TOP 10 NEWS MAKING THE ROUNDS IN NIGERIA TODAY THURSDAY 

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TOP 10 NEWS MAKING THE ROUNDS IN NIGERIA TODAY THURSDAY 

1. Africa Holds Vast Growth Opportunities – Tinubu To Li Qiang

President Bola Tinubu has said Africa holds vast opportunities for investments, growth, and development with its vibrant population, productive economy, and natural resources.

President Tinubu said this on Wednesday in a bilateral meeting in Beijing with the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang.

Nigeria’s leader stated he was happy with China’s strategic partnership with West African nations.

He added that Africa wants a partnership with China that is based on mutual respect, aimed at economic development.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President commended the role of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in advancing partnership between Africa and China for mutual development and prosperity.

President Tinubu explained that what is most important about the FOCAC is its focus on mutual benefit for China and Africa.

The Premier said China is ready to work with Nigeria to deliver on the mutual understanding reached by President Xi Jinping and President Tinubu under the recently established comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

2. Fuel Price Increase: Tinubu, APC Are Anti-people, Insulted Sensibility Of Nigerians – PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has described the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu as anti-people following the recent fuel price hike in the country.

Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), on Tuesday, adjusted fuel price to ₦885/litre across its filling stations despite the denial by the federal government that it authorized a fresh increase in the price of petrol.

Reacting to the development, the PDP, in a statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the increase in petrol price is an insult to the sensibility and wellbeing of Nigerians.

The party said the government of President Tinubu has no consideration for Nigerians and has further increased the suffering and hardship of citizens based on the decision to hike the cost of fuel.

The PDP also rejected the price increase and called for its reversal as well as other policies put in place by the current administration.

3. North Not Afraid Of New Nigerian Constitution, Insecurity Is Killing The Region – ACF BoT Chairman

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Bashir Dalhatu, has disclosed the readiness of the North to get involved in discussing a new constitution for Nigeria.

Dalhatu, who spoke at a meeting of the ACF’s BoT meeting on Wednesday in Abuja, also dismissed suggestions that the North is averse to or afraid of a new constitution for the country.

According to him, the North is not afraid of a constitutional review but would use all legitimate means to defend the interests of the region.

Dalhatu added that previous attempts to amend the constitution were “designed to harm the north”.

The ACF chieftain also identified insecurity as the greatest challenge facing the North.

He lamented the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, bandits and other criminals, adding that whatever it takes, insecurity must be overcome in the North.

He said corruption is an impediment to the peace of the region.

4. NANS Dismisses Claims Of Nationwide Shutdown, Calls For Security Agencies To Act

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has firmly denied any involvement in or plans for a nationwide protest that would lead to the shutdown of major cities.

In an official statement, NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, clarified that the organization has neither announced nor endorsed such actions.

He emphasized that any circulating rumours to this effect are baseless and do not represent the views or intentions of NANS.

The statement also called on security agencies to take immediate action against those attempting to use the name of NANS to incite unrest or disrupt national peace.

NANS stressed the importance of upholding the integrity of democratic processes and the rule of law in Nigeria.

The student body urged security forces to thoroughly investigate the source of these false claims, ensuring that those responsible are identified and held accountable.

The organization expressed concern that the misuse of the NANS name to spread such dangerous misinformation poses a significant threat to national security and discredits the genuine efforts of millions of students who seek positive change through legitimate means.

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NANS urged the public, media, and all stakeholders to disregard the false reports, condemning those behind the rumours as faceless entities trying to exploit NANS’s name for their malicious purposes.

5. NYSC DG Addresses Corps Members’ Allowance Increase With New Minimum Wage

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has assured corps members that their monthly allowance of ₦33,000 will be increased following the implementation of the new minimum wage by the Federal Government.

This was confirmed by the NYSC Director General, Yusha’u Ahmed, during his visit to Kebbi and Sokoto, where he addressed the 2024 Batch ‘B’ stream two corps members at the orientation camps in both states.

Ahmed emphasized the critical role corps members play in Nigeria’s socio-economic development and encouraged them to use their service year to build their skills and prepare for a prosperous future.

He urged corps members to take full advantage of the NYSC’s skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development program, stating, “At the very least, learn a skill while in camp. After the Orientation Course, continue with post-camp training.

“Aim to acquire a skill that will enable you to create jobs and employ others rather than searching for jobs. Many former Corps members across the country are now thriving in various vocations.”

The DG highlighted that the NYSC has established partnerships with reputable organizations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bank of Industry (BOI), Unity Bank, Access Bank, and NNPC Foundation, among others, to provide loans and grants to corps members.

He also assured corps members of their safety throughout their service year, stating that they would be posted to secure locations but advised them to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

6. Tinubu Mourns 87 Killed By ISWAP In Yobe, Promises Justice

President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolence to the government and people of Yobe State over the killing of 87 residents by terrorist group, Islamic West Africa Province.

ISWAP terrorists struck Mafa town around 4 pm on Sunday, killing about 87 residents and burning homes and shops.

In their letter of admittance, on Tuesday, the terrorist organization claimed the attack was because the community gave intelligence to Nigeria security agencies.

In a statement from the Special Adviser to Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President assured that the terrorist would be brought to book.

7. NBA Launches Pro Bono Defence For #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has launched free legal services for #EndBadGovernance protesters who lack legal representatives.

The NBA President, Afam Osigwe, said NBA’s state chapters have also been enjoined to be in court across the country to monitor proceedings concerning hunger protesters.

In his statement on Wednesday morning, on his X handle, Osigwe also disclosed that NBA’s Citizens’ Liberties Committee, headed by a human rights lawyer, Effiong Inibehe, would also liaise with Chairmen and Human Rights Committees of the NBA across the country to monitor proceedings to ensure no defendant suffers injustice.

This is coming as the federal government through the Police charged over 100 peaceful protesters with treason.

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8. ‘Blatant Disregard For The Welfare Of Nigerian People’ – TUC Criticizes Fuel Price Increase

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly condemned the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, calling for its immediate reversal by the Federal Government.

The NNPC, on Tuesday, adjusted the pump price per litre of petrol to ₦855 across its filling stations.

In reaction, the TUC, through a statement issued by its President, Festus Osifo, expressed deep concern over the sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs, warning that these actions will intensify the already high levels of poverty and hardship across the country and could potentially lead to social unrest.

The union also highlighted the widespread anxiety and depression sparked by the nationwide increase in PMS prices, noting that this development comes at a time when citizens are already grappling with unprecedented levels of hardship.

The TUC criticized the government for placing the burden of high living costs on everyday Nigerians while those in positions of power continue to enjoy increased allocations and privileges.

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The union pointed out that there has been little effort to reduce the cost of governance or implement policies that would strengthen the naira and improve living standards.

9. No More Special Promotions In Police Force, Promotion Will Now Be On Merit – PSC Chairman Argungu

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired Deputy Inspector General Hashimu Argungu, announced yesterday that the commission would no longer endorse irregular promotion practices within the Nigeria Police Force.

He emphasized that from now on, promotions would be strictly based on merit, requiring officers to pass designated examinations and fulfill other standard requirements.

Argungu highlighted that the concept of “special promotion” is not recognized globally and made it clear that the commission under his leadership would not support such practices.

During a meeting with members of the executive of the Association of Retired Police Officers of Nigeria, he reiterated that special promotions within the force had been officially abolished.

He explained that promotions would now depend on merit, involving both written examinations and interviews. Seniority alone would no longer guarantee advancement.

Officers who fail the promotion exam will remain at their current rank, and if they fail three times, they will be retired at that level due to incompetence.

10. 3,590 Nigeria Prison Inmates On Death Row – NCoS Reveals

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has disclosed that there are at least 3,590 inmates currently on death row within the country’s custodial facilities.

During an interview with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Assistant Controller of Corrections (ACC), Abubakar Umar, disclosed that the overall inmate population in Nigeria’s correctional centres stands at 84,741, which includes 82,821 males and 1,920 females as of September 3, 2024.

The NCoS representative reported that the number of Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATIs) totals 57,750, comprising 56,303 males and 1,447 females.

Umar stated that many individuals in custody were Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs), which presents a considerable challenge for the service due to their substantial numbers.

Nevertheless, he assured that the service is implementing measures to tackle this issue and facilitate timely judicial processing for the Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).