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24 injured in Kano mosque explosion

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No fewer than 24 persons were critically injured on Wednesday following an early morning mosque explosion at Gadan Village, Gezawa local government area of Kano State

The Public Relations Officer of the Kano Police Command, SP Abdullahi Haruna confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.

“Today, 15/05/2024 at about 0520hrs, reports were received that, there was an explosion at a Mosque in Gadan Village, Gezawa LGA, Kano State during “Subhi Prayer” and that some people got injured.

“On receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, immediately deployed the command’s combined teams consisting of experts in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) led by CSP Haruna Isma’il and other Crime-Scene Policemen led by Divisional Police Officer, Gezawa Division, CSP Haruna Iliya.

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“The scene was cordoned-off and twenty-four victims including 20 male adults and 4 male children were removed and rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital Kano where they are currently receiving treatment,” he said.

According to him, forensic analysis at the preliminary stage revealed a suspected petrol explosion, of which a full investigation is ongoing.

He said that the principal suspect had been identified and arrested adding that the suspect is now with the Police.

“The suspect is Shafi’u Abubakar aged 38 years who said his action was purely in hostility following prolonged family disagreement over sharing of inheritance of which those that he alleged to have cheated on him were in the mosque at that moment and he did that for his voice to be heard,” Haruna said.

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While the suspect is currently in police custody, he noted that a detailed investigation is ongoing and will be made public in due course.

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Construction on Lagos-Calabar coastal road sections to begin by Mid-December

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Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road construction

The Nigerian Federal Government has announced that construction on sections 3 and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road will commence by mid-December, following necessary redesigns for safety.

 

 

The Federal Government has announced the upcoming commencement of construction on sections 3 and 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, scheduled for mid-December.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection tour of the project site, accompanied by members of the National Assembly assessing ongoing infrastructure efforts in the southwest region.

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Also read: Lagos State House of Assembly powers justify suspension of Alimosho chairman

 

Umahi explained that delays in the project were due to the need to reroute the road to avoid areas controlled by militants, which posed significant risks to construction workers.

He stated, “Before the middle of December, we will flag off sections 3 and 3B because the design has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and we are ready.”

The initial design of the road ran through a high-risk area with an active militant presence, prompting a redesign to ensure the safety of construction personnel.

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Umahi noted, “We saw the dangers and the ministry subsequently opted for a safer alternative route, even though it involves challenging terrain with 30-meter-high rock formations that will require blasting. But it is better to blast the rocks than to have the heads of our workers blasted off by militants.”

Addressing environmental concerns related to the project, particularly its impact on aquatic life in the Niger Delta region, Umahi assured stakeholders of strict adherence to environmental guidelines to mitigate disruptions.

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He confirmed, “The ministry is fully compliant with the recommendations from the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment conducted along the entire project corridor.”

While work is ongoing in the Sokoto and Kebbi areas, other segments across various states have yet to commence due to funding constraints. The minister explained the project’s financing structure, stating,

“This project is EPC+F. The commitment in terms of cash by the federal government is 30 per cent. The other 70 per cent has to be sourced through loans which require extensive planning and approval processes.”

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Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, expressed confidence in Umahi’s leadership, noting that lawmakers are satisfied with the project’s progress.

He appealed to the public for patience and cooperation, adding, “I can assure you that the project is well ahead of schedule and that the federal government is intensifying efforts to enhance the security of key infrastructure nationwide through advanced surveillance systems.”

These state-of-the-art monitoring solutions will be implemented across major highways, including the Lagos-Calabar route, aiming to reduce response times and curb criminal activities.

Senate Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwebonyi commended the initiative, highlighting its importance for improving safety for motorists and pedestrians. Alabi also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to overseeing government spending, particularly in relation to the 2024 budget.

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Mastercard, Partners donate over 300,000 meals to schoolchildren in Nigeria and Kenya

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Mastercard school meals initiative Nigeria Kenya

Mastercard partners with Lagos Food Bank Initiative and Glovo to deliver over 300,000 meals to underserved schoolchildren in Nigeria and Kenya.

 

 

Mastercard, in collaboration with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI) and the Food for Education Foundation, has launched a substantial programme to combat child hunger by providing over 300,000 meals to schoolchildren across underserved communities in Nigeria and Kenya.

The initiative, part of Mastercard’s February 2024 cause marketing campaign, is supported by Glovo, the multi-category app connecting consumers with essential services like groceries and retail.

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Also read: Suspected food poisoning claims 4 lives in Kwara state

 

The programme follows a unique structure: for each transaction made with a Mastercard-branded card on the Glovo app in Nigeria and Kenya, a meal was donated to a child in need.

This approach channels financial transactions directly into tangible benefits for children in communities that most need support.

Mastercard’s West Africa Country Manager, Folasade Femi-Lawal, shared the company’s motivation: “At Mastercard, doing well by doing good is a core principle that guides our efforts.

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Through our collaboration with Lagos Food Bank Initiative and Glovo, we are addressing one of the most pressing issues in underserved communities—child hunger.

This initiative ensures students can focus on their education, free from the distractions of hunger, and positions them to realise their potential.”

Femi-Lawal’s remarks reflect Mastercard’s commitment to social impact through collaborations that empower communities from within.

By aligning with local partners like LFBI and Glovo, Mastercard is fostering a sustainable network of support for children’s well-being and future.

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Diego Nouet, General Manager for Glovo Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the importance of the programme: “At Glovo, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.

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Working with Mastercard allowed us to go beyond convenience and provide critical support to communities in need. Every meal we delivered brought hope to a child’s future.”

Michael Sunbola, founder and Executive Director of the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, further emphasised the impact of this programme, noting that consistent access to meals can determine a child’s ability to attend school.

He added, “This collaboration with Mastercard helps us reach more children, ensuring they’re nourished and ready to learn. We are proud to work alongside Mastercard to build a foundation for these children’s future success.”

Research from the World Food Programme highlights the significance of these initiatives. According to their findings, malnourished children are 19 per cent less likely to read simple sentences by age eight and 12 per cent less likely to write than their well-nourished peers.

The economic benefits are also profound, with adequately nourished children being 33 per cent more likely to escape poverty in adulthood.

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The Mastercard school meals initiative demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in creating a sustainable positive impact, helping bridge the nutrition gap for thousands of children in underserved regions of Nigeria and Kenya.

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Nigerian universities face shutdown as staff unions demand withheld salaries, fulfilment of agreements

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Nigerian universities strike over withheld salaries

Nigerian university staff unions declare indefinite strike over four-month withheld salaries, stalling operations nationwide amid calls for reform.

 

 

Nigerian universities remain at a standstill as the indefinite strike by non-academic staff unions continues, following months of withheld salaries and unfulfilled agreements.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) began the strike on Monday, halting activities across campuses.

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Also read: SSANU, NASU condemn Federal Government’s renegotiation committee inauguration

 

The JAC, representing senior staff such as vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, demands payment of the four-month outstanding salaries and improved working conditions.

Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, emphasised that university executives are also affected by the withheld salaries.

In an interview, he stated, “This is a long-term battle involving vice-chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid.”

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Ibrahim revealed that compliance with the strike is overwhelming, with 98 per cent of university staff participating nationwide.

The issue intensified with the recent dismissal of Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, replaced by Dr Tunji Alausa, who now faces immediate pressure to address the crisis.

However, union leaders, including Ibrahim and SSANU’s Vice President Abdussobur Salaam, report no formal engagement with the government thus far.

“All our ultimatums have expired, and we still haven’t received any alerts,” Salaam said, voicing frustration with unmet promises.

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A similar protest was declared by the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) on Wednesday. NAAT, which is also owed five months of salaries, announced a protest commencing on 6th November, warning that if issues remain unresolved by 13th November, they would escalate to an indefinite strike.

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NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, citing repeated broken promises over longstanding demands such as improved allowances, upgraded facilities, and a revised staff-to-student ratio.

NAAT members intend to picket the Ministry of Finance on 14th November if withheld salaries remain unpaid. Nwokoma reiterated, “It is unfortunate that despite President Tinubu’s directive to pay the withheld salaries, the Ministry of Finance has failed to act, questioning the government’s sincerity in addressing these concerns.”

The unions argue that the government’s prolonged inaction risks severe disruption to Nigeria’s tertiary education system, potentially derailing academic calendars and critical research initiatives.

According to Nwokoma, branches across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education will hold congresses and conduct referenda to determine further actions.

The unions demand more than just their salaries, calling for a review of the government’s compliance with multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) dating back to 2017.

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These agreements were meant to address remuneration, resources for practical training, and infrastructure needs. The unions assert that the lack of progress on these agreements demonstrates “government insensitivity” and threatens the stability of higher education in Nigeria.

As Nigeria’s tertiary institutions face a nationwide shutdown, the impact on students and research is significant. Union leaders hope the latest strike will prompt urgent government intervention, while staff prepare to maintain their stand until all outstanding payments and commitments are fulfilled.

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