News
Customs begins anti-smuggling operation against illegal food export
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced a nationwide operation against the unlawful export of crucial food items intended for personal benefits.
Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, the national public relations officer, announced this in a press release on Tuesday, February 20.
This is coming on the heels of the recent announcement from the federal government to go after food hoarders and illegal smugglers in the country.
According to the statement, a prompt and preventive strategy is essential to maintain food availability in the country and alleviate the harsh impact of shortages on citizens.
The statement further noted that to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the federal government.
“In response to the critical challenges of food security and the soaring costs of essential food items in Nigeria, the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirms his commitment to advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security agenda.
“This commitment is deeply rooted in the NCS’s core mandate of serving the best interests of the Nigerian people, thereby fostering economic stability and prosperity.
“In line with this vision, the service has launched a strategic anti-smuggling operation and public engagement in its commitment to prevent the unlawful exportation of vital food resources for individual economic gains.
“This urgent imperative fuels the need for a proactive stance to safeguard food availability within our nation and alleviate the detrimental effects of scarcity on citizens.
“Furthermore, to alleviate the hardships faced by Nigerians and improve access to essential food items, the Nigeria Customs Service will facilitate the direct disposal of food items forfeited to the Federal Government,” the statement reads in part.
News
Okpebholo, Idahosa sworn in as Edo governor, deputy
Monday Okpebholo has been sworn in as the governor of Edo State after months he was elected to take over from Godwin Obaseki, who has completed his second term in office.
The Chief Justice of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, administered the oath to the governor and deputy governor at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where they pledged to uphold the constitution and work for the well-being of the people of Edo State.”
Dignitaries including vice president Kashim Shettima, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo, and other governors from the APC were in attendance as Okpebholo took the oath of office.
News
Nigerian Defence Academy opens applications for 77th regular course
The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially opened online applications for the 77th Regular Course, providing opportunities for both male and female Nigerian candidates to enroll in military and academic training programs.
The application window, which began on November 6, 2024, will remain open until April 30, 2025 and successful applicants will undergo both academic and military training as Officer Cadets at the NDA for a period of five years.
Upon completion, cadets will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study and will also receive a Presidential Commission into the Nigerian Armed Forces.
NDA is partnering with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the admissions process hence applicants must also register for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB, selecting the NDA as their first-choice institution.
“Candidates applying for admission into NDA must also apply to the year 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board and select NDA as their first choice institution,” they said.
Only candidates who meet the required UTME scores will be considered for further assessment. A score of 180 for Arts, Social Sciences, and Science programs, and 210 for Engineering courses.
Screening test
The NDA screening test serves as the first phase of the Post-UTME assessment, will be conducted on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Eligible candidates are expected to bring the following documents to the test center:
- Acknowledgment form
- Screening Test Admission Card
- JAMB result slip
- Two passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 5 inches), showing only the chest upwards with essential candidate information written at the back
Candidates can begin the application process by visiting the NDA application portal at ndaapplications.net and selecting the “Purchase Access Code” option. For more enquiries visit the website here.
News
Lagos state government removes 54 illegal shanties, dislodges 84 occupants beneath Eko Bridge
The Lagos State Government on Monday cleared 54 illegal shanties and dislodged 84 occupants from beneath the Eko Bridge in the Ebute-Ero area of the state.
The operation, led by the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), also saw the removal of eight makeshift toilets identified as contributors to open defecation and unsanitary conditions in the area.
This was revealed by Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole (rtd), the Corps Marshal of LAGESC, in a statement shared on the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“In consolidation of existing efforts aimed at reducing the spate of environmental nuisances to the barest minimum in the metropolis, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) popularly known as KAI effected the removal of 54 illegal shanties which harboured 84 illegal occupants and 8 make-shift toilets beneath Eko Bridge at the Ebute-Ero area of the State on Monday,” the statement read in part.
The statement further revealed that Major Olaniyi Olatunbosun Cole, who led the enforcement operation, explained that the action followed the expiration of a 7-day abatement notice, which had been issued but ignored by the occupants.
He noted that the Elegbeta Water Channel beneath the Eko Bridge had become a settlement for miscreants and illegal occupants, creating significant environmental and security concerns.
The area was characterized by indiscriminate dumping of refuse into the lagoon, its use as a criminal hideout, and widespread open defecation.
The operation was deemed necessary to address these issues and restore order and cleanliness to the affected area.
-
Celebrities4 days ago
AY Makun, Basketmouth discuss their 17-year feud
-
Business1 day ago
No November salary for workers without valid residents registration number, says Kwara state government
-
Education3 days ago
Keystone Bank Renovates Schools In Zamfara, Says Governor Lawal’s Feats In 17 Months Surpass Over 20 Years Of Previous Administrations
-
Health1 week ago
Eating too much meat could cause heart failure in older women
-
Special Features4 days ago
Bodex Media Announces Frank Edoho as Host for Bodex Social Media Hangout (BSMH) 5th Edition
-
World6 days ago
Trump will bring the world closer to peace, says Tinubu in congratulatory message
-
Celebrities4 days ago
Why would you post pictures in your underwear? – Portable out calls Tiwa Savage
-
World7 days ago
Trump claims victory over Harris in US presidential election