IdanNews writes on major stories that generated debates across the country last week.
Subsidy Palliative: Nigerian govt approves N5bn for states, LG’s
The Federal Government has approved the disbursement of N5 billion to states, local government councils and the FCT to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on petrol.
According to the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum when he spoke at the end of the National Economic Council, NEC, meeting on Thursday in Abuja. Said, “Council has noted the package that was announced by the president to cushion the effect of subsidy removal, amounting to about N500 Billion.”
He noted that the fund was for the purchase of 100,000 bags of rice, 40,000 bags of maize as well as fertilisers. Said, “This fund has to be distributed to the following sectors MSMEs, industrial sector, about N125 Million, will go to cash transfers, agricultural sector as well as gas expansion for buses.”
He said that the funds were based on 52 per cent grants and 48 per cent as loans to be repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, within 20 months by the states and local councils.
He said that the council commenced President Bola Tinubu and the CBN for the various efforts aimed at reducing the impact of the removal of the subsidy on the citizens. Click to read full story
‘All Eyes On Judiciary’: ARCON Sacks Advertising Standard Panel officials for approved billboard
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), has dissolved the Secretariat of the Advertising Standard Panel (ASP) for approving “All Eyes on The Judiciary ” billboards, which failed vetting guidelines.
The director-general of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, In a statement issued on Tuesday, announced the dissolution of the Panel, adding that the Council has also suspended its director and deputy director in charge of regulations to allow investigations into the matter.
ASP is the Statutory Panel under the Council charged with the duty of ensuring that advertisements conform with the prevailing laws of the Federation as well as the Code of Advertising Ethics of the advertising profession. Click to read full story
‘Stop substance abuse,’ Naira Marley urges youths as he partners with NDLEA to tackle drug abuse
Nigeria’s controversial singer Azeez Adeshina Fashola, popularly called Naira Marley, has joined the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in its campaign against drug abuse in Nigeria.
The Marlians President revealed that he keyed into the anti-drug campaign because he intended to see the streets cleansed of drug abuse.
He said, ”I would like to urge my fans, the Marlians, all Nigerian youths to stop doing drugs because it is not good for your wellbeing. Let’s all stop substance abuse in every form, I have keyed into this campaign to support NDLEA to stop drugs in the streets. Please join us. It is not good; it makes you go back into crime.” Click to read full story
Google announces 1.2 billion naira initiative to empowerment 20,000 Nigerians
Google, through its philanthropic arm Google.org, announced an N1.2 billion grant to “Mind the Gap”, launching an initiative that aims to train 20,000 Nigerian women and youth with vital digital skills.
This investment aligns with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s ambitious commitment to create 1 million digital jobs.
The program will offer training in diverse areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, web development, and mobile app development, utilising both online and in-person delivery methods.
Open to participants from all over Nigeria, the initiative seeks to engage those with a strong interest in digital technology, a promising academic background, and a dedication to uplifting their communities.
However, Google Nigeria’s Country Director, Olumide Balogun in his remark, said “We see immense potential in Nigeria, particularly among the youth. Digital technologies aren’t just tools, they’re gateways to countless opportunities. With these platforms, our dynamic youth can step forth, becoming pivotal players in the digital. Click to read full story
NAF helicopter crashes in Niger, trainer aircraft crashes in Makurdi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a statement issued on Monday, announced that an MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed in Niger State.
According to the statement issued by the spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said the aircraft crashed in Chukuba Village, “A Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter on a casualty evacuation mission crashed today, 14 August 2023 at about 1.00 pm near Chukuba Village in Niger State.
“The aircraft had departed Zungeru Primary School en route Kaduna but was later discovered to have crashed near Chukuba Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to rescue the crew and passengers on board the helicopter while preliminary investigations have commenced to determine the probable cause of the crash,” it said. Click to read full story
Niger military to prosecute ousted president for ‘high treason’
Niger’s military says it will prosecute deposed President Mohamed Bazoum for “high treason and undermining the internal and external security” of the country.
The charges against Bazoum were disclosed in a statement read out on national television late Sunday, by the junta spokesman, Colonel Major Amadou Abdramane, hours after a group of Nigerian Islamic scholars announced a meeting with Niger’s coup leader Abdourahamane Tchiani in Niamey.
Recall that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for Bazoum’s reinstatement, imposing severe economic sanctions on Niger and threatening military intervention if civilian rule is not restored.
Meanwhile, the West African bloc, which has approved the deployment of a “standby force to restore constitutional order” in Niger, has said it remains committed to finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis. Click to read full story
72 suspected terrorists surrender to troops in North-East – DHQ
72 suspected members of the Boko-Haram (B/H) and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) have surrendered to troops in the North-East, Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this during the bi-weekly press briefing on the ongoing military operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) held on Thursday at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
Buba noted that the military operations in Northeast resulted in the arrest of several terrorists, a collaborator and a kidnapper, and equally the recovery of arms and ammunition, among
