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Bianca ojukwu renews call for nnamdi kanu’s release

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Former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, has once again called for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is currently in detention under the custody of the Department of State Security (DSS).

Bianca, widow of the late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the renewed plea for the release of Nnamdi Kanu during the annual convention of the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) in the United States. AVID is an organization comprised of American citizens of Igbo descent, either currently serving or who have previously served in various branches of the U.S. military.

In her remarks, Bianca highlighted the severe insecurity plaguing the Southeast, stating that the region faces an “existential threat” as escalating violence and kidnappings continue to wreak havoc on communities.

“The incessant killings and kidnappings, as well as the annexation and takeover of community farmlands by armed herdsmen and other dangerous invaders, have devastated our people’s agro and economic prospects,” Bianca said. “These threats have paralyzed social activities in most Igbo communities.”

She lamented that many residents are abandoning their villages out of fear, leading to a significant depopulation of once-thriving communities, with some areas now resembling ghost towns.

Bianca Ojukwu also called on Southeast governors, who serve as the chief security officers in their respective states, to take more decisive action both individually and collectively in tackling the escalating crisis.

However, she emphasized that the release of Nnamdi Kanu would be a crucial step towards restoring peace in the region. “Once Nnamdi Kanu is set free, the security situation in the South East would greatly improve,” she asserted.

Her remarks come amid ongoing calls from various groups and individuals for the federal government to release the IPOB leader in a bid to ease the tension in the Southeast and foster stability in the region.

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Breaking: Tinubu approves recruitment of 50 doctors, 100 nurses for inmates

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has approved the employment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to cater for the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country.

In a statement signed Thursday in Qbuja, Special Assistant to the the minister on media, Alao Babatunde, said the president also gave approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post medical doctors to correctional centres for the service year, in realization of the need to protect the rights of the weakest in society.

The minister, according to the statement also announced the approval of the extension of service beyond retirement age for existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to cover for shortfalls in the short term.

“Before his appointment as Minister, a state like Rivers State lacked an adequate number of medical personnel to cater to inmates, hence the need for the employment intervention.

“The Minister notes that the recruitment exercise would alleviate unemployment, as it will become a continuous exercise.

“The Minister also announced the completion of the renovation of the Kuje Correctional Centre, noting that the facility has experienced a facelift from what it used to be into a befitting edifice.

“It is entirely new; from the cells to the water supply, to the hospital, amongst others, as we are making sure Mr. President’s magnanimity is felt across all areas. For the President, it is about building a system that will stand the test of time, as he is not just providing short-term solutions to long-term problems. He is not providing long-term solutions to short-term problems, but providing short-term solutions to short-term problems and long-term solutions to long-term problems, which is encouraging,” the statement said

Babatunde added that also announced the presidential approval for the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy, reinstating the need to establish a degree-awarding institution where young citizens will be trained in paramilitary engagement.

“We need a degree-awarding institution, like the Nigerian Defence Academy, that will train young persons after securing admissions through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

“When they come out, they come out as officers, properly trained to contribute their quota to national security,” he said.

On visa issuance, the Minister noted that the process is taking a new dimension, adding that all Nigerian visas will now be applied for online and processed (approved or rejected) within 48 to 72 hours.

On the security of lives and property, the Minister reiterated government efforts in sanitising the Private Guard sector.

“We are ensuring that the sector is structurally built in such a way that it can add value to the security architecture of the country. We are in the process of deploying what we call the Guard Management System for the automation of processes along that line.”

The statement acknowledged the support of the President in achieving the mandates of all agencies under the ministry.

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Breaking: Reps approve Tinubu’s N54.990 trn 2025 budget

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House of Representatives has passed the 2025 budget.

The budget which is N54.990 trillion was approved on Thursday.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on December 18, 2024, presented the budget estimates before a joint session of the National Assembly, requesting the approval for an estimated initial aggregate expenditure of N49.74 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.

However, the President again requested the parliament to increase the aggregate figure from N49.7 trillion to N54.2 trillion, citing additional revenues generated by key government agencies.

The Appropriation Bill enjoyed a unanimous adoption by the House of Representatives on Thursday.

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Nuhu Ribadu faults Canadian Embassy over visa ban on Chief of Defense, others

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Canadian Embassy in Nigeria has denied the country’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, and some other senior military officers visas for an official engagement.

Speaking, Thursday at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, expressed his displeasure, stating that Canada “can go to hell.”

The CDS had earlier shared his frustration over the incident, revealing that he and his team were invited to an event honoring war veterans in Canada but were denied visas.

He said, “Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada. There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there,” Musa said.

“We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing. This is a clear reminder that we must stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted.”

Reacting to the situation, Ribadu did not hold back his criticism, calling the visa denial an act of disrespect.

“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu declared.

“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful and strong. I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work.”

He also commended the CDS for his leadership in combating insecurity, emphasizing that all security agencies are now working together across various regions of the country.

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