News

Abuja Schools Reopen Amid Heightened Security

Published

3 weeks ago

September 9, 2024

editor

… Impressive Student Turnout Recorded

The 2024/2025 academic session in Abuja kicked off on a high note as schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) resumed amidst heightened security measures. Following the third-term break, there was a significant turnout of students and teachers in both public and private schools, with classrooms bustling with academic activity from the first day.

Security in and around schools has been intensified following the recent launch of a School Protection Squad by the FCT Police Command. This initiative, introduced last week, aims to safeguard students, staff, and school facilities across the FCT in response to growing concerns about safety and security in the nation’s capital. The squad is tasked with patrolling schools, responding to emergencies, and ensuring a secure learning environment.

On the day of resumption, the FCTA Education Management Team conducted a routine inspection tour to assess attendance, security measures, and general preparedness in schools. Government Science Secondary School (GSSS), Pyakasa, Maitama, was commended for its impressive turnout, setting a benchmark for other institutions in the FCT.

Other schools visited by the inspection team, led by Dr. Danlami Hayyo, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Education Secretariat, included Government Secondary School, Jabi (GSS Jabi); Junior Secondary School, Jabi (JSS Jabi); LEA Primary School, Jabi; and Doveland Schools, Jabi. These institutions, all located within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), recorded strong attendance and displayed compliance with the established safety protocols.

Speaking on the success of the resumption, Dr. Hayyo expressed satisfaction with the proactive security measures implemented by the schools and the swift action by the FCT Police Command in deploying the School Protection Squad. He reiterated the FCTA’s commitment to ensuring a conducive learning environment for students, emphasizing that the safety of students and staff remains a top priority.

In addition to the heightened security, schools have been urged to strictly adhere to the Ministry of Education’s COVID-19 protocols, including maintaining hygienic facilities and ensuring regular handwashing and use of sanitizers.

Parents have also expressed relief at the enhanced security, with many applauding the government for its efforts. “We feel more at ease knowing that the authorities are prioritizing our children’s safety,” said one parent, who dropped off her child at GSS Jabi. “The visible presence of security personnel gives us confidence that our children are in safe hands.”

As the academic year progresses, school administrators have been encouraged to work closely with local authorities to maintain high standards of security. The FCT Education Secretariat has pledged to conduct regular inspections and ensure that the School Protection Squad remains vigilant.

With an impressive start to the school year and robust security measures in place, both parents and students are hopeful for a productive and safe academic session.

News

Nigerians Jubilate as FG Removes VAT on Diesel, Cooking Gas, Others

Published

8 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The Federal Government has announced tax exemptions on key energy products and infrastructure, as well as fiscal incentives for the upstream and downstream oil and gas sectors, sparking widespread jubilation among Nigerians.

Mohammed Manga, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, stated on Wednesday that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, unveiled two major fiscal initiatives aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

According to Edun, “The VAT Modification Order 2024 introduces exemptions on a range of key energy products and infrastructure, including diesel, feed gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles, liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, and clean cooking equipment.”

These measures are designed to lower the cost of living, bolster energy security, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

Additionally, the tax incentives for deep offshore oil and gas production provide new tax reliefs for deep offshore projects, with the goal of positioning Nigeria’s deep offshore basin as a premier destination for global oil and gas investments.

These reforms are part of a broader series of investment-driven policies introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with Policy Directives 40-42, to foster sustainable growth in the energy sector and boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness in oil and gas production.

The government emphasized that these initiatives put Nigeria on track to reclaim its position as a leader in the global oil and gas market, while also demonstrating a commitment to fostering sustainable growth, enhancing energy security, and driving economic prosperity for all Nigerians.

Politics

PDP Flags Off Campaign for Benue LG Elections

Published

8 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched its campaign for the upcoming local government elections in Benue State, set for October 5.

At an event held on Wednesday in Makurdi, the Caretaker Committee Chairman, AVM Napoleon Bali, represented by the Secretary, Mr. Osita Ogene, presented party flags to the chairmanship and councilorship candidates, urging them to ensure victory for the PDP in the polls.

Former Benue State Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, expressed confidence in PDP’s strong presence in the state, stating that the party will be victorious. He also noted that the PDP would seek redress in court if denied victory unjustly.

In a goodwill message, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro called on party members to turn out en masse to vote for PDP candidates, emphasizing that the election would be free and fair, as promised by the Benue State Independent Election Commission (BSIEC).

Representatives from the state’s three senatorial districts—Engr. Dondo Ahire, Mike Uba, and Alex Ogaba—called for unity within the party to secure success in the local government elections.

News

Stop Migrating to Countries Worse than Nigeria, FG Warns Nigerians

Published

8 hours ago

October 3, 2024

Alexis Uchendu

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Nigerians to avoid migrating to countries that are in worse conditions than Nigeria.

In a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dabiri-Erewa appealed to Nigerian influencers and bloggers to assist the Federal Government in discouraging citizens from fleeing to such countries. “Please, we appeal to bloggers and influencers. Help us appeal to Nigerians that where you are running to is worse than where you are running from (Nigeria),” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa’s comments came in response to a recent viral video showing Nigerians calling for help from a Malian prison. She mentioned that some of the individuals seen in the video were previously rescued by the Nigerian government and repatriated from Mali but had subsequently returned. “I want to address a viral video of some girls shouting from a prison in Mali, asking to be returned home. Some time ago, the chief of defence staff helped us bring back some girls,” she explained. “We have identified some of these girls as some of those brought back that time. That they found themselves back in Mali is shocking.”

She further appealed for Nigerians to respect the laws of other countries, adding that irregular migration and engaging in criminal activities can have serious consequences. “We need to obey the laws of other countries. Crime and criminality, irregular migration, is very deadly now,” she warned, while assuring that the Nigerian mission in Mali is working to bring those affected back home.