Naija News: Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines For Today, Tuesday, 19th September, 2023

Top Headlines from Naija News, Tuesday, 19th September 2023:

1. President Bola Tinubu has given his nod for the appointment of 18 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to aid in the execution of the Federal Government’s comprehensive agenda spanning various sectors of the economy. This update was conveyed by Olusola Abiola, the Director of Information at the Office of the Vice President, in a statement released on Monday.

   The team comprises six Special Advisers and twelve Senior Special Assistants, who will be stationed in the Vice President’s office to provide essential support for implementing the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

2. Gunmen have reportedly abducted several passengers on the Otukpo – Enugu expressway, along Olanyega/Ogbodo road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. It was gathered that the the incident occurred at about 2:30 pm on Sunday.

   DAILY POST learnt that the incident caused panic among motorists plying that section of the expressway, which is a notorious spot for armed robbery attacks.

3. The Benue State Government has reinstated the agreement for a monthly stipend of N103,000 to support the medical students enrolled in the College of Health Sciences at Benue State University. Governor Hyacinth Alia announced this during the 9th Professional Induction and Admission Ceremony for the 2023 Graduating Doctors from the same institution in Makurdi.

   Under this renewed agreement, the state government will provide a monthly allowance of ₦103,000 to medical students until they complete their studies. However, this support comes with the condition that these students must commit to serving the state for a minimum of two years after graduation before deciding whether to pursue other opportunities elsewhere.

4. A Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr Marcellinus Obioma Okide, has been kidnapped in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. Okide was kidnapped on Sunday along the Eke-Egede-Affa-Akpakwume Nze road in the State.

   The cleric, who serves at St. Mary Amofia-Agu Affa Parish, was said to be en route his parish when the unfortunate incident occurred.

5. The President of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu on Monday, September 18, met with his counterpart from South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa in New York.

   The two leaders met ahead of the commencement of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and held fruitful, cross-sectoral discussions.

6. The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has asked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal government to refrain from any attempt to harass or intimidate any member of the opposition parties.

   In a statement released via his X handle on Monday, Atiku said any attempts to use the country’s security agencies to harass or illegally detain any Nigerian across the internet who speaks up only to seek a better country would be rejected.

7. The Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu on Monday was denied access to his office at the Government House in Benin, the state capital.

   Naija News learnt that Shaibu arrived at the Government House on Monday but met the gate leading to his office under lock and key.

8. The meeting between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to avert an imminent nationwide strike action ended in a deadlock.

   The Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, met with the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other labour leaders in Abuja on Monday.

9. Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said he is unapologetic over his recent statement and actions towards traditional rulers in Oyo State last week.

   IDOMA VOICE reported that Obasanjo, in a viral video, had condemned the monarchs for failing to stand and greet the state governor, Seyi Makinde.

10. President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of eighteen (18) aides in the office of the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

    According to a statement on Monday by the Director Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, the President approved the appointment of 18 Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants to actualize the agenda of the Federal Government across the different sectors of the economy.