Good Evening. Here is today’s News Brief from The Matrix:
1.Ondo Assembly Begins Audit Of Local Government Finances
The Ondo State House of Assembly has commenced a comprehensive audit of the financial dealings of all 18 local government areas in the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the exercise on Monday, Speaker Olamide Oladiji emphasized that the oversight of local government finances is a fundamental duty of the legislative arm.
He underscored the Assembly’s role as the voice of the people, necessitating robust checks and balances to ensure accountability at the grassroots level.
2.President Tinubu Urges ECOWAS To Take Action Against Corruption
In a call to action, President Bola Tinubu on Monday encouraged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ratify and fully implement the ECOWAS Protocol Against Corruption.
The President’s message was conveyed by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the 6th Annual General Assembly of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja.
The gathering brought together regional leaders and anti-corruption experts to discuss strategies for combating corruption and promoting good governance in West Africa. President Tinubu’s appeal emphasizes the need for collective action and commitment to eradicating corruption in the region.”
3. Minna Residents Cry Out Over Soaring Food Prices
Residents of Minna, the capital of Niger State, are expressing deep concern over the skyrocketing prices of foodstuffs and essential commodities in local markets.
They lament that the situation is making life increasingly difficult for families, as the cost of basic necessities continues to rise.
Comparing prices to last year, residents noted that the cost of foodstuffs in 2023 was significantly lower than current prices.
They are now calling on the government to intervene and take measures to stabilize the economy, bringing relief to struggling families and individuals.”
4. Humanitarian Workers Under Siege In Africa
The Federal Government has raised alarm over the escalating attacks on humanitarian workers, particularly in Africa.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner for the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), described the situation as increasingly perilous for these frontline heroes.
He made this disclosure during a press briefing in Abuja to commemorate World Humanitarian Day 2024.
5. Two Men Arraigned For Possession Of Human Head
Two men were arraigned in an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday for allegedly possessing a human head and tampering with a corpse.
Mustapha Bello, 32, a carpenter, and Oladele Damilare, 25, a barber, were brought before the court on charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and interfering with the dead.
6. Doctor Warns Against Consuming Sliced Fruits
A medical practitioner, Dr. Ben Ahunonu, has cautioned Nigerians about the risks associated with consuming sliced fruits.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, Ahunonu emphasized the unhygienic nature of purchasing and consuming pre-cut fruits, stating that it could potentially cause more harm than benefit to one’s health.
7. Doctors Warn Against Bushmeat Consumption Amidst Mpox Fears
The Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH) has issued a strong warning against consuming undercooked bushmeat to prevent the deadly mpox virus.
Dr. Yusuf Muhammed, President of ARD-UITH, emphasized the importance of avoiding contact with dead animals in addition to abstaining from undercooked bushmeat. He made these remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Monday.
8. Bayelsa Gets N10.8bn Share Of Federal Grant
The Bayelsa State Government has confirmed receiving N10.8 billion as its share of the N570 billion grant disbursed to states by the Federal Government.
President Bola Tinubu announced the release of the funds during a national broadcast in response to nationwide protests over hunger. The funds are intended to support livelihood initiatives across the country.
9.Lagos Declares Tuesday Work-Free For Isese Day
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Tuesday a public holiday to mark this year’s Isese Day celebrations.
The announcement was made public on Monday by the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro.
10. NNPC Declares Record N3.3 Trillion Profit
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a historic profit of N3.3 trillion for the 2023 financial year.
This represents the highest profit in the company’s history, according to Chief Financial Officer Alhaji Umar Ajiya.
Ajiya made the disclosure during a press briefing on Monday, highlighting the company’s significant financial performance. In addition to the record profit, NNPC declared a dividend of N2.101 trillion for the same period.
11. Oyo APC Chairman, Isaac Omodewu, Passes Away After Prolonged Illness
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has announced the passing of its Chairman, Isaac Omodewu, who died on Sunday evening in the United States after a long battle with illness.
He was 61 years old at the time of his death.
12. Blinken Calls For Cease Fire
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that this could be the “last opportunity” to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by militants.
Blinken spoke at a morning meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog before later holding talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
