The government has decided not to give the money demanded by the criminals who kidnapped more than 300 students from Kaduna and Sokoto states. The anticipated launch of the Student Loan Scheme did not happen as planned on Thursday. Additionally, internet outages in Nigeria and other countries are said to be caused by a cut in underwater cables.
Here are the most important news stories of the week, from March 10 to March 16, 2024.
- No payment for bandits
Last week, bandits kidnapped 15 Tsangaya students at Gidan Bakuso area of Gada Local Government Area in Sokoto State at the school premises. The school owner, Liman Abubakar, confirmed to Punch Online that the bandits asked for N20m before they will release them.
This follows the abduction of 287 schoolchildren and teachers from the LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School, Kuriga, Kaduna State last week, and the kidnapping of over 200 Internally Displaced Persons from their camp in Borno State.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that the bandits got in touch with a spokesperson for the families of the Kaduna hostages on Tuesday and requested N1bn for their release.
However, President Bola Tinubu has stated that no money will be given to ensure the release of these students.
“Mr. President repeated his strong disapproval of paying a ransom.
“And Mr. President has also instructed that the government will not pay any money to these criminal groups,” the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed reporters on Wednesday.
The government also mentioned that it had received offers of assistance from the United States and other countries to secure the students’ release and was considering the offers.
“It's not just the US that has offered. Other countries have also offered to help Nigeria. But what we can tell you is that the government is still evaluating these offers and the government's decision will be communicated to you,” President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed on TVC on Sunday.
- Nigerians rejoice over Joshua’s KO
The celebrations continued this week following Anthony Joshua’s unexpected knockout of Francis Ngannou in the second round last Saturday morning.
In the main event of the “Knockout Chaos” card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Joshua achieved the knockout win against Cameroonian boxer Ngannou, marking his fourth consecutive victory.
After victories over Jermaine Franklin, Robert Helenius, and Otto Wallin in 2023, Joshua gave a strong performance against Ngannou, who had previously impressed by knocking down Tyson Fury.
Ngannou needed medical attention after the fight, while Joshua expressed eagerness to fight the winner of Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk for a chance at the world heavyweight titles in the post-match conference.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and Bayo Onanuga, an aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, congratulated Joshua on his victory against Ngannou.
- Students Loan delayed once again
The start of the student loan scheme, originally planned for January 2024, faced another delay this Thursday. However, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, clarified that it was postponed for a few weeks, not indefinitely.
This comfort comes after Nigerian Education Loan Fund Executive Secretary, Akintunde Sawyer, previously announced an indefinite suspension.
Echono says that careful preparations are necessary to ensure the scheme’s effectiveness and alignment with stakeholders’ expectations. Despite the delay, he confirms the President’s dedication to the program’s success and its ability to change access to education, including vocational studies.
President Bola Tinubu launched the student loan programme to offer interest-free loans to Nigerian students for higher education.
- Internet outages
The undersea cable cuts have caused significant operational difficulties for banks, telecom companies, and related firms, compelling them to reduce operations.
Telecom engineers have been dispatched to fix the cuts, which occurred between Senegal and Cote D’Ivoire, affecting Internet connectivity across the West African sub-region.
The Nigerian Communications Commission verified the disruptions, impacting data and voice services along the African West Coast.
MainOne, a major Internet provider for Nigerian banks, endured substantial fiber cuts, leading to outages, while other banks also faced disruptions, affecting transactions and customer services.
Telecom subscribers and bank customers have expressed frustration over difficulties accessing essential services, such as making phone calls, sending messages, and conducting online banking transactions.
Despite efforts by telcos like MTN and Airtel to restore services, customers continue to face challenges.
Licensed customs agents at seaports also face problems making payments, contributing to delays in cargo clearance processes.
- Ningi takes on The Senate
The Senate suspended Abdul Ningi, the lawmaker representing Bauchi Central, for three months after his interview where he alleged that the National Assembly padded the 2024 budget.
Senator Olamilekan Adeola, representing Ogun West, emphasized the budget process, stating that additional funding requests during the appropriation process led to a N1.2tn increase in the budget.
After thorough discussion, Ningi was suspended for three months or given the option to apologize within 24 hours.
Ningi also resigned as the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum amidst the controversy.
President Bola Tinubu held closed-door discussions with Senate leaders following Ningi’s suspension, amid tensions over budget padding allegations.
- Ibadan set for new monarch
The residence of the Balogun of Ibadanland and Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was filled with drummers and praise singers on Friday in anticipation of his ascension to the throne.
Oba Olakulehin is set to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland pending the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, as he is next in line to the throne.
This festive atmosphere follows the passing of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died after a brief illness.
Meanwhile, dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and several state governors, paid tribute to the late Olubadan as he was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Aliiwo amidst mourners.
Condolences came from many different sources, showing sorrow at the death of the respected king and recognizing his important role in the growth of Ibadanland and Nigeria as a whole.
