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Updated: Release of abducted Kagara students a rumour, says Niger gov
Niger State Governor, Abubakar Bello, has dismissed an earlier report of the release of 27 kidnapped students of Government Science College, Kagara, saying it is a ‘rumour’.
He, however, added that government was doing everything possible to ensure the release of the kidnapped students along with their teachers and others in the next “few days or hours”.
There were reports early Friday morning that the students had been released by their abductors to an Islamic scholar based in Kaduna State, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, after much persuasion by the Islamic cleric.
The students were said to have gained their freedom after Sheikh Gumi had met with the leader of the bandits identified as Dogo Gide and a truce was reached.
But Governor Bello, who spoke on Friday at the Government House in Minna, the state capital, shortly after meeting Sheikh Gumi, said, “Regarding the event of the past few days where we have two serious cases of kidnappings – the NTSA (Niger State Transport Authority) bus that was kidnapped (with passengers); and the second event took place at the Secondary School in Kagara, as at this moment, we do not have any additional information to give apart from the one given earlier on yesterday.
“But I want to assure you that we are doing everything we can; we are interfacing with the local communities; with federal authorities and our own state authorities to ensure that we recover the victims safely.
“Our utmost priority right now is to make sure we bring them back home safe and that is exactly what we are going to do. So, there hasn’t been any information I can give you at this moment but once we have anything for you, we will let you know.”
The governor, responding to a question on the purported release of the abductees, said, “Everything that is being said out there is rumour and in situations like this, we cannot work with rumour; it has to be confirmed. Yes, we’ve been receiving different rumours from different people within villages but we are still treating them as rumour until processed and confirmed.”
The governor also said the state government was ready to engage any actor willing to assist with the rescue of the abducted persons.
He particularly said that he was waiting to receive a “comprehensive” report from Gumi concerning his “findings”.
Meanwhile, pictures have surfaced online showing the meeting of the Islamic cleric with the bandits in the forest.
Gumi also reportedly confirmed the meeting on Friday and said it was positive,
Since January, Gumi has met with bandits in Kaduna and Zamfara forests in an attempt to broker a peace deal.
In Kaduna, over 500 bandits reportedly agreed to lay down their weapons after he struck a peace deal with them.
In Zamfara, Gumi reportedly told the bandits that they have legitimate concerns and that the federal government should look into ways of providing “reasonable” means of livelihood for them.
News
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has informed the people of the state that his wife, Titilayo is the First Lady of the state that will receive visiting Nigerian First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. While asking residents to give Tinubu a rousing reception as she visits today (Tuesday), Adeleke said the state government was set to receive Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and her team in Osun.
“I am elated to host our dear First Lady and my old colleague at the Senate. Our people must troop out to welcome her,” he was quoted as saying in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, his spokesman
The governor went on to explain that the First Lady deserved a rousing welcome for endorsing Osun as the location for the Alternative High School For Girls.
During the visit, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu will turn the sod of the construction of the Alternative High School For Girls.
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The school is located at Oke D.O, Ilesha Road in Osogbo.
Adeleke had earlier in another statement said there would be no confusion as to who will receive Tinubu. A statement said the attention of the Governor had been drawn to “fake news in circulation about conflict over who among the Governor’s two wives is to host the First Lady of Nigeria, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her official visit to the State tomorrow.
“For clarification, Chief (Mrs) Titilola Adeleke, the First Lady of Osun State, is officially hosting the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria tomorrow in line with the directive of Mr Governor. There is no confusion on this official position.
“The flier circulating purportedly from the Office of Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, the wife of the State Governor, is fake news and the person behind it was nabbed and questioned last night.
“The said flier was never authorized by Erelu Ngozi Adeleke. The material was manufactured and shared by elements who wanted to sow discord and create an atmosphere of confusion.
Osun governor introduces choice first lady amid controversy over who will receive Remi Tinubu
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Tinubu jets out today to Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
Tinubu jets out today to Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
President Bola Tinubu will today (Tuesday) April 23, 2024 leave Abuja for the Netherlands on an official visit.
The President will also attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled for April 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, in a statement on Monday, said, “On the invitation of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, President Tinubu will engage in high-level discussions with the Prime Minister, as well as hold separate meetings with His Royal Majesty, King Willem-Alexander, and Queen Maxima of the Kingdom.
“The Queen is the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
“While in the Netherlands, the President will participate in the Nigerian-Dutch Business and Investment Forum that will bring together heads of conglomerates and organizations in both countries to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, especially in agriculture and water management towards innovative solutions for sustainable farming practices.
“There will also be extensive discussions with the Dutch officials on port management operations for which they have world-renowned expertise.
“After his engagements in the Netherlands, the President will proceed to attend a special World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting scheduled for April 28-29 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“At the World Economic Forum meeting, which focuses on Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development, President Tinubu and his entourage will use the opportunity of the gathering of over 1,000 leaders from business, government, and academia to engage in discussions in furtherance of his Renewed Hope Agenda for the country.”
News
FG begins disbursement of N200bn intervention fund to MSMEs, manufacturers
FG begins disbursement of N200bn intervention fund to MSMEs, manufacturers
The Federal Government said it will soon commence the loan disbursement process for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and manufacturing sectors under the Presidential N200 billion Intervention Fund scheme.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu launched the scheme on October 17, 2023, to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy and other economic shocks.
Announcing the disbursement of the funds, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a statement yesterday, noted that the decision was taken following the success of the ongoing disbursements targeted at supporting one million nano businesses across the country.
According to her, N75 billion each has been allocated to support MSMEs and the manufacturing sector under the Presidential Intervention Fund. This is in addition to the N50 billion set aside to support the nano businesses.
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Uzoka-Anite stated: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is proud to announce the operational launch of the MSME and Manufacturing segment under the prestigious Presidential N200 Billion Intervention Fund.
“With applications for the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme now closed, we are excited to move forward with the loan disbursement process for the MSME and manufacturing sectors, aimed at boosting economic growth and industrial development.
“This fund is strategically divided, dedicating N75 billion to MSMEs and another N75 billion to the manufacturing sector.
“We are pleased to report that the initial disbursement to nano businesses has been met with success, and we are well on our way to supporting one million nano businesses throughout the country.
“Thousands of beneficiaries have already confirmed receipt with many more to come.
“We invite eligible enterprises to join this transformative initiative. To apply, please visit our official application portal at www.fedgrantandloan.gov.ng.
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