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Showing posts from April, 2019

Kidnapped UBEC Chairman, daughter regain freedom  

The Police in Kaduna State said Dr Abubakar Mohammad, Chairman, Universal Basic Education Commission, and his daughter, Yasmin, regained freedom unhurt from kidnappers on Tuesday’s afternoon. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo, disclosed this in a statement in Kaduna. Sabo said that the victims were rescued following a pressurised combing by the Police Operatives deployed to rescue them. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two victims were kidnapped along Kaduna – Abuja Road on Monday. “ The release came at the time when the Inspector General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar, was attending a Zonal Meeting of Northern Traditional Rulers Council in Kaduna. “Thus, the IGP used the opportunity to visit the family and sympathise with them on the unfortunate incident. “The IGP assured the family of Police commitment to unmask the perpetrators of this dastardly act. “IGP informed the general public that already one suspect has been arrested by the Pol

Presidential panel recovers N118m from 2 Commercial Banks

The Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property (SPIP) says it has recovered about N118 million from two commercial banks in the country. The panel’s Head, Media and Communication, Ms Lucie-Ann Laha made this known in a press statement in Abuja on Tuesday. According to her, the recoveries were made as a result of findings by the panel’s investigation into accounts of the Federal Government Agencies operated by commercial banks from 2009 to 2015. “ The panel refrains from naming the banks in question, in order to prevent panic among their customers .” She said that the panel had earlier assigned a team of forensic auditors, the task of x-raying operations of Federal Government accounts domiciled in all commercial banks in the county within that period. This, Laha said, was with a view to establishing whether or not such accounts had been subjected to arbitrary or excessive charges, interest shortfalls, accrued interests or other illegal dealings. “

No part of Nigeria will suffer neglect under my administration - Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reiterated that no part of the country, regardless of its geographical location or political leaning, would suffer neglect during his administration. Buhari disclosed this at the inauguration and handing over of Erosion/Flood Control and Road Improvement projects at the Federal University Dutse, Jigawa. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazau, said that the project was one of the ecological intervention programmes approved for the first quarter of 2018. He added that it was approved by the Federal Executive Council on August 8, 2018, with a completion period of six months. “ It was fully completed in March 2019. The project is expected to check flooding menace within the university campus ,” he said. The President said that the completion of the project has also underscored the Federal Government’s concerted effort and sincerity of purpose in tackling environmental problems in the c

UN pledges to support AfDB’s power project

The United Nations (UN) has pledged to support the African Development Bank (AfDB)’s power project known as ‘Desert to Power’ initiative in Africa. A statement by the Communication and External Relations Department of AfDB on Tuesday said the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, made the pledge when he met the president of the bank, Akinwumi Adesina in New York. The ‘Desert to Power’ initiative is expected to provide electricity to 250 million people on the continent. The project is a 10 billion dollars initiative to build a 10 GW solar zone across the Sahel, the largest in the world, aims to develop and provide 10 GW of solar energy by 2025. The statement reported Guterres as saying that UN offered to convene a special global meeting on Lake Chad, in consultation with President Muhammadu Buhari. The statement said Adesina’s meeting with UN Secretary-General was a highly productive engagement and committed to enhance strategic and operational partnerships between the UN and the

25 people killed as Boko Haram attacks village in Adamawa

Victims' relatives say suspected Boko Haram extremists attacked a village in northeastern Nigeria, killing at least 25 people who had just returned home from a wedding. Rebecca Malgwi says two of her brothers-in-law were killed in the attack on Kuda-Kaya village in Adamawa state on Monday night. She says the attackers went from house to house. She says many people could not escape because the shooting came from all directions. Former local government official Yahaya Muhammed confirms that 25 people were killed. ALSO READ : Over 1 million killer patent medicine stores exist in Nigeria - Marwa While there is no immediate claim of responsibility, Boko Haram is known for attacking villages in the area. The insurgent group is also active in neighboring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

FG secures release of student arrested for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia

Zainab Aliyu was wrongly arrested for drugs possession last year, but has now regained her freedom. The Federal Government has secured the release of Zainab Aliyu, a student who was wrongly arrested for drugs trafficking in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 that Zainab was released after the government was able to establish her innocence. Aliyu, a student of Maitama Sule University, Kano, was arrested by Saudi authorities on December 26, 2018 for allegedly travelling with a luggage containing unlawful substance believed to be tramadol. Zainab had travelled through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) for Lesser Hajj with her mother, Maryam , and sister, Hajara . A petition filed by Aliyu's family later led the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to uncover a cartel at MAKIA which specialised in planting illicit drugs in travellers' luggage. The arrest of seven members of the cartel led to the discov

Senate passes 2019 budget 4-months after submission to NASS

The Senate has passed the 2019 budget. After four months of careful consideration, the Nigerian Senate passed the 2019 budget on Tuesday, April 30. The decision of the Senate was sequel to the presentation of the bill by the Senate Committee on Appropriation. Speaking at plenary, chairman of the Committee, Danjuma Goje, announced an increase in the budget to 8.91 trillion. The increase, according to Goje, was due to accommodate provisions for the N10 billion for the Northeast Development Commission as well as compensation for victims of Zamfara killings. While appreciating his colleagues for the work done on the budget, Senate President Bukola Saraki urged the Executive to ensure speedy implementation of the budget. 2019 Budget President Muhammadu Buhari had on Wednesday, December 19, 2019, presented the N8.83 trillion budget for the 2019 fiscal year to both chambers of the National Assembly. Debate on the general principles of the bill by the national assembly was delayed due

Nigerians outraged over alleged sexual abuse of women arrested by Police in Abuja

Nigerians have taken to social media to condemn the alleged sexual abuse of a group of women recently arrested by police officers in Abuja. The women were arrested on Saturday, April 27, 2019 during a raid on nightclubs in the Federal Capital Territory and were detained at the Utako Police Station. Martin Obono , a lawyer and activist, first raised alarm over the arrest when he took to his Twitter account (@martobono) to reveal that some of the women were molested and assaulted with injuries in their private parts. Since his revelation, Nigerians have jumped on the incident to question why the women were arrested to begin with and condemn the alleged sexual abuse. Obono earlier revealed that they were arrested for clubbing and tagged as prostitutes by the authorities.  Prostitution is illegal in the country but given the questionable nature of the Police Force on indiscriminately arresting people and charging them for crimes without probable cause or proper investigation, many ha

Train crushes keke driver, 4 others to death in Ogun

Five were killed when the trapped keke was crushed by the train on Tuesday. Five people were killed early on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, when a train crushed a tricycle, popularly called keke, in Ogun State. The accident occurred after the keke veered onto the tracks at Toyin, a suburb between Agbado Crossing and Iju Ishaga Station, according to a report by Sahara Reporters. The train was heading to Itoki from the Oke Aro station when it reportedly faced the keke which an eyewitness said was trapped on the tracks after attempting to cross. The eyewitness said, "The tricycle and others were trying to cross the tracks but got trapped in rush-hour traffic along the Iju rail line as a moving train was fast approaching.  "The train smashed the rear side of the tricycle, thereby causing an accident where the rider of the tricycle and passers-by were killed, while some sustained serious injuries." According to the eyewitness, the crash made the train skid off-track and make

Osun govt. says state safe for foreign investors

The Deputy Governor of Osun, Mr Benedict Alabi, has described the state as the safest for foreign direct investor due to the adequate security in addition to constant regular power supply and available infrastructure. Alabi made this known in Osogbo at a dinner party organised for a delegation of officers from the Nigeria Foreign Service Academy on a study tour of the state. ”The young ambassadors have seen by themselves the potential in stock which Osun has to lure investors in to the state. ”The state is blessed with human power, adequate security and regular power supply which are key to attracting both foreign and local investors ,” Alabi said. Alabi urged the visitors to use their positions in their various countries of posting to give positive recommendations on the state. Earlier in his remarks, Mr Eze Okechukwu , a Director in the Foreign Affairs Ministry, had thanked Gov. Gboyega Oyetola for his hospitality and kind gesture. Okechukwu said a lot had been learnt on the

Ganduje pays N500m counterpart fund to check erosion in Kano State

Kano State Government says it has paid a counterpart fund of N500 million to the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) for erosion control in some parts of the state. This was contained in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Kano on Monday by Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi , the Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Deputy Governor. The statement quoted Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje to have said this during the inauguration of the Gandu-Tukuntawa-Zoo Road Erosion and Flood Control Project executed by the Federal Government. Ganduje, who was reportedly represented at the event by his deputy, Dr. Nasiru Gawuna , said that the erosion control was part of the collective engagement between the federal government and World Bank. He added that his administration had constructed 65 drainages across the 44 local government areas of the state to ensure sustainable yearly desilting of major and minor drainages to avert flooding in the state. He said: “To this end, K

Robert Collymore, the head of Kenya’s biggest telecoms firm Safaricom, to step down in August for health reasons

Robert Collymore , a Guyanan-born British businessman and head of Kenya’s biggest telecoms firm Safaricom , has revealed plans to step down in August this year over health concerns.  Sources disclosed to Reuters on Monday, Collymore has now indicated he wants to step down after taking 9-month medical leave in late 2017 to battle cancer. “ He wants to concentrate on his health so he did not wish to renew his contract, ” Reuters quoted a source who preferred to remain anonymous.  The Safaricom head also confirmed that he is currently in talks with the board and official position about his role as CEO will be announced at a later date. “ I have every confidence that whether I’m here or not, that this company will run … This is an institution. It is not a company which is just run by a single person ,” he told Reuters. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

"Prepare for another economic recession," APC Governor warns

Nigeria may experience another economic recession mid 2020. Nineteen months after emerging out of recession, the country's economy may be heading for the rock bottom once again. Zamfara state governor, Abdulaziz Yari , disclosed this during the induction ceremony of newly elected governors into the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) . Yari, an All Progressives Congress (APC) governor, urged Nigerians to prepare for another cycle of recession by mid 2020 and the third quarter of 2021. Yari, who chairs the forum, urged state governors to cooperate in boosting the economy in line with the global best practices. He urged state governors to work harder to boost their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to enable them execute more projects and reduce over-dependence on the federation account as the means of promoting the social well-being of their people. According to him, the NGF and the National Economic Council (NEC) led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo , have agreed that borrowing

John Singleton passes away as family ends his life support

Hollywood director, John Singleton has passed away after his family ended his life support. The family of John Singleton said that they had directed doctors to pull him off life support on Monday, April 29, 2019 after he suffered a stroke earlier this month. “ It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off of life support today ,” said the statement, which was released by Singleton’s publicist around 10 a.m. Pacific time. “This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John’s doctors,” the statement said further. The 51-year-old movie director, producer and screenwriter behind the 1991 film “Boyz N the Hood” and several other movies was nominated for an Oscar for his directing in his debut film “Boyz N the Hood,” which centered on three teenagers growing up amid violence in his home city. Singleton, a native of South Los Angeles, was in his early 20s

John Singleton’s family ends his life support after a stroke

The family of John Singleton, the director, producer and screenwriter behind the 1991 film “Boyz N the Hood” and several other movies, said that they had directed doctors to pull him off life support on Monday after he suffered a stroke earlier this month. “It is with heavy hearts we announce that our beloved son, father and friend, John Daniel Singleton will be taken off of life support today,” said the statement, which was released by Singleton’s publicist around 10 a.m. Pacific time. “This was an agonizing decision, one that our family made, over a number of days, with the careful counsel of John’s doctors.” Singleton, 51, a native of South Los Angeles, was nominated for an Oscar for his directing in his debut film “Boyz N the Hood,” which centered on three teenagers growing up amid violence in his home city. Singleton was in his early 20s and fresh out of film school when he directed the film. He was the first African-American and the youngest person ever to be nominated for the

5 things learned from the Premier League

Asides from being the most competitive soccer league in the world, the premier league is very intriguing to sports enthusiasts. The fans are always in for a big surprise, as the top 20 teams battle it out to be crowned the English champions. In London last weekend, we saw a hot Manchester City facing Fulham’s Liverpool managed to return at the top of the table in a thrilling race to the title. Let’s take a look at five things learned from the premier league last weekend: Silva Is “The Best” On a glorious London afternoon, Pep Guardiola ’s men remained on hot heels to beat their hosts 2-0 at Fulham. From the start, Manchester City was ready to put the game to bed, with Bernardo Silva slotting the first game in the 5th minute. Silva also setup Aguero to bring home his 29th goal of the season in the 27th minute. Silva had to be a little patient before shining at City, but his performance has been outstanding this season. Guardiola also admitted that the Portuguese midfielder is curr

Army inaugurates secure platform for information sharing

The Nigerian Army on Monday inaugurated a platform, tagged `Nigerian Army Secured Information Platform (NASIP)’ for information sharing and paperless interactions among its departments, formations, and units. Speaking during the occasion, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai , said that the platform would initially accommodate 350 users, but would be expanded to accommodate more in the second phase. Buratai said the platform, with a storage capacity of 500 terabytes and backup storage of 112 terabytes, would have its server located in the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC). He said that major requirement that was considered before the acquisition of the platform was security and speed, among others. Buratai said that all the army social media accounts could be accessed through the platform. He said, “This platform is able to provide secure emailing with end-to-end encryption functions within customised web domain and revolutionary integration with text, voice a

Judge’s absence stalls arraignment of Bauchi governor-elect, Bala

The absence of Justice Yusuf Haliru of an FCT High Court on Monday stalled the arraignment of the governor-elect of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed. Mohammed , who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was scheduled to be arraigned on a fresh six counts, bordering on false declaration of assets and giving false information to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). At the court, Mohammed and his counsel and the EFCC counsel were present but the court did not sit because the judge, was on election petition duty in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Counsel for the EFCC, Mr Wahab Shittu , while speaking with newsmen, said: ”the EFCC is an anti-corruption agency, it does not play politics. “It exists to serve the public.” On the arraignment, he said “It is a matter that was ongoing before another judge who has now been elevated to the Court of Appeal." The expectation he said was that the matter would soon be reassigned to another judge. “Just a week a

JAMB warns UTME candidates awaiting results against fraudsters

The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned its 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates awaiting their results against fraudsters who deploy various methods to dupe them. The JAMB board disclosed this in its Vol. 1, No 17 weekly Bulletin of the Office of the Registrar and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. JAMB also advised candidates to jealousy guard their Registration numbers, as well as Profile Codes to avoid falling victims to the scam. The board also said that the fraudsters, once establishing the information needed, open up a line of communication with the candidates to dangle enticing offer to award them with higher scores in the yet to be released results. “Candidates are to note that their Registration numbers and Profile Codes are essential data that should not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. “What these fraudsters do is take advantage of candidates’ naivety and subsequently obtain their

Kalu launches 450,000 free palm seedling for distribution to Abia farmers

Chief Orji Kalu, the Senator-elect for Abia North Senatorial District, said on Sunday that his foundation, the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, has purchased 450,000 palm seedling for distribution to farmers in the state. Speaking at the launch of the seedlings at his Igbere country home in Bende Local Government Area, Kalu said that the initiative was his own support to President Muhammadu Buhari ’s policy to revolutionise agriculture in Nigeria. He also said that the initiative was designed to encourage Abia farmers to go into palm plantation and other cash crops in order to create wealth. “This is a sure way of creating wealth among the people of Abia. It is better than sharing money to them, ” he said. He said that the seedlings would be given to those with proof of ownership of family land for the palm plantation. He said that the foundation would soon embark on the verification of land submitted by prospective beneficiaries to confirm their claims ahead of the state-wide distribu

Fire breaks out at Abuja power transmission station

The fire was put out by the combined effort of the federal, FCT and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation fire service. Fire broke out at a power transmission substation in Apo, Abuja on Sunday, April 28, 2019. The fire according to Punch started at about 1.30 pm from a transformer in the substation and persisted for some hours. Confirming the incident, the Transmission Company of Nigeria said that one of the 45MVA 132/33kV power transformers in the substation caused the fire outbreak. The burnt transformer was part of those that feed the 33kV feeders of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Punch reports. However, the fire was put out by the combined effort of the federal, FCT and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation fire service. Speaking after the incident, the General Manager, Public Affairs, TCN, Ndidi Mbah , said “ it’s still early for TCN to determine if the burnt transformer can be salvaged.” Ndidi said the fire resulted from a direct fault from one of Abuja D

Edo govt to deal with parents whose children roam around during school hours

As public schools prepare to resume for a new term, Edo state government has warned parents that they would be dealt with if their children are found loitering around during school hours. The state government gave the warning on Saturday, April 27, 2019, while announcing that public and private schools in the state would resume on Monday, April 29, 2019, for the third term of the 2018/2019 academic session. A statement signed by Dr. Ruth Obahiagbon , the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education states that Public and Private schools in Edo State will resume for the third term on April 29. She added due to the ongoing Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (Edo-BEST) training for teachers in public primary schools. that public primary schools , public primary schools will resume on May 6. However, Obahiagbon advised parents and guardians in the state to send their wards to school saying failure to do so would amount to a breach of Child Right Law. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Police nab suspected killer of Traditional ruler, 17 others for kidnapping, armed robbery

The Nigeria Police Force said it had arrested Abubakar Ibrahim, 37, the suspected killer of late Traditional ruler of Adara chiefdom, Maiwada Galadima of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna state. Galadima was abducted and murdered by his abductors in October 2018, after being held captive for days. Other suspects arrested are: Johnson Okafor, 44, Shaibu Iliyasu , 20, Ishaik Dabo,38, Mohammed Nasiru, 25, Aminu Haruna, 25, Shafiu Gudau,25, Auwalu Hamisu,24,Ado Ya’u, 35, Ibrahim Yusuf, 30, Ibrahim Audu, 22, Salisu Ajah, 50, Magaji Abubakar, 27, Salisu Ali, 18, among others. A statement by the Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, a Deputy Commissioner of Police on Sunday in Abuja, said that Ibrahim was arrested on April 15 at Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State. He said the suspect confessed to the kidnapping and murder of the traditional ruler of Adara and other kidnappings and murders. Mba said the arrest of other suspects followed the arrest of the “Spiritual Father”

Buhari condemns ASUU strike, says it is harmful to progress of universities

Buhari appealed to ASUU and university-based union leaders to be more sensitive in the pursuit of their demand. President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned incessant strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, saying it is detrimental to the progress of Nigerian Universities. The President said this during the 41st convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. He said strikes and threats of strikes by academic staff unions usually delay the graduation of thousands of innocent students. Buhari represented by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Rashid appealed to ASUU and leaders of other university-based unions to be more sensitive while requesting their demands. He said, “Since the inception of my administration in 2015, we have given appreciable priority to education and we will continue, undeterred, to invest substantially in education. Despite the numerous financial and other related challenges, governmen

"Almajiris, not Akwa Ibom children roaming the streets," Group insists

The Akwa Ibom Liberation Movement has faulted claims made by the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, that the state was second among those with the highest number of out-of- school children.  The socio-political group also picked holes in the report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) rating Akwa-Ibom state as having the highest unemployment rate. It insisted that both the Minister’s statement and the NBS report did not reflect the reality on ground in the state. Addressing newsmen in Uyo, the leader of the group, Prince Emmanuel Sam , said Adamu’s assertion was vague and misleading. "The Minister's claim was misleading. He failed to disclose the methodology used in the said audit and the indices which gave birth to the erroneous findings banied about in the report." In a statement, the group says the Minister's claim was at variance with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report of 2018 which noted the alarming rate of out-of-school child

Kidnappers of 2 police officers fail to release them after collecting N1.4m ransom

The N1.4m according to Punch was delivered to the kidnappers by a police officer. Gunmen who kidnapped two police officers attached to the National Assembly have reportedly refused to release their victims after collecting N1.4m ransom. According to Punch, the gunmen kidnapped three policemen one of whom managed to escape at Shere community, Abuja. Their abductors later demanded N10m ransom for the officers’ release. Punch reports that the incident has led to the deployment of 20 policemen in Gwalluyi community where the abduction occurred and the surrounding areas in search of the missing cops. However, following the inability of the police to find the kidnappers, the family of the abducted police officers reportedly met with the leadership of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command which provided N1m, while the relatives of the officers also raised N400,000. The money amounting to N1.4m according to Punch was delivered to the kidnappers by a police officer identified as Dan

Fire destroys 140 shelters in Borno IDPs camps

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says 140 shelters were destroyed by fire in two Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps at Monguno Local Government Area of Borno. NEMA Northeast Information Officer, Malam Abdulkadir Ibrahim, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri. Ibrahim said the fire incidents were recorded at Flatari and Nguro camps in Monguno on Saturday. He disclosed that 28 shelters were destroyed at Flatari camp, affecting 20 households while 120 shelters were razed and 77 households displaced at Nguro in the fire disaster. He added that about 371 persons were displaced in the fire outbreaks recorded in the two camps. ALSO READ : Normalcy returns to Gombe after 15-hour curfew Ibrahim said that the agency was conducting investigation to identifying the cause of the fire and appraise the needs of the victims. According to him, the agency in collaboration with the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) had scaled up activities to suppo

Tin-Can Customs Command generates N78.8bn in Q1, 2019

The Tin-Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) saiys it generated N78.8 billion in the first quarter of 2019, up from N76.7 billion realised in the corresponding period of 2018. NCS Area Controller, Mohammed Musa, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos on Sunday. He said the command projected an income of N84 billion during the period under review but it generated about 94 per cent of the target. Musa said the command was given a target of N343 billion for 2019, saying that it surpassed the target for two months but the election holidays affected the revenue in March. He said the command is working hard to boost the revenue and surpassed the revenue generated in 2018. According to him, the command is committed to the transformation of revenue collection and reporting system with the implementation of Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS). “ There is improvement on compliance in the command, mostly becaus

Saraki nominated as International Human Rights Commission Ambassador

The International Human Rights Commission expects Saraki to lead its diplomatic team in various diplomatic missions across the world. Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has been nominated as an “Ambassador-at-Large” of the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). In a letter dated March 16, 2019, the Diplomatic Head of the Commission to Nigeria and other African Countries, Ambassador Friday Sani stated that as a sequel to the approval of the World Secretary General of the IHRC, Dr. Saraki has been appointed as one of the revered Ambassadors-at-Large of the multinational body. In the letter, Sani said, “While our role as a regional body is to promote and encourage institutions and persons to uphold human dignity across the world, we must not fail to mention the commendation of our Nigerian team over your resolute efforts in the stability of your country and your firm leadership of the Nigerian Senate which is adjudged to be among the most proactive parliaments across

Bayelsa fixes July 27 for LG elections

Elections into Local Government Councils in Bayelsa will hold on July 27, 2019, according to Dr Perekeme Bertola, Chairman of the states Independent Electoral Commission. Bertola, who announced this during a stakeholders meeting on Saturday in Yenagoa, promised that the elections would be free, fair, credible and conclusive. We shall uphold all tenets of democracy and ensure that the process is fair and seen by all to be so, he said. He promised to work in synergy with all stakeholders, adding that the commission would hold regular consultative meetings to ensure a hitch-free election exercise. Among stakeholders at the meeting were leaders of political parties, civil society groups and youth organisations. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the state has eight local government chairmanship and 105 councillorship seats. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Capacity Building: Pakistani Navy Chief visits Nigeria April 29

The Nigerian Navy (NN) says the Chief of Naval Staff, Pakistan Navy, Admiral Zafar Abbasi, will pay a two-day official visit to Nigeria from April 29 to May 1. Navy spokesman, Commodore Suleman Dahun, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. Dahun said the visit was in line with the ongoing efforts to foster cooperation with navies of allied countries, especially in the areas of capacity building and mutual cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and the Nigerian Navy. He said during the visit, Abbasi would hold bilateral discussions with the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas. ALSO READ : Normalcy returns to Gombe after 15-hour curfew He said that Abbasi would also visit the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, as well as the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin. “ Thereafter, Abbasi will proceed to Lagos to visit NNS QUORRA, Western Naval Command and Naval Dockyard Limited ,” the spokesman said. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

‘You’ll go to hell’ CAN president warns men of God against fake miracles

CAN President advises Nigerians not to patronise any minister of the gospel who is fond of organising man-made miracles The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Supo Ayokunle has warned men of God to desist from performing fake miracles saying they will go to hell if they do not stop. The CAN president said this on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at a press conference for the convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention in Ogbomoso. Ayokunle said men of God who organise man-made miracles will go to hell. He said, “ On a serious note, if any servant of God is organising man-made miracles, saying God has done what he has not done, that person will go to hell. He is not of church of Christ. These are people whose bellies are their gods. They are not mindful of the things of the scriptures. “I will admonish those who allowed themselves to be used for man-made miracles to behave better. And if you see any so-called minister of the gospel who is fond of organising man-made

Lagos Supplementary Poll: Winner thanks constituents, promises to heal wounds

The APC Candidate and winner of the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency seat, Mr Kolawole Taiwo, on Saturday promised residents four years of service targeted at youth empowerment and facilitation of infrastructural development. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Taiwo was declared winner of the House of Representatives seat after emerging winner of the supplementary election held in the constituency on Saturday. The four-term member of the Lagos State House of Assembly and former deputy speaker polled a total of 36,115 votes to defeat his closest rival from the PDP and incumbent, Mrs Rita Orji, who scored 32, 557 votes. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC conducted supplementary election in 71 polling units across eight wards of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State for the House of Representatives seat. The commission had declared the Feb. 23 House of Representatives election in the constituency, inconclusive due to over-voting, non-comp

Revisit 9th NASS zoning arrangement, Southeast APC urges national leadership

The South East zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged the national leadership of the party to revisit the subsisting zoning arrangement of principal offices in the 9th National Assembly. The members of the party in the zone made the call on Saturday in Enugu in a communiqué issued at the end of its stakeholders’ meeting. The National Vice of Chairman, APC South East, Mr Emma Enukwu, who read the communiqué, said that positions ought to be zoned in a more equitable manner. Enukwu said that that the zone, which was left out in the arrangements, needed to be accorded a deserving position in the leadership arrangement. “ We urge the national leadership of our party to draw strength from the need to revisit the zoning of principal offices in the 9th NASS to further deepen and strengthen the electoral appeal of the party. “Our great party should remain a truly national political party with broad based support in all parts of the country, the South East zone inclusive, ” h

APGA northern leaders  pass vote of confidence on Gov. Obiano

Northern Leaders of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have passed a vote of confidence on the National Leader of the party, Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra. The vote of confidence was passed on Obiano, who doubles as Chairman, Board of Trustee (BoT) of the party, on Saturday in Dutse. The Deputy National Chairman North of the party, Alhaji Abubakar Adamu, signed the statement. He said that the vote of confidence was endorsed by all APGA executives from the three geo-political zones of the northern part of the country. He said the party leaders in the north commended Obiano for his good leadership and governance style, and for improving the economic wellbeing and promoting socio-cultural activities for the people of Anambra, despite the hard times the nation was going through. The group also commended the National Chairman of the party, Mr Victor Oye, for his visionary and exemplary leadership style in moving the party to greater height. “We, the northern leaders of APGA wa

APC wins Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency seat

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Kolawole Taiwo, winner of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  reports that INEC conducted supplementary election in 71 polling units across eight wards of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State for the House of Representatives seat. The commission had declared the Feb. 23 House of Representatives election in the constituency, inconclusive due to over-voting, non-complaince with the usage of smart card readers and violence. Prof. Olusoji Ilori the Returning Officer for the election, announced the result for the election at the INEC Collation Centre located at Local Authority Primary School, Baale St. Ajegunle at about 7:35 p.m. Ilori, who is a lecturer at the University of Lagos, announced the total votes after the supplementary poll. According to him, Taiwo polled a total of 36,115 votes to defeat his closes

Local govt authority in Taraba restricts motorcycles' movement due to kidnapping

The use of motorcycles for armed robbery and kidnapping is said to have become a daily affair in the Takum Local Government area of the state. Due to the spate of kidnapping in Taraba, the Caretaker Chairman of Takum Local Government Council in the state, Shiban Tikari has restricted the movement of motorcycles in the council area. The council caretaker banned motorcycle operators from operating beyond 7 pm in order to check kidnapping and armed robbery in the area. According to Shiban, armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom using motorcycles have become daily affair in the local government.  The local government caretaker while speaking at a press briefing in Jalingo said activities of armed robbers and kidnappers informed the decision to restrict motorcycles' movement. According to Punch, Shiban lamented that in some cases those kidnapped and ransom paid ended up being killed by their abductors. He said, “ I want to appeal to all patriotic and peace loving people of Takum

Nigeria’s generated electricity drops by 312 megawatts

The Egbin, Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Papalanto power stations, are the four key power plants in Nigeria After the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) reported a cut in gas supply, Nigeria’s electricity generation is said to have dropped by 312 megawatts on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. The NGC the cut in gas supply followed the maintenance works it was carrying out on the pipeline supplying gas to Egbin, Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Papalanto power stations, which are the four key power plants in the country. This development according to the gas supply company has resulted in a reduced power generation in the national grid from about 3,231 MW last Wednesday to 2,919MW. Recall that the Transmission Company of Nigeria also reportedly a cut in electricity generation from about 4,338.9 MW as at April 20 due to a system collapse. Premium Times reports that the Nigeria electricity system operator, an arm of the TCN, noted that the collapse was the sixth recorded since the year began. TCN also explained

9 Nigerians reportedly arrested over $3.5m fraud in US

Nine Nigerians have reportedly been arrested in the United States for defrauding people and businesses of over $3.5 million . The United States attorney for the southern district of New York, Geoffrey S. Berman and the special agent in charge of the Tampa, Florida, field office of U.S. immigration and customs enforcement’s Homeland security investigations (“HSI”), James C. Spero said this in a statement on Thursday, April 25, 2019. According to reports, the suspects are: Oluwaseun Adelekan, Olalekan Daramola, Solomon Aburekhanlen, Gbenga Oyeneyin, Abiola Olajumoke, Temitope Omotayo, Bryan Eadie, Albert Lucas and Ademola Adebogun. The suspects were said to have committed the fraud through business email compromises, a Russian oil scam, and a romance scam. Berman said, “ As alleged, these defendants deployed three different email schemes to defraud their victims. The common denominator in all three schemes was the defendants’ alleged fleecing of their victims through fictitious onli

Expert advises Nigerians to comply with national policy on malaria

Mrs Okoro said implementing national policy on malaria might take time but would save many lives at the end. A laboratory scientist, Mrs Chinyere Okoro, on Friday, advised Nigerians to always comply with the national policy on malaria which stipulates medical test of suspected patient before treatment. Okoro, the Chief Executive Director of God’s Care Medical Laboratory Service, Enugu, gave the advice in interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu. According to her, this will reduce unnecessary and irrational use of anti-malarial drugs. “ Malaria policy states that every suspected malaria case must be tested and confirmed before treatment can be administered on patients. “This policy has been in force for many years in the country, but with little or no compliance by people,’’ she said. She said that implementing the policy might take time but would save many lives at the end. Okoro added that there was need to carry out medical laboratory test before treatment because

Senate Committee on Works demand solutions to Apapa gridlock

The Senate Committee on Works appealed to truck driver unions to come together and increase areas where they could park their trucks. Towards finding lasting solution to gridlock in Apapa, the Senate Committee on Works on Friday advocated co-operation of various government agencies to make port operations easier. The committee during an emergency meeting with stakeholders in Lagos as part of its oversight functions condemned extortion of truck drivers and asked law enforcement and traffic regulatory agencies to investigate and punish erring officers. It called for a multi sector approach between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and Nigerian Maritime Admistration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to give waivers to encourage use of other Eastern ports to decongest Apapa. The committee appealed to truck driver unions to come together and increase areas where they could park their trucks while calling on NPA to speed up processes aimed at restoring order. T

Has rapper, Davolee left Olamide’s YBNL?

The rumours emanate from the a message posted on the rapper's Instagram story. In December 2018, rapper, Davolee was part of the initial mock-photo collage used to promote Olamide’s compilation album with his signees, . However, a few days to the release, something happened with the vigilant people, Davolee was not on the supposed album art, fueling talk. The artists who ended up on the album were Limerick ,  Lil Kesh ,  Fire Boy ,  Temmie Ovwasa ,  Lyta and  DJ Enimoney . Tongues started wagging and speculation became the order of the day about the status of Davolee within the YBNL set-up. The rapper had relatively stalled since he released ‘Cirocing.’ Shocking news today reaching Pulse suggest the rapper has allegedly left YBNL for another label. The news emanates from the singer’s Instagram story where he wrote the caption, “ Onto the next one #NewNationmuzik #DavoleeWay #NewFamily” which suggest that the artiste may have dumped YBNL after spending two years with the lab

National Theatre workers mourn late GM

Dr Stella Oyedepo, the first female General Manager of the National Theatre died in an accident on Easter Monday on her way to Lagos. Some staff of the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, on Friday joined other Nigerians to mourn their late General Manager, Dr Stella Oyedepo. Oyedepo died in an autocrash on Easter Monday at Sagamu along the Sagamu- Ore-Benin Express Road while returning from an official assignment. Some members of staff of the Theatre told the News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) that they were shocked at the untimely death of their GM. They said that the late GM meant a lot to the organisation and had good plans aimed at transforming it. An artiste, Emmanuel Adejumo, popularly known as “Boisala” said that her death was just like a dream to him. She had earlier told me to see her this week for her book which I plan to produce on stage only to hear that she died on Easter Monday. “It is a pity that you left us without a word. I have known you as a wonderful cultural