Niger Delta Has the Potential to Feed Nigeria Through Agriculture, Says Development Authority

Chief Ebitimi Amgbare, Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA), has emphasized that the Niger Delta region holds the potential to feed the entire country through its agricultural resources. Speaking at the Niger Delta International Festival and Expo/Economic Summit in Abuja, Amgbare highlighted the importance of collaboration in unlocking the region’s agricultural potential.

In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Isaac Ombe, Amgbare reiterated that the Niger Delta’s rich biodiversity and abundant water resources could significantly boost food production in Nigeria. He pointed out that with proper harnessing of these resources, the region could eliminate the need for fish imports, as it has the capacity to supply fish nationwide.

Amgbare underscored the NDBDA’s commitment to enhancing food production in the region, asserting that the Niger Delta is well-positioned to play a critical role in ensuring food security for the country.

FXTM Academy to Empower Traders with Upcoming Financial Markets Seminar in Lagos

FXTM Academy, a leading financial markets education company, has reaffirmed its dedication to equipping traders with essential skills for success. The Academy announced its upcoming “Ultimate Financial Markets Trading Seminar,” set to take place in Lagos later this month.

Abiola Akinyele, Executive Director of FXTM in Nigeria, emphasized the Academy’s mission to empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently navigate global markets. “Our goal is to offer training opportunities that enable traders and prospective traders to develop the skills required for efficient trading,” Akinyele stated.

The one-day seminar will feature industry experts who will share invaluable insights, advanced strategies, and practical knowledge, making it a must-attend event for both seasoned traders and beginners. Attendees will have ample opportunities to engage with experts and ask questions, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

FXTM Academy specializes in financial education across various markets, including forex, stocks, indices, and commodities trading, making this seminar an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to enhance their trading expertise.

Nigerian Military Kills 108 Terrorists and Rescues 214 Hostages in Nationwide Operations

In a major security operation across Nigeria, the military reported the elimination of 108 terrorists and the rescue of 214 kidnapped hostages within a single week. This was revealed by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

The operations led to the apprehension of 204 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, as well as the recovery of 66 assorted weapons and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition. The military also seized various vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment, including nearly N5 million in cash.

In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai were particularly effective, neutralizing 47 terrorists, arresting 18 suspects, and rescuing 130 hostages. Additionally, 622 terrorists, including men, women, and children, surrendered during the operations.

In the North West, operations by troops under Hadarin Daji resulted in the neutralization of 15 terrorists and the rescue of 27 hostages across several states, including Kaduna and Katsina. The air component conducted successful airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, leading to the destruction of their camps and logistics.

Operations in the North Central, South-South, and South East regions also yielded significant results, with troops neutralizing insurgents, rescuing hostages, and disrupting illegal activities such as oil theft and refining.

All rescued hostages and recovered items have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.

Minister of Women Affairs Establishes Integrity Brigade to Monitor NGO Operations

Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, the Minister of Women Affairs, has announced the creation of an Integrity Brigade to oversee the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This initiative was disclosed during a press briefing following a solidarity walk with women groups as part of the 2024 International Women’s Day celebrations in Abuja.

The Federal Government is set to introduce a $100 million World Bank-funded project for women in Nigeria, including the “Nigeria for Women” project and the “P-BAT Cares for Nigerian Women” project led by President Bola Tinubu (P-BAT). These programs aim to economically empower women across the country, enhancing their productivity in various capacities.

Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the importance of the Integrity Brigade in addressing challenges and ensuring the effectiveness of intervention programs. She urged media professionals, alongside royal fathers and religious leaders, to actively participate in this initiative, emphasizing the crucial role of the media in achieving the goals for the country.

Expressing concerns about the misappropriation of funds intended for vulnerable groups, the minister called for media involvement in the Integrity Brigade to combat corruption and misuse of resources. She emphasized the need to prevent counterproductive protests among women and encouraged NGOs to disseminate information responsibly.

In conclusion, Kennedy-Ohanenye called on the media to closely monitor projects and programs to ensure they reach their intended beneficiaries. She highlighted the government’s commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment. Ene Obi, a former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, representing women in the media, echoed the media’s dedication to supporting initiatives beneficial to women.

Why Nigerian Cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye Borrowed a Bicycle from Germany for the 2024 Olympics

The Nigerian Minister of Sports, John Enoh, has clarified why Nigerian cyclist Ese Ukpeseraye had to borrow a bicycle from Germany to compete in the 2024 Olympics. According to Enoh, Team Nigeria was initially only prepared to participate in a road race event for which they had made adequate preparations, including the necessary equipment.

However, two weeks before the Olympics, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) allocated additional slots to Nigeria in the Keirin and individual sprint events due to the disqualification of another country. These events required a specialized type of track bike, which would have taken months to procure and deliver after ordering.

To ensure Ukpeseraye could compete, the Nigerian Cycling Federation, with the help of her European club and a German company, secured a ‘Track Bike’ for her use at short notice. This arrangement was made to meet the specific equipment requirements for the Olympic track events.

The Minister’s explanation came after social media posts by Ukpeseraye caused confusion, as she revealed she had to borrow a bicycle to compete. Enoh emphasized that the situation was a result of unexpected circumstances, and efforts were made to enable her participation despite the challenges.

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Tinubu Orders Crackdown on Illegal Mining to Strengthen National Security

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating illegal mining across Nigeria. The directive was issued during a presentation titled ‘Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035,’ delivered by Course 32 participants from the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja.

Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to ensuring that companies involved in mineral exploration prioritize the health and safety of Nigerians and the communities where they operate. He praised the NDC participants for their in-depth study on the mining sector and urged them to use their findings to bolster national security and economic diversification.

The President highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by illegal mining and stressed the need for immediate action, noting that military officers are well-positioned to address these issues effectively. He also assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to completing the NDC headquarters in Abuja.

During the session, Tinubu expressed concern about the health impacts of mining activities on local communities and called for the establishment of medical centers and other facilities to safeguard the well-being of those living near mining sites.

Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant of the NDC, acknowledged the President’s support and outlined the college’s achievements since its founding, including its role as the ECOWAS Training Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations. He also requested further assistance to complete the college’s permanent site in Abuja, which has faced delays since 2010.

The 111 participants of NDC Course 32, including members from various Nigerian security agencies and international representatives, conducted an 11-month study on the factors affecting national security and development, with a focus on the mining industry.

Kano State Government Files Fresh Corruption Charges Against Former Governor Ganduje and Associates

The Kano State Government has leveled new fraud charges against its former governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, his former Commissioner for Local Government, Murtala Garo, and two others. The charges include criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, making false statements, and misappropriation of N57.4 billion in funds from the state’s Local Government allocations.

According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly diverted the funds through various personal accounts, converted them into dollars, and used them to acquire several properties in Nigeria and Dubai, including a multibillion-dollar hotel in Abuja. The state government plans to call 143 witnesses in the case, although a court date has yet to be set.

This development follows a previous lawsuit filed by the Kano government against Ganduje, his wife, and several others, accusing them of similar financial misconduct and abuse of office.

UN Endorses Landmark Cybercrime Treaty Amidst Human Rights Concerns

UN member states have approved the first-ever treaty aimed at combating cybercrime, despite strong objections from human rights advocates who warn of potential risks to privacy and freedom.

Following three years of negotiations and a final two-week session in New York, the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime was adopted by consensus and will now proceed to the General Assembly for formal adoption.

Algerian diplomat Faouzia Boumaiza Mebarki, chair of the treaty drafting committee, declared the document adopted to applause, marking a significant milestone in global cyber regulation.

The treaty, which will come into force once ratified by 40 member nations, aims to enhance international cooperation in combating cybercrime, particularly in areas such as child sexual abuse imagery and money laundering. South Africa’s delegate praised the treaty as a “landmark convention,” noting its provisions for technical assistance and capacity-building for countries with less developed cyber infrastructures.

However, the treaty has sparked controversy, with critics—including human rights activists and tech companies—arguing that its broad scope could lead to global surveillance and repression. The treaty allows states to request electronic evidence from other nations and internet service providers for crimes punishable by a minimum of four years’ imprisonment under domestic law.

Deborah Brown of Human Rights Watch expressed deep concern, calling the treaty an “unprecedented multilateral tool for surveillance” and a “disaster for human rights.” She warned that it could be used to target journalists, activists, LGBT individuals, and free thinkers across borders.

PDP Criticizes APC and Okpebholo for Lack of Campaign Vision Ahead of Edo Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate for the upcoming Edo State election, Senator Monday Okpebholo, accusing them of failing to present a clear and impactful campaign manifesto.

In a statement issued by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party contrasted its own candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, with Okpebholo, highlighting that Ighodalo is actively engaging with the people of Edo State and addressing key issues as part of his campaign strategy.

Ologunagba criticized Okpebholo for lacking the ideas and understanding necessary to connect with voters, pointing out that the APC candidate has avoided media interactions and town hall meetings. He further claimed that Okpebholo’s performance in the Senate has been lackluster, with no significant projects to show for his tenure.

The PDP argued that this perceived inadequacy is why the APC’s campaign in Edo State has failed to gain momentum and has resorted to negative tactics. The party emphasized that Okpebholo is no match for its candidate, Dr. Ighodalo, who is seen as a strong advocate for the development of the state.

Botswana Celebrates First Olympic Gold with Half-Day Holiday for Letsile Tebogo

Botswana has declared a half-day holiday to honor Letsile Tebogo, the nation’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist and the first African to win the 200-meter title at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

After securing victory in the men’s 200m final, Tebogo paid tribute to his late mother by showing a special message on his shoe. President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced the half-day holiday on Friday, praising the 21-year-old sprinter as “Botswana’s Sensation” following his historic performance.

The local newspaper, MMegoi, called it “Botswana’s finest sporting moment” as Tebogo clocked 19.46 seconds, setting a new African record and leaving pre-race favorite Noah Lyles in third place.

Tebogo’s remarkable achievement has deeply resonated across the nation. Social media is abuzz with celebrations, and students at the University of Botswana were seen dancing and singing well into the night.

President Masisi, who lost his voice from cheering, also honored Tebogo’s late mother, who passed away in May. She had been Tebogo’s biggest supporter, even secretly traveling to Budapest to witness his historic world championship medal win last year.

Letsile Tebogo’s gold medal not only marks a milestone for Botswana but also cements his place in the history books as the first African to claim gold in the 200m Olympic event.