The Kaduna State House of Assembly has set up an adhoc committee to investigate the eight-year administration of former Governor Nasir el-Rufai. The committee has given a deadline of Thursday, April 25, 2024, for the submission of memoranda and documents.
The Clerk of the Assembly, Sakinatu Hassan, issued a formal communication to the Kaduna State Commissioner of Finance outlining the scope of the probe.
The investigation will focus on loans, financial transactions, contractual liabilities, and other related matters that were obtained or awarded under the el-Rufai administration. The committee is seeking various documents, including:
(I) Total loans: Details from May 2015 to May 2023, including approvals by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, accounts into which the loans were lodged, and drawn as recorded by the project finance management unit and debt management office.
(ii) Executive minutes and resolutions: Relevant state executive council minutes of meetings, council’s extracts, and resolutions regarding the loans.
(iii) Contractual payments: Records of payments and outstanding liabilities to contractors for the period from May 2015 to May 2023.
(iv) Salary reports: Reports of salaries paid to staff from 2016 to 2022.
(v) Kadris reports: Dloyd reports on Kadris from 2015 to 2023, and loan terms and conditions: Details on the terms, purpose, and conditions of those loans.
The committee’s investigation is a result of a resolution passed at the 150th sitting of the Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) is advocating for July 13, the birthday of Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, to be designated as Nigeria’s National Reading Day.The Director-General of NCC, Dr. John Asein, made this proposal during the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day celebration in Ibadan.
Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in Literature, has also been appointed as the Copyright Change Champion by the commission.
The theme for the year, “Read Your Way,” emphasizes the importance of reading in shaping character, stimulating the mind, and empowering individuals.
To support the theme, NCC is launching various programs throughout the year to encourage reading for pleasure and promote respect for copyright.
These initiatives are part of the ABC Action Plan, aimed at making reading more enjoyable and accessible to all.
As part of the celebration of Soyinka’s 90th birthday, his works were also featured by the NCC across the country.
Dr. Asein announced that the 2024 World Book and Copyright Day would be dedicated to Soyinka to recognize his immense contribution to literature in the country.
The commission also aims to urge key players in the publishing sector to recognize July 13 as Nigeria’s National Reading Day.
In a bid to promote reading among children, the NCC plans to provide copies of Soyinka’s books to 90 public schools and establish more Copyright and Creativity Clubs.
The World Book and Copyright Day held at Ibadan, featured talks and discussions by book lovers, academics, and writers, to discuss the importance of celebrating authors and advocating for equal access to knowledge.
Moses Babatope, the co-founder of Filmhouse Group and former Managing Director of FilmOne, is on the verge of launching his own media and entertainment company, signaling a significant move in the Nigerian film industry.
Babatope’s new venture, which is expected to focus on film production, distribution, and cinema, has generated considerable anticipation among industry observers keen to see his next move following his departure from FilmHouse Group.
While the public launch of his new company is still pending, Babatope has addressed speculations regarding a non-compete agreement with Filmhouse Group.
There are rumors of a non-compete with FilmOne and Filmhouse, but that is untrue,” Babatope stated, debunking the circulating misinformation. The plan is bigger than Moses Babatope; it’s not just another entertainment venture.
The plan is to grow the industry ten times bigger. We’re innovating, disrupting, and creating new revenue lines for the industry,” he added.Babatope’s reputation as a dealmaker and his extensive industry experience have already attracted considerable interest from both local and international players in the film sector.His track record of keeping promises and his vision for industry growth have positioned him as a key figure to watch in the evolving landscape of African cinema.Moses Babatope’s journey in the film industry began with over two decades of experience in cinema operations and management.
As the co-founder of FilmHouse Group and the pioneering Managing Director of FilmOne Entertainment, his leadership has led to the production and executive production of more than 40 of Nollywood’s biggest titles, contributing significantly to the industry’s growth and international recognition.His role in pioneering the distribution and exhibition of African films worldwide has been noted by industry experts, with major international distribution deals secured under his tenure, including partnerships with Hollywood giants like Disney, Warner Brothers, Sony, Netflix, Prime Video, and Warner Brothers.
He also spearheaded the first ever corporate financing of films through the creation of the West African Film Fund partnering with Huahua Media of China and Empire Entertainment of South Africa to fully finance or cofinance 15 titles.
The Princess of Wales says she is in the early stages of treatment after a cancer diagnosis.In a video statement, Catherine says it was a “huge shock” after an “incredibly tough couple of months”.But she sent a positive message, saying: “I am well and getting stronger every day.”Details of the cancer have not been disclosed, but Kensington Palace says it is confident the princess will make a full recovery.
The video statement from Catherine explains that when she had abdominal surgery in January, it was not known that there was any cancer.”However tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy and I am now in the early stages of that treatment,” said the princess.The chemotherapy treatment began in late February. The palace says it will not be sharing any further private medical information, including the type of cancer.
The princess, 42, said she was thinking of all those who have been affected by cancer, adding: “For everyone facing this disease, in whatever form, please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”
Catherine said recovery from her surgery in January, for a condition which has not been revealed, had taken time and the priority was now reassuring her family.”William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.”The princess added: “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok.”She said the family now needs “some time, space and privacy”.The King and Queen had been informed of the news about the princess’s health prior to Friday’s announcement – and King Charles himself has also been undergoing treatment for cancer.
King Charles and Catherine were briefly treated at the London Clinic private hospital at the same time – Catherine had her abdominal surgery there and the King was admitted for a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate.A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the King was “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.After their time in hospital together, he has “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks”.Prince Harry and Meghan sent a message saying: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”Catherine and Prince William are now not expected to appear with the Royal Family on Easter Sunday, and there won’t be any early return to official duties for the Princess.
Kensington Palace also said Prince William’s sudden absence from a memorial service on 27 February was because of the discovery of Catherine’s cancer diagnosis.
The couple have faced intense public speculation and a social media frenzy about her health, since her operation in January. She has not attended any official events since Christmas.In her video statement, she spoke about the support from her family: “Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too.”As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both.”
Kensington Palace said the video of the princess was filmed on Wednesday by BBC Studios, the production arm of the BBC.In a statement, BBC News said: “Along with other media, BBC News was briefed by Kensington Palace on the announcement this afternoon.”There have been calls for privacy from the palace after weeks of speculation and conspiracy theories about the royal couple.This had intensified after the withdrawal by photo agencies of a photograph of the princess for Mother’s Day, on 10 March, because of concerns over digital alterations, for which the princess subsequently apologised.There were also social media theories over video footage showing Prince William and Catherine shopping in Windsor earlier this week.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Friday Catherine had shown “tremendous bravery” with her statement, wishing her a “speedy recovery”.He said: “In recent weeks she has been subjected to intense scrutiny and has been unfairly treated by certain sections of the media around the world and on social media.”When it comes to matters of health, like everyone else, she must be afforded the privacy to focus on her treatment and be with her loving family.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with the Royal Family, adding he was “heartened” by Catherine’s “optimistic tone and her message of faith and hope”.He said: “Any cancer diagnosis is shocking. But I can only imagine the added stress of receiving that news amid the lurid speculation we’ve seen in recent weeks.”
William and Catherine are “entitled to privacy and, like any parents, will have waited to choose the right moment to tell their children”. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said on X, formerly Twitter, that he was joining “millions around the world in praying” for Catherine’s “full recovery”.Professor Pat Price, an oncologist and founder of the Catch Up With Cancer campaign, praised the princess for speaking out “so openly and frankly”.”As was the case with the King’s diagnosis, her doing so will no doubt give many more people that vital prompt to get themselves checked and give others affected by cancer more confidence to speak about their own experience.”This announcement is a stark and shocking reminder that cancer is no respecter of age or social status.”
When the news of arrest of popular crossdresser *Bobrisky* and businessman *Cubana Chief Priest* surfaced online for what different news site termed *Naira Abuse* some indigenous musicians in Nigeria have been having sleepless night because most indigenous musicians playing Juju, Fuji, Apala music etc are aware that money spraying is an agelong tradition dating over 60 years ago.
They know that it is a culture whereby party goers shower their favorite musicians with money gift through spraying as a show of love for their musical virtuosity.
Years back fans sprayed their favorite artistes money with so much *decorum* and *sophistication* . Popular billionaires some of whom were business moguls, socialites, etc who were the toast of popular musicians were gifted songs in exchange for monetary shower of love. Many of these songs have outlived generations today.
As the world became advanced humans became more restless and in their bid to show off their wealth and generate a buzz ( popularity) around themselves they attend parties carrying bulk money and with total reckless abandonment lavishly throw money around away from the expected societal norm which has been discreetly done with integrity over the years.
This lavish lifestyle has aroused the attention of the authorities and Nigerian public who have through their different social media platforms shown disgust in the lack of disregard for our legal tender. Aside the fact that this strange display of power show have made people question the profession of some of the perpetrators involved in this act it has also created a public nuisance of Nigeria’s Naira note at different public function.
Some musicians today have been left in a state of *dysphoria* with the *re-enacted CBN act* which includes a term like *SPRAYING* . Some have been asking questions and searching the internet for the meaning of Spraying (lol) .Sometimes many believe government are *docile* and don’t take action but this time they have silently watched the *absurdity* of how the Naira according to them is being abused and mutilated through spraying and have re-enacted *section 21(3) of CBN act of 2007 which stipulates that spraying of , dancing or matching on the Naira or any note issued by the bank during social occasions or otherwise howsoever shall constitute an abuse and defacing of the Naira or such note and shall be punishable under the law by fines or imprisonment or both.* The question on the lips of most indigenous musicians who have quietly done their business with integrity without problem is that *WONT THIS RE-ENACTED CBN POLICY STIFLE THEIR BUSINESS and KILL THEIR agelong musical tradition.
* In my own honest opinion I will advice as a way forward for Indigenous Musicians to *create Boxes* which will be kept at the band stand where money ( gift) will be dropped for them by their cherished fans. While on the other hand celebrants should make *pouches* which will be held by trusted hands to collect money while dancing. This for them should be seen as a form of musical evolution due to policies. *Ti elese ba njiya olododo apin ninu re ( when a sinner is being punished , the righteous will always be a partaker)*
Amidst the pressing security concerns across Nigeria, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has insisted that the country is not “mature” enough for state policing.
He expressed this viewpoint during a national dialogue on state police in Abuja themed ‘Pathways to Peace: Reimagining Policing in Nigeria’.
AIG Ben Okolo, representing the IGP at the event organized by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, reiterated the leadership’s position on the matter. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF“Nigeria Not Yet Ready for State Police”, Says IGP, Despite Calls for Change) leadership contends that the potential risks outweigh the benefits of establishing state-controlled police.
Among the concerns of the IGP is the potential for abuse of power by state political leaders. He cautioned that state governors might exploit their control over police forces for personal or political gains, potentially compromising human rights and overall security. Also, there are apprehensions regarding jurisdictional conflicts that could arise.
The IGP suggested integrating agencies like the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Federal Road Safety into a department under the Nigerian police, are alternatives to address the mounting security challenges. He stated the need for increased recruitment and training of police personnel to bolster security efforts.
Despite these assertions, former President Goodluck Jonathan , also in attendance, stated the urgency of implementing a state police, considering the escalating cases of kidnapping and other crimes. His sentiment was echoed by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the police force based on inputs from the national dialogue.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, revealed that there is a significant decline in terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria, dropping from 2,600 persons per month to less than 200.
Speaking at the High-Level African Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Abuja, Ribadu credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the notable improvement in security, noting also, the drastic increase in the price of AK-47 rifles, now fetching over five million naira.Ribadu said concerted effort are being made to curb insecurity, stating that AK-47 rifles are being actively confiscated and destroyed to prevent their availability in the market.
He commended the collaborative efforts of the armed forces, security forces, and governors in tackling security challenges across the country, as their contributions were significant to the positive change.
Ribadu also stressed that while much of the work remains ongoing and may not always be visible to the public, the results are evident in the remarkable reduction of violent crimes and the use of arms in Nigeria.
Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit (RIFU) Abuja, the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) in Algiers and the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Addis Ababa.
“A Regional Standby Force that includes tackling terrorism as part of its mandate must not be abandoned. I am mindful of the funding, legal and logistical complexities that face the proper establishment of such a force.
“However, with a prudent and clearly defined mandate that accords with the international law and respects national sovereignty, such a force can serve as a rapid deployment mechanism, capable of swiftly responding to major threats and bolstering the security of our region.
“Such a force can stand as a strong deterrent to large scale and protracted terrorist operations and the capture, occupation or disruption of strategic land and resources. We must continue to make careful yet meaningful progress toward this goal.
”Besides, Tinubu proposed the establishment of “an all-inclusive African Union Ministerial Committee on Counter- Terrorism is also a high priority as envisaged in the Declaration of the 16th Extraordinary Summit of the African Union Assembly two years ago in May 2022.”
“This would ensure that a forum of high-level government officials meets regularly to assess our counter-terrorism efforts and provide guidance on how to improve,” he said.
Domestically, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts, including the new Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act and National Counter- Terrorism Centre to detect, prevent and respond to threats. He commended the courage of Nigerian security forces, declaring, “They are the best of the best.
”In his closing remarks, President Tinubu emphasised the urgency of the crisis, stating, “We must show our respective populations that we, as leaders, we must do more than speak nice words; we must leave here with real results.
”The New Diplomat reports that the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina Mohammed; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Under-Secretary-General for Counter-Terrorism (UNOC), Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, are expected to deliver concluding remarks at the end of the summit.
A Kano State High Court has reversed a previous decision that upheld the suspension of Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The presiding judge, Usman Na’Abba, made the ruling on Monday, April 22, after Mr. Ganduje’s legal team presented their case.Initially, on April 17, Mr. Na’Abba had instructed Ganduje to refrain from identifying as a party member until the court made a final decision.
Furthermore, the court prohibited Ganduje from overseeing the activities of the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC).
However, Ganduje’s lawyers successfully petitioned the court to reconsider its decision, which the judge granted.
The latest judgment issued on Monday suspended the previous interim injunction and reinstated Ganduje’s status as a party member.
It directed both parties to maintain the situation as it was on April 15, 2024, regarding Ganduje’s suspension by the Ganduje Ward Executive Committee, until a final decision is made.
Recall that some members of the APC in Ganduje ward had suspended Ganduje from the party on corruption allegations leveled against him by the Kano State Government.
Haladu Maigwanjo, the party’s legal adviser in the ward, and others announced the suspension at a press conference in Kano.
Maigwanjo and an assistant secretary ward, Laminu Sani, obtained an ex-parte order from the court to enforce the suspension.However, in response to Monday’s ruling, executives of the APC Ganduje Ward have filed a petition with the National Judicial Council (NJC), where he alleged bias by Judge Na’Abba.
The Federal Government is considering raising the minimum entry age for tertiary institutions to 18, as revealed by Education Minister, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a UTME inspection in Abuja.
Mamman who made this statement said so while he cautioned parents against rushing their children into university, emphasizing the importance of maturity in managing university life.
Speaking on the issue of young applicants, Mamman stressed that some students, as young as 15 or 16, are ill-prepared for the responsibilities of university education, which contributes to challenges within the system.
While he commended JAMB for technological advancements in the examination process, Mamman noted that there is a significant decrease in exam malpractice cases, which he attributes to seamless monitoring and enhanced use of technology in the exams.
Addressing the high demand for limited tertiary slots, Mamman stressed the importance of skills acquisition for youths, stating that not all candidates will secure admission into traditional institutions.
He noted that there is also a need for skill development from primary education onward, that will ensure students have practical abilities to navigate life independently, aligning with the 6-3-3-4 educational framework.
