Enugu State Police Command, yesterday, beefed-up security on the streets of the metropolis to restore normalcy as unknown gunmen reportedly killed two persons, and also set a police vehicle ablaze in front of Colliery Hospital, at New Market while enforcing sit at home in the state. The development came less than 24 hours after a State Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The two persons were felled by bullets that ravaged the new market axis of the state, fired by some hoodlums allegedly attempting to enforce the five-day sit at home order declared by one Simeon Ekpa. Ekpa had ordered the five-day sit at home in the South East beginning from last Friday to “prepare for no election in 2023 in the region.” The hoodlums numbering about 10 stormed the area as early as 6:am, yesterday, shot sporadically and scared shoppers and traders away from the market. A viral video showed two victims lying lifeless in front of the Enugu University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu. They were identified as early morning traders said to have been hit by the bullets of the sit-at-home enforcers. The development immediately forced Enugu residents indoors for fear of further attack. However, normalcy returned to the axis and across the metropolis later in the day following the deployment of Police operatives apparently to hunt down the armed hoodlums, who shot sporadically and breached public peace in the area. Meanwhile, the state Police Commissioner, Ahmed Ammani, yesterday, ordered area commanders, divisional police officers and commanders of all the tactical/operational units of the Command to ensure the maximum deployment of intelligence and operational resources at their disposal to effectively patrol and fish out miscreants that may want to disturb public peace, security and businesses. In a statement issued through the command’ spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, the CP reassured that the Command, collaborating with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens, will never rest on its oars in ensuring that the lives and property of the citizenry are protected. The Commissioner further urged residents to continue to support and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies, in their unwavering quest to quell the activities of the of criminal elements.

  Sunday 11 December 2022 Sack randy lecturers, Buhari tells varsities Imo govt trains youths on digital economy Man declared missing after attending programme at Redemption Camp Morocco Become First African Side To Reach World Cup Semi-Final Atiku Woos Abuja Indigenes, Promises Entitlements, Security Bandit Attack Foiled In Zamfara, Nine Arrested BVAS’ Success Will Secure Buhari’s Legacy As A Democrat – Dogara It’s disgraceful that south-west has highest number of uncollected PVCs, says Osoba Ibom Air: FCCPC speaks on 6-hour flight delay, says airlines must be sensitive to passengers Insecurity: Armed forces more combat-ready than ever before, says defence minister Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…

  Bashir Magashi, minister of defence, says the armed forces are more equipped “than ever before” to tackle security challenges in the country. He said this on Saturday in Kano during the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria Day, at the ongoing 43rd Kano international trade fair. Speaking on the achievements of the current administration, he said President Muhammadu Buhari remains committed to supporting security agencies to succeed. “The armed forces of Nigeria are today, more than ever before, combat-ready, more equipped, focused, committed, well-trained and motivated to tackle any adverse situation with great measure of success,” NAN quoted him as saying. He also said the president has supported the defence ministry to re- equip, re-kit, re-focus, re-energise, and motivate every sector of the armed forces to ensure improved security. According to him, the ministry has provided high level training for personnel based on partnership agreements with several countries, including UK, Germany, Greece, Russia, Pakistan, Turkey and Belarus. He also spoke on collaborations among security agencies. “There is now an improved inter-service operational synergy and collaboration in joint operational environment with other security agencies, which has denied adversaries of cohesive and coordinated attacks and freedom of action,” he said. “Several positive strides have also been achieved at the ministry of defence this time around in the areas of defence production. “The Defence Industries Corporation has today attained new, enviable levels of production capabilities by producing first indigenous combat vehicles and has established military and paramilitary clothing and accessories factory in partnership with other friendly countries. “Today, members of our armed services are reasonably motivated. The result is there for all to see with terror merchants now being thoroughly dealt with as the President Buhari administration is resolved in restoring total peace and security to Nigeria.”

  Two weeks to Christmas, prices of commodities in the market, especially foodstuffs like rice, beans, yam and soup ingredients such as onions and tomatoes recording over 100 per cent price increase in some instances between October and now. Latest data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics titled, ‘Selected Food Price Watch for October 2022’ showed that the average price of one kilogram onion bulb on a year-on-year basis rose by 32.56 per cent from the value recorded in October 2021 (N306.07) to N405.72. The NBS data also showed that on a month-on-month basis, it increased to N405.72 in October from N397.18 in September, indicating a 2.15 per cent rise. The report stated that the average price of 1kg rice (local sold loose) increased on a year-on-year basis by 17.45 per cent from N415.03 in October 2021 to N487.47 in the corresponding period of the current year. It stated, “Selected food price watch for October 2022 shows that the average price of 1kg onion bulb on a year-on-year basis rose by 32.56 per cent from the value recorded in October 2021 (N306.07) to N405.72 in October 2022. On a month-on-month basis, it increased to N405.72 in October 2022 from N397.18 in September 2022, indicating a 2.15 per cent increase. The average price of 1kg rice (local sold loose) increased on a year-on-year basis by 17.45 per cent from N415.03 in October 2021 to N487.47 in October 2022. On a month-on-month basis, the average price of this item increased by 3.40 per cent in October 2022. “The average price of 1kg of tomato rose on a year-on-year basis by 30.79 per cent from N347.47 in October 2021 to N454.46 in October 2022. Also, on a month-on-month basis, it increases to 2.10 per cent from N445.12 in September 2022. Similarly, the average price of 1kg bean (sold loose) rose by 17.95 per cent on a year-on-year basis from N478.76 in October 2021 to N564.69 in October 2022.” According to the NBS report, there is a 33.22 per cent increase in the price of a bottle of palm oil within the period under review. “In addition, the average price of palm oil (one bottle) increased by 33.22 per cent from N727.21 in October 2021 to N968.76 in October 2022. It also grew by 4.47 per cent on a month-on-month basis. In the same vein, the average price of vegetable oil (one bottle) stood at N1,106.08 in October 2022, showing an increase of 33.99 per cent from N825.46 in October 2021. On a month-on-month basis, it rose by 2.81 per cent from N1,075.89 in September 2022,” it added. Market price surveys A rice seller at Ikotun, who simply gave his name as Christian, blamed high exchange rates and escalating transport fares as reasons why the prices might further rise though he admitted that the prices had remained somehow stagnant. “You know, whenever you hear that the cost of rice has gone up, it is mostly caused by high transport fares. You know that those who bring in rice from foreign countries spend so much to bribe officers of the Nigeria Customs Service and this will reflect on the price of the commodity in the market. But we are lucky this time as the cost is still within reach. A bag of small grain rice goes for N34,000 while long grain goes for N39,000. We are hopeful that it will come down below what it is now,” he said. When one of our correspondents visited the Ibafo Market in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Saturday, traders in groceries lamented the rising prices of goods in the country, adding that these had adversely affected sales. A foodstuffs seller, Mrs Grace Okesokun, said, “Food is more expensive this year than last year; it is so expensive that we cannot buy it in the market. The people that would normally buy a plastic bowl of rice struggle to purchase a tin of rice now. When I engage people to know whether they will be able to share food in the spirit of the yuletide, their response is usually negative. “A bag of rice last year was in the range of N20,000 to N24,000, but this year the price is from N30,000 and above. We buy the big bags at N33,000 or N34,000. The situation has caused sales to become slow. “We plead with the government to do something about the escalating prices of foodstuffs. The prices of garri and yam flour have gone up astronomically. The plastic bowl of cassava flour is now N800; it was N400 last year, while yam flour is now N1,500 instead of N800 the previous year. “Families are struggling, to the extent that they cannot afford to buy what they naturally consume in their homes. They have reverted to buying small portions in the hope that they will be able to manage it.” Similarly, a retailer of frozen fish, Abidemi Adesegun, lamented that the price of fish in the market was not favourable to both the seller and buyer. According to her, the small sardine (popularly called Titus) variety now sells for N1,000 per piece, while the price of a pack of is three times that of last year. She also noted that the mackerel variety now costs N30,000 per carton, with the same quantity selling for N7,000 last year. Another frozen food seller, Iyabo Jinadu, said a pack of sardines, which sold for N25,000 in 2021, was now selling for N55,000, while a pack of turkey was now selling for N22,000, up from N12,000 this time in 2021 and N17,500 last month. Jinadu stated, “Last year was way better than this year. Rice, yam, pepper and all other food items are expensive. Does the government want us to start eating fellow humans? We plead with the government to intervene in the economy. “A lot of people have run away from the market because of the debts they have incurred. People used to praise me that

  President Muhammadu Buhari will on Sunday, December 11, depart for Washington, USA to join other African leaders at the United States-Africa Leaders Summit. The High Level Meeting which holds December 13-15 is at the instance of the United States President, Joe Biden, who looks forward to “working with African governments, civil society, diaspora communities across the United States, and the private sector to continue strengthening our shared vision for the future of US-Africa relations.” According to the statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba, the event is expected to demonstrate the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa, and underscore the importance of US-Africa relations and increased cooperation on shared global priorities. The Summit further seeks more pragmatic ways to: foster new economic engagement; advance peace, security, and good governance; reinforce commitment to democracy, human rights, and civil society; work collaboratively to strengthen regional and global health security; promote food security; respond to the climate crisis; amplify diaspora ties; and promote education and youth leadership. “On the first day, President Buhari will speak on the topic: Conservation, Climate Adaptation and a Just Energy Transition, dwelling directly on the ”Just Energy Transition” component. He will also address some of the other sub-themes of the Summit as well as participate in the US-Africa Business Forum (USABF) hosted by the US Department of Commerce which focuses on increased trade and investment between the United States and African nations. “On the sidelines of the Summit, the Corporate Council of Africa will host the Nigerian delegation to a US-Nigeria Business and Investment Forum Business Roundtable during which Nigerian organisations and businesses are expected to sign agreements with their American counterparts,” it stated. President Buhari, who will be accompanied on the trip by Governors Bala Mohammed and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Bauchi and Kwara States respectively, some Ministers and other top government officials, is expected back in the country on Sunday, December 18.

  The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has flagged-off the ‘Skill-up Imo Project’ organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government targeted at training more than 100,000 youths of the state in digital skills on entry and advance levels. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony which held in Owerri, the state capital, Uzodimma urged the youths to embrace the programme for their gains. Uzodimma said that the world economy is changing very fast and 95 per cent of the world economy is now digital and “the only market available today for any business to thrive is digital market.” He said that his interest as governor of Imo State and in the future development of the state rests in the youths, asserting that his belief is dependent on the fact that “when you develop and prepare the youths you have developed the state and if you jettison the youths then you have jettisoned the state.” There is “no government infrastructure that is as important as development of the youths.” He reiterated that the major ideas that rule the world today are digital economy, climate change and carbon-credit, hence the “need to re-align ourselves so that we can get to the global destination.” Governor Uzodimma told the youths to understand that the digital programme they are getting into is a road to the digital world and a form of finishing school notwithstanding ones profession. He then advised them to choose among the several programmes and master them as an opportunity to key into the digital world economy. Governor Uzodimma promised the participants that once they graduate they will have equipment from the state government to start practicing. “This is because our government is already working with international companies such as Apple, Zinox Computers and others to partner the state government in getting the graduate youths engaged on the acquired skills.” He assured them that there are ready made jobs out there that would promptly engage some of them who learnt technical skills such as repair of telephones, iPads and others on graduation. The governor further noted that “the primary objectives of the programme include; reduction in crime, criminality and idleness and making the youths to be more focused.” He emphasised and also warned that the skill-up programme is not about politics. He said, “It is for the development of the youths, the development of their lives, the lives of their families and that of the state in general. When the state achieves this laudable programme, Imo will be peaceful and the youths of Imo State will come up to be role models in Nigeria and Africa in general.” In his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Chimezie Amadi, explained that ‘Skill-up Imo Project’ is a programne conceived by Governor Uzodimma which is specially designed to provide free training and support to 100,000 Imolites, particularly the youths, in new, innovative, and economically viable skills needed for them to be productively employed or self-employed. He noted that the first set of 5,000 learners would be engaged for training for 12 weeks in various areas of application which include – Web Development, Business Innovation, Mobile App Development, Cybersecurity and Forensics, Networking and Hardware, and Engineering. Others include; Robotics and Mechatronics, 3D Technology, Drone Technology, Social Media and Digital Marketing and Animation and Multimedia among others. He therefore thanked the governor for thinking it wise to establish the ministry as the first of its kind in any state of the federation with the objective of reducing crime and criminality, improving economy and connecting Imo State to the outside world.

  A late evening fire has destroyed some shops at the Ogbo Osisi Timber Market Bridgehead, Onitsha in Anambra State. The cause of the fire can’t be ascertained as at press time but it was learnt that it started late in the evening on Saturday. Confirming the incident in a statement, the Anambra State fire chief, Martin Agbili, said the men of the state fire service have been deployed in the fire scene. “I have deployed our firefighters to the fire scene. They are there fighting the fire,” Agbili said.

  The Women Leader of the Edo State Chapter of Peter Obi National Support Group, Helen Taiwo Augustine, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen. She was kidnapped on Wednesday, 7th of December, 2022. Comrade Augustine was kidnapped at Ibillo in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.   As a grassroot mobilizer, it is believed her kidnap can’t be unconnected to her influence for the party. She has been credited with being the brain behind the party’s followership in the Edo North Senatorial District. This is coming few weeks after the party’s Women Leader in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Victoria Chintex, was murdered. Chintex was killed on Monday, 28th of November, 2022 while her husband sustained gunshot wounds in the attack on her home. Political violence has been recorded in the build up to the 2023 general elections, necessitating the Independent National Electoral Commission (@inecnigeria) to call stakeholders of political party to sign a peace agreement in the hope that they will bring their supporters to order. This hasn’t been the case as politicians have been seen threatening their supporters. Days ago, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives and member of the APC, Alhassan Ado Doguwa was caught on camera threatening to beat up voters who didn’t vote for the APC.