Ridoola's blog

Supporters of Gov. Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, on Friday, staged a solidarity rally on the streets of Benin City to demonstrate their support for the governor’s second term ambition. The group, operating on the aegis of “Concerned Citizens of Edo state,’’ comprised members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Butchers’ Association, N-power, National Youths Council of Nigeria and Market Women Association, among others in the state. The group displayed banners and placards with different inscriptions and chanted solidarity songs as they marched through the major streets of Benin City. The state Chairman of NLC, Sunny Osayande, said that the governor had been performing creditable since his assumption of office, in addition to paying workers’ salaries faithfully. Osayande, who was represented by his secretary, Osaro Imade, also said that Obaseki had been paying pensions as and when due, hence he should be re-elected for a se

Operators on the nation bourse on Friday said that suspension of two directors of Oando Plc from public companies for five years would bring sanity to the capital market. They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos in reaction to the outcome of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) forensic audit of Oando Plc. NAN reports that SEC on Friday barred Mr Wale Tinubu, the company’s Group Chief Executive Officer, and Mr Omamofe Boyo, the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, from being directors of a public company for five years The commission conveyed the decision in a statement signed by Mrs Efe Ebelo, its Head of Corporate Communications, NAN reports that SEC in March 2018 announced the commencement of audit of Oando Plc’s account. It said it had appointed Deloite Nigeria to proceed with the forensic audit. The commission in the statement also directed resignation of the affected board members, and called on the company to convene an extra-ordinary general meet

The Nigerian Navy in Lagos on Friday inaugurated a standard jetty at the NNS BEECROFT, 15 years after the jetty suffered dilapidation. The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the service also inaugurated its third locally built boat, a 25-man House Boat and 26 vehicles including 10 liberty buses. Others inaugurated are 16 Hilux trucks and the remodelled Naval Dockyard Limited Apprentice School, Victoria Island. The inauguration which was done by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Naratu Batagarawa at NNS BEECROFT and Naval Dockyard Limited, was part of activities to celebrate the navy’s 63rd anniversary. Batagarawa commended the navy for the strides recorded in the past four years in the areas of manpower development and availability of platforms for sustained operations. She charged the navy to take adequate steps at providing needed capacity to help build the nation. “The navy is expected to maintain the required presence that would ensure adequate protectio

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) on Friday elected Mr Edozie Njoku, as its National Chairman. Njoku was elected at the party’s convention held in Owerri and attended by delegates from each of the 36 states of the federation and Abuja. Njoku, first National Vice Chairman (South) of the party, who hails from Ibeku, in Aboh Mbaise Council Area of Imo, would be leading the party for the next 4 years. The new chairman addressed a teeming crowd of party members shortly after his election. He noted that the convention and his election came as a result of the nullification of the outcome of the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party held on April 14 in Awka, Anambra, by a court of competent jurisdiction. “I will take all necessary steps to reconcile all aggrieved members and rebuild our party. “If we must support any politician, it will be a collective decision and not a one man show. “All we want is for democracy to reign in our party. We should desist f

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, has reversed the appointment of 15 new permanent secretaries made by the immediate past Gov. Abiola Ajimobi. Makinde, who gave the directives at a meeting he had with all permanent secretaries in the state on Friday, asked the concerned officials to return to their former positions. He also promised to scrutinise all appointments made and contracts awarded after the election by the former ruling party (APC) in the state. He described the appointments made and contracts awarded by the last administration after the declaration of PDP as winner of the governorship election as landmines set up for him. Prince Dotun Oyelade, the spokesperson of the Seyi Makinde Campaign Organisation, confirmed the reversal of the appointments. According to Oyelade, Gov. Makinde will be very consistent with all his campaign promises and this is not an exception. ” The governor has said that all transactions either contractually or in terms of appointments and promotions

The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has honoured Chief Imam of Nghar Village, Abdullahi Abubakar who protected 200 villagers during attacks on Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau in June 2018. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington awarded the Chief Imam with Ambassador’s Peacemaker Award for Heroism at an interfaith dialogue organised by the embassy on Friday in Abuja. Symington urged the world to emulate Abubakar’s act of brotherliness which he described as a virtue of kindness to promote global peace. The ambassador also advised mankind to love each other and let the idea of one family take the centre stage. “ Abubakar’s act of brotherliness raised hope of a cohesive society in the face of growing mistrust. “Today, there is only one word that matters and that is perhaps, love. Or perhaps, one more word, family. “With the lesson of this Imam, Chief Imam, this Village Head, this Deputy Imam, and all of those who brought you this story, is a lesson not just for Nigeria

The Ministry of Petroleum Resource on Friday expressed deep sympathy with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on the demise of its president, Mr Francis Olabode Johnson. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, made this known in a statement issued by the ministry in Abuja. “ On behalf of the Management and Staff of the Ministry, I expresses deep sympathy and condoles with the National Executive Council (NEC) and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the sad death of its National President, Mr Francis Olabode Johnson. ” Johnson led PENGASSAN and the Ministry enjoyed a very cordial relationship with the entire rank and file of PENGASSAN for the growth of the Oil and Gas Sector in particular and the advancement of the nation in general ,” she said. She noted that the ministry would greatly miss his cool head, calm disposition and great

The Chairman, PDP Governors’ Forum, Gov. Seriake Dickson, says governors elected on the platform of the party will deliver the dividends of democracy and good governance in their states. Dickson, who is also the governor of Bayelsa, gave the assurance in a statement issued by the forum secretariat on Friday in Abuja. Dickson congratulated members of the forum for their successful inauguration. He expressed confidence that PDP-controlled states in particular, and Nigeria in general, would benefit immensely from the governors’ wealth of experience as they assume office. Dickson urged the PDP governors to ensure that they fulfill their campaign promises.  “ We count on your good office to enhance a strong working relationship between your State and the PDP Governors’ Forum ,” he said. ALSO READ : Senate Presidency: PDP senator declares support for Ahmad Lawan He prayed God to continue to guide, protect and bless the governors and their families. “ May God grant them reigns of wisd

MTN Nigeria Plc says it has paid the sixth and final instalment of N55 billion negotiated settlement to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The Chief Corporate Relations Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Tobechukwu Okigbo, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Lagos. According to him, the amount completes MTN’s payment of the N330 billion negotiated settlement agreed between the NCC and the company in 2016. “ The successful resolution of the fine was the outcome of active collaboration between the NCC and MTN. “We are very pleased to have completed the payment of the N330 billon negotiated settlement with the NCC. “We are particularly gratified to be in a position to have fully met the terms of the settlement within the agreed time frames. “I thank the NCC for constructive and collaborative approach to this issue, and believe that we emerge from it with a stronger relationship focused on ensuring maximum value is delivered to our people from a strong and growing tele

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday paid a thank you visit to 106-year-old Mr Gazazhin Alagazhin, at Kubwa, FCT. Osinbajo had during the campaign ahead of the 2019 presidential election, visited the centenarian who expressed support and predicted victory for President Muhammadu Buhari. The vice president had promised the centenarian he would return after the election. Osinbajo had a chat with Alagazhin and members of his family and sought to know how he fared. Residents trooped out and cheered; as the vice president emerged from Alagazhin’s house, they sang in appreciation as he departed. ALSO READ: Buhari budgets N751m for foreign trips in 2019 President Buhari and Osinbajo were on May 29 sworn-in for a second term in office after winning the Feb. 23 presidential election. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Africa needs partnership that would develop the continent’s latent potentials and not aids and grants. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, made this known while receiving members of the Korea National Assembly, led by its Deputy Speaker, Mr Lee Ju-Young, accompanied by the Korean ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Lee In-tae, at the National Assembly on Friday. He urged foreign investors to look beyond the oil sector to other equally viable areas such as solid minerals and agriculture, the major employment generating sectors for the country. Dogara called for support for Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which was geared toward sustaining economic growth that had been achieved by the present governments. Dogara noted that Korea and its citizens could exploit the plan to deepen the economic relations of both countries. “ Right now, the balance of trade between Nigeria and South Korea obviously favours your nation and it is like you are most interested i

After over a year of forensic audit, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has concluded investigation of Oando Plc and barred the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Wale Tinubu , from being a director of a public company for five years. In a statement signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mrs Efe Ebola, SEC said it also barred Oando’s Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer (DGCEO) from being a director of a public company for five years. The DGCEO is Mr Omamofe Boyo. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SEC in March 2018 announced the commencement of audit of Oando’s account. The commission said that it appointed Deloite Nigeria to proceed with the forensic audit. In the statement, the commission also directed resignation of the affected board members, and called on the company to convene an extra-ordinary general meeting on or before July 1, to appoint new directors. The commission said that these and others were part of measures to address identified vio

Embattled Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia assumed to be in court today, facing money laundering charges , is currently on admission in the Hospital. Details later….. Justice Ajumogobia challenges criminal trial by EFCC It will be recalled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Ofili-Ajumogobia and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Godwin Obla , on 18 counts bordering on Conspiracy, Unlawful Enrichment, retention of Crime Proceeds and Money Laundering. ALSO READ : 5 things we noticed at Buhari's inauguration A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Thursday, May 23, 2019 fixed today, Friday, May 31, 2019 for hearing in a motion filed by embattled Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia , challenging her trial in the court. The defendants are supposed to stand trial before Justice Rilwan Aikawa . ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the family of Gomwalk, the government and people of Plateau State, on the death of an outstanding scholar and community leader, Prof. Umaru Gomwalk. Buhari sent his condolence in a statement signed by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity on Thursday, in Abuja. Gomwalk was at various times a teacher, vice chancellor and Chairman, Presidential Advisory Council and the Governing Council of the Nigerian National Merit Award. Buhari said Nigeria had lost an illustrious teacher and scholar who distinguished himself by delivering results in responsibilities assigned to him. “ Prof. Gomwalk was so dedicated and hardworking that he got tested with administering the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, under circumstances that were difficult and unusual. “In carrying out this assignment, he demonstrated the same dedication and passion for service while ensuring justice to all. He did not disappoint the nation,

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has described the 83-year-old Muslim Cleric, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who saved the lives of hundreds of persons fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits in Yelwan Gindi Akwati, Swei and Nghar villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau as a hero. The people were fleeing from attacks by suspected bandits. Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, said the vice president gave the commendation when he received the cleric at the Presidential Villa. The vice president received Abubakar; the Village Head, Damafulul Mangai, and other community leaders and a delegation which included diplomats from the US, UK and the European Union. Abubakar, who is Hausa and the Chief Imam of a mosque in Yelwan Gindi Akwati village, in the Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, alongside his assistant Umar Abdullahi, who is Fulani, saved the lives of over 200 persons when suspected bandits attacked communities in the L

Okorocha believes false reports of his arrest by EFCC were sponsored by the state's new PDP government. Former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, has blamed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for instigating reports that he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Okorocha's tenure as Imo governor expired on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 and he was replaced by Emeka Ihedioha , the PDP candidate that beat his All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state's March 9 governorship election. Media reports had claimed early on Thursday, May 30 that EFCC operatives arrested Okorocha , his wife, Nkechi , and some relatives on lingering charges of misappropriation of funds and money laundering. However, the story turned out to be false as the EFCC described it as fake news. In a statement signed by Okorocha's spokesperson, Sam Onwuemeodo , he said the false story is a manifestation of PDP's propaganda with no atom of truth. The statement read, &qu

The Lagos State Government says it has upgraded its Tuberculosis (TB) control interventions in order to reduce prevalence of the disease in the state. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Titilayo Goncelves, made this known on Thursday in Lagos during a facility tour to some TB Direct Observed Treatment (DOT) Centres in the state. Goncalves said the upgrade was aimed at addressing issues of human resources, sputum collection and transportation. According to her, it was upgraded for data gathering, patient follow-up and community sensitisation as well awareness aimed at prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. She said that the ministry, with support of the Global Fund and other TB control implementing partners, had begun implementation of interventions. “ We have recruited and trained personnel who will help with data gathering and patient follow-up and these include, and not limited to cough officers, contact tracers and linkage officers ,“ she said. Goncalves said t

Buhari will spend a total of N1 billion on local and foreign trips in the 2019 fiscal year. In the N8.9 trillion budget, which the president signed this week, N751 million was budgeted for travelling around the world while N250 million was budgeted for local trips, according to a detailed breakdown reported by Vanguard. The president would also spend N164.1 million on honorarium and sitting allowance, as well as N25.7 million on meals and refreshments. The Office of the President would also spend N8.5 million on the purchase of books in the 2019 fiscal year. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is estimated to spend N217 million on foreign travels and N83 million on local travels. The government also budgeted N98.3 million for foodstuff, catering materials supplies, with refreshment and meals expected to eat up N25.7 million.  The sum of N576 million was also set aside for the phased replacement of vehicles, spares and tyres in the presidential CVU, security/police escort and State House

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has approved the appointment of six new Permanent Secretaries in the state Public Service with effect from June 1. This is contained in a statement issued by the State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, on Thursday. He listed the appointed Permanent Secretaries to include Dr Eniayewun Benjamin, Medical Director Lagos Island Maternity; Mr Erinle Olufolami, Principal Apapa Senior High School, Education District IV; and Mrs Oludara Okelola, Principal Babs Fafunwa Millenium Senior Grammar School, Education District VI. Others are Mr Akewusola Adedamola, General Manager, New Town Development Authority; Mrs Falugba Yewande, Director, Admin and Human Resource, Ministry of Youth and Social Development; and Mr Osi-Efa Mustapha, Director Admin and Human Resource, Ministry of Home Affairs. ALSO READ : Sanwo-Olu declares state of emergency on environmental, traffic management matters According to the statement, the portfolios of the appointees will

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of iconic journalist, Alh. Kola Animasaun, who died at the age of 79. Buhari’s condolence was conveyed in a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja. “ On behalf of the Federal Government, the President offers deepest condolences to Animasaun’s family and friends, including the management of Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of Vanguard Newspapers, where the late veteran newsman spent many years as a formidable columnist.” “The President also commiserates with the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, on the demise of one of the country’s most trusted and respected columnists. “President Buhari believes that Animasaun would be long remembered and honoured for the rich and elucidating write-ups in the ‘Voice of Reason column he leaves behind ,’’ the president said in the statement. He said that Animasaun would also be re

The state government has however warned the people to desist from unruly behavior and remain law-abiding. Imo State government has denied any involvement in the demolition of Akachi Statue built by the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha. Following reports that the new governor of the state, Emeka Ihedioha has demolished the statue erected by his predecessor, the state government in a statement released on Thursday, May 30, 2019, has reacted to the reports saying it has no hands in the demolition. The statement signed by the Special Adviser to the state governor, Steve Osuji alleged that the statue was pulled down by some people who ‘ have nursed a loathing for the statue right from the beginning’ The statement reads: “ Imo State government has no hand in the demolition of Akachi statue Contrary to reports emanating from Owerri, the Government of Imo State has no hand in the pulling down of the gargantuan Akachi statue near Aba Road, Owerri. “In the same vein,

EFCC says reports about the Commission arresting the former governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha is fake. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has denied allegations that its operatives have arrested immediate past Governor of Imo, Rochas Okorocha. Reports had emerged Thursday that the commission arrested Okorocha and his wife, Nkechi. Reacting to the report, EFCC’s spokesman, Mr Tony Orilade told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday that the report “is fake”. “The report is fake news, just disregard it,” he said. Recently, the Commission’s Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu affirmed that the anti-graft agency was investigating the former governor who handed over leadership of the state to Emeka Ihedioha after his eight years tenure. “Of course, we are doing a couple of checks and investigations here and there. “We are investigating almost everybody,” the EFCC boss had said. He noted that the commission had to get to a certain level before it could disc

As Nigeria transitions into another administration led by Muhammadu Buhari and the APC, it is imperative that the generation of young Nigerians remember, observe from today’s situation the consequences of the lessons and choose to learn from it. 20 years ago, a few people in Nigeria had a debate in Maryland Lagos in one of the high-storeyed buildings just almost opposite the popular T junction that joins the Obafemi Awolowo Way. In fact, the office this debate was going on was part of the main strategy offices for the election of the then Lagos state governor who was going to be sworn in. While the election results had been mixed, the People’s Democratic Party candidate had won at the national level and Alliance for Democracy had taken Lagos. As history already will tell, the election in Lagos was a success for the AD solely because of how it was able to bring together the Lagos elite. This debate was not an organised debate like the ones covered by TVs and the press. It was an argu

Rochas Okorocha has been arrested just a day after he ended his tenure as Imo State governor. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested former Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, and his wife, Gerald. The governor's arrest on Thursday, May 30, 2019 comes just a day after he left his position as governor since he was first elected in 2011. The anti-graft commission also sealed the former governor's Eastern Palm University in Ogboko, according to a report by Sahara Reporters. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Dr Fatima Atiku, the daughter of Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described her tenure as Adamawa Commissioner for Health under immediate past Gov. Muhammadu Bindow as memorable. Atiku was one of the technocrats Bindow appointed to help his administration transform the health sector of Adamawa. She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Yola that her tenure brought about the formulation of Adamawa Health Policy, Health Insurance Scheme, Cancer Registry for the control of cancer scourge, among other initiatives. “ The four years was full of experiences and quite memorable; it was my first time of occupying public office and I learnt a lot of things through my interaction with a lot of people and organisations. “I feel very fulfilled that I was given a chance and my impact was felt by the people of Adamawa, ” the ex-commissioner said. Atiku, who dedicated her salaries for the four years she served to support some

The Federal Government has commended the decision of the Supreme Court of Singapore to free a Nigerian, Mr Adili Ejike, who was earlier sentenced to death for drug trafficking in the country. The Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Akpan Friday said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Ejike was arrested in 2011 and sentenced to death for importing nearly 2-kilogramme of methamphetamine into Singapore. He was granted an acquittal by the Singaporean apex court on May 27, 2019 and released with no outstanding charges. Akpan said the Ministry rejoiced with the family of Ejike for the favourable judgment. “ The ministry also warned Nigerians travelling abroad not to accept to travel with any bag or container that they have not personally packed by themselves for the journey, ’’ he said. He quoted the High Commission of Nigeria in Singapore, Mr Akinremi Bolaji, as saying that “ Ejike’s acquittal made history as the first time such a decision was made in a case in

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Thursday, visited injured troops at the Nigerian Army 44 Reference Hospital Kaduna and assured them of more welfare packages. Buratai gave the assurance in a statement by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Infantry Corps Centre Headquarters, Maj. Agustin Bello, in Jaji. The COAS was represented by the Commander, Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen Stevenson Olabanji. Buratai, however, urged the troops to keep faith with the Nigerian Army (NA), and promised that more would be done to cater for their welfare. He expressed satisfaction at the situation on ground at the hospital, commending the staff for their professionalism. ALSO READ : Buhari blames Police, Nigerians for insecurity in Nigeria ‘ ’The troops also expressed their sincere appreciation to the COAS for his fatherly care toward their welfare at the hospital. ‘’In a rare show of patriotism, a soldier on clutches demanded to be released to enable him rejoin his

Designed to provide quick and easy-to-digest responses, the NS8 chatbot provides a central resource for information. Meet NS8, the AI-powered chatbot who eagerly answers questions you may have concerning the activities, key interventions and achievements of the 8th Senate of Nigeria since its inauguration on June 2015. Designed to provide quick and easy-to-digest responses, the NS8 chatbot provides a central resource for information concerning key interventions, priority bills, sector-specific legislation of the 8th National Assembly and its 496 members. The NS8 which is the first of its kind in government directly engages users in conversations based on their preferred interests and can also redirect them to other sources where more information on the subject can be found. The 8th Senate’s which is completing its final course on June 9th 2019, is optimistic the NS8 chatbot will be a helpful tool to researchers, students, institutions, politicians and political enthusiasts, as well

Chibuike Ejike was arrested in Singapore for drugs trafficking eight years ago, but has now been discharged and acquitted. The Supreme Court of Singapore has acquitted a Nigerian, Adili Chibuike Ejike, of drug trafficking charges after he was initially sentenced to death. According to a statement by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ejike was arrested in 2011 for importing nearly 2 kilogrammes of methamphetamine into the country. Despite a previous death sentence at the lower and appellate courts, the Singaporean Supreme Court discharged and acquitted Ejike on Monday, May 27, 2019 because the prosecution failed to establish that he knew that the drug bundles in his suitcase were in his possession. The statement read, "During the trial, the prosecutor focused on his knowledge of the substance; while the defence claimed he had no knowledge of the substance, the prosecutor claimed he knew about it hence the landmark judgement that secured the freedom of the Nigerian."

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Thursday re-appointed Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Mr Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor made this known in a statement in Uyo. He said that the SSG would be sworn in Thursday, May 30, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo by 5p.m. Udoh explained that Ekuwem’s reappointment was in line with the governor’s determination to keep the engine of governance running seamlessly. It will be recalled that Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem first appointed in January 2018 by Gov. Emmanuel is an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University’s t Ile-Ife. ALSO READ : Buhari blames Police, Nigerians for insecurity in Nigeria He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Physics, Master’s Degree in Physics, Master’s Degree in Electronic & Electrical Engineering (Microcomputer-based Instrumentation and Control Engineering). Dr. Ekuwem hails from Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom and is married with four childre

Newly sworn in Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has appointed Alhaji Ahmad Bashir as Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Also appointed is Mr Solomon Kumangar as Director General, Media and Communication. A statement by the Permanent Secretary (Administration), Government House, Alhaji Bello Sugu, said the appointments take immediate effect. Similarly, a Yola-based reporter with AIT, Mr George Kushi has been appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Adamawa Deputy Governor, Mr Seth Crowther. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Egyptian video analytics platform Mintrics has become the first startup with a founding team from the Middle East and North Africa region to take part in the Blue Startups Accelerator Program based in the US. Blue Startups invests up to $350,000 per company, has invested in 75+ companies over 10 cohorts and is one of the top 20 accelerator programmes in the US, according to Tech Crunch . Mintrics's social video analytics and intelligence tech helps video publishers understand how their content is performing, get recommendations on how to enhance future videos, spot the latest trends and get detailed analytics and insights on how their competition is performing using machine learning algorithms. Ventureburn reports that Mintrics is also "busy closing a $500 000 investment fund and intends to use the funding to expand to the US." The startup has previously raised seed funding from Dubai-based Numu Capital as well as several angel investors. Mintrics has offices in Cai

Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso chapter, says its members are owed 24 months’ salary arrears. In a statement signed by its President, Dr Ayobami Alabi and General Secretary, Dr Abubakar Usman, said the arrears were accumulations of percentage salary payment from January 2016 to December 2017. “ We like to state categorically that our members and entire staff of the institution are still being owed in spite paying workers across the state, including tertiary institutions that we were receiving percentage salary together. “It is painful and disheartening that LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso, has been left out even when salary arrears of other doctors working with the state Hospital Management Board were paid,’’ he said. The association said that the hospital runs uninterrupted service delivery since January 2018, based on understanding and maturity, adding that government was taking the industrial harmony for gra

The Association of Local Governments and Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter has rejected the dissolution of democratically elected Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), describing it as unconstitutional. The ALGON Chairman, Chief Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye in a statement on Thursday in Ibadan, described the decision as unconstitutional, unwise, unexpected and too hasty for a new government that is yet to find its feet. NAN reports that Gov. Oluseyi Makinde on Wednesday in a statement issued by his Chief of Staff, Oyebisi Ilaka, announced the dissolution of the 33 local governments and 35 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). Makinde yesterday Wednesday, May 29, 2019 ordered that all local government and LCDAs chairmen handover to their Heads of Local Government Administration (HLA) or most Senior Directors. He also directed that embargo be placed on all local and state government accounts until further directives. The association said that the action

The newly sworn-in Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has vowed to eliminate religious bigotry, ethnic chauvinism, misinformation and rumour mongering in his resolve to address security challenges facing the state. Sule made the commitment in his inaugural address after assuming the mantle of leadership as the fourth democratically elected governor of the state on Wednesday in Lafia. He noted that security and peace constitute the very basic pre-requisite for the overall socio-economic development, hence the need to tackle the security challenges. “As a matter of urgency, we shall place special emphasis on security of the state. Over years there has been general scenario of recurrent security issues in some parts of the state. “The situation has undermined the development of the state. “In the absence of a secured environment, there will be not investment inflow, local or international, for the establishment of industries. “Industrial growth is a valuable vista for the overall

Ethiopian Airlines on Wednesday confirmed that its ET901/29 flight made an aborted landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The General Manager of the Nigeria operations of the airline, Mrs Firihiewot Mekonnen, in a statement, blamed the incident on bad weather. Mekonnen said the aircraft, carrying 393 passengers from Addis Ababa to Lagos, encountered bad weather during landing. She said the aircraft had to make a go-around-the-airport for better and smooth landing, in line with aviation procedure. “ On a second attempt, it made a safe and normal landing. According to safety standards, pilots are encouraged to make a similar go-around in such cases. “However, some media incorrectly reported this standard safety precautionary go-around ,” Mekonnen said. ALSO READ : Obasanjo recounts how he escaped on Ethiopian Airline flight that nearly crashed in Lagos The General Manager, Public Relations of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Mr Sam Adurogboye, also c

The former President said he was reading papers while the scary situation occurred. Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo has narrated how escaped death while on board an Ethiopian Airline flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Wednesday, May 29, 2019. According to reports, the airplane, Boeing 777–300 with nearly 400 passengers on board narrowly avoided an accident while trying to land in Lagos. In an Interview with Premium Times , Obasanjo said, “ he remained calm and read papers while the scary situation occurred.” “ While it all happened , I was reading my papers. One man, who was next to me, said, ‘Oga you no worry?’ I said, ‘Íf I worry, what will I do? If you are on a plane and you have a situation like this, why should you worry?’ I left everything in the hands of God. ” The former president was returning from a stakeholders dialogue on continental trade and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) in Addis Ababa, Prem

Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Peter Obi has urged President Muhammadu Buhari and the 29 state governors sworn-in on Wednesday to increase tempo of development in Nigeria.  Obi gave the advice in a press release signed by his Media Officer, Mr Val Obienyem while commemorating 20 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. Obi, in the statement urged the newly sworn-in chief executives to hit the ground running immediately to accelerate activities that would position the nation on a path of all sector growth. “ Do not allow the ecstasies of your elevation to becloud your sense of purpose, ” he said. Obi described their swearing in as `historic’, adding that it coincided with 20 years the nation had practiced uninterrupted democracy. He reminded them that they were saddled with the task of repairing the chequered democracy, which according to him was now going through a tough time.  In his words: “ How you start will define how you will conti

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted his experience while he was on board an Ethiopian Airline flight that almost crashed on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The airplane, Boeing 777-300, while trying to land narrowly escaped an accident with nearly 400 passengers on board. In an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Obasanjo said ”he remained calm and read papers while the scary situation occurred.” “While it all happened, I was reading my papers,” said Mr Obasanjo. “One man, who was next to me, said, ‘Oga you no worry?’ I said, ‘Íf I worry, what will I do? If you are on a plane and you have a situation like this, why should you worry?’ I left everything in the hands of God.” Mr Obasanjo was returning from a stakeholders dialogue on continental trade and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) which ended on Tuesday in Addis Ababa. The plane, with 394 persons on board, had a false land

Residents of Unguwar Mu’azu, Kinkinau, Tudun Wada and Kabala West area of Kaduna have tasked Gov. Nasir El-rufai to create more jobs and focus on teachers’ welfare in the state. The residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the youth unemployment rate in the state and lack of teachers welfare were sources of concern. Saifullah Yahaya, while congratulating El-rufai on his successful inauguration for second term in office, advised the governor to look into the problem of youth unemployment and poor teachers condition. “ Most of kaduna youths are jobless, that is why we are calling on the government to empower them with skills, capital or job to avoid rise in criminal activities , “Yahaya said. Another resident, Anche Daniel, urged the government to place the interest of the people first in making decisions, stressing that youth empowerment would immensely address the challenges of criminal activities in the state. Also, Abduljalal Abdullahi of Youth Eco System Support and