News
Katsina Governor Boosts Community Defense And Security Against Bandits
Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina has shared encouraging news regarding the ongoing battle against banditry in the state.
He revealed that many communities have become less accessible to bandits, thanks to proactive measures taken by residents to safeguard themselves from attacks.
In his remarks, Radda explained the pressing need for a more robust security presence in Nigeria.
He expressed concern that the current number of security personnel is insufficient to effectively tackle the nation’s myriad security challenges.
This acknowledgement has led to a push for residents to adopt self-defence strategies and ease the efforts of traditional security forces.
During an interview with the BBC Hausa service, Radda explained that his administration has initiated programs to empower residents with the skills necessary to protect themselves from bandit threats, even before any official security intervention takes place.
He reported positive outcomes from these initiatives, noting that several communities are now inaccessible to bandits due to the measures implemented by the locals.
Radda stated, “We are not advocating for people to take up arms.
Rather, we believe that the number of security operatives in Nigeria is not enough to adequately protect all citizens.
Our call is for communities to provide for their youth so we can train them and equip them with the means to defend themselves while awaiting intervention from security forces.”
He emphasized the unfortunate reality that a small group of armed bandits can wreak havoc in larger communities, stating, “It is alarming how just three or four armed individuals can terrorize a community of 500, 1,000, or even 2,000 people.
This is a critical issue we have been addressing for a long time.”
To combat this threat, Radda launched the ‘Katsina Community Watch’ initiative shortly after taking office.
This program focuses on recruiting local youth, training them, and providing operational equipment to help them support the security agencies.
By empowering communities to take an active role in their defence, Radda aims to create a safer environment for all residents.
News
“You Can Still Have Subsidy Without Long Queues” — Rufai Oseni Speaks On Subsidy
TV anchor Rufai Oseni makes headlines as he speaks on fuel subsidy in Nigeria. He shared that Nigeria can have fuel subsidy without the long queues at filling stations.
“When we were still paying subsidies, there were no long queues. We were subsidising. So you can still have a subsidy regime going on, and there will be no long queues because production was close by. Dangote had it. That’s just it. That argument also falls flat.
“The biggest beneficiaries of subsidy are not Nigerians. They are crony capitalists that have big infrastructure, and they do contracts. They have been the biggest beneficiaries of the subsidy,” he said.
News
Sanwo-Olu Speaks on Lagos’ Power Challenges and the Need for Change
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu, speaks to those in the electricity sector about the usual blackouts in the state.
He speaks on ways things can change in the state and how electricity can be provided.
“We need to drop corporate egos, abandon long-standing excuses, and confront the harsh realities obstructing progress in the power sector.”
“We, state governments, used to give excuses that everything is centralised, so the Federal Government has unbundled it now. What have we done in a year and a half?” Sanwo-Olu asked.
“We take two steps forward, we go five steps backward,” he said.
News
Sanwo-Olu Declares August 20 Public Holiday in Lagos for Isese Festival
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared Thursday, August 20, a work-free day for public servants in the state to mark the Isese Festival.
Speaking on the celebration, he said “Ìṣẹ̀ṣe is not a relic. It is a living expression of our traditions and a celebration of Yoruba spirituality as an important part of Nigeria’s cultural and religious landscape,” he said.
He added “When the drums sound in Lagos on Thursday, they answer drums in Havana, in Salvador, in Port of Spain. Fifty-five million people and counting. Lagos is not observing a local holiday. Lagos is standing at the centre of a global heritage,” Aregbe said.
