Day: December 21, 2024

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed reports alleging that the Lakurawa terrorist group, purportedly aided by foreign security forces, including Nigerian personnel, was responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of the Niger Republic. In a statement issued on Saturday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa,
Nigerian government debunks allegations of involvement in Niger oil pipeline attack

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed reports alleging that the Lakurawa terrorist group, purportedly aided by foreign security forces, including Nigerian personnel, was responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on December 13, 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of the Niger Republic.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government expressed condolences to the government of Niger over the unfortunate incident and clarified that the attackers were not supported by Nigerian authorities.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to combating terrorism and emphasised that it does not condone the activities of such groups.

Additionally, the Federal Government denied claims that French military troops are stationed in northern Nigeria to destabilise the government of Niger.

According to the statement, Nigeria’s relationship with France has always been cordial, characterised by mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

Nigerian government debunks allegations of involvement in Niger oil pipeline attack

The Kano State Government has announced plans to generate more revenue by implementing a stronger tax reform policy, targeting at least N80 billion annually. In the same vein, the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has prepared to prosecute tax defaulters in 2025 as part of comprehensive reforms in tax administration. According to Sanusi Bature Dawakin
Kano targets over N80bn revenue with tax reforms

The Kano State Government has announced plans to generate more revenue by implementing a stronger tax reform policy, targeting at least N80 billion annually.

In the same vein, the administration of Abba Kabir Yusuf has prepared to prosecute tax defaulters in 2025 as part of comprehensive reforms in tax administration.

According to Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director General of Media and Publicity at Government House, Kano, the reform was disclosed during a presentation by Dr Zaid Abubakar, the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Internal Revenue Service, KIRS, at a high-level retreat for senior government officials on Saturday.

Dr Abubakar emphasised that the reforms would not introduce new taxes but would focus on improving the existing system’s efficiency.

The state has projected to generate over N20 billion quarterly, amounting to more than N80 billion in 2025, by adopting innovative approaches to tax collection.

He added that Governor Yusuf’s earlier decision to restructure the revenue agency by appointing a new management team in 2024 has already led to improved performance in the latter half of the year.

Additionally, the administration plans to introduce a new tax collection model in 2025 to further enhance compliance and transparency.

This significant revenue boost will enable the government to implement critical developmental programmes across various sectors, fulfilling its campaign promises to the people of Kano State.

Kano targets over N80bn revenue with tax reforms

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Saturday warned against unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during the festive period. Egbetokun issued the warning while reacting to the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer
Stampede deaths: IGP warns against unorganized distribution of palliatives

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, on Saturday warned against unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during the festive period.

Egbetokun issued the warning while reacting to the recent stampedes in Oyo, Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Recall that a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan on Wednesday, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the death of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.

Also, not less than 20 residents of the Okija community in Anambra State lost their lives in a stampede on Saturday during an event organized to distribute rice to the less privileged.

DAILY POST also reported that an unspecified number of people died in a stampede that occurred during the distribution of rice and other food items at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in tge Maitama area of Abuja, on Saturday.

The IGP emphasized the dangers posed to public safety during unorganized distribution of palliatives and funfairs set up by groups, individuals and NGOs.

He noted that such unorganized events could result in stampedes and other incidents that could endanger lives.

The IGP ordered the commissioners of police in the affected states to carry out thorough investigations into the incidents for further legal actions.

He equally sympathized with the bereaved families and wished those injured quick recovery.

Stampede deaths: IGP warns against unorganized distribution of palliatives

Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NASoW, has pledged to provide psychosocial support to victims and families of the recent stampede that occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. NASoW made the promise in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday. DAILY POST reports that no fewer than 35 children lost their lives as
Ibadan stampede: Social workers promise support for victims’ families

Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NASoW, has pledged to provide psychosocial support to victims and families of the recent stampede that occurred in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

NASoW made the promise in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Saturday.

DAILY POST reports that no fewer than 35 children lost their lives as a result of the stampede that occurred at a children funfair carnival held at Islamic High School, Bashorun Ibadan.

NASoW in a statement signed by its Chairman in Oyo State, Mr. Adegoke Ayodele, said that the association is ready to assist in providing the needed psychosocial support to the victims and their families.

Ayodele commiserated with the families of the deceased and those who were injured in the sad incident.

He also commended the efforts of the state government and the security operatives.

Adegoke, while speaking further, maintained that one of the roles of social workers is to provide psychosocial support to victims of disasters and tragedies.

He enjoined the state government to involve the association in activities required to support the bereaved families.

“The Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) was greatly disturbed with what happened in Ibadan on Wednesday.

“We are using this medium to commiserate with the families of the innocent children who lost their lives in the sad event .

“We empathize with the families of the injured victims too. As social workers, one of our roles is to provide psychosocial support to victims of disasters and tragedy. The Association is prepared to provide this service .

“We are ready to provide the necessary profession support to the victims and their families. We want to use this medium to urge the state government and other stakeholders to involve social workers in activities required to support the injured victims and bereaved families.

“We are using this medium to commend the Oyo state government for the proactive intervention.

“Profound appreciation to the police for acting professionally. In the light of above, we call on the security operatives to investigate the matter thoroughly with a view of establishing the immediate and remote causes of the tragedy to forestall future recurrence.”

Ibadan stampede: Social workers promise support for victims’ families