NEWS
DSS Didn’t Invade SERAP Office, Says NCSCN
The National Civil Society of Nigeria (NCSCN) has debunked reports of invasion and attempted arrest of officials of Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by Department of State Security Service (DSS) personnel.The Executive Director, NCSCN, Mr Blessing Akinlosotu said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him NCSCN conducted an independent investigation to ascertain the facts of the report and found the allegation to be untrue. “We conducted a v probe around the office of SERAP as well as visited the FCT Command of the DSS to get a balanced and objective version of the story.“We were shocked at the sensationalism at which the incidence has been presented or reported to the public.“The story from our findings has not only been twisted, but been shrouded with untrue and misleading narrations capable of inciting public contempt and defaming the DSS Management in FCT,” Akinlosotu said.Akinlosotu said though there were occasions of overzealous and non-professional conducts by some officers of the DSS in isolated occasions in the past, said this was not true with the SERAP narrative.“It is necessary to always set records straight and presenting matters as they are by handling issue separately and within context. Matters bothering on security are sensitive and could be volatile.“Any form of misrepresentation could lead to social unrest or disruption of peace and order in the society, which we must all collectively guard against at this crucial stage of our history and polity.“From our findings there was neither trace of invasion, intimidation or occupation; no evidence of harshness or harassment by the officers of DSS that visited the SERAP office.“No proofs of arrest threats. What we have before us is a report of a civil interaction and friendly conversation around the leadership, operations and position of SERAP on burning national issues,” Akinlosotu said.The executive director, therefore, urged SERAP to present proofs of intimidation if any while calling on all Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country to live above board.He also called on CSOs to refrain from the temptation of exaggeration of stories and distortions of facts.On his part Executive Secretary NCSCN, Dr Raymond Edoh said both the civil society and the DSS were partners in progress.He said the country was facing precarious times, adding that dialogue and collaboration remained the solution to all challenges.Also speaking, Mr Oluyemi Success, Deputy Executive Director, South NCSCN said the organisation would not support distortion of truth.“We are against clamping down on CSOs but when it has not happened there is no need to instigate it for the purpose of crowd chasing.“The visit was a routine interaction between the new leadership of DSS and SERAP, if your word is not standing on absolute truth then you are not helping the nation,” Success said.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that recently there a wide media report of an unlawful invasion and attempted arrest of officials of SERAP by officers of the DSS. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has thus directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser, Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Thursday.“President Tinubu, who returned to the country last Sunday after his trip to China and the UK, wants to focus on domestic issues and address some of the country’s challenges, especially after the recent devastating flooding.
“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima will deliver Nigeria’s national statement to the General Assembly, attend important sideline events, and hold bilateral meetings,” said the statement.The high-level General Debate, with the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations,”will run from Sept. 24, to Sept. 28. (NAN)
The National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent of candidates securing five credits and above in English Language and Mathematics.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this while addressing newsmen at the NECO headquarters on Thursday in Minna, Niger.
Wushishi said that a total of 1,376,423 candidates, representing 706,950 males and 669,473 females, registered for the exam.
The registrar said that 1,367,736 candidates sat for the examination, representing 702,112 Males and 665,624 females.
He said that 828, 284 candidates had five credits and above, including English and Mathematics, representing 60.
55 per cent.Wushishi said that the number of candidates with five credits and above, irrespective of English and Mathematics, were 1,147,597, representing 83.90 per cent.
He said that there was a great reduction in the number of examination malpractices this year compared to 2023.
“The number of candidates involved in various forms of malpractice in 2024 is 8,437 as against 12,030 in 2023, which shows a reduction of 30. 1 per cent,” he said.
The registrar, however, said that 40 schools were found to be involved in mass cheating during the examination.
” During the conduct of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), 40 schools were found to have been involved in whole school (mass) cheating in 17 states.
” They will be invited to the Council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.
“A school in Ekiti was recommended for de-recognition for mass cheating in two core subjects and 01 Science subject.
” Similarly, 21 Supervisors were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, abscondment, extortion, drunkenness and negligence in 12 states,”said.
He urged candidates that sat for the examination to visit NECO website to access their results.
Wushishi said candidates can access their results on NECO website: www.neco.gov.ng using their examination registration number,” he said.(NAN)
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security and sustainable growth in the region.Chief Monday Igbuya, the Delta representative on the NDDC Board, made this pledge in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
Igbuya spoke at the inauguration of a training and empowerment programme for women and youths in livestock and agro processing in Amukpe, Sapele area of Delta. He stated that the NDDC was prioritising livestock training in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.“NDDC is focussed on implementing programmes to ensure food security and agricultural growth in multi sectors, aiming to improve living standards.“It is our belief that for socio-economic development to take place, there is need to develop manpower in the agricultural sector,” he said.Igbuya expressed confidence that training farmers would enhance livestock production, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Niger Delta.Mrs Winifred Madume, NDDC Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, said that training farmers and entrepreneurs was essential for improving productivity and market access.“The commission has been promoting research and development through various institutions and providing farming techniques to beneficiaries,” she said.The Project Consultant, Dr Simon Akhaine, said that 200 women and youths had registered for the livestock and agro-business skill acquisition programme.According to him, the programme aims to equip them with the essential knowledge and skills for self-sufficiency in livestock farming, thereby boosting regional food security. (NAN)
Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to UNGA
SharePresident Bola Tinubu will not attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly session in New York this year.The President has...
NECO Releases 2024 SSCE Results
ShareThe National Examinations Council, (NECO) has released the June/July 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination results (SSCE), with 60.55 per cent...
NDDC Unveils Initiative to Enhance food Security in N’ Delta Programmes
Share The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it is committed to advancing projects and programmes that enhance food security...
Kwara Govt. Seals off 14 Buildings over Concerns about Environment
Share The Kwara Government has in the past few days sealed off 14 buildings due to environmental concerns, the state’s...
Microsoft Boss Warns of Meddling Ahead of U.S. Presidential Election
Share Brad Smith, the president of technology giant Microsoft has issued a stark warning regarding foreign attempts to influence the U.S....
New Dangote Varsity Pro-chancellor Promises to Turn Challenges into Opportunities
Share The newly-appointed Pro-chancellor of Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Justice Abdu Aboki, has promised to turn...
KWASIEC says 21,000 Applied for 7,000 ad Hoc job During Saturday’s LG Elections
Share Alhaji Mohammed Baba-Okanla, Chairman of the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWASIEC), says more than 21,000 persons applied for...
FCT Civil Service Commission Begins Regularisation of FCTA Staff Appointments
Share The Federal Capital Territory Civil Service Commission has begun the regularisation of staff appointments in the FCT Administration and...
FCT primary Teachers Resume Strike over Unresolved Welfare Concerns
Share The Federal Capital Territory Wing of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) on Wednesday, resumed industrial action over unresolved...
Nigeria to Lead $7.7trn Global Halal Market – Shettima
ShareVice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed the determination of the country to become number one hub of opportunities in the global...