INSTANT NEWS

On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu welcomed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal at the Presidential Villa. During their brief meeting, Tinubu emphasized the need for a unified approach in West Africa to effectively tackle regional challenges.

Tinubu stressed the importance of collective action to overcome issues such as terrorism, banditry, human trafficking, and poverty. He highlighted that regional leaders must prioritize their people in governance, as the essence of democracy is lost if the people are not at the forefront.

The president reiterated the sanctity of democratic governance, values, and constitutional order, insisting that these principles must be upheld. He also underscored the importance of respecting critical institutions like the judiciary and adhering to the rule of law to sustain democracy.

“Senegal has demonstrated to the world the strength of constitutional democracy. It’s a pleasure to host you and address the hopes and aspirations of our youth. You exemplify the ideals we strive for,” President Tinubu remarked.

Tinubu reflected on the strong bond between Nigeria and Senegal, noting their long history of cooperation. He highlighted the shared commitment to democracy and the hard work required to sustain it for the benefit of the people.

“I am pleased to see you as a symbol of patience, perseverance, and dedication to democratic values,” Tinubu continued. “We must collaborate to ensure our people remain the focus of our democratic efforts. Your belief in Africa's sovereignty resonates with us all. However, achieving this requires adherence to the rule of law and preventing unconstitutional power seizures.”

As Chairman of ECOWAS, Tinubu invited President Faye to join in persuading other regional leaders to uphold democratic principles. “We will continue to work together, fostering economic growth, development, and governance. It’s our responsibility to assure our people and fulfill our commitments,” Tinubu concluded.

In a recent development, the Ogun State Government has taken decisive action against the proliferation of illegal structures surrounding school premises and marketplaces as part of its Safer School Initiative. This initiative aims to create a secure learning environment by eliminating criminal elements.

Farooq Akintunde, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, emphasized that the government had issued notices to the owners of approximately 200 shanties, illegal structures, and makeshift shops about six months prior, urging compliance. However, these warnings were disregarded.

The government's intervention unfolded as bulldozers descended upon areas such as Kuto, Idi-Aba, Oke Ijeun, and Panseke, dismantling the unauthorized constructions. Among the affected locations were St. John Primary School in Kuto, Nawairudeen Primary and Secondary School in Oje Ijeun, and Government Technical College in Idi-Aba.

Akintunde, leading the taskforce, also oversaw the removal of makeshift shops in the Panseke vicinity, targeting those impeding traffic flow.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, Akintunde emphasized the paramount importance of preserving an undistracted learning atmosphere for students. He highlighted the risk posed by these structures, often serving as hideouts for criminals, potentially facilitating criminal activities like kidnapping. This proactive measure aligns with the government's commitment to safeguarding its citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like children.

Furthermore, Akintunde issued a stern warning to school administrators involved in allocating unauthorized spaces to traders, emphasizing that such actions are illegal and subject to legal repercussions. He stressed that educators are entrusted with the task of imparting knowledge, not leasing government property, and cautioned against engaging in unauthorized transactions that could lead to legal entanglements.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently made a significant announcement regarding the future of electricity subsidies in Nigeria. In a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, Adelabu emphasized that the country can no longer sustain the practice of subsidizing electricity.

According to Adelabu, Nigeria must transition to a more sustainable tariff model to address its mounting debt to generating companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers. Currently, the country owes approximately 1.3 trillion naira to GenCos and 1.3 billion dollars to gas companies.

During the press conference, Adelabu revealed that only 450 billion naira was allocated for electricity subsidy in the current year's budget, falling far short of the required funds. The ministry estimates a need for over two trillion naira to maintain subsidy levels.

Furthermore, Adelabu announced a significant policy change, allowing states to independently generate power. This move marks a shift towards decentralization in the power sector.

The minister's statements underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to transition towards a cost-effective tariff system and address its outstanding debts. As the country embarks on this transition, stakeholders will need to closely monitor developments in the power sector to understand the implications for consumers and the broader energy landscape.

Access Holding Plc has officially announced the passing of its Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe. Sunday Ekwochi, the company secretary, made this disclosure in a statement released on Sunday, revealing that Wigwe, along with his wife and son, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in the United States on Friday, February 9, 2024.

In the statement, the bank expressed profound sadness at the loss, highlighting Wigwe's pivotal role as a driving force with a larger-than-life personality within the organization. The Board of Directors mourned the loss of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, acknowledging his significant contributions to Access Bank Plc since he joined the organization in 2002.

Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings, reflected on Wigwe's legacy, praising his intellect, personal qualities, and extensive business experience, which greatly benefited the Access Family. The statement also mentioned the forthcoming appointment of an Acting Group Chief Executive Officer in accordance with the company's policy, expressing confidence in the Access Group's ability to continue building on Dr. Wigwe's legacy of growth and operational excellence.

Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in California, United States. Herbert Wigwe, born on August 15, 1966, hailed from Rivers state and passed away at the age of 58.

According to United States authorities, preliminary investigations into the tragic helicopter crash resulting in the demise of Access Holding Plc's Group Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and others, suggest wintry weather conditions as a contributing factor.

During a media briefing held Saturday (3 am Nigerian time, Sunday), Michael Graham, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, revealed that officials were at the crash site to collect time-sensitive evidence. Graham noted witness reports indicating rain and wintry mix conditions at the time of the accident.

Graham further disclosed that the helicopter lacked a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, as it was not mandated to have such recording devices.

Regarding passenger details, Graham mentioned a lack of specific information, indicating that any names would be released through the coroner's office, although a timeframe was not specified.

In the wake of the tragedy, Access Bank issued a statement on Sunday confirming the passing of Herbert Wigwe and his family members.

Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank and the founder of Wigwe University, has tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in California, United States.

Wigwe, who also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, was reportedly traveling with his wife, son, and three other passengers. The helicopter was en route to Las Vegas when it crashed near the border between Nevada and California on Friday night.

The US government has confirmed that there were no survivors among the six individuals aboard the helicopter. The crash occurred around 10:00 pm local time near Nipton, California, an unincorporated community approximately 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County.

Mara Rodriguez, a public information officer with the department, stated that officials from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department were alerted to the downed aircraft at 10:12 pm local time. The crash site was identified east of Interstate 15, near Halloran Springs Road.

While The New York Times has verified the incident, the names of the passengers have not been disclosed. As of now, no official statement has been released regarding the tragic event.

In a recent exchange, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar attributed Nigeria's economic challenges to the "poor policies" of President Bola Tinubu. However, the Presidency responded, accusing Atiku of hypocrisy and failing to propose better policy alternatives. Atiku criticized Tinubu's economic policies, stating that they are causing pain, despair, and a shrinking private sector. He also questioned the effectiveness of Tinubu's budget and characterized his initiatives as uninformed and chaotic.

On the other hand, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Atiku's criticism, claiming it reflects a mission as a poor opposition figure. Onanuga defended Tinubu's reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidy and harmonization of exchange rates, emphasizing their long-term benefits. He countered Atiku's claims about a shrinking private sector and multinational companies leaving, stating they are not grounded in facts.

The Presidency highlighted Tinubu's acknowledgment that the reforms would cause immediate pain but insisted they are essential for future prosperity. Onanuga urged Atiku to be honest about the inherited weak economy and commended President Tinubu's focus on solving economic and security challenges through fiscal and tax policy reforms. Despite Atiku's criticism, the Presidency emphasized its commitment to nation-building and economic recovery initiated by President Tinubu.

Residents of Minna, the capital of Niger State, voiced their frustration on Monday by staging a protest against the soaring cost of living in the country. The demonstrators, consisting of women and youths, took to the streets, blocking major roads in the metropolis while chanting protest songs. Despite the visible presence of security agents, including policemen, the protesters pressed on with their grievances.

Citing the escalating prices of essential food items and expressing dissatisfaction with the government's response to address the situation, the protesters sought to draw attention to their plight by obstructing key roadways. The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba, engaged with the protesters, acknowledging the challenges faced by families and assuring them that the government is actively working to alleviate the cost of living and mitigate the effects of the petrol subsidy removal.

Simultaneously, a war of words unfolded on Sunday between the Presidency and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar regarding the state of the Nigerian economy and President Bola Tinubu's monetary policies. Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), used a post on X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the prevailing hunger in the nation, with basic commodities, including bread, becoming increasingly unaffordable for the average Nigerian. Responding swiftly, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, accused Atiku of adopting the role of a poor opposition-in-chief, asserting that the reforms initiated by the Tinubu government might bring immediate challenges but are designed to usher in prosperity in the medium and long terms.

Nigerian police have successfully rescued five sisters who were kidnapped in Abuja, the country's capital. The joint police-army operation took place in the Kajuru forest in Kaduna State on Saturday night, where the girls were being held hostage. The abduction occurred earlier this month, and one of the sisters was tragically killed during the incident. Although the kidnappers had demanded a ransom, the police statement did not specify whether any payment was made. The rescued girls, aged from the early teens to 23, have now been reunited with their family.

The abduction involved the six sisters and their father, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, in Bwari, a suburb of Abuja, on January 2. Witnesses reported that the girls' uncle sought help but was ambushed and killed, along with three police officers. Mansoor was released by the kidnappers on the condition he raised a substantial ransom. Unfortunately, his 21-year-old daughter, Nabeeha, was killed as a warning. Kidnapping has become prevalent in Nigeria, with criminal gangs seeing it as a lucrative venture. The incident sparked national outrage, leading to calls for intensified efforts by security agencies to address the kidnapping crisis.

First Lady Remi Tinubu urged security agencies to step up their efforts, demanding a swift return of the Al-Kadriyar sisters. Despite a ransom demand of 65 million naira, Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar discouraged contributions, emphasizing that ransom payments worsen the situation. Nigerian law prohibits paying ransom, but victims often yield to secure their loved ones' release due to a lack of trust in authorities. Concerns about insecurity reaching the capital prompted Abuja's police force to establish a special squad to combat kidnapping gangs. Minister Abubakar asserted that operations against these gangs elsewhere forced them to move closer to the capital, and security agencies are working diligently to eliminate the threat.

On Tuesday, the Federal Government inaugurated four Reform Task Teams with the goal of expediting the realization of presidential objectives for the housing sector in Nigeria. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, stressed the importance of unlocking the sector's massive potential for fostering inclusive economic growth.

The four committees introduced are the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Team, the Land Reform Task Team, and the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team. Minister Dangiwa challenged these committees to diligently work and present their recommendations within an eight-week timeframe. He emphasized the need for comprehensive reforms addressing systemic issues hindering development and removing legal impediments in the housing sector.

Dangiwa highlighted President Bola Tinubu's commitment to revitalizing the housing sector, citing the demerger from the Ministry of Works and the establishment of the task teams as significant steps toward realizing the Renewed Hope Agenda for the sector.

The Housing Institutions Reform Task Team aims to create a robust framework for optimizing housing agencies under the ministry's supervision, delivering decent and affordable homes to Nigerians. The Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team will ensure collaborative efforts among housing agencies for efficient housing delivery. The Land Reform Task Team focuses on developing a blueprint for sustainable land administration reforms, promoting easy and cost-effective land access. The Building Materials Manufacturing Hub Task Team will assess the current state of the building materials manufacturing sector, identifying challenges and opportunities.

Dangiwa assured the committees of the government's support and resources to fulfill their responsibilities within the specified timeline. He urged the Federal Housing Authority to intensify operations with government support and encouraged the Federal Mortgage Bank to provide mortgages, enabling more Nigerians to own homes.

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the necessity of these task teams in addressing multifaceted challenges in effective housing delivery. The chairmen and members of the committees were selected for their proven integrity and competence. The appointed chairmen include Adedeji Adesemoye for the Housing Institutions Reform Task Team, Dr. Ugochukwu Chime for the Land Reform Task Team, Nuhu Wya for the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, and Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis for the Multi-Agency Project Task Team.

The International President of Christian Central Chapel International, Bishop Emmah Isong, has cautioned against misinterpreting and misimplementing the "no gree for anybody" slogan. Speaking at an event commemorating National Religious Freedom Day, themed "Empowering Youths for Religious Coexistence: Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers," Bishop Isong emphasized the importance of peaceful coexistence and adopting practical best practices.

Bishop Isong, also the Executive Director of Remedy for Victims of Religious Prosecution and Discrimination Initiative, stressed the need for careful interpretation of the slogan. He warned against viewing it as a license for violence and selfishness, emphasizing the importance of fostering peace and love in relationships, whether between spouses, friends, or colleagues.

Highlighting three platforms for coexistence—Adam (humanity), Nation (patriotism), and Abraham (religion)—Bishop Isong suggested that religion and ethnicity, while not inherently harmful, can be manipulated by politicians, clergy, or business figures for nefarious purposes. He urged against the misuse of these factors to advance evil or terrorist agendas.

Imam Shefiu Abdulkarim, Chief Imam of the Islamic Platform Society of Nigeria, echoed Bishop Isong's sentiments, emphasizing that one cannot be an ambassador of peace without learning about it. He advocated for a balanced approach to religious education, cautioning against extreme teachings that hinder individuals from becoming peace ambassadors.

Ann Mesembe, the American Space Director, underscored the program's purpose of educating youth and breaking down religious barriers. She asserted that every individual has the right to choose their religion, promoting tolerance and understanding among diverse religious beliefs.

Nigerians expressed their approval on Tuesday as President Bola Tinubu took a decisive step to reduce the size of his entourage for domestic and international travels by 60%. This move aims to curb excessive spending on travel.

The austerity measures extend to all federal ministries, departments, and agencies, including the Office of the President, Office of the Vice President, and the wives of both. President's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed the details, emphasizing the president's commitment to cutting costs.

On international trips, President Tinubu directed that only 20 individuals accompany him, reduced to five for the First Lady. The Vice President's entourage on official international trips is also limited to five, with the same restriction for the Vice President's wife.

This decision follows criticism of the Tinubu administration for sponsoring over a thousand delegates to COP28 in Dubai, with reports suggesting significant spending. Many Nigerians commended the president for this move, urging governors to follow suit to reduce recurrent expenditure.

Despite some skepticism, there was widespread appreciation for the cost-cutting initiative, with citizens lauding President Tinubu's leadership by example. The spokesperson emphasized that the president is determined to bring prudence and sanity to the management of public resources.

Further details include limits on staff members accompanying officials on domestic and international trips. Ministers and agency heads now face restrictions on the number of individuals allowed to travel with them. The president's spokesperson emphasized the seriousness of the directive and warned against defying it. This initiative reflects Tinubu's commitment to aligning government prudence with the expectations of Nigerian citizens.

The United Kingdom government recently unveiled a comprehensive list of licensed companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled workers seeking relocation. This information, updated on January 12, 2024, showcases 99,856 approved companies, signaling a substantial increase from the 68,630 recorded in January 2023.

Diverse sectors, including technology, commerce, education, media, advertising, and engineering, are represented among the approved companies. The skilled worker route caters to various categories such as charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility, senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons.

The UK government, through its official website, provides a detailed document listing worker and temporary worker sponsors. This document specifies the types of workers these sponsors are licensed to support and their respective sponsorship ratings. Prospective candidates are encouraged to explore the companies' websites for available job opportunities.

Some noteworthy companies on the approved list include RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station, IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited), AboutCare Hastings Ltd, £ ESS Ltd, Architect UK Ltd, Home Accommodation Services Ltd, Ur Eaz Ltd, Infiniti Limited, Brunswick Stores Limited, Plus Care Ltd, 003 Ltd, 0086 Ltd, 00Nation Limited, 01 Accounting Services Ltd, 012 Global Ltd, 023 Ltd, 0xA Technologies Ltd, 1 Ace Training Limited, 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited, 1 and 5 Tech Ltd, and 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others.

It is important to note that while the UK offers various visa programs for foreigners, the implementation of a visa ban on dependents commenced on January 1, 2024. Interested individuals are advised to stay updated on the latest developments and explore opportunities on the official websites of the approved sponsoring companies.

Joseph Aloba, the father of the late Afrobeat singer, Mohbad, expresses dissatisfaction with the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's death. In an interview with Trust TV, Joseph reveals his concerns about the ongoing investigation, stating, "I am not satisfied with the police investigation. A lot of things have been said outside which are not really right."

One particular area of dissatisfaction for Joseph is the lack of follow-up by the police after he carried Mohbad's body to the station. He expected them to search his son's house or provide the police autopsy report, which hasn't been provided. Joseph emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation, urging the police to question people who were living with Mohbad and explore their phones for relevant information about the incident.

Expressing his concerns, Joseph emphasizes the quest for justice and the importance of expediting the investigation. He appeals to the government to put more effort into ensuring a transparent and satisfactory resolution to the case.

Mohbad passed away on September 12, 2023, and was buried the next day. The aftermath saw Naira Marley, the pioneer of Marlian Records, and Sam Larry facing police questioning. Both were arrested, arraigned, and released on bail, while a nurse who administered injections to Mohbad became a prime suspect.

Responding to public outcry, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a forensic investigation into the singer's death. The Lagos State Police Command formed a 10-man team, including a pathologist, to exhume Mohbad's corpse and conduct a comprehensive investigation. The Lagos Coroner Court confirmed that the external body autopsy was completed, but the toxicology test, vital for determining the cause of death, is being conducted in the United States.

Despite expectations, the autopsy report has not been made available to the police. As calls for transparency persist, the police spokesman in Lagos, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, has not provided an update on the investigation. The grieving father, Joseph Aloba, continues to seek justice and a clearer resolution surrounding the circumstances of Mohbad's untimely death.