News
FG Establishes Committee for 2024 Independence Day Celebration
The Federal Government has officially inaugurated the Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the 2024 Independence Day Celebration.
This committee will plan, organize, and execute all activities approved to commemorate Nigeria’s independence, which marks its 64th anniversary on October 1, having gained independence from Britain in 1960.
In a statement from Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the committee was inaugurated on Thursday by Hadiza Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, on behalf of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.
Akume indicated that this year’s celebration will be low-key to reflect the current challenging circumstances in the country. “The 64th Independence Anniversary will be subdued, aligning with the trying times the nation is experiencing,” he said.
He emphasized that the event will allow the government to showcase its achievements during its short time in office and its reform initiatives aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy.
The celebration will kick off with a World Press Conference on September 26, followed by a Juma’at Service on September 27 and a Church Service on September 29. The main events, including the Presidential Broadcast and the Independence Day Parade, will take place on October 1.
The committee comprises various key officials, including the Ministers of Budget and Economic Planning, Information and National Orientation, Interior, Foreign Affairs, and the Federal Capital Territory, along with the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, the Inspector-General of Police, and other security and administrative leaders.
The committee’s terms of reference include planning and executing activities for the Independence Day celebration, co-opting relevant organizations or individuals, documenting all planned activities, and carrying out any additional assignments needed for a successful celebration.
News
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.
News
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.
News
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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