weight loss diet, 12 tips to help you lose weight

 

12 tips to help you lose weight

 

Get off to the best possible start on the NHS weight loss plan with these 12 diet and exercise tips.

1. Do not skip breakfast

Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry.

2. Eat regular meals

Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar.

3. Eat plenty of fruit and veg

Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.

4. Get more active

Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of  exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. you enjoy and are able to fit into your routine.

5. Drink plenty of water

People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need.

6. Eat high fibre foods

Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils.

7. Read food labels

Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan.

8. Use a smaller plate

Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

9. Do not ban foods

Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance.

10. Do not stock junk food

To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice.

11. Cut down on alcohol

A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain.

12. Plan your meals

Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.

COVID-19 : Rivers overtakes Lagos as NCDC reports over 800 cases, more deaths

 

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, has recorded 835 fresh cases of COVID-19 in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Rivers State recorded the highest new cases with 263 infections followed by Lagos which reported 217.

The health agency made this known on Friday morning in an update posted on its verified Facebook page.

The country also recorded about 10 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total fatality to 2,298.

So far, Nigeria has recorded 189,715 cases of the disease with about 169,626 patients already recovered.

The post reads, “835 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;

Rivers-263
Lagos-217
Oyo-128
Edo-45
Kwara-42
FCT-37
Ekiti-35
Ogun-13
Akwa Ibom-11
Imo-11
Bayelsa-10
Plateau-7
Delta-4
Kaduna-3
Benue-2
Niger-2
Sokoto-2
Abia-1
Ebonyi-1
Nasarawa-1

189,715 confirmed
169,626 discharged
2,298 deaths

“States with zero cases reported (2): Borno and Kano

COVID-19 : Nigeria records seven deaths, over 600 fresh cases in 18 states, FCT

 

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC has announced 637 cases of COVID-19 in 18 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

NCDC, while giving update on its verified Facebook page on Thursday morning, said about seven patients have died due to complications from the dreaded virus.

So far, Nigeria has recorded 188,880 cases of the disease since its outbreak in 2020.

No fewer than 169, 382 patients have been successfully treated and discharged.

 Lagos records 776 as NCDC confirms over one thousand fresh cases, more deaths

However, a total of 2, 288 fatalities have been recorded across the country as Lagos State remains the epicenter of the virus in Nigeria.

The post reads, “637 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria

Lagos-322
Rivers-70
Edo-54
Delta-34
Akwa Ibom-31
Kwara-31
FCT-29
Ekiti-17
Ogun-14
Osun-10
Kebbi-8
Cross River-5
Plateau-3
Taraba-3
Kaduna-2
Bayelsa-2
Benue-1
Enugu-1
Kano-1

188,880 confirmed
169,382 discharged
2,288 deaths

“States with zero cases reported (6): Gombe, Kano, Nasarawa, Oyo, Sokoto, and Zamfara”.

COVID-19 : Zamfara receives 65,000 doses of Moderna vaccine

 

The Zamfara State Government has expressed readiness to partner international donor agencies to combat COVID-19 and other diseases affecting residents of the state.

This was disclosed by the Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, who doubles as the state chairman of the COVID-19 taskforce, when he flagged off the second phase of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines donated by the United States of America Centre for Disease Control at the state medical store in Gusau, the state capital.

Magarya, who commended the efforts and concern shown by the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in particular and all other donor agencies in general, assured that the state would still maintain its lead in the fight against the pandemic by proper and judicious use of the vaccine for the people of the state.

He appealed to international donor agencies and development partners to assist the state with drugs and medication to fight the scourge of cholera outbreak in some local government areas of the state.

“The state government would seriously look into the possibility of providing solar powered electricity to the state medical stores to augment the existing source of electricity by generating sets that are more expensive but not reliable,” he said.

Earlier, the agency’s representative, Hajiya Halima Bolatito, said that the over 65,000 doses of Moderna vaccines donated to the state forms part of the US corporate social responsibility to African nations on how to effectively tackle the pandemic, assuring that much more doses will be donated to the state in subsequent periods .

She commended the efforts of the state government by showing serious commitment for the establishment of isolation centres in the state and also congratulated the state for having zero index cases of the disease as at the present time.

In their own speeches, both UNICEF country representative, Mr Adebayo Abdulkadir Bolaji, and representatives of National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Namadi Sambo, the state government was serious on how it effectively handled the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

The medical experts also warned the general public against mixing the Astrazeneca vaccine with the current Moderna.

They explained that those who took Astrazeneca should wait for their second dose of it while those that would take Moderna as first dose should also wait for the second round of the same vaccine, saying that the two cannot be interchanged.

Conducting the taskforce committee chairman round the facility to inspect the cool chain room where the over vaccine is being stored, the Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Board, Dr Tukur Ismail, said keeping the medical store is very imperative.

He appealed to the state government through Magarya to come to their aid by providing solar powered electricity to avoid any technical hitch in the cool supply chain.

June 12: MKO Abiola funded 1985 coup that removed Buhari – Fani-Kayode alleges

 

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister has alleged that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, MKO, Abiola was behind the 1985 coup.

Fani-Kayode alleged that Abiola funded the coup that removed President Muhammadu Buhari from power in 1985.

He claimed that the same people Abiola used to remove Buhari from power annulled the 1993 presidential election he won.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain disclosed this in a series of tweets.

June 12: Abiola cannot be happy with Nigeria, democracy now autocracy – Gani Adams

Fani-Kayode, however, commended Buhari for immortalizing Abiola with June 12 democracy day, 35 years later.

According to Fani-Kayode: “MKO Abiola funded the coup that removed Buhari from power in 1985 yet it was the same people he put in power that year that annulled his election as President 8 years later in 1993. What an irony! Again the same Buhari he removed from power in 1985 was the one that, 35 years later.

“Once back in power, apologised for the annulment of his 1993 presidential election and mandate even though he had no hand in it and immortalised his name by declaring June 12th Democracy Day. This is instructive! No matter what u say or think about Buhari, he did well on this one.”

Buhari recently changed Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in commemoration of Abiola, following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election he won.

June 12: FG has not fulfilled its promises to us – Abiola’s family

Biafra Agitators Storm UK Parliament, London To Protest Against Alleged Genocide In South-East

 

Nigerians of Igbo extraction residing in the United Kingdom have barricaded the Parliament House in London to protest against the alleged genocide in the South East region.

In a video shared on Friday morning, the Biafra protesters demanded an end to the killing of Igbo youths in Nigeria. speech of President Buhari’s Democracy Day address

Recall that Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, last week, said those trying to destroy the country would receive the shock of their life.  Buhari Must Go’ protesters shut down Abuja [PHOTOS]

He also added on his Twitter handle that, “Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand".

Following public critism in the country and condemnations of the ban by Nigerians and the international community, Twitter deleted part of part Buhari's tweets. 

There have been a series of attacks on police stations and police personnel in the state which the government and security forces have blamed on Indigenous People of (IPOB), and its militant arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN).  June 12: ‘Buhari must go’ – Ondo youths insist as protest rocks Akure [Photos]

And many people have allegedly cried out that soldiers and other security agents are clandestinely killing youths in their numbers in that region.  June 12: Teargas, gunshots as Lagos protesters storm Ojota

This definitely has attracted Nigerians in the country and in the Diaspora to organise protests against the unfortunate incidents and other negativities of the Buhari-led government.  EndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

In the protest in London, protesters are seen with Biafra flags, polo shirts and wrist bands shouting ‘stop killing our children, stop the genocide.’

speech of President Buhari’s Democracy Day address

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday morning, addressed Nigerians to mark the 2021 Democracy Day celebration. Buhari Must Go’ protesters shut down Abuja [PHOTOS]

The speech reads in full, “I join you all today to commemorate and celebrate our Democracy Day. It is a celebration of freedom and a victory for one people, one country and one Nigeria.

“As with all democracies we will always be going through improvement processes in our desire to reach the goal of a mature democracy, a strong, evolved and integrated nation state to be reckoned with globally. June 12: ‘Buhari must go’ – Ondo youths insist as protest rocks Akure [Photos]

“In the last two years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of testy challenges that would have destroyed other nations especially relating to our collective security.

“The indefatigable CAN DO Spirit of the Nigerian has sustained us and would keep pushing us to put these challenges behind us. June 12: Teargas, gunshots as Lagos protesters storm Ojota

“Unfortunately some of these challenges came in the shape of violent outrages leading to the loss of lives of many of our dear compatriots and the destruction of some of our infrastructure, including those devoted to improving our democratic processes.

“Once again, I want to render my sincere and heart-felt condolences to the families and friends of our gallant service men and women who lost their lives in the line of duty and as a sacrifice to keep Nigeria safe. June 12 Police assure Lagos residents of safety, warn troublemakers

“I extend the same condolence to the families and friends of our country men, women and children who were unfortunate victims of such senseless arsons, kidnappings and murders.

Nigerian Army will win all battles, we’re loyal to Buhari – Gen Yahaya

“I also share the pains of families and direct victims of ransom-seeking, kidnaped victims who went through unimaginable trauma in the course of their forced imprisonment.

“Let me assure my fellow citizens that every incident, however minor gives me great worry and concern and I immediately order security agencies to swiftly but safely rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice.

Fellow Nigerians, EndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

“When you elected me as your President in 2015, you did so knowing that I will put an end to the growing insecurity, especially the insurgency in the North East, but the unintended consequences of our scattering them in the North East pushed them further in-country which is what we are now facing and dealing with. IPOB, ESN Buhari govt sponsoring terrorism in South East, governors are complicit – HURIWA

“We will, by the Grace of God put an end to these challenges too.

“Unfortunately, like in most conflict situations, some Nigerian criminals are taking undue advantage of a difficult situation and profiteering therefrom with the misguided belief that adherence to the democratic norms handicaps this Administration from frontally and decisively tackling them.

“We are already addressing these obstacles and we will soon bring some of these culprits to justice.

“We are, at the same time addressing the twin underlying drivers of insecurity namely poverty and youth unemployment.

“Interventions led by Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria driving economic growth over the past 6 years are targeted mostly to the agricultural, services, infrastructure, power and health care sectors of the economy.

“In the Agricultural sector, for instance, the Anchor Borrowers Programme resulted in sharp decline in the nation’s major food import bill from $2.23billion in 2014 to US$0.59billion by the end of 2018.

“Rice import bill alone dropped from $1 billion to $18.5 million annually.

“This initiative supported local production of rice, maize, cotton and cassava. Government financed 2.5 million small-holder farmers cultivating about 3.2 million hectares of farmland all over the country and created 10 million direct and indirect jobs.

“Several other initiatives, namely AgriBusiness/Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme, the Non-oil Export stimulation Facility, the Targeted Credit Facilities operated across the 774 Local Governments. 

“In the manufacturing sector the CBN – BOI N200 billion facility financed the establishment and operations of 60 new industrial hubs across the country, creating an estimated 890,000 direct and indirect jobs.

“The CBN’s N50 billion Textile Sector intervention Facility increased capacity utilization of ginneries from 30% to nearly 90%.

“The Economic Sustainability Plan – our rebound plan for the COVID-19 pandemic developed in 2020 is currently being executed. The plan is primarily focused on the non-oil sector, which has recorded phenomenal growth contributing over 90% to the GDP growth in Q1 2021.

“Though marginal we have recorded GDP growth over two quarters; Q2 2020 and Q1 2021. This is evidence of a successful execution of the ESP by the Federal Government.

“My vision of pulling 100 million poor Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years has been put into action and can be seen in the National Social Investment Programme, a first in Africa and one of the largest in the world where over 32.6m beneficiaries are taking part. We now have a National Social register of poor and vulnerable households, identified across 708 local government areas, 8,723 wards and 86,610 communities in the 36 States and the FCT.

“Our conditional cash transfer program has benefited over 1.6 million poor and vulnerable households comprising more than 8 million individuals. This provides a monthly stipend of N10,000 per household.

“I have also recently approved the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy Plan that augments existing plans to further reduce poverty in Nigeria.

“As at the end of 2020, the Development Bank of Nigeria had disbursed 324 billion Naira in loans to more than 136,000 MSMEs, through 40 participating Financial Institutions. I am to note that 57% of these beneficiaries are women while 27% are the youth.

“We are able to do all these and still accelerate our infrastructure development through sensible and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow, improving and increasing revenue through capturing more tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

Fellow Nigerians,

“Our infrastructure revolution continues with key projects attaining critical milestones under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund; The Second Niger Bridge, The Lagos- Ibadan Expressway and the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway.

“I have also approved the establishment of Infraco Plc, a world-class infrastructure development vehicle wholly focused on Nigeria with a capital structure of N15 trillion.

“The rail system is not left out as the Itakpe-Warri standard gauge rail was completed and commissioned 33 years after construction began. The Lagos-Ibadan double track railway line which I have just commissioned has commenced operations.

“We are focused on ensuring that our infrastructure drive is key to economic growth and one that can be felt by every Nigerian. Building critical infrastructure in our ports is also opening up opportunities for the Nigerian economy.

“My approval for 4 new seaports using a Public-Private-Partnership approach is hinged on growing the Nigerian economy. These four sea ports; Lekki Deep Sea Port, Bonny Deep Sea Port, Ibom Deep Sea Port and Warri Deep Sea port will create massive job opportunities and foreign investment inflows.

“We have worked at deepening our Eastern ports leading to success like having three container ships berth at Calabar port, a first in 11 years. Similarly, on October 30 2019, an LPG tanker operated by NLNG berthed in Port Harcourt, the first time an LPG ship is berthing at any of the Eastern Ports.

“As we invest in these new assets, we have also made strides in ensuring that they are secured and protected. In this regard I am also pleased to note the launch of the NIMASA Deep Blue project – which is an Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure that I recently commissioned. This initiative is designed to add to the layer of security we have to safeguard our maritime sector.

Dear Nigerians,  https://saviournicodemus.blogspot.com/2021/06/defence-minister-service-chiefs-others.html

” I will be the first to admit that in spite of our efforts and achievements which are there for all to see, there is still much more to be done and we are doing our best in the face of scarce resources and galloping population growth rate that consistently outstrips our capacity to provide jobs for our populace. Our over-all economic target of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years is our goal notwithstanding COVID-19.

“In the last two years we lifted 10.5 million people out of poverty – farmers, small-scale traders, artisans, market women and the like.

“I am very convinced that this 100 million target can be met and this informed the development of a National poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy. The specific details of this accelerated strategy will be unveiled shortly.

“In the last one year, Nigeria and the whole world faced COVID-19 for which no one was fully prepared.

speech of President Buhari’s Democracy Day address

“Our response to the pandemic involved making hard choices in balancing livelihoods and public health concerns. You are all living witnesses to how successful this has been due to a number of pro-active measures put in place. Our response to COVID-19 is globally acclaimed.

“We were able to ensure that the various lockdown measures did not impact too negatively on the ability of ordinary Nigerians to continue sustaining their livelihoods.

“During the pandemic, we disbursed N5,000 to 1 million Nigerians using a Rapid Response Register and advanced N20,000 to 750,000 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Progamme and provided 1.37 million Nigerians with palliatives from CACOVID.

“At the same time the Federal Government released 109,000 metric tonnes of food reserve stocks and 70,000 metric tonnes of grains to the poor and vulnerable in all 36 states of the federation.

“In addition, Government reduced interest rates from 9% to 5% for struggling businesses and extended credit facilities to 548,345 beneficiaries.

Fellow Nigerians,

“When this administration decided to change our Democracy Day from 29th May to June 12th in my first tenure, it was not only to honour the sacrifices of the men and women of our country who fought for the return to democracy but also to demonstrate our commitment to satisfy the aspirations of the people and creating an environment for democracy to be an accepted way of life.

“As your President, I remain committed to providing an enabling environment for a free, fair and credible electoral system under my tenure.

“However, you need to play your part by getting involved at any level you can supporting a democratic system that works for all and not for a section or a select few and demand accountability from your elected leaders.

“My commitment to bequeathing a sustainable democratic culture remains resolute, my pursuit of a fair society remains unshaken and my desire to see that Nigeria remains a country for each and every one of us has never been stronger.

“In responding to the challenges that this period imposes on us, Government also recognises the need to acknowledge notions of marginalisation and agitations for constitutional amendments among various segments of our population.

“While this government is not averse to constitutional reform as part of our nation building process, everyone must understand that the primary responsibility for constitutional amendments lies with the National Assembly.

“This body which, as I said, is the arm of government responsible for constitutional changes has concluded the preliminary stages of amending and improving our constitution in a way that the majority of Nigerians will be happy with.

“Government is, however, willing to play a critical role in the constitutional amendment process without usurping the powers of the National Assembly in this regard.

“As a nation we have come very far from where we started and we are getting incrementally closer to where we ought to be.

“Overcoming the present challenges is but one of a necessary process that we have to undergo as a nation so that we can come out stronger. The day I joined the Nigerian Army I was prepared to lay down my life for Nigeria.

“As your President I remain ever committed to upholding and defending Nigeria’s Corporate existence.

“In adhering to the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy notably section 14(2)(b) I shall do all within my power to ensure that the Security and welfare of the people remain the primary purpose of government.

“I have, throughout my tenure, provided the security agencies with all they require relative to available resources and will be providing more as the dynamics unfold to put an end to our security problems.

“My strong belief in the Nigerian spirit gives me comfort that we are facing these challenges with renewed commitment to keep our country one.

“I thank you for your patience and attention and more importantly your resolve to join hands in making Nigeria the country of our dream.

“Happy Democracy Day! God Bless us All, God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria’.

Buhari Must Go’ protesters shut down Abuja [PHOTOS]

 

Palpable fear has gripped residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja over the activities of protesters who have stormed many parts of the city to decry bad governance.

 

Earlier, Some of the protesters who stormed the Gudu Junction in the FCT, clashed with security operatives.

 recalls that several groups and activists have vowed to stage protests in all parts of the country as Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day.

June 12 Police assure Lagos residents of safety, warn troublemakers

 

The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security of lives and property on Saturday June 12.

There are fears that Lagos will be shut down for the June 12 Democracy Day Celebration.

Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that commercial and social activities will go on as normal.

A statement he signed noted that the command is not aware of any planned protest nor curfew.

The spokesman warned those might want to foment troubles to steer clear.

Eid el Fitr: Zamfara police beefs up security, deploys over 2000 police men

“Anyone caught engaging in any act capable of causing breakdown of order will face the full wrath of the law.”

Adejobi advised members of the public to disregard any rumoured sit-at-home order, lock down of markets and total paralysis of economic and social activities.

“It is a mere mischievous rumour and calculated attempt to create fears in the minds of Lagosians and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos State”, he noted.

The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, charged the people to go about their lawful businesses.

EndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that last year’s EndSARS protests against police brutality, were aimed at removing him from office.

Buhari stated this while appearing on Arise TV on Thursday morning.

He also blamed the protests on the dwindling inflow of foreign direct investment to the country.

The president insisted that those who participated in the protests, have made Nigeria unattractive to investors.

Buhari was asked how he can improve foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nigeria.

In response he said: “This question was answered last year when there was the #EndSARS protest last year. You remember the young people that wanted to march here and remove me?”

The president added: “Tell the young people to behave themselves and make the country safe, then we can attract real investors to the country”.

Defence Minister, Service Chiefs, others meet South-East stakeholders in Enugu

 

A Federal Government delegation, on Friday, met with Southeast stakeholders over the prevailing security situation in the zone.

The delegation, led by the country’s Defence Minister, Retired Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, had his Interior Ministry counterpart, H.E. Raul Adesoji Aregbesola, the Service Chiefs, Governors of the South-East geo-political zone and other leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions in the zone, at the Enugu Government House.

After the closed-door session, Magashi said that the issues raised at the meeting comprised the instability and criminality affecting the country in general.

According to him, “We are happy to have discussed the ones that are peculiar to this part of the country.

“We agreed that there are fundamental issues that need to be addressed.

“The herders conflict should be seen from the perspective of national interest to find solution that will stop the menace all over the country.”

The Minister noted that they also discussed community policing.

Bandits, kidnappers must be punished – Details of Obasanjo, Gumi meeting
“We have the opinion that the governors should be encouraged and we appreciate all our discussions,” Magashi said.

Speaking, the chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum, Chief David Umahi thanked the Federation Government the delegation for their concern towards addressing the insecurity in the zone.

According to him, “Our people are excited with this commitment and sacrifices and we thank you so much.”

He noted that that stakeholders discussed issues on open grazing and that the delegates were in support of it.

“We informed the delegates that each state of the region has laws in respect to the ban,” he said.

Umahi told the delegation that “Ebubeagu is the only recognised security outfit in the South East.”

He said that the South-East leaders condemned the killing of the security men, innocent citizens and the burning of government facilities.

“We are doing our best to ensure that normalcy returns to the region,” Umahi said.

Earlier, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in his welcome address, described the Town Hall meeting as timely and apt, expressing optimism that the outcome of the meeting will engender the watershed to the security challenges in the South-East zone.

Suspected gunmen, security operatives allegedly kill PDP youth leader, businessman in Imo

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who stressed the need for all government structures to uphold the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government (enshrined in the 1999 Constitution), said that the consultation with the Service Chiefs and critical stakeholders of the South-East zone, on the current security challenges, “underscores the centrality of this security responsibility in our consideration”, thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for this desirable and laudable development.

Insecurity God brought you to defend Benue people – Group lauds Gov Ortom

 

Insecurity God brought you to defend Benue people – Group lauds Gov Ortom

Members of the Jemgbagh Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Unity Forum, comprising Gboko, Buruku and Tarka Local Government Areas of Benue State, have lauded the courage exhibited by Governor Samuel Ortom in defending the people of the state against Fulani herdsmen.

The members, made up of prominent party stalwarts, government appointees, women and youths conveyed their feelings when they paid Governor Ortom a courtesy visit at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, the state capital.June 12: No cause for alarm – FCTA assures Abuja residents of safety

Interim President of the Forum, Prince Yandev Amaabai, said just like God brought the late Aper Aku to provide infrastructure based on the needs at his time, God brought Governor Samuel Ortom at this time to deal with the security situation.

Prince Amaabai stated that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law which the Governor had promulgated and is being embraced by Nigerians had exposed an evil agenda against Benue people and Nigeria at large, stressing that the multiplier effect of the law would forever be remembered.

Police rescue 15 kidnapped victims, 32 rustled cows in Kaduna

He expressed delight that aside from securing the state from being occupied by herdsmen, Governor Ortom has recorded other tangible achievements such as the construction of roads and township streets as well as massive renovation of primary schools across the state among others.

Speaking for Gboko Local Government, Chief Terngu Tsegba, Laha Dzever for Buruku and Mr Adicks Alu for Tarka noted that the Governor has performed well in security and other areas and assured of supporting him to do more for the state.

Others including, Mr Mike Mku, Mrs Lydia Nyor for women and Mr Tivzua Zuana, thanked Governor Ortom for contributing to the development of PDP in the state and North Central and promised to stand with him in his future political ambition.

Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom said the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the people in terms of security and enjoined the people to key into the Community Volunteer Guards to end herdsmen attacks and root out cultism.

Governor Ortom expressed joy that every Nigerian has come to acknowledge the prohibition of open grazing as the solution to the herdsmen menace except the presidency which is insisting on opening grazing routes, saying he would continue to speak out against criminality being perpetrated by herdsmen.

The Governor commended the Jemgbagh PDP Unity Forum for the initiative of coming together to speak with one voice and enjoined them to sustain the love among them to foster development in their communities.

 

 

June 12: No cause for alarm – FCTA assures Abuja residents of safety

 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents of the city of protection of lives and properties during the Democracy Day celebration ON Saturday.Buhari’s comments validate creation of Eastern Security Network – Nnamdi Kanu

 reports that tension has heightened across the city over looming attacks and violence as groups plan to protest bad governance on Democracy Day following the hardship and insecurity bedevilling many parts of the country.God told me TB Joshua in hellfire, Nnamdi Kanu may die soon – Pastor Peters

However, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, on Thursday assured that the security agencies in the FCT are committed to ensuring that lives and properties of residents are protected during the celebration and beyond.‘I’ll keep that to myself’ – Buhari parries question on Twitter ban

FCTA apologises to Nigerians for blackout at Airport RoadTwitter ban in Nigeria, five Governors remain active, tweet

He gave the assurance shortly after the routine FCT Security Committee meeting on Thursday.Nnamdi Kanu orders IPOB to destabilize Nigeria using Twitter – Lai Mohammed

In the words of Mr Olusade who presided over the meeting, “Residents of FCT are very peace-loving. So, collectively, we are committed to a peaceful June 12 celebration. In this regard, our security How I turned back two South West Governors who came to me complaining about herdsmen killings – Buhari agencies are catching on to this commitment and they have assured us that no stone will be left unturned in protecting the lives and properties of residents”.Nigeria vs Twitter: Only Biden can face Buhari – US Intel expert, Matthew Page

“Security agencies have marshalled various strategies that will be deployed during this period. So, one thing I can tell the residents is to be assured of their safety in the city during the period and beyond” He added.Nigerians use Twitter, reverse ban now – US to Buhari govt

He urged residents to go about their normal and lawful activities stressing that the celebration would be concluded peacefully.FG, keep using Twitter – National Assembly minority caucus tells Nigerians

Speaking on the issue of kidnapping in the Territory, the Permanent Secretary said that there was a consensus that the joint operations of the various security agencies will pay off and revealed that the FCT Administration is supporting the various security agencies through the provision of more operational vehicles and restoring those that had broken down to boost their operations and improve their response time.Donald Trump hails Buhari for suspending Twitter

He also revealed that the National Security and Civil Defence Corps reported on the establishment of a Special Task Force to tackle the menace of kidnapping in the Territory.

Buhari’s comments validate creation of Eastern Security Network – Nnamdi Kanu

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has by his comment on Thursday, validated the creation of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, by the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Nnamdi Kanu and his group had set up the security network to help counter the criminal activities of suspected Fulani herdsmen in the South East and Southsouth regions of the country.

However, the government is against the illegally established outfit and fighting to end its activities in the regions but Kanu noted that Buhari, who appeared on Arise TV, Lagos State on Thursday validated the ESN.

Any army sent to Biafraland will die there – Nnamdi Kanu replies Buhari

During the exclusive interview, President Muhammadu Buhari had said that it was wrong for Governors to sit idle expecting him to stop the activities of killer Fulani herdsmen in their states.

And reacting to this, Kanu tweeted, “…Buhari shifts the responsibility of stopping terrorist herdsmen to Governors, it confirms our assertions that Nigeria has become a failed state. It also validates #ESN as a self-defence force to protect our people.”

Meanwhile, Buhari has vowed that his government would organize the military and police to treat IPOB in the language they understand.

Speaking on Arise Television, Buhari said security agents would go after them.

“These people are spread everywhere with businesses and everything. They know what they are talking about, anyway, we said we will treat them in a way they understand.

“We will organise the military and police to pursue them,” he said.

God told me TB Joshua in hellfire, Nnamdi Kanu may die soon – Pastor Peters

 

The Senior pastor of Divine Mercy Church, Olatobiloba Peters has unveiled some revelations which he claimed God gave him about the late Nigerian televangelist, Temitope Balogun, also known as TB Joshua and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.WEndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

Pastor Peters disclosed that God revealed to him that TB Joshua was not in heaven.

Speaking with , the clergyman stated that the powers of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, was not from God.IPOB, ESN Buhari govt sponsoring terrorism in South East, governors are complicit – HURIWA

TB Joshua had died a few days ago after conducting a service in his church.

He was found unconscious in his private apartment while the service was ongoing in Lagos.

This is coming at a time the Senior Pastor of Christian Life Church, Jackson Senyonga had described TB Joshua as the “biggest witch in Africa.”Defence Minister, Service Chiefs, others meet South-East stakeholders in Enugu

On his part, Pastor Peters said: “God showed me in a revelation of the night that Temitope Joshua did not make it to heaven. In that revelation, I saw that he could not make it because the powers he was using was not from God, this is what was revealed to me.Withdraw troops from South-East, dialogue with Igbos – Onyeka Onwenu

“TB Joshua was, however, a good man and one of the greatest philanthropists of our time but the things of the spirit are different from how many see things.

“It’s not about being a philanthropist, but is God really involved? Is God happy with what he was doing? God is not his source of power and this should be a lesson to humanity.”Insecurity God brought you to defend Benue people – Group lauds Gov Ortom

The pastor also disclosed that Nnamdi Kanu may not see the end of the year.

“I see Nnamdi Kanu vacating this earth and another taking his place as a result of his demise.

“Mark my word, Kanu will not be the one to actualise Biafra; we will not live long to see it happen.

“Tell Kanu to amend and make his ways right with God because I see him exiting this earth soon,” he said.

‘I’ll keep that to myself’ – Buhari parries question on Twitter ban

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday turned down a question on the suspension of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.

Recall that the Minister of information and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, had last Friday announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter’s operations in the country.

Mohammed said the government was forced to act because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The suspension of Twitter has continued to spark widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the move.

However, when asked on Arise TV when the Twitter ban would be lifted, Buhari declined to comment, saying he would “keep” the answer to himself.

“I will keep that to myself,” the president said.

Nigerians use Twitter, reverse ban now – US to Buhari govt

 

The United States is increasing the pressure on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration after the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, the US Mission in Nigeria conveyed the message of top American official, Samantha Power.

The senior diplomat is the current Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Power said: “There are nearly 40 M Twitter users in #Nigeria, and the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub.

“This suspension is nothing more than state-sanctioned denial of free speech and should be reversed immediately. #KeepitOn.”

Power was the 28th US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2017.

Twitter: Think of how ban will affect economy, young people – Makinde tells Buhari

Last Friday, federal authorities sanctioned Twitter indefinitely after Buhari’s tweet was deleted.

The President had stated that many of those misbehaving in the South-East region were young and did not witness the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the civil war.

“Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”, the former General warned.

After the deletion, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, condemned “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

The government directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to start the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations.

The NBC was also ordered to force broadcast stations – Television and Radio – to stop using Twitter or face the consequences.

The actions are being criticized by Nigerians, countries, local and international organizations.

On Tuesday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and concerned citizens filed a lawsuit against Buhari administration over “the unlawful suspension of Twitter”.

The plaintiffs, in the suit filed by legal luminary, Femi Falana (SAN), want an end to the criminalization of Nigerians using the microblogging site, the repression of: human rights, freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.

FG, keep using Twitter – National Assembly minority caucus tells Nigerians

 

The joint minority caucus of the National Assembly on Wednesday urged users of suspended microblogging platform, Twitter to ignore the decision of the Federal Government and continue using the medium.

Recall that the FG had last Friday suspended the operation of Twitter in Nigeria for allegedly allowing contents that are capable of threatening the corporate existence of Nigerians.

Despite the ban, most users have continued to access the platform via the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Some top politicians including religious leaders have defied the ban by tweeting via their handles.

Security challenges: Minority caucus slams Buhari, vows to take measures if insecurity persists

The decision of the joint caucus was contained in a statement issued by Minority Leader House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

The statement reads in part, “The Joint Minority Caucus recognizes the provisions of Articles 19 and 20 of the United Nations Charter on Fundamental Human Rights, which Nigeria is a signatory to, as well as provisions of Sections 39 and 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and notes that by these provisions no one will be violating any law for using twitter in Nigeria.

“As lawmakers, the Joint Caucus is pained by the anguish Nigerians, especially the youths, who find the use of twitter as a means of livelihood and genuine social interaction, are passing through just because the APC-led Federal Government feels slighted that an individual’s post, was deleted by Twitter for ethical violation.”

Nnamdi Kanu orders IPOB to destabilize Nigeria using Twitter – Lai Mohammed

 

The Federal Government has lamented that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is using Twitter to destabilize Nigeria.

Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, disclosed this at an interview with BBC News Africa.

Mohammed noted that Kanu uses Twitter to direct members of IPOB to attack policemen, soldiers, correctional centres and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The minister lamented that Twitter has failed to sanction the IPOB leader for using the platform to destabilize Nigeria.

Nigerians mock Buhari govt for announcing suspension of Twitter via Twitter

Lai Mohammed said, “IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in particular, his platform of choice to destabilise the country is Twitter.

“Twitter is actually the platform of choice for the separatist leader who resides outside Nigeria but issues directives for his members to attack the symbols of authority such as policemen, soldiers, correctional centres, electoral offices.

“This has been done willfully and consistently without consequences using always the Twitter platform.”

The Minister had last week disclosed the ban on Twitter in Nigeria.

Nigeria vs Twitter: Only Biden can face Buhari – US Intel expert, Matthew Page

 

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari may not reverse the ban on Twitter unless United States President Joe Biden intervenes in the standoff which entered day 6 today.

Former US intelligence community’s top Nigeria specialist, Matthew Page, said this in an interview with in reaction to the latest demand by the world power.

Samantha Power, currently the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator, illustrated Nigeria’s action against the company as ‘an aggression against free speech’.

The ex-US Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) affirmed that nearly 40 million Nigerians use Twitter, and that “the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub”.

“This suspension is nothing more than state-sanctioned denial of free speech and should be reversed immediately”, Power requested.

Twitter is an American microblogging and social networking service.

The 44-year-old CEO, Jack Dorsey, visited Nigeria in November 2019.

Asked if the US government may decide to retaliate, Page said that going by the current attitude of the Biden administration, there may be no reprisal.

The associate fellow of the Chatham House Africa Programme in London said he was seeing “a very muted response”.

“I’ve witnessed the internal hand-wringing and reluctance to levy visa bans in much clearer situations, e.g. specific senior officials engaging in corruption or human rights abuses.

“Since this is government policy, any policy move by the US would have to target the state itself, and I don’t see the Embassy officials (at least) having the wherewithal to do that.

“The only way that would change is if someone very senior, President Biden or the Secretary of State, insisted that steps be taken and thereby clarified what the US response to Buhari’s decision should be”, the expert said.

Nigerian authorities sanctioned Twitter for deleting the President’s tweet after several citizens reported it for violating the rules of the social media platform.

Angered by incessant attacks on government facilities and the murder of dozens of security operatives in the South-East, Buhari said the perpetrators did not witness the carnage that occurred during the 1967 -1970 Civil War.

“Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”, he fumed.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has been directed to license all social media operations.

The NBC will also ensure that broadcast stations – Television and Radio – do not use Twitter until further notice. There will be penalties for the defaulters.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has gone to court in protest of the alleged “repression of human rights, freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom”.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice is an organ of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States.