Buhari Arrives Imo For Commissioning of Projects

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived in Imo State for the commissioning of projects.

Buhari landed at the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, the state capital on Thursday and was received by state officials and other dignitaries.

Governor Hope Uzodinma had a few days ago announced that Buhari would be visiting Imo to commission some projects his government has executed, and also noted that Imo has gotten additional support from the President on the management of some ecological problems in the state. 

MASSOB to Igbo leaders: Ask Buhari to release Kanu during visit to Imo State

Meanwhile, as President Muhamamdu Buhari visits Imo State, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) has asked Igbo leaders to demand the immediate release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The president’s visit has generated tension in the South East following a statement by the Head of Directorate of State for IPOB, Chika Edoziem, declaring Thursday as a day of civil disobedience and sit-at-home in protest to perceived ill-treatment of Kanu.

MASSOB which was silent about the IPOB sit-at-home order, however, said Kanu was being subjected to inhuman torture at the DSS detention centre in Abuja because of the Igbo cause.

The group reiterated that what Ndigbo wanted was a Biafra Nation. 

Gunmen abduct Obasanjo’s senior workers in Ogun

Gunmen have kidnapped three persons said to be workers of Obasanjo Holdings, a firm owned by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo.

The workers of the ex-president were abducted on Wednesday evening at Kobape, a community under Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The company’s Financial Controller, the Group Auditor, and the Group Store’s Manager were said to be the victims of the incident.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the incident, while stating that his men had begun searching for them and ensure they are rescued. 

2 die in Anambra road accident

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra State says a lone accident at Ekulo River in Oraifite, on Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, claimed two lives on Wednesday night.

The Sector Commander of the Corps, Adeoye Irelewuyi, confirmed the incident on Thursday, saying the affected Ash colour Toyota Sienna, was speeding when it rammed into a ditch.

Irelewuyi, confirmed that the seven passengers, five male and two female adults who were involved in the crash, were rescued by FRSC personnel and taken to Josephine and Lawrence Hospital, Oraifite, where two male adults were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, stating that their remains have been deposited at Restland Mortuary in Oraifite.

Irelewuyi, while condoling with the families of the deceased, warned motorists against speeding and dangerous driving. 

IN BUSINESS

CBN directs banks, PSPs to process bulk payments on platforms

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed banks and Payment Service Providers, PSPs, to commence processing of end-to-end bulk payments or transfers on their platforms and retain breakdown of the accounts that receive the credits in the custody of the sender’s bank.

In a circular to the banks and the PSPs on Wednesday, the apex bank said the bulk payment system currently in operation at banks and other payment providers hampers transparency and audit trail.

The circular which was signed by Director, Payments System Management Department, CBN, Musa Jimoh, stated that the CBN gave the directive because it noticed the inherent problems associated with the processing of bulk transfers by banks and PSPs which include distorting audit trail and transparency. 

ON THE FOREIGN SCENE

Taliban agrees to let 200 foreigners fly out of Kabul

The Taliban has agreed to let 200 United States citizens and other foreigners who were left behind in Afghanistan after the 31^st August deadline, depart on chartered flights.

United States Special Representative, Zalmay Khalilzad confirmed on Thursday that the Taliban were pressed to allow the departures.

According to Reuters, the departures will be among the first international flights to take off from Kabul airport since the Islamist militia seized the capital in mid-August, triggering the chaotic U.S.-led evacuation of 124,000 foreigners and at-risk Afghans.

This move comes two days after the Taliban announced an interim government made up mainly of ethnic Pashtun men including wanted terror suspects and Islamist hardliners. 

IN SPORTS

Man United v Newcastle: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Premier League return on TV in Ireland

Cristiano Ronaldo will make his second debut for Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, September 11 2021, as the Red Devils host Newcastle United at Old Trafford but unfortunately for fans in the UK, the game will not be shown live due to a 3 pm TV blackout rule.

Ronaldo will make his first appearance for Man United at their famous stadium since May 16, 2009, when he played 90 minutes in a goalless draw with Arsenal as Alex Ferguson’s team lifted the Premier League trophy.

The Portuguese forward returned to Man United from Juventus towards the end of the transfer window, in a deal worth €15m and add-ons.

Ronaldo, 36, has signed a two-year deal and could be the difference-maker as the club aim to win their first league title since 2013. 

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