Grandview

Author: Moshood Keye

  • Kenneth Gbagi, former minister, passes away at the age of 62.

    Kenneth Gbagi, former minister, passes away at the age of 62.

    Kenneth Gbagi, the Social Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate for Delta State in the March 2023 elections and former Minister of Education, has passed away. His demise was confirmed on Saturday through a statement released by his family, as conveyed by his eldest son, Emuoboh Gbagi.

    The statement expresses deep sadness but also gratitude to God, announcing the passing of their beloved father, grandfather, husband, and brother, Olorogun Kenneth Omemavwa Gbagi. He departed this life on May 4, 2024, at the age of 62.

    The family finds solace in cherishing the memories of his life, his accomplishments, and the positive influence he had on countless individuals and communities.

  • FCTA initiates upgrade of streetlights along airport road.

    FCTA initiates upgrade of streetlights along airport road.

    The Federal Capital Territory Authority has commenced the upgrade of lighting along Abuja’s Airport Road with intelligent Smart Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights. This upgrade aims to realize the vision of a more developed FCT that complements ongoing infrastructural projects.

    According to Felix Obuah, the Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, plans are underway to transition major roads and streets in Abuja to smart LED lighting. The project has been awarded, with implementation set to proceed gradually.

    “We are prepared to illuminate Abuja,” Obuah stated.

    Regarding concerns about contractors failing to meet standards, Ronke Ozoh, Executive Director of Tejaff Multi-Concept Limited, representing Concrete Thinking Limited, reassured the public. The upgrade has begun, with thousands of Smart LED units set to be installed from Airport Road to the Central Area of the FCT, enhancing the city’s appearance.

    Ozoh emphasized the benefits of LED lighting, including reduced operational costs and remote management capabilities. She highlighted its role in building a Smart City, where accurate energy consumption monitoring is possible.

    An Abuja resident, Lennox Adigwe, expressed support for the initiative and urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to expand it across the capital. He emphasized the benefits beyond aesthetics, including job creation and improved safety for residents.

  • APC and LP support a bill aimed at preventing politicians guilty of tax evasion from running in elections.

    APC and LP support a bill aimed at preventing politicians guilty of tax evasion from running in elections.

    The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Labour Party have voiced their support for a proposed bill aimed at disqualifying politicians guilty of tax evasion from contesting elective offices in Nigeria.

    This backing follows the announcement made on Friday by Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, revealing that the executive bill is set to be presented in the National Assembly. Oyedele further disclosed plans to amend existing tax laws to ensure political class compliance and prevent default.

    Addressing attendees at the 2024 strategic retreat for Joint Tax Board staff, Oyedele emphasized the Federal Government’s intention to establish a national tax amnesty program.

    Emphasizing the gravity of tax evasion, economist Duru underscored that tax payment is a fundamental civic duty. He stressed that tax compliance enables citizens to demand government accountability and utilization of funds for societal improvement.

    Duru and Yunusa Tanko, Chief Spokesman of the Labour Party Campaign Organisation, echoed concerns about the bill’s enforcement. Tanko highlighted the necessity for strict enforcement of existing laws barring convicted individuals from contesting elections to ensure the selection of candidates with integrity.

    Both parties emphasized the importance of effective enforcement mechanisms to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and promote accountability among political aspirants.

  • Tinubu unveils two policies aimed at resetting Nigeria’s economic growth.

    Tinubu unveils two policies aimed at resetting Nigeria’s economic growth.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has highlighted the significance of two policies, namely, the removal of fuel subsidy and the liberation of foreign exchange, in propelling Nigeria towards economic growth.

    Speaking during a high-level panel session at the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tinubu emphasized the necessity of taking tough yet crucial decisions to steer Nigeria’s economy in the right direction.

    He emphasized that the removal of fuel subsidy, despite its challenges, was essential to prevent Nigeria from economic distress and to pave the way for sustainable growth. Tinubu acknowledged the anticipated difficulties but stressed the importance of leadership in making tough decisions for the greater good of the country.

    Regarding the subsidy removal, Tinubu highlighted the government’s efforts to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. He underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline in navigating through economic challenges and fostering growth.

    Tinubu also addressed the management of the nation’s currency, emphasizing the need to eliminate corruption and promote transparency in the foreign exchange market. He explained that these measures aimed to stabilize the local currency and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage.

    Despite facing turbulence in the process, Tinubu expressed confidence in the government’s ability to manage the situation through inclusive governance and effective communication with the public.

    It’s worth noting that Tinubu’s administration implemented these policies in June last year, leading to significant economic changes, including soaring inflation and currency fluctuations.

  • The NCC advocates infrastructure sharing to lower telecommunications expenses in Nigeria.

    The NCC advocates infrastructure sharing to lower telecommunications expenses in Nigeria.

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged stakeholders in the telecommunications sector to adopt infrastructure sharing to cut costs and enhance service provision.

    Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, made this call at the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition held in Lagos. Maida highlighted the importance of partnerships among government, industry, and academia to foster innovation and progress.

    Acknowledging the capital-intensive nature of developing telecom infrastructure, Maida recommended exploring public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

    Addressing the challenges faced by the industry, Maida stressed the importance of leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize network operations and enhance customer service through automation and advanced analytics.

    He also emphasized the significance of smart infrastructure development to support various smart city applications, from traffic management to public safety solutions.

    Discussing emerging technology trends, Maida mentioned Nigeria’s active participation in global advancements, including the rollout of 5G. He highlighted the potential of 5G in enabling faster speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity, facilitating innovations like the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and advanced augmented reality.

    Looking ahead to 6G, Maida anticipated further enhancements in network capabilities and the integration of AI for improved network management and service delivery. He underscored the transformative potential of the 6G revolution across industries, leading to increased efficiencies and improved quality of life.

  • My journey won’t be complete without working with 2Baba – Kizz Daniel

    My journey won’t be complete without working with 2Baba – Kizz Daniel

    Renowned singer Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, widely known as Kizz Daniel, has expressed admiration for the legendary 2Baba and credited him for his significant influence on his musical journey. Kizz Daniel emphasized that his achievements would not be complete without collaborating with the iconic ‘African Queen’ singer.

    Referring to 2Baba as his mentor, Kizz Daniel expressed a strong desire to work together with the legend. Taking to his social media handle, he wrote: “The Journey wouldn’t be complete without a 2baba Collabo @official2baba. Baba, let’s hit the studio together… Mentor.”

    Kizz Daniel recently dropped his latest EP titled ‘TZA (Thankz Alot)’ on March 11, 2024. The 5-track EP includes fresh tunes like ‘Sooner’, ‘Showa’, ‘Jejeli’, along with earlier hits ‘Too Busy To Be Bae’ and ‘Twe Twe’. This release continues Kizz Daniel’s streak of hit productions, following the success of the ‘Twe Twe’ remix featuring Davido, who has expressed interest in releasing a collaborative EP with Kizz Daniel.

    ‘TZA’ EP marks Kizz Daniel’s second EP following ‘Barnabas’, released in 2021. With this latest project, Kizz Daniel solidifies his position as one of Afrobeats’ most prolific and successful artists, boasting an impressive six projects in just eight years.

  • Ogun gas explosion: Gov Abiodun sympathises with victims

    Ogun gas explosion: Gov Abiodun sympathises with victims

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed condolences to the victims of a gas explosion that occurred on Saturday evening in the Ita-Osin area of Abeokuta. The incident, which occurred at 4:30 pm, was attributed to brake failure of a gas truck traveling from Lagos to Abeokuta. Tragically, a motor boy lost his life in the incident, while the driver fled the scene immediately afterward.

    The explosion damaged four vehicles parked on the roadside and resulted in the destruction of some shops and buildings. Prompt response from both the State and Federal Fire Departments helped contain the inferno.

    In a statement issued on Saturday night, Governor Abiodun lamented the loss of life and property, expressing deep sadness over the incident. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and offered prayers for them during this trying period. Additionally, he sympathized with those whose businesses suffered damage.

    The governor commended the swift intervention of relevant government agencies and first responders, which helped bring the situation under control. He assured the public that efforts were underway to address the situation effectively.

    Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of determining the cause of the explosion and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • NDLEA intercepts cakes laced with drugs

    NDLEA intercepts cakes laced with drugs

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended Jennifer Iliya, a 28-year-old woman, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for manufacturing and distributing cakes infused with illegal drugs, particularly cannabis sativa. Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, revealed this in a statement on Sunday. Babafemi stated that during her arrest on Wednesday, a significant quantity of drugged cakes weighing 1.5kg were seized from her possession. Additionally, a 20-year-old hairstylist, Josephine Odunu, and a 30-year-old dispatch rider, Edesemi Ikporo, were also arrested in Yenagoa on Sunday, March 10, for a similar offense.

    Furthermore, at the Lagos airport, NDLEA officers intercepted a suspect who allegedly concealed drugs in women’s clothing. Yahaya Danjuma Oturah was apprehended at the Gate C departure hall on Friday, April 26, while attempting to smuggle 4,000 pills of tramadol 225mg to Malpensa, Italy, via an Ethiopian Airline flight. The drugs were found hidden in women’s garments and granulated melon packed in the suspect’s backpack, along with another bag containing food items. Oturah confessed to being paid €700 as a courier upon successfully delivering the consignment in Italy.

    In another development, two suspects, Joseph Dadik, 47, and Bensha Yari, 32, were arrested with 24,180 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 135.5 kilograms at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna. Additionally, Adamu Umar, 18, was apprehended with 20.700kg of cannabis during a raid on his house in Shuware area of Mubi, Adamawa state. NDLEA operatives also seized 310.7kg of cannabis during raids in parts of Mushin, Lagos state. Furthermore, Stanley Chukwudi, 43, was arrested with 5,900 ampoules of pentazocine injection in the Sabon Gari area of Kano State. Lastly, a couple, Fredrick Odion, 53, and Gladys Odion, 52, were caught with 50kg of cannabis in Esan West LGA of Edo State.

    Earlier in April, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with the Department of State Security, detained Chidinma Chinenye-Agbazue, a 35-year-old woman, after she was caught attempting to export 20 parcels of cannabis sativa weighing 10.70 kilograms concealed in African salad and dried vegetables to Doha, Qatar, through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State.