Ridoola's blog

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says an estimated 26,039 babies will be born in Nigeria on New Year’s Day. UNICEF’s Nigeria Representative, Mr Peter Hawkins, said on Wednesday in a statement Nigerian babies would account for almost seven per cent of the estimated 392,078 babies to be born on New Year’s Day globally. Hawkins said that this figure is the third highest number of babies in the world, after India with 67,385; and China, 46,299. “ The beginning of a new year and this year, a new decade, is a chance for us to reflect on our hopes and dreams for the future of Nigeria, especially for those who stand to inherit this country; its children. “As we start each new year, we are reminded of the potential of each and every Nigerian child embarking on her or his life’s journey if only they are given that chance to survive and thrive,” he said. The representative said, however, that for millions of newborns around the world, including in Nigeria, the day of their birth

The Bauchi State Government has approved the payment of N30,000 new minimum wage for employees in the state. This is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Mohammed Baba, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to newsmen in on Wednesday in Bauchi. According to the statement, the approval is with ‘immediate effect’ (commencing from January 1, 2020). “The Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala Mohammed , has received the report of the committee of the state Joint Public Service Council on the implementation of the National Minimum Wage of thirty thousand naira (N30,000) as set by the Federal Government. “Government has accordingly approved the payment of the thirty thousand naira as minimum wage for employees in the state with effect from 1st January, 2020,” said the SSG. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Wednesday promised unprecedented development in thes state as Lagosians ushered in 2020 as a New Year and Decade. Sanwo-Olu made this promise at the annual One Lagos Fiesta at Eko Atlantic, Victoria Island, Lagos state. “Development across the state has started and we are beginning to see and acknowledge it. “I assure you that 2020 will be the beginning of greater, mightier and bigger things to happen in our entertainment and tourism industry,” the governor said. He wished Lagosians a happy new year and urged them to pray for a more prosperous Lagos. “Let us all pray that Lagos will be prosperous and that each and everyone of us will have a profiting 2020 and years ahead. “Happy New Year to Lagos, happy new year to Epe, happy new year to my people in Badagry, happy new year to Agege, happy new year to the capital Ikeja. “Happy new year to Ajegunle, happy new year to my people in Ibeju Lekki, happy new year to my people on the Island. “

The Federal Government says it will complete 47 ongoing road projects, including those leading to the nation ports, and major bridges including substantial work on the Second Niger Bridge in 2020. President Muhammadu Buhari disclosed this in a letter to Nigerians to commemorate the New Year, which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja. He also revealed that 13 housing estates under the National Housing Project Plan would be completed this year. According to him, Lagos, Kano, Maiduguri and Enugu international airports will also be inaugurated in 2020. The president said an agricultural rural mechanisation scheme that would cover 700 local governments over a period of three years would also be inaugurated this year. Buhari revealed that his administration would be “launching the Livestock Development Project Grazing Model in Gombe State where 200,000 hectares of land has been identified; “Training of 50,000 workers to complement the country’s 7,000 extension workers;

Mercy Aigbe in her usual grand style, marks her 42nd birthday with the release of some gorgeous photos. Mercy Aigbe turns forty-two, today Wednesday, January 1, 2020, and to mark the special day, she shared some dropped photos on her Instagram page. The actress shared a series of photos on her Instagram which has received a lot of admiration from her fans on the social media platform. She went on to thank God for all he has done for her. "If I had 10,000 tongues it won’t be enough 🙏🙏🙏🙏Where and how do I even begin to count how you blessed me in 2019? Even tho I am underserving, Jehovah you showed me too much love! ... Who am I that you are this mindful of me ABBA FATHER! ... you elevated my status and blessed me even beyond my expectations... She is Imperfect, Beautiful, Sexy, Kind, Protective, Smart, Honest, Loyal, Hardworking, Intelligent, Self-Sufficient, Lover of God, Lover of Children, Brave, Confident, A Survivor!..... A woman who brushes away her tears, tries to he

Maureen Esisi's post on Instagram has left everyone with the notion that she might be officially single. Blossom Chukwujekwe's estranged wife, Maureen Esisi has dropped hints that she is now officially single. The skincare entrepreneur made this known via her Instagram page on Tuesday, December 31, 2019. She shared a post that simply wrote 'Single.' She then went on to caption the photo with a quote that got a lot of her fans camping at her comment section with words of encouragement and approvals. #NoManners2020 Maureen and Blossom got everyone talking about a month ago when the news of their marriage crisis hit the internet. They have both not come out publicly to deny or confirm the story, leaving everyone guessing about their marriage status. The news of their marriage crash... Blossom has deleted all the photos of his wife and himself on his Instagram page. However, Maureen still has a few of Blossom's photos on her Instagram page.[Instagram/Redvigor]

Mercy Eke says she is now a single woman but isn't looking for a partner. The winner of the last edition of Nigeria's most-watched reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, Mercy Eke says she is single and not searching. The reality TV star made this known via her Snapchat page on Tuesday, December 31st, 2019. In a short but direct post, the beautiful reality star announced her arrival into the singlehood association. "Single not searching," she wrote. The winner of the last edition of Nigeria's most-watched reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, Mercy Eke says she is single and not searching. [LindaIkeji] Okay guys, calm down before we all explode with questions about her love story with former housemate, Ike. We also wonder what might have gone wrong with their beautiful relationship. The winner of the last edition of Nigeria's most-watched reality TV show, Big Brother Naija, Mercy Eke says she is single and not searching. [Instagram/OfficialMercyEke] How

The Zamfara state government has earmarked over N1 billion for the construction of Jumu’at Mosques, Ramadan welfare package and renovation of cemeteries and other religious activities in the state for the year 2020 The state Commissioner of Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tukur Jangebe disclosed this while defending the 2020 budget proposal of his ministry at the state House of Assembly in Gusau on Tuesday. Jangebe noted that over N300 million from the amount would be used for Special Ramadan packages for rural dwellers in the upcoming 2020 Ramadan fast. “ You know previously in every Ramadan season, the state government establish Ramadan feeding centers across the state under this ministry. “This time, we are going to restructure the ramadan feeding package in the state, we want to reorganize it in such a way that it will reach the target beneficiaries in the rural communities. “We plan to provide grains, essential commodities and cash to various categories of needy instead of ramadan

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has promised to provide more infrastructure in health, education and other sectors in 2020. The governor made this known in a New Year message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Terver Akase in Makurdi on Tuesday. He was optimistic that 2020 would be a better year with greater opportunities for the people. “Yesterday, I signed the 2020 Appropriation Bill christened ‘Budget of Advancement, Growth and Development’, which focuses on raising the living standard at the grassroots through economic growth and human capital development. “My administration will continue to provide infrastructure in education, health institutions and other sectors while supporting security agencies to guarantee the safety of lives and property, ” Ortom said. The governor praised and thanked God for grace, guidance and protection through 2019 and for enablement to tackle the challenges of development in the state. “Let me reassure the people that we will not relent to make B

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto has applauded the resilience and tolerance of Nigerians in the face of many socio-economic obstacles they faced collectively in the country. Tambuwal gave the commendation in his New year Message released by his spokesman, Muhammad Bello in Abuja, on Tuesday. He said that the travails tugging precariously at the fabric holding Nigerian compatriots together shall never be torn into pieces by the myriads of problems they cope with frequently. “I have said it times without number that Nigeria and Nigerians are one indivisible entity ordained by Allah. “Any contrived or accidental attempt to foist disunity among them can only last but some moments. “Christianity, Islam, animism and other shades of religious beliefs are disparate expressions of our collective strive to be close to our creator. “None of the beliefs diminish our togetherness as human beings subsisting under one nation with common destiny. “I am confident that as we move into the New Year,

Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia says that plans are being made to commence the construction of rural roads to boost socio-economic activities in rural communities. Ikpeazu said this on Tuesday during a town hall meeting organised by the state government in Akwete, the headquarters of Ukwa East Local Government Area. The governor said that the project would commence across the rural communities in the state before the next rainy season. “ These roads are instrumental to the survival of the economy of rural communities and will enable the people to enjoy the dividend of democracy,’’ he said. Ikpeazu said that he was delighted over the resolution of the discrepancies surrounding the construction of Obohia-Ohanku Road in the area. He also expressed happiness over the release of a list of failed Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) projects in Abia. He said that government would use the list to ensure that most of the projects got fixed. Ikpeazu expressed dismay over the boundary d

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has urged the people of the state to join hands with his government to make the state greater in 2020. This was contained in a statement issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by Mr Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor. Makinde in a New Year message to the indigenes and residents of the state, said that his aim in the New Year is to make the state a hub for education tourism in the country. The governor noted the ongoing revamping of the education system. He said that increased funding to improve the quality of education and access for children of school age, among other policies, already introduced by his administration, would yield positive results in 2020. Makinde said that his government had put in a lot of efforts to turn around the health sector, ensure maximum security of lives and property and to revamp the economy of the state. He promised not to relent in the efforts to turn the fortunes of the state around. The governor further

The Edo Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged leaders and people of the state to put state interest above individual interest in 2020. The state Chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, said this on Tuesday, in Benin in his New Year message to the people of the state. Orbih said that as the world approaches 2020, every citizen of the state should pray God to bless the state with good and purposeful leadership that would address the obvious challenges and problems of the state. He noted that 2020 offered citizens of Edo fresh opportunities to reorder their priorities and give the state a new direction. “In the past year, we have witnessed the unfortunate personality clash between the Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the immediate past Governor, Adams Oshiomhole which has impacted negatively in the governance of the state. “The cancerous effect of their avoidable crisis has snowballed into the current legislative impasse at the state assembly. “The situation in t

President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, has said that the biggest thing to happen to Africa is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), saying the free trade area itself is worth over 3.3 trillion dollars. Adesina, who stated this when he addressed State House correspondents in Abuja on Tuesday, expressed the hope that the effective implementation of AfCFTA would transform the continent to a greater height. He also supported the creation of a single currency by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), named ‘ECO’, describing it as a great idea. ” I think that at the end of the day the biggest thing to happen to Africa is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). That free trade area itself is worth over $3.3 trillion in terms of trade. ”Obviously being able to trade in various currencies, it’s not optimum to trade in so many currencies. So it makes common sense to have a unified currency and of course for that to even been achiev

Twenty one ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods have arrived the Lagos Port Complex and are discharging. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) made this known in its publication, `Shipping Position’, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday. According to NPA, the ships are discharging petrol, general cargo, butane gas, bulk sugar, containers, buck wheat and base oil. The document noted that 18 ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with containers and fuel. NPA added that 18 other ships are expected at the port from Dec. 31, 2019 to Jan. 14, 2020. The ships are carrying general cargo, containers, buck wheat, bulk sugar, petrol, frozen fish and butane. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recovered four locally made pistols, one Peugeot 206 car and two daggers from the suspects arrested over the Dec. 28 failed bank robbery. The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Charge of the Command, Mr Bala Ciroma disclosed this at a news briefing on Tuesday in Abuja. He said four suspects were arrested over the failed bank robbery in Mpape area of FCT. The CP said that Ehizo , a staff of the bank was arrested as the mastermind of the robbery operation. Ciroma said other items recovered from the suspects are: two cutlasses, one axe, one pliers, one Infinix note phone and one saw blade. The CP said the suspects were arrested following a distress call and prompt response of police operatives and other security agencies to the scene of the incident. He said the command had commenced investigation into the incident, adding that three additional locally fabricated pistols and some dangerous weapons had also been recovered fro

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called for concerted efforts by government, corporate organisations and relevant stakeholders toward the education of the girl-child. The minister said this would empower them for meaningful contribution to the socio-economic development of the nation. Mr Mohammed Manga , Director of Press and Public Relations of the Interior ministry, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said Aregbesola made the call in Abia. Manga said Aregbesola made the call on Tuesday at the Ozu Day Celebration 2019 and Civic Reception in honour of deserving daughters and sons organised by the Uzuakoli Development Association (UDA), in Bende local government area of Abia. “Absolute commitment to the education of the girl-child will ensure the quickening of her inert abilities, thus developing the family and society on the one hand and ensuring internal security on the other hand,” the minister said. Aregbesola commended the people of Uz

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has handed over a forfeited property to the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to use as its office. Spokesman of the Commission, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said in a statement on Tuesday that the property was located on Plot 1076 Cadastral Zone, Sector B 18, Gudu District, Abuja. The asset, according to him, was recovered in a case between the Federal Government and Emmanuel Ozigi and two others; Home Vestors Concepts Ltd and Knight Consulting Ltd. “The EFCC secured the final forfeiture of the property to the Federal Government on February 15, 2018, at the conclusion of forfeiture processes in a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu . EFCC hands over forfeited property to NDE “The handover formalities were conducted by the Secretary to EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede , who conveyed the Commission’s excitement at handing the property over to an agency of the Federal Government. “Olukoyede noted

Effective today Tuesday, December 31, the last day of the year 2019, WhatsApp’s instant messaging app will stop working on all phones running Microsoft Windows OS. Earlier in the year, Facebook, the owner of WhatsApp, stopped people from creating new accounts on Windows phones. The reason for doing so, according to the company, was because it has stopped developing updates for the platform, and as such there would not be new updates or features for the OS. Reports say the app company is stopping support for devices whose operating systems do not have the capabilities that are needed to expand the app’s features. The decision to stop running on Microsoft Windows phones was taken because such gadgets can no longer support future updates, reports say. WhatsApp will also stop support for older Apple and Android devices, a decision which will affect devices that run Android gadgets on 2.3.7 and older and iOS 8. READ ALSO: Open up the legal education; the public will select the best l

A Plateau High Court on Tuesday declared that Former Governor of Plateau, Jonah Jang, has a case to answer in an alleged N6.3 billion money Laundering filed against him and one Yusuf Pam, Former Cashier, by EFCC. Justice Daniel Longji, the presiding Judge, State High Court IV, who is retiring on Tuesday, Dec. 31, made the declaration in his ruling on a No case submission made by Jang and Pam through their counsels. The duo had submitted that EFCC, the prosecution agency, must prove their 17 count charge of money laundering labeled against them and so made a no case submission. But Longji ruled, “ having gone through all processes of the no case submission application and that of the prosecution, I am convinced that the prosecution has established a prima facie against the two accused.” “This implies that former Governor Jonah Jang and Yusuf Pam have case to answer. “The monies alleged to have been misappropriated, comes from different sources, especially the N4.2bn from the CBN me

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Sen. Shehu Sani over alleged extortion of $20,000 from a businessman. An EFCC source according to The Nation said that Sani was arrested for collecting money from the owner of ASD Motors, promising to pass it on to Ibrahim Magu, acting chairman of the anti-graft agency. Sani who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between 2015 and 2019 was reportedly arrested on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 . The source said: “He was said to have collected the $20,000 from the owner of ASD Motors on the grounds that he is very close to the EFCC boss. “He was subsequently arrested and granted administrative bail while he refunded the money to the victim. “He was asked to report but made himself incommunicado. He must have been scamming a lot of people, dropping the name of the EFCC boss.” Details shortly… More to follow… ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

While many secondary schools celebrated their 10-year reunion anniversaries this year, one of the most outstanding was that of the Queens College Old Girls Class of 1999. Lagos was buzzing over the weekend of October 18th, 2019 with close to 200 women from different sectors, cities and countries with one thing in common - their alma mater. Queen’s College class of 1999 old girls celebrate epic 20 year reunion The Queen's College Class of 1999 Old Girls celebrated 20 years since graduating from the school in GRAND style and with brilliant execution by a team of 12. The reunion committee planned their anniversary for over one year and raised money towards projects to help elevate the institution. Queen’s College class of 1999 old girls celebrate epic 20 year reunion It started off with #GirlUninterrupted - a Mentorship & Empowerment Day on Friday, the 18th of October at the school premises in Yaba, Lagos where Old Girls mentored about 400 students on life skills and capa

Kano suspends law banning men and women from using the same 'Keke.' Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has suspended the implementation of the order banning persons of opposite sexes from boarding the same tricycle in the state. On December 25, the state government announced that the order would take effect from January 2020 as one more way of upholding the state's Islamic values. Ganduje's spokesperson, Tanko-Yakasai told TheCable that the order has been suspended for further review of its practicability. He said the law was initially introduced during the era of former Governor Ibrahim Shekarau. He added that the Ganduje administration only re-introduced the law to curb reports of female sexual harassment during commute in the state. Tanko-Yakassai said: “Yes, it’s true. Well, they just want to review it. You know it was an old law that was enacted during the era of Ibrahim Shekarau. So, the Hisbau committee was just reintroducing it,” Tanko-Yakasai sai

It was an amazing and inspirational experience in Lagos over the weekend at the inaugural edition of the “Why I Am Alive” celebratory event designed to acknowledge the contributions of inspiring Nigerians to the Nigerian story and also empower young Nigerians to be the best at their chosen fields of endeavor. Convened by CEO of Eureka Productions, Caroline Moore, the party was an avenue for young people to use the experiences of these purposeful personalities to expand their capacity to initiate and influence change, and renewing their minds for more efficiency and effectiveness in life. Obasanjo, Badero urge Nigerian youths to take action at "Why I Am Alive" campaign party Held at The Podium Lekki, the event brought together global experts, entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, and leading figures in different strata of the society to celebrate the success stories of Nigerians at home and in diaspora. Obasanjo, Badero urge Nigerian youths to take action at &quo

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is set to release some interesting features in the new year. The long-awaited dark mode feature is one of them. Below are the remaining features you can expect from WhatsApp in 2020. Here is a list of the four new features coming to WhatsApp in 2020: Dark Mode According to Independent.co.uk, the Facebook -owned messaging app has been teasing the dark theme for months. However, WaBetaInfo, a website that follows developments with the beta version of the app, has reported that the dark theme update is ready for the Android version of WhatsApp. T Disappearing Messages This feature allows users to automatically delete messages after a stipulated period in both group chats and one-on-one conversations. With this, The Guardian reports that users will be able to set the messages to be deleted automatically after an hour, a day, a week, a month or a year. DeleteMessage Feature (wabetainfo) Ads The platform plans to start inserting promo

While there may be lull in other sectors of the economy, the telecoms sector has remained consistent, recording greater feats courtesy of regulatory excellence of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) under the leadership of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta. For the Commission, 2019 has been particularly eventful. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in 2019, carried out a number of regulatory activities towards ensuring increased access to telecoms services, increased consumer education and protection, boosting security of lives and property, sanitising the industry while also driving other initiatives aimed at boosting innovation in the telecoms sector and continuously galvanising the country’s overall economic growth. Impressive growth statistics, despite challenges Generally, despite challenges confronting the telecoms sector, the sector was able to recording impressive statistics during the year, courtesy of smart and effective regulatory role of the Nigerian Communica

As 2019 rolls away, some Lagosians have expressed different views on New Year resolutions, with some saying that people should not wait for such a time before reinventing themselves. They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday, in separate interviews. Mr Rufai Mike , a Pastor, said that resolution is a strong determination by individuals to improve on themselves. Mike believes that New Year resolution is now a cliche rather than what people actually follow through. According to him, this is so because most people forget to ask God for strength and guidance. “ For there to be growth and improvement, there should be a resolution made by the individual, although one shouldn’t wait until a new year to make that. “In order to achieve the resolution made, we need to put God first and ask for His assistance to overcome every obstacle that hinders our dreams,” he said. Mr Andre Emmanuel , a lawyer, said that he does not make New Year resolutions. “‘I do not ha

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said on Tuesday that it had withdrawn and confiscated five boats and 55 life jackets from the waterways, following its just-concluded bi-annual safety inspection. The General Manager of LASWA, Mr Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to Emmanuel , the inspection was to guarantee safety of passengers on waterways during and after the Yuletide as boating and fun-seeking activities increases on waterways. “ The end of Year 2019 hull and machinery condition survey for boats has been concluded. The exercise lasted for five weeks. “A total of 106 boats were inspected across Ikorodu, Agbara, Badagry and Apapa axis. Five open boats hull at Apapa axis (Coconut Landing) were found to be in very bad condition. “They have been withdrawn from operations and our Water Guards are also on the lookout to ensure that they don’t return to the operations. “Fifty five substandard and

Mr Kayode Opeifa, the Executive Vice Chairman, Presidential Task Team on Apapa Restoration of Law and Order, says his team has delivered its mandate to bring sanity to Apapa axis of Lagos by ensuring easier access in and out of the area. Opeifa said this during a visit to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday while monitoring of the traffic situation in Apapa. According to him, tankers are no longer on the road paralysing economic activities before the task force was set up. When asked that tankers were again on the road, Opeifa said: “That is not correct and that is extremely alarming and a wrong impression of the fact. “The fact of the matter is that tankers are no longer on the road. The trucks are no longer on the road. What you see on the road, the day you don’t see them again, Nigeria is in recession. ”We need to understand what the road is meant for. The road is not meant for Keke Marwa and Okada. Apapa road is meant for all kinds of vehicles and mainly truc