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Ukraine Losses 13,000 Soldiers To Russia’s Invasion – Official

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Munachi
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Ukraine Losses 13,000 Soldiers To Russia’s Invasion – Official

As many as 13,000 Ukrainian soldiers may have been killed in action since Russia invaded the nation nine months ago, according to Mykhailo Podolyak, one of the Ukrainian President’s advisers, according to Al-Jazeera.

Since the head of the armed forces reported nearly 9,000 deaths in late August, the adviser’s disclosure is said to be the first update on the number of fighters killed.

Ukraine’s Channel 24 on Thursday quoted Podolyak as saying, “We have official figures from the general staff, we have official figures from the top command, and they amount to (between) 10,000 and 12,500 to 13,000 killed”.

According to the official, there are more wounded soldiers than killed soldiers.

These figures as revealed by Mykhailo Podolyak have not yet been confirmed by the Ukrainian armed forces.

Thousands of Ukrainian civilians have also been killed in the war, while millions have fled to neighboring countries as the country now faces a winter without heat, power, and water after Moscow struck its power stations, as well as energy infrastructure.

United States President, Joe Biden and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, who was in Washington, DC, promised to sustain their military aid for Ukraine.

 

Groups To Deploy N3.1bn In Scholarship, Empowerment Of Over 3000 Abia Youths (Photos)

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ABN TV EDITOR
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Groups To Deploy N3.1bn In Scholarship, Empowerment Of Over 3000 Abia Youths (Photos)

Two prominent Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs); Global City Impact Foundation, Nigeria and Revive Alaska Community Services, USA have set out the sum of N3.1bn to empower no fewer than 3,000 in various skills acquisition schemes.

The groups also said residents will benefit in tuition free scholarship scheme from the empowerment fund.

They say the initiative is part of their contributions towards bringing change among youths in the state and the country at large and to positively channel the energies of the young population into gainful ventures.

At a press briefing in Umuagele Aba, Abia State on Thursday, the project facilitators disclosed that arrangements have been concluded to set up a boot camp for the benefiting youths ahead of the February 2022 commencement date of this initiative.

They said the sum of N10m capitalization award will be given to the first three winners of the Best Business Plan Competition while N1m cash prize will be given to the best three performing artists/musicians/talents.

Similarly, another N1million capitalization award will also be given to the winner of the best Innovative Product competition.

The facilitators who noted that Abia State has youths with great potentials that can place the state and country among comity of powerful economic nations if such potentials were developed and harnessed.

They said the boot camp would provide the youths with the opportunity of learning and gaining skills while having fun.

2022 World Cup: This May Be My Last Game, Says Thomas Muller

By
Munachi
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0
2022 World Cup: This May Be My Last Game, Says Thomas Muller

Germany forward, Thomas Muller has hinted that he might call it time on his international career after Germany’s exit from the 2022 World Cup.

Recall that Germany defeated Costa Rica 4-2 on Thursday, but Spain’s shocking 2-1 loss to Japan sent the Die Mannschaft out of the tournament.

Speaking after the game, Muller, who played in all three of Germany’s group-stage fixtures, including a 2-1 defeat to Japan and a 1-1 draw with Spain, told reporters after the win over Costa Rica (via Fabrizio Romano):

“If this was my last game, it would be a huge pleasure. I have done it with love.

“We experienced incredible moments together. In every game, I tried to leave my heart on the pitch.”

Personal life

Müller was born in Weilheim in Oberbayern, Bavaria. He grew up in the nearby village of Pähl, which became the centre of media attention during his World Cup exploits. His parents are Klaudia and Gerhard, and he has a brother, Simon, who is two and a half years younger.

Müller married his long-time girlfriend Lisa Trede, a semi-professional equestrian who works on a farm, in December 2009 after being engaged for two years. In June 2011, he became an ambassador for YoungWings, a charity that helps children who have suffered bereavement or trauma. He is Catholic.

 

Congress Accuses Soludo Of Betraying Ndigbo

By
Alex Enemanna
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0
Native Doctors Rally Against Soludo’s Alleged Witch-Hunt
Gov. Soludo

The World Igbo Congress, WIC, has described the acts of the Governor of Anambra state, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, as a betrayal to the Igbos at home and in diaspora, who the group said had much expectations from the Governor but have been dashed in a brief period.

The group also condemned what it said were political manipulation and deceitful measures adopted by other governors in the south east states.

WIC raised concern with the consternation generated by Igbo political leaders whom it alleged have become instruments of destruction by those who do not wish to see the Igbo given their due honor and pride of place in this Nigerian experiment.

WIC Public Relations Officer, Hon Basil Onwukwe in a statement, on Thursday, said that misguided leadership was the reason for instability in Igboland, stressing that until politicians are held accountable, the leadership space will continue to be occupied by the gullible and self-serving individuals.

“Now it has become clear to Ndiigbo that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has jettisoned his mission of solving Anambra issues for a mission to rubbish the people he campaigned to serve. The Diaspora Igbo who rooted and worked for his 2021 election to become the governor of Anambra State feel betrayed by his senseless attempt to deliver the Igbo to their adversaries on a platter.

“Diaspora Igbo who saw the emergence of gov Soludo as a blessing for the Igbo nation, especially at this time when oneness of purpose is desired across southeastern state lines, now see otherwise.

“The overzealousness of Igbo governors to impress the Nigerian political caliphates in Abuja has destroyed Igbo political class. This dereliction of duty has caused a serious leadership vacuum in Igboland, where the politicians have become emasculated by the same political contraptions prescribing service to a horse race at the detriment of the Igbo people.

“This spurious act from Governor Chukwuma Soludo to wreak havoc against his kinsman is what governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State did to Hon Emeka Ihedioha accusing him of rejecting the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, while as siting governor all he is doing is flaring nerves against his political opponents.

“World Igbo rejects the fooling suggestion of Governor Soludo of Anambra state to begin negotiation with his darling political frontliners. This is the height of insult to the Igbo psyche after playing second fiddle from the inception of the first republic without genuine improvement.

“Governor Soludo has remained frozen to mundane Nigerian politics and refused to wake up but drowning in the same ocean of confusion with his fellow political class. World Igbo Congress, in concert with all its organs and affiliates around the world vehemently condemns Governor Soludo’s shameful recommendation,” Onwukwe said.

Kano Govt. Warns Politicians Against Campaigns At Religious Centers

By
Munachi
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0
Kano Govt. Warns Politicians Against Campaigns At Religious Centers
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has cautioned political parties against whipping up religious sentiments during campaigns while canvassing for votes from the electorate ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Ganduje made the call on Thursday in Kano while declaring open the fourth National Inter-Religious Conference organized by the state government.

He also urged strict adherence to a directive issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that restricted political parties from conducting campaigns at religious centers.

The governor lamented the use of religion by some political elites, especially during the election process, to divide the mutual relationship that exists between people of faith.

He then challenged leaders of various faiths to close ranks in mutual understanding and dialogue to promote unity, peace, and cohesion.

Ganduje said the theme, ”Harnessing Nigeria’s Religious Diversity for Sustainable Peace and National Development,” was timely.

He added that the conference would promote religious understanding in the society and enhance peace and unity in Nigeria.

Chairman of the National Inter-Religious Conference, Dr. Mohammad Bin-Uthman, said religious leaders must tread the path of the dignity of individual’s faith in spite of the differences.

He added that harnessing and celebrating diversity without violating the principle of individual faith is sacrosanct to national development.

The co-chair of the conference, Arch Bishop of Metropolitan, North Province, Peter Ogunmuyiwa added that the plurality of faith was a blessing to Nigeria in spite of the efforts of some elements to capitalize on the differences to create tension.

He called for constant interface and dialogue between Christian leaders and Muslim clergymen for better understanding and harmonious relationships in the country.

 

NCS Intercepts Container Load Of Tramadol Worth N1.5bn From India

By
Munachi
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0
Customs Sets 30-Day Clearance Deadline For Imported Goods

The Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Command apprehended a 40-foot container from India containing twenty cartons of tapentadol drugs, a new variant of tramadol worth N1,560,000,000.

Yusuf Malanta, the controller in charge of the Command Comptroller, revealed this information during a press briefing on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Classic Terminal Festival Town in Lagos.

According to him, the cargo arrived at Apapa port on July 3, 2022, and customs have been monitoring its movement ever since.

The Comptroller claimed that although the package had been identified as containing chocolates, officers had actually found cartons of OK POP candies inside, with the drugs carefully concealed at the back of the package.

Malanta commended the officers of the Classic Terminal, even as he reiterated that the synergy between the customs and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is yielding positive results.

In his breakdown, Mallanta said that the drugs came in 225- and 120-mg sachets.

“The importer cleverly concealed the drugs at the back of the container, just to undermine our officers.”
We found out that he had 20 cartons of the drugs. Each of the 225 mg tablets had 838,500 capsules. For the 120 mg, there are 90,000 tablets.

“These drugs are deadlier than normal tramadol; you can imagine the havoc it would cause if it had escaped into the market.” You can agree with me that most of the criminal actions taking place today in our society are a result of the consumption of these types of drugs.

“Therefore, whoever is importing these kinds of drugs, we are telling him today that our collaboration efforts are fully informed and we cannot relent.”

“The container has been in the port since July 3rd, 2022, moving from the mother port down here, the importer is trying to buy time maybe he can escape our watch, but Behold, we are really on top of our game and we would continue to be on top of our game. If he is not tired of importing, we would not be tired of making him lose his investment, until he is brought to book.

“The joint corporation with the NDLEA and other agencies around here has yielded a fruitful result for the command.
We would continue doing that to make sure that a serene environment is created for compliant traders and for goods that are in tandem with Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA)

“We thank God for giving us the wisdom to track and seize these kinds of drugs because it contravenes sections 64, 46, and 47 CEMA Act.

“I am advising the importer to please desist from these kinds of importation, it is harmful to humans.
We would trail this importer, and with the help of our officers here, we would bring him to book and ensure he is treated accordingly”

He attributed the successful efforts to the unrelenting stance of the customs and its collaboration with NDLEA, Tramadol drugs now find it very difficult to come into the country, and the supply is now very difficult, compared to previous years.

Even though arrests were not made on the seizure, Compt Malanta assured that the investigation is ongoing, and customs already have a substantial amount of evidence on the people involved in the importation.

Speaking further, the customs boss said “The CGC has initiated the e-Customs modernization which is a complete automation of customs business processes.

“This begins from the port of loading to the destination where the manifest would show the content of the cargo.
We believe that with the introduction of that system, every illicit cargo would be trapped, not only drugs”
Also speaking, the Commander of NDLEA in charge of Apapa Command, Ishiaku Yusuf Kwajaffa said that the milligrams written on the drugs were just a cover-up, adding that the Tapentadol is three times more potent than the normal tramadol.”

He also said that the new variant is new to the NDLEA and that this is the first time the agency is coming across it.

“The 120mg written on the drugs is just a cover, the potency of the drugs is there times higher than the normal tramadol. This particular brand is new to us, this is the first time we are coming across the drugs

“The twenty billion cartons are worth N1.560 billion. Each carton of tramadol is worth N78 million, but we have made it so scarce for them,” he said

$500m PowerChina/SWIBER Deal Will Compliment Sen. Kalu’s Food Security Bill, Create Jobs – US Lecturer, Prof. Okoro

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0
$500m PowerChina/SWIBER Deal Will Compliment Orji Uzor Kalu’s Food Security Bill, Create Jobs - US Lecturer, Prof. Okoro|

A lecturer in one of the prestigious university in the United States, had on Thursday, said that PowerChina and SWIBER deal, which was facilitated by the chieftain of the APC in Abia state, who also is the Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, will compliment the food security Bill, sponsored by the Senator, in the Senate.

In his words “I can see for myself, on my return from the USA, why Orji Kalu, should be re-elected.”

Prof Okoro, also noted that the news of the PowerChina/SWIBER deal, is a good news to Abia North and the Southeast region, with the roads and other things Orji Kalu, had achieved so far as a Senator.

He said “Siting such Agro- Industrial Park, at the locations indicated in the deal, will in no distance time bring about development to the areas mentioned to host this projects (Ugwueke, Alayi, Ozu Item, Abiriba and Igbere).

“This is how developments can be achieved, that was how it was achieved in the United States and other most developed countries, with time. If all, representing the nation, either in the capacity of a Governor, Senator, House of Representatives etc, can bring such huge developments to their Districts and their people, unemployment can drastically then, be reduced”.

According to Prof. Okoro, the PowerChina/ SWIBER deal can evenly bring about job creation to the populace of Abia North and beyond at the same time, make surpluses in the production of food for consumption and exportation as he also confirmed to the capability of PowerChina, in global evaluations.

He said “PowerChina is a reputable investment institution. We have seen lots of their projects around the globe and they are very serious investors.

“For propelling the signing of the $500m project, between PowerChina and SWIBER, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, can be said to have evolved words with actions to have such idea of Industrial Park. It’s quite commendable of him. This directions of Orji Kalu, upon the roads he has constructed, will bring unbelievable developments and job opportunities not just directly to our people in Abia North Senatorial District, but also to Abia state and the Southeast region.

“What Orji Kalu is doing is one of the numerous things expected from good representatives. As a matter of facts, Orji Kalu is thinking for his people, by bringing such huge project home.

“$500m ChinaPower and SWIBER, Deal will compliment Orji Uzor Kalu’s Food Security Bill. There’s no way such Bill, can be realistic if words are not met with actions of which people should emulate such drive that are needed with much urgencies to revive our economy and that will provide surplus food commodities that can improve the wellbeing of the people.

“Industrial Park of such enormity can not exist without the creation of jobs. That’s one facts people must be aware of. Who are those going to do the job in such a Multi million dollar project, if not the people around? The youths, men and women would definitely be engaged in one way or the other. The Chinese company can not migrate over 20,000 workers down to Igbere, so, you can see that the masses will be gainfully engaged in the process which we are made to understand would commence in 2023.

“Abia North should be grateful to be well represented by a man with foresights and the willingness to work. Abia North is all over the world today, I hear all this things from the US, how the record breaking Dr Orji Kalu, is putting smiles on the faces of our people. I have seen with my eyes on my return. I would have voted for Orji Kalu, if I could stay till the election in 2023”.

The professor also said that Orji Kalu has through his works, given other Districts the reasons to ask their representatives, questions, as he said;

“Some Senatorial Districts are now asking their Senators questions. My Niece showed me a publication some days ago, people are now asking questions! How is Senator Orji Kalu, achieving these records in Abia North, whereas there are nothing significantly available to lay hands on, from the Senators representing other District?

“It’s enough to ask such questions because some people from Abia North, like myself, could not believe what Sen Orji Kalu, has achieved so far in Abia North. I came and I’ve seen. You can only achieve such, when you queue with the right plugs and play an open politics.

“With what I’ve seen, every other contenders would be bequeathed with the struggles of empty canvasing because what the people have seen Orji Kalu, do in four years, the people should be indebted to Orji Kalu, it’s just a natural way we can thank him for a job well done. I’ve not seen a Senator do this much. How can other contenders take the joy of the people away? I don’t think such a thing is possible in civilized world.” He said.

N206bn Inserted In My Ministry’s Budget For Equipment Procurement, Says Umar-Farouq

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, yesterday, told senators that the N206 billion inserted in the ministry’s budget was for purchase of military equipment.

The minister had disowned the money, last week, saying it was allegedly ‘inserted’ by the Ministry of Finance. Lawmakers had requested the two ministers to appear and clear the air on the controversial amount. However, while the Humanitarian Minister appeared with her Permanent Secretary, her Finance counterpart failed to turn up.

Umar-Farouq spoke when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Special Duties, chaired by Senator Yusuf Yusuf (APC, Taraba Central). At the resumed budget defence, yesterday, when asked for further clarification on the matter, Umar-Farouq said: “On the N206 billion, when we saw it, we didn’t understand what it was meant for because the explanation wasn’t clear.

“If you put N206 billion in Humanitarian Affairs Ministry’s budget and the narration is purchase of military equipment, definitely something is wrong.

“That’s why I said I’m not going to say anything about it until we get clarification from the Ministry of Finance. If we had requested N206 billion for a different project and then in the appropriation bill, it is reading something else, we will not own it.”

Pressed further by the lawmakers whether she requested N206 billion for another project, but it arrived with another narration, she said: “It is not exactly that way, and that’s why we need that clarity from Finance Ministry”.

But Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, had, on Wednesday, cleared the air on the allegation. In a meeting with the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, which invited her, alongside Director General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze, and Umar Farouq, Ahmed said there was a wrong coding of projects.

Abia Sparkles As Igbere Fiesta Returns Jan 2 After Three Year Recess

By
ABN TV EDITOR
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0
Abia Sparkles As Igbere Fiesta Returns Jan 2 After Three Year Recess

After a three -year recess occasioned largely by the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, all is set for the return of the iconic “Igbere Cultural Festival” set to be staged January 2, 2023 at the usual ancient suburban town of Igbere in Bende Local Government Abia-North Area of Abia State.

The reignited cultural revelry which showcases a retinue of fun packed cultural activities is organised by the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation (OUKF) with the former governor of Abia State and current Chief Whip of the 9th Senate Orji Uzor Kalu as it’s major financier.

The 2023 cultural carnival themed ” Protecting Our Heritage and Restoring Creativity” focuses on projecting the rich culture of Igbere and Nigeria to the global community.

Confirming the development in a press statement on Friday, The Executive Secretary of the OUK foundation, Revd (Mrs) Jemimah Ola Kalu (Perm Sec.Rtd) highlighted reasons for the resumption of the festival.

According to Jemimah season 3.0 has been rebranded to thrill both tourists and local participants, she revealed that part of new twists includes the concurrent celebration of the festival in the 13 autonomous communities of Igbere.

Jemimah allured the communities to start preparation in earnest stating that the best performing community will be rewarded with a grand mouth watering prize.

She also revealed that a visiting team from the United States of America and Senator Kalu will be touring the 13 Igbere communities while the event holds sway.

The statement read in parts; “Season 3 of the festival will be held concurrently in the 13 autonomous communities of Igbere with the foundation executives/members, the visiting team from the United States of America and His excellency Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu visiting the 13 communities of Igbere where the celebration is held.

“Every community of Igbere is expected to start preparation now as the best performing community will win the set prize. The celebration will still be held on the 2nd of January 2023 at 10am in 13 locations.

Expected to grace the occasion are first-class paramount rulers, top government officials, tourists, diplomats, members of the organised private sector and the media among others.

The event will feature a wide range of traditional activities such as local boxing contest, beauty pageant, lecture, drama, dancing competition and poetry among others while visiting tourists will be treated to a well secured ambience of pleasant weather , warm hospitality of Igbere People and the aesthetic hilly topographic areas.

The development has, however Thrilled locals within and outside Igbere community who couldn’t conceal their joy over the return of the cultural festival as they look forward to savouring the experiences that come with the event just like its previous editions.

It can be recalled that the maiden 2017 edition themed Cultural Heritage, Vehicle for Sustainable Development,” was held on January 6th 2018, while the 2018 edition was held on January 2nd 2019.

Billboard Destruction: Call Your Thugs To Order, NSA Monguno Warns Governors

By
Alex Enemanna
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0

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (retd), has cautioned state governors using thugs to prevent opposition from placing their campaign materials in strategic points that security agencies will soon take necessary measures if such action continues.

Moguno spoke on Thursday while featuring at the Ministerial Media Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He reacted to reports of state governors implementing policies that prevented the presence of opposition campaign materials in their states.

The NSA, who said there would be no hiding place for the perpetrators when the law enforcement agencies moved, blamed the action on what he called inferiority complex.

Monguno, who warned the governors to restrain their thugs, said President Muhammadu Buhari had given clear directives that the 2023 elections must be free, fair and credible.

He specifically warned the governors to “call their Capo regime to order because when we move, there will be no hiding place.”

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