The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr Nyesom Wike, has urged residents of Abuja not to participate in the planned nationwide protest against hardship.
The Minister made the appeal during an inspection of the ongoing construction of the 5-kilometer access road to Saburi 1 and 2 in Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, on Thursday.
Barr Wike interacting with residents, reassured them that President Bola Tinubu is aware of their concerns and is working diligently to address the challenges.
Describing the current hunger and suffering as temporary, the minister said that the ongoing reforms and policies would soon yield the desired results. He alleged that the protest is being organized by some politicians in a bid to destabilize Tinubu’s administration.
In his contribution, a resident of the Saburi Community Mr. Seun AdeAgbo highlighted the lack of a community health center and police presence as major challenges in the area.
In response, The Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike assured that these facilities would be constructed in collaboration with the Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The 5-kilometer access road extends from the Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) to the old Keffi road, near the Dei-Dei International Market in Abuja.
This summer, approximately 10,500 athletes from around the globe will compete in 32 sports at the Olympic Games in Paris. Which global stars, compelling stories, and impressive statistics will shine the brightest at these Games?
Steph Curry (US) – Basketball
NBA superstar Steph Curry will make his Olympic debut in Paris, adding star power to the U.S. basketball team. Known for his exceptional shooting skills and leadership, Curry has been pivotal in the Golden State Warriors’ success. With four NBA championships and multiple MVP awards, Curry is eager to add an Olympic gold medal to his impressive resume. “Competing in the Olympics has always been a dream of mine, and I’m excited to represent my country on the biggest stage,” Curry stated.
Leon Marchand (France) – Swimming
Leon Marchand, a five-time world champion, is set to be one of the standout athletes at Paris 2024, with multiple gold medals within his reach. When not studying computer science at a U.S. university, Marchand has been smashing records, including breaking Michael Phelps’ 15-year-old 400m individual medley world record in 2023. As the son of two Olympic swimmers, Marchand holds world titles in the 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, and 200m butterfly. He aims to become the first swimmer to win the 200m breaststroke and 200m butterfly double at the Olympics, potentially securing four individual gold medals in front of his home fans. Marchand’s former coach, who also coached Phelps, has high expectations for his performance.
Simone Biles (US) – Gymnastics
Three years ago, many thought Simone Biles had competed in her last Olympics after she withdrew from several events at Tokyo 2020 due to the ‘twisties.’ However, Biles made a triumphant return, winning bronze on the beam, bringing her total to seven Olympic medals. After taking a break from the sport, Biles returned to competition in June 2023, adding five World Championship medals, including four golds. She has worked regularly with a therapist to overcome her challenges. “I feel very confident with where I’m at mentally and physically, that [Tokyo] is not going to happen again just because we have put in the work,” Biles stated this year.
Novak Djokovic (Serbia) – Tennis
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates his win over Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic during the United Cup tennis tournament in Perth, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Trevor Collens)
An Olympic gold is the only major title missing from Novak Djokovic’s illustrious career. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has openly stated that winning gold at Paris 2024 is his primary goal this year. At Tokyo 2020, Djokovic was on course for a ‘Golden Slam’ but lost in the semi-finals and the bronze medal match. Despite not having his best year, with injuries and a lack of titles, Djokovic is determined to improve on his bronze medal from Beijing 2008. “Being on top of the podium in Paris is my main focus,” Djokovic has declared.
Katie Ledecky (US) – Swimming
Set to compete in her fourth Olympic Games, 27-year-old Katie Ledecky is just one gold medal away from tying Jenny Thompson as the most successful female Olympic swimmer. Ledecky is expected to compete in four events: 400m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 1500m freestyle, and 4x200m relay. With 10 medals already, Ledecky aims to break Thompson’s record of 12 medals for an American woman. She is favored to defend her titles in the 800m and 1500m freestyle events, where she also holds world records. However, a recent defeat in the 800m freestyle final to Canadian teenager Summer McIntosh shows that competition remains fierce.
Noah Lyles (US) – Athletics
Noah Lyles has set his sights on becoming the first man to win four gold medals in track events at a single Olympics. He aims for success in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m, and 4x400m relays. Lyles won gold in the first three events at last year’s World Championships and hopes to join the 4x400m team after debuting in the event at the indoor Worlds. Additionally, Lyles has expressed his ambition to break Usain Bolt’s 100m and 200m world records. Since winning bronze in the 200m at Tokyo 2020, Lyles has dominated the sprints globally, embodying the talent and charisma needed to fill the void left by Bolt’s retirement.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya) – Athletics
Faith Kipyegon, a double Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder, is aiming for two gold medals in Paris. She seeks to replicate her 1500m-5,000m double from last year’s World Championships. Kipyegon, who began her career at 16 and won her first global title barefoot, has continued to excel since becoming a mother in 2018. “I’m looking forward to a bright summer,” Kipyegon remarked, highlighting her determination for the upcoming Games.
Antoine Dupont (France) – Rugby Sevens
Antoine Dupont, regarded as the best XV player globally, made headlines when he switched to rugby sevens to fulfill his Olympic dream. Skipping this year’s Six Nations to focus on the World Rugby Sevens circuit, Dupont led France to their first men’s sevens title in 19 years in Los Angeles. “We’re a very ambitious squad aiming for a gold medal,” Dupont stated. Despite stiff competition from teams like Fiji, Dupont’s skills and leadership make him a key figure to watch at Paris 2024.
Neeraj Chopra (India) – Athletics
Neeraj Chopra, India’s first Olympic track and field gold medalist, aims to defend his javelin title in Paris. Chopra’s success at Tokyo 2020, where he also became the first Asian athlete to win Olympic javelin gold, has been followed by a world title. His primary rival is Arshad Nadeem from Pakistan, who made history as the first Pakistani athlete to qualify for an Olympic track and field final at Tokyo 2020. With nine million Instagram followers, Chopra’s influence and star power continue to grow.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has approved the payment of a Medical Residency Training Fund of N1 million to each resident doctor in the State Civil Service.
The Spokesperson to the Governor, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday.
Chief Press Secretary to H.E. Pastor Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State
According to Mr Udoh, the fund is designed to provide financial support to cover various expenses associated with medical residency training, including costs for the multi-stages of examinations, course fees, research projects, personal equipment, and accouterments.
Mr Udoh said Governor Eno’s approval for the fund would facilitate the doctors’ postgraduate training in specialist skills and qualifications while supporting their careers.
He said producing qualified specialists in the different fields of medicine remains a top priority of Pastor Umo Eno’s administration.
The Nigerian military has warned organisers of a planned nationwide protest over alleged hardship in the country, against any form of violence.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, while addressing a news conference in Abuja explained that, although citizens have a right to ventilate their grievances, the military will not condone any form of violent gatherings or protests.
He added that the military has uncovered plots by unscrupulous elements to hijack the protest and turn it into a violent one by attacking innocent Nigerians and their businesses.
General Buba further explained while citizens have a right to protest under the nation’s constitution, nobody has the right to galvanize for a violent protest as the military will not watch and allow that to happen.
Recall that some individuals have been mobilising for a nationwide protest scheduled for August 1 to August 10, 2024. Tagged #EndBadGovernace, organisers of the protest have lamented about widespread hunger and inflation in the land.
At least three people were confirmed dead following the early morning collapse of a building under construction at 13 Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos State.
The incident, which occurred around 3:58 am, left several others injured and trapped under the debris.
Rescue operations by the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA) began promptly, with men of the Lagos State Fire Service and other emergency responders at the scene by 7 am.
Lagos Building Collapse – Scene of the incident
LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyitolu, reported that three adult males were recovered dead, while two male adults and one trapped under the rubble were rescued alive and are currently receiving pre-hospital care on-site.
The victims, all site workers, were involved in the construction of a set of three terraces that collapsed.
The rescue efforts are ongoing, with LASEMA’s excavator deployed to expedite the search and rescue operations.
President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the North-West Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2024, and the South-East Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2023.
The Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale in a statement said, these laws aim to accelerate development across Nigeria’s geo-political zones.
According to the statement, the North-West Development Commission will address the reconstruction of roads, houses, and business premises destroyed by crises, as well as tackle poverty, literacy issues, ecological problems, and other developmental challenges in the North-West states.
Similarly, the South-East Development Commission will focus on reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, houses, and other infrastructures in the South-East, while addressing ecological and developmental issues in the region.
These bills were previously passed by the National Assembly and are part of President Tinubu’s commitment to equitable development, inclusive governance, and providing quality services to all Nigerians.
Argentina staged a dramatic comeback with a last-gasp equalizer in stoppage time, securing a two-two draw against Morocco in Group B of the men’s football tournament at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday.
Morocco initially took the lead just before halftime through Soufiane Rahimi and extended their advantage to two-zero from a penalty in the 51st minute.
However, Argentina mounted a spirited resurgence as the game progressed, with Giuliano Simeone scoring in the 68th minute to narrow the deficit.
Despite Morocco’s efforts to defend their lead, the referee added 15 minutes of stoppage time, providing Argentina with a late lifeline.
In a frenetic finish, Argentina struck the crossbar twice in quick succession before Cristian Medina seized the opportunity to head home from close range, securing the crucial equalizer.
Argentina’s next fixture is set for Saturday against Iraq, while Morocco will face Ukraine, both matches scheduled to take place in Saint Etienne.
In another match on Wednesday, Spain began their men’s Olympic football campaign with a hard-fought two-one victory over Uzbekistan.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of Alhaji Sulaiman Jimoh, popularly known as Temo, a notorious Lagos drug baron who had evaded capture for many years. Temo, 57, alleged leader of the Mushin, Lagos drug cartel, was apprehended after resisting arrest alongside his gang.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated on Wednesday that Temo had long avoided capture despite numerous encounters with his armed gang, which often resulted in gunfights.
Over the last two years, NDLEA intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs worth billions of naira linked to Temo. These included: 14,524.8 kilograms of Ghana Loud cannabis intercepted in Lagos on January 28, 2024; 8,852 kilograms of the same substance seized at Eleko beach, Lekki Lagos on May 4, 2023, and 252 kilograms of Loud confiscated from his Mushin enclave on July 26, 2023.
Despite previous attempts, NDLEA’s persistence paid off on July 22, 2024, when surveillance teams tracked Temo to Igbarere Street, Mushin. Reinforcements were called, and Temo was captured while attempting to flee in a Mercedes Benz SUV. His gang’s attempt to resist failed against the superior firepower of the anti-narcotic agents.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers involved for their resilience and professionalism. He highlighted that the arrest was made without any casualties despite the gang’s attack.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying efforts against all drug cartels and issued a warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade that their days of evasion are numbered.
An Akwa Ibom State indigene based in Scotland, Mrs Magdalene Effiong, has emerged as one of the best-graduating students at the University of Edinburgh in 2024.
Magdalene Effiong achieved this feat, graduating with a First-Class Honours Degree in Bachelor of Nursing Science and breaking records to win the 2024 Sheila Allan Award for her final year Research at the University.
Speaking during the Award and Graduation ceremony on the University premises, Mrs. Magdalene Effiong said her research project, titled “Empowering Health: An Exploration of Stroke Awareness Among Blacks, Asians, and Minority Ethnic Populations in Scotland and the United Kingdom, a Qualitative Study,” aims to provide solutions to the challenges of stroke prevalence faced by ethnic minority populations in global communities.
Mrs. Magdalene Effiong, while appreciating her family, the Scottish Government for the financial support package, and all who supported her during her studies and research, hinted at her desire to work with interested persons, government, and organizations in her home state, Akwa Ibom State, and Nigeria to help mostly women, whom the research has proven are more prone to stroke.
With the award, Mrs. Effiong has become one of the sought-after students, as more Universities are offering her automatic admissions for Postgraduate Master’s and PhD Studies to further research on stroke and other health challenges.
The Sheila Allan Prize, awarded for the best dissertation among undergraduate nursing students for academic excellence, is named after Sheila Allan, a notable Nursing Alumna and Author of Fear Not to Sow: the story of Elsie Stephenson, First Director of University Nursing Studies in Europe.
Gabon President, Brice Oligui Nguema has invited Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, to invest in the country’s cement and fertilizer sectors. This invitation follows Dangote’s recent decision to halt investment in Nigeria’s steel industry to avoid accusations of monopolistic practices.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Dangote Industries confirmed that President Nguema urged Dangote to explore investment opportunities in urea and phosphate production.
During the visit, Dangote engaged in discussions with President Nguema and other top government officials, focusing on how Dangote Industries could contribute to Gabon’s economic growth through the establishment of cement and fertilizer plants.
President Nguema expressed enthusiasm for the potential partnership, highlighting Gabon’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investments. He noted that collaboration with Dangote Industries would bring significant benefits, including job creation, technology transfer, and enhanced industrial capacity.
Aliko Dangote emphasized his company’s dedication to fostering economic development across Africa, stating that investing in Gabon aligns with Dangote Industries’ strategic vision of supporting sustainable development on the continent. Dangote expressed excitement about the opportunity to invest in Gabon, aiming to contribute to the country’s economic diversification and industrialization efforts.
The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Nigeria and Gabon. As Dangote Industries continues to explore and finalize investment opportunities, both nations anticipate mutual benefits that will drive economic progress and regional integration. The potential investment is expected to bolster Gabon’s industrial landscape, ensuring a steady supply of essential materials for construction and agriculture.
Further discussions and assessments are planned in the coming months to finalize the investment plans. The collaboration between Dangote Industries and the Gabonese government holds promise for a robust partnership that will significantly impact Gabon’s economic landscape.
The Dangote Group has been in conflict with petroleum regulators in Nigeria over control of the petroleum downstream market. Last month, Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, accused International Oil Companies (IOCs) of attempting to frustrate the survival of Dangote Oil Refinery and Petrochemicals.
