Friday, May 3

Education for Progress: A Vital Tool for Empowerment and Development
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Education for Progress: A Vital Tool for Empowerment and Development

In Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, King Monday Obukowho Whiskey Udurhie I, the Ovie of Idjerhe kingdom and a respected figure, emphasized the significance of continuous education. He strongly believes that ongoing learning serves as a crucial catalyst for self-liberation and advancement. A seasoned journalist and media expert, the monarch shared these thoughts during a conversation with the media following his recognition with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, during the institution's 2024 convocation. Encouraging Nigerian journalists to constantly enhance their professional and academic capabilities, the monarch expressed, "Such progression is essential for media professionals to earn the...
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Eight individuals in custody for suspected involvement in motorbike theft in Ekiti
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Eight individuals in custody for suspected involvement in motorbike theft in Ekiti

In Ekiti State, the police have apprehended a total of eight men believed to be part of a ring responsible for stealing motorcycles from riders and subsequently selling the stolen items. The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adeniran Akinwale, specified that among the suspects are Adebayo Bashiru, Oluyemi Kunle, Gabriel Isaac, Abubakar Abdullahi, Macon Andrew, and Peter Ninfa, who are suspected of snatching vehicles and motorcycles in the Ikere/Ado-Ekiti and Igede-Ekiti regions. According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, on Thursday, the arrests were made by the command’s Rapid Response Squad based on provided intelligence. During interrogation, the suspects admitted to numerous motorcyc...
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Bayelsa APC leaders voice concerns over alleged defection plan by Governor Diri
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Bayelsa APC leaders voice concerns over alleged defection plan by Governor Diri

A statement from the Stakeholders Forum of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to exercise caution regarding any potential collaboration with Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State. The statement, titled ‘Beware of Governor Douye Diri, He's a Serial Betrayer. Bayelsa APC Cannot Afford His Politics of Betrayal, Divisiveness, and Greed,’ was signed by Chief Samuel Yousuo and Elder Ebigoni Gabriel, the chairman and secretary of the stakeholders. It was addressed to the President and released to the media in Asaba, Delta State. South-South PUNCH gathered that the Bayelsa APC Stakeholders Forum meeting took place in Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday. In part, the statement expresses, “We, on behalf of APC Elders and Stakeholders Fo...
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Concerns of CBN regarding the decline in economic activities
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Concerns of CBN regarding the decline in economic activities

Expressing worry over the diminishing economic activities in the nation, the Central Bank of Nigeria has voiced its concerns. As stated in a release on the bank's website, Bala Bello, the CBN's deputy governor of Corporate Services, highlighted this issue. There has been a significant decline in the country's Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index, dropping to 39.2 index points in February 2024 from 48.5 index points recorded in the previous month, according to Bello. Attributing the contraction of economic activity for eight months to exchange rate pressures, inflation, and security challenges, he emphasized the challenges being faced. The sharp decline of the Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index to 39.2 index points in February 2024 from 48.5 index points in the ...
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Advocating for Equal Access to Decent Work
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Advocating for Equal Access to Decent Work

Focused on the importance of providing equal opportunities for decent work, Japan Tobacco International Nigeria has reiterated its commitment. Commemorating this year's Worker's Day under the theme "Social Justice and Decent Work for All," the company extends its felicitations to its workforce worldwide for their unwavering dedication, pursuit of excellence, and innovative contributions that have significantly influenced the company's growth. A member of JTI Worldwide with a presence in over 130 countries, the company has consistently been honored with the esteemed 'Top Global Employer' award for a decade, alongside regional accolades in Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East. This remarkable achievement has been attributed to the compa...
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Examining National Forgetfulness through the Story of the White Lion
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Examining National Forgetfulness through the Story of the White Lion

The relationship between sleep and memory is a prominent concept according to neurologist Andrew Budson and neuroscientist Elizabeth Kensinger in their book titled “Why We Forget and How to Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory”, published in 2023 by Oxford University Press. From my perspective, a lack of sleep can distort one's perception, much like how Nigerian leaders, blinded by temporary wealth, fail to realize the transient nature of life. They mimic the tale of Solomon Grundy with their actions echoing a swift journey from birth to burial. Drawing parallels, just as Macbeth's guilt-ridden conscience deprived him of sleep, Nigerian leaders, despite their malevolent deeds, continue to slumber in the discomfort of their misdeeds because the inferno of c...
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Solution to the Ongoing Petrol Crisis: Privatize the Downstream Sector
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Solution to the Ongoing Petrol Crisis: Privatize the Downstream Sector

Nigerians are once again facing the hardship of petrol scarcity, raising questions about the country's recurring socioeconomic challenges. The recent fuel shortages that started in the Federal Capital Territory have now spread nationwide, causing prices to skyrocket and intensifying the already existing cost-of-living crisis. The leadership of NNPC, led by Mele Kyari, has once again failed to deliver for the people. The situation is dire, with long queues forming at the few petrol stations that have the product available. Prices at independent stations have surged to N1,300 per litre from N650, while the black market price has reached N2,000 per litre. Many people are spending the night at stations, and some even spent the May Day holiday waiting in line. Report...
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Importance of Free Press in Upholding Democracy
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Importance of Free Press in Upholding Democracy

World Press Freedom Day serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role played by the media in championing democratic values within society. It is an occasion to acknowledge the significance of a free press in a democratic system and to commend the journalists who bravely work to deliver news to the public. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1993, World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3rd, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek. This declaration, formulated by African journalists in 1991, was a response to the oppressive media policies under the apartheid regime in South Africa. The 2024 theme of "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis" resonates with the pressing issues of climate change. Environmenta...
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Two Arrested by FCT Police for Suspected Child Trafficking, Five Minors Rescued
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Two Arrested by FCT Police for Suspected Child Trafficking, Five Minors Rescued

Following an operation by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, two individuals named Kulu Dogonyaro and Elizabeth Ojah have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in child trafficking. The suspects were intercepted while attempting to transport five minors, whom they had taken, into the Federal Capital Territory. A previous incident reported by PUNCH Metro in February involved the arrest of a pastor, Simon Kado, his relative Jesse Simon-Kado, and their driver, Muhammad Isah, for trafficking 12 underage children, consisting of eight girls and four boys aged between five and 16 years, from Nasarawa State to Ogun State. In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday, it was disclosed that t...
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Prof Tella’s Journey: Sacked and Recalled by Ogun State Government
3May By Mariam AbdullahiNo Comments
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Prof Tella’s Journey: Sacked and Recalled by Ogun State Government

An interesting revelation came from Sheriffdeen Tella, a retiring professor of Economics and former Vice Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, as he shared his experience of being sacked and recalled by the Ogun State government during his tenure as an academic staff at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. The disclosure took place at a ceremony celebrating his 70th birthday and retirement from the university, held at the OGD Lecture Theatre. The event also included the launch of a book titled ‘Making Africa Emerging Global Economic Power,’ written to honor the esteemed professor. Among the notable attendees were the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof Ayodeji Agboola, the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Sen Adegbenga Kaka, Emeritus Professor...
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