News
Ex-Chief of General Staff Oladipo Diya dies at 79
Former Chief of General Staff under the late General Sani Abacha, Lt. General Oladipo Diya (retd), is dead.
Diya reportedly died on Sunday morning in Lagos from a protracted illness. He was aged 79.
A short statement released by one of his children, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, confirmed the death of the former military leader.
The statement read, “On behalf of the entire Diya family, home and abroad, we announce the passing on to glory of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Retd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.
“Our dear daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March, 2023.
“Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.
“Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.”
His demise came about two years after he lost his second wife, Deborah Folashade Diya, at the age of 66.
Born in April 3, 1944, Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhari/Idiagbon coup of December 31, 1983.
He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.
He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
While serving in the military, Diya studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He held other top military positions such as GOC, 82 Division and finally the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha.
He was the CGS when he was arrested for planning a coup to unseat Abacha.
He was thereafter condemned to death by firing squad along with Maj.-Gen Abdulkarim Adisa on April 28 1998.
The death sentence was commuted to 25 years in jail. When Abacha died, Diya and others were later released.
News
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
President Bola Tinubu, Thursday, at the prestigious Palais des L’Élysée, told France President, Emmanuel Macron, that a starved nation will not care about weather or environment, and that in the 21st century no child should go to bed hungry.
President Tinubu at a high-profile meeting with President Macron also affirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to enhancing cooperation in key sectors such as food security, energy, solid minerals, education, and defense. At a joint press conference, President Tinubu highlighted the vast, yet largely untapped potential within Nigeria’s agricultural sector and beckoned international investors to capitalize on the nation’s welcoming investment climate.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, said: “The French-Nigeria Business Forum is doing a lot already, but we need to do more on food security. We cannot help but invest in another’s country.”
He emphasised Nigeria’s flourishing financial sector as a facilitator for foreign investment, particularly from French enterprises, as part of the drive to bolster food security.
“Nigeria’s financial sector is evolving and flourishing. We are also creating grounds for investment in Nigeria’s economy for French nationals, especially in the area of food security.
“It is our responsibility to put together a food security programme for the private sector to come and invest in the country.
“We are working on stability and we are getting closer and closer, but we can do better and better,” the President stated.
READ ALSO:
- Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU
- Increase in first-class degrees from private varsities worries ASUU
- Police, immigration officers jailed seven years for employment fraud
President Tinubu said Nigeria’s economy was being repositioned for more Foreign Direct Investment that will directly impact the livelihood of the citizens.
“I can assure you that Nigeria is open for business and close to this, we have a vibrant youth population that is educated, and ready to be trained in various areas of entrepreneurship and development,” he said.
No child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
News
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) said it has disbursed refunds amounting to N4.4 billion to 36 States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces pertaining to the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj
The Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Malam Muhammad Musa, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Musa explained that in addition, the Commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 hajj.
” This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.
“This refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.”
Musa explained that all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 hajj were advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions or tour operators to claim their refunds.
READ ALSO:
- ‘How I collected $400,000 for Emefiele as his aide’
- What NNPCL staff revealed about reported revival of PH Refinery – Farooq Kperogi
- FG hands over 15 CNG buses to transport unions
“Each Pilgrim, is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement.
“The commission hereby calls upon all 2025 hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their hajj fares with their respective state pilgrims boards.
“This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process.
“This collaboration aims to ensure that all refunds are appropriately disbursed and reached the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy,” Musa said.
2023 Hajj: NAHCON refunds N5.3b to states, tour operators
(NAN)
News
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday began a two-day visit to France, with both countries seeking increased economic cooperation and Paris looking to boost ties in English-speaking Africa following a series of setbacks with former allies on the continent.
French President Emmanuel Macron met his counterpart at the historic Invalides Memorial Complex, with the first official state visit by a Nigerian leader in more than two decades.
The two national anthems sang out in the courtyard of one of Paris’ landmarks, kicking off a visit focused on encouraging economic partnerships between France and Africa’s most populous country.
Macron has sought a “renewal” between Paris and Africa since his 2017 election and after military coups and changing attitudes lessened France’s influence in Africa.
READ ALSO:
- $6bn Mambilla Contract: Appeal Court suspends judgment barring EFCC from probing Leno Adesanya
- Senate passes tax reform bills for second reading
- Why we jettisoned regional system, split Nigeria into 12 states – Gowon
The visit is “an opportunity to deepen the already dynamic relationship between France and Nigeria”, Macron’s office said.
Nigeria is Africa’s leading oil producer and has a robust film and entertainment industry.
However challenges posed by insecurity and corruption have left 129 million Nigerians — more than half the country’s population — living below the poverty line.
Nigeria is seeking to build ties in “agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation and energy transition,” Tinubu’s office said in a statement, adding that the president had landed in Paris on Wednesday evening.
Tinubu and Macron will also address “shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication,” it added.
Macron welcomes Tinubu, Remi in historic France visit
-
Entertainment3 days agoDavido: They want to cancel my show in Nigeria over economy comment
-
metro3 days agoTinubu appoints Jami’u Abiola as Senior Special Assistant
-
metro3 days agoBianca raises hope Tinubu will free Nnamdi Kanu to restore peace in South-East
-
metro3 days agoDrama as Yahaya Bello calms supporters after judge storms out of court over rowdiness
-
metro2 days agoWhy we relocated Osun airport — Gov Adeleke
-
News22 hours agoNo child should go to bed hungry, Tinubu seeks French investment in Nigeria’s food security
-
metro2 days agoJUST IN: DSS arrests Kano-based activist over suspected Facebook post
-
Business3 days agoPH refinery to blend 1.4-million litre petrol daily – NNPC