COMMY'S PAGE...keeps you updated

  The 2024 SME Growth Lab Accelerator Program.  The SME Growth Lab Africa Digital  Accelerator Program is a thorough initiative aimed at assisting SMEs throughout Africa by offering them resources, training, and mentorship to foster the development of sustainable businesses. Requirements the SME Growth Lab Accelerator Program: - Must be a business owner located in Africa. - Must be aged between 18 and 40. - Must be dedicated to attending the virtual sessions and group calls. - Must be enthusiastic about volunteering and engaging in community sessions. Benefits of the SME Growth Lab Accelerator Program. The business acumen training program offers comprehensive instruction in sales, marketing, finance, and legal matters, equipping participants with a holistic understanding of key business principles. Under the guidance of seasoned business experts, mentees will receive personalized mentorship, gaining valuable insights and practical knowledge from industry veterans. Access to an array of

  Kk State Governor, Seyi Makinde, received an official report on the explosion that occurred in the Old Bodija area of Ibadan on January 16. The explosion resulted in the loss of five lives, injuries to 77 individuals, and the destruction of 58 houses. The report, disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Fatai Owoseni, a retired Commissioner of Police, stated that three individuals have been linked to the explosion and will face prosecution. The report encompasses findings from medical, security, and engineering teams established by the government.  Owoseni addressed the media following the report's presentation, stating that three individuals connected to the incident have been identified and will be prosecuted based on the investigation conducted. Owoseni mentioned that footage from a Closed Circuit Television in one of the affected houses captured the incident, revealing that the explosive, a 'Water Gel Type Based Explosive,' was triggered by an ele

  On Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force reported that a joint operation involving the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji and the Nigerian Army resulted in the elimination of numerous terrorists and the destruction of their hideouts on Tora Hills in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.  According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the airstrikes conducted by NAF jets paved the way for successful clearance operations by ground troops.  This operation effectively degraded the terrorists' capabilities and facilitated the clearance of Tsora Hill, previously a hiding place for terrorists in Safana LGA.  This success follows previous airstrikes by the NAF, including the elimination of Yellow Janbros, a terrorist kingpin, in Niger State on December 11, 2023, and the killing of several terrorists in another operation on January 7, 2024. Destroyed their weapon storage facilities in Borno.

  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has successfully negotiated a reduction in the charges for the 2024 Hajj with the Saudi Arabian Government.  Fatima Sanda Usara, the Commission’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, stated that the reductions apply to airfare, accommodation, and Masha’ir packages. Usara explained that NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, led the team in making preparations for the 2024 Hajj, focusing on reducing costs for services provided to Nigerian pilgrims.  The plea for price adjustment was based on global economic challenges affecting intending pilgrims due to the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown and the war in Europe. She provided examples of the reductions, such as the accommodation cost in Madinah dropping from SR 2,080 in 2023 to SR 1,665 this year. Similarly, the cost of accommodation in Makkah decreased from SR 3,500 to SR 3,000.  The Masha’ir package for 2024 will be SR 4,770 (VAT inclusive), compared to SR 5,393 paid by last year

 The Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, cited unpaid debts and low gas supply as reasons for the power plants' inability to operate at full capacity.  During his visit to the Olorunshogo Power Plant in Ogun State and the Omotosho Power Plant in Ondo State, managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Adelabu expressed concern about the under-utilization of these installations, operating below 25% capacity.  He emphasized the need to address gas supply shortages, repair turbines, and tackle outstanding debts, proposing a shift to cost-reflective tariffs to ensure sustainable funding for the sector.  Adelabu highlighted the importance of resolving these issues for improved nationwide power supply. Is the accumulation of these debts a concern? Some of the debts are owed by the Distribution Companies (DisCos), and a significant portion is also owed by the Federal Government, linked to the unfunded subsidy.  Adelabu assured that substantial efforts are underway to ensure the availabi

 Arsenal, a prominent team in the Premier League, has reached out regarding a potential transfer for highly sought-after Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. They aim to secure his move from the Italian side Napoli. The 25-year-old has established himself as a prolific striker in Europe during his three-and-a-half years with Napoli, scoring 67 goals in 119 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen, who won the Golden Boot last season with 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches, played a crucial role in Napoli clinching their first Scudetto title in three decades.  Despite signing a contract extension until June 2026 in December, the player is expected to leave Napoli in the summer, with interest from top European clubs such as Real Madrid and PSG. In the Premier League, Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to be the main contenders for his signature.

 The air component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized 30 terrorists on motorcycles in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This operation was prompted by intelligence reports indicating the movement of these terrorists in the region.  Additionally, security operatives in Katsina State rescued 35 kidnap victims from the Dumburu forest on Sunday. According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, the eliminated terrorists were responsible for recent ambushes on troops and various attacks and abductions of civilians in the Birnin Gwari area.  The precision strike took place after the discovery of the syndicate's movement along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis. Upon reaching the location, the troops identified two armed terrorists on 15 motorcycles, leading to a successful elimination through a precision strike. The terrorists were tracked to a location where they gathered, and they were engaged and neutralized thro

 Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State has announced a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the state government to provide free petroleum to farmers for irrigation.  The announcement was made during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) camping for the by-election in Yauri/Shanga/Naski federal constituency, held in Shanga Local Government Area on Saturday. Governor Idris declared, “The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has arranged to supply petrol to farmers for dry season farming at no cost.”  He mentioned discussions with former governor and current Minister of Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, leading to an agreement to provide petroleum to farmers. This initiative aims to support farming activities and enhance food security in the state. Governor Idris also revealed plans to distribute 12,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers, with 6,000 already distributed, to improve crop yields.  Additionally

 Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola recently expressed his excitement on social media about rejoining the Forbes African Billionaires list after a seven-year break.  He shared the announcement on his Instagram page, writing "Interesting" and adding smiley and dollar emojis. The 61-year-old entrepreneur currently holds the 20th position on the list with a net worth of $1.1 billion. Forbes reports that the total wealth of the 2024 list of 20 billionaires increased to $82.4 billion from last year's $81.5 billion, partly attributed to Otedola's return. Prior to this, the last time he appeared on the Forbes Africa list was in 2017, securing the 20th spot this year.  Otedola serves as the executive chairman of Geregu Power Plc and is a former CEO of Forte Oil, with business interests spanning energy, power generation, real estate, and shipping. Despite facing tough competition from multinational oil firms, Otedola's company has maintained a significant position in Nig

  The recently inaugurated 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Tsamiya village, Kebbi State, is expected to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality, as stated by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).  The state-of-the-art hospital, constructed and equipped by OSSAP-SDGs, was handed over to the Kebbi State government last week. Governor Nasir Idris, who commissioned the hospital, praised Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, the SSAP-SDGs, for delivering this commendable project in Kebbi State.  Governor Idris acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's steadfast commitment to enhancing the health sector, highlighting that the hospital would contribute to reducing child and maternal mortality and improving maternal health in Kebbi State and neighboring Benin Republic. Expressing gratitude to Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Governor Idris emphasized the hospital's significance in addressing the healt

 The Defense Headquarters has stated that it will request a meeting with Rev. Timothy Daluk, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State.  This comes in response to Daluk's recent accusation against the Nigerian military, claiming their involvement in the killings of Christians and destruction of property in the state.  The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, mentioned that the DHQ is in the process of contacting Daluk to provide evidence for his allegations.  Buba emphasized the importance of clarifying the situation and assured that the military would continue its duties professionally and in accordance with international standards.

 Police Officer ASP Desmond Apella informed the Federal Capital Territory High Court that stolen children were recovered from a couple facing charges of child trafficking.  Apella, the third prosecution witness, testified before Justice Peter Kekemeke in the case against Ifeoma Abonyi, 32, and Emmanuel Onyekwere, 32, who are accused of conspiracy and child trafficking.  The charges, according to the police, violate sections 30(3), 97, and 273 of the Penal Code. Apella, part of the investigating team, stated that the case originated from a petition filed in November 2019 by Thomas Olobo, reporting the disappearance of his 17-month-old child.  The complainant alleged that the defendants, his neighbors, took the child to the market and never returned. The police traced the couple to Ibusa, Delta State, where they were arrested, revealing a child trafficking syndicate, with the sold baby traced to someone in Aba. "We successfully rescued the baby and reunited her with her parents. Add

 As the Plateau State House of Assembly reconvenes today, the 16 lawmakers elected under the Peoples Democratic Party affirmed their commitment to legislative duties, despite being ousted by the Court of Appeal.  The All Progressives Congress countered, asserting the lawmakers' dismissal and deeming their planned return a potential threat to democracy. The Court of Appeal's November ruling cited the PDP's alleged lack of a valid structure for nominating candidates.  However, the lawmakers, led by Yobo Ishaku, argued that the Supreme Court's subsequent validation of the PDP's structure nullified the Court of Appeal's verdict, making their dismissal irrelevant. Ishaku emphasized their readiness to resume work, asserting the support of their constituents. The PDP lawmakers affirmed their commitment to resume legislative duties, stating that their constituents strongly support them.  They urged President Bola Tinubu and the heads of the Nigerian judiciary to take ac

 The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has been taken to court and is being asked to pay N200 million in damages.  The plaintiff, Ozo Jeff Nweke, who operates a private security outfit called Blue Shield Company Limited in Awka, filed a suit (No. A/390/2023) in an Anambra State High Court sitting in Awka judicial division.  In this legal action, he named the Police Service Commission (PSC) as the 2nd defendant and accused CP Adeoye of labeling him and his security company as criminals and land grabbers. In the statement of claims submitted to the court, Ozo Nweke traced his troubles with CP Adeoye back to a dispute between the people of his Ezinano community in Awka, Awka-South local government area, and their neighbors in Enugwu-Agidi community over an estate known as Four Ways Court Estate (originally Agunogu land). Nweke asserted that his private security outfit was hired by the people of Ezinano to provide security in the disputed land, which is currently