Living Faith Church Set for Leadership Transition as Bishops Abioye and Aremu Retire

The Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, is preparing for a major leadership shift as Bishops David Abioye and Thomas Aremu, the church’s two Vice Presidents, will retire next week. Abioye, 63, and Aremu, 67, have served the church for over four and three decades, respectively.

This transition follows the church’s recently updated operational manual, “The Mandate,” which lowered the retirement age for its leaders from 60 to 55 years. Only the church’s founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, is exempt from the age limit, allowing him to remain in his position for life.

Farewell services are planned, with Bishop Aremu’s taking place on October 15 in Ibadan, and Bishop Abioye’s on October 18 in Abuja.

PDP Suspends National Spokesman and Legal Adviser, Appoints Acting Officers

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN). This was disclosed in a statement by PDP’s National Director of Publicity, Chinwe Nnorom, on Friday.

The party has formed a committee, chaired by Deputy National Chairman (South), Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issues raised against the officers in accordance with the PDP Constitution.

Pending the investigation, their deputies, Ibrahim Abdullahi Manga and Okechukwu Osuoha, have been appointed as Acting National Publicity Secretary and Acting National Legal Adviser, respectively.

The NWC urged all party members to remain focused as the investigation proceeds.

AUTHENTIC BENUE STATE PDP EXCO INAUGURATED, ASUME DUTY AT PARTY SECRETARIAT IN MÀKURDI

By Asawa Joseph

Newly constituted State Executive Council of the People’s Democratic Party, Benue State Chapter, today 10th October, 2024 has been formally inaugurated into office with a charge to rescue the party from the fangs of the vultures.

The development is sequel to the inability of the National Working Committee of the party headed by Ambassador Iliya Damagun to conduct a valid ward, local government and State Congresses leading to a wide gulf and division in the party.

The inauguration ceremony which took place at the State Secretariat of the PDP in Makurdi was witnessed by founding leadership and key members of the Peoples Democratic Party {PDP} in Benue State.

Taking over the affairs of PDP in Benue State, the new State Chairman, Hon. Adabah Abah Chris accepted the challenge and burden placed on their shoulders assuring that they will do the party proud by returning it to its winning streak as opposed to the intention of some elements who want to trade with the souls of the party.

Addressing party faithful during the ceremony, leader of the Benue State PDP Elders Committee, Rt. Hon. Terngu Tsegba charged the new State Exco to work assiduously to reposition the party in line with the spirit of the founding fathers saying it is high time “petty traders” who are desperate to play the garage planks to be shown where they really belong.

Rt. Hon. Tsegba maintain that as one of the key players in the formation of the party in 1998, he and many others will not fold their hands and watch “intruders” and politicians with doubtful integrity to destroy the PDP for selfish and monetary gains.

The inauguration of the State Working Committee was done by Sam Tsumba, a doyen of the Bar, who has over 50 years of law practice experience.

CWAI Congratulates Evans Bipi on Appointment As Commissioner

• Describes it as a testament to dedication, and victory for good governance

A leading non-partisan, non- profit, pressure group promoting good governance, accountability and citizens engagement, identified as Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative CWAI, has congratulated Evans Bipi on his appointment as Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.

In a statement signed by Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele on Thursday, the group described Bipi’s appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his dedication to public service, good governance and commitment to the welfare of the people of Rivers State.

“We are delighted to see Evans Bipi take on this critical role. His leadership, expertise, and passion for public service makes him an excellent fit for this position. Evans Bipi, an honest, consistent, and loyal politician, is renowned as an experienced political juggernaut in Rivers State, even being the son of Dame Patience Jonathan, Former First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Evans has consistently built a strong reputation in the political arena, who can be trusted at all times.

“Governor Fubara has made a landmark and sterling appointment as Bipi is selfless, committed and will add enormous value to the State.

“It is worthy to note that as a seasoned public servant, Evans has served as Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area in Rivers State, and Special Assistant to the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed. We are super confident that he will drive positive change, promote transparency, accountability, and community development with his new position.” The statement added.

The group also extended congratulations to the traditional people and leaders of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area and Rivers State at large, on the victory of their illustrious son.

“This appointment is not only a testament to Evans Bipi’s exceptional qualities but also a source of pride for his community.

“We celebrate the people of Ogu/Bolo and Rivers State, who have nurtured and supported Evans Bipi’s growth into a distinguished leader. Once again, congratulations to Evans Bipi on this remarkable achievement. We wish him all the best in his new role and look forward to collaborating with him to advance our shared goals of inclusive governance and sustainable development,” Aigbegbele concluded.

Minister Calls for Youth Collaboration in Driving Digital Innovation

At the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Youth, Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and young people to advance digital innovation and social development.

In his keynote address, Olawande highlighted the vital role that youth play in driving innovation, especially in the digital space, and urged for their empowerment to shape the nation’s future.

“Young people are at the forefront of innovation,” Olawande said, stressing that effective governance must focus on empowering the younger generation. He pointed out the need for youth engagement in policy-making, adding, “Our concerns about policies stem from a desire for progress.”

Olawande also mentioned concerning statistics about youth in correctional facilities, underscoring the urgent need for targeted empowerment programs.

The minister’s message aligns with the conference’s theme, “Digital Innovation as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” which reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for a more inclusive, digitally-driven Nigeria.

He called for actionable commitments and meaningful collaboration between government leaders and the youth, emphasizing the need to share knowledge and foster positive societal change.

The event, organized by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, brought together thought leaders, technology experts, and government representatives to discuss how technology can drive sustainable growth, particularly in areas like economic diversification, national security, and public health.

Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau, and Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, echoed the call for a digital-first approach, stressing the need to modernize and streamline government processes.

Olawande concluded by affirming the readiness of the youth to collaborate with the government in creating a brighter future. “We, the youth, are ready to partner with you for positive development in our society.”

Florida Struggles to Recover as Hurricane Milton Causes Widespread Destruction

Hurricane Milton has left a devastating trail across Florida, uprooting trees, tearing off roofs, and flooding streets. The storm made landfall on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 hurricane near Siesta Key on the state’s western coast, with winds reaching 120 mph (193 km/h). This comes just two weeks after the state endured the deadly Hurricane Helene, which claimed over 200 lives.

More than three million homes and businesses lost power as Milton ravaged Florida’s coast. The storm also triggered tornadoes, including one that struck a retirement community on the east coast, resulting in multiple unconfirmed fatalities.

In a statement, St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson reported tornado damage in the Spanish Lakes community, where lives were lost. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the hurricane’s impacts, while officials from both parties are closely monitoring the state’s recovery efforts ahead of the November 5 presidential election.

The storm weakened to a Category 1 hurricane as it moved inland but continued to cause significant damage. Central Florida, including the Orlando area, faced strong winds, flash flooding, and infrastructure disruptions, with closures affecting the Orlando International Airport and major theme parks like Disney World.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged residents to stay indoors, warning of the dangers posed by floodwaters and storm surges, some of which reached up to 12 feet in coastal areas like Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Fort Myers.

Hurricane Milton struck just after Florida was still recovering from Hurricane Helene, one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history. With the state’s ground still saturated from Helene, residents and businesses, like Randy Prior’s pool company, faced heightened anxiety as the storm battered communities already in the midst of recovery.

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms to rising global temperatures, which fuel extreme weather patterns, including heavy rainfall and destructive hurricanes.

As recovery efforts continue, Florida faces a long road ahead to rebuild from the devastation brought by Milton and Helene.

Sub-Saharan Africa Named Most Dangerous Region for Girls by UNICEF

According to a recent report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Sub-Saharan Africa has been identified as one of the most dangerous regions for girls worldwide. The region holds the highest number of victims, with an estimated 79 million girls and women, or 22%, affected by sexual violence.

Globally, approximately 370 million girls and women have experienced sexual violence, with around one in five victims in Sub-Saharan Africa reporting abuse before the age of 18. Other regions facing high numbers include Eastern and South-Eastern Asia (75 million victims), Central and Southern Asia (73 million), and Europe and Northern America (68 million). In regions such as Oceania, the proportion of affected women and girls is as high as 34%.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell expressed grave concern, stating, “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience.”

This data, gathered from national statistics and surveys between 2010 and 2022, sheds light on the widespread nature of the crisis, despite challenges related to underreporting.

Nankali Maksud, a regional child violence specialist based in Nairobi, emphasized the profound and lasting effects of such abuse on survivors, calling it “generations of trauma.” She highlighted the difficulty survivors face in accessing education, with many girls who have been assaulted struggling to focus and learn in school environments.

Regions embroiled in conflict and insecurity, like Sudan, face some of the highest rates of sexual violence. Aid agencies are increasingly concerned about the rising risks women and girls encounter in these areas due to ongoing violence and instability.

This report underscores the urgent need for greater protections and support for girls, particularly in regions where conflict exacerbates their vulnerability to abuse.

Sahara Desert Flooded for First Time in 50 Years

For the first time in half a century, parts of the Sahara Desert have been flooded following an unprecedented downpour, transforming the arid landscape into blue lagoons, as reported by the Associated Press on Wednesday.

Southeastern Morocco, one of the driest regions on Earth, experienced more rain in just two days last September than it typically receives in an entire year. The Moroccan government reported that multiple areas, including Tata, were severely affected by the rainfall, which exceeded yearly averages.

In the village of Tagounite, located approximately 450 km south of the capital Rabat, over 100 millimeters of rain fell within a 24-hour period, resulting in the once-dry Lake Iriqui being filled with water for the first time in 50 years.

This rare phenomenon produced striking scenes of water flowing through the desert, pooling around palm trees and sand dunes. Tourists and locals in off-road vehicles took the opportunity to explore the flooded desert terrain.

Houssine Youabeb, of Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, remarked, “It’s been 30 to 50 years since we’ve had this much rain in such a short space of time.”

The rainfall, attributed to an extratropical storm, could signal an increase in the frequency of similar storms in the region. Although the deluge helped replenish groundwater and refill reservoirs after six years of drought, it also claimed over 20 lives in Morocco and Algeria, and caused significant damage to farmers’ crops, leading the government to release emergency aid.

These extraordinary images of the flooded Sahara offer a striking contrast to its usual dry and barren landscape, with water reflecting palm trees and creating temporary lakes in one of the world’s most iconic deserts.


Former CBN Deputy Governor Claims Emefiele’s Naira Redesign Lacked Presidential Approval

The trial of Godwin Emefiele, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), resumed on Wednesday with Edward Adamu, a former CBN Deputy Governor, testifying as the fourth witness. Emefiele is facing prosecution by the Federal Government for the controversial naira redesign policy implemented during his tenure in late 2022.

Testifying before Justice Maryanne Anenih at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, Adamu stated that Emefiele violated established procedures during the naira redesign process. He highlighted that previous redesigns aimed to address issues such as currency volume, inflation, counterfeiting, and overall currency management.

According to Adamu, the 2022 naira redesign was conducted without the necessary approvals from either the President or the CBN Board, contravening legal protocols. He explained that the proper procedure begins with the Director of Currency Operations, who submits a proposal to the Committee of Governors. This committee then seeks approval from the CBN Board before presenting it to the President.

Adamu alleged that Emefiele circumvented this established process. Instead, he claimed that Emefiele called a meeting of the Committee of Governors, where he presented a supposed presidential approval for the redesign and moved forward with its implementation.

Adamu further asserted that the current naira notes in circulation differ slightly from the design approved by both President Muhammadu Buhari and the CBN Board, indicating that these modifications were made unilaterally by Emefiele.

During cross-examination, defense counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN) questioned Adamu about whether it was customary for a board recommendation to precede presidential approval before a redesign. Adamu affirmed this was the case. When asked if there had ever been situations where the President approved funding to ECOWAS, the military, or other countries without consulting the CBN Board or Committee of Governors, Adamu acknowledged he was aware of such instances.

Ojo also pressed Adamu about any potential consequences for not following the procedures outlined in the CBN Act, to which Adamu admitted he could not recall specifics.

After a brief review of his previous statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 24, 2024, Adamu was unable to confirm whether he had previously stated that the minutes of CBN Meeting 764 were adopted.

The trial will continue on November 18, as Justice Anenih adjourned the case to allow further proceedings.

Nigerian Troops Capture Three Suspected Bandits in Taraba State

Troops from the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Taraba State, have successfully arrested three individuals suspected of banditry, along with a logistics supplier linked to terrorist operations within and outside the state. The arrests occurred during a specialized operation initiated on October 7, 2024, in Andami, located in the Karim Lamido Local Government Area.

In a statement released to the media on Thursday, Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 6 Brigade, highlighted that the operation was facilitated by reliable intelligence.

The suspected bandits were apprehended in Jeb-Jeb, a border community straddling Taraba and Plateau states. The suspects have been identified as Adamu Abubakar, Mohammed Bello, and Musa Adamu, all of whom are implicated in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnappings, and violent assaults on local communities.

“These arrests are part of the broader efforts of the 6 Brigade to combat the rising tide of inter-state criminality within its Area of Operations,” Captain Oni stated. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects have been active in the state for several years, and further investigations are underway to identify and apprehend other members of their criminal syndicate.”

Additionally, a significant logistics supplier for a prominent terrorist organization in Taraba was captured in a separate operation in Bunka village, within Lau Local Government Area. The individual, identified as Musa Inusa, is believed to be responsible for supplying essential provisions and materials to terrorists operating in the region.

Captain Oni noted, “His arrest is anticipated to disrupt the supply chain and further weaken the operational capabilities of the group.”