Good Evening. Here is today’s News Brief from The Matrix:
1. Bauchi Flooding: SEMA Reports N7.81 Billion Damage To Farmlands, Properties
The Bauchi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has reported that flooding has caused over N7.81 billion in damage to farmlands and properties across 16 local government areas in the state.
On Monday, Mr. Adamu Nayola, the Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at SEMA, attributed the widespread destruction to intense rainfall in the northern regions of the state over the past two months.
2. NSCDC Arrests Man With N200,000 Worth of Marijuana in Ebonyi
Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ebonyi State has arrested a man identified as Monday Awo with a substantial quantity of Cannabis sativa, commonly known as Marijuana.
The arrest was made on September 3rd by the command’s Rapid Response Squad in the Nkaliki area of Abakaliki.
According to the State Commandant, Dr. Elijah Willie, the seized marijuana is estimated to be worth N200,000.
Awo, a resident of Ezza North Local Government Area, is currently in NSCDC custody pending further investigation.
3. NSCDC Arrests 13 For Vandalizing Critical Infrastructure In FCT
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command has arrested 13 individuals suspected of vandalizing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI) in Abuja.
The FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday, September 9th.
According to Odumosu, the suspects were apprehended following investigations into the vandalism of street lights, billboards, armored electrical cables, and other infrastructure.
The recovered items, valued at N5 million, were seized from the suspects, who range in age from 22 to 50. The NSCDC is currently investigating the suspects’ alleged selling points and working to apprehend potential buyers.
Odumosu noted that many of the vandalism incidents occurred during heavy rainstorms, suggesting a possible connection between the weather and the criminal activities.
4.Tinubu Mourns With Niger Over Sunday’s Devastating Fuel Tanker Blast
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences to the government and people of Niger following the tragic petrol tanker explosion on Sunday, which resulted in the deaths of 48 individuals and numerous livestock.
According to reports from the Niger Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the explosion also involved a truck carrying cattle and passengers, leading to multiple injuries.
In a statement, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, conveyed that President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives and those injured.
The President also offered his condolences to the shop owners affected by the disaster and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
5. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin Grants Overseas Scholarships To 70 Underprivileged Kano Students
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, has awarded overseas scholarships to 70 underprivileged students from Kano State.
The recipients, including 65 males and 5 females, will pursue postgraduate degrees in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Forensic Sciences, Robotics, and Cyber Security in the United States, Europe, Canada, and India.
Barau Jibrin (APC – Kano North) announced the scholarships during a ceremony where he presented Letters of Admission to the students in Kano on Monday.
He highlighted that the scholarship program, managed by the Barau Jibrin Foundation (BIJF), aims to empower youth, secure their futures, and support societal development.
6. NLC Calls For Unconditional Release Of Joe Ajaero
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of its President, Mr. Joe Ajaero.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ajaero was reportedly detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport as he was preparing to travel to the UK for a Trade Union Congress (TUC) meeting.
Mr. Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, issued a statement on Monday in Abuja, revealing that Ajaero was apprehended by Nigerian security agents while en route to the UK on an invitation from the TUC of Britain.
Upah noted that Ajaero was scheduled to attend and speak at the TUC’s global workers’ gathering on behalf of Nigerian workers.
7.Nigerian Army Chief, Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, Boosts Education, Water Supply In Rural Angbasa Village
Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has made significant contributions to education and water supply in Angbasa village, a rural community in Niger.
Lagbaja funded and oversaw the construction of a three-classroom block and a borehole for the Angbasa community in Lavun Local Government Area.
At the inauguration of these projects on Monday, the COAS explained that they were part of the Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation Projects.
The initiative also included the renovation of an existing three-classroom block and the provision of new furniture for the primary school’s students.
