistreatment akin to being “slaves” due to the longstanding issue of unpaid bonuses and allowances.

Prior to the commencement of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Nigerian women’s team had even contemplated boycotting their opening match.

Ultimately, they reached an agreement with the NFF, stipulating a $100 daily camp allowance, a $3,000 win bonus, and a $1,500 bonus for a draw. However, FIFA later declared that each player at the tournament would receive a minimum of $30,000.

According to reports from The Athletic, the players asserted that they had received less than half of their daily camp wages and had not received any match bonuses from the NFF.

The players expressed their frustration, emphasizing that they are not just representing the federation but also their nation, families, and their love for the sport.

In response, NFF’s Head of Communications, Ademola Olajire, claimed that FIFA had yet to disburse the promised World Cup funds to the federation but assured that all daily allowances for the World Cup had been paid, along with the bonuses owed to the players before the tournament.

He stated that the World Cup player allocation money would be paid when FIFA releases the funds.

However, a member of the squad, who was part of the Falcons’ team in a previous tournament but missed the World Cup, reported that she had not received the $1,000 owed to her, challenging the NFF’s assertion that all outstanding payments had been settled.

Sango in Brazil, Holds Immense Importance To The Yoruba Culture

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Sango, known as Xango in Brazil, holds immense importance to the Yoruba culture in Brazil. As a deity representing power, fire, lightning, and justice, Sango embodies the strength and resilience of the Yoruba people. In Brazil, where a significant Afro-Brazilian population exists, Sango serves as a symbol of cultural identity and preservation of Yoruba heritage.

 

The veneration of Sango in Brazil is deeply rooted in rituals and worship practices, often involving music, dance, and offerings. These rituals act as a means to connect with ancestral traditions, ensuring the survival and continuity of Yoruba culture throughout the Afro-Brazilian diaspora. They provide individuals with a sense of belonging, fostering a strong sense of community and unity among Brazilians of Yoruba descent.

 

Sango also plays a vital role in social and political activism. The values associated with Sango, such as justice and equality, inspire individuals to challenge social inequalities and advocate for Afro-Brazilian rights. By invoking the energy and spirit of Sango, Yoruba communities in Brazil are empowered to fight against racism, discrimination, and injustice.

 

In essence, Sango’s importance to the Yoruba in Brazil goes far beyond religious beliefs. It signifies the preservation of cultural identity, fosters community cohesion, and serves as a source of empowerment for social and political activism in the Afro-Brazilian community.

 

Credits Àkàrà Oògùn

https://fb.watch/nqhOgRAkPd/

NIOB calls on the federal government to provide subsidies for cement

The Nigerian Institute of Building, Lagos Chapter, has called on the Federal Government to intervene and reduce the cost of cement in the country.

It made the call at the press briefing in preparation for the 32nd Builders Conference themed “Safe and Sustainable Building Production Management” in Lagos recently.

The Vice President of NIOB, Lagos State Chapter, Adeoye Thomas, said the intervention of the Federal Government was needed to stop the skyrocketing prices of cement.

He said, “Everything is based on foreign exchange, which is very bad, and it cannot be taken away from the manufacturers of those cement because in the business to make a profit. However, in advanced countries, the government intervenes. If the need is to subsidise, the government should do it. If not, sharp practices would become the order of the day, birthing building more collapses.

“Buying cement at the rate of N5,000 or more is not sustainable. Hence, buildings would keep on collapsing as developers just want to make a profit, and they do this also by engaging quacks and using substandard materials. The intervention of the government is very important either by subsidising or collaborating with the manufacturers.”

In the same vein, the Honorary Secretary, NIOB, Lagos State Chapter, Ogundare Abiodun, said there was a need for the government to intervene in the areas where the cost of production can be reduced, especially for the raw materials.

He said, “About 10 per cent of the material used in the production of cement is imported, and we have 90 per cent here in the country. If we have 90 per cent here, the government can work on whatever cost to be incurred when producing locally to help reduce the cost of production, hence the money would come down rather than increase.”