Sokoto and UNICEF Join Forces to Combat Malnutrition and Polio

The Sokoto State Government has announced a significant partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) aimed at addressing malnutrition and polio within the state. This collaboration was solidified during a recent visit by UNICEF’s country representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate.

During her visit, Munduate met with Governor Ahmed Aliyu and the First Lady of Sokoto State, Fatima Aliyu, to discuss and formalize the partnership. The agreement includes the establishment of a Child Nutrition Fund, which will be used to purchase essential nutrition supplies for the state’s children.

Governor Aliyu highlighted the state’s commitment, stating, “Our contribution to the Child Nutrition Fund demonstrates our dedication to addressing severe acute malnutrition. This partnership with UNICEF represents a bold step towards safeguarding the future of Sokoto’s children.”

UNICEF’s communication specialist, Susan Akila, confirmed the state’s contribution and noted that UNICEF will match this funding to provide lifesaving nutrition commodities to children in need across Sokoto State. Munduate praised Governor Aliyu’s leadership and commitment to this critical issue, emphasizing the potential for a substantial impact through this combined effort.

Additionally, both the Governor and the First Lady discussed the ongoing polio outbreak in the region. The First Lady expressed her full support for the vaccination campaign and pledged to engage religious leaders and women’s groups to promote birth registration and vaccination efforts.

Munduate assured that UNICEF will continue to support Sokoto State in these vital health initiatives, working together to combat malnutrition and polio effectively.

Ogun Rice Farmers Clarify Government’s Role in Farming Success

The Alubarika Rice Farmers Cluster in Ogun State, led by Alhaji Bello Zabarmawa, has refuted claims that the Ogun State government hijacked their rice farming efforts. Zabarmawa clarified that the government has significantly supported the farmers, contributing to their success. He emphasized that the government provided tractors, fertilizers, herbicides, and other resources, paying 50% of the costs, while farmers covered the remaining 50%. Similarly, during harvesting, the government covered 65% of the costs for the harvesters.

Zabarmawa denied any claims of ownership over the 200 hectares of rice and stressed that the farming efforts are community-driven, with support from the government. Salam Adelowo, Chairman of the Alubarika Cluster Farmers, confirmed the government’s essential role in land preparation, planting, and harvesting. The service provider, Ajibola Johnson of Young Agro Service Enterprise, also confirmed that the government’s contributions were pivotal and threatened legal action against anyone spreading misinformation.

This cooperation between the government and the farmers has led to successful rice farming in the region, and plans are underway to expand the initiative to include more farmers and improve infrastructure.

Tinubu Praises Military Success in North-West Operations

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian military for its recent successes in tackling security challenges in the North-West. The commendation follows a series of effective operations by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, which led to the death of wanted bandit leader Halilu Sububu, the elimination of terrorist Sani Burki, and the rescue of 13 kidnapped students in Kaduna.

In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu expressed his relief and praised the military’s dedication and strategic execution. He acknowledged the President’s directive for service chiefs to relocate to the North-West as a key factor in these achievements.

Tinubu reaffirmed his support for the military and other security agencies, urging them to maintain their efforts until both immediate and latent threats are fully addressed. The President’s statement underscored his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of the nation through continued support for the security forces.

Rising Fear Among Single Women as Ritual Killings by Boyfriends Spread

A growing wave of fear is sweeping through the female population as cases of boyfriends killing their lovers for ritual purposes continue to rise across various states in Nigeria. These gruesome murders, driven by superstition, greed, and cruelty, have left many women feeling unsafe, even in public spaces.

One recent incident involved a 25-year-old man, identified as Elisha, who was arrested on May 14 for allegedly killing his girlfriend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Another horrifying case saw Christiana Idowu, a student at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, abducted and murdered by Ayomide Adeleye on August 19. Adeleye had previously been accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in 2018.

In Lagos State, Fatai Mogaji was arrested on August 6 for allegedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend, Opeyemi Shoyinka, to death. In another shocking case, 19-year-old Damilola, a student at the Federal University in Lokoja, was brutally murdered by 20-year-old Jeremiah Samson, who dismembered and buried her body in a shallow grave.

These violent incidents have caused panic, particularly among young women in southwestern Nigeria. Adenike Araoye, a 22-year-old single woman, expressed her fear of dating due to the increasing number of ritual killings. “I am single, but I’m terrified of entering a relationship. The news of boys killing their girlfriends is terrifying,” she said.

Mariam Oyebamiji, a student at Osun State University, echoed this sentiment, saying, “I don’t want anyone to destroy my parents’ joy.” Oluwatobiloba Ajiboye, 30, also shared her concern, emphasizing the need for women to be more vigilant in relationships and warning that many relationships are built on deception.

Ajiboye attributed the rise in ritual killings to economic hardship and societal pressure, driving some men to seek quick wealth through deadly means. She also highlighted the dangers of dating fraudsters, commonly referred to as “Yahoo boys,” who are often linked to ritualistic practices.

Journalist Nafisat Oyedele criticized society’s reaction to femicide, pointing out that victims are often blamed rather than addressing the root causes. “It’s heartbreaking to see so many femicide cases in Nigeria, yet society blames the victims. Girls are told to stay home, but even at home, they aren’t always safe,” Oyedele said.

Activist Titilope Adako described the killings as a form of gender-based violence, noting that many perpetrators enter relationships with the intention of using their partners for rituals. She blamed a toxic mix of superstition, desperation, and ignorance for fueling these crimes, coupled with weak law enforcement that emboldens the killers.

“The lack of remorse shown by some of these killers highlights the severity of the issue,” Adako said, calling for urgent societal reforms and stronger legal frameworks to address the alarming rise in ritual killings

Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu Confident Ahead of Return Leg Against Esperanca in Angola

Rangers’ technical adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has expressed optimism about his team’s chances in the second leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie against Sagrada Esperanca in Angola. The Nigerian side secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg, played in Uyo on Friday, September 13.

After the match, Ilechukwu acknowledged the strengths of their Angolan opponents but remained confident that Rangers could seal the tie in Luanda. He emphasized the importance of converting scoring chances and maintaining a positive atmosphere in the team as they prepare for the decisive game.

Reflecting on the first leg, Ilechukwu admitted that the team’s approach to the game could have been better, particularly in the early stages. Despite missed opportunities, he was pleased with the result and focused on encouraging his players ahead of the return fixture.

“We know they have players that can cause us problems, but we also have what it takes to finish the contest in Angola,” Ilechukwu said. “We had a solid game plan, but I was a bit disappointed with how we started. We wasted many chances, but we won’t put the players under more pressure. We need to support them because this tie is delicately balanced.”

Ilechukwu remains hopeful that his team will perform better in the return leg, scheduled for Sunday, September 22, at the 11 de Novembro Stadium in Luanda.

Several UNIBEN Students Trapped in Building Collapse Amid Heavy Rain in Benin City

A number of University of Benin (UNIBEN) students are feared trapped after a storey-building collapsed on Ekhator Street, Ekosodin, a student-populated area near the university.

According to reports, the structure gave way early Saturday morning due to heavy rainfall in Benin City, Edo State. Rescue operations are ongoing.

Eyewitnesses revealed that a university rescue team managed to pull several individuals from the wreckage, though many sustained serious injuries. The injured victims have been rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Efforts are still underway to save at least one more victim, who reportedly called from beneath the rubble pleading for help. Rescue teams continue to search the debris.

The dean of the university is said to be on-site, leading rescue efforts alongside other school officials. As of now, the university has yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the collapse or provide exact details on the number of those affected.

NESG Announces 30th Summit to Address Nigeria’s Socioeconomic Challenges

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has revealed plans for its landmark 30th Nigerian Economic Summit, set to take place from October 14 to 16, 2024, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.

This year’s summit, themed “Collaborative Action for Growth, Competitiveness, and Stability,” aims to tackle Nigeria’s pressing socioeconomic issues through a collaborative dialogue involving both public and private sectors. The event seeks to develop actionable strategies to address key challenges related to stability, economic growth, and inclusivity in Nigeria.

Ms. Ayanyinka Ayanlowo, Acting Head of Strategic Communication and Advocacy at NESG, highlighted the significance of the summit: “The theme reflects the crucial need for a unified approach to propel Nigeria towards a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future.”

The summit will be a milestone for NESG, which has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economic transformation over the past 30 years. Ayanlowo emphasized that this year’s event will build on NESG’s legacy of transitioning Nigeria to a more dynamic, private-sector-driven economy.

Key objectives of the summit include fostering collaboration among government agencies, businesses, civil society, and international partners. This collective action is seen as essential for addressing Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges and creating a stable environment conducive to growth and investment.

“Stability requires synergy across all sectors,” the statement read, underscoring the need for collective effort to overcome current challenges.

The NESG also underscored Nigeria’s influential role in Africa’s economic landscape. The outcomes of the summit are expected to have a significant impact not only within Nigeria but across the continent.

“Nigeria’s performance affects regional dynamics due to its large domestic market, natural resources, and corporate influence,” Ayanlowo noted.

NES #30 will also emphasize promoting inclusive growth by identifying policies that ensure all segments of society benefit. The summit aims to address inequalities through discussions on job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovative solutions for competitiveness.

“The goal is to ensure that growth benefits all Nigerians, from urban centers to rural areas,” the statement emphasized.

Over the years, the NESG has been instrumental in driving reforms in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and energy. The 30th edition of the summit aims to continue this tradition by outlining a clear path toward a more integrated and prosperous Nigeria.

Ayanlowo concluded, “The discussions and outcomes from NES #30 will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s economic policies and harnessing its potential to drive continental transformation.”

TECNO Launches PHANTOM V Flip2 5G: A Blend of Elegance and AI Innovation

TECNO has unveiled its latest marvel, the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, a cutting-edge flip phone that combines iconic design with advanced AI technology. The new device promises to deliver a seamless blend of style, functionality, and innovation in a sleek, pocket-sized package.

Stylish and Functional Design

The PHANTOM V Flip2 5G features a visually stunning ThruPool cover screen, inspired by the aesthetics of infinity pools. This 3.64-inch screen integrates seamlessly with the phone’s curved body, offering a sleek and modern look. The cover screen supports over 2,000 apps, enhancing usability without needing to open the main screen. With a 413PPI display, it’s designed to be both visually appealing and highly functional.

Innovative AI Suite

Equipped with TECNO’s new AI suite, the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G introduces a range of advanced features aimed at boosting creativity and convenience. The Gemini-integrated Ella AI Assistant provides intelligent responses, online search capabilities, and smart management of over 400 system functions. The phone also includes AI Text Summary, AI Translation, and AI Writing functions like proofreading and text generation.

Creative AI Tools

The device is designed for creative expression with its AI-powered tools. The AI Artboard and AI Wallpaper allow users to transform sketches into artworks, while the Magic AI Eraser can remove unwanted elements from photos. One Click Cutout helps in quickly isolating subjects for effortless sharing.

Enhanced User Experience

The PHANTOM V Flip2 5G’s cover screen allows for customizable displays and interactive features. Users can choose from various display styles and enjoy interactive pets with the Outer Screen Cute Pet 2.0 feature. For added entertainment, the screen offers mini-games such as Cute Pet Jump and Sudoku.

Power and Performance

The phone boasts a long-lasting 4720mAh Super Battery with 70W Ultra Charge, ensuring extended use and quick recharging. It combines powerful performance with a flagship imaging system and an ultra-flat main screen for a comprehensive and enjoyable user experience.

Jack Guo, General Manager of TECNO, expressed excitement about the launch: “We’re thrilled to introduce the PHANTOM V Flip2 5G, a device that exemplifies our commitment to merging form and function in innovative ways.”

The TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 5G sets a new standard in flip phone technology, offering a sophisticated and functional device for modern users.

Wike Stands Firm on Threat to PDP Governors: “No Apologies”

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that he will not apologize for threatening governors who interfere in the political crisis in Rivers State. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Friday, Wike expressed his unwavering stance against any governor meddling in the affairs of Rivers State.

Wike’s remarks come after several PDP governors expressed support for Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Wike, who was angered by this show of solidarity, had previously vowed to take strong action against any governor involved in the dispute.

“I said it to the governors’ forum and I repeat without any apologies. If there are consequences, so be it. If heaven falls, we will have peace,” Wike declared. He further emphasized his point by saying, “As the FCT Minister from Rivers State, I maintain relationships with many governors, but if they choose to violate the processes and constitution of our party, I will not remain silent.”

Wike criticized the governors for publicly supporting Fubara and expressed his frustration with their actions, stating that such interference would not be tolerated.

Pep Guardiola Explains Why He Avoids Social Media and Messaging Apps

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared why he steers clear of social media platforms, stating his preference for keeping his phone limited to basic calls and messages. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola said, “I don’t have WhatsApp, I don’t like emails, and I avoid all that kind of stuff. Just my phone and messages, that’s it. I don’t want to be bothered.”

Despite his avoidance of social media, Guardiola remains one of football’s most successful managers, recently becoming the second coach to win a treble in English football, following Sir Alex Ferguson’s achievement in 1999. Additionally, Guardiola made history by leading Manchester City to four consecutive Premier League titles by the 2023-2024 season.

Commenting on the recent remarks by La Liga president Javier Tebas—who claimed that Premier League clubs favor sanctions against Manchester City—Guardiola agreed, saying, “For the fact that all the Premier League teams want us to be sanctioned, that is for sure.” He urged Tebas and others to wait for the independent panel’s decision on the 115 charges against City.