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Police rescue additional seven abducted Kogi Varsity students

The Inspector General of Police (I-G), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has deployed a helicopter and police security apparatus to rescue the remaining abducted students OF Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Kogi who were abducted on 9 May by suspected bandits.

To this end, seven more abducted students have been rescued bringing the total number of students rescued so far to 21.

It is not exactly clear how many students were abducted by the bandits who invaded the institution while they were reading for their first-semester examination.

However, the spokesperson for Kogi police command, SP Williams Ovye-Aya said as part of the efforts to rescue the remaining students, the IGP had deployed a helicopter to the state.

“In furtherance to the ongoing Rescue Operation and to sustain the onslaught, the IGP deployed the Air Component of Police Security Apparatus well trained for Aerial Surveillance, Monitoring Team as well as Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU) to Kogi.

“The reinforcement is in response to IGP’s unwavering passion about protecting lives and property of all Nigerians especially the safety of our Children in various Schools in the Country.

“The diligence and indomitable spirit of all the combined Team had led to the rescue of additional seven (7) victims, bringing the total to Twenty-one (21).

“It is not over until it is over, so we won’t rest on our Oars as all hands will be on deck to ensure all the students are safely rescued and perpetrators brought to deserved justice,’’ he said.

He added: “Already, the Kogi government as well as the University Community are satisfied with the rescue operations so far and commended the indubitable, unassailable level of cooperation, collaboration and synergy amongst the Security agencies, local vigilantes and hunters in the State.”

He said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Bethrand Onuoha, thanked the I-G for the deployment of the air component, the security personnel, and vigilantes/hunters for their show of patriotism and altruism to the people of Kogi.

“The CP also appreciates the vibrant pressmen in the state for their show of concern and empathy in the wake of the students’ abduction,” he said.

‘’The CP continues to solicit the cooperation, collaboration and solidarity of the good people of Kogi with the police and other security agencies to ensure adequate security of life and property of law-abiding residents of the state,’’ he said.

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FG committed to reducing food prices through Agricultural Investments – Minister

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to lowering the cost of food commodities through massive investments in agricultural production.

Idris stated this in Abuja on Tuesday at a press briefing to kick-start the Ministerial Briefing Session for 2025.

He emphasized that while the government will not impose price controls on food commodities, in line with the principles of a free-market economy, it remains focused on reducing prices by boosting agricultural production and increasing supply.

“In the past, we used to have these commodity boards where prices were fixed but in the spirit of free market and encouraging entrepreneurship, especially within the agricultural value chain, government didn’t feel that it was necessary for them to begin to control prices. Now, what government is doing is to ensure that there is massive production of food items and it’s a supply and demand issue. Once you have whatever you need in abundance, the tendency is that the price will automatically come down,” he said.

While speaking on the successes in the security sector, Idris said in 2024, the security forces neutralized more than 8,000 terrorists and bandits, and arrested 11,600 others, with more than 10,000 weapons recovered.

He stated that with the government’s sustained efforts against terrorists and bandits, the nation’s highways are becoming increasingly safer.

“While we still have a lot of work ahead, our highways have grown safer. The hitherto notorious Abuja-Kaduna highway is one example. As I said, there’s still much more to be done, and we will not relent in our effort.

“Additionally, about 8,000 kidnap victims were successfully rescued. We will continue to work to drive down the number of victims while scaling up our success stories in terms of deterrence, crime-solving, and prosecutions,” he said.

The Minister added that, following their designation as a terrorist organization by a Federal High Court, security forces are now empowered to apply maximum force against the Lakurawa armed group.

On the economy, Idris stated that the Federal Government’s reforms are delivering significant results across key sectors, particularly with the removal of fuel subsidy, which has successfully plugged leakages amounting to hundreds of billions of Naira annually.

He said the introduction of the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) in December 2023 has enhanced transparency in foreign exchange transactions and facilitated the clearance of billions of dollars in backlogs, and restored investor confidence to the country.

“Last week, the Naira reached an eight-month high in the official market, while foreign capital inflow into the Nigerian Stock Exchange rose from 4% in mid-2023 to an average of 16% by the end of 2024,” he said.

Additionally, he said, in 2024, Nigeria emerged as the most attractive destination for oil and gas investments in Africa, securing over $5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs).

The Minister described 2025 as a year of consolidation, building on the progress made in the first 19 months of the Tinubu administration as it approaches its mid-term.

“Over the next three months, as we approach the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration, we will bring Honorable Ministers to this platform, on a weekly basis.

“This year 2025 is a year of consolidation, a year for building on the gains we have seen in the first 19 months of the administration. This maiden edition for 2025 is an opportunity to remind us of these gains, and to set the context in which these gains are being recorded, as we proceed into the mid-point of this administration,” he said.

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President Tinubu congratulates Bishop Wale Oke on re-election as PFN president

President Bola Tinubu congratulates Bishop Francis Wale Oke on his re-election as the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

Bishop Oke is a respected religious leader and author. He is the presiding bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, which he founded in 1983. He is also the Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU).

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria re-elected him at the 18th Biennial National Conference in Abuja.

President Tinubu also congratulates the Christian faithful and commends Bishop Oke for his consistent effort in promoting religious harmony and national renaissance, as demonstrated in his ‘Nigeria Turning Point Prayer Movement’.

The President describes the renowned clergyman as a man of fine character, principle, and faith and encourages him to continue using the pulpit to teach the good gospel of love, kindness, and peace as embodied by Jesus Christ.

President Tinubu prays for the bishop’s fresh anointing as he continues his leadership role in the Lord’s vineyard

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Tinubu commends Google CEO for advancing digital transformation in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai for the interest of the company in advancing Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation in Nigeria.

President Tinubu met the Google team in Paris on Wednesday in company of Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani.

Google Team engaged in constructive discussions with President Tinubu aimed at forging a strategic partnership to enhance Nigeria’s journey towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.

The collaboration seeks to position Nigeria as a prominent technology and innovation hub, leveraging AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure to foster economic growth and enhance global competitiveness.

The ongoing conversations focus on key initiatives such as expanding digital infrastructure in Nigeria, equipping the workforce with essential digital skills for the future, promoting AI-driven research and innovation, encouraging greater cloud adoption across various industries, and establishing Nigeria as a key player in the global digital economy.

President Tinubu emphasised that this partnership aligns seamlessly with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, centred on economic diversification through industrialisation, technology, and innovation. The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy will provide strategic oversight, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will coordinate efforts alongside the private sector to ensure widespread and meaningful impact.

Speaking at the meeting, Google CEO Sundar Pichai reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation, stating: “Nigeria has an incredible opportunity to lead in AI and digital innovation in Africa. Google is excited to continue working with the Nigerian government to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and economic growth.”

Speaking on the engagement with the President, Dr. Bosun Tijani said partnership between Nigeria and Google represents an important opportunity to accelerate Nigeria’s technological advancement and strengthen our digital economy. He further stated that Nigeria is committed to ensuring that AI and digital transformation create tangible benefits for businesses and citizens across the country.

President Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s potential as a burgeoning global technology destination and expressed his commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts strategic investments from leading tech companies. He appreciated Google’s ongoing involvement in Nigeria’s digital transformation and its contribution to opening new opportunities for businesses and young talents.

The discussions will continue as both parties look to deepen their collaboration and expedite Nigeria’s digital transformation, paving the way for sustainable economic growth.

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