• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 7, 2025
• 17 views

Gov Alia Laments Killing of 76 Security Personnel in Benue in One Year, Doles out N5m to Deceased’s Families

Gov Alia Laments Killing of 76 Security Personnel in Benue in One Year, Doles out N5m to Deceased’s Families

George Okoh in Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has decried the killing of 76 security personnel who were on active duty in the state in the last year, promising that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
The governor, who made this known while receiving the families of the deceased security personnel in Makurdi, the state capital, at the weekend, doled out N5 million to each of the families of the deceased.

The victims include: Personnel of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), military, the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Operation Zenda joint security team.
 Alia, who acknowledged the selfless sacrifice rendered by the deceased security personnel, said they paid the supreme price to ensure peace in the state.

The governor appreciated President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and the Service Chiefs for their concerted efforts to ensure that peace returned to the state.
He said, “We appreciate the sacrifice made by these fallen heroes to defend the territory of the state and ensure that the citizenry lives in peace.

“It is a heavy burden, but we will continue this journey with you. Their memories will continue to be a blessing to us and our state. I sat and saw a mother breastfeeding her baby. That means the child did not know its father because he paid the supreme price.

“We will continue to support their widows, and you will be visited from time to time. We will ensure your children continue their education through scholarships. We will not leave anyone behind. You will be on the State protocol list. I assure you that the lives your loved ones sacrificed would not be in vain because peace must return to the state.

“I also appreciate the first lady and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) for their humongous support, and I assure the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) that the committee set up is working to ensure fairness in the distribution of money given to the IDPs. We will not rest on our oars until they all return to their ancestral homes.”
Announcing financial support to families of the deceased security personnel, the governor said: “Each of the families will receive a cash donation of the sum of N5million. For those injured, too, we will support them. Let us support these families. Be kind to them, be charitable to them. Share with them and visit them, and work with them. Give human kindness and face to them.

“Our government will continue to synergise with security agencies in the state to ensure peace. Security agencies are not enemies of the state. They sacrifice a lot, especially their comfort, to give us comfort.”

Earlier, the Director General of the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (rtd.), disclosed that “76 security personnel lost their lives in the state between 2024 and 2025,″ stressing that they sacrificed their lives as heroes to ensure peace and sanity and cannot be forgotten.”

On his part, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, described the Benue State Government’s gesture as ‘spectacular’ and ‘unprecedented’, noting that it would give succour to affected families and motivate security agencies in the state.

Emenari, who commended the governor for giving priority attention to security in the state through consistent funding, said: “It is not over until our desire for the state is achieved. We must double our efforts and ensure that criminals and hoodlums do not operate in the state.”

The post Gov Alia Laments Killing of 76 Security Personnel in Benue in One Year, Doles out N5m to Deceased’s Families appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has decried the killing of 76 security personnel who were on active duty in the state in the last year, promising
The post Gov Alia Laments Killing of 76 Security Personnel in Benue in One Year, Doles out N5m to Deceased’s Families appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 7, 2025
• 14 views

In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue

In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue

Peter Uzoho

Africa’s wealthiest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to leverage on internal strengths and global opportunities to fill existing gaps.
He also called for the adoption of a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation of Africa’s manufacturing sector, as a panacea against the current global economic instability.

Dangote made the recommendations in his welcome address at the company’s Special Day at the ongoing 4th Intra-African Trade Fair holding in Algiers, Algeria, where he was represented by his Special Adviser, Ahmed Mansur.
 The renowned entrepreneur encouraged operators in the manufacturing and industrial sectors across the continent to embrace a fundamental shift in mindset and develop robust regional value chains and deepen intra-African trade as inward solutions to boost overall development across the continent.

Dangote, who noted that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains, also urged African exporters to benefit from the current process to fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

“I am glad to be here at the 4th Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF). I am immensely grateful to the organisers – not only for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to speak – but also for going a step further by dedicating this remarkable day to my organisation, Dangote Group. To have today officially set aside as Dangote Day is both an honour and a privilege.

 “I thank the conveners – The African Export Import Bank, the African Union Commission and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat – for organising this event. We appreciate the invaluable contributions you have made and the excellent work you continue to do in promoting, facilitating, and deepening trade and investment across the continent”, Dangote stated.

According to him, this year’s theme, “Gateway to New Opportunities,” resonates deeply as a powerful reminder of the huge potential and prospects that abound across the African continent.
For too long, he noted that Africa’s resources have been exported as primary commodities in their raw and unrefined state with limited domestic processing or beneficiation.

“There must be a fundamental shift in mindset and a deliberate re-orientation toward industrialisation and the development of Africa’s manufacturing sector. While this was always necessary in the past, it is even more urgent today, given the alarming rise in youth unemployment, and the need for sustainable, inclusive growth”, he added.
The business tycoon observed that current geo-political tensions and trade wars have caused major economies to reevaluate their traditional trade partnerships with a view to diversifying their supply chains.
Dangote said African exporters could benefit if they could fill the gap by competitively supplying the required products.

Furthermore, he noted that global instability has encouraged African nations to look inward and actively pursue greater regional self-reliance, pointing out that this inward focus can catalyse the development of robust regional value chains and significantly deepen intra-African trade.

At Dangote Group, he said the team was very proud of their Afrocentric posture, driven by an unwavering commitment to the continent’s growth and industrial transformation.
Dangote explained, “We have added value to limestone and created the largest cement company in sub-Saharan Africa with an aggregate cement production capacity of about 52MMtpa across 10 countries.
“Similarly, our 3MMtpa urea plant has contributed to the attainment of fertiliser self-sufficiency. Nigeria, once solely reliant on imports, is now a net exporter of granulated urea to destinations in Africa as well as to South America, North America and Europe.

“More recently, we have witnessed the commencement of operation of Africa’s biggest oil refinery  – also the world’s largest single-train facility, with a capacity of 650kbpd. This landmark project is gradually reducing the region’s long-standing dependence on imports of refined petroleum products, particularly from Europe, while also generating surplus for export to global markets. As Africa becomes more self-sufficient in energy it should reduce our vulnerability to external shocks and supply disruptions.

“Africa’s potential and prospects are immense. However, this potential will only be fully actualised if individual nations take deliberate steps to improve their business environment. Unlocking new economic opportunities requires the implementation of appropriate policy reforms, investment in infrastructure, and attractive sector wide incentives to facilitate the inflow of private capital.”

At the Dangote Special Day, which drew admirers and various attendees, various Business Units of the conglomerate such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt (NASCON), Dangote Fertiliser, Dangote Polypropylene, and Dangote Packaging did presentations and urged greater collaboration among trade partners and manufacturers across Africa for the development of the continent.

The post In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Peter Uzoho Africa’s wealthiest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on Africans to leverage on internal strengths and global opportunities to fill existing gaps.He also
The post In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 7, 2025
• 14 views

NLC Backs NUPENG’s Strike as Tanker Drivers Reject Industrial Action

NLC Backs NUPENG’s Strike as Tanker Drivers Reject Industrial Action

*Western Zone of IPMAN to shut down operations

Ejiofor Alike, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has placed its branches and affiliates on a nationwide alert to mobilise for a united front of resistance against alleged Dangote Group’s anti-worker agenda, stressing that it will support the proposed industrial action by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

This is as the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a critical branch of NUPENG, have launched a fierce attack on the union’s national leadership, calling for immediate arrest of key executives over what they described as “reckless and destabilising” actions that threaten Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Similarly, truck drivers under the umbrella of Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) have also opposed the industrial action called by NUPENG from tomorrow, describing the action as a disservice to the country.

Also, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone, yesterday said it would shut down operations from Monday to protest what it described as attempts to monopolise the downstream sector.
NLC in a statement signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, condemned what it described as the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.

It said that NUPENG’s complaint was not the first one it will be receiving against Dangote group.
“We have received several from other unions with jurisdictions over the companies owned by the group. All of them verges on the same acts of impunity and unfair labour practices”.

“We call on Dangote group and entities within the group to cease all anti-union, anti-workers practices.
“We place the entire Nigerian workers, state Councils and industrial unions in Nigeria on red alert.
“We demand the immediate unionization of not just Dangote Refinery but all the other entities within the group,” the union said.

Meanwhile, in a statement jointly signed by Chief Blessing Dafinone (Warri PTD) and Comrade Joseph Dagogo-Jack (Port Harcourt) branch, the drivers accused NUPENG’s President, Williams Akporeha and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale of mismanaging the union, alleging intimidation of its members and undermining national economic progress.

“This strike threat is insensitive and wicked. A responsible union explores negotiation, not sabotage,” the statement read. “NUPENG leaders are economic saboteurs using the union to pursue personal interests.”
The PTD also accused the leadership of NUPENG of corruption, claiming the union has become a shadow of its former self, plagued by lawsuits, factionalism, and administrative failure.

The PTD also advised the federal government, National Assembly, and security agencies to intervene decisively, including arresting NUPENG leaders to prevent further unrest.
“No union is above the law. NUPENG must not be allowed to destroy the peace and progress in the oil sector,” they warned.

The tanker drivers hailed Dangote and Dantata as patriotic businessmen modernising the industry and aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a related development, truck drivers under the umbrella of DTCDA, have also opposed the industrial action called by NUPENG from tomorrow, describing the action as a disservice to the country.

In a statement issued after its National Executive Council’s meeting held in Abuja over the weekend, which was signed by its National President, Enoch Kanawa, DTCDA stated that any action against the smooth flow of petroleum products in the country was a disservice, flagrant abuse of the power of unionism and should be condemned by all Nigerians and the general public.

DTCDA said it had reviewed the purported threat by NUPENG to embark on strike, arguing that “That while not joining issues with the NUPENG as there is no basis for that, we as stakeholders in the Nigerian transport industry deem it fit to put issues in their proper perspectives so that the public are not being manipulated and taken for a ride because the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees the freedom of Association for persons to voluntarily choose who and whom to associate or partner with.”

“More so that the Nigerian economy is fully deregulated.

DTCDA is an association and not a union. It is an organisation of all drivers both in the wet and dry cargo of the transport sector of which Dangote drivers, MRS and other drivers of established transport companies are members. It will cater for the general welfare of their drivers in terms of health, insurance and Pension Benefits especially post-retirement.

“The DTCDA is open to all drivers who subscribe to the objectives of the Association and who are desirous of a better working life during and after retirement. This is to give them and their families a guaranteed future.”

Meanwhile, IPMAN of Western Zone yesterday said it would shut down operations from Monday to protest what it described as attempts to monopolise the downstream sector.

The resolution was reached at a zonal council meeting which brought together council members, officers, depot chairmen and secretaries across the five depots in the South-west.

The Chairman of the zone, Chief Oyewole Akanni, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan after the meeting.

He said that the strike was in solidarity with NUPENG over job security concerns for PTD.

The post NLC Backs NUPENG’s Strike as Tanker Drivers Reject Industrial Action appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

*Western Zone of IPMAN to shut down operations Ejiofor Alike, Peter Uzoho in Lagos and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has placed its branches and affiliates
The post NLC Backs NUPENG’s Strike as Tanker Drivers Reject Industrial Action appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 7, 2025
• 16 views

NEMA Confirms 231 Persons Dead, 607 Injured, 315,762 Affected in 2025 Flood in 86LGAs, 25 States

NEMA Confirms 231 Persons Dead, 607 Injured, 315,762 Affected in 2025 Flood in 86LGAs, 25 States

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 231 persons dead, 607 injured and 315,762 affected by floods this year.
The agency also added that 114 persons were missing as a result of the flood, which  affected 86 local government areas (LGAs) in 25 states.

The data by the agency also indicated that 113,367 persons were displaced with 40,493 houses destroyed and 46,304 farmlands affected.
The updated 2025 flood dashboard released by NEMA yesterday also indicated that 10 states were most impacted by the flood.

The 10 most impacted states are: Lagos, 52,013; Adamawa, 51,713; Akwa Ibom, 46,233; Imo, 29,242; Taraba, 26,722; Rivers, 22,345; Delta, 14,057; Abia, 11,907; Borno, 8,164; and Kaduna, 7,334.
According to the data from the agency, children were the most affected.
The data reads: “143,683 children; 100,079 women; 60,408 men; 11,592 elderly, and 2,265 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year’s flood.

“Some States affected are: Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto states.
The key challenges identified in the aftermath of the flood incidence are resource shortage, inaccessibility, community resistance and security risk.

“Resource shortage accounts for 69 per cent of the challenges,16 per cent inaccessibility, 7 per cent community resistance and 6 per cent security risk.”
The priority needs of the affected persons according to NEMA include; food, shelter, WASH, health, livelihood, nutrition, education, protection and security.

The post NEMA Confirms 231 Persons Dead, 607 Injured, 315,762 Affected in 2025 Flood in 86LGAs, 25 States appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has confirmed 231 persons dead, 607 injured and 315,762 affected by floods this year.The agency also added that 114 persons
The post NEMA Confirms 231 Persons Dead, 607 Injured, 315,762 Affected in 2025 Flood in 86LGAs, 25 States appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 7, 2025
• 14 views

In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue

In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), in collaboration with surface forces, eliminated over 30 insurgents during a decisive joint operation.
This is just as troops killed one armed herder during clearance operations, in Logo LGA of Benue State, and recovered weapons.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, stated that the decisive joint operation was a demonstration of the troops’ unwavering commitment to defending the nation.
This comes as the Nigerian Army Resource Centre bade farewell to its former Director General, Major General Garba Wahab (rtd.), in a colourful send-off ceremony in Abuja.

Ejodame said the operation, conducted on Friday, took place at Dar-el-Jamal village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, following reports of a heavy insurgent engagement against friendly forces.

“Acting swiftly on the situation report, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai deployed an Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and Air Interdiction (AI) mission. En route, the aircrew established contact with ground forces in Banki, who confirmed that reinforcements were already moving to support troops.

“On arrival at Dar-el-Jamal, the aircrew visually identified friendly forces before ISR scans revealed insurgents fleeing northwards from the town towards nearby bushes.

“In a series of three precise and successive strikes, the fleeing terrorists were decisively engaged, resulting in the neutralisation of over 30 insurgents. Shortly afterwards, reinforcement troops arrived at the location, secured the area, and stabilised the situation,” he said.

Ejodame further revealed that this coordinated success highlights the seamless synergy between air and ground forces, underscoring the effectiveness of joint efforts in counterinsurgency operations.
This, he said, also reinforces the Nigerian Armed Forces’ resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, protect vulnerable communities, and restore lasting peace to the North-east and beyond.

He reassured the public that the NAF, working closely with sister services and other security agencies, will continue to take deliberate and collaborative actions to ensure the safety and security of all citizens across the country.
In a related development, the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke killed one armed herder during clearance operations in Logo LGA of Benue State.

A military source revealed that an AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other items were recovered.

According to the source, troops also responded to clashes in Kwande and Guma LGAs, diffusing tensions and evacuating an injured farmer to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the former Director General of the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Major General Wahab (rtd.), bowed out of office in style.

Speaking at the send-off ceremony organised in his honour, the former Director General said that the culture of the environment is pivotal in developing military strategy.

In his valedictory speech, General Wahab said: “I was asked to describe an event, and the person interviewing me was the Commandant of the school. I was looking down, and he said he couldn’t believe or trust me because I wasn’t looking him straight in the eye. I told him that, in my culture, you don’t look your supervisor in the eye—it is considered a sign of defiance. In your culture, it’s acceptable; in mine, it’s not.

“Sometimes, what is wrong in one place might be right in another.”

The post In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Linus Aleke in Abuja The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday said that the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (AC OPHK), in collaboration with surface forces, eliminated over 30 insurgents
The post In Joint Operation, Troops Eliminate over 30 Insurgents in North-east, Recover Weapons from Armed Herders in Benue appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

• Hot Source
• Hot News
• September 7, 2025
• 16 views

Ahmad: Tinubu Approved N158bn to Empower 650,000 Youths With Technical, Vocational, Digital Skills

Ahmad: Tinubu Approved N158bn to Empower 650,000 Youths With Technical, Vocational, Digital Skills

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, yesterday disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved N158 billion for the advancement of education in Nigeria.
Ahmad stated this in Sokoto at the 42nd convocation and 50th anniversary of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

According to her, the approved amount will be utilised to enhance the country’s education sector, with a focus on technical and vocational education training (TVET).
This initiative, she said, will empower at least 650,000 youths with technical, vocational, and digital skills required to meet emerging industrial and labour needs.

The minister explained that the federal government’s investment in education was a demonstration of its commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian youth.
She further disclosed that the provision of electricity to some select universities in the country through the rural electrification agency is a testament to this commitment. Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, is one of the beneficiaries of the initiative, which is expected to improve the learning environment and enhance academic productivity.

As part of the celebration, the university conferred honorary degrees on two distinguished personalities: Sheikh Muhammad Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa and former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd.).
Emeritus status was also bestowed on Prof. Dejo Abdulrahman.
The university also named some of its infrastructure after notable individuals.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State, who was in attendance, commended the federal government’s effort to boost the education sector.

He emphasised the importance of education in driving economic growth and development, and pledged his administration’s support to the university’s mission to provide quality education to its students.

In a surprise move, Aliyu announced a special gift of a Hajj seat to the best graduating student.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Garba Bashir, highlighted the achievement of the university as a centre of excellence, research, and community service.

He acknowledged the contributions of past administrators, staff, students, and stakeholders who have shaped the institution into what it is today.

The 42nd convocation and 50th anniversary of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto was a celebration of academic excellence and a testament to the university’s contribution to the development of Nigeria.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including government officials, academics and business leaders.

The post Ahmad: Tinubu Approved N158bn to Empower 650,000 Youths With Technical, Vocational, Digital Skills appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.

​  

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, yesterday disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved N158 billion for the advancement of education in
The post Ahmad: Tinubu Approved N158bn to Empower 650,000 Youths With Technical, Vocational, Digital Skills appeared first on THISDAYLIVE.