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Zamfara 8: Last kidnapped youth corps member rescued

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Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), says the last of the eight Prospective Corps Members (PCM) kidnapped in Zamfara in August 2023 has been rescued.

He made the disclosure at a news conference on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that eight PCMs and their bus driver were abducted in August 2023 in Zamfara on their way from Uyo, Akwa Ibom to Sokoto.
They were going for the mandatory national service.
Ahmed said that the last NYSC member was rescued on Thursday.
He explained that the rescue effort was made possible with collaboration from the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police, Department of State Security (DSS), and traditional rulers.
He added that “through the combined efforts of security agencies, especially the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, the mission started with the rescue of the first set of corps members.
“Even though they were abducted at the same time, they were rescued in the following sequence.
“On Aug. 30, 2023, we rescued the first PCM, Esudue Emmanuel, while Victoria Udoka was rescued on Oct. 20,  2023, then Abigail Sandy and Sabina Ika who were  rescued on Dec. 7.

“Also, Oyo-Obong Udofia was rescued along with the driver of the vehicle on Feb. 3, 2024, Daniel Bassey on Feb. 8, while Glory Thomas regained freedom on June 9.

“Meanwhile,  the last PCM, Solomon Bassey, was rescued on Thursday, Aug. 23.”
He added that Bassey was qualified for the NYSC discharge certificate.
The director-general noted that no ransom was paid for the release of any of the youth corps members.”No state government brought any amount for their rescue as claimed in the media. 

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“I must state that I have not received one naira from any state government so far in the name of the rescue of these corps members.”
Ahmed, therefore, expressed gratitude to God, the security agencies and Nigerians for keeping the faith while the PCMs were held in captivity.
On the fate of the kidnappers, he said that the culprits had been killed and no arrest had been made to the best of his knowledge.
Two of the rescued youth corps members spoke about their experience.
Estudio Emmanuel from Akwa Ibom said it was a traumatic experience, adding that “I thank God Almighty, the Army and the NYSC for my release.
“I am also thankful to the media for all their support and for everything they have done to ensure the rescue was successful.”
Victoria Udoka, also from Akwa Ibom, thanked the NYSC boss and the Nigerian Army for ensuring their release.
Mr Eddy Megwa, the retiring NYSC Director, Information and Public Relations, said the rescue of the last kidnapped PCM was the climax of his exit from public service.
Megwa, who retired from the scheme on Friday, said that the scheme went through thick and thin to ensure their release.
“This, we did, to ensure that the operations conducted toward the release of these corps members are smooth and successful and we thank God all of them are here and they are alive.

“We have seen them and we thank God for the prayers of all Nigerians.

“We thank God for the operation of the media, the steadfast nature of the parents who believe in Nigerian government, especially the military, toward the rescue of these young ones.” (NAN
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PETROAN lauds NNPC for running Port-Harcourt refinery 180 days non-stop

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), has commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), for successfully running the revamped Port Harcourt Refinery for 180 days non-stop

National Public Relations Officer, PETROAN, Dr Joseph Obele, who gave the commendation in a statement on Tuesday, also commended the host communities for their cooperation and support during the rehabilitation of the refinery.

”The refinery has been dormant for over 20 years.

“It was commissioned in October 2024, and has been running continuously for 180 days, up to March 2025; it is a remarkable feat that underscores the effectiveness of the rehabilitation project.

“PETROAN is pleased to note that its members are currently loading Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) and Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) from the refinery, while NNPC Ltd. retail marketers are loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), called fuel.

“This development has not only ensured a steady supply of petroleum products but has also helped to eliminate the circulation of fake kerosene and diesel in the market.

“PETROAN wishes to extend special commendation to the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC), Mr Ibrahim Onoja, for his exceptional leadership, technical expertise and dedication to ensuring the successful operation of the refinery.

“PETROAN wishes to extend special appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for making funds available for the rehabilitation of the refinery,” he said.

He also commended the Federal Government and the management of NNPC Ltd. for their vision and commitment towards the revitalisation of the refining.

According to him, the association believes that the achievement will have a positive impact on the country’s energy security, economy and employment opportunities. (NAN)

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Over 300 Gets NDE Loan, Starter Packs Resettlement In Sokoto 

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Over 300 persons in Sokoto state will get loan and starter packs from the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) Renewed Hope Employment Initiative Lukman Abubakar has said.

Lukman, who is the acting Sokoto state Coordinator of NDE, made the disclosure Wednesday while reassuring that, the agency is committed to achieving it’s mandates.

Speaking on behalf of the Director General of NDE, Silas Agara, the acting state coordinator, Lukman said the Renewed Hope Initiative is designed to create employment opportunities, support establishment of small scale enterprises, promote agricultural productivity and improve rural infrastructure that will forster economic empowerment of communities.

While appreciating the Minister for Labour and Productivity, Maigari Dingyadi and the Director General of NDE, Silas Agara for their sustained dedication to the cause of NDE, Lukman noted that a total of 5537 nationwide will benefit from the resettled loans and starter pack gesture that will enable them establish their own businesses.

“”Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to address unemployment and promote economic development. This initiative underscores our commitment to creating a brighter future for all, where everyone has access to meaningful work and opportunities for growth”, Agara submitted.

Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar 111 represented by the Sarkin Fulani Aliyu warned beneficiaries against reselling whatever given to them, saying they should rather use them judiciously towards becoming self employed.

On her part, Mary Sunday from NDE headquarters Abuja who monitored the process in Sokoto said, they are committed to ensuring that beneficiaries become not only self reliant but meaningful employers of labour in the nearest future.

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In his advise, one of the resource persons, Samaila Isa Rikoto said you can only be valued by your services or product to make wealth.

Registering their appreciation on behalf of beneficiaries Muhammed Ibrahim and Maimuna said NDE is doing a great job to close the gap of unemployment.

 

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JUST IN: Justice Egwuatu Recuses Self From Natasha’s Case

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Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court Abuja has recused himself from the case filed by the Senator Representing Kogi Central District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

At the proceedings on Tuesday, Justice Egwuatu announced his decision to withdraw from the matter after the usual court appearances.

He cited the allegation of bias from the third defendant in the case, Senate President Godswilll Akpabio, as the major reason for his decision.

It was gathered that the Senate President had expressed a lack of confidence in the ability of the court to do justice on the matter, hence the reason for the development.

Justice Egwuatu further added that the case file will be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge.

Justice Egwuatu had earlier granted an ex-parte order, restraining the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from conducting disciplinary proceedings against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

She had prayed that the court grant an order restraining the Senate and the ethics committee from “proceeding with the purported investigation” against her.

The female federal lawmaker was involved in a seat arrangement dispute with Akpabio. The lawmaker accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office. Senate subsequently suspended her for six months for misconduct.

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