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Showing posts from February, 2017

FG proposes global dialogue to save drying Lake Chad

The Federal Government FG has called for a global dialogue to save the Lake Chad Basin from drying up.Minister of Water Resources,Engr Suleiman Adamu, made the call when the UNESCO delegation led by the Assistant Director-General paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.He stressed the need to draw international attention to the drastic drying up of the Lake in order to save the over 47million people living around the lake who depend on it for farming, fishing and livestock production as well as good water supply

Buhari condoles Katsina’s Emir on mother’s death

THE Presidency said on Sunday that President Muhammadu Buhari has placed a telephone call from London to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Usman, over the death of his mother, which occurred on Saturday.A statement issued by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, said Buhari condoled with the traditional ruler, urging him to take solace in the fact that Hajia Aminatu Mai Babban Daki lived a good life, devoted to serving Allah and humanity.

Abortion, bribery scandal rock Lagos Police College … senior police officers, abortion syndicate squeeze cadets for cash

A police syndicate collected money and secretly carried out abortions for female cadets at the Police College, Lagos, to falsify pregnancy tests,OLALEYE ALUKO, who went undercover to the police hospital for two days, reportsA major scandal is brewing within the heart of the nation’s best-known police college, the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos. Tinuola Akande, a former cadet, is one of the individuals caught in the web of this scandal. The other characters in the drama, which started earlier this year.

Rivers LG election: 50 suspected thugs arrested, INEC staff kidnapped, released.

A group of boys numbering about 50, suspected to be political thugs have been arrested by security agents in Ulakwo Ward 13 for allegedly trying to disrupt the election.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the boys were seen sitting on the ground on Saturday, surrounded by some military men and policemen, and they were said to have been arrested from different units of the Ward. Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Saturday that one of its staffers kidnapped.

Troops smash illegal refineries, destroy 1,750 tons of crude oil, others in N/Delta

Operatives of the Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) in the Niger Delta said they have destroyed 1,750 tons of crude oil and impounded 170 tons of illegally refined diesel.Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, disclosed this in a signed statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Warri, Delta State.Although, the acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, had stated recently that government planned to incorporate modular refineries into the nation's oil production line.

N/East: Donors pledge $670m aid to Nigeria at Oslo summit on food crisis.

The United Nations and hosts of Friday’s Oslo Humanitarian Conference on North-East Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region have expressed appreciation to donors for their pledges aimed at addressing the humanitarian crisis brought about by years of Boko Haram insurgency.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that donors pledged more than $670 million at the UN-backed conference hosted by Norway in conjunction with Nigeria and Germany to support aid operations in the region.

Fayose berates DSS over Lagos PDP ex-gov aspirant arrest.

Ekiti State governor and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Governors Forum,Mr Ayodele Fayose,has condemned the arrest and detention of a former governorship aspirant of the party in Lagos State,Babatunde Gbadamosi,by operatives of Department of State Security (DSS),describing the action as a continuation of the tyranny and barbarism of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government. The governor,who decried the unwarranted arrest of Nigerians for merely expressing themselves on social medias

Governor Obaseki commends FG for releasing $1.5m intervention fund

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has commended the Federal Government for releasing 1.5 million dollars “Save a Million lives” intervention fund to the state, noting that the fund, geared towards improving maternal and child health, would be well-spent.The governor, who gave the commendation when he received the Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, at the Government House in Benin, on Saturday, said the state had set up a contact group to ensure that the programme achieved its aims.

How much has President Trump achieved so far? From US & Canada

Donald Trump came into office promising to change the face of American politics and transfer power "back to the people".After four weeks in the White House, he said "incredible progress" had been made, having signed some two dozen executive actions and put his signature to several bills. After four weeks in the White House, he said "incredible progress" had been made, having signed some two dozen executive actions and put his signature to several bills.He also fired his scandal-hit national security adviser

Half of the $48bn squandered by Jonathan could have fixed Lagos-Kano-Calabar rail projects – Amaechi

MINISTER for Transportation,Mr Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi,in this interview, talks about the challenges faced by the President Buhari administration and assures that the tide will turn for Nigerians.He also bares his mind on the issues that made him and former President Goodluck Jonathan part ways.He also tackles the Rivers State governor,Mr Nyesom Wike,over allegations levelled against him (Amaechi)while he was at the helm of affairs in the state.You have been in office as Minister of Transportation for long.

Man bags 2 years imprisonment for impersonating Peace Corps commandant.

A magistrate court sitting in Obubra, Cross River State has sentenced one Mr. James Ochiche to two years imprisonment for impersonating the state Commandant of Nigeria Peace Corps.In a two count charge in suit number MC/779C/2013, Ochiche was accused by the state command of the organization of impersonating as a deputy commandant as well as collecting N5000 to N8000 from unsuspecting members of the public as service charge for recruitment into the service. The presiding Judge, Adome Etaba in his judgment.

Police to recruit 10,000 personnel annually ― IGP

Mr Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector-General of Police, says the force will henceforth recruit no fewer than 10,000 personnel annually to enhance its operations.Idris disclosed this in Sokoto on Friday when he addressed officers and men of Zone 10 of the force in Sokoto, comprising: Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara state commands.He said, “The yearly recruitment will be based on local government basis to reflect federal character and equity. The communities will be engaged meaningfully in the exercise in tune.

Dogara congratulates Gov. Akeredolu

THE Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has congratulated Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu on his swearing in as the sixth democratically elected Governor of Ondo State.In a letter issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Turaki Hassan, the speaker described the new governor as “a learned colleague, whose dedication, commitment, determination and dogged spirit eventually earned him victory at the polls.” In a letter issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Turaki Hassan

Zuma urges S. Africans not to blame all criminal activities on foreigners

South Africa President Jacob ZumaSouth African President Jacob Zuma on Friday appealed to the country’s citizens not to blame all criminal activities on non-nationals.“Many citizens of other countries living in South Africa are law abiding and contribute to the economy of the country positively,” Zuma said amid a new wave of xenophobic violence that is gripping some townships. It is wrong to brandish all non-nationals as drug dealers or human traffickers, Zuma noted.

Kogi collaborates with traditional rulers to combat insecurity

THE Kogi State government has sought the collaboration of traditional institutions in the state in its quest to fight crimes and make the state free of criminals.Apart from this, government also said it would renovate/rehabilitate the palaces of the five first class monarchs in the state to make them compete with others in the country.The special adviser to the governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Ohere, said this at the maiden meeting of the state council of chiefs in 2017

Borno gov in Norway, optimistic of support from UN donour conference

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State says he is optimistic of getting support from donour agencies towards tackling the devastation caused by Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.The governor said this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau on Wednesday in Maiduguri. “Shettima has arrived Oslo in Norway where he is expected to speak, as the United Nations and Government of Norway, Germany and Nigeria host a two-day donour conference.

The truth about Mimiko’s administration

ONDO State closed a chapter in history as Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s eight-year tenure ended and the baton of power changed hands.Time is thus ripe to subject the closed chapter to critical but truthful analysis lest the truth be subsumed in lies through rumour mongering and orchestrated media attacks.When Mimiko became governor eight years ago,he definitely had no illusions about the difficult task ahead of him,especially with the attendant dismal and gloomy situation that characterised almost every sector

Army officer imprisoned for molesting civilian

A private in the Nigerian Army,Suleiman Olamilekan,has been sentenced to a 28-day Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL)for molesting a female civilian and forfeiture of his salary for the same period.This was after he was charged, tried and found guilty by the 6 Division Garrison for allegedly molesting his victim,Miss Ebere Ohakwe on January 30,2017. According to Deputy Director of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division,Colonel Aminu Iliyasu,the trial and subsequent imprisonment of Olamilekan was in accordance to NAF

UNICEF increases Benue support funds to N175m

THE United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) country team leader, Dr Dorothy Ngacha, has said that the UN body has increased its donation to Benue State to about N175million.Dr Ngacha disclosed this in Makurdi when she paid a courtesy visit on the wife of Benue State governor, Dr Eunice Ortom.The country team leader of the UN body explained that Mrs Ortom’s HIV initiative was one of the major reasons for the rise in the UN body assistance to the state.

Mother-to-child HIV/AIDS transmission to end in Kaduna in 2020 —UNICEF

THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed confidence that Kaduna State would soon end all new cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS .UNICEF’s Chief of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Dorothy Nbori-Ngacha, stated this shortly after she and her team met with the state’s Executive Council at Government House, Kaduna. Nbori-Ngacha explained that to achieve the target, the state intended to reach 90 per cent coverage, where all pregnant women in the state had access to preventive services.

Flight diversion: 24-hr surveillance begins at Kaduna Airport, environs

THE chairman, Ministerial Security sub committee on the movement of Abuja International Airport Operations to Kaduna, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG (operations), Alkali Baba Usman, has said 24 hours security surveillance will be mounted around Kaduna airport and environs for protection of live and property.AIG Usman, who declared the Kaduna and its Airport safe to receive flights diversion from Abuja,said the repair and fixing of equipment was 95 per cent complet.

Nigeria needs point of entry tourist visa policy —Publisher, Come to Nigeria Travel pulse and M.I.C.E

A diaspora tourism advocate and promoter of Nigerian rich cultural heritage and , Mr Oladimeji Adisa has called on the Federal Government to see tourism as the alternative economic solution to unprecedented recession facing the country.Adisa who is also the publisher/editor-in-chief of Come to Nigeria magazine disclosed this in an interview with Travelpulse&MICE in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Kidnappers abduct sand dredgers in Ibeju Lekki

Two sand dredgers have been abducted by suspected kidnappers in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State.One other worker was hit by stray bullets from the rampaging gunmen, who reportedly shot sporadically.Meanwhile more policemen and soldiers have been deployed to lIgbodu and communities in the EOE Farm Settlement.It was gathered that a gang of gunmen had early Wednesday invaded Ibeju Lekki, where they went away with two of the dredgers in a speedboat.

UniAbuja graduates 13, 218 students at 21 convocation

THE authorities of university of Abuja will on Saturday graduate a total of 13, 218 students from its regular and sandwich programmes at its 21st convocation ceremony.While about 44 students would be presented with pass certificates, a total of six students would be conferred with First Class degrees and 5830 Third Class.Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Michael Adikwu, who addressed newsmen on Thursday on activities lined up for the convocation ceremony.

Police nabs suspect with N8.9 million fake currency in Nasarawa

THE Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested and paraded one Wale Lawal who was in possession of N8.9 million fake currency in Lafia, the capital of the State.Speaking to journalists during the parade, the State Commissioner of Police, Abubakar Sadiq Bello, said the suspect is believed to belong to a syndicate group that specializes in distribution of counterfeit drug currency across the country. He explained that the suspect was arrested by his men in Omogbolo hotel in Bukan Sidi.

Over 1,000 Kenyan health workers down tools in Mombasa

More than 1,000 clinical officers,nutritionists, laboratory technicians, mortuary attendants and other 13 cadres of health workers went on strike on Thursday in Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa, demanding allowance harmonisation.The health staff left their work stations complaining that the national government awarded nurses a quantum service allowance increase last December and forgot other health workers in the deal. According to Xinhua, they said they are being discriminated against and treated as outside

Herdsmen: Stakeholders support Dickson’s decision on grazing site

The Chairmen of the Restoration Caucus in the 8 local government areas of Bayelsa State have thrown their weight behind Governor Seriake Dickson over the designation of the land around the Bayelsa palm area as a grazing site for herdsmen and their cattle.Speaking shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Governor,the chairmen led by Chief Thompson Okorotie,described the designation of the area for grazing activities,as a strategic security move to enable the government restrict the activities of herdsmen

Southern Kaduna: IGP deploys special Forces to fish out killers

Following the renewed attacks on communities in Kaura and Jema’a Local Government Areas, in the Southern part of Kaduna State, Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has ordered immediate deployment of Police Special Forces to the area.This was contained in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday and signed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Agyole Abeh.The statement noted that the IGP had directed that the Special Forces must as a matter of urgency ensure that they flush out perpetrators.

Ondo police arrest notorious armed robbers , recover stolen Benz

Two notorious armed robbers, Olajide Olayato and Amonimo Johnson known as Akebaje, have been arrested by man of the Ondo state Police Command.The two suspects and two others, now at large invaded the home of Kolawole Emiola in Abusoro area of the state capital and forcefully made away with his Mercedes Benz C240 with Registration Number Abuja KUJ 700 KZ and three of his mobile number. Speaking on the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Hilda Harrison, said his men swung into action.

LASIEC now in possession of voter register from INEC, set for LG poll ― Phillip

Chairman, Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Hon Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd), saidon Tuesday that the commission is set for the elections into the 57 LGs and LCDAs in the state holding in June having received the soft copy of the register of voters for the State from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Philip made this disclosure while speaking at the Civic Populace Stakeholders' Forum organised as part of the continuous civic education programme of the Commission.

NECO releases Nov/Dec 2016 SSCE results

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of the November/December 2016 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted for private candidates. Of the 47,118 that partook in the exercise, 28,530 got five credit passes and above in English Language, Mathematics and other subjects. The Registrar/Chief Executive,Professor Charles Uwakwe, who announced the results yesterday at the council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State, acknowledged an improved performance.

Crude tanker market hit hard by OPEC’s output cut

VesselThe predicted influx of new tonnage, combined with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (OPEC) production cap and lower levels of refinery throughput are hitting hard on the crude tanker vessel market.Latest report by Maritime Strategies International (MSI), said the crude tanker market is set to go through a testing time over the next six months, and perhaps longer, if OPEC is successful in extending production cuts beyond the first half of 2017.

Police say shops belonging to immigrants looted in South Africa

At least 20 shops possibly belonging to immigrants were looted in South Africa’s capital overnight, police said on Tuesday, but they could not confirm if the attacks had deliberately targeted foreigners.Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically in South Africa against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from locals and getting involved in crime. Responding to similar incidents in Pretoria at the weekend, Nigeria's foreign ministry said it would summon

Police say shops belonging to immigrants looted in South Africa

At least 20 shops possibly belonging to immigrants were looted in South Africa’s capital overnight, police said on Tuesday, but they could not confirm if the attacks had deliberately targeted foreigners.Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically in South Africa against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from locals and getting involved in crime. Responding to similar incidents in Pretoria at the weekend, Nigeria's foreign ministry said it would summon

Benue Cargo airport will be completed in 2019.

Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cargopolis Development Consortium (CDC), Dr Daniel Tarka, has said that the proposed Benue Cargo airport is on course and would be completed as scheduled 2019.Tarka who spoke during the interactive session with representatives of Benue state and staff of federal ministry of transportation, said that the project was in line with the Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement would contribute 15 per cent to the construction cost payable, on completion of the project.

CBN directive on FX sales at airports a temporary solution, says expert.

An economist, Mr Femi Awoyemi says the directive by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to banks to open Foreign Exchange sales point at airports was a temporary solution to ease dollar demand.Awoyemi, who is the the Chief Executive Officer of Proshares Nigeria Ltd., Lagos made said this in an interview with the News Agency (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos. He said that the directive would not permanently bridge the wide exchange rate between the official and parallel market.NAN reports that to ease the burden of travel

Ogun chiefs drag Alake to Court over chieftaincy tussle

By Daud OlatunjiOGUN — THE Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo has been dragged before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta over the chieftaincy title.The four Chiefs, who dragged the Alake to the Court are; the Oluwo of Kemta, Chief Abayomi Rotimi; the Odofin of Kemta,Chief Ayinla Bankole;Sakotun of Kemta, Chief Zachaeus Alatise and the Are Ombo Kemta, Chief Rilwan Oresanya. *Oba Michael Adedotun GbadeboThe complainants in their motion on notice filed against the Post

Updated: Don’t expect me back any time soon, says Buhari to Nigerians

By Levinus NwabughioguABUJA-President Mohammadu Buhari has said that he needed a longer period of time to rest in London, United Kingdom where he had gone on medical vacation.The import of this is that the president should not be expected back to Nigeria any time soon. The president said the need to further rest in London was necessitated by the series of medical tests he had run.He however expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have been praying for him, saying that there was no cause for alarm.

FG to spend Diezani, Yakubu loot to feed the poor.

Eniola AkinkuotuThe Federal Government is set to invest some of the recently recovered funds on its social intervention programmes.A top government official told SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday that the $9m recovered from a former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Andrew Yakubu and the $153m forfeited by a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, would be immediately used to fund the welfare scheme for the poor.

Inside poor community where former NNPC GMD, Yakubu, hid over N3bn

Avisit to the poor community in Kaduna State where operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission found over N3bn in a house allegedly belonging to a former General Manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum CorporationWhen 30-year-old Ibrahim Alfa first heard that over N3bn was discovered by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a house somewhere in Kaduna State,he rolled his eyes in disbelief. When he was later told the said sum was found in a house located in the area

I don’t want to go back to the bottom –Olamide Bado

Adewole,Talented rapper, Olamide, is undoubtedly one of the hottest artistes in the country at the moment. He ended 2016 with the release of his sixth album,Glory,and a concert in Lagos which was a sell-out success.Even though the Bariga-born star has a son named Batifeori Maximilliano, not much is known about the woman in his life. Sunday Scoop, theDurosokerapper offered some insight into his love life. With a smile lighting up his face, he said,“I've actually been in a relationship for about 17 years.

How childbirth changes vagina, affects sex life

The vagina is a muscular tube, it has many folds which allow it to expand during sex and childbirth.Physicians say there are very few changes to the internal vaginal structure after birth, as it’s designed to stretch and return to its original state.However, many women are worried about tightness and some new mums have opened up with searing honesty about the effects of childbirth on their vaginas. “While the process of the baby coming down the birth canal should cause no lasting damage or structural change

Muslims organise special prayers for Buhari’s health

Muslims in major state capitals and towns in the northern part of the country,on Saturday, held marathon prayers for a quick recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.SUNDAY PUNCHcorrespondents in Nasarawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Kwara States reported that the special prayers were held at the various Eid prayer grounds across the states. Muslim faithful across the 13 local councils and the 18 development areas of Nasarawa State converged on the states’ central prayer ground and held a special prayer session

Nigerians face fresh attacks in South Africa-Adewole mansour

A cross section of Nigerians living in South Africa narrowly escaped death on Saturday during attacks on their lives and property in South Africa.Several of them, who spoke toSUNDAY PUNCH, relived their encounter with locals who assailed them in their apartments in various parts of Pretoria with machetes, knives, metal rods and guns.Worried by the development, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations, sought more dialogue between Nigeria and the authorities in South Africa.

ONDO: How Akeredolu can succeed as Governor – Olatujoye, Ex-CBN Director

In-coming Ondo State governor,Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been advised to keep faith with his electioneering promises in order to gain support of the people.Giving this advice,a former Director of Legal Services, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN,Prince Anthony Olatujoye, implored Akeredolu to accord delivery of democracy dividends top priority. What is your advice to the Ondo State governor-elect, Rotimi Akeredolu, on how to succeed in office?To succeed, the cardinal thing the governor-elect must put in place

JUTH to become West Africa’s training centre for cochlear implants.

The West Africa Post-Graduate College of Surgeons has selected Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), as the regional centre for the training of doctors on cochlear implants.A cochlear implant is an electronic medical device that replaces the function of the damaged part of the inner ear (cochlear), to provide sound signals to the brain. Unlike hearing aids, which make the sounds louder, cochlear implants restore the lost activity of the affected part and naturally remove the impairment so as to restore.

NAPS want end to HND/BSc dichotomy - TribuneTribune

National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has appealed to the National Assembly and all concerned government parastatals involved in ongoing process aimed at enacting a law to back abolishment of HND/BS.C dichotomy to expedite action on the matter.

India arrests Nigerian Okonkwo with ingested cocaine

India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has recovered 1.3 kilograms of fine quality Colombian cocaine stashed in 90 capsules from the stomach of a Nigerian , who had come to Delhi from Lome, Togo.According to The Times of India, the accused was taken to hospital where an X-ray confirmed the presence of foreign bodies in his stomach. He was kept in the hospital for two days during which he expelled 90 capsules containing 1.3kg cocaine. The Nigerian was identified as Monday Tony Okonkwo. He arrived IGI airport

NSCDC rescues 15-year-old student from kidnappers in Maiduguri

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Sunday disclosed that it’s operatives rescued a student of El-kanemi Islamic Collage of Theology, Maiduguri from kidnappers.The Borno Commandant of the corps, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, on Sunday said Abdulkarim Garba, 15, was abducted by suspected kidnappers and dumped at Njimtilo area in Maiduguri about 5 p.m. on Saturday. Abdullahi said that the victim, who is from Yobe, resides at Kasuwar Grain area in Potiskum.He said, “At about 14:00 our personnel on routine

North Korea missile: United States behind Japan, says Trump

North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Sunday, drawing a strong response from US President Donald Trump who vowed “100 percent” support for key ally Japan at a press conference with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.The missile, the first test since Trump became president, was launched around 7:55 am (2255 GMT Saturday) from Banghyon air base in the western province of North Pyongan, and flew east towards the Sea of Japan (East Sea), the South Korean defence ministry said. It flew about 500 kilometres (310 miles)

Ex-FCT minister, son to forfeit 10 properties to FG

Eniola AkinkuotuTwo high courts in Abuja have ordered that the immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, and his son, Shamsudeen, temporarily forfeit 10 properties to the Federal Government.The courts also barred the suspects from selling anything found in the properties, including luxury cars, jewelleries and other valuables. The courts also barred the suspects from selling anything found in the properties, including luxury cars, jewelleries and other valuables.

Rivers rerun: Police panel hunts for N238m bribe cash balance

Fidelis SoriweiandAdelani AdepegbaThe police panel, which investigated the violence that characterised the December 10, 2016, legislative rerun polls in Rivers State, has intensified its efforts to recover the balance of the N350m bribe, which the panel alleged was given to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. The committee alleged that the cash was given to about 23 officials of INEC by officials of the Rivers State Government in order to ensure that the election was rigged.

National reserves 8,000 tonnes can’t solve food crisis — Officials

OKECHUKWU NNODIMThe quantity of food items stored in the 23 national reserves across the country are extremely low and cannot effectively address the rising prices of food in Nigeria, various officials at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and operators in the sector have said.According to them, Nigeria’s store houses for food have the capacity to take over one million tonnes of agricultural produce but the reserves currently have only about 8,000 tonnes of food valued at N1.5bn.

What Buhari’s aides told Nigerians about his condition should be enough — Yakassai

Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, a former political adviser to ex-President Shehu Shagari, in this interview with TED ODOGWU,defends the Presidency's decision not to publish details of President Muhammadu Buhari's medical status during his vacation abroad Whatis your reaction to the indefinite postponement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to Nigeria? Initially, the President indicated that he would be away on vacation and carry out a checkup. Also, he had said he planned to come back and resume work (last week)

NYSC, CBN, other banks to give loans to corps members.

The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), says it will partner the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other commercial banks to provide soft loans to corps members across the country.The Sokoto State Coordinator of the scheme, Alhaji Musa Abubakar, disclosed this on Saturday at the permanent orientation camp in Wamakko, headquarters of Wamakko Local Government. Abubakar spoke during the NYSC cultural carnival and exhibition of wares produced by the corps members under the 2016, batch ”B” stream.

Osinbajo in Bayelsa, promises new dawn for Niger Delta.

Acting President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday promised a new era and new dawn for the people of oil-producing communities in the Niger Delta, saying plans were underway for the rapid development of the area.Osinbajo, who was in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital,in continuation of his engagement visits to seek opinions on the way out of the Niger Delta impasse,said he was in the state as an emissary of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government, to propose a new vision that would signpost unity

Trump considers issuing new travel ban. From US & Canada

Donald Trump is considering a new executive order to ban citizens of certain countries from travelling to the US after his initial attempt was overturned in the courts.Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One that a "brand new order" could be issued as early as Monday or Tuesday.It comes after an appeals court in San Francisco upheld a court ruling to suspend his original order. It barred entry from citizens from seven mainly Muslim countries.It is unclear what a new US immigration order might look like.

Trump considers issuing new travel ban. From US & Canada

Donald Trump is considering a new executive order to ban citizens of certain countries from travelling to the US after his initial attempt was overturned in the courts.Mr Trump told reporters on Air Force One that a "brand new order" could be issued as early as Monday or Tuesday.It comes after an appeals court in San Francisco upheld a court ruling to suspend his original order. It barred entry from citizens from seven mainly Muslim countries.It is unclear what a new US immigration order might look like.

Soldiers imprisoned, forfeit ranks for brutalising cripple

Olaleye Aluko and Tony OkaforTwo soldiers, Corporal Bature Samuel and Corporal Abdulazeez Usman, who brutalised a wheelchair-bound man along New Market Road, Onitsha, Anambra State on Tuesday, have been sentenced to 21 days imprisonment with hard labour. The two soldiers of 82 Provost Company also lost their ranks.According to a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the soldiers’ ranks have been reduced from corporal to privates, coupled with the 21 days Imprisonment.

$20bn NNPC fraud: EFCC discovers Diezani's $37.5m Lagos mansion

AbujaThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has discovered a $37.5m (N11.75bn) luxury high-rise building on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, allegedly belonging to the embattled former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.This is just as the EFCC revealed on Friday that it discovered $9.3m and £74,000 belonging to a former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mr. Andrew Yakubu. The money was allegedly kept in. This is just as the EFCC revealed on Friday.

Wife seeks divorce over husband’s “withdrawal method” during sex

Lagos – A 36-year-old seamstress, Sherifat Adetunji, on Friday pleaded at a Lagos Island Customary Court that her marriage should be dissolved on ground that her husband was longer ejaculating inside her during sex.The mother of two said that her 10-year-old marriage was blissful until five years ago when things started changing. She lamented that her husband could go a year or more without making love to her and that when he did he would not ejaculate inside her.“My husband has been starving me sexually.

Why up NEPA is a chorus at APC National Secretariat.

By Emmanuel Aziken It was something of a shock when your correspondent arrived the national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abuja last Tuesday to realise that conditions there were not too removed from the lot of the majority of Nigerians. For the correspondent arriving from his Lagos base where he had seen electricity supply dwindle to the lowest level in his life, it was a little surprising that a similar condition was prevalent in the national secretariat of the ruling party.

$1bn Eurobond: Fayose knocks FG, says APC govt is behaving like prodigal son.

Governor of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has described the Federal Government’s plan to secure Eurobond which re-payment would last till 2032, as act like that of the Biblical prodigal son, expressing the fear that the loan may plunge the nation into pro-longed economic misery. FayoseThe governor, who challenged the federal to government make clarification as to the beneficiaries of the bond,stating whether it would be the federal&state

Russian air strike kills Turkish soldiersFromMiddle East.

President Vladimir Putin has sent condolences after a Russian air strike accidentally killed three Turkish soldiers in northern Syria.The strike hit a building near the town of al-Bab, believing it to contain Islamic State (IS) fighters rather than Turkish troops, Turkey's military said.Eleven others were wounded in the so-called friendly fire incident. They were supporting Syrian rebels who are locked in a fierce battle to try to capture al-Bab from IS fighters.

Paris to protect Eiffel Tower with £17m glass wall From Europe

Tower in Paris is to have a 2.5m-high (8ft) wall of reinforced glass built around it as protection against terror attacks, officials say.The Paris mayor's office says the wall will replace metal fences put up for the Euro 2016 football tournament.The project, if approved, is expected to cost about €20m (£17m; $21m) and work should start later this year. The French capital has been on high alert since attacks by jihadists in November 2015 left 130 people dead.Last July, 86 people were killed by a lorry.

Somalia hails a new president with joy and gunfire

Holding high portraits of the man who pledges to bring the nation together, Somalis in the capital hailed their new president Thursday, singing in joy while soldiers fired weapons skyward in celebration.Such scenes are unusual in the city, where security is a constant concern due to attacks from Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab militants who control many regions of the country. Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, Somali new president After decades of corruption and strife the incoming leader, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed.

West African troops to stay three more months in Gambia.

West African troops will spend three more months in The Gambia, their mission chief said Thursday, as President Adama Barrow carries out large-scale reforms of the army and intelligence services.Five hundred Ghanaian, Senegalese and Nigerian troops will remain in the tiny west African country until at least late May, according to a communique released on behalf of Senegalese General Francois Ndiaye. “The three-month mandate… will start its mission on February 21, 2017,” the statement said.

Fayose wishes Buhari sound health, advises Presidency to give accurate information to Nigerian

Governor of Ekiti State and chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP)’s Governors’ Forum, Dr. Ayodele Fayose has wished President Mohammadu Buhari sound health urging Nigerians to jointly pray to God for the President get well soon so that he can return on time and resume work. Nigerians have been apprehensive and demanded for accurate information about the truth on the health status of the President because there had been nasty rumours about him.

Nigerian senate wind up non-career ambassadorial nominees’ screening

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs screening the 46 ambassadorial nominees, concluded the exercise on Wednesday.In her address at the end of the two-day screening, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, commended the members for their dedication and commitment. In her address at the end of the two-day screening, Chairman of the committee, Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, commended the members for their dedication and commitment.She assured that the committee would work on the report of the screening.

DSS detains five personnel over teachers’ brutalisation in Calabar

Mudiaga Affe, Calabar Five personnel of the Department of State Services have been detained in connection with thebrutalisation of teachersat the Federal Government Girls College in Calabar.It was learnt on Wednesday that the five officials were being detained in the cell of the Cross River State Command of DSS in Calabar. A DSS source, who craved anonymity, said the affected personnel were arrested almost immediately the incident occurred on February 2 for going against the rules and regulations.

Italy unveils plan to integrate fewer migrants

The Italian government on Wednesday unveiled a series of measures aimed at easing the crush of migrants pouring into the country, including a new push at integration.But the plan also calls for fresh efforts to curb the influx, and to expel migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. “We have to welcome and integrate those who have a right to stay, and send home the others,” interior minister Marco Minniti told a parliamentary commission.

Nollywood actress, Funke Adesiyan blasts Buhari, others

By Rotimi Agbana & Anozie Egole WORRIED by the state of the nation and the inability of the APC-led government to revamp the economy, Nollywood actress, Funke Adesiyan has verbally attacked President Buhari, saying she has no form of disappointment in his government because she never voted for him in the first place. The actress who was on the news last week, where she said that the protest was not what Nigerians needed as it would not make any impact, took to her Instagram page to blast the Buhari-led.

Osinbajo nominates Onnoghen as substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria

By Anthony OgbonnaActing President, Yemi Osinbajo has nominated Walter Onnoghen as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria.This is coming a day the Acting President said Mr. Onnoghen’s name could still be forwarded before the February 10 deadline stipulated by the Constitution. Osinbajo made the nomination known via the twitter handle of President Muhammadu Buhari, @NGRPresident on Wednesday.Recall that much concern was raised some days back following the delay by the Presidency to send the nominee's name

Obasanjo’s call for Igbo presidency, insincere, divisive – Obong Attah2019.

By Omeiza AjayiFormer Governor of Akwa Ibom State and one of the leaders of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Obong Victor Attah, in this interview speaks on the state of the nation and urged the Federal Government not to sit on the 16-point demand of the Niger Delta. He also chided ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo for calling for Igbo presidency in 2019. Excerpts:

BREAKING: Cameroon wins AFCON.

Cameroon came from a goal down to beat Egypt 2-1 in the final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Libreville, Gabon.Arsenal’s forward, Mohammed Elneny edged Egypt ahead on 22 minutes, but Nicolas Nkoulou, on as a substitute after an injury to Adolphe Teikeu, got his team back in the game on 59 minutes. Benjamin Moukandjo swung in the pass, Nkoulou jumped early and beat Ahmed Hegazy. He headed it beyond Essam El Hadary, who was late to dive minutes.

»APC Musicians Forum to stay away from 2face planned protest.

Kaduna – The APC Northern Musicians Forum on Friday said it would not participate in the planned protest by Nigerian music icon, Tuface Idibia, over alleged sufferings in Nigerian.Haruna Ningi, Chairman of the Forum, who made the remark at a media briefing in Kaduna, said that the protest was different from the ideology of the forum.

WAEC Extends 2017 May/June WASSCE Registration Closing Date to february 14th,2017.

The closing date for registration for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2017 has been shifted to February 14, 2017.From the information reaching us, we wish to inform all the schools presenting candidates for the 2017 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates that the registration has been extended to February 14, 2017. Uploading of entries will, therefore, be allowedup to 12.00 midnight on that date, when the registration portal will beshut down.

Senate Extend Joint Admission & Matriculation Board (JAMB) Exam Result Validity to 3 Years

The Nigerian Senate today passed the amendment to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Act into law. In the amendment, the the Senate strengthenedthe Board to allow the results of students in the annual examination be valid for more than one year.This implies that JAMB result is expected to now be valid for more than a year.