Governor Ademola Adeleke has revealed his administration’s intention to unveil the Osun State Transport Master Plan to enhance comprehensive connectivity for the state’s economy.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of the Osun State Computerised Vehicle Inspection Testing Center in Osogbo, as conveyed by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
Highlighting the ongoing reforms, Governor Adeleke emphasized the significance of the testing center as part of the administration’s efforts to revamp the transportation sector. Measures such as registering commercial motorcycle operators and numbering mini-buses aim to enhance safety and security.
The implementation of single ticketing via the Osun State Transport Management System is aimed at curbing revenue leakage.
More so, plans for a Transportation Master Plan underscore the government’s commitment to creating an efficient, integrated transport system encompassing land, air, and water modes.
Governor Adeleke stressed the importance of this plan in achieving connectivity within and beyond the state, positioning Osun as a transport hub in the Yoruba heartland.
He directed the Ministry of Transportation to expedite the development of the master plan, aligning with the administration’s objectives.
Commissioner for Transportation, Ephraim Ayodele, assured the public of the ministry’s collaboration with private sector partners to ensure the effective management of the testing center.
The event, attended by members of the State Executive Council, marks a significant step towards the realization of the state’s transport goals.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority.
This was disclosed in a statement by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale.
Tinubu appoints new national coordinator for national counter-terrorism centre
Engr. Woke brings a wealth of experience as both an engineer and a seasoned politician, having previously served as Chairman of Emohua local government area in Rivers State and Chief of Staff at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
President Tinubu expects Engr. Woke to execute his duties with integrity and uphold the highest standards of transparency.
He is tasked with harnessing and developing the water resource potential of the area while ensuring that the Authority serves as a catalyst for holistic and integrated industrial, agricultural, and community development.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has affirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance as a cornerstone for driving development statewide.
Aiyedatiwa reiterated this stance during a meeting with community leaders and elders from Ifedore and Akure North local government areas.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, conveyed this message in a statement released after the meeting held in Akure.
Acknowledging the support expressed by the community leaders, Governor Aiyedatiwa underscored the significance of their partnership in advancing the state’s development agenda since assuming office.
The delegation, led by Rtd Major General Joshua Adebayo Omosebi and including traditional rulers and business mogul Chief Ade Ojo, highlighted the vital roles of communities like Ifedore and Akure North.
In response, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to inclusivity in future government appointments.
Governor Aiyedatiwa also provided updates on ongoing initiatives such as the Owena Dam water project, recruitment drives for medical and education personnel, and advancements in road infrastructure.
He reiterated his proactive approach in addressing immediate community needs.
Rtd Major Gen. Omoseebi, speaking on behalf of the delegation, congratulated the governor on his primary election victory and pledged continued support for his candidacy in November.
The elders expressed satisfaction with the governor’s achievements thus far and urged him to extend developmental projects to rural areas, particularly emphasising the urgent needs of communities like Ijare, Ilara, and Igbara-Oke in Ifedore.
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) has rebutted Binance CEO Richard Teng’s allegations, asserting that Nigerian officials demanded a $150 million cryptocurrency bribe to conclude the ongoing investigation into the company’s operations.
In a statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, FG declared the claim devoid of any substance.
Furthermore, FG characterised the claim as a diversionary maneuver and an attempt at blackmail by a company eager to obscure the serious criminal charges it faces in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
FG is cognizant of Binance’s efforts to launder its tarnished reputation as an entity disregarding the rules and laws governing business conduct in sovereign states.
Binance CEO Richard Teng’s allegations of bribery against unidentified Nigerian government officials, purportedly demanding $150 million in cryptocurrency payments to resolve the ongoing criminal investigation against the company, were disseminated in an apparently coordinated public relations endeavor through a blog post published by numerous international media outlets.
The crux of the matter remains that Binance is under investigation in Nigeria for permitting its platform to be exploited for money laundering, terrorism financing, and foreign exchange manipulation via illicit trading.
Amidst this lawful investigation, an executive of Binance, under court-sanctioned protective custody, fled Nigeria, becoming a fugitive from justice. Interpol, in collaboration with Nigerian security agencies, is currently executing an international arrest warrant for the said fugitive.
The purported bribe claim is part of an orchestrated international campaign by Binance, facing criminal prosecution in multiple countries, including the United States, to undermine the Nigerian government.
Recently, Binance’s founder and former CEO, Changpeng Zhao, was sentenced to prison in the United States, admitting guilt to charges akin to those Binance is being probed for in Nigeria. Zhao also agreed to pay a $50 million fine, while Binance faces $4.3 billion in fines and forfeitures to the US Government.
The FG reiterates to Binance that it cannot exonerate itself in Nigeria through fabricated claims and smear campaigns in the media.
According to FG, the sole path to resolving its issues is by subjecting itself to unhindered investigation and judicial due process.
The Nigerian government emphasizes its commitment to acting within its laws and international norms, refusing to yield to any form of blackmail from any entity, domestic or foreign.
President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, following the passing of his brother, Salihu Ahmadu Ribadu.
According to Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, Salihu passed away on Sunday in Yola, Adamawa State.
Representing Tinubu, his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, led a federal government delegation on a condolence visit to Yola on Tuesday.
Bola Tinubu [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]
Gbajabiamila expressed President Tinubu’s sorrow over the loss, describing it as “painful and irreparable.”
“Mr. President has instructed us to visit Yola and offer condolences to a valued member of his team, the National Security Adviser, and the entire family, following their tragic loss,” stated Gbajabiamila.
He emphasised the significance of friends and family coming together to support the grieving family during such a difficult time.
Accompanied the Chief of Staff were the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman; Minister of Arts and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musawa; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar.
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced on Monday his administration’s commitment to combating unemployment through policy implementation aimed at job creation and youth empowerment in the state.
Aiyedatiwa’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated in a release that the governor made this assertion while inaugurating a two-week induction program for newly hired staff of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) in Akure.
Governor Aiyedatiwa extended congratulations to the new employees, dubbing them “The Lucky Ones,” underscoring his endorsement of their recruitment into the public service to revitalize the state’s revenue generation.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa and ithers while inaugurating a two-week induction program for newly hired staff of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) in Akure [PHOTO CREDIT: CPS Facebook’s page]
“With the induction of 165 new employees into the Public Service of Ondo State, we are taking a significant step towards building a strong and capable workforce. These individuals represent the best and brightest who will contribute fresh ideas and dedication to our mission of serving the people of Ondo State.”
Aiyedatiwa emphasised the importance of ongoing learning and professional growth in taxation, urging the new employees to seize training opportunities for skill enhancement.
“Innovation and creativity will be pivotal in our revenue generation strategy. Let us embrace new technologies and methodologies while ensuring fairness and equity in our tax policies,” he said.
Tolu Adegbie, Chairman of ODRIS, articulated the mission to reshape Ondo State’s tax landscape and boost revenue generation, encouraging the new hires to approach their duties with enthusiasm and uphold transparency and professionalism.
Adegbie highlighted Ondo State’s revenue growth, detailing plans to deploy the new staff across ODRIS offices in the state’s 18 local government areas.
Bayo Philips, the Head of Service, stressed the importance of adhering to public service regulations, emphasising integrity and ethical conduct, and underscoring the importance of delivering quality work promptly.
The Federal Government (FG) clarified that it is not engaged in discussions with any foreign country nor has it received or is considering any proposals regarding the establishment of foreign military bases in Nigeria.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]
FG addressed the purported discussions between foreign nations regarding the placement of military bases in Nigeria in a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The statement read in part: “We urge the general public to totally disregard this falsehood. The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, intending to achieve the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not underestimate any candidate from opposing political parties in the gubernatorial election set for November 16.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made this declaration on Sunday during a gathering celebrating his victory at the APC governorship primary, organised by a group called ‘Friends of Lucky,’ took place in Akure.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Ondo State, the governor thanked the party leaders for their unwavering support, as well as the organizers of the celebration.
Lucky Aiyedatiwa [PHOTO CREDIT: NRTC Library]
“I deeply appreciate all my supporters. Your dedication, initiative, and efforts in spreading the message of O’datiwa, O’dirorun across the 18 local government areas of the State have not gone unnoticed,” he stated.
“However, our journey is far from over. This victory marks only the beginning. There are more challenges to face and victories to achieve as we progress from the primary election to the main battle.”
Mrs. Bukola Tenabe, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, explained that the event aimed to honour the governor’s landslide victory at the APC primary election held on April 20, 2024, and to express gratitude to his supporters.
Chief Atili Adaba, Deputy State Chairman of the APC, congratulated the governor on his well-deserved victory, commending the organisers for their diligent efforts.
Representing the Speaker of the House, Olamide Oladiji, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, Majority Leader of the Ondo State House of Assembly, emphasised Governor Aiyedatiwa’s exceptional leadership, pledging continued support from the House for the state’s progress.
Adewale Akinlosotu, Commissioner for Information, speaking on behalf of the State Executive Council, emphasised the governor’s merit and called for unity within the APC to ensure success in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Dr. Abiola Oshodi, representing APC Canada, extended congratulations to the governor, expressing confidence in his victory on November 16.
Victor Olabimtan, Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and Chairman of SUBEB, described the governor as a beneficiary of mercy and predicted unprecedented success for the APC on November 16.
It’s another edition of NRTC WEEKLY Roundup —in this week’s edition, we are focusing on five trending stories across the country.
As usual, the stories will cut across the top five beats in our media organization, NRTC [your one-stop hub for rich and reliable content covering entertainment, sports, politics, metro, and leading stories].
As we all know, a day can’t pass without trending stories and we have tracked many of them for you this week. Why not scroll down and treat yourself?
Entertainment: Wizkid and Davido, sports: UEFA Champion League, business: Naira to Dollar—leading stories: Fuel scarcity, education: JAMB are issues to discuss on NRTC WEEKLY.
Entertainment: Wizkid and Davido
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the internet once again erupted with excitement as Afrobeats giants Wizkid and Davido reignited their long-standing feud on social media.
Davido X Wizkid
This latest clash, which ensued after Wizkid shared a video of Davido on his knees begging, has left Nigerian music fans divided, eliciting strong reactions from both sides.
Wizkid shared the controversial video of Davido, which surfaced in April, instructing his fans who were clamoring for new songs to plead with him like Davido did in the video.
Many fans have firmly entrenched themselves in their respective camps, passionately defending their favorite artist as part of ‘Wizkid FC’ and the ‘30BG’. Social media platforms are flooded with memes, tweets, and commentary, often taking sides and throwing shade at the opposing artiste.
NRTC WEEKLY learned that many Nigerians expressed disappointment at the continued feud, feeling it hinders collaboration and growth within the Afrobeats scene, currently experiencing global success.
As the feud persists, some Nigerians are urging the artists to set aside their differences and focus on making music, a sentiment, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.
A cynical perspective suggests the feud might be a publicity stunt, with some fans even suggesting it’s merely ‘all content’ to keep them engaged.
Wizkid and Davido’s feud remains a hot topic in Nigeria. While some fans revel in the rivalry, others yearn for a more collaborative spirit within Afrobeats. Only time will tell how this saga unfolds, but one thing’s for sure – Nigerians are watching.
Sports: UEFA Champions League
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the race for the Champions League title is intensifying, making it difficult to predict which team—Bayern, Real Madrid, PSG, or Dortmund—will lift the trophy.
UEFA Champions League
The German powerhouse, known for its ruthless efficiency and tactical mastery, is a seasoned champion. Despite a shaky performance after the draw against Real Madrid, Bayern should not be underestimated.
On the other hand, Real Madrid has a knack for producing magic in the Champions League, with their experience and never-say-die attitude making them a formidable opponent, especially with Benzema in top form.
PSG boasts some of the world’s most explosive attacking talent, such as Mbappe, making them a nightmare for any defense. However, their defensive frailties have been exposed, raising doubts about their ability to withstand pressure.
Meanwhile, Dortmund’s young guns are playing exciting, attacking football, as evidenced by their surprising group-stage victory over PSG. However, their ability to handle the pressure of facing more experienced teams on the big stage remains uncertain.
The question of who will emerge victorious continues to dominate internet discussions, but it remains too close to call. Each team possesses strengths and weaknesses, and the outcome ultimately depends on who performs on the day, minimizes errors, and seizes opportunities.
Business: Naira to Dollar
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the recent devaluation of the Naira has sent shockwaves through the nation’s vibrant online community.
Naira and Dollar
Many Nigerians who used the Naira for cross-border transactions and online purchases now find themselves with less purchasing power, leading to frustration, especially for those who rely on it for income generation.
NRTC WEEKLY confirmed that some users express a loss of trust in its value, while its devaluation raises questions about the platform’s stability and long-term viability, leading some to consider switching to alternative platforms.
However, some Nigerians are demanding clear communication on the reasons behind the devaluation and the platform’s plans for stabilization.
The devaluation of the Naira has cast a shadow over the digital currency landscape in Nigeria, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.
Leading stories: Fuel scarcity
Once again, Nigerians are engulfed in waves of agony as the nation grapples with a double blow: fuel scarcity and soaring prices. What began as a minor inconvenience has now escalated into a full-blown nightmare for many citizens.
NRTC WEEKLY gathered that the days of easily accessing gas stations are long gone. Motorists are now confronted with interminable, frustrating queues stretching for miles, enduring hours under the scorching sun, only to discover dry pumps at the end.
This scarcity has given rise to a flourishing black market, where fuel is available but at exorbitant prices, further burdening the finances of ordinary Nigerians.
The fuel crisis has led to a drastic surge in public transportation costs. Commuters are now faced with the distressing dilemma of either paying inflated fares or enduring lengthy journeys on unreliable alternative modes of transportation, NRTC WEEKLY confirmed.
Businesses reliant on fuel for transportation and logistics are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Deliveries are being delayed, and the prices of goods are escalating, adding more strain on consumers.
Fuel scarcity disrupts the daily lives of Nigerians, causing businesses to struggle, turning commutes into ordeals, and pushing the cost of living even higher. The hope remains for a swift resolution, but until then, Nigerians endure the agony of this unfortunate situation.
Education: JAMB
NRTC WEEKLY learned that disappointment pervades Nigeria as news of a substantial failure rate in this year’s JAMB examinations circulates. While the exact figures are disputed, reports indicate a significant number of students did not meet expectations, leading to widespread outrage and blame.
JAMB
Online, students express frustration, with some attributing the poor performance to inadequate preparation, while others cite distractions or difficulties with the computer-based testing format. Parents share these concerns, adding worries about the financial strain of exam retakes.
Educators face criticism as well. Some question the inflexibility of the curriculum, while others highlight the obstacles posed by the pandemic’s disruption to learning. The debate over who bears responsibility for this educational setback rages on.
Yet, amid the disappointment, some Nigerians advocate for a comprehensive review of the education system. Social media conversations encourage strategic preparation and explore alternative pathways to higher education.
One thing is certain: the JAMB results have sparked a national dialogue about Nigeria’s education system. Whether this leads to tangible solutions remains uncertain, but there is hope that lessons will be learned to prevent a recurrence of this year’s mass failure.
Stay tuned for the next episode of NRTC WEEKLY as we delve into the latest happenings in Nigeria.
NRTC is your one-stop hub for rich and reliable content in Nigeria and beyond – for breaking stories, politics, entertainment, sports updates, business, education, lifestyle, metro news and more…
