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OndoDecides2024: Aiyedatiwa Casts Vote in Ilaje LG

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent Governor of Ondo State and the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2024 governorship race, cast his vote at Polling Unit 05 in Igbo Ward 4, Obenla community, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.

Accompanied by his security team, Aiyedatiwa arrived at the polling unit at 8:46 am and voted at precisely 8:50 am, receiving cheers from local supporters.

After voting, Aiyedatiwa shared his thoughts with the press, praising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its early arrival at polling units with the necessary voting materials. He expressed satisfaction with the overall coordination of the election process.

“The election is peaceful, and I have already cast my vote. I commend INEC and the security agencies for their professionalism. I encourage the people of Ondo State to come out and vote confidently today,” he stated.

Aiyedatiwa also expressed strong optimism about his chances of winning the election, highlighting his achievements over the past 10 months as governor and the widespread support he has received.

“I am confident that I am in a strong position to win this election, thanks to my administration’s performance over the past 10 months and the love of the people. We have visited all 18 local governments and major communities, where I personally interacted with voters, listened to their concerns, and addressed their needs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and I believe this will translate into votes today. I am optimistic about a victory based on my track record,” he remarked.

Commenting on the election process, the governor noted the timely arrival of election materials and the smooth start of voting in his unit. He also praised the peaceful atmosphere and encouraged voters to participate without fear.

“The turnout here is very encouraging, and the environment has been peaceful. I believe this will be the case across the state. I commend the police, NSCDC, and military for their robust security presence. Ondo State is known for its peaceful nature, and I am confident that today’s election will be no different. The citizens are law-abiding and will ensure a smooth process,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He further assured voters of the election’s transparency, urging them to exercise their rights and vote for their preferred leader in a calm and secure environment.

“I believe this election will be credible, transparent, and conclusive. The accreditation process went smoothly, and I have full faith in INEC’s ability to ensure a fair process. I encourage all eligible voters to go out and vote confidently, knowing that their votes will count,” he concluded.

What to Know About Lukarawa, the New Terrorist Group in NorthWest, Nigeria

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

A new wave of terrorism has emerged in Nigeria’s security landscape, spearheaded by the Lukarawa Group. Operating in the northwest regions, this group has rapidly gained notoriety for its violent tactics and extremist agenda.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of the Lukarawa terrorist group, now operating primarily in the northwest regions of Sokoto and Kebbi states. This revelation was made by Major General Edward Buba, spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), during a press briefing in Abuja. He assured Nigerians that the military has intensified its operations to dismantle the group and safeguard affected communities.

Who Are the Lukarawa Group, and Where Did They Come From?

The Lukarawa Group is a cross-border terror faction comprising individuals from Niger, Mali, and Libya. Their incursion into Nigeria was facilitated by weak border security, a consequence of the July 2023 coup in Niger Republic. The coup disrupted regional security collaborations, including the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJTF), which previously served as a buffer against such threats.

Initially invited by Nigerian communities to combat banditry as far back as 2018, Lukarawa overstayed their welcome. They shifted focus to imposing Sharia law, disrupting local governance, and terrorizing the same communities that once sought their help.

Impact of the Niger Coup on Lukarawa’s Entry

The Niger coup played a pivotal role in the group’s resurgence in Nigeria. Before the coup, Niger actively participated in the MJTF alongside Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, effectively containing cross-border terrorism. However, after the military junta in Niger severed ties with ECOWAS and suspended MJTF operations, border surveillance weakened, allowing groups like Lukarawa to infiltrate northern Nigeria.

What Are Their Objectives?

Lukarawa identifies as a faith-based group with ideologies akin to Boko Haram. Their goal is to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic law within their operational zones. They have attempted to enforce Sharia law in communities, targeting individuals with dissenting lifestyles or practices, such as shaving beards or listening to music.

Timeline of Activities and Re-Emergence

• Initial Presence (2018-2019): Lukarawa was initially welcomed to combat bandits but later turned on the host communities. A joint operation by the Nigerian military and DSS expelled them in 2019.
• Resurgence (2023): In July 2023, the group reappeared, this time forming alliances with local bandits. Lawmaker Sani Yakubu, representing Tangaza/Gudu Federal Constituency of Sokoto, raised the alarm during a House of Representatives plenary, highlighting the collaboration between Lukarawa and local bandit factions.

How Are They Terrorizing Communities?

The Lukarawa Group has carried out heinous acts in Sokoto and Kebbi, including:
• Beating youths for “un-Islamic” behavior such as grooming choices and music.
• Indoctrinating and collaborating with local bandits.
• Collecting religious taxes from locals, seizing livestock from defaulters.
• Robbing communities and recruiting young individuals with monetary incentives.

Eyewitnesses report that the group wields sophisticated weapons, including drones, and executes coordinated attacks targeting government officials and civilians.

The Current State of the Lukarawa Group

The group is believed to be hiding in Tsauni Forest, a sprawling area across Sokoto and Kebbi states. Nigerian military forces have intensified operations, conducting air and ground assaults to eliminate their stronghold. Furthermore, nine individuals identified as key members of Lukarawa have been declared wanted by the authorities. They include:

  1. Abu Khadijah
  2. Abdurrahman
  3. Dadi Gumba (also known as Abu Muhammed)
  4. Usman Shehu
  5. Abu Yusuf
  6. Musa Wa’a
  7. Idris Taklakse
  8. Ibrahim Suyeka
  9. Ba Sulhu

The Lukarawa Group represents a growing threat that Nigeria cannot afford to overlook. Addressing this challenge will require not only military might but also community cooperation, regional partnerships, and targeted efforts to disrupt the group’s funding and recruitment pipelines.

FG Approves $2.2 Billion External Loan for Economic Recovery

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a $2.2 billion external borrowing plan as part of the Federal Government’s financing strategy under the 2024 Appropriation Act. Finance Minister, Mr. Wale Edun, confirmed this development following a meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

This financing initiative is set to include Eurobond and Sukuk offerings, estimated at $1.7 billion and $500 million, respectively. The goal is to enhance Nigeria’s fiscal stability, and Edun emphasized that the success of the government’s economic reforms positioned Nigeria for this opportunity in the international capital market.

The exact distribution of the funds between Eurobond and Sukuk will depend on market conditions and recommendations from financial advisors, pending approval by the National Assembly. The funds are expected to be raised as soon as possible after approval.

Earlier in the year, Nigeria successfully issued domestic dollar bonds, showcasing the country’s growing financial resilience. This external borrowing aligns with the government’s broader economic recovery plan, aimed at stabilizing macroeconomic conditions, adjusting foreign exchange and petroleum product pricing, and boosting local production.

Additionally, the FEC approved a N400 billion Real Estate Investment Fund (MOFI), which aims to address Nigeria’s housing deficit by making affordable, long-term mortgages available to Nigerians. The fund, which will initially focus on N250 billion, will support the construction of housing units and promote private sector participation in the housing industry.

The initiative is expected to reduce mortgage rates, extend loan tenures, and stimulate job creation while encouraging private investment. Through this fund, Nigerians will gain access to long-term mortgages with interest rates significantly lower than the current market rates, offering relief and promoting economic growth.

No End to Fuel Importation – NNPC

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has clarified that it has not halted the importation of petroleum products into the country. This statement was made by NNPC’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, in response to recent reports.

Soneye emphasized that while the company prioritizes sourcing from domestic refineries, it will continue to import petroleum products when necessary. He noted that the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, Mele Kyari, was accurately quoted at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists conference as saying the company now sources products from local refineries. However, this was misinterpreted in some quarters to mean an end to fuel importation.

“The GCEO’s statement, ‘Today, NNPC does not import any product; we are only taking from domestic refineries,’ should not be misconstrued as a declaration that NNPC will no longer import fuel,” Soneye clarified. He added that NNPC’s decisions on sourcing refined products are guided by economic viability.

Soneye further explained that while local supply is prioritized if cost-effective, other marketers in the deregulated sector also evaluate costs before deciding whether to source locally or import. He highlighted that the authority to grant import licenses resides with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, as stipulated by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The PIA ensures a competitive market by capping NNPC’s market share at 30% to prevent monopolies.

Kyari, during the conference, also commended the government’s support for domestic refining and outlined the benefits of reducing fuel importation. He noted that minimizing petroleum product imports could significantly alleviate foreign exchange pressures and stabilize inflation.

The NNPC spokesperson also lauded the accurate reporting of NNPC’s investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure, describing it as a critical step in enhancing energy security and affordability.

Kyari concluded by emphasizing the economic logic behind selling crude to domestic refineries in naira, stating it leads to a “net-zero gain” while easing FX demands and supporting the naira’s stability. He commended President Bola Tinubu for initiatives aimed at addressing the economic challenges tied to petroleum product imports.

Edo State Governor Appoints New Finance Commissioner and Five Other Key Officials

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced the appointment of six top officials to strategic roles in his administration, effective November 15, 2024.

The appointments, detailed in a communiqué signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, underscore the governor’s focus on leveraging professional expertise to advance the state’s development agenda.

The newly appointed officials are:

  • Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu: Executive Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB)
  • Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi: Managing Director, Edo State Waste Management Board
  • CP Friday Ibadin (retd.): Corps Commander, Edo State Security Corps Governance
  • Stainless Ijeghede: Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Management Agency
  • Lucky Eseigbe: Managing Director, Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency
  • Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor: Commissioner for Finance-designate

Profiles of Appointees

Dr. Emmanuel Iyamu (SUBEB Chairman)

Dr. Iyamu brings a blend of academic and professional expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science and an MBA from the University of Benin, a Doctor of Science in Petroleum Resources from the European American University, and advanced certifications in Leadership and Management from Oxford University and the City University of Paris. Before his appointment, he was the CEO of Gabbem Integrated Services Ltd, specialising in marine equipment and services.

Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi (Waste Management Board)

Enehita-Inegbenehi is an experienced professional in leadership and governance, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Master’s in Strategic Leadership from the University of Cape Coast. His prior roles include CEO of JEI Visions, with expertise spanning iron metals, service apartments, and cleaning services.

CP Friday Ibadin (retd.) (Security Corps Governance)

Retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin has an illustrious career, including international service with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo. A graduate of Philosophy and Law, Ibadin was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007 and has undergone extensive security training in Egypt, France, and the USA.

Stainless Ijeghede (Traffic Management Agency)

Ijeghede holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and has extensive experience in the petroleum sector, particularly in well engineering and safety at Shell Petroleum Development Company. Following his retirement, he transitions to public service leadership.

Lucky Eseigbe (Public Building and Maintenance Agency)

Eseigbe is a legal expert with LL.B and LL.M degrees from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma. He has served as a Legislative Aide, Legal Adviser, and Consultant to members of the National Assembly for over a decade.

Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor (Commissioner for Finance)

Okoebor, a Civil Engineer with an MBA from the University of Benin, boasts over 25 years of experience in banking, including senior roles at Standard Trust and United Bank for Africa (UBA). He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and COREN.

Ondo Decides: Tension Rises as 1.7 Million Voters Head to the Polls

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

Tension has reached a boiling point across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State as voters head to the polls to elect their next governor. The governorship race features a fierce contest between the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his closest rival, Agboola Ajayi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The winner will occupy the Alagbaka Government House.

With 1,793,914 registered voters ready to cast their ballots, preparations are in full swing. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 17 political parties to participate. At the same time, security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have ramped up measures to ensure a smooth electoral process. Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, pledged to deploy over 22,000 officers to maintain peace and security across the state.

Security personnel have already been spotted in key locations such as Akure, Odigbo, Ondo Town, Okitipupa, Irele, Ikare, and Igbokoda. However, much of the anticipation centers on the southern senatorial district, home to 16 of the 17 governorship candidates. Both frontrunners, Aiyedatiwa and Ajayi, hail from Ilaje and Ese-Odo local government areas, respectively, intensifying local interest.

Opinions among residents are divided. While some prioritize voting for candidates from their locality, others believe that voting based on merit rather than regional loyalty is the path to progress. Oluseun Isaac, a voter from Ilaje currently residing in Akure, expressed his commitment to voting based on his conscience. “Democracy is about choosing the best candidate, not limiting oneself to local preferences,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Adeyemi Semiwo from Okitipupa supports the push for a governor from Ondo South, emphasizing the zone’s developmental needs. “I support any candidate from our region because it’s time for Ondo South to catch up,” she stated.

As the polls open, all eyes are on Ondo State to see who will emerge victorious in this high-stakes governorship election.

Lukarawa Group Will Be Neutralised – Counter-terrorism Chief

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has downplayed concerns surrounding the newly emerged terrorist group, Lukarawa, describing it as a minor threat with fewer than 150 members. The group’s recruitment efforts are aimed at expanding its ranks, but the NCTC remains confident that the threat posed by Lukarawa is manageable and will be neutralized in due course.

The Defence Headquarters recently confirmed the presence of Lukarawa in Nigeria’s northern region, specifically in Sokoto and Kebbi states, with members infiltrating the area from the Niger Republic and Mali, particularly after the recent coup in Niger.

Maj Gen Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, spoke to journalists in Abuja, assuring the public that the group’s presence should not be exaggerated. He emphasized that their total numbers are limited, and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts would soon render Lukarawa inconsequential. Laka further advised against spreading undue fear about the group’s activities, which he described as “not as bad as it’s being reported.”

Laka also pointed out that Lukarawa’s attempts to expand its influence beyond Sokoto and Kebbi were unlikely to succeed due to their limited manpower. He stressed, “How many are they? 150 to 200 people cannot terrorize large areas like Sokoto or Kebbi, let alone extend into Kaduna.”

The NCTC chief reassured the public that the Nigerian government is actively addressing the situation with intelligence and security measures. He emphasized that Nigerian intelligence agencies were working diligently to provide timely and actionable intelligence to counter the group’s activities. Additionally, Laka highlighted strengthened security collaboration with neighboring countries to ensure a unified approach to regional threats.

Laka also mentioned the deployment of advanced technology and joint military operations to monitor and neutralize non-state armed groups. These efforts have already led to the neutralization and capture of several militants. He further noted that heightened security protocols were in place in high-risk areas to ensure that Nigeria stays ahead of potential threats.

Nigeria’s Inflation Rate Climbs to 33.88% in October 2024

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

In October 2024, Nigeria’s headline inflation rate surged to 33.88%, marking an increase from 32.7% in September 2024. This represents a 1.18 percentage point rise month-on-month, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. The rise in inflation is primarily attributed to higher transportation costs and food price hikes.

Year-on-Year Inflation Increase

Comparing October 2024 to the same month in 2023, inflation has risen significantly by 6.55 percentage points, from 27.33% in October 2023. On a month-on-month basis, inflation in October 2024 stood at 2.64%, reflecting a slight increase from the 2.52% recorded in September 2024. This indicates that the price level increase in October was higher than in the previous month.

Food Inflation Trends

Food inflation has been particularly notable. In October 2024, the food inflation rate stood at 39.16%, a substantial 7.64 percentage point increase compared to 31.52% in October 2023. On a month-on-month basis, food inflation rose to 2.94%, up from 2.64% in September 2024. This rise was driven by increased prices in various food items, including vegetable oils, beef, and popular food products like Lipton and Milo.

The average annual food inflation for the 12 months ending in October 2024 was 38.12%, reflecting an 11.79 percentage point increase from 26.33% in the previous year.

Core Inflation Overview

Core inflation, which excludes volatile agricultural and energy prices, stood at 28.37% year-on-year in October 2024. This marks a 5.79 percentage point increase from the 22.58% recorded in October 2023. Major contributors to the rise in core inflation include transportation costs (bus, motorcycle, and intercity journeys), housing rents, and personal grooming services like haircuts and hairstyling.

On a month-on-month basis, core inflation increased by 0.04%, reaching 2.14% in October 2024, compared to 2.10% in September 2024. The average twelve-month core inflation rate for the period ending October 2024 was 26.12%, an increase of 6.14 percentage points from 19.98% in October 2023.

Urban and Rural Inflation

Urban inflation in October 2024 reached 36.38%, a significant 7.09 percentage point increase from 29.29% in the previous year. On a month-on-month basis, urban inflation was 2.75%, up slightly from 2.67% in September 2024. The twelve-month average urban inflation rate stood at 34.52%, an increase of 9.76 percentage points compared to 24.76% in October 2023.

In rural areas, the inflation rate for October 2024 was 31.59%, up by 6.01 percentage points from 25.58% in October 2023. Month-on-month, rural inflation was 2.53%, slightly higher than the 2.39% recorded in September. The twelve-month average rural inflation rate was 30.24%, a rise of 8.01 percentage points from 22.23% in the previous year.

2025 Budget: FG Proposes To Borrow N13.8 Trillion

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a budget proposal of N47.9 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, with plans to borrow N13.8 trillion to fund key projects. This decision was announced by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, during a briefing with State House correspondents following the FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The approval is part of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025-2027, in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007. The proposed framework is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly by Friday or Monday, as mandated by law.

Bagudu provided an overview of key economic assumptions for the 2025 budget, which include a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.6%, an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, and an exchange rate of N1,400 to $1. The government also forecasts oil production at 2.06 million barrels per day.

To finance crucial infrastructure and economic initiatives, the government plans to borrow N13.8 trillion, which represents about 3.87% of the GDP. Bagudu stressed that the borrowing is part of a broader fiscal strategy aimed at balancing government spending with sustainable debt management.

The Minister also highlighted that the Nigerian economy is showing resilience, with a recorded growth rate of 3.19% in the second quarter of 2024. This growth is expected to continue into 2025, supported by efforts to combat inflation and stabilize key sectors of the economy.

Final Honors: Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja Laid to Rest (Photos)

By
Tosin Onisuuru
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0

The final burial ceremony of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently underway in Abuja. The ceremony honors his contributions and dedication to Nigeria’s military and national security.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja passed away at 56 after battling an undisclosed ailment, his death has been widely mourned across the country.

The military is organizing the burial with full honors, reflecting his distinguished career and leadership in the Nigerian Army. Tributes have poured in from various quarters, highlighting his legacy of service and the impact he made in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

More updates shortly….

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