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Tinubu Launches APC Progressive Institute, Vows to Empower Nigerians with Free Electoral Choice
President Bola Tinubu formally launched the All Progressives Congress (APC) Progressive Institute on Friday, promising a significant shift that will empower Nigerians to make electoral choices freely. Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Kyari, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of party ideology, calling it an urgent issue that the institute must address.
“The institute’s role as the think tank and intellectual resource center of our great party is both timely and strategic,” Tinubu stated. He emphasized the need to change the engagement paradigm between the APC and the Nigerian people, focusing on building an organic relationship and sustaining year-round voter education. “We are committed to enhancing the power of Nigerians to freely make electoral choices,” Tinubu added.
APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described the Institute as a hub for developing fresh political ideology and policy direction. He outlined its dual roles: serving as the party’s think tank to advise on policy performance and as an intellectual resource center offering research-driven training to enhance the party’s competitiveness.
Ganduje also noted that the Institute aims to strengthen the APC’s ties with Nigeria’s Third Sector, including civil society and the media, to foster inclusiveness and ownership. The event also saw the Chairman of the APC Progressive Governors Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, pledge to send newly elected Local Government executives to the Institute for training.
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TCN Acknowledges 7th Grid Collapse in 2024
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
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Jigawa Tanker Tragedy: Shettima, First Lady Mourn Victims, Pledge Federal Support
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
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Nigeria Customs Intercepts Arms, Ammunition Worth N9.5bn Over Six Years
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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