News

Reps Commend Nigerian Armed Forces For Recent Succeses In Theatre Operations

Published

6 months ago

June 19, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…reiterate its unwavering commitment to provide all necessary resources and support

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has highly commended the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their remarkable achievements and steadfast dedication in recent times.

Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Benson, in a statement made available to Naijablitznews.com also lauded the successes recorded in various operations across the country underscore the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of our military personnel to safeguarding the nation.

Rep. Benson highlighted the numerous victories against insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements that have threatened the peace and security of Nigeria.

He further emphasized that these achievements are a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, who tirelessly work to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

He said: “The recent successes of our Armed Forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable. These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation”.

The Chairman emphasized that troops under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continually delivered significant blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region through a series of daring operations.

“In one such operation conducted on 15 June 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents. Additionally, in Abia State’s Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have impressively intensified their efforts against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). Our troops raided and cleared IPOB/ESN camps in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA), thereby liberating the communities from the clenches of miscreants and terrorists.

“Similarly, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, the Chairman noted that the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. This site contained unspecified quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO. This operation underscores the Nigerian Navy’s proactive efforts to protect national assets and ensure the sustainable management of Nigeria’s natural resources. In addition, the Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on June 17, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists. These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the northwest and northeast, have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents”, he added.

Rep. Benson therefore used the opportunity to assure the Armed Forces of the House of Representatives’ unwavering support.

He reiterated the readiness of the legislative body to provide all necessary resources and support to enhance the operational capabilities of the military, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle any security challenges that may arise.

“The House of Representatives remains committed to supporting our Armed Forces in every possible way. We understand the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of our military operations. Rest assured, we will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of our troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency,” he affirmed.

He therefore called on all Nigerians to continue supporting and appreciating the Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to national security.

Hecurged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a safer and more secure Nigeria.

News

Renovation: Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters to gulp N6.36bn

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Federal Government has allocated a total of N6,364,181,224 billion for the renovation and rehabilitation of the residential quarters of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and some of their aides in the 2025 budget proposal.

Sunday PUNCH’s analysis of the proposed allocation, contained in the 2025 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, showed that the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa would gulp N5.49bn.

According to the proposed budget, N765m will be used for the renovation of the Vice President’s quarters and guest house.

The renovation of the president’s quarters at the State House will cost N6.39m, while the renovation of security quarters, auditorium, gymnasium and presidential aides’ quarters will cost N49m.

In addition, the renovation of Prescott barracks at Maple State House officers’ mess building and signal office in Asokoro, Abuja will cost N51m.

Further analysis of the budget revealed that Tinubu and his vice are also expected to have N87m as honorarium and sitting allowances, while N127m was allocated for the procurement of SUVs.

Also, N3.66bn was budgeted for the purchase of State House operational vehicles and N1,09bn will be spent on replacement of SUV vehicles at the State House.

Under the budget of the State House Lagos Liaison Office, there is an allocation of N14.72m for the routine maintenance of State House Lagos facilities (Dodan Barracks, Vice President guest houses at Ikoyi, among others).

Another N140.10m was allocated for the completion of renovation and furnishing of the State House annex (Dodan Barracks), Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is planning to spend N1.83bn on converting forfeited properties from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into State House quarters.

The plan to convert forfeited houses from the EFCC comes in the same month that the commission disclosed the recovery of an estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 units of duplexes and other apartments.

The commission described this as its “single largest asset recovery” since its inception in 2003.

The estate rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09 of the district, and was forfeited in a ruling on Monday, December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.

(Punch)

News

SEE NAIRA Rates Against The USD, GBP, EURO Today December 23, 2024

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

WHEN we look at this month, USD was traded at ₦ at the beginning of this December on Monday, December 2, 2024. As at today with USD being traded at ₦1,655 we see a % for United States Dollar to Naira exchange rate for this month.

On this page, we are primarily focusing on the Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, the USD to Naira currency pair are the most traded currency in the FX market.

Black Market Exchange Rates
Buying Rate
Selling Rate
Dollar to Naira 1655 1640
Pounds to Naira 2150 2000
Euro to Naira 1730 1700
Canadian Dollar to Naira 1146 1135
Rand to Naira 52 43
Dirham to Naira ‎0 0
Yuan to Naira 62 62
G.Cedi to Nair 70 50
CFA F. (XOF) To Naira 0.83 0.81
CFA F. (XAF) To Naira 0.74 0.74
READ ALSO: INSIDE LIFE: 26-Year-Old Lady Died In Bangladesh With No One To Claim Her Body, She Is A Nigerian From Enugu (SEE PHOTO)

Having full knowledge how much USD to NGN black market exchange rate today will give you a better opportunity to plan and make informed decisions.

Nairatoday.com

News

Passengers Stranded As Warri-Itakpe Train Derails In Delta Community

Published

1 hour ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

Passengers of a train plying the Warri-Itakpe route escaped death on Sunday as the train derailed at Okpara in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that the passengers were stranded following the incident that happened at about 10pm.

According to eyewitness accounts, some of the passengers got to their destinations on Monday morning.

“The incident happened at Okpara Station last night. They stole many people’s phones and other valuables when they slept at night,” a source said.

“It’s this morning that everybody began to find their way to their various destinations.”

The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesman, Yakub Mahmood on Monday.

Mahmood said the service will resume shortly, adding that a team of engineers is at the site of the incident to ensure the track is restored soon.

According to him, the train service will resume as scheduled on Monday afternoon.

The statement reads in part, “The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) hereby informs the general public, especially our valued passengers that ply the Warri-Itakpe route, that following the minor derailment yesterday at the Okpara station, the service will resume shortly as our team of engineers are at the site of the accident to ensure the track is restored anytime soon.

“However, Itakpe-Warri (Ujewu) train will resume as scheduled in the afternoon today.

“All inconveniences caused as a result of the minor derailment is highly regretted.”