News

Economic Hardship: Protest Paralyses Commercial Activities In Edo

Published

9 months ago

February 26, 2024

Protest by members of Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), paralysed commercial activities in Benin, the Edo State capital, and its environs on Monday.

The protesters called on President Bola Tinubu to address the economic hardship currently been experienced in Nigeria.

Members of EDOCSO, who were armed with placards, bearing various inscriptions, took the protest march from the popular Ring Road and moved to Akpakpava Road, and other busy roads in Benin.

Inscriptions on their placards included: “Nigerians are starving to death”, “Tinubu, end hunger and suffering in Nigeria” and “FG, end hunger in Nigeria now” among others.

EDOCSO’s interim chairman, Austine Enabulele, while addressing reporters at the venue of the protest, stated that the 14-day ultimatum given to President Tinubu to fix the Nigerian economy had since elapsed, with nothing done to address hunger in the country.

Enabulele said: “On February 10, 2024, we held a news briefing and gave the Federal Government two weeks to fix the problems of Nigeria and end hunger in the country. Two weeks have long expired, and nothing has been done.

“So, we have come out today to tell President Tinubu to fix the hunger and suffering in Nigeria. Enough is enough. We cannot take the pains anymore. Enough of the hunger, enough of the hardship, enough of bad governance in Nigeria.

“Nigerians are dying every day. Children are now becoming orphans, because their fathers are dying, because of the hardship in Nigeria.

“The President should give value to our naira, because Nigerians do not use Dollars. We cannot be living our lives in Dollars.”

A cleric with Omega Fire Ministries (OFM), Benin, Pastor Azemhe Azena, who is the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) for the September 21 election in Edo, during the protest, declared that the situation was getting out of hand while admonishing the government at all levels to urgently take steps to checkmate it.

Azena said: “Hunger is biting harder in our country. The people are suffering. We are here to draw the attention of the government to the state of the economy in the entire country. The leaders should do something fast because a hungry man is an angry man.

“To prevent anger, crime, and violence in society, you have to attend to hunger. The prices of things are going up in Nigeria per hour. So, we should control, and regulate the prices of goods. So, that the poor can breathe, and afford the items.

“I am a pastor, I can feel it in the faces of members of my congregation. The load is becoming too much on the clerics because they need to pay people’s school fees, feed them, transport them, and pay hospital bills. We meet them daily, but government officials do not meet them on a daily basis. Government officials only meet them during elections.”

The NNPP’s governorship candidate also urged the government officials to quickly do something about the difficult situation in Nigeria.

News

NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment

Published

2 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Ahead of theDecember 4, 2024 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory Council (FCT) election, Comrade Grace Ike, will flag-off her campaign for the position of Chairman with free eye check for journalists on Sunday, November 24, 2024, by 12 noon.

The exercise, under the auspices of the Grace Ike Campaign Council (GICC), which will be held at the NUJ FCT Council Secretariat, Utako, Abuja, is expected to attract interested journalists and her teeming supporters across all chapels.

According to Comrade Ike, the reason behind the free eye checks for journalists is based on the critical role their eyes play in their daily tasks as watchdogs and also being a critical organ of the body, there is the need to be attended to and checked by qualified ophthalmologists to boost their productivity.

During the flag-off, the Ike will unveil her campaign management team and itinerary in line with the NUJ FCT Council Election timetable.

The campaign will be anchored on the slogan, “One Voice, New Era” and focused on Accountability, Transparency, Accelerated Development, Capacity Building, New Innovation/Creativity, Improved Welfare & All-round Empowerment for members.

Naijablittznews.com reports Comrade Ike was yesterday cleared by the Credentials Committee and declared elected by the NUJ National as the only candidate for the position of Chairman in the December 4, NUJ-FCT election.

News

President Tinubu Leaves Brazil After G20 Summit

Published

4 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

President Bola Tinubu has departed Galeao Air force Basa (SBGL) Airport, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Saturday, for Abuja after attending the 19th G20 Leaders Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The President is due to arrive at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 10.00 p.m. (Nigerian time).

President Tinubu had attended the G20 Leaders summit where he endorsed the global alliance against hunger and poverty, which he said was pivotal.

The President also held bilateral talks with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), who commended his administration’s economic reforms and their positive indicators.

He also presided over the signing of a 2.5 billion dollar Letter of Intent between the Nigerian government and the JBS S.A., a Brazilian company and one of the top three largest meat processing companies in the World.

The president was accompanied in the trip by senior government officials including the minister of foreign affairs yusuf Tuggar, the national security adviser, Nuhu RIBADU and many others.

News

HoR to lead historic march, other Key initiatives against gender-based violence

Published

4 hours ago

November 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

In commemoration of this year’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the House of Representatives will lead a landmark march on Monday, November 25, 2024, along with other strategic activities as part of its unwavering commitment to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement issued by the HoR spokesperson, Rotimi Akin, Jr on Saturday.

According to him the march, which starts at 8:00 AM, will bring together over 1,000 participants – including Representatives and members of the public – on a symbolic walk from the National Assembly to the Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.

This demonstration of solidarity will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action to safeguard vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators of GBV.

“This march and the associated activities are not just symbolic gestures, they reflect our resolve and call to action against gender-based violence head-on,” said Hon. Abbas Tajudeen,, Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We stand united in the fight to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable. Together, through collective action and legislative reforms, we can build a society where safety, justice, and equality prevail.”

Beyond the march, the 10th House of Representatives in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023 – 2027) has outlined *key activities to sustain awareness and action throughout the 16 Days of Activism:*

1. *Sash Demonstration Ceremony* – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Members of the House will don orange sashes, symbolising solidarity with the fight against GBV, during plenary sessions throughout the campaign period.

2. *Convergence of State Assembly Speakers* – Monday, December 9, 2024
A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative strategies for combating GBV nationwide.

3. *National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 -* Tuesday, December 10, 2024
This summit will conclude the 16 Days of Activism with discussions on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives championed by the House.

The House of Representatives invites all Nigerians to *participate in this historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024.* Participants will receive orange T-shirts—the official colour of the United Nations campaign to end violence against women—symbolising hope for a future free of violence.

*Details of the March:*

• *Date:* Monday, November 25, 2024
• *Time:* 8:00 AM
• *Starting Point:* Speaker’s Car Park, National Assembly
• *End Point:* Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters

Gender-based violence continues to devastate families and communities across Nigeria. The 10th House of Representatives however, remains steadfast in driving systemic reforms, fostering collaboration, and championing accountability to address this pervasive issue.

Together, let us take a decisive stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights, paving the way for a safer, more equitable Nigeria.