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Oyo RAAMP Signs N16bn Contract For Construction Of 68km Road Project

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Oyo RAAMP Signs N16bn Contract For Construction Of 68km Road Project

  IBADAN – The Oyo State Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (Oyo RAAMP) has successfully signed a contract agreement worth N16,273,711,608.09 for the construction of about 68km rural roads under phase 1 of the intervention project. The contract signing event which took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, Ibadan- the Supervisory Ministry of Oyo RAAMP, and under the supervision of the Commissioner of the Ministry, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye had five construction companies sign contract agreements with Oyo RAAMP. The construction companies are Dephhanny’s Venture Limited; Messrs CGC Nigeria Limited; Messrs Coastline Engineering Limited; Messrs Lopek Engineering and construction limited and Messrs E.A.A Engineering Limited. This is aimed at constructing the rural roads which cut across the about Five Local government areas of Oyo state. Addressing the contractors and stakeholders at the signing, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye said the project aims to upgrade Rural roads, improve agricultural marketing and promote economic growth in oyo state. According to Olasunkanmi, the Project is expected to have a positive impact on lives of rural communities, farmers, and traders as well as market hubs to reduce post harvest lost of agricultural products. While congratulating the firms/Contractors who finally emerged from the highly competitive bidding and procuremnt processes, the Commissioner explained that the phase 1 intervention roads of backlog maintenance/rehabilitation and cross drainage structures will include: Fashola Farm settlement road networks, Oyo West, Oloko Oyo Junction- Ikere Junction, Iseyin Local Government; Alako-Idiya-Batake- Olowa Farm settlement Ido Local Government; Adebayo-Alata-Aba Oje, Oluyole local government; Okudi-Oyada road, ATISBO Local Government; and Tewure-Ila junction road, Oriire local governments respectively. He therefore urged the contractors to ensure they execute quality and satisfactory jobs. In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Abosede Owoeye said that the project objectives align with vision of the present government in Oyo state under the leadership of Engr Seyi Makinde which includes supporting farmers with necessary equipments to enhance food security. She added that with signing of contract agreement, Oyo State is one step closer to achieving its goals of promoting economic growth, improving livelihoods, and enhancing food security. Mrs. Owoeye therefore thanked the Federal Government and Development Partners; World Banks and Friench Development Agency. In her remarks, the Oyo State Project Coordinator, Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project, Engr. Adeola Ekundayo urged the contractors to cooperate with stakeholders who will be monitoring their activities. She also said Greviance Redress Committee on each of the roads have been constituted, according to the Project Implementation Manual which they will meet before commencement of civil works. Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Shan Jingwu, a representative of CGC Construction company,commended RAAMP for being transparent in the selection process that ushered in his company. He promised that his team will be very professional in the discharge of their duties.

Passengers Injured As US-Bound Plane Develops Technical Fault, Returns To Lagos

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  A United Airlines flight, a Boeing 787-8 outbound from Lagos to Washington Dulles, on Thursday, declared emergency and made an air return to Lagos. Having established a return track to Lagos, PUNCH Online gathered that the aircraft crew maintained the emergency transponder code 7700 (Emergency signal) with the control tower till it landed. The aircraft, initially bound for Washington Dulles International Airport with registered N27903, is an over 13-year-old widebody aircraft belonging to the US carrier United Airlines. It had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots on board. Some of those on board reportedly sustained injuries. Videos and pictures from the distressed passengers in the aircraft sent to our correspondent showed that food and passengers’ luggage were scattered, littering the aircraft owing to the shaky nature of the flight. The real cause of the pandemonium is yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report but the passengers are of the opinion that it was an engine-related issue. However, only the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau can ascertain the real cause of such incidents. When contacted, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Micheal Achimugu, confirmed the development saying the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the regulatory act. “Yes, it is true, and no problems, the passengers have been lodged into a hotel as stipulated by the NCAA Act,” he said. The airline also confirmed the development in a terse statement, attributing it to “a technical issue.” “Flight UA613 from Lagos to Washington D.C. returned to Lagos to address a technical issue. “After landing safely, the aircraft was met by first responders to address reports of minor injuries to several passengers and crew,” the statement read. Punch

Just In: Governor Makinde Loses Brother

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  IBADAN – The death has occurred of Engineer Sunday Makinde, the eldest brother of Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde. He was aged 65 years. He died on Friday, January 24, 2025. Announcing the passing in a message, a brother of the deceased, who is also the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland and Head of Aigbofa Family of Oja’ba, Ibadan, Chief Olumuyiwa Makinde, wrote, “With a heavy heart, I announce the passage of my older brother, Engr Sunday Makinde, to eternal glory today, Friday 24th of January 2025. “His sudden death occurred in his Ibadan residence at 3.20am today, Friday 24th January 2025. “He is survived by siblings, among whom is the Executive Governor of Oyo state, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, children and grand children.”

Govt Approves N4bn Cash Transfer For Vulnerable Households

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  The Federal Government has approved N4bn for conditional cash transfers to vulnerable households in Nigeria. During the launch of the 2025 Nigeria Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan at the United Nations House in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof Nentawe Yilwada announced the interventions to address the country’s deepening humanitarian crisis. This move is expected to support at least 10 million displaced households, primarily targeting the most vulnerable members of society. The cash transfer programme is set to begin in February and continue through April, aiming to alleviate the immediate needs of families affected by displacement, particularly in the Northeast. Additionally, the government has approved N2bn in interest-free loans to farmers, specifically those in rural communities, to boost food production and self-sufficiency. “We are prioritizing women, especially widows, pregnant women, and those with disabilities. The experiences of displaced women, particularly those facing pregnancy or disability, are especially challenging. We understand these vulnerabilities and will continue to support those who are most in need,” he said. “The President has approved the Ministry’s plan to begin paying conditional cash transfers to 10 million displaced households between February and April. This initiative aims to support those most in need, particularly vulnerable families affected by displacement,” he added. “Additionally, the government has allocated N2bn to provide interest-free loans to farmers in rural communities. These loans will range from N300,000 to N400,000 per household, helping farmers access necessary resources and linking them to market opportunities. “Furthermore, a N4bn provision has been approved to support vulnerable groups through cash transfers, targeting families affected by natural disasters and other crises. These interventions are part of the government’s broader strategy to alleviate poverty and provide relief to those in urgent need,” the minister stated. He further emphasised the government’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, and affected communities across Nigeria. The HNRP, he noted, was developed through extensive consultations and is designed to address the humanitarian challenges in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and other conflict-affected regions. “We are combining the efforts of humanitarian, developmental, and peacebuilding platforms to ensure long-term resilience and sustainable solutions for these communities,” he added. Highlighting the gender dynamics within these interventions, Yilwada underscored the priority given to female-headed households, who often face greater challenges, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and food insecurity. “Female-headed households experience higher rates of hunger than male-headed ones, and this is where we will focus much of our efforts. Ensuring access to food, water, healthcare, and safety for these women is one of our top priorities,” he added. Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Mr. Trond Jensen provided an overview of the situation, noting that 7.8 million women, men, and children across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states will require humanitarian assistance in 2025. Punch

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  ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant achievements in its efforts to curb crime, with the arrest of 179 armed robbery suspects, 100 kidnapping suspects, 152 Murder/homicide suspects, 34 suspects connected with the unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, 77 rape suspects and 110 suspected cultists. The Force also recovered 73 various firearms, 310 ammunition of various calibers. Addressing newsmen, on Wednesday, at the FID-IRT Headquarters Abuja, the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said, this is “testaments to the promise of the Force to adopt improved strategies in the fight against various forms of crimes and criminality across the country.” According to him, the Police was also able to recover 56 stolen vehicles and rescue 22 victims of kidnapping across the country. He said, “On the 2nd of January, 2024 operatives of the Nigeria Police Force highlighted several outstanding achievements including the arrest of Muhammed Kabir ‘m’ 36 years, and other members of his gang including Donald Okpere ‘m’, and Haruna Ibrahim ‘m’. “The gang operates by impersonating military personnel and defrauding victims of millions of naira, using fake alerts after purchasing gadgets and medical equipment. “In addition, the operatives arrested Sunday Okwo Ade ‘m’, Monday Solomon ‘m’, David Emmanuel ‘m’, and Shakiru Badmus ‘m’, who are part of a well-known gang that specializes in stealing motorcycles from farmers in various communities in Lagos and Ogun States. 15 motorcycles were recovered from this gang.” ACP Adejobi however stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to remain steadfast to the core principle of policing which is the safeguarding of the lives and properties of the general populace and creating an enabling environment for the public to go about their daily activities peacefully. “The Force will not relent in its pursuit of criminal elements and ensuring justice is served when due and appropriate as the extant laws of our country have laid out.”

179 Oil Theft Incidents Uncovered In One Week – NNPCL

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  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited says it uncovered 179 incidents of crude oil theft in the past week. The company affirmed that the war on crude oil theft and vandalism rages on as industrywide security collaboration continues to safeguard hydrocarbon infrastructure. A video released by the NNPC shows the incidents recorded between January 11 and 17 across the Niger Delta region, with 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illegal refineries reportedly uncovered within the period. “Between the 11th and 17th of January 2025, a total of 179 incidents were recorded across the Niger Delta region, thanks to the coordinated efforts of NNPC Limited’s Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Maton Engineering Nigeria Limited, Shell Petroleum Development Company Limited Nigeria, Liquefied Natural Gas, Oando PLC, and government security agencies,” the NNPC stated. The state-owned energy firm disclosed that security forces in Bayelsa and Abia States uncovered illegal pipeline connections and swiftly conducted repairs on them. It explained that the crackdown continued as security operatives dismantled illegal refineries producing black-market petroleum products in Rivers and Abia States. It was said that the week also revealed hidden storage sites used for illegal activities in Rivers and other locations in Abia. “Security forces exposed and destroyed these sites. Unfortunately, acts of sabotage led to several oil spills during the week, including a vandalised condensate pipeline and damaged wellheads in Rivers,” it was stated. On the road, security teams reportedly intercepted and seized vehicles loaded with stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia, while wooden fibre boats packed with stolen crude oil were confiscated on the waterways. The company noted that the incidents spanned various corridors: 90 in the Central Corridor, 70 in the Eastern Corridor, five in the Western Corridor, and 14 in Deep Blue Water. A total of 30 suspects were said to have been arrested and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation. The NNPC said its resolve remains unshaken, and the fight against crude oil theft will continue until the menace is eradicated. The PUNCH reports that 128 illegal refineries have been discovered in the first two weeks of the year. Between January 4 and 10, 53 illegal pipeline connections and 73 illegal refineries were uncovered in the Niger Delta. Oil theft has been repeatedly blamed for the country’s inability to meet its yearly oil production targets.

EKEDC Alerts Customers On Potential Cyber Threats

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  The Eko Electricity Distribution Company has issued a public advisory, urging its customers to be more vigilant and proactive in safeguarding themselves against the rising wave of cyber threats. In a statement issued by the company and signed by the EKEDC General Manager, Corporate Communications, Babatunde Lasaki, the company said with the increasing reliance on digital platforms for transactions and communications, cyber attackers have devised sophisticated techniques to exploit vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity awareness necessary for everyone. Lasaki identified common threats that customers should be aware of and how to handle cases such as phishing attacks, social engineering scams, ransomware attacks, and identity theft, among others. He warned that fraudsters often use deceptive emails, text messages, or phone calls to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information such as account details, passwords, or payment information. He added that cybercriminals do exploit human psychology to manipulate victims into revealing confidential information by impersonating EKEDC officials or posing as family members in distress to extract financial details or payments. Speaking on ransomware attacks, he explained that malicious software is used to lock users out of their devices or files, with attackers demanding a ransom to restore access, saying such attacks often occur when users unknowingly download infected files or click on malicious links. He warned, “Attackers steal personal information, such as National Identification Numbers, bank account details, or passwords, to impersonate victims for fraudulent activities. Hackers exploit reused or weak passwords across multiple accounts to gain unauthorised access to systems and data.” To avoid falling victim, the EKEDC encouraged customers to adopt the best practices to safeguard themselves online. He urged them to always double-check the authenticity of emails, SMS, or calls claiming to be from EKEDC, adding that official communications from EKEDC will never request sensitive information like passwords or PINs. Lasaki also charged them to use strong and unique passwords for online accounts by avoiding the use of passwords that can easily be guessed, such as names, birth dates, or sequential numbers. “Enable multi-factor authentication. Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling MFA, which requires a second form of verification in addition to your password. Keep your devices and applications updated to ensure you have the latest security patches. “Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions, as public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and can expose sensitive information to attackers. Use secure, private networks for online transactions. Do not click on unknown links or download unsolicited attachments, as they may contain malware or phishing traps. “As part of its commitment to customer safety, EKEDC has implemented robust cybersecurity measures to protect its digital platforms. Customers are encouraged to report suspicious activity or potential scams involving EKEDC services immediately through official channels,” the statement concluded. Punch

BREAKING: Ekweremadu’s Wife Released From UK Prison

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  Mrs. Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of a former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from the United Kingdom’s prison. A source who craved anonymity told PUNCH Online that Beatrice, who was sentenced to five years in UK prison, returned to the country on Tuesday. She is said to be currently in Abuja. Our correspondent in Enugu, however, reported that there is jubilation currently going on in her family house in the state. Details later…

Pictures – Turkish Model Arrested Over Plan To Sleep With 100 Men In 24 Hours

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Pictures – Turkish Model Arrested Over Plan To Sleep With 100 Men In 24 Hours

  A 23-year-old Turkish OnlyFans model, Ezra Vandan, popularly known as Azranur AV, has been arrested for publicly vowing to have sex with 100 men in one day. Vandan was reportedly detained by cops in Istanbul after declaring her mission to sleep with 100 men in 24 hours, which was deemed as ‘obscene’ and ‘damaging’ to the country’s morals. The model, on January 14, 2025, took to social media to announce that she planned to film the day-long sex session and broadcast it live in an attempt to break a record in Turkey, reports said. According to Daily Mail, it comes just days after Brit Bonnie Blue claimed to smash the previous world record of the most men bedded in 24 hours, taking the total to over 1,000 men in 12 hours. Vandan had posted a photo of herself with her eyes shut on a bed wearing red lingerie, alongside the caption: ‘My goal is to break a Turkish record first, then a world record! I’m starting with 100 men in 24 hours’. But her statement quickly caught the attention of the Istanbul Security Branch Directorate’s Morality Bureau. They launched an investigation into the controversial post before catching her at a hospital as she awaited a cosmetic surgery operation in Atasehir. Footage captured the moment she was dragged down the stairs of the building by two female officers, with her wrists bound behind her. Wearing a crop top and jeans, she was led into the side entrance of a police van taken to a local station. The OnlyFans star uploaded an image at the time of her arrest which showed her half-naked, and according to reports, the racy image had been taken by a police officer. Vandan allegedly shared it alongside the caption: ‘I had the photo taken by one of the officers, he didn’t object much.’ Her husband, Pedram Behdar Vandan, 25, was also reportedly arrested at the time but was later released from custody. The model is believed to have been charged with obscenity, resisting an officer on duty and slander. In her hearing, the Istanbul 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace said prison time was appropriate because her posts were ‘damaging to moral values’ and were ‘provocative to society’. Vandan claims she should be allowed to post and do what she wants as she is ‘not harming anyone’. ‘I do not deserve to be judged,’ she added. Punch

Oyo Govt Distributes N20m Grants To Victims Of Market Fire Outbreaks

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  IBADAN – The Oyo State Government has declared that it will continue to support residents of the state to rise above poverty and move into prosperity by catering to their welfare and empowering them to be self-sufficient. Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, gave this indication at the weekend, when her Ministry kick-started the distribution of N20 million livelihood support grants for victims of market fire outbreaks. According to the commissioner, the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration has continued to match its words with action by giving priority attention to bettering the lives of residents and supporting them to be economically buoyant through different means. Balogun noted that the beneficiaries of the grants, drawn from Gbaremu, Sango, Oke-Itunu and Oranyan markets, where fire outbreaks wreaked havocs on businesses, have benefited from the N20 million grant approved by the governor. She added that the event was just the first phase and that victims of fire outbreaks in other markets would also be reached by the intervention, adding that apart from supporting the victims, the government has also put together training sessions for market women on how to prevent and mitigate fire outbreaks in markets. She said: “Basically, this event is just another dimension of the usual way the Oyo State Government shows concern for the welfare of the residents of the state. “You are all aware that a couple of months back, there was a spate of fire incidents across the length and breadth of the state. We observed through our findings that it was not only the direct victims that were affected economically; that each of the victims has a minimum of 10 to 20 dependents that they are responsible for. “So, this tells us that those incidents had far-reaching economic implications. So, the government of Governor Makinde, being a welfarist government, decided to see how it can support all these victims to bring them back to economic viability. “We want them to resume to their level of self-sufficiency and to enable them to take care of other people depending on them for succour. As a result of this, our governor put aside other things and gave this an expedited approval and gave us a reasonable amount to be given to all the victims of the fire outbreaks. “This is just the first phase of the intervention. “We are not just trying to get them back on their feet but also ensuring that these incidents are prevented. One of the ways we are doing this is that we are putting together training sessions for women in the state on how to mitigate and prevent fire outbreaks in our markets. “This government is keen on empowering citizens to enable them to be self-sufficient and that is what this programme is all about. “In this first tranche, we have been able to disburse N20m to the beneficiaries and it is going to be an ongoing thing. We will ensure that all other people in all other markets that were affected will also be reached out to.” Also speaking, a former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, described the Governor Makinde-led administration as a government of the masses. “We are giving these grants to victims of market fire outbreaks to support them to make a living. You can all see that this is a government of the masses. It is always ready to assist our people. “We have to give thanks to God, Governor Seyi Makinde and the commissioner for organising this programme.” Similarly, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Babatunde Tijani, noted that the governor sympathised with the victims and decided to support them because his administration is pro-people. Responding on behalf of the market associations, the Iyaloja of Ibadan North Local Government, Chief (Mrs) Borode Omotayo Bolaji, also commended the government for the timely intervention. She said: “It is a great thing to me, because I was not even expecting up to that amount at all. “Also, it was not only our market that was given money, other markets were also given. We really appreciate what the governor has done for the victims. “The N5m has dropped into the account of the person representing my own market and it will be disbursed any moment from now.” The event had in attendance market leaders and top government functionaries.

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