Police Recapture One Kuje Inmate in Nasarawa

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July 9, 2022

The Police Command in Nasarawa State says it has recaptured one inmate that escaped during the recent attack on Kuje Meduim Security Correctional Centre by terrorists.

This is contained in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Ramhan Nansel on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (CP) in Nasarawa State, Adesina Soyemi.

The statement was made available on Saturday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The PPRO said the fugitive was arrested by the police personnel of Keffi Division following intelligence.

“On July 9, 2022 at about 1:30am, one Hassan Hassan ‘M’ whose name and picture was amongst the escapees with Boko Haram/Terrorism Case was recaptured by the Police operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command at Keffi.

“The CP has ordered for the transfer of the suspect to a safer location while intensive search for other escapees continues.

“The fugitive will be handed over to the appropriate authority for further action,” the statement added.

It said that the Commissioner of Police expressed gratitude to police personnel in the state for their efforts and job well done.

He also appeal to members of the public to help the police with useful information in case the saw others still on the run.

Angry Protesters Set Sri Lankan PM’s House On Fire

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 9, 2022

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Following the crisis rocking Sri Lanka, angry protesters today set the house of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on fire.

According to a statement from the Prime minister’s office, protesters angered by unprecedented economic crisis in the island nation broke into the PM’s private home and set it on fire.

The protesters had earlier marched into the home of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, demanding his resignation.

According to reports, vehicles belonging to the PM were also damaged by the protesters.

HND Programmes In Anambra State Poly Not Accredited- Official

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 9, 2022

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The Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu (ANSPOLY), says it needs funds to get accreditation for its Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes to mobilise graduates for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Deputy Rector of the institution, Dr Njideka Chiekezie, made the plea at the 2022 Revised Budget defence before the state House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, on Friday, in Awka.

Chiekezie said: “Our HND graduates are not mobilised for NYSC because our HND programmes are not accredited. I’m not happy that our students are graduating without going for NYSC.

“But it is not my making. If there is anything I can do as a person to ensure these students go for NYSC, I will do it.

“All we need is accreditation to reposition the institution. If a programme is not accredited, the students in that programme cannot be mobilised for NYSC.

“And we need funds to get this accreditation. If our programmes are accredited, this problem will be solved,” she said.

The Deputy Rector also listed infrastructure upgrade, adequate number of staff and regularisation of appointments of staff, as other requirements for getting accreditation.

She appealed to the state government, the legislature and the ministry of education to look into the plights of the institution.

Earlier, the lawmaker representing Nnewi North Constituency, Smart Okafor, said there had been complaints from students about
non-accreditation of their courses.

“Some students said they graduated since three years ago but till now, they were yet to be issued their Certificates.

“Others, who got theirs, said they could not do anything with them, as they were told that the certificates are invalid.

“It is worrisome that an institution like this owned by the state government will be issuing invalid certificates to graduates. Something need to be done.

“As the school management, do not fold your hands and watch the institution die. Let it be on record that you achieved this accreditation, ” he said.

Also speaking, lawmaker representing Ogbaru Constituency l, Noble Igwe, said it was embarrassing that students graduated with no valid certificates and mobilisation for NYSC.

“That polytechnic needs help. So, we are advising the school management to write the governor and the supervising ministry which is Ministry of Education.

“List your challenges and requirements for accreditation and meet with the Commissioner to plead your case so that something can be done to address the problems of the institution.

“We will visit the school on oversight function to carry out an on the spot inspection and understand how to help the institution grow.”

The institution was formerly Anambra State College of Agriculture, founded in 1992 and upgraded to polytechnic in January 2017.

Gov. Yahaya Bello Gifts N7m to NYSC Members, Offers 2 Automatic Employment

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 9, 2022

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Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has doled out N7.25 million to support the transportation of 725 youth corps members
of the 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, who completed their service in the state on Thursday.

The governor also gave automatic employment to two members; Jemilu Akpah from Kogi, a physically challenged,
and Mary Aimuan from Edo, who won the prestigious NYSC State Merit Award.

Bello, who spoke at the passing out ceremony of the batch at the Muhammadu Buhari Square, Lokoja, promised to give N10,000 to each of the 725 outgoing NYSC members to support their transportation back to their various destinations.

The governor said that the automatic employment for Jemilu Akpah being a physically challenged; and Mary Aimuan, was for their contributions to the improvement of their host communities.

He thanked the outgoing NYSC members “for the sacrifices made toward uplifting the standard of peoples’ lives.

“Your specific contributions in Primary Health Care delivery services, provision of quality education and rural infrastructure and advocacy in Sustainable Development Goals were critical in fostering and promoting government’s transformation agenda.

“Your deployment to various communities must have endeared you to their custom and tradition and consequently
broadened your perception and understanding of the imperatives of a united Nigeria.

“Your post service aspirations should be toward making Nigeria a better place through selfless service, dedication to duty, honesty,
integrity and accountability.

“You should be good ambassadors of the scheme and spread the gospel of its good virtues,” Bello said.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Idris Musa, commennded the governor for creating enabling environment which ensured the safety and wellbeing of the youth corps members in the state.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mofoluwaso Williams, had commended the NYSC members for their contributions to national development through personal and group Community Service Development (CDS) projects.

She noted that the service year had exposed them to the core values of the NYSC scheme, anchored on patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.

She said “as you bow out from service today, it is important to reiterate the fact that the era of seeking only white collar jobs is over.

“I, therefore, admonish you to put to good use, the various skills that you have been impacted with through the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship
Development programme.”

In their separate comments, Akpah and Aimuan, thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, describing it as a rare privilege.

Akpah, who is a writer, specifically commended the governor “for his love and passion for persons living with disabilities in the state.”

FCT: NYSC Honours 7 Corps Members, Sanctions 74 Others

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 9, 2022

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Thursday, honoured seven youth corps members posted to FCT in 2021 Batch ‘B’ Stream One service for outstanding performance.

The Coordinator of the scheme in the territory, Suleiman Abdul, said this in Abuja at the Passing Out Parade (POP) ceremony for the batch.

He said “I am happy to inform you that a total of 4,472 youth corps members are exiting the service today.

“Out of this number, two are to receive FCT State Honours Award and five will get letters of commendation for outstanding performance during the service year.

“A total of 74 members who failed to conform to the dictates of the NYSC have been sanctioned in line with the
NYSC by-laws.”

Abdul, however, said that the sanction was an extension of service for those affected, pointing out that “the POP signals another page in the story of the success of the NYSC in grooming virile, intelligent and diligent
young graduates in the society as powerful development influencers.”

He added that the strategies of the scheme had proven to be highly effective, considering the contributions of the youth corps members in Agriculture, Economy, Health, Rural Infrastructure, among other sectors.

He said “while these activities have drawn positive commendations to the scheme, the NYSC is pressing forward in the humanitarian and social responsibility front.

“This is by harnessing the human resource, expertise and malleability of members to move our great country forward.

“Furthermore, with the passage of the NYSC Trust Fund by the Senate, we are confident of better days for the scheme.”

The FCT Minister of State, Ramatu Aliyu, said that the FCT would remain grateful to the NYSC for the various
contributions the scheme had brought to education, health, agriculture, economic and infrastructure sectors within of the territory.

Represented by the Mandate Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA Hadiza Kabir, where she urged the management of the scheme to continue
the laudable contributions with successive batches of members.

Aliyu, however, charged the youth corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training they had during the service year seriously.

She added that “you are all aware that the era of white collar jobs is fast fading out and the option left for every serious-minded person is acquisition of skills and entrepreneurship development.

“Do the nation and indeed yourself a favour by continuously improving on the skills you have acquired, set up a business and aspire to become employers of labour in the future,” she said.

One of the award recipient, Ruth Dasukuk, with state code number FC/21B/0955, donated 12 chairs to the Command Day Secondary School in Lungi Barracks, FCT,
and sensitised women and girls on breast, cervical cancer and rape.

Dasukuk said she was moved to contribute her quota to the society through the sensitisation because she lost her mother and sister to breast cancer.

She said she would move on from the NYSC and face her hairdressing business.

Another recipient, Godwin Alomaja, with state code number FC/21B/1120, donated an Automatic Transfer Switch, incorporated with remote/smart control to the NYSC FCT Secretariat for effective management of the power plant in the secretariat.

He said he was so elated to have bagged the state award and appreciated the NYSC for giving him the opportunity and announcing him to the world.

Exploring Boali Falls Central African Republic, A Major Point Of Interest For Foreigners

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 9, 2022

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Boali Falls are one of the most interesting falls that can be found on the African continent, which are located next to the city which has same name, Boali, within the Central African Republic.

Forming on the M’Bari River, they fall down nearly from a vertical cliff of schist.

During the dry season, the Boali Falls do not have that much of a water and there can be seen among the wide cliffs, trees that grow among them, however, during the rainy season the falls are filling with water and they become so powerful and very impressive, covering most of the small trees.

Their height is around 50 meters (164 feet) and 250 meters (820 feet) wide.

On the M’Bari River there are two hydroelectric dams, built before and after the waterfalls.

These two dams supply the capital city Bangui with electricity, and are one of the most important source for making pressure on the government if one wants to organize a coup d’état, as it is usually in the country.

The latest scenario was in March 2013.

Nonetheless, due to the instability in the country, the falls are gaining some popularity among the tourists who dare to visit the country, and with the hotel and restaurant located on top of the falls, it becomes a major point of interest for foreigners.

Once Upon A Time – July 9 – 1982 – Michael Fagan Breaks Into Buckingham Palace, Enters Queen’s Bedroom

By

Angel Gimalo

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July 9, 2022

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1401 Turko-Mongol ruler Tamerlane (Timur) destroys Baghdad, killing 20,000

1790 Russo-Swedish War: Second Battle of Svensksund – in the Baltic Sea, the Swedish Navy captures one third of the Russian fleet

1868 Louisiana and South Carolina are the last states to ratify the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, guaranteeing civil rights

1893 Daniel Williams repairs the torn pericardium of a knife wound patient, James Cornish, without penicillin or blood transfusion

1917 British battleship HMS Vanguard explodes at Scapa Flow (the result of an internal explosion of faulty cordite), killing 804

1971 Henry Kissinger visits the People’s Republic of China to negotiate a detente between the US and China

2002 The African Union is established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The first chairman is Thabo Mbeki, President of South Africa.

2017 Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi proclaims victory over Islamic State forces in Mosul

Historical Events Today
Today in Film & TV
2001 “The Office” mockumentary created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, starring Ricky Gervais and Martin Freeman premieres on BBC Two in the UK

Today in Music
1955 Bill Haley & Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock” tops the billboards chart, one of the best-selling singles ever

Today in Sport
1877 First ever Wimbledon tennis championship begins – first official lawn tennis tournament – men’s singles only

1982 Michael Fagan breaks into Buckingham Palace and enters the Queen’s bedroom in Buckingham Palace, London

Famous Weddings
1735 Author, poet, critic and lexicographer and writer of the first English dictionary Dr. Samuel Johnson (25) marries the widow Elizabeth “Tetty” Porter, 21 years his senior

1842 American writer “The Scarlett Letter” Nathaniel Hawthorne (38) marries painter and illustrator Sophia Peabody (33) in the Peabody’s home, Boston

1952 American educator, Presbyterian minister and TV host Fred Rogers (24) weds Sara Joanne Byrd

CBN Intervention Programs To Boost Growth Not Effective – World Bank

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Elizabeth Williams

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July 9, 2022

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is trying to boost growth, keep foreign exchange stable and fight inflation. They can’t do these three things at the same time, Miguel Saldarriaga, the country’s economist at the World Bank, has said.

Miguel said the CBN has two primary goals, are to fight inflation and ensure financial stability.

“When the central bank tries to add more goals to what it does, things start to go wrong because the central bank cannot control many things at the same time,” Miguel said on Thursday at Lagos Business School’s World Bank Nigeria Development Update themed “The Continuing Urgency of Business Unusual.”

During the event, it was mentioned that CBN’s intervention programs to boost growth have not been effective, and there has been no data or audited reports to show the progress and efficiency of these programs.

“CBN’s interventions in sectors such as agriculture haven’t really been effective.” Miguel added that CBN has a form of repayment where farmers can pay back with bags of rice. “No central bank in the world is doing that,” he said.

He mentioned that the world bank wasn’t against these interventions as they were needed to boost growth. He, however, said that the CBN shouldn’t be the institution in charge of it.

According to Miguel, in 2021 Central Banks across the world increased interest rates to curb inflation. “Only the CBN failed to do so amongst the emerging economies,” he said.

“CBN needs to be more transparent with its operations, focus solely on fighting inflation and ensuring financial stability,” Miguel said.

G-20 Meeting To Address Russia- Ukraine Conflict, Global Energy And Food Security

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Elizabeth Williams

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July 9, 2022

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U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken will see his Chinese counterpart this week at a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of 20 bloc of nations that will likely exacerbate splits over Russia’s war in Ukraine.

While strained U.S.-China ties will be the focus of Blinken’s talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the broader G-20 gathering in Indonesia of leading industrialized nations will almost certainly be overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict and its effect on global food and energy security. And Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will be there, marking the first time he and Blinken will be in the same room, let alone the same city, at the same time in nearly six months.

The State Department announced Tuesday that Blinken would meet with Wang in Bali, but had little to say about the possibility of him seeing Lavrov, whom the U.S. has shunned since the Ukraine invasion in February. U.S. officials have accused Lavrov and other Russian diplomats of a lack of seriousness in the run-up to the Ukraine war.

The Biden administration has ruled out “business as usual” with Russia while it remains in Ukraine and U.S. officials said there would be no formal discussions between Blinken and Lavrov in Bali. But they could not rule out the possibility of a chance encounter, which would their first since they last met in Geneva in January.

Parents Kick As Railway Management Denies Students’ Ride to Lagos

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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July 8, 2022

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Parents of students of the Federal Government Girls’ College, FGGC, Oyo has urged the Federal Government to investigate the activities of the management of Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, on the Lagos-Ibadan axis, for allegedly denying their children a right to board the train from school back to their parents in Lagos.

Chairman, Parents/Teachers’ Association, PTA, Atanda Adesina, who made this allegation, said the action was a sign of massive corruption going on in the system.

He said about 130 of their children were returning to Lagos, after their examination, through the railway but the management asked them to pay for two coaches, which is far more than the number of their children.

Adesina said: “We decided to start using railway because of the insecurity in the land. Now, the manager in charge is denying our children their rights. We have 130 children and the NRC is expecting that we should buy two coaches, which is far more than the number of our children. We all know everyone is only managing the reality of the economy in the country. Many of the parents are struggling to survive; how can you add more burden on them?

“It is corruption. This is the way the Federal government is losing revenue. The manager and her colleagues know that they will surely get paid, even if nobody boards the train.”

We did it for security reasons—NRC

When contacted, the Western District Manager of the NRC, Angelique Ikwuka said the management decided to dedicate separate coaches for students because of security reasons.

Ikwuka, who said the parents ought to have given a two-week notice to the management, noted that the decision was not affecting only the college but other schools in the Southwest.