Federal Government to Relaunch School Feeding Programme Amid Calls for Resumption

The federal government has announced plans to relaunch the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, an initiative aimed at providing meals to students to boost school attendance and improve educational outcomes.

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, made this announcement during a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Alternative Education on Thursday, August 22. The discussion focused on tackling the longstanding issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

In a statement released by Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Finance, Edun emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring every Nigerian child has access to quality education. “The federal government is dedicated to tackling critical issues through innovative initiatives like the ‘Home-Grown School Feeding Programme’ and the ‘Secretariat for Financing Safe Schools’,” Edun said.

The relaunch of the programme is expected to not only improve students’ health and well-being but also encourage them to stay in school, thereby reducing the number of out-of-school children across the country. “Feeding children at school would positively impact the national budget by providing sufficient resources to support and sustain educational programs,” Edun added.

This development follows the suspension of the programme by President Bola Tinubu in January, as part of a broader investigation into alleged financial irregularities within the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA). The suspension also affected other key social investment initiatives, such as N-Power and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes.

Despite the suspension, there has been significant pressure from the House of Representatives, which argued that discontinuing these programmes could severely harm the education sector. The Green Chamber has been actively campaigning for the government to resume the suspended initiatives, stressing their importance in supporting Nigeria’s educational infrastructure.

Edun’s announcement marks a renewed commitment by the federal government to enhance educational opportunities and support future generations, paving the way for a more prosperous Nigeria.

Bwala: Spirit of #EndSARS Influenced #EndBadGovernance Protesters

Daniel Bwala, former campaign spokesman for the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has commented on the #EndBadGovernance protests, stating that the movement was influenced by the spirit of the #EndSARS protests.

Speaking with Arise News, Bwala noted that the protesters believed a multi-faceted approach was necessary to compel the government, reflecting lessons learned from the #EndSARS movement.

“Protest is the constitutional right of the people, and there are lessons to be learned by both the protesters and the government,” Bwala said. However, he emphasized that the protesters should have considered forming a leadership structure to negotiate their demands, similar to trade unions.

He added, “The spirit of #EndSARS haunted them because they believed that having identified leadership could lead to compromise by the government. They thought that a hydra-headed approach would be more effective in compelling action.”

Bwala also warned that in a protest without clear leadership or defined goals, undemocratic elements might exploit the situation, leading to the potential curtailment of the protesters’ rights.

Ukrainian Navy Strikes Major Blow to Russian Logistics by Sinking Ferry in Kerch Strait

In a critical move against Russian military supply lines, Ukraine’s Navy has successfully sunk a ferry loaded with fuel and weapons destined for Russian forces in Crimea.

The vessel, known as the Conro Trader, was struck at the Kavkaz port in the Kerch Strait, one of Russia’s largest passenger hubs, on Thursday.

Reports from the Telegraph indicate that the ferry was carrying 30 fuel tankers at the time of the attack, underscoring Ukraine’s ongoing strategy to disrupt Russian supply chains to the strategically vital Crimean region.

While the Kerch Bridge has been a frequent target for Ukrainian forces, much of the essential cargo heading to Crimea continues to be transported by ferry, making these vessels key components in Russian military logistics.

The attack has been verified by both Ukrainian and Russian officials. The governor of Russia’s Krasnodar region announced that 17 crew members were rescued, though two remain missing.

Dmytro Pletenchu, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Navy, highlighted the ferry’s strategic role, stating, “This ferry is a crucial link in the Russian military logistics chain, primarily for supplying occupation forces with fuel and lubricants, as well as transporting weapons. Therefore, it was a legitimate target.”

This incident comes amidst Ukraine’s ongoing offensive in western Russia’s Kursk region and a series of missile and drone strikes targeting key Russian positions.

Tinubu Swears In Kekere-Ekun As New Chief Justice of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) on Friday, August 23, 2024. The ceremony, held at the State House in Abuja, marks a significant milestone as Justice Kekere-Ekun becomes the second female jurist to serve as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, following Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, who held the position from July 2012 to November 2014.

Justice Kekere-Ekun was sworn in at approximately 11:38 AM in the presence of several dignitaries, including other Supreme Court Justices, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. She will serve in an acting capacity pending her confirmation by the Senate.

Justice Kekere-Ekun succeeds Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who has retired. Her appointment was recommended by the National Judicial Council, reflecting her esteemed judicial career and dedication to the Nigerian legal system.

Born on May 7, 1958, in London, United Kingdom, to Lagos State natives, Justice Kekere-Ekun is the eldest of eleven siblings. She completed her primary education in private schools before attending Queen’s College, Lagos, in 1970. She pursued her passion for law at the University of Lagos, graduating in 1980, and later attended the Nigerian Law School, where she was called to the Bar in July 1981. She also holds a master’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

Justice Kekere-Ekun’s judicial career began in December 1989 as a Senior Magistrate Grade II in Lagos. Her competence led to her appointment as a Judge of the Lagos State High Court in 1996 and her subsequent elevation to the Court of Appeal in 2004. In July 2013, she became a Justice of the Supreme Court, making her the fifth and youngest female to achieve this position.

She has held various leadership roles, including serving as the pioneer Presiding Justice of the Makurdi Division and later as the Presiding Justice of the Akure Division of the Court of Appeal. Her contributions to the judiciary have been recognized with her appointment as a Life Bencher by the Body of Benchers in February 2018.

Justice Kekere-Ekun is married to Mr. Akin Kekere-Ekun, and they have three children together. Her swearing-in is seen as a continuation of her distinguished career, and she is expected to bring her extensive experience and expertise to her new role as Nigeria’s Chief Justice.

Tinubu Administration Pledges to Complete Abandoned Projects, Says Water Resources Minister

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing all abandoned and inherited projects across Nigeria. During an inspection tour of the Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam in Ekiti State on Thursday, Utsev emphasized that the administration is determined to ensure that these projects, which began but stalled due to funding issues, are brought to completion for the benefit of the citizens.

Construction on the Ogbese Dam, located along the Ikere Ekiti – Ise Ekiti Road, started in 2009 but was halted due to a lack of funds. However, the minister announced that President Tinubu has recently approved the necessary funding to complete the project, which is designed to provide water, generate hydroelectric power, and support irrigation.

Utsev noted that approximately 70% of the dam project is already completed, and the remaining work, including the installation of hydro-power components, will be finished soon. He highlighted that the dam is expected to generate about 4 megawatts of electricity, enhance irrigation, boost agriculture, and provide water to the surrounding communities.

The minister also pointed out that the administration has successfully commissioned several other dams and water supply schemes across the country, demonstrating its dedication to addressing the nation’s infrastructure needs.

The Director of Dams at the Ministry, Ali Dallah, confirmed that the available funds had been effectively utilized to achieve significant progress on the project. The Project Contractor, Mr. Fahd Jammal, expressed readiness to resume work as soon as additional funds are made available to complete the job.

The Ogbese Multi-purpose Dam project, awarded in 2009, is part of a broader initiative by the Federal Government to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of citizens in both rural and urban areas.

Protesters in Jigawa Demand Removal of Agriculture Commissioner

On Thursday, protesters from Ringim Local Government Area in Jigawa State marched to the Government House in Dutse, demanding the immediate removal of the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Muttaka Namadi. The demonstrators, who are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), blocked the main entrance of the Government House, voicing their dissatisfaction with Namadi’s performance.

Hailing from Ringim LGA, Namadi has been accused by the protesters of failing to adequately represent his constituency in the state executive council. Abdullahi Muhammad, one of the protest organizers, expressed frustration over the commissioner’s lack of responsiveness to the needs of his constituents, despite repeated attempts to engage him.

Muhammad stated, “We have come here to formally lodge our complaints against the Commissioner for Agriculture, Muttaka Namadi, because of his poor representation of our community. We have spoken to him several times to carry everybody along in the area, but he turned a deaf ear to our demands.”

The protesters emphasized that their actions were in line with Governor Umar Namadi’s directive for political appointees to engage with and support their constituencies. They argued that the commissioner’s failure to do so had demoralized party members in the area.

In response, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mustapha Makama, and the state APC chairperson, Aminu Sani, received the protesters and promised to relay their concerns to Governor Umar Namadi. Sani urged the protesters to remain patient, assuring them that their complaints would be addressed in due course. He also praised the protesters for their peaceful conduct during the demonstration.

APC Chieftain Criticizes Atiku, Accuses Him of Crippling Nigeria’s Economy

Josef Onoh, a former South-East spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has sharply criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his recent remarks against the current administration. Onoh accused Atiku of overseeing the collapse of Nigeria’s economy during his tenure as Vice President and argued that Atiku has no moral standing to criticize President Tinubu.

Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, had earlier accused Tinubu of compromising Nigeria’s future for personal gain. In response, Onoh dismissed Atiku’s claims as misleading, asserting that Atiku’s management of Nigeria’s privatization process led to widespread poverty and unemployment.

Onoh pointed out that during Atiku’s time in office, Nigeria’s economy suffered significantly, with the manufacturing sector contributing only 6% to the GDP in 2002. He also highlighted the controversial sale of federal assets, accusing Atiku of benefiting his associates at the expense of the nation.

Onoh challenged Atiku to account for the privatization of over 145 federal investments, accusing him of prioritizing personal gain over national interests. He urged Atiku to reflect on the long-term impact of his decisions on Nigeria’s future rather than criticizing the current administration.

Several Injured as BRT Bus Overturns in Lagos Traffic Incident

A fully loaded Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) bus overturned on Thursday inside the dedicated BRT lane at Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, leaving 10 passengers injured. The accident occurred shortly after the bus departed from the Iyana Ipaja BRT park, causing significant traffic disruption in the area.

According to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident happened when the bus collided with an abandoned pedestrian bridge foot immediately after the Iyana Ipaja bridge, causing it to tip over onto its side. Emergency responders and LASTMA officials were quick to arrive at the scene to manage the situation and ensure that the injured passengers received prompt medical attention.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident, stating that the accident occurred when the BRT driver swerved to avoid hitting a pedestrian who suddenly crossed the BRT lane with a wheelbarrow. The sudden maneuver caused the bus to lose control, climb the road divider, and overturn.

Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though several passengers sustained critical injuries. They were taken to a nearby hospital before the arrival of LASEMA’s Dolphin Response Team. The bus was later lifted and towed to Moshalashi Police Station near the Alimosho roundabout, with efforts ongoing to restore normal traffic flow in the area.

Authorities have advised motorists and commuters to exercise caution and follow traffic directives as cleanup and recovery operations continue.

Defence Minister Matawalle Orders Immediate Action to Capture Killers of Sokoto District Head

On Friday, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, condemned the murder of Isa Bawa, the Head of Gatawa District in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, calling it a “heinous and unacceptable” act. Bawa, who was kidnapped in July along with his son and six others while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni near the Niger border, was later found dead after a ransom team encountered his body.

A video of the 74-year-old monarch pleading for his release had gone viral prior to his death. In response, Matawalle directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Matawalle emphasized that security is a top priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and assured the public that the Armed Forces would do everything necessary to capture those responsible for this crime. He also expressed his condolences to the family of the late district head, the people of Gatawa, and the Sokoto State Government.

Six Critically Injured as Truck Loses Control in Ogun State

At least six people are in critical condition following a tragic accident in the Enugada area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday night. According to an eyewitness, a truck that appeared to have lost control collided with a vehicle, a commercial motorcycle, and several pedestrians on the roadside, leading to severe injuries.

The incident occurred around 9 PM, with reports indicating that the truck veered off course and caused significant damage, leaving several victims lifeless at the scene.

A video from the accident site, as reported by PUNCH, captured the horrifying aftermath, showing the disfigured bodies of victims amidst the anguished cries of onlookers.

Babatunde Akinbiyi, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, confirmed the incident during a phone interview and stated that rescue operations are still underway.