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Again, FG To Borrow $110m From Japan For Food Production

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Joel
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0

By Cyril Ogar 

In a bid to bolster Nigeria’s food security, the Federal Government has strengthened its collaborative initiative with the Japan International Cooperation Agency ,JICA.

This partnership is aimed at supporting the country’s food production systems and enhancing resilience amid global supply challenges.

The initiative took a significant step forward yesterday as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, met with senior representatives of JICA to advance the implementation of the Food Security Emergency Loan Support Programme.

The JPY 15 billion facility (approximately $110 million) aims to support Nigeria’s food production systems and enhance resilience amid ongoing global supply challenges.

With the rainy season now underway, both Ministers emphasised the importance of swift, coordinated action to maximise impact for farmers and rural communities.

JICA welcomed the government’s commitment to delivery and requested formal clarification on proposed implementation adjustments.

It was jointly agreed that core production activities would proceed immediately under the existing framework, while additional components, such as aggregation and financing, would be reviewed in line with the original loan agreement.

This partnership underscores the commitment of both governments to addressing food security challenges and improving the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians, while also driving economic growth and development in the country.

Recall that earlier in the first quarter 2025, the  Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, had supported the federal ministry of Agriculture and food security with the sum of ¥12bn Japanese loan to Nigeria to achieve a sustainable and resilience Agriculture under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket ,NAGS-AP.

He noted that the facility will be utilized on three components namely; enhancement of rice seed quality, improvement in delivery of farm inputs, quality extension services and enhancement of private sector participation in the production of Agriculture inputs.

The Minister made the commendation during the meeting with the Economic Development Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, led by the Director General, Mr. Takao Shimokawa to his office in Abuja recently.

He stated that the rice seeds production project was domiciled in the National Cereal Research Institute NCRI, Badeggi, Niger State, under the Ministry was strategic in enhancing the research and development for breeding of high-yield, disease resistant varieties that can withstand climate variability.

Kyari had pointed out that, “we will do our part under the technical cooperation with NCRI and include the National Agricultural Seed Council, NASC, to add value to the seed ecosystem.

“While enhancing seed quality is crucial, we recognize that knowledge dissemination is equally important.

“Our partnership on market oriented agriculture promotion with JICA on the Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion ,SHEP, project from 2020 to 2024, covering 14 states in Nigeria, to include; Nasarawa, Benue, Osun, Ogun, Kogi, FCT, Taraba, Jigawa, Edo, Anambra, Ebonyi, Cross River, Gombe, and Kebbi has empowered smallholder farmers and has serve as a bridge between research and practice, ensuring that farmers are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive”, the Minister added.

Speaking further, he stated that the Ministry will leverage technology to enhance extension services, using mobile applications to provide real-time information on weather patterns, market prices and pest outbreaks to make informed decisions and adapt to challenges more swiftly.

He emphasized that implementing emergency food security measures, enhanced rice seed quality, and expanding extension services are not just initiatives. Rather, they are commitments to the future of our communities and nation.

The Minister noted that working together with JICA, researchers, NGOs, and farmers, “we can create a sustainable and resilient agricultural system that ensures food security for all”.

He, therefore, commended JICA for being a long-term strategic partner, considering the impact of bilateral activities JICA undertakes in the agricultural space in more than four decades.

In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu reiterated that JICA has always been supportive and will not be taken for granted.

He pointed out that the seed issue was very key because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has always said “plant the right seed, then you can feed the entire nation, so seed is key to our food security problems”, Sen Abdullahi stressed.

Earlier in his remarks, the Director General Economic Development Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, Mr. Takao Shimokawa expressed gratitude for the long-standing collaboration between the Ministry and JICA.

He stated that JICA would continue to prioritize the collaboration towards ensuring economic prosperity and food security in Nigeria, noting that JICA is fully aligned to the Ministry’s mandate.

In his words, “today i take advantage to report the recent progress of JICA assistance in the Agricultural sector in three key areas to include food security, announcing that the first disbursement of the loan has been paid yesterday”.

He noted that, “now, we are proceeding to supervision and monitoring of the fund utilization”.

The Director General emphasized that JICA and Japan are fully committed to rice production in Africa particularly in Nigeria which is the largest producer of rice, pointing out that the new grant project would provide the machinery for rice production which procurement process is about to commence.

Diaspora Group Warns Against Afenifere Impostors, Backs New Leader

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ALJAZIRAH
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By Blessing Otobong-gabriel

The Afenifere Diaspora USA has issued a warning to the general public to beware of a group claiming to be the “Afenifere USA Chapter”, stating that the group is unknown to the pyramid structure of Afenifere and congratulated Oba Oladipo Olaitan on his emergence as the substantive national leader of Afenifere, reaffirming their support for his leadership.

In a statement signed by both the Chairman, Prof. Sikiru Fadairo and Secretary, Comrade David Adenekan called on the general public to shun a group called, “Afenifere USA Chapter” as such group is unknown to the pyramid structure of Afenifere under the umbrella and able leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan.

The Afenifere Diaspora USA emphasized the importance of authenticity and warned against impostors who may seek to undermine the organization’s integrity while urging the public to recognize only the legitimate leadership of Afenifere under Oba Oladipo’s able leadership.

The group reiterated that, a group cannot exist in isolation and vacuum of a leadership structure. “To set the record straight, it was true that a group known as Afenifere USA Chapter under the leadership of Dr. Durojaye Akindutire was created by the leadership of Pa Ayo Adebanjo of blessed memory; and with the direct supervision of Engr. Adebayo Adenekan, Afenifere Diaspora Secretary.

The group was dissolved by the purposeful leadership of Pa Ayo Adebanjo who has joined our ancestors because of the rebellious behaviors of the leadership of the group in question that was anti – Afenifere.” The group stated.

“Today, the so-called Afenifere USA Chapter is unknown to the leadership structure of a one umbrella Afenifere under the indefatigable leadership of Oba Olaitan Oladipo; a disclaimer indeed!

“Afenifere will not approbate and reprobate, the so-called leaders of Afenifere USA Chapter are detractors that have been dismissed from the organization. They are only being used by political jobbers to truncate the noble efforts of the leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan to ensure that the primary goals and objectives of establishing Afenifere (welfarism for all) are not defeated.” The group affirmed.

“What is the manifest goal of the so called Afenifere USA Chapter, apart from a divisive political agenda to support Tinubu re-election bid for 2027 and get compensated with plum jobs or pay checks? Are they not political patronage? If not, how do you start running a campaign for a man that told Nigeria during the electioneering campaign, ahead of 2023 general election that, “If I am elected as president, hold me accountable to my promise, if I do not provide a stable and constant electricity to every Nigerian in six months, do not re-elect me as your president.” Did the national grid not collapse to the extent that the federal government has abandoned the whole country to gross darkness to opt for alternative energy, install solar panels that will cost tax-payers billions of naira to only provide constant electricity to Aso Rock, the seat of power. In this scenario, are they not desperately reinforcing failure to ask the electorates to vote PBAT for second term?” The group queried.

However, Afenifere Diaspora USA needs to clarify the true identity of Afenifere to sensitize the public so that they do not get confused with the so-called activities of the detractors. Also, that any such group outside the pyramid structure of Afenifere under the astute and amiable leadership of Oba Oladipo Olaitan is a ruse, the group clarified.

“The group implore all sons and daughters of Yoruba land, including the citizens of other five geo-political zones in Nigeria, namely South-south, South-east, North central, North east and North west; and the world at large to please discountenance and stay away from the so-called individuals and groups like the disbanded Afenifere USA Chapter that are misrepresenting Afenifere.

World Environment Day: HYPREP Pledges Reduction Of Plastic Pollution 

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ALJAZIRAH
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 Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project ,HYPREP, has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing plastic pollution in Ogoni and beyond. 

According to Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, the organization has complied with the Federal Government’s directive by banning the use of single-use plastics in its offices and project sites.

“We have adhered to the Federal Government’s directive by banning the use of single-use plastics in the HYPREP Project Coordination Office and Area Offices, and we are extending this ban to our project sites”, Prof. Zabbey said. 

This move is part of HYPREP’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce plastic pollution.

He said HYPREP is also promoting citizen action by educating fisherfolk and engaging young students in environmental activities, explaining that the project has established functioning environmental clubs in secondary schools in Ogoni, which have been instrumental in promoting environmental awareness and action among young people.

According to the Project Coordinator, the HYPREP Green Frontiers, an environmental club of the project, recently embarked on a clean-up exercise in the Bomu Creeks in the Gokana Local Government Area to remove plastic waste from the mangrove, saying the initiative aimed to inspire citizens’ actions and science, particularly among young students in Ogoni.

He said: “To mark this year’s World Environment Day, HYPREP and the HYPREP Green Frontiers will jointly embark on a sensitization campaign with fisherfolk in Bomu fishing port, focusing on actions to reduce plastic waste in creeks. This effort supports HYPREP’s multi-stakeholder approach to raising awareness and galvanizing local citizens’ action”.

Zabbey decried that Plastic pollution is a significant problem in Nigeria, with over 50 to 60 million used water sachets discarded in the environment each day. These sachets often end up in streams, canals, rivers, and oceans, contributing to plastic pollution and its negative impact on the environment.

He further disclosed that HYPREP has launched several initiatives to combat plastic pollution, including the use of Growcoon to replace plastic bags in mangrove nurseries, assuring that the project is committed to working with relevant stakeholders to campaign and mobilize actions against plastic pollution in Ogoni and beyond.

“Together, we can end plastic pollution and ultimately contribute to achieving environmental sustainability”, Prof. Zabbey emphasized.

18 Months Unpaid Allowances: AEDC May Avert Strike Pledges To Settle Legitimate Entitlements 

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ALJAZIRAH
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0

…As blackout looms in FCT, Kogi, others over electricity unions threat

By Charles Ebi 

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company ,AEDC, has expressed optimism that an impending industrial action by electricity workers will be averted.

The company said its management will intensify dialogue with union leaders to resolve outstanding labour issues.

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies ,SSAEAC, and the National Union of Electricity Employees ,NUEE, had threatened to resume a previously suspended industrial action over a backlog of unpaid staff entitlements and deteriorating working conditions.

In their separate letters addressed to the Managing Director of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, the two unions expressed deep frustration over the company’s continued failure to fulfil its obligations to workers.

The unions also accused AEDC of reneging on agreements reached in November 2024, which had led to the suspension of earlier strike actions.

But the AEDC’s MD in a statement he issued in Abuja on Thursday, acknowledged receipt of a notice of industrial action and assured stakeholders that it has begun constructive engagement with representatives of the workers’ union.

He expressed confidence that, through continued negotiation and open communication, disruptions to electricity supply within the AEDC franchise area, which includes the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states, will be avoided.

Okwuokenye said the company would settle all the legitimate allowances owed to its staff.

He called on all parties to allow the ongoing negotiations to progress without disruption, stressing its unwavering commitment to amicable resolution.

“The management has been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action.

“We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance.

“We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.

“We are confident that, through continued negotiation and open communication, we will find a way to avert any disruption to our operations and to uphold our commitment to the welfare of our employees.

“Our employees are at the heart of all we do, and their well-being and well-being is paramount to management”, he said.

At the time of filing this report, the union officials had not issued a final statement on whether the planned strike would proceed.

AljazirahNigeria had reported that they have been rising Tension  in the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company ,AEDC, as two of its major labour unions issued ultimatums to the company’s management.

The unions have threatened to resume a previously suspended industrial action over a backlog of unpaid staff entitlements and deteriorating working conditions.

In two separate letters addressed to the Managing Director of AEDC, Christopher Ezeafulukwe, the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies ,SSAEAC, and the National Union of Electricity Employees ,NUEE, expressed deep frustration over the company’s continued failure to fulfil its obligations to workers.

The unions also accused AEDC of reneging on agreements reached in November 2024, which had led to the suspension of earlier strike actions.

However, with no progress made seven months later, both unions have now given the company a final one-week ultimatum to resolve the pending issues or face a full-scale resumption of industrial action across the utility’s franchise areas of Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The letters itemise a wide range of unresolved staff welfare issues, including non-payment of the 2024 productivity bonus, non-remittance of pension deductions for up to 18 months, and non-implementation of the national minimum wage.

Their grievances also include stagnation in staff promotions, some dating back to 2013; collapse of the company’s health services, which unions claim has led to the death of at least seven employees in the past month; and failure to regularise staff on acting appointments and ad-hoc status, among others.

They also argued that these failures are particularly unjustifiable given what they claim is a significant leap in the company’s revenue performance, citing over ₦95bn in collections within the last three months alone.

“Suffice it to state that the tremendous improvement in cash collections was made possible through the commitment and dedication of the entire workforce”, SSAEAC noted in its letter signed by Rosemary Odeh, Deputy General Secretary ,Corporate Communications.

Also, the NUEE, in its correspondence signed by Opaluwa Eleojo Simeon, Assistant General Secretary ,Liaison, has instructed its councils in the four AEDC franchise states to begin full mobilisation of members in preparation for a mass action.

“The struggle shall be sustained until victory is achieved, as a people united can never be defeated”, the letter concluded.

Both unions insisted that the strike action could commence at any time upon receipt of the letters by AEDC management, and no further notice would be given.

However, as of the time of filing this report, the AEDC management has not issued a formal response to the latest union threats.

18,592 People Displaced, As Armed Herdsmen Attack Continues In Benue

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ALJAZIRAH
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0

From Henry Ibya, Makurdi

Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, has disclosed that 18,592 individuals are currently displaced in Gwer-West Local Government Area, following renewed attacks on different communities  by armed herdsmen.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr James Iorpuu, who made the disclosure  during this month’s distribution of food and non-food items to Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, held  Thursday in Makurdi, said a new IDP camp hosting 8,650 women, 4,147 men, 5,795 children, 325 pregnant women, 637 breast feeding mothers, 2,315 persons with disabilities and 571 elderly persons have been opened at NKST Primary School and Calvin Foundation College all in Naka, headquarters of Gwer-West Local Government Area.

Iorpuu, also the Executive Secretary, BSEMA, represented by the Director of Administration at the agency, Dr Donald Komgbenda,  told journalists during the briefing that the distribution exercise which  commenced on Monday at Mbayongo mega camp and Apa, is part of the state government’s untiring commitment to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced population who have fallen victim of repeated unprovoked attacks and killings by armed herdsmen. 

Iorpuu commended Governor Hyacinth Alia for his tireless commitment and proactive efforts in addressing the security challenges confronting the state, as well as President Bola Tinubu for taking decisive and proactive steps in addressing security issues, especially by directing the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, to relocate to Benue State..

He noted that the singular move has demonstrated commitment towards restoring peace and security to troubled communities.

The executive secretary also announced that the Nigerian Meteorological Agency,NIMet, has listed Benue State as one of the high-risk areas likely to experience flooding in the coming months and urged citizens, especially those living in flood-prone communities to begin early preparations and move to higher and safer grounds. 

He assured that the agency will continue to sensitise the public, as well as put in place contingency plans in case of any emergency.

Iorpuu called on partners, stakeholders and the general public to continue to support the collective efforts of the agency to bring relief, dignity and  resettlement to the displaced population, urging them to work together in solidarity until peace is fully restored and those displaced  return to their ancestral homes.

Items distributed include 1,325- bags of rice, 965 bags of beans, 475 bags of garri, 1,225 cartons of indomie, 105 gallons of palm oil, 19 gallons of groundnut oil, 83 cartons of maggi, 43 bags of salt and 70 bags of sugar respectively.

AE-FUTHA Performs First Successful IVF Delivery Of Triplets

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ALJAZIRAH
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0

From Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki 

Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, AE-FUTHA, Ebonyi State has become the first tertiary health institution in the South East to successfully conduct In-Vitro Fertilization, IVF, and embryo transfer, resulting in the successful delivery of a set of triplet.

Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Robinson Onoh, made this known during the unveiling of the triplets to journalists at the hospital premises on Wednesday.

The triplets, who are two boys and a girl, weighing 1.8kg, 2.2kg, and 1.7kg respectively, were delivered through caesarean section after their mother experienced conception difficulties.

According to Professor Onoh, this success followed the establishment of an IVF and embryo transfer centre equipped with advanced technology, including a specialised embryology machine and a multi-part incubator.

He said the hospital recorded a remarkable 70 percent success rate in its first batch of cases, which include the triplets, twin pregnancies and singleton births.

“We aim to achieve 100 percent success rate with the commencement of a new batch of cases this week,” the chief medical director stated.

Director of the IVF Centre at AEFUTHA, Professor Brown Ejikeme, assured that IVF has no known side effects, with cases already booked up to December this year.

Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Coordinator, Dr Okechukwu Mbanefo, commended the hospital management for equipping the centre with cutting-edge technology for ovary manipulation. “This achievement is a testament to its commitment to provide world-class fertility service.

Addressing journalists, the father of the triplets, Mr Anderson Onuh, expressed joy at the birth of his children after years of struggling with his wife’s infertility.

According to him, “We are overjoyed and grateful to the hospital for giving us this opportunity to experience parenthood,” he said.

The  feat attracted the hospital community who showered the family with prayers and praises, while social welfare workers showered assorted gifts to the newborns and mother.

Oyibode Assures Of Remedial Work On Otor-Udu Road, Appeals For Patience 

By Owen Akenzua, Asaba 

Chairman of Udu Local Government Council, OlorogunVincent  Oyibode has appealed to the people of Udu, particularly those who ply the express road leading to Otor-Udu by Ovwian Secondary School, to remain patient as plans are underway to carry out remedial work on the deplorable road.

Speaking through his press unit yesterday, he acknowledged the sorry state of the road and the hardship being faced by commuters and residents, and assured  that although the road falls under the jurisdiction of the state government, he is committed to carrying out urgent palliative work to ease the suffering of the people.

 He noted that on assumption of office, his administration swiftly intervened in several critical areas, including the said road, Daddy Bakery Road, John Jeff Road and Cross and Stop Road, among others, by executing remedial repairs aimed at restoring motorability.

“I feel the pain and daily frustration experienced by our people using this road. I want to assure everyone that I am not only aware of the condition, we are taking steps to address it promptly,” Oyibode said.

He reiterated his dedication to the people of Udu, emphasizing that he holds his position in trust and is determined to justify the confidence reposed on him by delivering people-oriented projects, even in the face of jurisdictional limitations.

“Udu people are very dear to me. I hold this office in trust for them and I will continue to do my best to bring relief and development across the local government area,” he added.

The chairman  stated that he will continue to appeal to  Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to come to the aid of Udu people and salvage the situation through a more permanent intervention.

He called on  residents and road users to continue to support his administration and exercise  patience, as the remedial work will commence soon.

Boat Mishap Claims 7 Lives 

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ALJAZIRAH
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boats
Boats Collide

From Ibrahim Goronyo, Sokoto 

Sokoto State government has  condoled the people of Rinaye village in Kambama Ward, Shagari Local Government Area, following a tragic boat mishap that claimed seven lives, including three housewives and four children.

 A  delegation led by the Commissioner for Agriculture Alhaji Tukur Alkali visited the village to commiserate with the bereaved families and offer support.

Government donated ₦4 million to the victims families.

A team of notable officials, including the Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Jabbi Shagari and special advisers, accompanied Alkali on the visit.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu, currently in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, expressed sympathy to the affected families through the delegation. 

Eid-el-Kabir: Police, So-Safe Corps Beef Up Security   

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ALJAZIRAH
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0

From Segun Ayinde, Abeokuta

Ogun State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security measures during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging citizens to cooperate with  security agencies for a safer environment.

This is just as the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, codenamed So-Safe Corps, has intensified security and surveillance across the 20 local government areas, ahead of the Eid celebration.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Omolola Odutola confirmed this to newsmen in a statement in Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Odutola said   the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo  equally deployed extensive motorised patrol and tactical assets  to ensure a crime-free Sallah. 

She said  the commissioner had directed the specialised units, including SWAT, Monitoring, Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Cultism sections to strategically  prevent violent crimes. 

The Police PRO noted that the command has beefed up round-the-clock surveillance and there will be visible police presence to cover praying grounds, public facilities, banks, event/recreation centers statewide.

The statement said “In order to keep up with security, extended patrols with sister agencies have been enhanced at flash points including Onigari, Ayetoro, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu Interchange, Long Bridge, Alapako, Ogunmakin, and Abeokuta, with officers conducting stop-and-search operations. 

“Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, supervised by area commanders, will patrol their jurisdictions, while joint task force operations with sister agencies will secure border towns.

CP Ogunlowo felicitates with the Muslim faithful, urging them to embody the spirit of peace during the celebration. 

“For emergencies, contact:

09159578888, 09062837609, 09120141706, 09151027369, 07084972994″, it added.

The Public Relations Officer, So-Safe Corps, Moruf Yusuf confirmed that the corps has heightened security and surveillance around key areas. 

Yusuf said the Corps’ Commander, Dr Soji Ganzallo had deployed no fewer than 1,000 personnel to patrol and monitor the state throughout the festive period.

He noted that  Ganzallo also directed all zonal and area commanders to liaise with Islamic leaders and community stakeholders within their respective jurisdictions to ensure that any suspicious activity is swiftly addressed.

“Commanders have been instructed to work closely with Imams, traditional rulers and Community Development Association, CDA, leaders to sensitise residents on the dangers of crime. They are also to patrol and arrest anyone suspected of attempting to disrupt public peace,” he said.

Eid-el-Kabir: Buni Meets Security Chiefs

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ALJAZIRAH
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0

From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu 

Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni, has commended  security agencies for their efforts in maintaining peace, law and order.

Buni was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Baba  Wali,  during a critical meeting with security agencies to strategise on ways to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ado, represented by DCP Saleh Samaila, disclosed that the meeting deliberated extensively on deploying adequate measures to ensure a peaceful Eid-el-Kabir celebration. 

He cautioned parents and guardians to monitor their children’s movement during the festivities, warning them against reckless driving.

The commissioner also assured that proper arrangements have been put in place by  security agencies to safeguard the lives and properties of people during the Sallah period.

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination among security agencies.

AljazirahNigeria gathered that the meeting was attended by the Attorney- General and Commissioner of Justice,  Saleh Samanja and the Security Adviser to the Governor, Dahiru Abdulsalam. 

Other security heads, including the director of DSS; commandant, 233 Battalion Task Force Brigade; representatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps; Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; as well as the Nigerian Immigration Services.

Judge Admonishes Settlement Within Church As Court Court Quashes Fraud Charges Against Clergy

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ALJAZIRAH
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court

By Anthony Ochela, Abuja

Justice J.A Aina of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Gwagwalada, has advised members of the body of Christ  to embrace reconciliation and resolve internal disputes amicably, describing the case before the court as a family affair that should never have escalated to litigation.

The judge gave the admonition after quashing a five-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and criminal misappropriation filed against a former pastor of the church, Reverend Akanji and five others.

The ruling followed a motion by the defence counsel, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), who argued that the court lacked jurisdiction and that the prosecution’s failure to file a counter-affidavit rendered the defence’s claims unchallenged and legally admissible.

In his ruling on Thursday, Justice Aina held that the police failed to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

“I have considered the totality of the affidavits and exhibits filed by the Nigeria Police Force. They do not support the continuation of this case. 

“We must first, settle the issue of jurisdiction. Where there is no jurisdiction, no other issue can survive,” the judge stated. 

He added that by failing to respond to the application, the police effectively conceded to the defence’s claims.

Accordingly, the court found merit in the application and struck out the charges without awarding costs to either party.

Taking a moral tone after delivering his ruling, Justice Aina urged church members to seek peaceful resolution within the fold.

“This is a family matter that should be resolved internally,” he said.

“As Christians, we must portray the light Christ has shown us. It is not right that such matters find their way into the courtroom.”

The defendants—Reverend Akanji, Reverend Thomas Ekugbene Takpatore, Mr Babatunde Adebayo, Mrs Adenike Adebayo, Mr Oladele Afolabi and Mrs Gloria Olotu—were accused in charge no CR/1045/24 of conspiring in 2021 to commit a felony under Section 97 of the Penal Code. 

They were also alleged to have forged an amended church constitution, falsely attributing authorship to the late Barrister Akin Aina, the church’s former legal adviser—an offence under Sections 362 and 364 of the Penal Code.

The police alleged that between 2012 and 2021, the defendants misappropriated N620 million belonging to the church, in violation of Sections 308, 309, 311 and 312 of the Penal Code relating to breach of trust and fraudulent conversion.

With the charges now dismissed, the court’s verdict serves as a reminder for faith-based institutions to pursue internal resolution of conflicts and avoid public legal battles that may tarnish their spiritual mission.

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