SUBSCRIBE
SUBSCRIBE
Try "researchers"
Home Blog Page 1059

UK Police on Alert for Immigration Protests

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
-
0
UK Police on Alert for Immigration Protests

British police will have hundreds of officers on duty this weekend to deal with protests linked to immigration, a regional police chief said on Wednesday, amid worries over possible rioting.

Ben-Julian Harrington said he was aware demonstrations were being advertised for Saturday and Sunday in Epping, in the county of Essex to London’s northeast, after protests over the last week which resulted in violent disorder offences.

“We’ll have a robust policing operation. Essex is safe. You will have hundreds of officers on duty,” Harrington, the Essex chief constable, told a press conference.

The protests occurred outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, about 20 miles north of London, that has been used to house asylum seekers.

Five men have been charged with incidents of violent disorder in recent days, after police made 10 arrests following damage to vehicles and protesters throwing projectiles that injured eight officers.

The police alert follows nationwide rioting last summer when racist unrest involving far-right supporters broke out after false reports on social media that a suspect in the murder of three girls was a radical Islamist migrant.
The anniversary of those murders in Southport is July 29.

Essex Police’s focus is on protecting communities while allowing peaceful protest to take place, Harrington said.

The Epping hotel has become the focal point for some anti-immigration protesters and pro-immigration groups after an Ethiopian asylum seeker living there was charged with sexual assault, harassment and inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity. He denies the charges, according to a BBC report.

The man had arrived in Britain by boat from northern Europe eight days before the alleged incident on July 7, the BBC said, adding he had been remanded in custody.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to stop thousands of migrants arriving in Britain via small boats, but is struggling to do so. Official data published earlier this month showed nearly 20,000 asylum seekers arrived on small boats in the first six months of the year, marking a record high for the period

 

 

Source:Reuters/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma

PDP NEC Meeting Kicks off in Abuja

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
-
0
PDP NEC Meeting Kicks off in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the major opposition Political party in Nigeria, kicks off its 101st National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

The three-day gathering, which will be rounded off on Friday, is expected to address key party matters, internal reforms, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 general election.

Recall that the party had been enmeshed in crisis for a long time, with members hoping that the NEC meeting would resolve all the problems within the party and put it in proper footing for the 2027 elections.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the meeting would be held at PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 2pm daily.

The statement read: “The 101st NEC meeting brings together a broad spectrum of the party’s leadership, as stipulated under Section 31(1) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).

” Expected attendees include the National Chairman, serving and former Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are members of the party, and the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, BoT, along with all other BoT members.

“Also slated to participate are principal officers of the Senate and House of Representatives who are members of the PDP, alongside up to 18 serving senators and 24 serving members of the House of Representatives, spread across the country.

“All state Governors who are members of the party, all National officers of the party (NWC members) and their deputies, and all state Chairmen are also expected.

‘’The NEC further includes six ex-officio members, all former National Working Committee members, former principal officers of the National Assembly produced by the party, and all former state governors produced by the party, provided they remain members.”

Ologunagba, who underscored the party’s confidence and readiness, further stated that : “PDP is the only party with the structure, national spread and credibility to unseat the APC.

“There is no community in Nigeria where you won’t find PDP members. Nigerians are tired of failed governance and are eager for the return of the PDP.

According to him, the meeting is coming amid ongoing efforts by the party to reposition itself and consolidate its national presence and electoral strength.

“Discussions are anticipated to cover a range of issues vital to the party’s future, including internal reconciliation, preparations for the upcoming national convention, and strategies to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the next general election.

‘’The PDP, with its rallying cry ‘Power to the People!’, aims for a united front as it navigates the current political landscape and prepares for future electoral contests,’’ Ologunagba said.

President Tinubu Commends Lagos Monarch’s Visionary Leadership

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0
President Tinubu Commends Lagos Monarch’s Visionary Leadership

President Bola Tinubu has commended the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, for leveraging his vast experience in public service to uplift his community, particularly through initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for the less privileged.

A statement by the Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, issued on the 55th birthday occasion of the royal father Abisogun II, President Tinubu lauded Oniru’s Exemplary Leadership and Contributions to Iruland’s Progress.

Rejoicing with the Oniru of Iru Kingdom, President Tinubu reflected the long-standing relationship with the monarch, he remarked, “As my ADC during my time as Lagos Governor, Oniru demonstrated unique leadership skills, and his character was also exemplary. Over the years, he has remained a trusted ally and a shining example of service to the people. “

The President joined family, friends and well-wishers in celebrating the traditional ruler, “who has devoted his reign to developing Iru Kingdom and Lagos State.”

President Tinubu applauded Oba Lawal’s advocacy for sustainable urban development and his recent contribution to urban studies through his book ”From City to Megacity: A Memoir of Lagos Urbanisation (1999 – 2023)”.

Oba Lawal served as President Tinubu’s Aide de Camp when he was governor of Lagos State. After Oba Lawal retired from the Police Force as a Superintendent, he returned to school to further his education and widen his knowledge and outlook.

Before ascending the throne as the 15th Oniru, he was Commissioner in Lagos State at various times in several ministries such as Housing, Agriculture and Cooperatives.

President Tinubu prays for Oba Lawal’s long reign and continued peace and progress in Iru Kingdom and Lagos State.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Jigawa Government Threatens Jail Over Illegal Logging

Rita Obiora
-
0
Jigawa Government Threatens Jail Over Illegal Logging

The Jigawa Government has warned against the use of unauthorised chainsaws to fell trees, threatening offenders with fines and jail terms.

Dr. Abdullahi Umar-Namadi, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, issued the warning while speaking to newsmen after a tree planting campaign in Dutse.

The campaign was organised by the Partnership for Development Action (PADAC) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The PADAC, a focal NGO of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), is spearheading a 100,000-tree planting initiative across the state.

Umar-Namadi said the state government had reviewed its environmental law to curb indiscriminate tree felling, adding that the revised law was currently before the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

“It is the policy of the state government to make Jigawa green, and this cannot be achieved unless seedlings are properly cared for,” he said.

“In addition, we are committed to maintaining the existing trees.

“If you fail to preserve the trees already planted while only focusing on new ones, and people continue to destroy the existing ones, then progress will be impossible,” he added.

“To address this, the state’s environmental law has been reviewed and is currently before the State House of Assembly for deliberation, pending final assent by His Excellency.

“Once enacted, no one will be allowed to use a chainsaw to fell trees without official approval.

“Any chainsaw found in use without authorisation will be confiscated and become the property of the Jigawa Government,” he warned.

The Permanent Secretary added that any tree cut down without authorisation will attract a fine of N100,000, one year in jail, or both.

According to him, laws are not made to punish offenders, but to deter people from committing offences.

“This is the only way to make Jigawa green. So, it is not enough to plant trees, but to maintain and nurture them to maturity because this is the only way we can enjoy the fruit of our efforts,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, who described the NGO’s gesture as a very “good development”, emphasised the need for benefiting communities to maintain and nurture the planted seedlings to maturity to ensure a sustainable environment.

Alhaji Mustafa Aminu, a senior member of the Dutse Emirate Council, noted that trees served as windbreakers and help improve air quality.

He urged parents, especially mothers, to instill the culture of tree planting in their children to promote a greener environment.

Blessing Tagaino, Programme Officer of the NGO, said the seedlings planted were climate-resilient species capable of mitigating the effects of climate change in the state.

She added that the initiative was part of the NGO’s 2025 tree planting campaign, “which aims to plant 1,500 seedlings along three selected roads in Dutse, the state capital.”

Nigerian Senate Eulogises Late Buhari In  Honourary Special Session

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0
Nigerian Senate Eulogises Late Buhari In  Honourary Special Session

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday held a solemn special plenary session in honour of the late former President and head of state Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025 at the age of 82.

The motion to honour the late President was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Senator Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central), who described Buhari as a gallant soldier, accomplished democrat, and patriot whose life symbolised discipline, integrity, and selfless service to the nation.

In his lead debate, Senator Bamidele recounted Buhari’s extensive legacy from his birth on December 17, 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, to his military training in Kaduna, India, and the United States.

At the special session, the Nigerian Senate noted his disciplined leadership style during his military regime and later his historic democratic journey that saw him become President in 2015 under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and his re-election in 2019.

The Senate deeply regretted his passing and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for organising a befitting burial for the former Nigerian leader.

During the session, the lawmakers took turns to eulogize the late President.

Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central) remembered Buhari as “a God-fearing leader”whose integrity shaped the values of many, even from his early days as military governor.

Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) noted that while Buhari’s hallmark was integrity, his weakness lay in trusting appointees too much.

He said the late President remained deeply connected to the North and was always concerned about the wellbeing of those he barely knew.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) described Buhari as a leader with “a heart of gold” who fought for Nigeria’s unity.

He recalled Buhari’s reluctance to fire people, even under pressure, and his humane consideration in governance.

Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno (Borno North) recounted Buhari’s incorruptibility and narrated how, even at state functions, the President resisted the culture of offering politicians “brown envelopes.”

Senator Abdul’aziz Yari (Zamfara West) recalled how Buhari initially resisted entering politics, fearing that citizens could suffer post-election violence.

“He was moved into the race by clerics and leaders who persuaded him,” Senator Yari said,

Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan (Yobe North) praised former president Buhari’s democratic tolerance.

“Even in the 8th Senate where PDP held the Senate Presidency, Buhari never interfered,”Senator Lawan said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, highlighted Buhari’s compassion.

“Many didn’t know how humane he was. He once delayed a cabinet reshuffle just to avoid upsetting a minister’s family over the weekend,”

Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) praised Buhari’s respect for opposition leaders and described him as a decent man, even when they disagreed over policy.

Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South) said Nigeria had lost a leader who gave his all to the nation.

“If we had more Buharis, this country would be far better.”

Senator Sani Musa (Niger East) urged Nigerians to uphold Buhari’s values of discipline and honesty, while Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North) emphasised Buhari’s commitment to democratic fairness, recalling his famous declaration: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody.”

Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West), who served as APC National Secretary during Buhari’s emergence in 2015, praised his refusal to allow wealthy individuals purchase his nomination forms.

“Even when someone donated N200 million, he questioned how the donor earned such money,” Senator Izunaso said.

Senators like Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Sani Bello (Niger North), and Muntari Dandutse (Katsina South) also paid tribute to Buhari’s honesty, national service, and public-spiritedness.

The session concluded with a final moment of silence as lawmakers stood in reverence for the departed leader, whose military and civilian legacy, they affirmed, remains etched in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Former President Buhari rose through the military ranks, serving during the Nigerian Civil War and holding several key national positions, including Military Governor of the old North Eastern State, Federal Commissioner for Petroleum, Chairman of the NNPC, and eventually, Head of State following the 1983 coup.

Buhari died in London on July 13 and was buried last week in Daura, Katsina State, in a ceremony attended by dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Lagos Government Launches 150 Trucks for Food Logistics

Rita Obiora
-
0
Lagos Government Launches 150 Trucks for Food Logistics

The Lagos State Government has inaugurated about 150 40-foot trucks to ease food logistics in and out of the state.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commissioned the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks at the launch of the N500 billion ‘Produce for Lagos’ Offtake Guarantee Fund and Programme on Wednesday in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.

The trucks will transport food from across the country to Lagos in order to reduce post-harvest losses nationwide.

Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to foster the achievement of food security in the country.

“Lagos is Nigeria’s food market, and we consume over 50 per cent of the food that is traded in the southwest part of the country.

“We have a food economy that is valued at over N6 trillion. It is also noted that Lagos loses 50 per cent of its food largely due to poor storage and inefficient transportation.

“It became clear that we must organise our food systems to feed our people well.

“The ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme will help to create logistics support, and it will help to connect directly to the Lagos dynamic food economy.

“That is why we are launching Ecolog logistics trucks through the Lagos State Food Systems Infrastructure Company,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor added that the trucks, when in operation, would help to create a new agricultural ecosystem.

“We are going to launch about 150 40-foot trucks that will serve as a step or test for the smooth movement of food.

“The trucks are all CNG-powered and can travel to all parts of the country on a full tank and return to Lagos without refuelling at any petrol station.

“These trucks are the first of their kind, and it is a big initiative for us as a country and as a state.

“So, for us, the N500 billion is just a tip, and as you can see, some of our friends in the private sector are beginning to show interest.

“What we are doing here is creating a whole new agricultural ecosystem—one that will rise from the demands of today and tomorrow, by combining our policies in a well-focused manner, creating a financial model that will outlive us, and building infrastructure that will serve even future generations, while ensuring we have a robust database that everyone can work with,” Sanwo-Olu said.

Nigerian Government Condemns Killing of Nigerians in South Africa

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0
Nigerian Government Condemns Killing of Nigerians in South Africa

The Nigerian government through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has described the killing of two Nigerian Traders in South Africa by “unknown gunmen” as intolerable and senseless with a call to bring the culprits to justice.

In a statement, the Commission’s Spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on behalf of the Chairman NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa is looking into the matter.

He said this latest unprovoked killing is condemnable and barbaric, calling on South African authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose the perpetrators.

Prevent such killings

Mr. Balogun recalled that the early warning mechanism put in place by both countries to prevent such killings is yet to be implemented by South Africa.

He condoled with the families of the deceased, assuring them that justice will be served.

It was gathered that two Nigerians simply identified as Austin and Ayo were shot dead by masked gunmen in Durban, South Africa.

According to unconfirmed reports, the gunmen stormed Austin’s office, shot him and his visiting friend, Ayo at a close range with both dead on the spot.

Outcome of the investigations

Following tension rising amongst the Nigerian community in South Africa, the Commission’s Spokesperson appealed for calm and urged Nigerians not to take laws into their hands while awaiting the outcome of the investigations by the South African police authorities.

He added that the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa has demanded a thorough and fair investigation into the incident.

Lateefah Ibrahim

50th Birthday: Mrs Shettima Thanks President, First Lady, Others

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0
50th Birthday: Mrs Shettima Thanks President, First Lady, Others

The Wife of Nigeria’s Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, has extended her deepest appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the nation’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, saying she was humbled by the goodwill and support they gave to her on her birthday on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

In a message of appreciation she issued on Wednesday, Mrs Shettima noted with profound gratitude the way she was celebrated by the First family as she clocked the golden age of 50.

She said, “My deepest and most profound gratitude goes to our beloved Father and Leader, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his heartfelt and gracious birthday message. Mr President, your thoughtful and inspiring words have deeply touched my heart and soul. I am truly humbled and honoured by your generous recognition of my modest contributions to the growth and development of our great nation, Nigeria.

“My special and heartfelt appreciation extends to the esteemed First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. I feel profoundly honoured and blessed to be referred to as a ‘Worthy Partner’ in your warm-hearted and uplifting birthday wishes on this remarkable milestone of my life.”

The wife of the Vice President extolled the leadership virtues of the First Lady, saying she would continue to be an extraordinary source of inspiration to her and other women across Nigeria.

Mrs Shettima also extended her appreciation to wives of Governors of the 36 States of the federation, whom she described as her sisters, for also felicitating her on her birthday.

“To my dear sisters and colleagues under the prestigious Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, I deeply appreciate your genuine love, unwavering support and warm fellowship on this special and memorable day,” said Mrs Shettima.

She also expressed gratitude to wives of the leaders of the National Assembly, the National Council for Women Societies, party stalwarts and numerous well-wishers for celebrating her.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Kwara State Reiterates Determination To Support Inter-Community Sports

vonsports
-
0
Kwara State Reiterates Determination To Support Inter-Community Sports

The Kwara State Government has reiterated its determination towards supporting Inter Community Football tournaments, with the aim of discovering talents at the grassroots across the State.

The Executive Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Mallam Bolakale Mogaji stated this while receiving members of Magaji Ngeri Joint Youth Development Association led by the President, AbdulRasaq Salman Jimba who paid a courtesy call on him in his office.

Mallam Mogaji explained that the State would not rest on its oars in encouraging intense youth participation in sports across the state.

He applauded the youth for their dogged efforts in the establishment of Magaji Ngeri Primary and Secondary Schools in their Community for the benefits of the coming generation.

The Executive Chairman also appreciated the people of his community for their unflinching support as one of them and urged them to imbibe the spirit of unity and uphold the legacy of their ancestors.

In his remarks, Board Member of the Commission, Mr Olanrewaju Elijah lauded the members of the Association for considering it worthy of honouring Mallam Mogaji with a visit as one of their own in the Community.

Mr. Olanrewaju described the gesture as rare and called on them to sustain the tempo to attract more development into their Community.

Earlier, President of the Association, Mr Abdulrazaq Salman-Jimba solicited the State Government’s support through the Commission in sponsoring their 6th edition of Magaji Ngeri Youth Football Competition.

Mr Salman-Jimba also intimated the Executive Chairman of the efforts of the association in the establishment of Magaji Ngeri Primary and Secondary Schools in the Community and praised his immense contributions to the growth of the Community.

Highpoint of the visit were presentation of Certificate of Appreciation and his portrait to demonstrate their belief in the outstanding success in the sports sector in the State.

Troops in Niger State Neutralise Dozens of Terrorists, Recover Weapons

Lateefat Ibrahim
-
0
Troops in Niger State Neutralise Dozens of Terrorists, Recover Weapons

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have intercepted and neutralized a large group of terrorists advancing from the Baban Doka axis of Maru Local Government Area (LGA) in Zamfara State, towards Ragada and Warari communities in Rijau LGA of Niger State on 22 July 2025.

The troops, comprising joint teams from the Mariga and Zuru axes, swiftly launched a coordinated assault near Inana Village in Rijau LGA and engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight.

A statement by the Media Information Officer, Operation FANSAN YAMMA Captain David Adewusi said during the engagement, the Air Component of OPFY provided vital intelligence, surveillance, and air strikes in support of the ground troops, enabling a decisive response.

Several terrorists were neutralized, and numerous motorcycles and communication equipment were recovered. The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 18 motorcycles, among other items.

The successful joint assault thwarted the terrorists’ plans to destabilize the area and rustle livestock. Sadly, one brave soldier was fatally injured during the fire fight.

Operation Fansan Yamma says it remains resolute in its mandate to defeat terrorists and criminal elements operating across the North West and parts of the North Central region.

“We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to achieving this mandate and urge continued cooperation through the provision of credible information that will support ongoing offensive operations”

Lateefah Ibrahim

1...1,0581,0591,060...3,627Page 1,059 of 3,627

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT & TOURISM

WORLD

NEWS COMMENTARY

NEWS FEATURE

Voice Of Nigeria Mission is “Reflecting Nigerian and African perspectives in our broadcasts, winning and sustaining the attention, respect and goodwill of listeners worldwide, particularly Nigerians and Africans in the Diaspora … making Nigeria’s voice to be heard more positively in the shaping of our world.”

More from CN

Contact

© Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service