News
FG Increases Inmates’ Allowance Amid Viral Video On Poor Feeding
Federal Government Increases Inmates’ Feeding Allowance by 50% Amid Concerns Over Poor Feeding
The Federal Government has announced a 50% increase in the feeding allowance for inmates serving their sentences across Nigeria’s Correctional Service (NCoS) facilities.
This decision follows the circulation of a viral video where inmates at a correctional centre in Calabar, Cross River State, complained about poor feeding conditions. In response to the concerns raised, the NCoS Spokesman, Umar Abubakar, revealed the increase during a joint press briefing held at the Customs headquarters in Abuja.
The briefing was organized by the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and included representatives from the Army, Navy, and other security agencies.
Abubakar emphasized that this increase is just the first phase of the review aimed at addressing the rising cost of food in the country. He clarified that the viral video does not accurately represent the Nigeria Correctional Service or its commitment to the reformation and rehabilitation of inmates.
“The viral video is not a true reflection of the Nigeria Correctional Service, nor does it represent our mandate of reformation and rehabilitation,” Abubakar stated.
He further highlighted the progress made since the rebranding of the service, including ongoing investigations into the viral video. However, Abubakar refrained from discussing the details of the investigation.
“In response to the rising cost of food, the Federal Government has reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates by 50 percent. This marks the first phase of the review,” Abubakar confirmed.
He also noted that the NCoS is dedicated to creating an enabling environment for inmates to achieve reformation and rehabilitation goals.
Abubakar shared that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing various degree programs, with 282 enrolled in diploma and master’s degree programs, and six inmates working towards their PhDs. Three of these PhD students are already in the process of writing their theses.
“All these efforts are part of our mission to transform the mindset and behavior of our inmates, aiding their reintegration into society,” Abubakar added.
He also emphasized the importance of providing inmates with skill acquisition opportunities and educational programs to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Federal Government Refutes Age Restrictions for NECO and WAEC Exams
The Federal Government has dismissed rumors suggesting that age restrictions apply to the National Examination Council (NECO) and West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams.
Dr. Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, clarified this in Abuja on Friday, affirming that there are no age limits for taking these exams. He explained that the age restriction applies only to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and university entry, which will start at 18 years beginning in 2025.
Sununu pointed out that the National Policy on Education specifies that children should start primary school at age six, spend six years there, and then proceed to three years each in junior and senior secondary schools, totaling 18 years.
His remarks came during a briefing for the 2024 World Literacy Day, themed “Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”
Sununu addressed the confusion, stating, “We have clarified this issue in various forums, but the misinformation persists. Neither the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, nor I have announced any age limit for WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB exams.”
He added, “Some individuals have misinterpreted our comments regarding UTME age restrictions and mistakenly applied them to WAEC and NECO. Our previous statements only pertained to university entry age, as outlined in the National Policy on Education.”
Sununu also highlighted that the policy supports teaching children in their local language or mother tongue until primary three, after which English is introduced. This approach, he noted, facilitates better communication and learning.
President Tinubu Pledges Bold Decisions for Nigeria’s Progress
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to making the tough decisions needed for Nigeria’s progress. He acknowledged the challenge of achieving national consensus on various issues but underscored that such decisions are crucial for the country’s advancement.
Wrapping up his official visit to China, President Tinubu met with the Nigerian community and members of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization (NIDO China) at the China World Hotel. He described the trip as highly successful and beneficial.
During his visit, President Tinubu engaged in discussions with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, and participated in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The focus was on boosting collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, trade, finance, energy, the green economy, and mining.
Addressing Nigerians in China, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of representing Nigeria positively and being exemplary citizens. He highlighted the need for discipline and dedication, drawing inspiration from China’s disciplined society.
The President encouraged Nigerians abroad to embrace their diversity, follow local laws, and project a positive image of their country. He stated:
“Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, and we are making bold and unprecedented decisions. You might have heard recent news about fuel prices at home. But can we avoid these tough choices if we want to improve our infrastructure, like roads, electricity, and water supply? We aim to hand over a better future to our children, and that requires us to make hard decisions now.”
President Tinubu Wraps Up China Visit and Heads to London via Dubai
On Friday, September 6th, President Bola Tinubu concluded his official visit to China and is now en route to London, United Kingdom, with a stopover in Dubai.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed that the President will travel to the UK via Dubai.
During his visit, President Tinubu assured Nigerians in China that his administration is committed to good governance and aims to replicate China’s successes for the benefit of Nigeria. He made these remarks during a meeting with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization in China (NIDO China) and the Nigerian community at the China World Hotel in Beijing.
The meeting marked President Tinubu’s final official engagement in China before his departure for London.
President Tinubu described his visit to China as “very good and successful.”
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