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Kaduna Train Attack: FG Asks Nigerians To Raise Money For Patients’ Treatment

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Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation has asked Nigerians to contribute to the cost of treating those affected in Monday’s train attack.

Kaduna Train Attack: FG Asks Nigerians To Raise Money For Patients’ Treatment

At least nine people were killed while many sustained injuries when bandits attacked a train heading for Kaduna from Abuja.

Amaechi, who had visited the scene of the attack on Tuesday, said it would have been foiled if the procurement of the N3 billion high-capacity rail track cameras and sensors was not blocked.

He said the equipment would eliminate all blind spots on the train corridors across the country.

Speaking when he visited the victims who are being treated at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna on Wednesday, Amaechi said the army treated them without charging a dime.

However, he said some of the patients need drugs that are not manufactured in the country, asking Nigerians to assist in raising the money.

”The CMD and I have been talking, the army has not charged one kobo on any patient, and they have given the maximum medical treatment that they can give to any patients.”

”You saw the patients with burns and then the one that has bullet located in her heart. They are bringing an expert tomorrow for that one to see if there will be surgery or not to take out the bullet.

”They said they have only seven (patients) left and the rest have been discharged. The ministry, and I think the federal government, are grateful to the Nigerian Army for providing such services. But one thing I have said to the Nigerian people is to liaise with the hospital management and see how much money they can contribute for the treatment of the patients.

”Obviously those drugs are not manufactured here, the experts they are bringing from outside doesn’t work with the army, so they definitely have to pay them. We will try as much as possible to see what contributions we can make to the management of the hospital to assist in taking care of the patients.”

(NAN)

NFF Reveal How CAF Doctor Died After Nigeria, Ghana Clash In Abuja

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The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has released more details on the death of Confederation of African Football’s medical officer, Dr Joseph Kabungo.

NFF Reveal How CAF Doctor Died After Nigeria, Ghana Clash In Abuja

NFF, on Wednesday, noted that Kabungo died before getting to the hospital.

According to the football federation, the medical officer collapsed while looking for Ghanaian players to undergo doping tests.

NFF gave the explanation in a statement by its spokesman, Ademola Olajire, titled, ‘NFF condoles with FIFA, CAF, Zambia over death of Doping Control Officer through a cardiac arrest’.

The federation also expressed “shock and sorrow” over the death of FIFA/CAF Medical Officer, who died on Tuesday after the FIFA World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

ABN TV had reported that Kabungo was appointed as Doping Control Officer for the match.

We are terribly shocked at this sad development. The NFF commiserates with world football–body FIFA, the Confederation of African Football, the Football Association of Zambia and the family of Dr Kabungo on his sudden passing. His death pains us very much and we are in a state of deep shock.

“However, it is important to state the facts as they are. According to the information from our own medical officer, Dr Onimisi Ozi Salami who was appointed by FIFA as Medical Officer for the game, Dr Kabungo was found gasping for breath near the dressing room of the Ghanaian team. I was notified and ordered that he should be rushed to the hospital. He didn’t make it. He died just as they got to the hospital,” the statement quoted NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, as saying.

Salami was quoted as saying that the incident happened when he (Salami) was looking to get the Nigerian player for the doping exercise, while Kabungo was looking to get the Ghanaian player for the same exercise.

ABN TV gathered that this happened a few minutes after angry Nigerian fans attacked the Ghanaian players.

He said, “I was heading to the dressing room of the Nigerian team when the General Coordinator, Kabore Hubert Bosilong from South Africa called my attention. Dr Kabungo suddenly started gasping for breath. The FIFA Security Officer for the match, Mr Dixon Adol Okello from Uganda also witnessed the incident.

“We tried to resuscitate him there and then, but when this did not appear to be working, we put him in an ambulance and rushed him to Cedar Crest Hospital in Apo, where he gave up the ghost.

“It is a very sad incident and one is shocked that some persons have been putting a terrible slant to the whole thing by saying he was beaten up by fans. That is a lie. He died as a result of sudden cardiac arrest.”

Officials of the NFF, the medical team and officials of the High Commission of Zambia were said to hold a meeting on Wednesday morning to decide on the next line of action following the demise of Kabungo.

US Consulate Opens Application For AWE Scheme 2022 [APPLY NOW]

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Application for participation in the 2022 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is now open and will close on 7 April, the United States Consulate General in Lagos has announced.

US Consulate Opens Application For AWE Scheme 2022 [APPLY NOW]

AWE, an American government initiative, advances women’s economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in Nigeria and has trained more than 520 participants since its inception four years ago.

Up to 250 female entrepreneurs will be selected for it this year, and a tripartite agreement has been signed between the US Consulate General, Venture Garden Foundation (VGF), and Ascend Studios Foundation (ASF) to support the program.

AWE is part of the commitment of the US to supporting women’s full and free participation in the Nigerian economy as they seek to thrive in the workforce, succeed as entrepreneurs, and create stability and prosperity in their communities.

US Consulate Deputy Public Affairs Officer Jennifer Foltz, VGF Group Head Tesilimi Yusuf, and ASF Inya Lawal signed a Statement of Intended Cooperation (SIC) to equip 250 Nigerian women with practical skills to create sustainable businesses through AWE.

Foltz reiterated at the event held at the American Corner in Ikeja that the successes of the AWE scheme illustrate how the training can change lives, bolster enterprises, create jobs, and empower women entrepreneurs.

The Venture Garden Foundation team will bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in Nigeria,” she said.

We are confident that their contributions to and engagement with the AWE participants will result in improved leadership, public speaking, time management, self-confidence and financing options.”

From left: Yusuf, Foltz, and Lawal during the signing of the agreement
From left: Yusuf, Foltz, and Lawal during the signing of the agreement

Importance of women’s contribution to the economy

Yusuf highlighted the importance of helping women to fully participate in and contribute to the local and global economy.

Technology makes business growth possible. As a technology company, our support for the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs will ensure that we help prospective and emerging women entrepreneurs and business owners compete more effectively with a whole array of cutting-edge technological solutions,” he said.

Lawal explained that 250 participants will be selected for the 2022 AWE, a highly competitive entrepreneurship scheme that has graduated over 520 participants since its inception in Nigeria in 2018.

According to her, the AWE initiative is a great opportunity for Nigerian women entrepreneurs to gain university-level business and management training, strengthen their networks, and grow sustainable businesses.

We warmly welcome Venture Garden Foundation to the AWE family. AWE is a transformative initiative that is helping women in Nigeria build and sustain their businesses; the opportunities that come from this program are immense,” Lawal stressed.

AWE graduates gain automatic membership of the US government exchange alumni community, providing access to a vast network of like-minded and highly regarded professionals across Nigeria.

Applications are open until 7 April.

Motivated and self-driven prospective women entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners can apply at no cost by filling out the application form via http://bit.ly/AWENIGERIA2022.

Apply Now!

Kaduna Train Attack: It’s Another Mindless Terrorist Attack, I’m Saddened, Says Osinbajo

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Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that he is saddened by the terrorist attack on a train conveying hundreds of travellers at Dutse forest in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna.

Osinbajo during his visit to Kaduna state on Tuesday described the incident as “another mindless terrorist attack on citizens.”

He said this during his visit to the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna and urged Nigerians not to let the attacks break their spirit.

“I am saddened by another mindless terrorist attack on citizens.

“We must for our nation and their memories fight on and defeat the cowards who unleash terror on those not armed. They will not break our spirits and our resolve. We will prevail & our land will be secure,” Osinbajo said.

The Vice-President was accompanied by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

A former Deputy Governor of Zamfara State, Ibrahim Wakkala, was among those in the hospital after he shot and injured on the train.

Emefiele’s Presidential Aspiration Receives Boost As Supporters Raise N67m, Targets N100m

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Supporters of the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, on Wednesday, disclosed that they have raised N67 million for the apex bank boss.

The fund, according to them, will be for the purchase of his All Progressives Congress (APC) Expression of Interest and Presidential Nomination Form.

The supporters, under the aegis of Emefiele Support Group (ESG), at a press briefing in Abuja, also said they are targeting N100 million before the end of next week.

Although Emefiele, an indigene of Ika in Agbor, Delta State, is yet to formally declare his intention to run for the seat, his supporters maintained that his emergence would douse tension and agitation in the South East.

Addressing journalists at the briefing, the ESG Director of Communications, Ms Benigna Ejimba, stressed that members of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) are expected to contribute N25,000 each.

Ejimba added that all importers and other Nigerians who have benefitted from the CBN’s initiatives and interventions under the leadership of Emefiele are also expected to make the freewill donations.

She said, “As of today, we have received donations from our members of young professionals and other concerned groups to the tune of N67 million and some fraction.

“We are hopeful that by next week we would have succeeded in raising the sum of N100 million.

“This will enable us to purchase the APC Expression of Interest and Presidential Nomination Form which we already project that this sum will be sufficient.

“We were expecting the contributions from our rice farmers’ members who benefited immensely from the agricultural interventions of the CBN and have also had a bountiful harvest.

“Once their contributions arrive before the end of the week, we are hopeful to hit our set out target by next week.

“By that next week, we will be expecting the contributions from our Lagos-based importers whose businesses have benefited from the CBN initiatives who have indicated their interest also in supporting Mr Emefiele.

“We are confident that we may even surpass the 100 million naira target for the form and for this we are grateful to all our members for their contributions to this worthy cause.

“To ensure that members out of a passion for their benefactor do not affect their businesses, we placed a cap of N25, 000 as the highest amount any member could donate and the response as you all can see has been quite encouraging.”

The campaign posters of the apex bank boss had flooded Eagle Square, the venue of the convention of the ruling APC which was held last Saturday in Abuja, alongside other bigwigs of the party eyeing the number one seat.

 

NSCDC Arraigns Father Over Child Abuse In Osogbo

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NSCDC Imo Command Denies Receiving Report On Organ Harvesting
NSCDC

The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arraigned a thirty-five-year-old man before a Family Court, sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, over alleged child abuse.

NSCDC Arraigns Father Over Child Abuse In Osogbo

The State’s Commandant, CC Emmanuel Ocheja made this known Wednesday in a statement e-signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Corps II (ASC II) Atanda Olabisi at the State Headquarters, Ilesha Road, Oke Ayepe, Osogbo.

The defendant, identified as Ola Emmanuel, a divorcée, was dragged to court for abusing his 6 years old son on March 17, at his residence located at No. 2 Temitope Street, Oke-Oniti, Osogbo, which is under the jurisdiction of Osogbo Central “A” Area Command of the State’s NSCDC Command.

The six-year-old victim the statement revealed could not attend school owing to the inability of his father to pay his school fees.

Emmanuel, the statement quoted as saying that he prepared beans, served the little boy his own portion, and kept the remaining for himself in order to fall back on it when he returned from work, but on getting home, he discovered that his son had finished the leftover.

The act infuriated the man which made him beat the boy mercilessly with a cable, hence the boy suffered many injuries on his body.

The statement pointed out that a concerned – neighbor raised an alarm and contacted the Area Commander, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Oyetunji Olusegun to report the incident.

The case was, subsequently transferred to the State Headquarters for further investigations and prosecution.

According to some members of the community in Osogbo, the capital city, the victim had been subjected to regular torture and abuse by his father, pointing out the scars and wounds sustained by the boy as evidence of torture by the father.

During an interview conducted with the NSCDC Spokesperson, the defendant said his son is greedy,  picking up things that do not belong to him, hence his anger towards him to discourage his bad behavior.

After an investigation by the Anti Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration, and Gender-Based Unit of the NSCDC, Osun State Command, the man was arraigned at a Family Court and was. guilty as charged.

He was therefore sentenced to 24 hours of community service while the boy was ordered to remain in the custody of the Osun State government at the Children’s Home.

The Head, Anti-Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration, and Gender-Based Unit, of the NSCDC, Osun State Command, Chief Superintendent of Corps (CSC) Onifade Clement decried the prevalence of child abuse in the country.

He advised parents and guardians to desist from abusing any child under their care.

While commenting on the judgment, Commandant Ocheja stressed that any parent, guardian or whosoever found guilty of child abuse would face the consequences, urging the public not to relent in giving adequate information to the Corps for a prompt response.

Politics Won’t Change Nigeria’s Situation – Matthew Kukah

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Politics Won’t Change Nigeria’s Situation - Matthew Kukah

Matthew Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese has accredited the current lack of good governance in Nigeria to a lack of knowledge among those holding the mantle of power in the country and not politics.

The remark was made by Kukah when he paid a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State on Tuesday.

He lamented the unfortunate trend of tribal and religious discrimination in the academic circle and called for understanding among the academics.

“I want to end by making a point. If the Universities do not sit up and the respect and respectability do not come back to the universities, which are the highest level of education and knowledge, nothing will happen in Nigeria.

“I don’t mean disrespect, but we know that only with the late Yar’adua may his soul rest in peace, was the first Nigerian President with a university certificate, to tell you how serious our situation is.

“So whenever I have the opportunity, I like to encourage members of the university community because they are engaged in a long-suffering job that the country itself does not recognize and appreciate.

“We will continue to hope and pray that sooner than later, the whole problem about the relationship between federal and state government and the university community will be a thing of the past. Because frankly if this does not happen, politics will not change our country, it is only knowledge that can change our society” he stated.

Kukah also said that academia has a major role to play in the development of the country, adding that Nigerians living abroad are being appreciated for their good jobs in universities that have made names on the global level.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor explained that there are no incidences of discrimination in the university as everyone is treated equally irrespective of his tribe or religion.

“In FUDMA we give equal opportunity to all irrespective of their inclinations so that one can be useful to himself and his community.

“By doing this we have found students that are highly responsible and disciplined,” he said.

Funke Akindele, Tuface, Falz Lament Over Abuja-Kaduna Attack

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Kaduna Train Attack: Relatives Beg For Release Of Kidnapped Victims
Scene of Kaduna Train Attack

Nigerian celebrities have cried out following an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train which left many dead and injured.

Funke Akindele, Tuface, Falz Lament Over Abuja-Kaduna Attack

Recall that scores of passengers onboard the Abuja-Kaduna train were killed while some were kidnapped as bandits attacked the train.

Funke Akindele on her Instagram page sympathized with the families of victims, describing the news as heartbreaking.

Her post read: “This news is so heartbreaking. My heart goes out to families that lost loved ones in the Kaduna-Abuja train attack in Nigeria.

“May the souls of the departed Rest In Peace. AMEN This is so sad.”

Also, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, sympathizing with the families of the deceased said the situation in Nigeria is beyond terrible.

According to him, Nigerians cannot continue living like this.

His post read: “Back-to-back bombings on the Kaduna-Abuja rail. Numerous Nigerian lives are needlessly wasted.

“Absolutely nothing has been uttered about this. What the actual f**k.

“My heart goes out to the families that had loved ones on the Kaduna-Abuja rail. It is beyond terrible at this point.

“We are wasting away gradually, We really cannot continue like this.”

Nigerian legend, Tuface Idibia, posted pictures of the deceased from the train attack on Instagram, on the other hand, queried the state of the nation and the increasing insecurity, inflation ravaging the nation.

Reposting a message from his manager, Tuface wrote: “Oh Naija my country, Everything is hellbent on killing us. Our roads, our hospitals, robbers, bandits, terrorists, even law enforcement. Poverty, inflation, a dysfunctional educational system, the exchange rate, and desperate politicians.

“Question is, are we hellbent on saving us? Are we going to get involved, battle hard to save ourselves via the ballot, or are we going to remain docile?”

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron Says Putin Is “Effectively A War Criminal”

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Former British Prime Minister David Cameron

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron said Russian President Vladimir Putin is “effectively a war criminal,” and stressed that the UK “must do our bit economically, just as the Ukrainian armed forces are doing their bit militarily.”

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron

Cameron urged the US, Britain, European countries and others not to attend the upcoming G20 summit in November in Bali, Indonesia, if Putin is invited and able to attend.

It is unthinkable for, you know, an American President to have to sit next to someone who is effectively a war criminal. Who is indiscriminately bombing and shelling civilians in their homes and schools and hospitals. It should be unthinkable,” He said.

Cameron said the UK must do “everything else we can” to help Ukraine aside from military action, including increasing pressure on Russia with sanction.

“We’ve also got to recognize that while we can’t put our own troops in, and while we can’t operate a no-fly zone for fear of making this conflict go wider, we must do everything else we can,” Cameron said.

Cameron also detailed two occasions during his time in office when he believed President Putin “flat-out lied.” He said that the international community should “judge [Russia] by their deeds. Do not believe their words.”

“I remember one was him lying about the presence of Russian troops in the Donbas in 2014,” Cameron said. “Another occasion was about the fate of the Malaysian Airliner MH17 that was shot down over Ukraine.”

Some background: Cameron’s remarks come nearly two weeks after US President Joe Biden also called Putin a “war criminal.”

It was the harshest condemnation of Putin’s actions from any US official since the war in Ukraine began on February 24. Previously, Biden had stopped short of labeling atrocities being documented on the ground in Ukraine as “war crimes,” citing ongoing international and US investigations.

But on March 16, speaking with reporters at an unrelated event, Biden affixed the designation on the Russian leader, saying, “I think he is a war criminal.”

However, other Western leaders have been more reticent in their condemnation of Putin.

At the beginning of March, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Russia’s actions in Ukraine qualify “as a war crime,” but he didn’t refer to Putin as a war criminal himself.

Declare State Of Emergency In Nigeria – RMD Urges President Buhari

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Veteran Nollywood actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari-led’s government to declare a state of emergency.

Declare State Of Emergency In Nigeria – RMD Urges President Buhari

RMD said this following an attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train and the destruction of properties at MKO Abiola stadium after the Nigeria-Ghana clash.

According to him, Nigerians are broken, angry, and have seen it all, which can be a trigger for destruction if not handled properly.

RMD warned that things may worsen if the government does not apprehend perpetrators and do more than promises to protect Nigerians.

“Nothing surprises and shocks us anymore; we have seen and heard it all. Ridiculousness has been enthroned by our leaders at every level.

“There’s an urgent need to declare a state of emergency in this country. We’re heading for the precipice and it doesn’t seem like we are interested in pulling the brakes.

“After now, it is a free fall. The government needs to do more than just promises to apprehend the perpetrators and truly save the lives of WE,” RMD wrote.

The actor sympathized with the families of those who lost their lives in Kaduna even as he recalled his experience on the train.

“At this time last year I was on the train to Kaduna and we talked about how unsafe life is and the risks we were taking. We’re the lucky ones.

“Again a month ago, I was on the Lagos /Ibadan train, and it was the same specter of death and attacks that plagued our minds. This is not to disregard the comfort and timeliness of the train ride and how desirable it is there.”

RMD identified himself as being lucky for escaping attacks on the train, adding that anyone could be a victim if security becomes worse.

“Point is, it could be anyone any day. On the road, at the airport, train station, nowhere is safe anymore. This is the extent of our brokenness.

“If anything is an indication of how broken we are today, then the shameful storming of the pitch and destruction of the MKO national stadium Abuja, is a clear indication. People are angry and bitter and are just looking for triggers. And boy! they’re plenty.

“See the initial reactions to the quite clear tweet of the young doctor who died from gunshot wounds from the train, and you will see that we have also lost our humanity,” he added.

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