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Good morning Nigeria. Welcome to the Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today, Thursday, 7th November, 2024
1. Tinubu Announces Death Of Army Chief, Lagbaja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Wednesday morning by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga stated that Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wished Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honoured his significant contributions to the nation.
2. DisCos Increase Meter Prices By 28.03%, Second Hike In Four Months
Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) have raised the prices for various electricity meter models, marking the second increase within four months.
According to DisCos, the price of a single-phase meter has risen from around ₦117,000 to up to ₦149,800.
This adjustment, depending on the distribution company and meter vendor, represents an increase of 28.03% or ₦32,800.
The new prices, published on the DisCos’ official X accounts on Wednesday, were scheduled to take effect from Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
This hike aligns with the deregulation of meter asset providers as directed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
This revision follows an earlier price increase in August 2024, raising concerns among consumers about the affordability and accessibility of metering services.
A review of the documents shows that meter prices vary among DisCos due to differences in vendors and meter types (single-phase and three-phase).
3. Lagbaja: Tinubu Postpones FEC Meeting, Gives Fresh Directive
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered rescheduling the Federal Executive Council meeting till another date to be announced.
Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement released on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Initially scheduled for today, the council meeting was postponed in honour of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.
General Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, till his death on November 5, 2024.
President Tinubu also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for seven days in honour of the departed general.
4. House Of Reps To Seek Expert Insights On Tax Reform Bills – Deputy Spokesman
The House of Representatives has announced plans to consult tax experts on the potential impacts of the Tax Reform Bills currently under review by the National Assembly.
Deputy spokesman, Philip Agbese, shared this development in an interview with The PUNCH in Abuja on Wednesday.
Naija News reports that the recent tax reform bills, introduced by President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council, aim to streamline tax procedures, create a unified revenue service, and simplify financial obligations for both businesses and individuals.
These reforms stemmed from an extensive review of Nigeria’s tax laws conducted by a committee led by Taiwo Oyedele, which was established in August 2023.
The committee’s recommendations were then consolidated into four executive bills and sent to the National Assembly in September 2024.
Following this, the 36 state governors collectively called for more consultations, with 19 governors initially opposing the bills, arguing they could negatively impact northern regions and state governments.
Despite the governors’ reservations, the Presidency has urged Parliament to proceed with reviewing the bills, while leaving room for legislative adjustments.
Agbese emphasized the House’s intention to engage the public through town hall meetings to gather input from citizens.
5. 1.7 Million Pregnant Women To Access Free Transport In 2025 – FG
The federal government has said about 1.7 million pregnant women dwelling in 15 selected rural communities across the country would have access to a free transportation system in 2025.
The National Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), Dr. Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, stated this in Damaturu, at stakeholders’ engagement ahead of the project’s kickoff in Yobe State.
Represented by Ahmed Lawan-Tijjani, Dumbulwa explained that the agency would provide rural emergency and maternal transportation services for 1,700,000 pregnant women by the end of December 2025.
Dumbulwa noted the importance of state governments to key into the programme which would improve maternal health while reducing infant death rate across the country.
NEMSAS boss further disclosed that to ensure the success of the exercise, there would be a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NUTRW) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He reinstated that the target of the government is to improve the maternal health of pregnant women and minimize infant deaths.
6. NAAT Threatens To Embark On Indefinite Strike Over Outstanding Issue With FG
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over outstanding issues with the Federal Government.
On Wednesday, the association presented a 14-day ultimatum to the government, urging prompt action on addressing the outstanding issues.
During a peaceful demonstration at the University of Maiduguri in Borno State, NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma expressed his dissatisfaction with the Minister of Finance’s decision to withhold salaries despite receiving approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He characterized the delay as “unfortunate and regrettable,” raising concerns about the government’s dedication to resolving NAAT’s concerns.
Represented by the University of Maiduguri’s Acting Chairman of the National Association of Academic Technicians and Allied Technicians (NAAT), Yusuf Zangoma, Nwokoma presented the demands put forth by the union.
These demands encompass the reimbursement of withheld salaries, the complete execution of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, the resolution of Earned Allowances arrears, and the enhancement of public university laboratories.
The National Association of Academic Technicians and Allied Technicians (NAAT) has directed its branches to organize protests and congresses.
Should the government not fulfill its obligations by November 13, 2024, the union is prepared to launch a national protest and an indefinite strike.
7. Atiku Reveals Nigerians Expectations As Trump Returns To White House
The former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, has spoken to the United State just concluded election and the lesson Nigeria ought to learn from it.
Naija News reports that the former President, Donald Trump of the Republican party defeated his opponent in the Democratic Party, Kamala Harris.
In a post via his X handle, Atiku, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said Nigeria has lessons to learn ahead of future elections.
According to him, it is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.
8. #EndBadGovernance Protests: Emir Sanusi Commends Tinubu For Swift Release Of Detained Minors
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, expressed gratitude towards President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention, which led to the release of 76 minors detained in connection with the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
According to the Emir, these children, many of whom were students, were held under harsh conditions that endangered their lives until Tinubu ordered their immediate release.
The Emir voiced his concern that many of these children were not even involved in the protests, noting that they were simply on their way to school or in public areas when arrested.
Speaking at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital in Kano, where the freed minors were being cared for, Emir Sanusi said, “We really appreciate and thank President Tinubu who saved the lives of these Boys.”
9. Lagbaja Gave His All To Nigeria, A Courageous Leader – Acting COAS, Oluyede
Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olatubosun Oluyede, joined Nigerians in mourning the late Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, whom he described as a courageous and exemplary military professional.
Oluyede noted that Lagbaja’s dedication and sacrifice for Nigeria would be deeply missed by the military and celebrated even in his passing.
In his tribute, Oluyede expressed that the entire Nigerian Army was grieving the passing of their leader, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja.
10. How My Late Wife, Stella Got Me Out Of Prison – Obasanjo Reveals
Nigeria’s former military and democratic leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, shared his story on Wednesday about how his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, reached out to numerous global leaders in her efforts to secure his release from jail.
Obasanjo was detained on March 17, 1995, by the military regime led by General Sani Abacha and found guilty of being involved in a plot to topple the military government.
Naija News recalls that despite this, Obasanjo became the elected civilian President in 1999.
The former President reflected on his political journey today while delivering a speech in Benin City during the inauguration of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital, which had been expanded and renovated by the government of Edo State.
In his speech as a special guest, Obasanjo expressed his admiration for his wife’s relentless efforts to secure his freedom by travelling to many countries and visiting many leaders to seek their intervention.
Obasanjo portrayed his late spouse as a woman of significant substance whose contributions were pivotal to the successes of his administration.
He declared that Stella was entitled to any recognition possible, whether during her lifetime or after her passing.
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