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Tag: Abuja

  • Just in : Gunmen invade Abuja again, kidnap many residents

    Just in : Gunmen invade Abuja again, kidnap many residents

    Residents of Dawaki, near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were thrown into confusion after a mass kidnapping incident at the weekend.

    According to sources, around 20 people were abducted in the attack, which took place on Frank Opara Street.

    Tunde Abdulrahim, Chairman of the Dawaki Rock Heaven Community, reported that the heavily armed assailants, numbering about 50 and comprising both men and women, invaded the community around 7:30 pm on Sunday.

    The bandits broke into six houses, taking residents hostage before security forces could respond to distress calls.

    The FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that Commissioner of Police CP Benneth Igweh led a team of officers to the scene, engaging the kidnappers in a gun battle.

    The police, along with local hunters, ambushed the assailants at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. The attackers, overwhelmed by the firepower, fled with various injuries, leading to the rescue of the kidnapped victims. One rescued victim remains hospitalized.

    “Remarkable bravery and coordination by the police and local hunters forced the assailants to flee, resulting in the rescue of all victims. Search operations continue to locate other hostages who fled during the shootout,” said Adeh.

    This incident follows a similar kidnapping earlier on Sunday in Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei, where bandits abducted five people, including the family members of a senior customs officer.

    Vigilante sources reported that the attackers spent over two hours in the area before moving to the neighboring Dakwa community. An attempt to kidnap more residents in Dakwa was thwarted by a fierce gunfight with security personnel, forcing the bandits to retreat.

    Dr. Alhassan Musa Babachukuri, Chief of Dakwa, expressed concern over the growing boldness of the bandits, who have reportedly established a base behind Zuma Rock in Chachi community, Niger State. He urged the government to take decisive action against the bandits to prevent further escalation of their activities.

  • Heat wave: Abuja women abandon wigs for low cut hair

    Heat wave: Abuja women abandon wigs for low cut hair

    By Folasade Akpan,

    As the weather condition gets harsher with the temperature going as high as 40 degrees Celsius sometimes, many women in Abuja have abandoned their wigs and opt for low cut hair.

    For some of them, wigs remain fashion items that should be seasonal and so they can do without them for now in order to cope with the very hot weather occasioned by climate change.

    Mrs Titilope Ariyo, a businesswoman, said that though her husband forbade her from cutting her hair, she had to do it to brace the present weather condition.

    “He actually threatened to send me back to my parents’ house if I cut my hair because he does not believe women should cut their hair, but I had to because I need to be pouring water on this head.

    “I promised to grow the hair back when the weather condition improves but I seriously do not know if I will be able to keep that promise.

    “However, it’s a really good experience just pouring water on my head whenever I want to because I feel it in the whole body”, she added.

    As for Mrs Joy Kaka, a journalist, being on low cut was because she was losing her hair and needed to cut it to treat it.

    However, cutting it during the heat season was a very good decision as it aligned with her need to cope with the weather.

    “I went on low-cut because I was seriously losing the hair and decided to start over again but now I don’t think I will grow the hair again because I’m enjoying it.

    “I bath and pour water on my head now and it’s a beautiful feeling because the heat is terrible. Not forgetting that it’s cheap. Usually I love using wigs so I make corn rows frequently and use my wigs.

    “However, lately even the corn rows aren’t cheap and I use to make them weekly before I cut my hair.”

    The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had since February predicted a prolonged heat wave across the country.

    In some periodic weather outlook releases, the agency had said that air temperatures in the Northern part of the country would climb to as high as 41°C and 39°C in the South, indicating a significant increase in heatwave.

    It had warned that the high level of heat could cause dehydration, heat-related illnesses and respiratory issues, among other chronic conditions.

    It also forecast that residents of some states were likely to experience sunstroke, muscle cramps and heat exhaustion.

    The agency emphasised the importance of staying well-hydrated and avoiding strenuous physical activities, especially between the hours of noon and 4pm.

    It also advised the public to stay well hydrated and reduce strenuous physical activities during the peak hours.

    Speaking the impact of the heat wave on health, Dr Henry Ewunonu, a physician and health advocate, blamed the situation on climate change.

    This, he said, was because humans have damaged the ozone layer which now has holes which allows more radiation from the sun to penetrate the earth.

    He said that humans continue to do so through burning of fossil fuels and other unwholesome anti-climate activities such as deforestation and generation of biologic wastes.

    However, excessive hot weather is antithetical to health.

    According to him, an overheated body can be likened to any overheated gadget or device such as car, mobile phones or computer.

    “It is either they are immediately cooled to salvage some functionality or they get permanently damaged. Likewise all living organisms suffer motor-cognitive, multi-systemic impairments due to excessive hot weather.

    “This excessive heat according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is above 35°C and when above 42°C, life may no longer be guaranteed.

    “Excessive hot temperature which leads to overheating of the body systems including the human brain may account for abnormal behaviour among the most vulnerable populations who work under very strenuous environmental conditions.

    “Such conditions include transport workers, petty traders, even the traffic/law enforcement agents.

    “When people say “him head dey hot”, it refers to abnormal behaviour occasioned by heat under the circumstance”, he added.

    Ewunonu also said that excessive hot weather adversely affects those with preexisting cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and other heart diseases, respiratory illness such as bronchial asthma, renal diseases and metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

    He said that this happens due to excessive water loss from the body making the blood to be thicker, exerting a burden on the heart and reducing the elimination of wastes through urine as the body struggles to conserve available water.

    According to him, such a situation puts extra load on the kidney.

    “Hot environmental temperature leads to what they call higher insensible water loss through the airways and skin.

    “The body is however equipped with a great thermostat system but which functions at a temperature range of around 37°C.

    “This thermostat fails in the face of excessive hot weather and the consequences such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and death may ensue”, he said.

    He said solution to heat wave starts with humans reducing the production of carbon dioxide gas which is the main culprit.

    This, he said, could be done through alternative energy sources aside hydrocarbons, use of solar inverter batteries rather than fuel generators, avoiding bush burning and curbing felling of trees.

    As for the roles of individuals, families, communities, the society and government at all levels, he said that a whole-of-society approach was much needed to save humanity.

    “Individuals should avoid the direct effects of the sun hitting their skins and entering their homes during the day and let air in at night, save for insecurity.

    “Heat stroke will kill faster than malaria, so families are encouraged to open their windows to allow cooler air to aerate their homes.

    “They shouldn’t cook inside their living rooms and if possible not sleep where there are many heat generating household equipment such as refrigerators.

    “People should endeavour to begin their days earlier as situations permit so as to be under the cover of a shade and not under the scorching sun of the daytime, while those living in rocky mountain environments should take extra care.”

    Ewunonu said that the rocks absorb the heat in the day and release to them through convection currents and radiation at night so people should use water either for bathing or drinking very generously.

    He advised that people should continue pouring water on their bodies to remain cooler.

    Also, that the government should be more frontal in confronting the energy crises because as long as everyone is operating their generator sets, the environmental temperature would remain high.

    “The above has also explained why some ladies are cutting their hair and abandoning wigs. It’s a natural adaptation or conditioning response to the hot weather

    “There is one junk being posted that pouring water on the head or starting to bath from the head region causes stroke. That has been debunked.

    “Now, because people are not the same and what works for one does not work for another, every adult should study his or her body to know how best to keep the body cooler during those hot afternoons and nights’’, he said.

    While women cut their hair to beat heat Dr Ezekiel Edino, Medical Director, General Hospital, Igbokoda, Ondo state also advises them to take other measures.

    “It’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially when exercising or spending time in hot weather. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of dehydration, it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible.

    “To remain hydrated this time, it is important we do more fruits and vegetables intake, wear light clothing, avoid overcrowded and congested environment” he said.

    NAN

  • I run to promote tourism, humanity, says ‘World Wrapper Man’

    I run to promote tourism, humanity, says ‘World Wrapper Man’

    An adventurer, Adjarho Obaro, popularly called “World Wrapper Man”, says his decision to embark on running across the nation and other countries is to promote tourism and humanity.

    Obaro is a multiple marathoner and he is known as the “World Wrapper Man” because he has participated in several runs – not in tracksuits or conventional athletic gear – but in his native Uhrobo attire, which comes with a 37-yard wrapper.

    In 2015, he spent 22 days running from Lagos to Abuja.

    Others are Lagos to Makurdi, 900km, 40 days; Lagos to Onitsha, 650km, 17 days; Lagos to Ughelli, 506km, 12 days, and Abeokuta to Lagos 102km, three days.

    Also, he has participated in the Bucharest City Marathon (2010), Bucharest International Marathon (2011), Club Marathon (2011), Bucharest International Marathon (2012), Bucharest Half-Marathon (2012), Triathlon Challenge, and the Lagos Half-Marathon (2015).

    55-year-old Obaro in an interview with NAN in Lagos on Tuesday, said that each of his marathon activities were purposefully done to draw attention to certain issues that should be addressed in the society.
    He said it was also meant to promote domestic tourism as many Nigerians preferred to travel for leisure rather than looking inwards.

    He noted that aside his love for running, he had also realised it was the easiest form of exercise anyone could embrace to keep fit, stay healthy and improve one’s mood.

    “I started running to showcase Nigerian culture, promoting tourism and humanity in 2015.
    “In Nigeria, I have been to 32 states including the Federal Capital Territory. I have not been to Jigawa, Borno, Taraba and Katsina states.

    “Lagos to Abuja took me 22 days and that was when I created awareness on the essence of education; Lagos to Onitsha was done in 19 days when I campaigned against piracy.

    “Lagos to Makurdi was to draw attention to the flood victims then in Benue state; Lagos to Ughelli in Delta state was done in 12 days, to create awareness on the essence of education, and Abeokuta to Lagos was done in three days to raise funds for the blind in the society,” he said.

    Obaro called on the Federal Government and well meaning Nigerians to support and sponsor his cause.

    According to him, his next project will be running around the ECOWAS countries to draw attention to visa procurement issues.

  • FCTA to boost security in Abuja with drones

    FCTA to boost security in Abuja with drones

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration has begun the procurement processes for drones to boost the security architecture of the territory.

    Wike disclosed this when the Consul-General of the Embassy of Hungary in Nigeria, Mr Endre Deri visited him in Abuja on Thursday.

    The minister, while responding to the consul-general’s comments on the need for drones, said, “whether we want some drones? Yes, there is no going back”.

    He promised to discuss with the security experts, to consider a conversation with Deri on the type of drones that would be effective and efficient work based on the terrain of FCT.

    He said that security was part of President Bola Tinubu’s priority in his “Renewed Hope” agenda.

    The minister said that the security interventions in the FCT were already yielding results, stressing that the incidents of insecurity had drastically reduced.

    “You too can attest to the fact that Abuja is safer now, because of the way we have been able to tackle the issue,” he added.

    On agriculture, Wike said that the FCTA was open to collaborate with Hungary through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), adding that the administration was willing to provide the needed land.

    “The issue of agriculture is very key, and I know your country is doing well in agriculture.

    “We can collaborate and partner in terms of PPP. We are willing to provide land, if you can reach those concerns we can start the process.

    “Let us also know what they intend to produce in order to address the issue of food insecurity in FCT.

    Earlier, Deri expressed the willingness of Hungary to partner with FCTA to improve security in the territory.

    The consul general, who commended the minister for improving the security situation in the FCT, expressed the willingness of his country to support the FCT with the latest drone technology.

    “We are also interested in partnering with the FCTA in the areas of agriculture to boost food security and food safety for residents of the FCT,” he added.

  • A walk in Abuja amongst Spanish speakers – By Owei Lakemfa

    A walk in Abuja amongst Spanish speakers – By Owei Lakemfa

    UNLESS they spoke English or their speeches were translated, to me, they spoke Greek. It was an achievement for my old friend, Juan Ignacio Sell, the Spanish Ambassador who introduces me as his nephew. The setting on Thursday, April 25, 2024, was the ‘Day of Spanish Language’. It was the first time the delegations of Spanish-speaking countries in Nigeria gathered to celebrate the Day. Seated on the high table were Ambassador Sell, Special Guest and Education Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman and the Spanish-Speaking Ambassadors in Nigeria, including those of Cuba, Colombia, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina.

    Language divides, it also unites. But the latter is true in this case. The organisers said their aim was to celebrate the richness, diversity and international presence of “one of the most spoken languages in the world, as well as acknowledge the role the Spanish language plays in fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among communities”.

    So, the assembled countries saw Spanish as a unifier. The gathering aimed to highlight the importance of the language spoken by some 500 million people and studied by almost 22 million persons. Also, with English and Chinese, Spanish is one of the three most spoken languages in the world.

    In my conversations with the Mexican Ambassador Alfredo Miranda – in English language of course – he spoke on the impacts of Spain and Spanish on his country. He said: “Mexico was colonised by Spain for 300 years during which we received not just the Spanish language, but also its religion and culture. Today, Mexico which has a population of 130 million is the largest Spanish-speaking country. Spain has smaller population: 47. 78 million; so, in a sense, the sons have become the parents. Spanish is a very important language and within it, we have developed a new culture. Mexico itself has 68 local languages which we continue to keep and develop.”

    In his speech at the occasion, Miranda joked that the venue, Casa Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant which collaborated in hosting the Day, is “Mexican territory” to which he welcomed everyone. The Spanish language, he said, not only provides a good opportunity for business in Latin America, but also in the United States of America, USA, which has 50 million Spanish speakers.

    His Excellency Francisco Ngua Mangue, the Ambassador of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea said, on a number of occasions, he had been asked why, as a Blackman, he speaks Spanish, and his response often, is to refer such people to Goggle. He said his country which has boundaries with Cameroun to the north, Gabon to the east and south, and embraces the Atlantic, was originally colonised by the Portuguese. He explained that Portugal exchanged his country in 1778 with Spain in return for the later ceding large areas of South America to it. He said this was how his country acquired Spanish as its official language, and an official language in the African union, AU.

    Argentina’s four main languages are Spanish, which is the dominant; Italian, the second most spoken; Quechua and Guarani. Nicolas Perazzo Naon, Counsellor of Argentina discussed the impact of the Spanish language thus: “Generally, Spanish is the language I live on as an Argentine and diplomat. The thing I love about this language is that it enables me to communicate with millions. The wonderful thing about the language is that although it is coming from Europe, it is very rich and impacts on us all. I am from Argentina, but when I go to Latin America, I have to learn different new words. It is a sign of how the language has developed; this level of development I have not seen in any other language.” Naon added on a jovial noted: “There is Queen’s English, but there is no King’s Spanish. We just speak Spanish.”

    The spread of the Spanish language owes a lot to the four voyages of Christopher Columbus which began in 1492 and ended in 1504. He travelled mainly in the Caribbean through places like Cuba, Jamaica, Bahamas and the coasts of east Central America, and north South America. In the process, he spread Spanish.

    Cuba Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero spoke on behalf of the participating countries on what has become of the language after these voyages: “Spanish is a language very rich in expressions, synonyms, adjectives, words that have entered the language from different contributions. Specialists agree that it has more than 100,000 words, with estimates varying from 195,000 to 300,000 depending on the consideration made of the meanings, Americanisms and other variations established in the different regions and countries where it is spoken.”

    In analysing the future of Spanish, she said: “Recent estimates affirm that the Spanish-speaking population will increase to 7.7 per cent in the year 2050. The date shows that the future of the Spanish language is promising in the short term and, will continue to expand throughout the planet, despite the dominance of English and the rise of Chinese.”

    The Spanish Embassy Third Secretary and Head of Consular Section, Patricia Gomez Lanzaco, said the Spanish-speaking populace in Nigeria n should popularise the language and make it accessible. She informed that as part of this measure, a Spanish lecturer was brought into the country in September 2023. Lanzaco said the embassy hopes to collaborate with the Nigeria Ministry of Education, other agencies and organisations to expand the use of Spanish in the country.

    The Colombia Honourary Consulate, Maricel Cantillo Romero said her country wants to expand relations with Nigeria. She informed that Nigerians who want to study in Colombia will be given an opportunity to apply. She added that successful applicants will be offered scholarships to study in Colombia, including undergoing a Spanish language training programme.

    Education Minister Mamman, who greeted the audience in Spanish, said language is a major vehicle for promoting culture and that it distinguishes human beings from other beings. He commended the organisers for marking the Day despite the diversity of the countries involved. He pointed out that Nigeria is also a country known for its diversity. The Minister said the participating countries have a lot of work to do, promoting the Spanish language in Nigeria.

    After the Minister declared the Day open, and went through the exhibition of the collaborating countries, a programme of students learning Spanish from various schools in Abuja took off. The organisers said the general idea of this and the follow-up programmes, including with people having a strong interest in the language, the Spanish-speaking community in Abuja, a Gastronomic Exhibition and a Salsa Night, is to “celebrate our language and we want to do it with all Nigerians who are as passionate as we are for Spanish and wish to learn it further.”

  • Reps wade into alleged discrimination against Nigerians in Abuja Chinese supermarket

    Reps wade into alleged discrimination against Nigerians in Abuja Chinese supermarket

    The Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has expressed great concerned over the recent allegations of discrimination against Nigerians, reportedly at a supermarket owned by Chinese nationals in Abuja.

    The House Committee on China/Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group, which is undertaking to intervene in the matter, called on Nigerians to remain calm, urging them to allow full fledged investigations into the allegation.

    Recalled that it was widely reported on Sunday via a viral video, that a certain Chinese supermarket located at Umaru Ya’Adua road, within the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja, was operating a policy which discriminated against Nigerians from patronising the super store.

    Although the Owners of the supermarket denied the discrimination allegations, the Nigerian Government, through the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, on Monday, sealed the Abuja-based Chinese supermarket.

    While reacting on Wednesday, the Nigerian Parliament, in a statement jointly signed by Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu,
    Chairman, House Committee on China/Nigeria Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Spokesperson of the House, Hon. Akin Rotimi Jnr., while condemning any form of discriminations, also underscores the importance of the mutual relationship that exists between Nigeria and the Republic of China.

    “As a committee tasked with fostering positive and mutually beneficial relations between Nigeria and China, we want to emphasize that such discriminatory practices, if substantiated by relevant authorities, go against the principles of friendship and cooperation that our two countries have worked hard to cultivate over the years.

    “We believe in the importance of mutual respect and understanding between nations, and we condemn any form of discrimination or prejudice.

    “Nigeria and China share a longstanding relationship characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and friendship. Over the years, this relationship has been strengthened through various bilateral partnerships, economic collaborations, and cultural exchanges, benefiting both countries immensely.

    “It is important to note that Nigeria and China have enjoyed fruitful collaborations in various sectors, including infrastructure development, trade, education, and healthcare. The ongoing partnership between our two countries has led to the completion of major projects, with many others ongoing.

    “Furthermore, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria continues to promote excellent China/Nigeria relations through socio-cultural exchanges and scholarships for many Nigerian students. These initiatives have played a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples”, the statement said.

    The Nigeria’s Parliament therefore, expressed commitment, to conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, pledging to work diligently to gather all relevant information and ensure redress where necessary.

    The House also urged “all parties involved to approach these issues with sensitivity and open-mindedness, and to work towards finding peaceful and constructive solutions”, saying, “it is crucial that we do not let isolated incidents tarnish the strong bonds of friendship that exist between Nigeria and China”.

    To ensure that all Nigerians are treated justly, fairly and respectfully in any foreign establishment in Nigeria, the House of Representatives vowed to monitor the situation closely and work with relevant stakeholders.

    The Green Chamber also assured Nigerians of continuous commitment to “promoting cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding between our two nations”.

  • FCT Police Command explain ‘viral robbery video’ in Abuja

    FCT Police Command explain ‘viral robbery video’ in Abuja

    The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has issued out a statement on the video clip circulating online depicting a robbery incident, which purportedly occurred in Abuja, involving a “Right Hand Drive” vehicle.

    According to the statement released on Wednesday night by the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the police said contrary to the narrative, “the incident did not take place within the Federal Capital Territory”.

    She stated clearly  that upon analysis of the viral video, it was evidently clear that the robbery incident did not even occur in Nigeria.

    She noted that the conclusion was drawn from the vehicle registration number plate design and the steering position of the vehicle, which is Right Hand Drive, RHD.

    Her statement reads: “It is important to note that Nigeria does not allow RHD vehicles on its roads, neither are the roads fashioned to accommodate such cars as seen in the video.

    “The Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth Igweh, psc, mni, urges those circulating the video to desist from such actions as it may cause apprehension and unwarranted panic among the populace”, the statement added.

  • Shiites, Police clash lead to d3ath of 4, 20 injured in Kaduna

    Shiites, Police clash lead to d3ath of 4, 20 injured in Kaduna

    No fewer than 4 people died while 20 sustained various degrees of injuries when operatives of the Nigerian Police clashed with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also known as Shiites during a procession to mark the International Qud’s day in Kaduna on Friday.

    The commotion which turned violent, made traders to close shops while people were seen running for safety, as gun shots were heard coming from the ever busy Kano Road axis.

    An eye witness said the Police attempted to disperse members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) known as Shiites, who were holding a procession and had gathered around Kano Road, Ahmadu Bello Way Kaduna.

    Residents in the affected area were panicked and remained indoors while the confusion lasted.

    The Police Public Relations Officer ( PPRO) of the Kaduna Command, ASP Mansir Hasan told journalists that three personnel were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.

    He said it was not true that Police killed members of the IMN, as no live ammunition was used during the incident.

    One of the Shiite leaders, Malam Aliyu Tirmizi, confirmed that four of their members were killed while 20 others were injured.

    He said “we usually come out on the last Friday of every Ramadan to protest peacefully and show our support to the people of Palestine for the inhuman treatment they are being forced to face as is being done by others across the globe.

    “We usually have a peaceful procession but this time around, as we were about to start, the police came and threw tear gas at us and started shouting and in the process, four of our members were killed while 20 were injured.”

    Professor Dauda Nalado, a member of the IMN said the Quds day is celebrated annually during the month of Ramadan.

    “The great global leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imaam Ruhullah Al-Musawi Al-Khomeini, Invited Muslims and non-Muslims with humanity at heart to show solidarity with the innocent and oppressed people of Palestine and against the brutality of the usurper, apartheid, and the illegal state of Israel. The imam declared the last Friday of each Ramadan as the International Quds Day. “

    “Since 1980, the Quds in Britain, France, Sweden, America, Germany, Canada, Australia, and numerous countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, etc. The Islamic movement, under the leadership of his Eminence Sayyid Dr. Ibraheem Ya’qoub El-Zakzaky (H), has been observing this event for decades in Nigeria, In fact, one of the reasons of the Zaria massacre executed by the Buhari regime in 2015 was to kill Sayyid Ibraheem El-Zakzaky and crush this noble movement for justice, all due to the staunch support for the Palestinian course. Hitherto, the public could recall that on 25 July, 2014 Nigerian soldiers attacked the Quds Day procession in support of Palestine in Zaria, resulting in the assassination of 34 people, including three biological children of this great African leader.”

    “For six months now, the Zionist State has killed almost 33,000 Palestinians and wounded almost 80, 000, of whom more than half are women and children. They have destroyed buildings and turned Gaza City into rubble. They have violated all international human rights rules and committed war crimes with impunity.

    “It is pertinent to remind us that since the illegal state was carved out in 1948, the Palestinians have been subjugated and subjected to oppressive rule, controlling and humiliating every aspect of their daily lives. This current brutality by the Zionists was launched after a retaliative “Aqsa storm operation” by the Palestinians on 7th October 2023. These developments signal the final blow to Zionism.”

    He called on all people and nations with humanity to condemn the genocide against the Palestinian population and stop it saying, “Unfortunately, the United States and the United Kingdom are supporters of this genocide.”

    He thanked South Africa and the axis of resistance comprising Iran, Lebanon (Hizbullah) Syria, Iraq, and Yemen for their support and condemned the continued brutal genocide of the Palestinian population and support the oppressed people of Palestine in their just struggle.

    He called on the Nigerian state to sever diplomatic ties with the genocidal Zionist state of Israel and also called for a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive package for the freedom of Palestine.

  • Transcorp Hotels Plc delivers strong performance in 2023

    Transcorp Hotels Plc delivers strong performance in 2023

    …with 36% year-on-year Revenue Growth

    Transcorp Group has released its audited 2023 full-year results, showing outstanding performance and setting new revenue and profit records.

    In its full year audited results filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Transcorp Hotels reported a record-breaking revenue of N41.5 billion in 2023, compared to N30.4 billion in 2022, marking a substantial 36% growth year-on-year, while operating income also grew by 50%, to close at N13.1 billion as of December 2023, compared to N8.8 billion in December 2022.

    HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESULT:

    • The Company’s total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2023, was N41.5 billion, compared to N30.4 billion in December 31, 2022, signifying a 36% increase.

    • Operating Income grew by 50% from N8.8 billion in December 2022, to N13.1 billion in December 2023.

    • Profit for the year grew by 133% from N2.6 billion in December 2022, to N6.1 billion in December 2023.

    • Total Assets increased by 5% from N120.5 billion in December 2022, to N126.1 billion in December 2023

    Dupe Olusola, Managing Director/CEO commenting on the results stated that the Company’s exceptional performance was achieved through continued dedication to excellence, unparalleled guest satisfaction and a resilient spirit that defines its commitment to delivering exceptional service and stakeholder value.

    “By strategically investing in innovations, that align with our growth objectives, we continue to deliver these impressive numbers, beating our previous year’s records. Our considerable investment in our iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja have been rewarded by significant increases in occupancy rates and guest satisfaction. We are continuing this investment, with our 5,000-capacity event centre purpose-built to host local and international entertainment, conference, and exhibition events. This new world-class facility located within the premises of Transcorp Hilton Abuja is scheduled to open in the second half of 2024. I am immensely proud of the team’s dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, in providing an unparalleled hospitality experience. We remain focused in our mission to continue exceeding expectations and setting new benchmarks in the African hospitality industry.

    About Transcorp Hotels Plc:

    Transcorp Hotels Plc is the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.

    Transcorp Hotels Plc. is consistently reshaping the hospitality landscape in Africa, aligning with its mission to lead and contribute to Nigeria’s growth while positively impacting live.

  • Just in: Explosion rocks Abuja satellite town

    Just in: Explosion rocks Abuja satellite town

    At least one person has reportedly sustained injuries in an explosion that hit Dawaki in the Bwari Local Government Area of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

    It was gathered that the incident happened at about 8:30 am on Friday.

    One of the residents of the area told an online medium that there was a loud bang at a one-bedroom apartment that had two male occupants.

    The resident said though an occupant claimed that it was a cooking gas explosion, there was no smell of gas.

    The source said, “We heard a loud blast sound within Dawaki. The noise emanated from a one-bedroom apartment with two male occupants. One of the occupants was injured and taken to the National Hospital, Abuja for treatment.

    The second occupant alleged that it was a cooking gas explosion. However, there was no smell of gas, no fire, and the kitchen window (circled in the picture) was spared while other windows of the flat were damaged.

    “Issue already incidented at Dawaki police station. However, I am of the opinion that a bomb ordnance squad from the FCT command needs to visit the scene to assert the true cause of this early explosion.”

    However, all efforts to reach Josephine Adeh, the FCT police spokesperson, were not successful as she didn’t answer calls or reply to messages sent to her mobile line.