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Cyber Terrorists, Online Fraudsters Causing Tension In Nigeria —– Buhari

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The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), says Nigeria is witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists.

He also said cyber terrorists are using the internet to cause tension in the country.

The president was quoted as saying this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled, ‘Why we must curb criminalities, use the internet for national security and economic progress, by President Buhari ‘, on Tuesday.

Buhari, who spoke at the launch of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021 in Abuja, called for an overhaul of the national strategy on cybersecurity, urging more emphasis on exploring the internet for economic growth opportunities, enhancement of knowledge, and mitigation of crime.

The President noted that the Federal Government had taken some major policy decisions to increase penetration of the internet in the daily lives of citizens, particularly for the utilitarian purpose, with the launch of the National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 in March 2020; National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030; National Identity Program, Treasury Single Account, and Bank Verification Number schemes.

“All these initiatives serve as enablers for tackling many of the economic and security challenges facing our country while also providing us with the platform to improve accountability and transparency in our unwavering resolve to tackle corruption.

“However, like many other countries across the globe, the growth and development of the internet is accompanied by significant problems. We are witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters, and cyber terrorists who use the internet to cause apprehension,’’ the President said.

He added that the internet and social media have witnessed a surge in the propagation of hate speech, fake news, seditious and treasonable messages, as well as the risks of breaches to personal information and government sensitive data.

Buhari said, “It is almost impossible to overstate the challenges. Some global events such as the rapid emergence of new technologies, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology, have further widened the scope and diversification of these cyber threats.

“In October 2020, we all witnessed an escalation in the use of the social media for dissemination of subversive messages and incitement of violence which played a part in heightening tensions, causing unrest and spurring widespread acts of looting and destruction across the country.’’

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Federal Government Earmarks N827bn For Education Infrastructure In 2025 Budget

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced that the Federal Government has disbursed a total of N34bn in loans to students studying at tertiary institutions across the country through the “Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

The President made this statement on Wednesday while presenting the N49.7tn 2025 budget estimates to a joint session of the National Assembly. He also highlighted that the government has allocated N826bn for infrastructure development in the education sector for the 2025 fiscal year.

He stated, “Our administration has so far disbursed N34bn to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.”

“In the 2025 budget, we have made provision for N826.90bn for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education and the nine new higher educational institutions.”

He continued, “We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated N402bn for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 budget and another N282.65bn for the Basic Health Care Fund.”

“Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians.”

“This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.”

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President Tinubu Targets N1,500 Per Dollar Rate In 2025 Budget Goals

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, stated that the Federal Government aims to stabilise the exchange rate at N1,500 to the dollar to ensure the smooth implementation of the 2025 budget.

This marks a reduction of about N200 from the current rate of N1,700 to a dollar.

President Tinubu made this known while presenting the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the 11th National Assembly in Abuja.

“The budget projects that inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6% to 15% next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately N1,700 per dollar to N1,500. The base crude oil production assumption is set at 2.06 million barrels per day”, he said.

“The projections are based on the following observations: reducing the importation of petroleum products, increasing exports of refined petroleum”. He added.

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JUST IN: 32 Reportedly Die In Ibadan Children Programme Stampede

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At least 32 people have tragically lost their lives during a stampede at a children’s carnival in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement from the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that the stampede occurred at a private children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Basorun, resulting in the deaths of 32 people, mostly children, with some others sustaining injuries.

He mentioned that the state government promptly deployed a rapid response team to the site following the incident.

The commissioner confirmed that the victims have been transported to various hospitals across Ibadan for medical treatment.

While thanking the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for quickly activating all available response teams to assist at the scene, Oyelade emphasized that the state government will do everything possible to support the victims of the stampede during this difficult time.

He noted that the sate government was not involved in the planning of the carnival, adding that the Ministry of Health was also not carried along in the organisation of the private end of the year children funfair.

Oyelade emphasised the importance of proper coordination when organising events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

“We are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident,” he said.

The commissioner urged parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where affected children were taken for proper medical attention, with a valid means of identification:

  • Patnas Hospital, Basorun
  • Western Hospital, Basorun
  • Ringroad State Hospital
  • Molly Specialist Hospital
  • University College Hospital (UCH)

“Oyo State Government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims,” he added.

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