Engr Akemokue crowned Okpella king, resigns politics

The newly appointed king to the revered throne of Okpella kingdom, Engr Lukman Akemokue, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella has tendered his resignation from partisan politics and from the Editorial Board of the Bullets of the Harmless Rabbit. This, he said was a bid to ensure unity, progress and dedication to all sons and daughters of Okpella.

In a statement dated September 28th, 2024, personally signed and made available to newsmen in Benin City, the Monarch said though the decision was not taken lightly, but it has become necessary as he assumes pivotal role as the Royal Father of Okpella Clan.

According to the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, the role as Okpella King, forbids him from discriminating any Okpellan on the basis of politics or any other affiliation.

The Monarch affirms his dedication to serve as a unifying figure for all his people and have wholeheartedly committed himself to the upliftment and betterment of a beloved Okpellan Clan and it’s wonderful sons and daughters.

The newly appointed king therefore enjoined all Okpella sons and daughters to join him, as his focus now is on fostering unity, progress and prosperity for a better community.

Access Holdings Donates ₦1 Billion for Maiduguri Flood Relief and Infrastructure Restoration

Access Holdings Plc has announced a donation of over ₦1 billion to aid relief and recovery efforts in Maiduguri following devastating floods. The donation, made through Access Bank Plc, includes ₦500 million in cash for the Borno State government’s immediate response and another ₦500 million for restoring critical infrastructure damaged by the flood.

The announcement was made during a visit by the Group’s delegates, led by Acting Group CEO Bolaji Agbede, to the Borno State Government House. Agbede emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting affected communities and contributing to long-term resilience.

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, expressed his gratitude, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the private sector and government in aiding local communities during challenging times. The funds will support hospital restoration and food relief for vulnerable individuals affected by the disaster.

Germany and Turkey Dispute Alleged Migrant Deportation Agreement

Germany announced on Friday that it had reached a plan with Turkey to expedite the deportation of failed Turkish asylum seekers. According to German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, this agreement would allow for faster deportations, with Turkey accepting its citizens who are not permitted to remain in Germany. However, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry swiftly denied the existence of any such deal.

German reports suggested that Turkey had agreed to take back up to 500 citizens per week on special flights, in exchange for eased visa regulations for Turkish visitors to Germany. The German Interior Ministry did not confirm these details, and Turkey emphasized that no mass deportation of Turkish citizens had been authorized.

This comes amid growing pressure in Germany to address irregular immigration, as asylum applications from Turkish citizens, particularly Kurds, have risen significantly in recent years.

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Hits ₦1700 on September 28, 2024

The Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the black market, also known as the parallel market, saw a slight increase on Friday, September 27, 2024. According to sources from Bureau De Change operators in Lagos, the dollar was being bought at ₦1690 and sold at ₦1700. Despite the official rates set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), many Nigerians still rely on the parallel market for foreign exchange.

The CBN continues to encourage individuals to engage in foreign exchange transactions through their banks, as it does not recognize the black market. Official rates provided by the CBN for the same day were ₦1637 for buying and ₦1638 for selling, highlighting a noticeable gap between the official and parallel market rates.

Premier League Delays Rollout of Semi-Automated VAR Offside Technology Until 2025

The Premier League has decided to postpone the introduction of the semi-automated Video Assistant Referee (VAR) offside technology (SAOT) until 2025, citing the need for further system testing. Initially, Premier League clubs had unanimously agreed to implement SAOT ahead of the 2024-2025 season.

SAOT is designed to expedite offside checks, potentially reducing the average time for decisions by 31 seconds. The league had originally planned to introduce the technology after one of the Autumn international breaks, with October being the likely target.

However, after a Premier League shareholders’ meeting on September 26, it was confirmed that SAOT is not ready for deployment. This delay raises doubts about whether the system will be introduced during the current season, which ends in June 2025.

The semi-automated system aims to replace the manual process of drawing lines to check offsides, offering faster and more accurate decisions. It is also expected to provide enhanced visual representations of offside calls, surpassing the current method of displaying lines on broadcast feeds.

Adebayo Shittu Cautions Tinubu Against Relying on Cabinet Recommendations

Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has warned President Bola Tinubu to be cautious about the ministerial recommendations made by his close associates ahead of the planned cabinet reshuffle. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Shittu emphasized that even trusted advisors may have vested interests and could push for candidates who may not perform effectively.

Shittu expressed concern that some current ministers have underperformed and suggested that Tinubu should carefully evaluate his choices, particularly since many of the new appointees may come from recommendations rather than direct personal knowledge. He urged the president to establish a comprehensive orientation for new appointees to ensure they understand and align with his priorities.

NPFL 2024-2025: Matchday 4 Fixtures and Kick-Off Times Announced

The 2024-2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will feature its matchday four fixtures starting Saturday, September 28. Key matchups will unfold across the country, beginning with El-Kanemi Warriors hosting Plateau United at the El-Kanemi Stadium in Maiduguri, and Ikorodu City FC facing Nasarawa United at Onikan Stadium in Lagos. Both matches are set to kick off at 3 p.m.

Ikorodu City, currently at the bottom of the league table, is desperate for a victory to secure their first three points of the season against Nasarawa United.

Following these opening matches, one additional game will take place on Saturday before seven fixtures take center stage on Sunday, September 29. Notably, the reigning NPFL champions, Enugu Rangers, will clash with the unbeaten table-toppers, Remo Stars, in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Here are the complete NPFL Matchday Four Fixtures and Kick-Off Times:

Saturday, September 28

  • Ikorodu City vs. Nasarawa United – 3 p.m.
  • El-Kanemi Warriors vs. Plateau United – 3 p.m.
  • Akwa United vs. Sunshine Stars – 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 29

  • Niger Tornadoes vs. Bendel Insurance – 3 p.m.
  • Rivers United vs. Enyimba – 3 p.m.
  • Bayelsa United vs. Kwara United – 4 p.m.
  • Abia Warriors vs. Kano Pillars – 4 p.m.
  • Katsina United vs. Lobi Stars – 4 p.m.
  • Remo Stars vs. Enugu Rangers – 5:30 p.m.
  • Shooting Stars vs. Heartland – 5:30 p.m.

DHQ Launches Investigation Into Bandit Sponsorship Allegations Between Matawalle and Lawal

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the launch of an investigation into accusations of bandit sponsorship involving the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal. Both officials have openly accused each other of backing bandit groups in the region.

Matawalle recently challenged Lawal to swear by the Holy Qur’an that he is not involved in the sponsorship of bandits. In response, Lawal claimed to have reported the matter to National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and said he has evidence to support his accusations.

During a press briefing, Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed that the military and other security agencies are probing the allegations. He emphasized that a formal announcement will be made once the investigation progresses, but for now, the focus remains on defeating the bandits and criminal elements across the country.

Buba stated that winning the war against banditry involves dismantling the enemy’s will to fight, and the military is committed to this objective. He assured that updates on the investigation would be shared soon.

Kwara State Reaffirms Commitment to Livestock Investment and Job Creation

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has emphasized his administration’s dedication to investing in key infrastructure and equipment in the livestock sector to improve the well-being of the state’s citizens. Speaking at the 3rd batch training workshop for 100 additional extension agents and farmers, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Oloruntoyosi Thomas, highlighted the importance of tackling the challenges facing livestock farmers, including climate change and limited access to resources.

The workshop, which focused on small ruminant production and crop residue processing, was held at the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation in Ifelodun and aimed at equipping farmers with skills to enhance livestock management and improve sustainability. Governor AbdulRazaq noted that the state government, through the Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, has designed a comprehensive initiative to support farmers and boost the sector.

At the event, the governor also unveiled new crop residue processing equipment, marking another step toward enhancing the state’s livestock capabilities. Participants were urged to use the training to help develop the state’s economy and create jobs.

“Under Tinubu, We Have Remodeled DICON for Enhanced Capacity” — Matawalle

Dr. Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, has announced that the government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), aimed at bolstering its production capabilities. According to Matawalle, this initiative is set to save Nigeria millions of dollars previously spent on arms procurement abroad.

Speaking in an interview with Channels TV particularly on the commemoration of DICON’s 60th anniversary, Dr. Matawalle emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to increase its local manufacturing output, particularly in the defence sector, to address the country’s growing security demands.

“For too long, Nigeria has lagged behind in advancing its local productivity, especially in the defence industry,” he remarked. “We attend security exhibitions around the world, observing the advancements of other nations, yet Nigeria has not been producing at the level required to meet our own needs. But today, under my supervision as Minister, we have initiated programs to enhance DICON’s capacity through a comprehensive remodeling.”

He further elaborated on the transformation underway at the corporation. “If you visit DICON today, you will witness a remarkable change. We now have investors who have established their plants on-site. This isn’t just for Nigeria; it’s for our neighbors as well.”

Dr. Matawalle underscored that the revitalization of DICON would greatly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on foreign suppliers, with arms, ammunition, and other military equipment now to be purchased in local currency.

“This move will also save us spendings in dollar, as purchases would be in Naira. It is as good as what NNPC is doing with Dangote Refinery. Our goal is to source all of our military hardware domestically, easing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves used for purchasing weapons