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Hardship protest: US, UK, Canada issue security alerts, traders fear looting
The United States, United Kingdom and Canada have raised the alarm over the likelihood of violence during the planned August 1 #EndBadGovernance protest in the country.
The three countries, in separate travel alerts, cautioned their nationals in Nigeria to avoid getting caught in the confrontation that might occur between the security agencies and protesters, citing past incidences.
The advisories come as apprehensive market leaders in Abuja, Sokoto, Kano, Katsina, Ogun, Osun, Zamfara, Gombe and other parts of the country requested strong security around markets during the rallies.
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Also in preparation for the demonstration, the police authorities have recalled all personnel on non-essential duties.
A memo dated July 25, 2024 and signed by CSP Okon Moses directed the withdrawal of riot policemen ahead of the protest.
The message titled, ‘Notification of temporary withdrawal of personnel for national assignment,’ read, ‘’In view of the planned nationwide protest, it becomes imperative to temporarily withdraw some of the personnel attached to you in order to muster sufficient officers to dominate the public space.
“This is part of the proactive necessary measures to enhance the operational capacity/capability of the squadron and your understanding in the above regard is highly solicited.’’
Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, told The PUNCH that the personnel withdrawal was in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive.
He added that this was done to bolster the strength of the police, adding that the men would be deployed to fortify banks and other critical national assets.
He said, “The IG ordered the withdrawal of policemen from some beats to augment our strength. Those withdrawn are those on non-essential duties. We’re going to have men to fortify banks and critical assets. That is where we will have our men, we want our men to be back to base.”
The PUNCH reported that the military had cancelled leaves and passes for its personnel.
In the past weeks, the organisers of the protest, under the #EndBadGovernance tag, have intensified the mobilisation of youths and civil society groups to participate in the rallies against the economic hardship in the country and the alleged failure of the Tinubu administration to address the people’s plight.
On assuming office in May 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced an end to fuel subsidy, promising to utilise the savings on infrastructural development, but the policy, compounded by insecurity in farming communities, sparked high transport costs leading to food inflation.
Tinubu also unified the foreign exchange rates to curb currency arbitrage and floated the naira resulting in a slump in the value of the national currency.
However, in the security advisory published on its website on Friday, the US Mission in Abuja advised Americans to avoid getting caught in the rallies.
The advisory counselled them to avoid crowds and demonstrations and monitor local media for updates.
The alert read, “According to media reports, nationwide protests may occur in Nigeria between July 29th and August 5th, 2024. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion and physical confrontations. No specific times or locations have been identified for potential protests at this time.
“Actions to take: Monitor local media for updates; avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, be aware of your surroundings, review your personal security plans and keep your cell phone charged in case of emergency; carry proper identification.
“The consular sections of Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos will remain open during regular business hours and consular services will be provided as scheduled.”
Similarly, the UK High Commission said the protests could occur between July 29 and August 10 in Abuja, Lagos and other large cities.
It warned of the likelihood of violence during the rallies, noting that past protests turned violent with little warning.
UK warns citizens
It asked British citizens in Nigeria to exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor media reports.
The advisory read, “Political rallies, protests and violent demonstrations can take place with little notice. Get advice on areas to avoid.
“Take care if you’re visiting crowded public places or attending events which attract large crowds. If you see a threatening or intimidating situation, do not try to make your way through it. Turn around and move to safety.
“Incidents of inter-communal violence occur frequently and often without warning throughout Nigeria. Although foreign nationals are not normally targeted, there is a risk you could be caught in an attack. Monitor local government announcements and media reporting.
“Widespread public demonstrations are a possibility across Nigeria between 29 July and 10 August, with a focus on large cities, including Abuja and Lagos. This period could see increased risks of disruption, with possible effects on transport and infrastructure.
“Past protests have turned violent with little warning. Exercise caution when travelling, avoid large crowds and gatherings and monitor local media reporting.”
The Canadian government equally alerted its citizens in Nigeria about the demonstrations, which it said could disrupt traffic and public transportation and “turn violent at any time.”
“Nationwide demonstrations are planned between July 29 to August 5, 2024. They could disrupt traffic and public transportation and could turn violent at any time.
“If you’re in Nigeria, expect a heightened security presence, remain vigilant at all times, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstration.
“Demonstrations occur frequently, especially in central Abuja and other major cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation,’’ the Canadian embassy stated in an updated travel advice published on its website on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has challenged Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, to lead the protest after he endorsed it on Sunday.
President Bola Tinubu’s spokesman Bayo Onanuga threw the challenge at Obi, who stated during a visit to Abia Governor Alex Otti that there was nothing wrong if Nigerians wished to embark on a protest to drive home their grievances.
He said, “Protest is allowed within the Nigerian Constitution. All I plead for is for those who are protesting to do so within the law and in a civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law.
“Everybody knows that things are difficult and I always say that when they talk about the sponsors of protests, the sponsors are very simple, it is hunger, it is hopelessness among the youths. So, we all have to listen to what Nigerians are going through and I thank our Governor (Otti) for doing so. It is critical and important,” Obi stated.
He added, “What I have to say to the security agencies is to ensure that they manage the situation within the law. We should not try to be overbearing. It should be something that we do within the law.”
“Protest is allowed globally. And, I also say that people protest in my house and it is for us to listen to those who are protesting and why they are protesting and engage them. That is what governance is all about, you talk with them, and there is nothing wrong in that.
“I was governor for years and people protested and we kept dialoguing and deliberating about it.”
Reacting to the assertion by Obi, Onanuga, who had earlier accused the LP candidate and his supporters of being behind the impending nationwide protest challenged him to copy the example of former President Muhammadu Buhari and his successor, Bola Tinubu, who led protests as opposition leaders, instead of playing ‘the master puppeteer’ behind the scene.
Onanuga said in a short post on his X handle stated, “Now that Peter Obi has come out to endorse the planned protest by his supporters, he should do what President Tinubu and former President Buhari did in the past, by coming out openly to lead the protesters. That is what leadership is about. Not playing the master puppeteer behind the scene. He should be in the forefront.”
Speaking on the looming protest during a meeting with traders and stakeholders on Saturday, the acting Managing Director, Abuja Market Management Limited, Abbas Yakubu, called on the traders in the FCT to support the security agencies in ensuring the markets are not infiltrated by miscreants during the demonstration.
According to a statement on Sunday, the MD warned that hoodlums would stop at nothing to exploit any gathering to attack the market, whether peaceful or not.
Yakubu cited the attack on some shops and offices in Wuse International Market by suspected thugs in March, stressing that the market could not afford a repeat of such an incident.
During the March incident, suspected hoodlums torched about 10 shops and a police station after a Corrections Officer allegedly shot a convicted man, who was trying to escape.
Yakubu urged the traders to mobilise fellow traders and everyone with legitimate businesses to resist attempts at infiltrating the markets in the FCT.
The statement partly read, “Abuja Markets Management Limited has urged traders and other market users in the Federal Capital Territory to support its effort and that of the security agencies in ensuring that the market is not infiltrated by people of ignoble intentions in the guise of peaceful protest.”
“We have a history of protests and other incidents cascading into wanton destruction of properties in our markets; no responsible management or trader will fold its hand and wait for it to repeat.
“That is why we are urging you all to mobilise your fellow traders, the wheelbarrow pushers, your apprentices and everyone who has legitimate business in the markets to resist any attempt at infiltrating the market by hoodlums in the guise of protest,” Yakubu tasked the traders.
As a business environment designated for buying and selling, the AMML boss said the markets should be guarded by the owners and operators.
“We are just being proactive here to state emphatically that if you must protest, stay away from the markets.”
Traders protect businesses
In an interview with journalists on Sunday, the Chairman of the All Chairmen and Secretaries of FCT Markets and Plazas, Raphael Okorie, expressed worry that the nationwide protests would disrupt their businesses.
He said protesters usually attacked businesses, shops and markets during a mass action, resulting in losses for traders.
He added that arrangements were in top gear to protect their businesses following discussions with various security agencies, ahead of the protest.
Okorie noted, “As an association, we are not leaving anything to chance. We’ve been invited by the various security agencies on how to handle this, and we are openly saying that we don’t want to be part of the protests. We reject it. Instead, we are asking that leaders of the various groups who want to protest should dialogue with the government.
“Violent protests will never solve problems. Only dialogue will work, and I call on our members not to join (the protest). Instead, we call on them to protect their businesses and remain law-abiding. I believe President Tinubu is working hard to address these concerns,” he stated.
Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, market leaders in Sokoto State have held meetings with their members to discuss how to protect their investments against attacks or looting by suspected hoodlums posing as protesters.
A market executive, Mallam Abubakar Yusuf, confirmed the development to The PUNCH on Sunday.
“We have been having series of meetings with our people on how to ensure the protest doesn’t affect us negatively, especially when we talk of looting or others.
“I’m sure you know for security reasons, I shouldn’t be telling you our plan but be assured that we also have a plan to tackle the issue. We can’t let anyone in the name of protest loot our goods or make us a victim of protests,” he added.
To protect businesses during the demonstration, the Kano business community on Saturday constituted an ad-hoc security operation committee to provide adequate security across markets and business places during the protest.
A Kano business leader, Alhaji Sabi’u Bako, disclosed that they held an emergency meeting with representatives of major markets and supermarkets in Kano on Saturday.
He said the 20-member committee was inaugurated during the meeting attended by the Chairman, National Harmonized Traders Union, Alhaji Bature Abdul-Aziz.
Also speaking on behalf of the market leaders, the Chairman, Kantin Kwari Market Traders Association, Alhaji Balarabe Tatari, urged the youths to desist from engaging in acts capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
According to him, despite the reports that the protest will be peaceful, adequate security measures must be put in place to protect Kano as the centre of commerce.
“In past cases, bad elements have penetrated (the protests), looted and destroyed property. I am appealing to the youths to put it at the back of their minds that Kano is their home and any attempt to make it inhabitable will lead to unforeseen circumstances.
“Kano is our state and we must all work together to ensure that whatever comes up is not aimed at breaking law and order,” he said.
The Managing Director, Kantin Kwari Textile Market Management Board, Alhaji Hamisu Nama, explained that the meeting was organised to share ideas on how to protect the markets.
He called on traders and other business owners at Kantin Kwari to comply with directives and contribute their quota in maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Sabon Gari Galadima and Singa Markets, Alhaji Abdullahi, stated, ‘’We have contacted the Nigeria Police Force, local security, and relevant stakeholders regarding the need for security around the markets.
“We have informed our members to come out on the day of the protest to protect our business premises.”
In Katsina, the management of the State Capital Central Market has partnered with the police to beef up security at the market.
The market chairman, Shehu Abubakar, said the state Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Musa, promised to protect the facility.
“And our internal security alongside other security operatives were also mobilised to protect the market. This protest will not cause hardship to citizens, hence people are advised to enter the market through the three main gates without fear,” he said.
In Ogun State, anxious market leaders pleaded with the state government to beef up security at the markets.
The Iyaloja of Sagamu International Market, Chief Olasunmbo Bamidele-Nelly, said on Sunday that traders were apprehensive that the protest could turn violent.
“We are not in support of this protest because of its far-reaching effects on our markets and trades. In fact, the committee of market leaders in Sagamu Local Government has met and we have been saddled with the responsibility of enlightening our members and our children not to be part of anything that could affect our businesses.
“We know that markets could be a target for these protesters, so it will be good for the government to help ensure that the security around our markets is strengthened. This is very, very important,” she pleaded.
Similarly, the Iyaloja of Kuto Market, Abeokuta, Alhaja Isiwat Adewuyi, said, “Definitely, we will want the government to help protect our markets from being attacked.
“Already, the police have invited us for a meeting on Tuesday, so, this is part of what we shall be demanding from them because we are not in support of any protest and we would not want anyone to destroy our markets.”
On its part, the Association of Babalojas in Osun State said a meeting would be convened to strategise on market security during the rallies.
“There is no meeting yet, but we won’t allow anything to happen in our markets during the protest. For us to protect our wares, there must be a state meeting of market leaders where we will discuss how to protect our ourselves and our wares.
“We are going to act immediately and convene a meeting. We don’t want a situation where protesters will go into the market and loot our wares,” the association secretary, Chief Akinwande Olajire, stated.
However, some traders in parts of Lagos and Ogun states believe the proposed protest will not disrupt their business activities.
While some traders in the popular Akute market, Ogun State disclosed that they were unaware of the protest, others said it would not affect their businesses and daily routines.
Mariam Fatola, speaking on behalf of the leader of the fish sellers at Akute market, revealed that the association’s executives would meet on Monday (today) to discuss whether they would open for business during the protest.
She said, “I can’t say for certain yet. While our members are already discussing the protest, we need to meet tomorrow (today) to make a group decision. If we decide to stay open, I will be here.”
Despite public apprehension, some traders in Zamfara State said they were not expecting any negative developments during the demonstration.
Speaking to The PUNCH, a trader, Alhaji Buhari, stated, “To be frank with you, the traders in Zamfara are optimistic that nothing will happen to our businesses during the planned nationwide demonstration. The youths have assured us that they will guard our properties during the rallies.”
Another trader, Mohammed Mustafa, said the youths in the state would not participate in the protest.
Some officials across Gombe markets say they would rely on hunters to complement the efforts of the police in securing business centres across the state.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an official at Tumfure market said, “We have always not depended on the police alone, we also pay hunters to secure our goods. We trust that they will do better during the protest.”
Another trader at Baban Kasuwa, a major market in Gombe, added, “Security is the business of everyone. We are not leaving the police to do the job alone. We complemented their efforts by recruiting hunters and vigilantes to prevent theft.”
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called on the youths not to allow themselves to be used by “a confused movement sponsored by frustrated politicians who do not mean well for the nation.”
Abiodun also said that there was no need for the planned nationwide protest as there was room for youths to engage and dialogue with the government constructively.
The governor, who spoke on Sunday at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation ceremony of Babcock University, Ilishan, insisted the country had not gained anything from the past protests.
He said, “Which investor will be attracted to a nation that is under siege by protesters? Please, do not allow yourselves to be used by a so-called leaderless movement, sponsored by frustrated politicians who tried in the past and lost. We do not need protests. We must not gamble with our democracy. Let us dialogue.
“This current wave of inflation is biting everywhere. It is in the UK, US, Ghana and Egypt. So, it is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.
“I seize this opportunity to appeal to our youths to constructively engage with government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than engaging in protest that may start peacefully but usually get hijacked and may lead to anarchy.
“What have we ever gained from protests, except losses in productivity, loss of lives, loss of private and government properties, looting and vandalisation of assets?”
Abiodun added that the Tinubu administration had to take bold and decisive steps to put the economy back on track, adding that the government had been in office for just one year.
Speaking in the same vein, the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Abubakar Momoh, called on Niger Delta youths to shun the protest.
Momoh described the protest promoters as faceless individuals residing outside the country, asserting that they aimed to destroy Nigeria.
Speaking in Bera Community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State during the inauguration of water projects, he stated, “You saw the #EndSARs in Lagos. You can see the massive destruction that was done to Lagos. If the economy of Lagos is not a very strong one, it will be very difficult for them to recover.
“And imagine, allowing such a protest to happen in places like this, and even in Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta region; who is going to lose? We are the ones who are going to lose. We are not as strong as Lagos.
“Let me use this opportunity to appeal to the entire masses, particularly the traditional rulers, the youths and the women not to allow themselves to be deceived by anybody.”
Also, a former Governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, claimed the protest was a plot to remove the democratically elected government through the back door.
Nyame, while addressing a gathering of Yoro youths and community leaders at the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Jalingo, warned the youths against the planned nationwide protest, saying the outcome may be difficult to contain, considering the challenges facing the country.
Oyo State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 election, Senator Teslim Folarin, also appealed to Nigerians to shelve the planned protests, saying “it is already hurting economic activities.”
Folarin, in a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday, appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde to cut short his annual holiday at this point.
He said there was already panic buying and selling as the planned protest, which he said was likely to turn violent, would send a negative signal about Nigeria’s democratic stability, and further impact investors’ confidence.
No fewer than 500,000 youths from over 50 development associations in Ilorin, Kwara State, under the banner of Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association, vowed not to partake in the proposed nationwide strike.
The national president of the group, Alhaji Babatunde Salau, called for further dialogue and understanding, urging the initiators of the protests to join the government in proffering solutions to the plight of Nigerians.
In a reaction to criticisms of the demand for the details of the protest organisers, Force spokesperson, Adejobi, said it was meant to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent unlawful activities.
The IG, Kayode Egbetokun, had on Friday directed the #EndBadGovernance protest organisers to submit their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the commissioners of police in their respective states.
However, one of the organisers, Deji Adeyanju, argued there was no provision in the constitution to support the police request.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Adejobi said it was important to know the planners of the protests across the states to prevent a repeat of the 2020 #ENDSARS protests
Source: The Punch
Recent developments regarding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have raised concerns following the arrest of his brother and lawyer.
Both individuals are currently in custody after being arraigned in court.
On Monday, human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, led a protest in Abuja demanding Kanu’s immediate release. Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.
Political and public affairs analyst Barrister Darlington Agomuo has commented on the situation, suggesting that the Igbo community should hold Sowore accountable for any repercussions Kanu may face. He emphasized that it is unlikely that any government would respond to such protests to secure the release of an individual.
He said, “If anything should happen to Nnamdi Kanu now, we should blame Sowore. He’s the one who already told us that the government had already taken a position to convict Nnamdi Kanu. He said it himself. So, when you know about this, why are you doing what you are doing? I have never seen any government in the world that was forced to do certain things. You don’t force the government to do things, you don’t. The courts are there if you are fighting for your rights, but to wake up and say I want this person to be released, or the country will nobody will listen to you. It has never happened, and it will not happen under Tinubu. I was telling Sowore to stop this prank he was playing. He knows very well that this protest will not yield any fruit. The efforts Igbos have been making would have been more possible if it were allowed to sail through, but Sowore has carried his rascality to spoil our show. In fact, if anything should happen to Kanu now, we should blame Sowore,” he concluded.
The Department of State Service (DSS) has raised a fresh tension as it revealed an imminent terrorist attack in some communities in Kogi and Ondo states, which was planned by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to Legit.
The secret police police the plan of the terrorist group in a secret memo, which was dated October 20, 2025, and addressed to the Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Owena Cantonment, Akure.
Vanguard reported that the DSS explained that credible intelligence has confirmed the plan of the terrorist group, which was to launch coordinated assaults in several communities in the two states.
Ondo communities ISWAP plans to attack
The memo was signed by the director of security of the DSS Ondo State Command and listed Oyin Akoko and Eriti Akoko in the Akoko North local government area of Ondo and Owo town in the Owo local government area, saying those are the potential targets of ISWAP.
According to the secret police, the terrorist group has started surveillance on soft targets in the mentioned areas and called on the military to heighten its security operations to stop any impending attack. The secret police urged the military to scale up the level of security in the areas to protect lives and property.
This security alert came three years after the killing of over 40 worshippers in June 2022 at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo state, by some suspected ISWAP members. The killings happened during a morning service.
The Owo attack was one of the significant killings of the terrorist group, as it happened outside the region where ISWAP and other groups have dominated, the northeast. It shook the country and has continued to raise tension in the southwest.
When terrorists gained prominence in Nigeria
Since the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the activities of the terrorists have spread across northern Nigeria, beyond the wall of the north-east, where it started with banditry and kidnapping in the north-west and north-central.
The menace continued in the eight years of Buhari’s administration, and the current president, Bola Tinubu, has also inherited the challenges. One major problem caused by the insurgency was food security, as most of the foods in the country are produced in the north, and farmers have been unable to access their farms for over a decade.
Legit.ng
Top private secondary schools now charge fees as high as private universities.
But behind each modern campus, fancy facilities, and international programs is a story of hard work, vision, and money.
From pioneering educators to embassy-backed schools, find out who is turning expensive schooling into big business in Nigeria’s largest city.
- Greensprings School
Visionary Founder: Mrs. Lai Koiki
Starting as a small nursery in 1985, Koiki transformed Greensprings into a tri-campus British-style institution serving over 2,000 students. Today, day pupils pay about ₦3.8 million per term, while boarding spots go for around ₦7.1 million testimony to her decades-long commitment to high-quality, holistic education.
- Grange School
Nonprofit Legacy: Grange Education Limited
Launched in 1958 by British expatriates to educate children of West African Airways staff, Grange is run by a parent-and-stakeholder board. With term fees near ₦4.5 million for day students and ₦6.5 million for boarders, its nonprofit status means every naira is reinvested into campus expansion and teacher development.
- Lekki British International School
Family-Led Enterprise: The Idehen Siblings
Founded by the late Dr. Abiodun Laja in 2000, LBIS now thrives under the stewardship of her children, Francis and Christian Idehen. They uphold a rigorous UK National Curriculum for roughly 350 pupils, charging about ₦4.6 million per year for day schooling and ₦6.8 million to board.
- British International School, Lagos
Global Backing: British Schools Foundation
Part of an international network, BIS Lagos blends Cambridge and British curricula on its Lekki Peninsula campus. With termly fees climbing above ₦5 million for day scholars and ₦7.5 million for boarders, it attracts a truly cosmopolitan student body and overseas-trained faculty.
- Meadow Hall School
Educational Innovators: The Hansotia Family
Since its 2002 inception, Meadow Hall has championed inquiry-based learning across two campuses. Their upscale campus in Lekki features science labs, art studios, and green play spaces. Day students pay around ₦4 million per term; boarders hover near ₦7 million.
- Atlantic Hall
Alumni-Driven Council: Former Students & Parents
Atlantic Hall established in 1989 operates under a vibrant alumni and parent board committed to continuous improvement. Known for its A-Level program and expansive sports facilities, it charges close to ₦3.9 million per term for day pupils and ₦6.3 million for boarders.
- Corona Day Secondary School, Lekki
Heritage Brand: Corona Schools
With roots stretching back to the 1950s, Corona remains a household name. The Lekki branch offers the Nigerian curriculum alongside international enrichment programs. Fees are roughly ₦3.7 million per term for day students; boarding isn’t offered here, keeping costs slightly lower.
- Lycée Français Louis Pasteur
Diplomatic Mission: French Embassy
Operated by France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this school delivers the French national curriculum from primary through lycée. Its bilingual immersion and international accreditation command term fees of about ₦5 million reflecting its elite pedigree and embassy support.
- Charterhouse Lagos
Tech-Minded Founders: The Petkauskas Family
Charterhouse, birthed in 2000, has built a reputation for coding and robotics labs alongside classical academics. Day scholars invest roughly ₦4.2 million per term; boarding which includes weekend hackathons runs nearly ₦6.7 million.
- American International School of Lagos
Consortium Ownership: American and Local Partners
AISL, part of a global network, follows an American curriculum with Advanced Placement options. Situated in Victoria Island, it caters to expatriate and Nigerian families, charging around ₦5.2 million per term for day schooling and ₦7.8 million for its residential program.
Business Elites Africa
Kashim Shettima Mustapha GCON, the 15th and current vice president of Nigeria, served as senator for Borno Central from 2019 to 2023, and as the governor of Borno State from 2011 to 2019.
Shettima possesses a remarkable level of intelligence, which is highly regarded, much like the vast population of citizens in Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima temporarily handed over his office to 14-year-old Joy Ogah, a passionate advocate for girl-child education, for a symbolic one-day tenure on Monday.
This move highlights the Tinubu administration’s commitment to advancing education and empowerment, especially for girls.
As the ceremonial Vice President, Ogah delivered a compelling address, calling for inclusive education, protection of girls’ rights, and improved school amenities like sanitation and nutrition.
“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible,” she declared, captivating her audience. She added, “I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets.”
Before passing the torch, Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to girl-child education, citing initiatives like the school feeding program.
He also lauded First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a champion of female empowerment, noting her impactful contributions to girl-child education debates during her time in the Nigerian Senate.
The event occurred during a meeting with a PLAN International delegation, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, focused on advancing girl-child education in Nigeria.
The organization has supported over 11 million Nigerian children through interventions in education and entrepreneurship.
Ogah’s brief tenure as Vice President sent a resounding message, urging leaders and citizens to prioritize sustained investment in girl-child education for a brighter, more equitable future.
Full List of Military Coups in Nigeria and Names of Persons Who Were Behind Them
It is no longer news that things have fallen apart between the distinguished 64-year-old Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ned Nwoko, and his heartthrob, Regina Daniels, due to allegations of domestic violence and drug abuse.
Regina had accused her husband, Senator Nwoko, of domestic violence in a video making the rounds, an allegation he already countered.
In 2021, there were allegations that Regina Daniels was using Jaruma’s product, ‘Kayamata’, on her husband, Ned Nwoko, and his former wife, Laila Charani. Rumors circulated online suggesting that Regina expressed her affection solely for Ned and not for his co-wives. Some claims even suggested that Regina had enchanted Laila, who had recently divorced Ned.
Following the recent marital scandal involving the couple, Regina has faced a wave of criticism regarding her association with the Kayamata product, which has brought attention back to this incident.
Meanwhile, on November 3, 2021, as reported by Daily Post, an online publication, the popular Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels has denied allegations that she used Jaruma’s Kayamata product to secure her marriage to billionaire, Ned Nwoko.
Regina in a post on her Instagram page said she has never used Kayamata and was only told by Jaruma to influence the product.
In a statement on her Instagram, the mother of one called out Jaruma for trying to mislead the public.
Sharing a post where someone said she used Kayamata to secure her husband, Ned Nwoko, Regina said she was only contracted to raise awareness for the Jaruma Brand and she has and will never use Kayanmata products.
Her post reads, “This is for clarity sake here, I have and will never use any kayamata product. Jaruma paid me to help make random posts for her. I personally gave my terms concerning the kind of posts to be made, I was very mindful with my choice of words so as not to mislead the public, I was simply creating awareness for her brand and along the line, we became friends.
“I was warned severally to keep her at arms length and mind my association with her but it is not in my nature to judge a person from another’s perspective but in her case I should have known better. She constantly uses every opportunity to create contents to profit off my person and my brand even after our payment deal expired.
“I tolerated this because I believed I understood her person and felt I should give her the benefit of doubt and maintain a cordial friendship. But this time, I will not tolerate Jaruma using this issue that practically portrays me as a bad person for her selfish desires knowing fully well, that I have NEVER AND WILL NEVER USE whatever she sells as I have no reason to.
“And this is a notice to my fans and the general public, I and my brand As Regina Daniels has no business/association with Jaruma and her products, Thank you.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori will on Tuesday depart for Germany on an official working visit aimed at strengthening the state’s partnership with construction giant Julius Berger, according to the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu.
Aniagwu, who disclosed this at a press briefing in Asaba, said the Governor would be accompanied by himself and the Technical Assistant to the Governor.
Flanked by the Chief Press Secretary ( CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, Aniagwu explained that the visit was strictly a working mission designed to deepen technical collaboration and secure more favourable project terms for Delta State.
“The purpose of this visit is to strengthen our ongoing partnership with Julius Berger. His Excellency is known for his negotiation skills, and this trip will help us secure better deals and concessions that will benefit the state,” Aniagwu added.
He emphasized that the visit was not for leisure, but rather part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance project delivery and cost efficiency.
Recalling the state’s previous engagement with China, Aniagwu noted that it led to the award of major contracts, including the ₦59 billion Agbor flyover and the ₦39 billion Otovwodo Junction, Ughelli flyover on the Warri–Patani Expressway.
The Commissioner also announced that the forthcoming 2026 budget, estimated at ₦1.5 trillion, would prioritize capital projects, social welfare, and infrastructure expansion.
He said: “Following the approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, ministries are fine-tuning their submissions before presentation to the State Executive Council”.
Aniagwu added that the Governor had directed that all upcoming empowerment programmes, scheduled to begin next month, must be transparent and inclusive across all 25 local government areas.
He said key ministries and agencies would coordinate the initiative to create sustainable livelihoods and boost productivity.
According to him, the state would, in the coming weeks, perform several groundbreaking ceremonies for new projects worth billions of naira, including the Otovwodo Junction Flyover, underscoring the government’s determination to sustain momentum in infrastructure development.
He assured that Governor Oborevwori’s administration would not allow political timelines to slow governance, insisting that contractors had been instructed to maintain steady progress on all ongoing projects.
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