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Ex-UK Prime Minister Blair visits Tinubu, pledges support for incoming administration

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President Elect Tinubu in a handshake with Blair

 

 

Former British Prime Minister, Sir Tony Blair, has expressed his readiness to support the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed in office.

Blair gave the commitment on Tuesday when he visited the president-elect at the Defence House, Abuja.

He said the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, which he founded, would be a willing partner of the Tinubu administration especially in prioritising its goals and delivery.

He said since leaving office as the UK prime minister, he had been working with governments around the world to help them deliver on their mandates.

He said Blair Institute have a project in place in Nigeria and felt it was incumbent upon him to meet Nigeria’s incoming president to understand the administration’s priorities.

“We would like to help in any way with your administration. We only need to know what the leadership priorities are and help in how to actualise them,” Blair told President-elect Tinubu.

He commended Tinubu’s campaign focus on key areas of security, economy, agriculture and power, describing the intertwined nature of the areas as critical to the development of any society.

He expressed optimism that with the appetite shown by investors to invest in Nigeria, the Tinubu administration could get the support it needs to spur economic development in the country.

Blair, however, acknowledged the difficult task before Tinubu and other leaders, at a time of global turmoil.

“Being in government today anywhere in the world is tough. You have things happening around the world which affect you and for which you can’t do anything much,” he said.

President-elect Tinubu, in his response, expressed appreciation to Blair for the visit and for his offer to work with his administration.

He spoke of the shared vision between him and Tony Blair Institute in their priority areas, but underlined the importance of tackling investment challanges and the need for social investment to fight poverty.

“Yes, we are challenged. But where is our courage? We can eliminate ignorance, diseases and poverty in Africa. We must work hard to ensure democracy works for our people,” Tinubu said.

“We have to invest more, put technology in place and keep terrorists at bay because without effective security, there is no guarantee investors will come,” he added.

The president-elect promised to provide a conducive environment that would encourage investors and open up opportunities for the people.

Tinibu was accompanied to the meeting by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Vice President -elect, Senator Kashim Shettima; member of Tinubu Transition Team, Mr. Wale Edun; former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru and Executive Secretary, National Sugar Development Council, Mr. Zacch Adedeji.

 

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Breaking: Man Sets Mosque Ablaze During Subhi Prayers

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A disturbing incident unfolded in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State as an unidentified man set fire to a mosque during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The arson attack occurred while worshippers were observing the ‘Subh’ prayer, resulting in harm to members of the community.

According to reports from the Daily Trust, the assailant used petrol to ignite the fire, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside the mosque. The perpetrator then locked the mosque, exacerbating the situation and hindering the victims’ escape.

A member of the community, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that it took some time for people outside to become aware of the incident and rescue those trapped inside. Eventually, bystanders managed to break open the mosque’s doors and rescue the worshippers.

Tragically, at least 20 worshippers sustained serious injuries in the attack and were promptly rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for medical treatment.

This reprehensible act of violence against worshippers has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the region.

Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and apprehend the perpetrator to ensure justice is served and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Daily Trust

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Rep. Bichi Hails President Tinubu For Approving 238 Billion Naira Kano Northern Bypass Construction

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Rep Kabiru Abubakar Bichi

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has approved the construction of the Kano Northern Bypass, marking a significant step towards enhancing the state’s infrastructure. The approval came during a session of the Federal Executive Council held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The ambitious project, estimated to cost N238 billion ($580 million), promises to revolutionize transportation and commerce in Kano, positioning it as a key hub not only within northern Nigeria but across West Africa. The bypass is hailed as a long-awaited solution to traffic congestion and logistical challenges, expected to streamline the movement of goods and services.

Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, Member of the Bichi Federal Constituency and Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, expressed elation at the presidential nod for the project. He emphasized its potential to catalyze economic growth by facilitating the establishment of industrial clusters and generating employment opportunities for Kano’s burgeoning population.

The decision underscores President Tinubu’s commitment to prioritizing critical infrastructure development as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation. Acknowledging the significance of the investment, Hon. Abubakar extended gratitude to the president, voicing support from the people of Kano State.

In a statement of gratitude, he offered prayers for President Tinubu’s continued wisdom, health, and leadership, echoing the sentiment that under his guidance, the nation would ascend to greater heights.

The approval of the Kano Northern Bypass marks a milestone in Nigeria’s infrastructure development, promising tangible benefits for the region’s residents and businesses while signaling a broader commitment to national progress.

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17 year old found wearing belts suspected to be bomb

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By Asile Abel,Jos

Residents around the UBA bank in Dadin Kowa, Jos South, Plateau State has prevented a bomb attack after a seventeen year old boy, Benjamin Basil was found in the bank wearing belts packed with suspected Person Borne Improvised Explosive Device.

According to eye witness, the residents spotted the suspect strapped a bomb to his body and apprehended him before he could carry out his objective on Monday, 13th May

However, when asked why he was strapped and ready to detonate the explosives, he said he was forced by unknown Gunmen to forcefully get 100 million naira from the bank.

“I met some people who said if I don’t cooperate with them, they will explode me and I will just die. And everyone in the bank will die. Then I said, okay, I’m willing to cooperate. But first of all, let me try and document it. In the beginning of the note I wrote read from beginning to the end. Then I showed them. At that point I realized that they couldn’t read. So I took advantage of the situation.

“I Wrote to inform the cashier that I’m wrapped in suicide bomb at gunpoint. And I’m doing this against my will, I told him so that he will call for help. They also told me that when I come out With the 100 million naira Iam to collect from the bank in the two bags they gave me, twelve of their men will be waiting outside and they will collect the bag from me. Then they will disconnect the bomb from their own side”

Reacting to the incident while briefing the commissioner of Police Plateau state command, Emmanuel Adesina however denied that it was not a bomb, he explained that the individual, identified as Benjamin Basil, a student of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi Heipang Campus, entered the bank premises and threatened to detonate explosives unless his monetary demands were met.

Adesina while appreciating the swift action of police officers and local residents, added that the suspect was apprehended before any harm could be inflicted, averting a potential catastrophic incident.

He noted that the case of the suspected suicide bomber is presently under thorough investigation by the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to ascertain the veracity of his claims and identify any potential accomplices.

“On 13th May, 2024 at about 12pm, we received a distress call from UBA Sparkling Junction, Dadin Kowa, reporting a suspected armed robber who had entered the banking hall with suspected explosive devices tied around his body, and handed over a note to the cashier demanding for the sum of 100 Million naira under the threat that the explosives would be detonated if his request is not granted.

“The bank attendant immediately reported to the manager of the bank who swiftly reported to the Police at Rantya division and evacuated the customers from the bank. On sighting the Police vehicle, the suspect panicked and started running out of the bank. In the process, our Police officers posted at the bank saw him running and pursued him with the help of the youths in the area, the suspect was arrested. His name is Benjamin Basil male, a student of Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi Heipang Campus.The case is currently under investigation at the state CID, to ascertain the validity of his claims and arrest possible suspects;”

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