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Army donates palliatives to widows, orphans in Rivers
The Nigerian Army, 29 Battalion under the 6 Division, Port Harcourt, has distributed 10,000 exercise books to students at the Community Secondary School, Ebubu, in the Eleme Local Government Area of the Rivers State.
Also, the Army distributed palliatives to widows and orphans in Ebubu and Aleto communities, as well as in Eleme LGA.
The Army said the gesture was aimed at building goodwill between the military and communities in Rivers State in the fight against criminal activities.
The 29 Battalion under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, handed the materials to the two communities in Eleme on Friday.
Distributing the items, the Commanding Officer, of 29 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Lt. Cpl. Ishaya Manga, said the non-kinetic approach to tackling criminality in the state was in tandem with the people-oriented philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Manga stated, “It would be recalled that on the 13th of October, 2023, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, flagged off an exercise known as Operation Still Water Three here in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
“Part of the exercise is designed to get rid of criminal activities within Rivers State, the exercise is not only conducted by the military alone, other security agencies are also involved in the exercise.
“The community leaders, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders in Rivers State are also part of the operation.
“We have seen that using the kinetic approach alone would not guarantee the successful conduct of this exercise and that was why the non-kinetic approach was also adopted in line with the kinetic approach so that we can actualise the vision of the Chief of Army Staff.”
In line with the philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, under the leadership of Major General J H Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has directed us to select some of those less privileged homes and vulnerable communities to express our hands of non-kinetic activities.”
Manga, further said the initiative started a month ago, pointing out that other communities have earlier benefited.
He added, “We have started this exercise since last month, especially, we have visited four orphanage homes and distributed palliatives.
“We have also given palliatives to Obele and Ebubu communities, apart from giving out palliatives, we have distributed 10,000 exercise books of 40 leaves to about seven secondary schools within Rivers State.
“Some of those secondary schools are Ebubu community junior and senior secondary schools, Township Model Primary Schools 1 and 2, World Book Capital City Model Primary Schools and St Cyprian Primary School, Port Harcourt.
“Others are Community Secondary School Egberu, Ndoki, Community Secondary School, Anyama and Community Secondary School Okoloma in Oyigbo Local Government Area.”
Exercise books presented to students of Community Secondary School, Ebubu, by the 29 battalion, 6 DIV, Nigerian Army
Taking delivery of the donated items, the Sister-in-charge of Love Crucified Orphanage home, Aleto, Reverend Sister, Chika Maria expressed happiness, saying it was the first time such a large group of military personnel was visiting them.
On her part, a widow in the Ebubu community, Aken Charity, who received the palliatives, thanked the Army for the gesture.
Speaking, the Principal of Community Secondary School Ebubu, Mr Nkara Barine, who received the notebooks, assured that the items will be judiciously utilised.
Joseph Aloba, father of late singer Mohbad, reveals his life improved significantly after his son’s passing, attributing it to divine help
Joseph Aloba, the father of late Nigerian singer Mohbad, has shared how his life has seen a remarkable improvement since the tragic passing of his son in September last year.
Speaking in an interview with media personality Akin Abolade, Aloba expressed gratitude for the unexpected blessings he has received, which he credits to the combined influence of Mohbad’s spirit and God.
In the emotional interview, Aloba revealed that Mohbad had made significant plans to support him, but these ambitions remained unfulfilled due to unforeseen circumstances before the singer’s untimely death.
However, he stated that since Mohbad’s passing, he has experienced an outpouring of support from well-wishers who have provided him with essential items, including a car.
“Let me just say yes, my life got better after Mohbad’s death because he is my friend. He had it in plan to do many things for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them,” Aloba explained.
“After his death, it was the spirit of Mohbad, and that of God combined together that began to send people to assist me. Even the car and everything I have now, it was people that gave them to me, and it is beyond ordinary.”
Reflecting further, Aloba noted that the assistance he now receives mirrors the intentions his son had for him. He added, “Those were the things he was meant to be doing for me, but they didn’t allow him to do them.”
The late Mohbad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, passed away under mysterious circumstances in September 2024, leaving fans and the Nigerian music industry in mourning. Investigations into the cause of his death remain ongoing, with many still seeking answers.
Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo ends the controversial tax clearance policy, ensuring students’ education rights remain protected
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has ordered an immediate halt to the policy requiring parents to present Tax Clearance Certificates (TCC) for their children’s enrollment in state-owned tertiary institutions.
This decision follows public outcry and protests led by civil society groups, who argued that the policy infringed upon the right to education.
Announcing the directive during a media briefing in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), Alhaji Sule Enehe, stated that the move reflects the governor’s commitment to accessible education.
“The governor responded swiftly to public concerns, emphasizing that education must remain accessible to all Kogi State students,” said Enehe.
The policy, introduced to encourage tax compliance, drew criticism for potentially denying access to education for students whose parents were unable to provide TCCs.
With the directive now revoked, students can register and gain admission without the previously mandated requirement.
Enehe, however, reminded residents of their constitutional duty to pay taxes, noting that non-compliance could restrict access to benefits such as bursary allowances.
He added, “Parents must play their part by paying taxes to support state education and other social amenities.”
Highlighting further reforms, Enehe disclosed that KGIRS has ramped up efforts to eliminate illegal tax practices. Since the crackdown began, 43 illegal tax collectors have been prosecuted, while several corrupt staff members have been dismissed.
To streamline operations, the revenue service has digitised tax payment systems, allowing individuals and businesses to fulfil their obligations more efficiently.
KGIRS reported steady revenue growth in recent years, with collections rising from ₦17 billion in 2021 to ₦27.7 billion in 2024.
The service has set an ambitious target of ₦35.1 billion for 2025, aiming to sustain the state’s developmental initiatives.
Governor Ododo’s administration continues to prioritise education, as seen in the establishment of three state-owned universities.
The governor’s directive aligns with the broader goal of ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational access for Kogi State students.
This decisive action signals the government’s resolve to balance tax compliance with the constitutional right to education, fostering both development and inclusivity.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate has risen to 34.80% in December 2024, driven by increased demand during the festive season. The report highlights ongoing economic challenges despite a slight month-on-month decrease
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate surged to 34.80% in December 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
This marks a slight increase from 34.60% in November, driven by heightened demand for goods and services during the festive season.
The year-on-year comparison shows a significant 5.87 percentage point rise from 28.92% in December 2023, pointing to a persistent inflationary trend.
However, month-on-month inflation decreased marginally, falling to 2.44% in December from 2.64% in November 2024.
Urban areas experienced a more pronounced inflation rise of 37.29%, while rural areas saw an inflation rate of 32.47%.
Despite this, the month-on-month decrease offers a sign of easing inflationary pressure. Analysts emphasise the need for effective monetary and fiscal measures to stabilise prices and address the persistent economic challenges.
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