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Presidency: 1m Poor Nigerians Will Be Given N5,000 Monthly + Buhari Understands Nigerians Pain And Cries, He’s Sleepless Nights

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The presidency yesterday disclosed that one million poverty-stricken Nigerians will be given N5,000 every month for sustenance.

It also explained why the much anticipated change agenda is taking time to manifest, just as it firmly rejected the insinuations that poverty and lack are products of the change mantra, describing such claim as opposition criticism that erroneous and misplaced.

The above positions are contained in a statement issued by the senior special assistant to the president on media, Garba Shehu.

The presidential spokesman noted that the president understands the pain and the cries of the citizens of this country and that he is having sleepless nights on how to make their lives better.

Shehu said, “Contrary to assertions by a faction of the opposition Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), the president’s energy and focus are on changing the life of Nigerians, with a view to making it better than he met it.

He then disclosed ongoing plans for change to include those for social investment.

“For example, one million poor and vulnerable Nigerians will soon receive monthly payments of N5,000 to allow them live decently,” he said, noting that the programme was designed to recognize the need for ordinary, poor Nigerians to also benefit from the resources of the country.

“President Buhari believes that the resources of our country should be spent also on the vast majority of our people who are poor and vulnerable, and not squandered by government officials or the elite,” he stated.

Shehu pointed out that this social investment plan is already provided for in the 2016 Budget and that the World Bank had begun conducting a social register on poor and vulnerable people in Nigeria in the four poorest communities in the four poorest local government areas.

He said; “About seven to eight states have been completed already. Now the Presidency is working with the World Bank and the Bill Gates Foundation on how to identify the people to be paid the N5,000 and how they will be paid.

“This is the first time that the federal government of this country will be spending this much on social welfare for poor, bearing in mind that the money will go directly to the beneficiaries.”

Another programme that is included in the 2016 budget and also targeted at the poor is the provision of soft loans to one million traders, market men, artisans and so on.

According to the presidential spokesman, “these are not the kind of loans that require collaterals that the people can’t afford or provide. No. The loans will come through the Bank of Industry, but this has also been included in the budget.

“In addition to all these, 500,000 unemployed graduates will be directly employed as volunteer teachers but paid by the FG to teach in their communities while they search for better jobs in their areas of expertise. 370,000 unemployed youths will also be trained in skills acquisition and paid while doing so.

“These are just some aspects of the change that Nigerians voted for, a change that is happening and which will soon be felt by Nigerians in every nook and cranny of our country. “

He remarked that Nigerians are noted for our inner strength and ability to triumph, and urged them to employ such character in overcoming the present hardships as better days are near at hand.

“These are just the darkest days before the dawn. The change Nigerians voted has indeed begun,” he said.

She also cleared the air on the feeling that the expected better days are delaying to come.

He said: “Change is a process. Change does not happen overnight. Change can be inconvenient. Change sometimes comes with pain. Over the past year, the government has been working night and day to deliver on its promise of change to Nigerians, and the painful process is still ongoing,” he said.

The presidency however asserted that the devastation of the economy was caused by the Boko Haram insurgency, corruption and the lack of planning by the past administrations, adding that the difficulties of the moment should not be blamed on the Change Agenda of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

“This is work in progress. As life gradually returns to normal in much of the country and the northeast in particular, agriculture will resume and traders from neighbouring African countries will once again feel safe to do business with us – yet another boost for our economy.”

He also disclosed that President Buhari had ordered the release of 10,000 tons of grains from the national strategic grains reserves for national distribution to counter food price increases and the intolerably high exploitation of common people by the trader class.

According to him, the president has also directed the minister of agriculture to ensure that all the able-bodied men and women in IDP camps be assisted to return to farming immediately.

Shehu’s assertions came on the heels of calls for government measures to ease the hardship associated with food inflation.

He said, “But it is only when we appreciate where we are coming that we will grasp the full meaning and essence of what the ongoing journey entails.

“It is estimated, for instance, that three northeast states of Nigeria alone have so far lost about three trillion Naira ($9bn) to the Boko Haram insurgency. The previous administration at the centre said federal government’s losses amounted to about $18 billion.

“It would have been a miracle for our country’s economy to not feel the effects of this. And, in addition to the thousands of lives lost to the insurgency, thousands have also lost their means of livelihood. The northeast region of Nigeria is a mostly agrarian society, which means Nigeria has lost billions of naira in agricultural produce.

“Many communities, which have had their yearly planting and harvesting cycle disrupted by Boko Haram attacks or occupation, are yet to return to their farms. In many of these communities, there has not been planting and consequent harvest for between two to five years.

“At the time the Buhari government came to power, about N600 billion was owed to fuel marketers in subsidy payments. Strategic fuel reserves were depleted and local refineries were not functioning.”

According to him, one of the president’s first steps was to pay off the marketers, leaving an outstanding of about N150 billion which is captured in the 2016 budget.

He mentioned other ongoing efforts to turn things around for the masses: “The Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries are being brought back to life. In a matter of time, Nigeria will resume refining its own fuel rather than depending on imports. As part of the permanent solution of recurring cycle of petroleum products shortages, government is working on a plan to ensure that some of the newly-licensed independent refineries start coming on stream from 2018.

“Government is also turning its attention to the sabotage of the oil and gas infrastructure that has taken so much away from the generation and distribution of electricity.”

Source: Leadership

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Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

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Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

 

Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen has made headlines once again, capping off an impressive year with the acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus, a luxurious high-performance SUV. This latest addition to his collection reflects Osimhen’s penchant for the finer things in life, solidifying his status as one of football’s most flamboyant stars.

 

Victor Osimhen Ends Year in Style with 2022 Lamborghini Urus Purchase

A Taste for Luxury

The announcement of Osimhen’s new car was made by Polanaco Exotic Cars, a prominent automobile company, through its official Instagram account. The post featured a sleek video showcasing the vehicle’s modernized and opulent exterior, highlighting its cutting-edge features and eye-catching design. The accompanying caption read: “Sold, congratulations Victor Osimhen 9.”

The Lamborghini Urus, renowned for its blend of luxury and performance, boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a staggering 641 horsepower. With a top speed of 190 mph and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, the Urus is one of the fastest SUVs in the world.

 

Private Jet Rumors

This news comes amid reports that Osimhen has also recently acquired a private jet, further cementing his image as a football star who spares no expense in enjoying the rewards of his hard work. While details about the private jet remain unconfirmed, the buzz around these acquisitions has captivated fans and followers alike.

Rising Star and Role Model

Victor Osimhen has had a stellar year both on and off the pitch. The Napoli striker’s exceptional performances have earned him recognition as one of Europe’s top forwards, with numerous accolades and record-breaking achievements to his name. Off the field, his lifestyle choices and philanthropic efforts have made him a role model for many young football enthusiasts.

Social Media Frenzy

Fans and admirers have taken to social media to celebrate Osimhen’s success, praising his achievements and sharing their excitement over his latest purchase. The Instagram post by Polanaco Exotic Cars quickly went viral, with thousands of likes and comments congratulating the football star.

Conclusion

Victor Osimhen’s acquisition of a 2022 Lamborghini Urus is a testament to his hard work, talent, and success. As he continues to shine on the football stage, his growing collection of luxury assets reflects a life well-lived and a career on the rise. Football fans around the world eagerly await what the new year holds for this extraordinary athlete.

 

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 Court Orders Remand of Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife, Radio CEO, and Principal Over Ibadan Tragedy

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 Court Orders Remand of Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife, Radio CEO, and Principal Over Ibadan Tragedy

 Court Orders Remand of Ex-Wife of Ooni of Ife, Radio CEO, and Principal Over Ibadan Tragedy

A Chief Magistrate’s Court 1 sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday ordered the remand of the ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, at the Agodi Correctional Centre. This decision came after the trio appeared in court over a tragic stampede that occurred during a children’s Christmas funfair in Ibadan, which claimed the lives of 35 children.

A Safer Tomorrow: Lessons from a Tragic Event

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, adjourned the case until January 13, 2025, implying that the defendants will spend the Christmas and New Year period in custody. The court proceedings followed the arrest of the three individuals last week in connection with the tragic incident at Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan, where six other individuals also sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The police presented the case file, marked as C/2024: Commissioner of Police Versus Naomi Silekunola (31 years), Oriyomi Hamzat (51 years), and Abdullahi Fasasi (56 years), to the court. The presiding magistrate ordered that the defendants remain in custody pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Oyo State Ministry of Justice.

The police initially detained several suspects in connection with the stampede. However, five individuals—Genesisi Christopher (24 years), Tanimowo Moruf (52 years), Anisoloja Olabode (42 years), Idowu Ibrahim (35 years), and Abiola Oluwatimileyin (25 years)—were released on Monday night from the state Criminal Investigations Department, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The charges against Silekunola, Hamzat, and Fasasi include conspiracy, acceleration of death, negligent acts causing harm, and failure to provide adequate security and medical facilities. The trio appeared in court in person during the Tuesday proceedings.

Counsel for the school principal, Waheed Olajide, raised the issue of jurisdiction, arguing that the magistrate’s court lacked the authority to adjudicate the offences. He requested that the defendants not be arraigned in the court. Olajide stated that there was no evidence before the court to prove the alleged offences and urged the magistrate to return the suspects to police custody rather than sending them to a correctional facility.

Hamzat’s lawyer, Ridwan Adekunle, highlighted a previous agreement with the Officer-in-Charge Legal that Hamzat would remain in police custody due to his health condition. Reports indicated that Hamzat had been arrested on his hospital bed, where he was receiving treatment following the tragic incident.

Chief Magistrate Ogunkanmi, in her ruling, emphasized her discretion to remand the suspects at the correctional centre. She noted that the police should have considered the defendants’ health conditions before presenting them in court. The magistrate stated, “The police, who brought the suspects to the court, ought to have factored in their health conditions and the circumstances that informed the case itself before bringing them to court and having brought them, I have the responsibility of putting them in a correctional centre, pending the time legal advice would come out from the DPP.”

Ogunkanmi further urged the DPP to expedite the legal advice process to determine whether the suspects would face formal charges. The next court date was set for January 13, 2025.

The court premises witnessed a heavy security presence to manage supporters of Hamzat, who had gathered to express their dissatisfaction with the proceedings. The supporters protested visibly as the police escorted the defendants from the court premises.

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“Chaos in Lokoja: Etsu Monarch Jumps Fence to Escape Deadly Hoodlum Raid on Palace”

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"Chaos in Lokoja: Etsu Monarch Jumps Fence to Escape Deadly Hoodlum Raid on Palace"

“Chaos in Lokoja: Etsu Monarch Jumps Fence to Escape Deadly Hoodlum Raid on Palace”

 

In a shocking turn of events, the Etsu Lokoja, HRH Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda-Shelika, Nyamkpa IV, narrowly escaped death when his palace was attacked by suspected hoodlums in the early hours of Saturday, around 1:00 am. The attackers set fire to his vehicle and other properties within the palace, forcing the monarch to jump over the palace fence to save his life.

 

The attack occurred just hours before the commencement of the “Lokoja ‘24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” a highly anticipated event organized by the Nupe natives of Lokoja Development Union. Many attendees had already arrived in preparation for the event, which was meant to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Nupe people. Unfortunately, the incident led to the cancellation of the event, which was supposed to take place on Saturday.

A Harrowing Escape

Narrating his terrifying experience to our correspondent on Monday, the Etsu Lokoja described the harrowing moments that followed the attack.

“It was around 1:00 am when I heard a loud bang on my door,” he recalled. “I woke up to check through the window, wondering what could have happened. Suddenly, I saw a wildfire coming out of my car, as it had been set ablaze by attackers.”

Realizing the palace was under siege, the monarch decided to act swiftly. “I knew it was an attack on the palace, and I couldn’t come out because of the fear of being attacked. So, I managed to exit through the back door and scaled the fence to save my life,” Dauda-Shelika said.

Once outside, the Etsu saw his neighbors attempting to extinguish the fire, but it was too late to save the vehicle, which was completely burned along with other valuables inside.

The Aborted Cultural Fiesta

The Etsu Lokoja expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the “Lokoja ‘24 Nupe Cultural Fiesta,” which was meant to be a significant celebration for the community. He explained that members of the event’s planning committee had met late into Friday night, until around 11:30 pm, and were heading home when the attack occurred.

“It is unfortunate that such an important cultural event had to be aborted due to this attack,” he lamented. “The Nupe people were looking forward to this celebration, and it’s very disheartening that it didn’t take place as planned.”

Appeals for Justice and Peace

Following the attack, the Etsu Lokoja made an emotional appeal to the government and security agencies, urging them to investigate the cause of the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. He also asked the Nupe natives of Lokoja to remain calm and avoid any acts of retaliation.

“We are appealing to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the relevant security agencies to use their offices to thoroughly investigate this unfortunate incident and bring those responsible to justice—whether directly or indirectly involved,” Dauda-Shelika said.

Furthermore, the monarch urged the government to officially recognize and grade the stool of Etsu Lokoja, which has existed long before colonization, as this would bring closure to the longstanding issues surrounding the title.

“We believe that by officially recognizing the stool of Etsu Lokoja, many of the issues surrounding our community will be laid to rest,” he added.

Authorities Tight-lipped on the Attack

As of Monday, the police and state security officials have remained tight-lipped about the incident. A police officer at the scene declined to comment, claiming he had not been authorized to speak on the matter. Efforts to reach the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to repeated calls or text messages. Additionally, attempts to contact the state governor’s Security Adviser were also unsuccessful.

Conclusion

The attack on the Etsu Lokoja’s palace has left the community in shock, with many wondering about the motive behind such a brazen act. While investigations continue, the Etsu’s escape and the cancellation of the cultural event have cast a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous occasion for the Nupe people.

The public awaits answers from the authorities as the community hopes for justice and peace in the wake of this disturbing incident.

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