Pressure From Unions, International Bodies Forced Ajaero’s Release

The recent release of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero came after intense pressure from local and international bodies. Ajaero was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday, while on his way to the UK to attend a Trade Union Congress (TUC) conference.

Labour unions in Nigeria, civil society organizations (CSOs), and international trade unions rallied in response, threatening nationwide strikes and protests. Organizations such as the Public Service International (PSI), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and IndustriALL Global Union (IGU) applied external pressure, urging their respective governments to act against Nigeria for alleged human rights abuses.

The NLC had already planned for a nationwide strike, awaiting approval from the National Executive Council (NEC) before Ajaero’s release. The strike was set to protest his detention and the broader issue of union repression in the country.

Ajaero, recounting his experience with the DSS, said he was interrogated by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the DSS about his connections with various individuals and groups, including the Labour Party and #EndBadGovernance protesters. He expressed frustration at what he described as continued efforts by security agencies to intimidate and persecute union leaders in Nigeria.

The coordinated pressure from both local and international bodies led to Ajaero’s release just before the nationwide strike was due to begin.

Aare Ona Kakanfo Gani Adams Criticizes President Tinubu’s Administration

Gani Adams, the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland and leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that it offers no hope for Nigerians. In an open letter titled “State of the Nation,” Adams criticized Tinubu’s economic and security policies, claiming they have only worsened the lives of Nigerians.

He noted that while many initially believed Tinubu would be an improvement over former President Muhammadu Buhari, the current administration has led to skyrocketing fuel prices and a steep decline in the value of the naira.

Adams further criticized Tinubu for mishandling protests, including the August 1 hunger protest, and charging demonstrators with treason. He expressed concern over the worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and increasing poverty rates across the country.

In his letter, Adams lamented that many Nigerians are suffering under Tinubu’s leadership, with unemployment and inflation rates continuing to rise, leading to the collapse of businesses and households.

NNPC and Dangote Refinery Yet to Finalize Petrol Lifting Agreement

Four days before the September 15, 2024, date announced for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) to begin lifting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery, investigations reveal that no commercial agreement has been reached between the two parties.

Despite public statements made earlier by NNPC’s Executive Vice President of Downstream, Adedapo Segun, indicating that petrol lifting would start on September 15, sources from both NNPC and Dangote confirmed on Tuesday that no deal has been finalized on the pricing or quantity of petrol to be lifted.

An official from Dangote Refinery, speaking anonymously, stated that no documentation or agreements on product lifting have been completed, making it unlikely that the national oil company will proceed with lifting PMS on the announced date.

While discussions continue, business experts, including Dan Kunle, are urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene to ensure that the unresolved issues do not exacerbate the current fuel and socioeconomic crisis in the country.

Meanwhile, the Crude Oil Refiners Association of Nigeria (CORAN) suggested that Dangote’s petrol prices could be lower if the government grants the necessary concessions, though concerns remain about potential high prices if such agreements are not reached in time. Marketers fear the price could rise as high as N1,000 per liter.

Discussions between NNPC, Dangote Refinery, and CORAN are ongoing, with all parties urging patience as negotiations continue to shape the future of local refining and fuel pricing in Nigeria.

Borno Floods Submerge 70% of Maiduguri, Force Evacuations and Trigger Jailbreak

The devastating collapse of the Alau Dam has caused severe flooding in Borno State, submerging 70% of Maiduguri and displacing thousands of residents. The floodwaters ravaged key areas, including the Shehu of Borno’s palace, schools, and markets, with homes and institutions submerged.

President Bola Tinubu, currently abroad, called for immediate evacuation and rescue efforts, while Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Maiduguri to assess the damage. Several Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps have been opened to accommodate those affected, as emergency services work to rescue and relocate displaced residents.

The flood also triggered a jailbreak at the Maiduguri Correctional Facility, where over 200 inmates escaped, though three have since been recaptured. Additionally, 80% of animals at the Sanda Kyarimi Park zoo perished, with dangerous wildlife like crocodiles and snakes swept into the community.

The flooding, described as the worst in 30 years, has left businesses crippled and raised concerns for public safety, as officials continue efforts to manage the catastrophe.

Eguavon Denies Resignation Rumors, Confirms He’s Still Leading Super Eagles”

Super Eagles interim coach, Austin Eguavon, has refuted claims that he resigned following Nigeria’s match against Rwanda on Tuesday. Speaking upon his arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday, Eguavon clarified that his comments were misinterpreted.

Eguavon emphasized that his interim contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was to lead the team through the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda. He stated that he is still fully in charge and will discuss future plans with the NFF leadership.

“It’s unfortunate that false reports are being circulated. I’m still the technical director of the federation and responsible for leading the Super Eagles for now,” Eguavon confirmed.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Exchange Rate Hits N1660 as CBN Warns Against Parallel Trading

The dollar to naira exchange rate in the black market on 10th September 2024 saw a dollar bought at N1650 and sold at N1660, according to sources from the Bureau De Change (BDC). The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) continues to emphasize that it does not recognize the parallel market and encourages individuals to approach banks for foreign exchange transactions.

Meanwhile, the CBN’s official rate lists the dollar at N1611 for buying and N1612 for selling. Rates may vary slightly depending on the forex source.

In a related development, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has pledged to crack down on unregulated capital market operators, including crypto platforms, to ensure investor protection and compliance with regulations.

EFCC to Begin Prosecution of Banks and Top Officials for Major Financial Frauds

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to prosecute banks and their top officials involved in significant financial frauds. EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede, revealed this during the 17th Annual Banking and Finance Conference organized by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja.

Olukoyede stated that the EFCC has gathered substantial evidence and completed its investigations to support the upcoming legal actions. He noted that many large-scale financial frauds have been facilitated through the banking sector and stressed the need for accountability.

“We can no longer remain passive. It is crucial to take decisive action to ensure compliance and integrity,” Olukoyede remarked, adding that systems lacking consequences would ultimately collapse.

He also called on CIBN to reinforce its regulatory oversight to ensure adherence to professional standards, citing the Commission’s findings of regulatory failures and impunity within the banking industry.

The EFCC, he affirmed, is committed to collaborating with the financial sector to enforce anti-money laundering laws and combat cybercrime, both internally and externally.

Enugu and Bayelsa Top List as NCDC Reports 55 Mpox Cases in 21 States

Nigeria has recorded 55 confirmed cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) across 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory, according to the latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The report, covering the situation up to September 1, 2024, reveals that Mpox has been detected in 39 local government areas, with no reported deaths this year.

The NCDC’s Mpox situation report for week 35 highlights that 70% of the confirmed cases involve males, while 30% are females. The age distribution shows that the majority of cases are in younger populations, with 19 cases in ages 0-10, 8 cases in ages 11-20, 12 cases in ages 21-30, and smaller numbers in older age brackets.

The states reporting the highest numbers of cases include Enugu with eight cases, Bayelsa with six, and Akwa-Ibom with six. Other states with notable case counts are Cross River (five), Delta (three), Benue (three), and Plateau (three). Several states reported fewer cases, including Lagos, Kebbi, and Kaduna, each with one case.

Since September 2017, Nigeria has seen 4,752 suspected cases of Mpox, with 1,141 confirmed and 17 deaths. The NCDC notes that males are predominantly affected, accounting for approximately 70% of confirmed cases.

Mpox, a rare viral zoonotic disease, is transmitted from animals to humans and is most commonly found in remote villages of Central and West Africa. The Mpox virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes the variola virus (smallpox), the vaccinia virus (used in smallpox vaccines), and the cowpox virus.

On August 13, 2024, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention declared Mpox a public health emergency of continental security, highlighting the growing concern over this infectious disease.

Poor Sleep Linked to Obesity in Children, Warn Paediatricians

Paediatricians are raising alarms about the serious effects of poor sleep on children’s health, revealing that sleep deprivation can lead to childhood obesity and impair cognitive development.

Experts explain that modern lifestyle factors, such as increased screen time and irregular sleep patterns, are major contributors to sleep deprivation among children. This lack of adequate sleep not only impacts physical health but also hinders learning and cognitive abilities.

Professor Omotayo Adesiyun, a Consultant Paediatrician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, highlighted the crucial role of uninterrupted sleep in children’s development. She noted that sleep supports brain development and the release of growth hormones necessary for physical growth.

“Sleep is essential for brain development, memory consolidation, and overall growth,” Professor Adesiyun stated. “Inadequate sleep can lead to poor growth, developmental delays, and an increased risk of obesity. It also affects cognitive functions, such as memory and problem-solving abilities.”

She emphasized the importance of establishing a consistent bedtime routine to combat sleep deprivation. Recommendations include turning off screens an hour before bed, engaging in calming activities, and maintaining a fixed bedtime. Adesiyun also suggested that parents may need to adjust their schedules or seek flexible work options to ensure their children get enough sleep.

Dr. Bankole Kuti, a Consultant Paediatrician at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, added that sleep problems can severely impact mood, behavior, and academic performance. He warned that chronic sleep issues could lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor cardiovascular health, especially in children from low-income families or overcrowded living conditions.

Dr. Kuti advised parents to create a sleep-friendly environment that is dark, quiet, and comfortably warm, and to establish a consistent bedtime routine from infancy.

Both experts agree that addressing sleep deprivation is crucial for preventing long-term health problems and ensuring optimal development in children.

Three Police Officers Detained in Connection with Killing of Kwara Poly Student; IGP Orders Investigation

Three officers from the Nigeria Police Force have been detained in relation to the fatal shooting of Qoyum Abdulyekeen Ishola, a student at Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. Ishola was reportedly shot on September 4, 2024.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has taken direct action by instructing the Homicide section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

A statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, identified the arrested officers as Inspector Abiodun Kayode, Inspector James Emmanuel, and Sergeant Oni Philip, all from the Kwara State Command’s Department of Operations. They are currently being held for further questioning.

IGP Egbetokun expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ishola and extended condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. The IGP assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that justice will be pursued.

Ishola, who was studying for a National Diploma II in Electrical/Electronics Engineering, was killed under unclear circumstances in the Fate Area of Ilorin. The police investigation aims to uncover the details surrounding this tragic incident.