NEWS
Ilorin Butchers Protest Sudden Tax Hike at Abattoir Market

From Abdullahi Abubakar, Ilorin
Association of Butchers and other traders, at the Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki Abattoir Market in Ilorin on Monday, staged a protest over what they describe as “sudden increase in tax levies” by the Ilorin East local government authorities.
The members, under the aegis of Irepodun United Butchers Association of Nigeria, opposed the sharp increase in their daily tax, from N500 to N2,000 per cow. Speaking with DAILY ASSET in Ilorin earlier the Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Moshood Abdulqodir, condemned the move, stating that it was implemented without any form of consultation with, or notice to, the stakeholders.According to him and others who spoke DAILY ASSET, the new rate was introduced by the local government chairman in collaboration with an unnamed investor (sic) placing a heavier burden than ever on their daily operations. Another butcher, Mallam Kale Onimalu, noted that the increase comes amid a steep rise in the cost of living, worsening the financial strain and losses already faced by traders. In protest, the marketers have positioned themselves outside the market gate, refusing to pay the revised gate fee until the decision is reversed.Meanwhile, the Chairman Ilorin East Local Government, Lukman Olayinka-Agbelere, when contacted said, upon assumption of office, his administration discovered that the Abattoir, a private, public sectors, partnership (PPP) was concessioned to an concessionaire, who was to: build, manage, operate and transfer over a stipulated period of time, that still has about 10 years to go.He stated that, in order to ensure that the Local Government gets what its deserves from the facility, in terms of revenue, there is the need to jerk up a bit, the rate of N500 being paid per cow, to N2000, to enable the local government raise enough fund to be able to buy back the concession and reclaim the asset. The total outstanding according to the Chairman, based on the interaction he had with the concessionaire was N130,000,000.He stated that he did not arrive at the decision unilaterally, but held meetings with different stakeholders, including the traders and butcher at the market, before arriving at the decision to increase the rate. They agreed to pay the new rate in order to speed up the payment, for the local government to reclaim the facility.NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.
The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.
S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.
Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.