1.The Rivers State Police Command has declared its commitment to enhancing security measures across the state in anticipation of today’s funeral for the late Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and son. The remains, transported in three separate cartons labeled “fragile, handle with care,” arrived at Port Harcourt International Airport yesterday.
2. Mrs. Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, disclosed on Friday that the Tinubu administration opted for fiscal incentives within the oil and gas sector. This strategic decision aims to attract foreign investments while fostering revenue growth and stabilizing the economy and the naira.
3. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) remains resolute in its demand for a living wage for workers nationwide. At the 11th Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero stressed the importance of aligning salaries and wages with the cost of living.
4. Ebonyi and Benue States witnessed tragic events on Friday as gunmen fatally shot four police officers and two women, while suspected herdsmen claimed the lives of 16 individuals and set numerous homes ablaze. The violence unfolded at a checkpoint in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and along the Nwofe-Hiltop Road, where innocent bystanders fell victim to stray bullets.
5. In Kaduna State’s Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, at least two worshippers lost their lives during Friday prayers at Anguwar Makera under Kwasakwasa Community. The incident, occurring around 2 pm, prompted shock and dismay among locals in the area.
6. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, condemned the callous acts of kidnappers in Nigeria, asserting that they deserve the harshest penalties for their inhumane deeds. In response to the recent abduction of over 200 children from primary and secondary schools in Kaduna, she urged state governments to implement capital punishment for kidnappers.
7. Abia State Police Command operatives successfully dismantled a baby factory in Aba on Thursday night, rescuing 16 pregnant inmates and eight children, comprising five males and three females.
8. Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has appointed 18 new permanent secretaries within the state civil service. Notably, among the appointees are two non-indigenes of Anambra, Mr. Joachin Acho from Abia, and Mr. Adebayo Ojeyinka from Osun.
9. Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, emphasized the federal government’s policy against project variations after the payment of mobilization fees. Speaking in Lagos, Umahi highlighted ongoing disputes with contractors over project variations and reiterated the government’s stance on minimizing such occurrences.
10. The Department of State Services (DSS) issued a cautionary advisory to Nigerians nationwide, urging vigilance and avoidance of crowded or suspicious areas to mitigate potential threats arising from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
