119 Inmates Escape Suleja Correctional Centre Following Heavy Downpour
Suleja Correctional Centre was thrown into chaos on Wednesday night as a severe rainstorm battered the facility, leading to the escape of 119 inmates. Mr. Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), confirmed the incident, attributing it to the extensive damage caused by the downpour. The heavy rainfall destroyed the custodial facility and its surroundings, particularly damaging the perimeter fence and facilitating the escape of the inmates, according to Duza. In a statement released on Thursday morning, Duza revealed that immediate measures were taken to recapture the escaped inmates. Working in collaboration with other security agencies, the NCoS has successfully apprehended 10 fleeing prisoners, who have been returned to custody. However, efforts to locate and secure the remaining escapees are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies intensifying their search. “The Service recognizes the vulnerability of its aging facilities, many of which were constructed during the colonial era,” stated Duza. “Efforts are underway to modernize these facilities and enhance security measures.” Duza highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at upgrading correctional infrastructure, including the construction of six 3000-capacity ultra-modern custodial centres across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. Additionally, existing facilities are undergoing reconstruction and renovation to address structural weaknesses and improve operational efficiency. The NCoS urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or sightings to the nearest security agency. Despite the breach, authorities reassured residents of Suleja of their unwavering commitment to ensuring safety and security in the region.
FG Suspends Dana Air operations after Lagos airport incident
The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, has suspended Dana Airline operations due to concerns surrounding the safety and financial viability of their operations. The ministry, through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, suspended the airline’s operations in the country, until a comprehensive audit is conducted. This was contained in a statement titled ‘Immediate suspension of Dana Airline pending safety and financial health audit’, signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Meribole. An aircraft belonging to the airline, with registration number 5N BKI, skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning. The aircraft, which flew from Abuja to Lagos, skidded off the runway in an attempt to land. No casualty was recorded. The statement, directed to the Director General of NACA, called for the suspension of the airline’s fleet until after an audit is completed. “As the supervisor overseeing our nation’s aviation safety and regulatory compliance, it has come to the Honourable Minister’s attention that recent incidents involving DANA AIRLINE have raised serious concerns regarding both the safety and financial viability of their operations. “In light of these incidents and with the paramount priority being the safety and well-being of our citizens and travellers, the Honourable Minister has directed that you immediately initiate the suspension of Dana Airline’s fleet until a comprehensive audit can be conducted,” the statement read. Meribole stated that the audit should encompass all aspects of safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health to ensure full compliance with aviation regulations.
My late son will return – Actor Yul Edochie
Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie has said that his late son, Kambilichukwu will ‘return’. Recall that Kambi, 16, died March last year after he suddenly developed a seizure while playing football with his schoolmates. In an Instagram post, Edochie expressed belief he will return while unveiling his ambition to father eleven children. He made this known on Wednesday after celebrating the first birthday of his second son with Judy Austin on 22nd of April. Edochie wrote, “I’m just getting started. I’m going to have eleven children. Eleven beautiful children. Complete football team. My great son Kambi will return.”
Dangote Refinery Gives Update On Diesel Price Reduction
Dangote Petroleum Refinery said its N940 per litre diesel price cut is only applicable to customers buying five million litres and above. The Head of Communication, Mr Anthony Chiejina made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday, noting that N970 per litre is for customers buying one million and above. Dangote Refinery made its third diesel price cut to N940 and N970 per litre, respectively. The company had earlier announced two price cuts which saw the price of diesel drop to N1,000 per litre from N1,600. Recall that the entrance of Dangote Refinery into the sale of Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, had impacted the West Africa oil & gas industry. On May 22 last year, the 650,000 barrels per day crude oil refinery was commissioned. However, the facility is yet to commence the sale of fuel. Standard and Poor’s Global Commodities said Dangote Refinery will commence the sale of fuel in the fourth quarter of 2024.
NNPC’s Mele Kyari Earns Energy Times’ GCEO of the Year Award, Vows Gas Revolution
By Doris Israel Ijeoma Mele Kyari, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)’s Group Chief Executive Officer, has been honoured with the prestigious Energy Times’ GCEO of the Year Award, a testament to his dedication to excellence in the energy sector. The accolade recognizes Kyari’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and outstanding performance. At the award ceremony held at Lagos’ Eko Hotel & Suites, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Olufemi Soneye, accepted the award on Kyari’s behalf. The Energy Times Award Committee praised Kyari’s leadership, citing his pivotal role in NNPC’s success and his contributions to Nigeria’s energy industry. In his acceptance speech, Kyari highlighted NNPC’s efforts to transition Nigeria into a gas-powered nation, leveraging the country’s abundant natural gas reserves. He outlined key initiatives, including the development of gas infrastructure such as the OB-3 and AKK gas pipelines, as well as strategic partnerships for global gas exports. Kyari also emphasized NNPC’s expansion into the power sector, citing investments in independent power plants and plans for new facilities along the AKK pipeline corridor. He underscored NNPC’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions and its role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth. Dedicating the award to NNPC staff, Kyari expressed gratitude to the Energy Times editorial board for the recognition, pledging to redouble efforts in advancing NNPC’s mission and the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
Guinness World Record: Tinubu Reacts As Tunde Onakoya Shatters New World Chess Record
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his congratulations to Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, for achieving a new world chess record and showcasing Nigeria’s resilience, self-belief, and ingenuity on the global stage. In a press release issued on Saturday (today) through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu highlighted that Onakoya set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon by playing for more than 58 hours and emerged victorious in every game. The Nigerian leader commended Onakoya, the brain behind Chess in Slums Africa for his remarkable accomplishment, emphasizing the noble cause behind his remarkable display of character, which involves raising funds to support African children in learning and discovering opportunities through chess. Tinubu stressed that Onakoya has exhibited a streak typical of Nigeria’s youth population – the courage to bring about positive change, defy impossibilities, and drive innovations and solutions to the nation’s challenges, even from disadvantaged areas. The President confirmed that Nigerian youths have showcased their capabilities in various fields, such as Afrobeats, Nollywood, skit-making, education, science, and technology, proving that significant achievements can indeed originate from humble beginnings. Tinubu praised the unity displayed by Nigerians, transcending artificial divides, as evidenced by their unwavering support for this groundbreaking initiative, Naija News reports. He reassured all citizens that his administration remains fully dedicated to creating and expanding opportunities for the youth to harness and showcase their talents, ultimately becoming the epitome of greatness that our nation embodies for the future.
CBN Reduces Banks’ Loan-To-Deposit Ratio To 50%
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reduced the Loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) of banks to 50 per cent from 65 per cent. The apex bank made this known in a circular to Deposit Money Banks titled “Re: Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Real Sector of the Nigerian Economy”. The circular was signed by the Acting Director of the Banking Supervision Department, CBN, Adetona Adedeji. In a bid to increase lending to the economy especially Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, retail mortgage and consumer loans, the CBN on July 3, 2019, increased Banks’ LDR to 60 per cent from 57 per cent. The LDR was further raised to 65 per cent in January 20020. The reduction in the LDR according to analysts at Afrinvest Securities is to allow banks to comply with the Cash Reserve Ratio, CRR of 45 per cent. They said, “Today, the CBN in a circular to Deposit Money Banks titled “Re: Regulatory Measures to Improve Lending to the Real Sector of the Nigerian Economy” announced a scale down of the Loans to Deposits Rate (LDR) by 15.0ppts to 50.0% – reversing previous threshold set by the past CBN administration in January 2020. “In our view, this downward review of LDR allows banks to comply with the 45.0% CRR directive, and eases off pressure on the lenders considering the restrictive nature of other CBN directives including the Net Open Position (NOP) ceiling of 20.0% short and 0.0% long. Thus, we believe this policy would enhance the ability of banks to sweat out assets without creating unnecessary risks.”
President Tinubu Declares April 7 as National Police Day
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has declared April 7 as National Police Day. The event, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, highlighted the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the nation’s police force. President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive overhaul of the institutional mindset and ethos within the police force, stating, “My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.” Furthermore, he disclosed the government’s decision to designate the first week of April as Police Week, with April 7 marking the culmination as National Police Day. President Tinubu underscored the importance of honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, stating, “Your exemplary valor doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.” The President’s remarks also highlighted key initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the police force, including investments in training, capacity-building, and upgrading equipment and technology. He assured, “These endeavors will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement.” In his address, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience, and patriotism of police officers. He emphasized the significance of celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes and urged for the removal of any misconduct within the force, stating, “As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the Police Force as, to whom much is given, much is expected.” The declaration of National Police Day and the broader reforms initiated by President Tinubu’s administration signify a pivotal step towards modernizing and professionalizing Nigeria’s law enforcement agency, promoting accountability, and enhancing public trust in the police force.
Army Speaks On Recruiting Repented Boko Haram Members
The Nigerian Army has refuted a viral report that it recruited repented Boko Haram members. The Army made this known in a statement on Sunday by its spokesman, Onyema Nwachuckwu. On Thursday, one Hauwakulu Tabra was reported to have been killed by Adamu Muhammad, a soldier she was in a relationship with, at the army barracks in Enugu. A report on Saturday said two senior military officers alleged that the soldier was a repented Boko Haram member who joined the Civilian Joint Task Force and was later enlisted into the Nigerian Army in 2021. But according to the statement, the Army said while it is highly regrettable that the lady was killed, the incident should not be used to propagate the claim that the act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram member recruited into the Nigerian Army. It also condoled with the family of the deceased and reiterated that at no time did it enlist repentant Boko Haram members into its fold “as mischievously insinuated”. However, the Army stated that at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. The statement read: “The NA has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength. However, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically. “Such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation. “The sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday 11 April 2024 and her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday 12 April 2024. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions. “The general public should be rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks.”
National Grid Collapses
Nigeria’s electricity grid has collapsed again. The grid collapsed around 2:42 am on Monday, with generation dropping to 64.70megawatt. Only one generation company, Ibom Power, was active according to data from the Independent System Operator (ISO), a branch of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, has shown. This is the sixth collapse in 2024. As of 8am on Monday, the latest data from the ISO showed that the grid is currently generating 266.50mw of electricity from Okpai, Geregu and Ibom power. Confirming the collapse in a statement, Jos DisCo said: “The current outage being experienced within our franchise States is a result of loss of power supply from the national grid. The loss of power supply from the national grid occurred in the early hours at about 0242Hours of today, Monday, 15th April 2024, hence the loss of power supply on all our feeders.” The company’s head of Corporate Affairs, Dr Friday Adakole Elijah, expressed hope that the grid is restored for normal power supply to its esteemed customers.