Nigeria Times

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been applauded by youths for appointing four student leaders from tertiary institutions in Lagos, Eniola Opeyemi, Kayode Samuel, Giwa Moor and Adeola Adewunmi., as Senior Special Assistants, SSAs.
The governor also gained public commendations for increasing the bursary allowance of students of Lagos origin to N60,000 and scholarship grant from N200, 000 to N225,000 for both indigenous and non-indigenes of the state as well as the poor.
The Welfare Secretary, Youth Bureau, Tokunbo Allinson hailed the governor at a press conference addressed on Sunday in Abuja.
Recall the governor had announced the appointment on Tuesday at a One-day interactive session between the governor, students’ union leaders and stakeholders in the state held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa with the theme “Students as Strategic Partners in the Governance Process: Challenges and Prospects for Youth Development.”
Sanwo-Olu made the appointment following the request by the Lagos State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Lekan Alimi, demanding that there was a need for the student union to have representatives in government who would interface between the government and the students.
The governor told the students that they are ‘important stakeholders in the governance of Lagos State, urging them to believe in themselves, adding that the country expects so much from them.
“The country is about you and believes in you. You have to believe in yourselves too,” he advised.
The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Tolani Sule, said the interactive session was a further demonstration of Sanwo-Olu’s administration’s commitment to quality tertiary education and youth development.”
He commended the management of Lagos owned universities and the students for avoiding any students unrest and industrial disharmony that could warrant strike or closure of any of the state owned institutions
The Commissioner also thanked the governor for making students and staff welfare a top priority of the state government as well as embarking on infrastructural development projects across campuses.
The Lead Speaker, former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Professor Lanre Fagbohun, urged the government to be sincere adding that ‘where there is sincere governance, students are always supportive.’
Fagnohun further urged the government to always make room for consultation with the students, adding that students need constant thorough support.
He, however, urged the students to be ‘disciplined and responsive leaders’ and stay away from drugs.
Lekan Alimi, while speaking on behalf of the students, said the union had gone beyond the era of protests and promised to work with the government.

ActionAid Nigeria has strongly condemned the recent abductions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Gambarou-Ngala area of Borno State and the pupils and teachers of LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State.

Over 280 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, were reportedly abducted by bandits who invaded the area, shooting at their victims before taking them captive. This disturbing incident occurred just 24 hours after insurgents abducted 200 internally displaced women in Ngala, Borno State, while they were fetching firewood in the bush.

In a statement issued by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, ActionAid Nigeria highlighted the parallels between these abductions and previous incidents involving the Chibok and Dapchi girls. Mamedu expressed concern that every moment without decisive actions brings the country closer to a tragic recurrence of the outcomes witnessed in previous abduction cases.

The organization called on the governments of Borno and Kaduna states, as well as the Federal Government, to prioritize the swift rescue of the abductees and facilitate their reunion with their families. The urgency of the situation demands immediate and concerted efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by these distressing incidents.

Federal Government Raises Concerns Over High Newborn Mortality Rate in Sokoto State

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in Sokoto State, revealing that 44 out of 100 newborns in the state do not survive. Salma Ibrahim, the Special Adviser in charge of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Health, highlighted this troubling statistic during a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu.

According to Ibrahim, Sokoto State bears the highest burden of maternal and infant deaths in the country. She emphasized the need for localized solutions to address this critical issue and recommended a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.

Ibrahim also noted that a significant percentage of pregnant women in the state, approximately 73%, either lack access to or choose not to undergo antenatal care, contributing to the high mortality rates. She stressed the importance of antenatal care in identifying and addressing potential complications during pregnancy.

While acknowledging an increase in family planning initiatives in Sokoto State, Ibrahim highlighted its positive impact on reducing maternal deaths. She urged the state to explore comprehensive strategies to identify and address the root causes behind women not delivering in hospitals.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu assured the Presidential Advisory Committee on Health of the state’s commitment to working collaboratively to find solutions and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. He pledged the state’s support for initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes of women and children.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially opened the search for a new head coach for the Super Eagles, following the expiration of Jose Peseiro’s contract at the end of February. Peseiro, the Portuguese coach, guided the Eagles to a commendable second-place finish at the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

With Peseiro’s departure, the NFF is actively scouting for a suitable replacement to lead the national team. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the appointment of former coach Austin Eguavoen as an interim manager, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has denied such an arrangement.

Simultaneously, the position of the Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach has also been declared vacant, signaling a comprehensive review of coaching positions within the national football setup.

Despite no scheduled matches for the Super Eagles leading up to the international window on March 18, the NFF faces the pressing task of appointing a new coach before the team’s next World Cup qualifiers in June. The federation’s decision to seek fresh leadership underscores the commitment to securing the best possible guidance for the national football teams as they navigate crucial tournaments and qualification stages.

Get ready to groove, Lagos! The city’s music scene is about to get a volcanic shake-up as Nigerian-American sensation Kanwulia gears up for a musical adventure. With her official ‘Amerikana’ album release and the commencement of her “Who’s That Girl?” City tour this Easter, Kanwulia is set to light up the stage with her electrifying blend of Afrobeats, jazz, and pop rhythms and of course infectious energy.

Picture this: Kanwulia, the powerhouse artist who regularly shuttles between Nigeria and the United States, is gearing up to reconnect with her fans in Lagos in a big way. Armed with her revamped album and a whole lot of swagger, she’s ready to take her music to new levels and share this with her loyal fans, too!
The ‘Amerikana’ album release is strategic as it allows Kanwulia to treat her fans & friends to some anthems of empowerment and infectious dancefloor bangers that will have them moving and grooving to the pulsating beats. Alongside this album release, Kanwulia will be hitting the city streets for her “Amerikana- Who’s That Girl?” Lagos tour – a whirlwind journey through some of the city’s hottest entertainment spots. From intimate lounge performances to electrifying club shows, she’ll be showcasing her dynamic stage presence and undeniable talent as she connects with fans old and new.

Speaking about her upcoming tour, Kanwulia couldn’t hide her excitement. “Lagos holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the city pulsating through me as I perform. I very much look forward to performing in Lagos one of the top global entertainment destinations, and I have to thank God and my management and agency Volkano & Inspiro Productions for making this happen! she exclaimed.

Kanwulia’s tour isn’t only about music—it’s also about empowerment and inspiration. As a Nigerian-American artist, she’s all about breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes. Through her music and her journey, she also hopes to inspire a new generation of artists to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly.

So, as the countdown to Easter 2024 begins, all eyes are on Kanwulia as she prepares to storm the Lagos music scene. Get ready to be blown away, Lagos—Kanwulia is back, and she’s ready to take you on the ride of a lifetime. Get your dancing shoes ready because this is one musical adventure you won’t want to miss! Reach out for all things Kanwulia at www.kanwulia.com

The Edo House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against the state Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, accusing him of perjury and leaking government secrets. This development is seen as a continuation of the existing tension between Shaibu and Governor Godwin Obaseki, particularly since Shaibu declared his intention to contest the governorship race.

The strained relationship between the governor and deputy governor escalated when Shaibu boycotted the governorship primary and was subsequently declared the winner at a parallel primary. The PDP national leadership, however, recognized Asue Ighodalo as the valid winner of the primary, leading to Shaibu’s demand for a Certificate of Return and threats of legal action.

The impeachment proceedings were based on a petition dated March 5, 2024, signed by 21 out of the 24 members of the Edo State House of Assembly. The petition alleges perjury and the revelation of government secrets by the deputy governor. The Majority Leader of the House, Charity Aiguobarueghian, announced the impeachment notice during plenary, stating that the number of members who signed the petition exceeded the two-thirds requirement stipulated in the constitution.

The Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, acknowledged receipt of the petition and directed the Clerk of the House to serve the impeachment notice on Shaibu. The deputy governor has seven days to respond to the notice of impeachment.

Efforts to obtain Shaibu’s reaction were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. The Conference of Registered Political Parties in Edo State criticized the impeachment proceedings, asserting that Shaibu had not committed any impeachable offense or breached his oath of office. The association called on Governor Obaseki to intervene and rein in the Assembly.

Computer Village, the technology hub at the heart of Ikeja, Lagos, serving as Sub-Saharan Africa’s go-to destination for cutting-edge gadgets and reliable repairs, is facing relocation plans by the Lagos State Government. Despite its pivotal role in driving technological innovation, the market’s current location has led to traffic congestion, hindering business operations and road users.

In 2017, the Lagos State Government announced intentions to relocate Computer Village to alleviate environmental degradation, housing stock deficits, and traffic congestion in Ikeja. The new location, named the Katangua Information and Communications Technology Business Park, was expected to cost around N40 billion, with the first phase set to be completed in 24 months.

However, reports indicate a slow pace in the project’s execution, raising concerns among vendors. Ifeanyi Akubue, President of the Phone and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria, acknowledged the delays but emphasized that the project’s progress depended on the contracted developer.

Emmanuel Osho, Managing Partner of Bodds IT Solutions, expressed dissatisfaction with the planned relocation, anticipating negative impacts on businesses. Osho and several traders are concerned about increased commuting times for both vendors and customers, as the new location would be farther from central Lagos.

Osho highlighted opposition from influential figures in the market, slowing down the project. He suggested a more practical approach of concentrating people within central areas of the market.

Solagbade Olaifa, the Public Relations Officer of the Computer and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria, emphasized that Computer Village’s current location was not initially designed to be a market.

The reluctance of some key players and concerns among traders about potential revenue loss due to the relocation underscore the challenges associated with balancing development goals and the interests of businesses in the tech hub. The outcome of discussions between the vendors and the Lagos State Government remains crucial for the future of Computer Village.

In response to the recent militia clash in Benue State resulting in at least 30 casualties, the Senate has announced its intention to hold a meeting with President Bola Tinubu to address the growing insecurity not only in Benue State but across Nigeria.

The Senate’s decision was prompted by a motion titled “Motion On the Continuing Killings by Suspected Terrorists Parading as Herdsmen and Increasing Insecurity in Kwande, Ukum, Logo And Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas in the Benue North-East Senatorial District Of Benue State.” The motion was presented by Senator Emmanuel Udende, representing Benue North-East, under the urgency of public importance.

During the Senate session, Senator Udende reported that over 50 residents in the Logo and Katsina-Ala areas were killed by individuals disguising themselves as herders, perpetrating violence in these communities.

The recent incident in Ukum Local Government Area involved a militia clash on Tuesday, claiming numerous lives, including a family of seven. The clash was allegedly between rival militias led by figures identified as ‘Full Fire’ and ‘Chain.’ One of the militia leaders reportedly hired external bandits to invade Gbagir community in Ukum, leading to a violent confrontation with another militia gang in the region.

Most of the casualties were members of the rival militia groups, with approximately 12 innocent farmers caught in the crossfire. The clash left over 30 individuals injured, and many others have been declared missing.

A traditional ruler in the affected area disclosed that the conflict arose when a Tiv militia leader kidnapped a Fulani militia leader named Alhaji Gana, along with his family, known for their involvement in banditry and kidnappings. Despite receiving a ransom of N5 million, the hostages were reportedly killed, triggering outrage among the gang members in Taraba State.

In response, another militia leader from Ukum joined forces with the Fulani militia gang in Taraba to eliminate the rival gang in Ukum, resulting in the deadly clash.

The Senate’s decision to engage President Tinubu underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for coordinated efforts to address the escalating security challenges in Benue State and the broader national landscape.