NIN-SIM Linkage Verification Deadline Extended To March 31, 2022 –FG

The Federal government said Friday it has further extended the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to March 31, 2022.

The Federal government also said in a statement that the National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment has exceeded 71 million subscribers.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, in the statement made available to News Express in Abuja said as at December 30, 2021, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over seventy-one million (71m) NINs with over fourteen thousand (14,000) enrolment centres set up across the country. It added that NIN enrollment centres have been set up in about 31 countries for Nigerians in the diaspora.

According to the joint statement signed by both Dr Ike Adinde, Director of Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission and his counterpart, Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission, NIMC has also set up enrolment centres in over thirty-one (31) countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

The Minister however implored Nigerians and legal residents to enroll for their NINs and link with their SIMs during this period of extension as more services will be requiring the NIN for identification. He also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to support the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise are achieved.

The extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents. The statement noted.

Commending the Federal government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, wish to thank all Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project”.

Lai Mohammed Lists N300billion World Bank Loan As Buhari’s Achievement In 2021

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has listed 100 achievements of the Muhammadu Buhari administration in 2021.

He made this known while speaking at a press conference in Lagos.

Mohammed said despite challenges that came with 2021, the administration made “tremendous” progress in fighting insecurity and growing the economy.

He listed a $700 million (about N300 billion) credit facility from the World Bank as part of the administration’s achievements.

“Construction of 159 Rural Water Supply Schemes in the North-East, IDP camps and some Federal Institutions and Establishments,” the minister said.

“Full implementation of the Partnership for Expanded Water Sanitation and Hygiene (PEWASH) programmes with the construction of 926 rural water supply schemes in 12 States of Imo, Katsina, Jigawa,Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Ondo, Osun, Delta, Bauchi, Kaduna and Gombe States.

“Secured World Bank loan for the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) Programme in the sum of $700 million to be disbursed to eligible States.”

In May, the World Bank approved a $700 million credit facility that will help deliver improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services to 2,000 schools and health care facilities, and assist 500 communities to achieve open defecation-free status.

The states are Bauchi, Delta, Ekiti, Imo, Katsina, Kaduna and Plateau.

Mohammed added that despite the long list of achievements by Buhari-led government, insecurity was a major challenge.

He, however, explained that the Armed Forces of Nigeria recorded some successes using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, coupled with a review of strategies.

This, he said, led to the neutralisation of over 1,000 terrorists, the rescue of 2,000 civilians and the surrender of over 22,000 terrorists including their families in the North-East.

He noted that many arms and ammunition were also recovered, adding that several bomb-making factories of the terrorists were destructed.

Electoral Bill: National Assembly’ll Remove The Direct Primary Clause – Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila,  has said the National Assembly will revisit the Electoral Act Amendment Bill and remove the direct primary clause in it after it resumes from recess.

Gbajabiamila, while unveiling some projects in Surulere, Lagos State, on Thursday, also ruled out the possibility of the National Assembly vetoing the bill earlier rejected by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

He said, “If you follow the history of the amendment of the direct and indirect primary bill, I initiated that amendment bill for a good reason and it is for people to participate in elections. These are the people you see around when you campaign every four years.

“For me, it does not make sense that these people do not have a voice in who represents them. It is part of being used and I didn’t like that. Most of us are reformers and one of the ways to reform the system is to make it more accountable and to make the people have a voice in who represents them as opposed to a few people sitting in the four corners of a wall and writing results.

“There is a process; when we come back from recess, as I said, the House will look at those amendments. We will sit as the National Assembly, look at the reasons and at that point, consider removing that clause and pass the bill so that we do not throw away the baby with the bathwater.

“But then, it is not my decision to make. It is the decision of the National Assembly, if they determine that the reasons are not good enough, then, there is a process prescribed by the constitution.”

The projects unveiled by the Speaker included the Obele mini stadium, Dosunmu Road, Adedoyin Road, Ojikutu, Ishola Road by Randle, Rasaq Balogun mini stadium and the Razaq Balogun Road and Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, all in Surulere.

MC Oluomo Must Not Become King In Oshodi – Monarch’s Family Begs Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-olu

 The Olushi Onigbesa royal family has appealed to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to stop the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr Musiliu Akinsanya (popularly known as MC Oluomo) from becoming the Oba of Oshodi.

The Head of the Olushi Onigbesa royal family, Kabiru Eyantan, said this on Wednesday during a press briefing.

Statement read;

“The attention of the Olushi Onigbesa royal family of Oshodi Awori Kingdom has been drawn to the picture of Alhaji Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya aka MC Oluomo, Chairman, NURTW in Lagos State circulated on numerous social media platform where he was dressed in traditional kingly attire intended for an Oba in Yorubaland.

“Our attention has also been drawn to the trending videos and news in social and conventional media with reference to the message delivered by a first class Oba in Ikorodu Division at the coronation anniversary of Oniba of Iba Kingdom in Iba Town, Ikeja Division on the issue of intended aspiration of Akinsanya to become Oba of Oshodi.

“We plead with the Lagos State Government to avert communal crisis, breakdown of law and order and bloodshed in Oshodi community, if urgent action is not taken by our proactive and peace-loving Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to stop MC Oluomo from soliciting to become the Oba of Oshodi or laying claim to the Obaship stool.”

Eyantan added that Akinsanya was not eligible to the throne of the Oba of Oshodi.

“To put the record straight, we state that the tribunal of inquiry into chieftaincy matters in respect of the upgrading Baale of Oshodi to first-class Obaship status was set up by Lagos State Government and lasted between January 2003 and December 2008 and the tribunal recommended that the Olushi Onigbesa royal family of Oshodi land is the only family eligible and entitled to the stool of the Oba of Oshodi.

“Alhaji Akinsanya is not a member of the Olushi Onigbesa royal family in Oshodi land and has no right to be the Oba of Oshodi stool and therefore is not eligible to aspire or to be appointed to the stool of Oba of Oshodi.”

American Rapper Dr Dre Pays $100m In Divorce Settlement To Ex, Nicole Young

 

American entertainment mogul has agreed to pay $100m to his ex-wife, Nicole Young as divorce settlement.

According to TMZ, Dr. Dre is “delighted” Nicole Young is only getting a fraction of his $820 million estates.

Dre and Nicole just filed their property settlement agreement, in which Dre agreed to pay Young $100 million — $50 million now, and $50 million a year from now.

In exchange, Dre gets to keep seven of the properties they own, including a Malibu home, two homes in Calabasas, and four properties in the L.A. area, including the $100 million Brentwood estate.

Dre also gets full rights to his master recordings, trademarks and interests in various partnerships and trusts. He also keeps all of their Apple stocks, which includes the proceeds from the sale of Beats by Dre.

Young is to keep jewellery, cash, some cars, bank accounts that she had maintained during the marriage but has to pay her own legal fees running into millions of dollars.

It’s Long I Heard About Attacks In Nigerian Markets, Worship Places – AGF Malami Says

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has claimed that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration was able to tackle the terrorism and insecurity bedevilling the country.

Speaking during a radio programme in Kano State, Malami claimed that it had been long since he heard about attacks in markets and places of worship in the country.

The AGF’s claim comes amidst recent attacks and killings of 48 and at least 30 others in Sokoto and Kaduna states respectively as well as bandits’ killings in markets in Taraba and Adamawa states.

Borno and Zamfara have also not been spared in the array of attacks on places of worship as the bandits recently threatened churches in Zamfara not to open otherwise they would be attacked.

Meanwhile, Malami noted that the Buhari-led administration introduced programmes such as N-power and COVID-19 interventions that provided employment opportunities to many Nigerians.

“The President did this in less than one year; he rescued our economy from collapse. This is very rare as not all leaders can do this. Even the developed countries suffered much before they rescued situations like this,” the minister said.

“Before Buhari came, there were so many challenges in the security sector, but now, we have succeeded in preventing the attacks. It’s been long that I heard about attack in markets, worship places and so on.”

Malami also claimed that the committed effort put together by the security operatives forced the bandits in the North-West to initiate reconciliatory move with the Federal Government.

Contrary to Malami’s claims on the economy, Nigeria’s dwindling finances have come under intense pressure as the Buhari-led government is broke and has been amassing foreign loans.

For example, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Chris Ngige, while doctors were on strike over poor allowance, had in September 2021 confirmed that the Nigerian government under President Muhammadu Buhari borrowed funds from international sources to pay salaries of workers because of a shortfall in the country’s revenue.

Ngige had said the government took borrowed funds from foreign institutions like the World Bank to offset some recurrent expenditure.

Also, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, had in April 2021 admitted that Nigeria’s economy was facing a difficult time, saying borrowing was inevitable

Woman Commits Suicide After Her Husband Stole Her Money To Marry Another Wife

Heartbroken  woman from Madziwa Zimbabwe has reportedly committed suicide after her husband stole her money.

Auxillia Banda reportedly killed herself after discovering that her husband (only identified as Norman) had used the money to marry another woman.

Auxillia was a mathematics teacher in Madziwa and she left behind four female kids who are in Form 2, Grade 7, Grade 4 and a 2-year-old.

National police spokesman Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and also disclosed that it is currently being investigated.

Nyathi said;

“Yes, we can confirm that we have reports of a lady from Madziwa who committed suicide after her husband, a policeman, took her money and used it to marry another woman.

Younger Brother To Late Maradona, Diego Dies At 52

Hugo Maradona, the younger brother of late Argentine football legend, Diego, has reportedly died of a heart attack at the age of 52.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Hugo was found dead at his home in Naples, the city where Diego played at the peak of his career and where Hugo played as a junior after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

The deceased passed away around 11.50am on Tuesday, just over a year after the death of Diego led to an outpouring of grief in Argentina and across the football-loving world.

The younger Maradona was an Argentina youth international, and played for Ascoli in Italy and Spanish club Rayo Vallecano.
He was in Malta last month where he oversaw a youth football training camp.

Hugo had surgery back in 2018 following a heart condition, and was believed to have been in good health having announced earlier this year that he intended to stand for elected office in Naples.
He leaves behind a wife, Paola Morra whom he married in 2016, and three children.

The youngest of the Maradona brothers – the others being Diego and Raul – Hugo was also a keen footballer and signed as a junior for Napoli aged 18 in 1987.
He went on to play in minor leagues in Spain, Austria and Venezuela before ending his playing career in Japan in the late 1990s.

After that he turned to coaching, and was involved in a number of youth academies.
He settled in Naples where he was something of a public figure, leading a memorial service for his brother at the Maradona Stadium just last month.

According to Daily Mall, Hugo had also recently considered a run for public office as councillor for centre-right mayoral candidate Catello Maresca, but withdrew from the lists.

Josi Della Ragione, mayor of the municipality of Bacoli where Hugo lived, paid tribute to him following his death.
“Bacoli clings to the pain of the Maradona family, for the death of dear Hugo. I hug his wife, Paola,” he said.
“I had the honor and the pleasure of celebrating his wedding. It was an exciting and happy day. I will remember Hugo’s simplicity. He was always among the people.

“He was always among the people, and he had become a son of the Phlegraean community. May he rest in peace.”

‘We Are Sorry’, Psquare Kneels To Beg Fans

The Nigerian pop duo, Psquare, went on their knees to apologize to their fans all over the world over their fight and breakup.

The music duo pleaded with their fans at the Psquare Reactivated concert at the Eko Convention Centre, on Christmas Day.

This was their first musical concert after their reunion. During their performance, they said, “We apologize for breaking up, deep apologies to our fans all over the world.

I want everyone around the world to know that we are asking for forgiveness,” Psquare said.

The report  had earlier reported the musical duo’s split over irreconcilable differences in the family, in 2017.

However, they got back together weeks ago to celebrate their 40th birthday together.

Very Soon Ogun State Will Become Oil Producing State – Abiodun Boast

Governor of Ogun state, Price Dapo Abiodun Says his Administration Is Working to ensure the state takes advantage of its oil rich deposit and become an oil producing state.

Abiodun gave this position during the Convocation Lecture he delivered at the 2nd and 3rd convocation ceremony of the Mountain Top University with the topic, “Quest for Excellence: The Nexus of Faith, Knowledge, and Resilience”.

The governor expressed disappointment that Ogun lost a $16b Dangote refinery to Lagos after a break-in discussion between the immediate past administration and Dangote.

He, however, expressed optimism that the state will become oil-producing, saying “we are working assiduously on that, so, I accept this challenge, we will further strengthen our resolve to ensure that we bring Ogun State to oil-producing status very shortly”.

Abiodun, while also noting that he had the privilege to work as the chairman of the Olokola Free Trade Zone that was meant to have the refinery cited in the state, added that the project was not just conceived with the aim of refining petroleum products only, but to take advantage of the mining lease that as been awarded around the corridor.

“I worked as chairman of Olokola Free Trade Zone that was meant to have the Dangote refinery cited in Ogun Waterside, however, discussion broke down between Dangote and the then administration which led to the loss of that project to Lagos state; a sixteen billion dollars was lost to another state.

“That project was conceived with the aim of not just refining petroleum in Ogun, but also taking advantage of the mining lease that had been awarded around that corridor that has even not begun to be exploited,” he said.

The governor affirmed that the state has very rich oil reserves in Tongeji Island, adding that “Ogun state is situated in the Dahomey Basin, which stands for the Niger Delta that goes all the way to Ghana”.

“Everyone of the states in that corridor is oil-producing today, even Ondo and Lagos states”, Abiodun submitted.

Buhari Owes Us Explanations – Bishop Kukah

The Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, Matthew Kukah, says President Buhari owes Nigerians an explanation on when insecurity will end in the country.

The cleric said this during his Christmas sermon on Saturday, December 25. He averred that the government does not cherish the sacredness of life having failed to protect its citizens against attacks.

“We have before us a government totally oblivious to the cherished values of the sacredness of life.

Today, after over seven years, our over 100 Chibok Girls are still marooned in the ocean of uncertainty. Over three years after, Leah Sharibu is still unaccounted for. Students of the Federal Government College, Yauri, and children from Islamiyya School, Katsina, are still in captivity.

This does not include hundreds of other children whose captures were less dramatic. We also have lost count of hundreds of individuals and families who have been kidnapped and live below the radar of publicity.

IPOB, ESN Top Leader Arrested By Nigerian Force In Enugu

Godwin Nnamdi, a top leader of Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN) has been arrested by the Nigerian Army with the help of other agencies

Nnamdi, who has been described as ‘notorious’ was apprehended in Nkanu East Local Government Area.

A statement on Sunday by Army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the troops of 82 Division led the operation.

Nnamdi was caught during the raid at a IPOB/ESN camp located at Akpowfu Forest in Nkanu East LGA.

The joint forces engaged the dissidents in a fire fight. They took to their heels, leaving behind their wanted leader.

One AK 47 rifle, one magazine containing 21 rounds of 7. 62 mm Special, one handset among others, were recovered.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya has commended the government operatives for the success.

Yahaya charged them “to comb and clear all suspected hideouts of criminal elements in their area of responsibility”.

It Costs N3 Million To Kit Each Policeman – Lagos Security Trust Fund Boss Says

The Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF) says it costs N3 million to fully kit a policeman.

LSSTF executive secretary, Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, made this assertion during the 15th Annual Town Hall Meeting On Security With The Governor.

Mr Balogun said that security agencies require advanced training, more equipment that would support an intelligence-led approach to crime prevention (drones, trackers, scanners at city gates, gunshot detection devices) and more non-lethal weaponry.

”To fully kit one policeman with uniform, taser, tactical gear (light, knife, jacket, belt, gloves, knee, shoulder, ankle, and boots) bulletproof vest, ballistic helmet, tear gas, push-to-talk on cellular communication equipment, rain gear, etc, will cost at least N3 million per officer.

”Hence to kit 33,000 police officers in Lagos will cost about N99 billion. This is our reality, if we truly want a highly motivated, and fully equipped police force in the state,” he said.

Mr Balogun noted that insecurity is spreading from the north to the south and there is the need to be ready, and to build on the capacity to deal with future challenges.

”As with the Theme of today’s event, we need to “Reconceptualise Safety and Security in Lagos State”.

”Our thinking must be from a point of catering for the well-being of the entire populace. Making people realise they can achieve all they can imagine and providing the support they need to succeed.

”This thinking goes beyond just the provision of hard security architecture but also ensures food security, health security, educational security, social economic security, political security,” he said.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee, LSSTF, Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said that the LSSTF has continued to play a pivotal role in the enhancement of the security architecture in Lagos State through successive administrations to date.

Mr Durosinmi-Etti said that this is because of the shared understanding of the relationship between developmentand security, as no meaningful development could be achieved without security.

Zamfara State Commissioner Of Women And Children Affairs Resigns, Take Up Appointment With Governor Hope Uzodinma

Rabi Ibrahim Shinkafi, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, has resigned her appointment to take up another commissionership appointment in Imo.

Mrs Shinkafi is the daughter of Stephen Aruwuonye, of an Ejemekuru chief, in Uguata Local Government Area of Imo. She was however born in Birni Kebbi and raised by by a Gwandu Emirate chief, Sarkin Shanun Gwandu.

She is married to Ibrahim Bakon Gwaggo, the Majidadi of Shinkafi, Zamfara.

“I resigned my appointment as commissioner in Zamfara to enable me to pick another appointment as commissioner in Imo,’’ Mrs Shinkafi said on Thursday.

“I am immensely grateful to Governor Bello Matawalle and his Wife, Hajiya Aisha Matawalle, for their kindness to me and for giving me the opportunity to serve Zamfara in different capacities.

“All the speculations in the social media about my resignation are completely false; it was just the work of mischief makers,’’ she said.

“I have a perfect and cordial relationship with the governor and his wife. I consider them as my family and they were in the picture of my going to Imo.

“Both Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo and Matawalle discussed it as fellow All Progressives Congress governors and as friends too,’’ Mrs Shinkafi added.

2023: Why Governor Ugwuanyi May be Chosen as Southeast Presidential Candidate - Actor, Pete Edochie Reveals

 

Veteran Nigerian Actor, Pete Edochie has urged South East Leaders, especially Governors to put the interest of the region ahead of their personal interests. Edochie who gave this advice in a video interview with NANI BOI TV monitored by Zebra News, also encouraged the governors to have regular meetings that can bring about development and transformation in the South East.

Recall that the South East Governors had different times in 2021 held meetings on the way forward as regards open ranching in the South East amongst other pertinent issues. Reacting to the meeting, Edochie has this to say, "I am praying for a lot of things. Matthew 7 versus 7 says; 'ask and you shall receive.' On that note, I'm begging God to help South Eastern governors. I do hear most times that the Northern Governors are always having meetings and whatever the outcome is, they implement for us all. What stops South Eastern governors from doing same? Who really did this to us?"

He continues, "However, one day I heard that the southern governors will hold their regular meeting at Asaba. Some of my colleagues informed me that what I had been praying for was about to come to pass. As God may have it, the meeting indeed held at Asaba successfully and all the Igbo governors were in attendance. I was so excited because some important issues were discussed. They jointly agreed that it's high time Herdsmen looked for a ranch to start rearing their animals because they were already causing lot of damages, especially to people's farmlands."

Reacting to two of the subsequent meetings that were held in Lagos and Enugu respectively, where many of the governors were physically absent except Enugu State Governor, the Anambra born actor said; "Eastern governors should understand that they need to lead from the front, while the people follow." He went further to extol Ugwuanyi for making himself available at all the meetings.

 "After the meeting at Asaba, they agreed to hold the next one in Lagos. However, it was only Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi that was present at that subsequent meeting. Other governors sent representatives."

"It is important to note that, it is not all fights that a mother fights for her child. How could a meeting concerning your people be scheduled and you will not be present to fight for their rights? You all came out to the one held at Asaba and we were all excited about it, then came the one of Lagos and you did not honour it. The absence of other Igbo Governors at the Lagos held meeting, really saddened us. Only Enugu State Governor was physically present."

"Another one was held at Enugu State closer to all the Eastern Governors, yet they didn't make it in persons, but sent representatives again. Well, maybe there was a reason behind them boycotting these meetings but we the indigenes are not happy with the outcome. As much as we are trying to see if we can get an Igbo President for 2023, if an Igbo governor is to be picked and Ugwuanyi makes it, would you blame him? He is the only one that has shown concern, making it obvious that whatever concerns ndi Igbo is of great importance to him. This is not how it ought to be, let all the Eastern governors have the good of Ndi Igbos in their minds. They are our hopes for better lives of Ndi Igbo. I also want to sincerely appreciate Governor Ugwuanyi for his unavoidable presence in all the meetings held. He was also the first to implement the outcome of the meeting in his state." He validated.

Court Declares Nigerian Actress, Ronke Odusanya’s Baby Daddy Wanted

Magistrate court in Lagos State has declared Saheed, baby daddy of Yoruba Nollywoid actress, Ronke Odusanya wanted following his failure to show up in court.

It’s been two years and some months after she welcomed a daughter named Fifehunmi, yet Ronke Odusanya, and her child’s father, Olanrewaju Saheed Aromolate, popularly known as Jago, are still enmeshed in a messy paternity scandal.

Some months ago, the social media space was saturated with the sudden break-up of Odusanya and her baby daddy, Saheed. The case has been in court over the custody of their daughter.

On February 10, 2021, Saheed stood before the court and requested a DNA test of their daughter to determine paternity before carrying on with proceedings.

It was also reported that the actress and her lawyer agreed to the request on the condition that Saheed would fund it and that the court would ensure supervision.

According to reports, since that day, Saheed disappeared into thin air, thereby, delaying the court process.

The court, therefore, issued a bench warrant on October 13, 2021, which he ignored.

On the last court date early December 2021, he was declared wanted by the court.

The enrolment of order reads, “Upon this cause, coming up before this, Honourable Court today the 15th day of December 2021.

“And pursuant to the Oral Application of the Applicant’s Counsel in the open Court made on the 15th December 2021.

“It is hereby ordered as follows: That this Honourable Court hereby ordered that the Respondent (Saheed Olarenwaju Aranmolate) whose whereabout (sic) is unknown and making it difficult to execute the order of Court be declared as a wanted person. Where ever he may be.”

The actress had been discreet about the recent happenings in her relationship and had deleted photos of her baby daddy on her Instagram page.

Ronke, who reportedly dated Fuji maestro, Pasuma, had once stated that her child’s father was Jago in an Instagram post in 2019.

Diverse reactions have continued to trail the recent development, with many offering support for the 47-year-old actress.

Kano Hisbah Set To Arrest Parents Of Shatu Garko For Winning Miss Nigeria Pageant

 

Kano State Hibah commander Haruna Ibn Sina says parents of Miss Nigeria winner Shatu Garko may be arrested and interrogated for allowing their daughter to participate in Miss Nigeria beauty pageant for 2021, describing it as “illegal” and contrary to Islamic beliefs.

Ms Garko, 18, of Kano, recently emerged as the 44th Miss Nigeria, the first hijab adorning Muslims to win the beauty pageant.

Reacting to Miss Garko’s victory in the beauty pageant in an interview with BBC Pidgin, Mr Haruna said participating in a pageant is “forbidden” for Muslims from Kano, a northern Nigerian state with strict Sharia practices.

Mr Ibn Sina said they had confirmed that Ms Garko’s parents are living in Kano and will soon be brought into custody and interrogated for the role their daughter played in the beauty contest, the BBC Pidgin reported on Wednesday morning.

Though Miss Garko participated in the pageant adorning her hijab, the Hisbah commander further condemned the exercise as a whole, saying it was against Quranic instruction.

Before now, Hisbah, which was adopted in many northern states in early 2000, had banned tailors, supermarkets and boutique owners from using mannequins to display clothes in the state.

In June, the religious police arrested 40 teenagers for selling condoms and Marijuana in Kano and also prohibited the sharing of pre-wedding photos of the daughter of Emir of Kano Zahrah Bayero, who married Yusuf Buhari, saying it is a sin.

BREAKING: FG Declares Three Days Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021,and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holiday to mark Christmas Boxing Day and New Year’s Day Celebration respectively

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore. It was titled, ‘FG declares Monday, 27th, Tuesday 28th, 2021 and Monday, January 3rd, 2022 public holidays’.

The minister was quoted as saying, “We must emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on Humility, Service, Compassion, Patience, Peace and Righteousness, that His birth signifies.

This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth.”

 He stressed that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity and urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling our dear nation.

No Going Back On Electronic Election Results Transmission, Says INEC

The Chairman, Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday in Abuja said the uploading of Polling Unit results on the commission’s Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real-time on Election Day, has come to stay.

Mahmood said the commission will continue to deepen the use of technology in the conduct of elections, especially the electronic transmission of polls results and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

Speaking at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Yakubu announced the dates for the conduct of party primaries ahead of Ekiti and Osun states’ governorship polls.

In Buhari’s Govt, A Cow Is More Important Than Human – Pastor Ibiyeomie

 Founder, Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie has lamented that a cow is more important than human being in Nigeria of today.

He said this is how funny the Nigerian government (under President Muhammadu Buhari) is by allowing cows to have more value than human being.

Ibiyeomie spoke at the second service of his church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Sunday.

Speaking on Divine Protection, as captured by Church Gist, the prosperity preacher decried that wickedness is on the increase, as man’s hatred for men has increased.

“People are looking for money by all means so they do all things to get the money, so you need to be protected in this wicked world. If you want to be protected there are some requirements, requirements that must be met for you to be protected by God, wickedness is everywhere, man’s hatred for man has increased.

“Some people will just sit down and scheme to attack somebody, the love of money has increased so people want to do anything to have it, so human life is of no value, that is why you need protection, especially this part of the world like Nigeria where people value cows more than human.

“In Nigeria, a cow is more important than a human being, that is how funny the Government of Nigeria is, where cows are of more value than human beings.

“I have not seen one Boko Haram man convicted not one, have you heard anyone convicted? So, who is behind it? You better answer it? That is the level of wickedness everywhere. Are you saying that they don’t know them? Why is it that one person has not been caught and convicted?

We are privileged to hear things from the military men which I might not be able to say on the altar, but by position of my calling I hear from the military, if you say you want to attack the Boko Harams, you may be the victim they want to attack, you know in the military you don’t talk else they will Court martial you, it is a very funny country,” he stated.

Ibiyeomie said only God could rescue Nigeria and in that in time, Nigeria would be rescued, saying, “for the sake of the saints Nigeria will be rescued.

But we told you before you voted, so whatever you see now you can endure it till whenever, some of us are travelling far, so be careful wherever you’re going, Glory to God, that is why you need divine protection, because even the Government of Nigeria can’t protect you as citizens, so you need divine protection,” he added.

APGA Is Like Keke Napep, It Can’t Take Igbos Far In Getting Presidency – Governor Hope Uzodimma Says

Governor, Hope Uzodimma if Imo state has likened the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) the ruling political party in Anambra state to a tricycle or Keke Napep saying it will never close to federal power or winning the presidency for the Igbos.

The governor stated his position in page 70 of his new book ‘Reflections On The Igbo Question’.

Stating his reasons for ruling out APGA as a major party that can win the presidency, Uzodimma said APGA is generally viewed as a regional party since its founders labelled it as an Igbo party.

He said “In like manner, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA ) will never come close to federal power. Ever since its leadership found delight in tagging it an Igbo party, it has been confined to the back benches as an ethnic party”.

“The bitter truth here is that tribal or tribe-based political parties are divisible and sectional. As a vehicle to political power, it can only be likened to a tricycle or Keke- NAPEP, which can only take you around within short distances, but not without the scourging heat of the sun in dry season and the messy drench of downpours in rainy season”.

“Join a Keke-NAPEP on a long distant journey through a federal highway and you stand the chance of being knocked down, or out, by a luxury bus, a trailer or a whirlwind. On all scores, you lose. So too will those who want to get national leadership using ethnic based political parties”.

On what the Igbos can do to get the presidency, Uzodimma said they must remain in national political parties such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) or Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reach out to other members of the party across the country.

“The thing to do is clear; we must remain in National Political Parties and prove our mettle there, by building bridges and reaching out sincerely to other members of the Nigerian family.”

Couple Arrested For Selling Their One-month Old Baby For N50, 000

A couple residing at Ilara area of Ode Remo, in Remo North local government area of Ogun state has been arrested by men of Ogun State police command for allegedly selling their one-month-old baby at the rate of fifty thousand naira.

The suspects, Eze Onyebuchi and his wife Oluchi Eze were arrested on the 16 of December 2021, following a piece of information received by policemen at Ode Remo divisional headquarters, that the couple who live at Ayegbami street Ilara Remo willingly sold their one-month-old baby to a woman who is now at large.

Upon the information, the Dpo Ode Remo division, CSP Olayemi Fagbohun, detailed his detectives to the area where the couple was arrested and brought to the station.

Confirming the incident to newsmen, the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said on interrogation, the suspects explained to the police that, it was one Mrs. Ruth Obajimi, who directed the yet to be identified buyer to them. They stated further that the woman came to them on the 14th of December 2021, and told them that she is from a human rights office and that she will help them to foster their child. The woman then gave them the sum of fifty thousand nairas and they handed over the baby to her despite not knowing her from Adam.

Abimbola said efforts are in top gear to apprehend the said woman with the view to recover the baby.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Bankole, has ordered the immediate transfer of the suspects to the anti-human trafficking and child labor unit of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department for further investigation. He equally directed a massive manhunt for the buyer who has since took to flight.

We’ve Disbursed N100 billion To Unemployed Youths And Small Businesses Since 2017 – Federal Government Says

Minister of state for labour and employment, Festus Keyamo says the Federal Government has disbursed N100 billion in five years to support businesses.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, December 19, in Abuja, the minister disclosed this at the flag off of the disbursement of empowerment items to women in Jos, Plateau State.

“You will all agree with me that unemployment is one of the remote causes of banditry, terrorism, corruption and other forms of criminality. Even though the Federal Government is working hard at check terror!sm and all other forms of criminality and violent crimes, it is equally prosecuting the war against mass unemployment.

I am proud that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), whose board I am privileged to chair and also directly supervise, is effectively leading that war against mass unemployment.

Let me inform you all that the Federal Government has put all plans in place to ensure that businesses succeed in Nigeria. The present administration has launched a series of funding and capacity development initiatives designed to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Since 2017, the Development Bank of Nigeria has disbursed a total of N100 billion through the bank’s 27 participating financial institutions (PFIs), thereby impacting more than 100,000 MSMEs. It is heartwarming to note that 52 percent of loans disbursed in 2019 and 2020 were to youths and women-owned businesses,” the statement reads.

We’ll Sue Tinubu If He Fail To Contest 2023 Presidency – Disciples of Jagaban Group Threatens

A group, The Disciples of Jagaban (DOJ) ,has threatened to drag the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to court If he refuses to contest for the Presidency in 2023.

National Coordinator of DOJ, Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke, said in an interview with journalists that the reason why Nigerians have to take him to court was because suffering in Nigeria was enough and they know Tinubu’s capacity and strategy for change.

“We know his capacity to change the scenario, his capacity to change things from negative to positive. “

“He has done it in Lagos state which supposed to be the headquarters of criminals and bandits, but he turned them into good persons.

Politicians from across the North had converged on Kaduna Saturday, under the aegis of The Disciples of Jagaban ( DOJ) ,to flag of sensitization of the electorate to the continuous voter registration ( CVR).

Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke ,said their aim was to boost the support base of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said as far back as 2019,they resolved that if Tinubu refused to come out for the Presidential race in 2023,they would take him to court.

He said the DOJ was in support of good governance and would continue to encourage Nigerians to support Tinubu.

” Presently, the DOJ remains the first and the most widely accepted political institution for Tinubu’s 2023 Presidential ambition. We however, appreciate all other groups that cane after us because we cannot do it alone, especially with the deluge of resistance and opposition towards our principal, “he said. “

“EndSars and the Yoruba nation agitators, those who focused on our principal but hidden under something deference entirely, some of us relocated back to the South West, to make sure where ever they move to we were there to preach unity, love and harmony to all other tribes living in the Yoruba land, Today we give all glory to Almighty God all the fake and fabricated journey has come to an end, “

“As at then, some Nigerians believed it was too early; but we went ahead all the same. With the support of many trained intelligentsia and many men of God in both Faith’s in our midst, we prepared for all the attacks that happened before the criminally-minded perpetrators carried them out.”

“Just a month before the botched EndSARS protests of October 2020, DOJ called for a national prayer for our principal; but, some were looking at the request as if we did not know what we were doing at that time. When the attacks began, we stood by our principal, defending him against the hijackers of the protests that many innocent Nigerians ignorantly got involved in, without knowing the real devilish mission of some of their sponsors. We thank the Almighty God for His mercies on our principal despite the evil-minded attacks.”

“When the agitation for Yoruba nation was brewing, DOJ realized that this is going to be a completely Yoruba affair; so, we moved down to Yoruba land under the umbrella of Yoruba Welfare Group (YWG) to take effective steps to counter the attackers in Yoruba land; some innocent Yorubas were also involved because it started, hidden under the umbrella of fighting against kidnapping and banditry across Yoruba land. We followed them gently and ended up preventing them from mixing the bitter truth with their fabrication of lies. We were already aware that all these would be coming.”

“We are now calling on all Tinubu supporters to get prepared because some more are still coming. Instead of trying to manipulate others if we the leading one

are not grumbling not to see other behind us, why must those who are just coming want to swallow those who have been labour before your establishment of your own. Please let all Tinubu groups be focused and stop manipulating ourselves,

Today we in DOJ appreciate seeing many springing up behind us, we welcome you all,” he said.

Various groups and associations were represented on the occasion.

Distinguished personalities at the occasion were Senator Mohammed 
Sani Saleh, Engineer Muhammad Namadi, Alhaji Dangulguli, Alhaji Lawal Meyere, among others.

Speaking in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the voter registration sensitization exercise, Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke said as far as they were concerned, they believed they needed more foot in the North.

According to him, “From our findings, we found that millions of youths have refused to come out for the voter registration. With that, we are not safe. We need to let these young Nigerians realize that when you need a good governance, and you did not participate in the registration of those who will chose a good leader, this is totally zero. “If there must be positive changes that we are talking about, its already identifying the good among the bad among us, in person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. “

“We are not adopting Tinubu because he is a Muslim or Christian or Yoruba. We adopted him because he is a leader, based on his past experience, his past achievements and past involvement…..we adopted him based on that and there is nothing.”

“Many people come out to say why Tinubu. But they’ve not come out to say this is a candidate better than him,” he said.

Alhaji Meyere said on the occasion that if the youth are not sensitised to register, the nation would be losing a colossal number of the voting population.

Engr. Namadi said they’ve plead with the traditional ruler and others who were not happy with the current political arrangement, to come out and be part of the process.

Senator Sani Saleh stressed the Importance of the voter sensitization exercise, pointing out everything they do might come to naught if at the end , the youths are not registered to vote.

According to him, they were out to raise the quality of participation in politics.

He said leadership needs experience which is acquired over time.

“Power belongs to the people, what is that power, it is the voter ‘s card, ” he said.

The Woman leader, Maryam Baba urged women and youths register and be active participants in the political process, come 2023.

Major General Hassan Usman, retired, said on the occasion that even though he is a security consultant, the current situation in Nigeria gave him sleepless nights.

He therefore advocated that all hands should be on deck to ensure that the youth who have reached the voting age, register and elect a good leader in 2023.

Nasarawa State Government Bans Sales And Use of Charcoal

 

The use and sales of charcoal in the state of  Nasarawa had been banned to protect the environment.

Mr Aliyu Agwai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, announced this while addressing newsmen on Saturday in Lafia.

He said that the process of producing charcoal is harmful to the environment by destroying the climate and increasing global warming.

Agwai noted that the burning of charcoal, especially, would produce harmful emissions.

“Cutting trees can result in the loss of habitat for animal species, which can harm the ecosystems.

Mr Aliyu Agwai, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, announced this while addressing newsmen on Saturday in Lafia.

He said that the process of producing charcoal is harmful to the environment by destroying the climate and increasing global warming.

Agwai noted that the burning of charcoal, especially, would produce harmful emissions.

“Cutting trees can result in the loss of habitat for animal species, which can harm the ecosystems.

“Usually every last Saturday of the month is set aside for sanitation exercise, but we brought it back to today because of the Christmas celebration,” he added.

Agwai said that all roads to the state were blocked to prevent motorists from other states from passing but they had been opened after the sanitary exercise.

“We only allowed those with permission from the relevant ministry, or on essential services to pass and move around during the exercise,” he said.

Meanwhile, a mobile court, handling environmental-related cases, has prosecuted 32 persons suspected to have violated environmental sanitation laws in Lafia.

The Prosecutor, Mr Abubakar Mohammed, who is also a Chief Environment Officer, told the court that the suspects were transacting their private businesses while the sanitation exercise was in progress.

Mohammed said that the offences violated Section 9(2), of the state Environmental Sanitation Law.

He urged the court to sanction them accordingly to serve as deterrent to others.

The Judge, Mr Abdullahi Lande, convicted and sentenced them to six months imprisonment respectively with the option of a fine of between N5,000 and N50,000 respectively.

Big Blow On Nigeria As American Singer Beyonce Reports Osinbajo To Twitter For Violating Her Copyright

Social media gaint, Twitter said a post by Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has been withheld, following complaints by copyright owner Beyonce Knowles.

The microblogging site said the March 8 tweet violated the American singer’s copyright.

Mr Osinbajo had posted a video tweet featuring Beyonce’s song ‘Run the World’ to mark the 2021 International Women’s Day celebration.

The tweet, however, did not attribute it’s content to Beyonce, thereby violating twitter’s copyright regulations.

The tweet sparked backlash from Nigerians who believed that the vice president should have been more concerned about other vital issues bedevilling the country.

In the heat of the backlash, Nigerian Twitter user @olayknowless asked Beyonce to report Osinbajo’s account for violating the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”).

“Ma’am @Beyonce, Nigeria’s current Vice President who has never properly done his job has used your song without permission, ask Jack your good friend to take care of his account In accordance with DMCA violation penalties,” the user wrote.

However, it is unclear if Beyonce immediately responded to @olayknowless’ request.

But on Wednesday, @OlayKnowless took to her Twitter page to announce that the vice president’s tweet had been removed.

“LMFAOOOOOOOOOOO They actually took Osinbajo’s tweet down for using Beyoncé’s song I AM SCREAMING. My day just got like 5x better,” she tweeted.

Twitter explained that the tweet was “withheld in response to a report from the copyright holder.”

The microblogging platform explained that all unauthorised use of copyrighted materials were infringement.

Malami Working To Ensure China Doesn’t Take Over Nigeria’s Assets – DMO

 

Nigeria’s Debt Management Office has moved to allays fears that the nation’s assets could be taken over by China amid rising debt acquisitions.

Patience Oniha, the Director-General of DMO, on Saturday in Abuja, said the Nigerian government takes “very sensitive steps” before contracting foreign loans.

One of the fundamental steps, she said, is that the Attorney General and Minister of Justice vets all loan agreements to ensure the country’s interest is protected.

“An important and extremely critical step is that the loan agreements are approved by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

“An opinion is issued by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before the agreements are signed,” she said.

Ms Oniha said multiple institutions of government are also involved to ensure that the loans were beneficial to the nation.

“Before any foreign loan is contracted, including the issuance of Eurobond, they are approved by the Federal Executive Council and thereafter, the National Assembly.”

The nation’s debt manager assured that loan agreements between the two nations provided a number of steps to take to resolve disputes when they arise.

“The first action is that the parties should resolve it within themselves and if that fails, they go to arbitration.

“In other words, a lender, in this case, China, would not just pounce on an asset at the first sign of a dispute, including defaults,’’ she said.

Meanwhile, loans from China to Nigeria, which presently stood at $3.59 billion, constitutes only 9.4 per cent  of the country’s total foreign debt stock of 37.9 billion dollars, Ms Oniha noted.

She also clarified that the loans were largely concessional, as no national asset was tagged as collateral.

“Nigeria’s total debt stock as at September 30 was 37.9 billion dollars, this figure comprised the external debt stock of the Federal Government, 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory.

But total loans from China stand at 3.59 billion dollars, which is 9.47 per cent of the total external debt.  The loans did not require any national asset as collateral; they were largely concessional,’’ she said.

There have been reports, in recent times, about some African countries, including Nigeria, facing the threat of losing some critical national assets to the Asian country due to high level indebtedness.

In November, Akelicious reported how Ugandan authorities, while acquiring a loan facility, signed away control of the East African country’s lone international airport to Chinese Exim Bank.

Court Orders Arrest of Imo Assembly Deputy Speaker Over N75m Fraud

Justice Charles Agbaza gave the order following Iwuanyanwu’s failure to appear in court to answer to the four-count charge filed against him by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

 In the charge marked: CR/230/201, Iwuanyanwu and a firm, Sungold Estate Ltd, were alleged to have defrauded Wanogan Farm Ltd to the tune of N75million by allegedly making dishonest and fraudulent claims in respect of a property known as “Heroes Place, Plot 145, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.”

The Deputy Speaker’s lawyer, Nabal Ominigbo apologized for his client’s absence who he claimed is suffering from some health challenges. Ominigbo was however unable to present any medical report to support his claim when the judge requested for one.

Justice Agbaza who was angered by the lawyer’s failure to present a medical report, noted that the defendant is acting as if he was above the law following his failure to show up in court after being served three hearing notices.

Prosecuting lawyer, Umoh Inah Inah also recalled how the court issued a bench warrant against the Iwuanyanwu after he failed to show up in court. Inah revealed that the defendant was later arrested at the Owerri airport by Inspector Godwin Tanko of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT)

He revealed that the intervention of security personnel attached to Imo State Government House, frustrated the defendant’s arrest and movement to Abuja for the purpose of his being arraigned.

Inah urged the court to issue a fresh arrest warrant addressed to the Commander of the IRT, Abuja for easy execution.

Ominigbo however said he was not opposed to the prosecution’s application for a fresh arrest warrant, but prayed the court to be afforded one more opportunity to produce the defendant in court on the next adjourned date, failing which the arrest warrant could be activated.

 Justice Agbaza who ruled on the case, rejected Ominigbo’s prayer and noted that Iwuanyanwu’s continued absence was disrespectful and no court allows such impudence.

Agbaza directed the Commander of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) headquarters, Abuja to execute the arrest warrant so issued.

 He then adjourned till January 13, 2022 for arraignment. 

#JusticeforSylvester Oromoni: Kemi Olunloyo ‘Bombs’ BBNaija Tacha With Unprintable Words

 

Kemi Olunloyo has attacked Big Brother Naija star, Natacha Akide popularly known as Tacha, over her comment about her.

This follows the outrage resulting from Olunloyo’s comment on deceased Dowen College student, Sylvester Oromoni, who died after he was allegedly tortured by his seniors for not joining a cult.

Kemi Olunloyo claimed the 12-year-old willingly joined the cult and subjected himself to the beating as part of the initiation process, but unfortunately died from the assault.

In reaction to her allegations against the deceased, a human rights activist, identified as Adetoun Onajobi, threatened to storm Olunloyo’s house to beat her up for her reckless comment.

After Onajobi’s comment, Tacha took to Twitter to tell anyone who wants to beat up the 57-year-old journalist to record it for her viewing pleasure.

Later, Olunloyo responded to Tacha in a post she shared on Facebook. She called the BBNaija star a “PH lady with the bleaching cream body odour”.

She also referenced the fight that led to her disqualification from the BBNaija “pepper dem” house.

Update: Police Arrest Fleeing Housemaid Over Alleged Murder Of Ex-governor Lucky Igbinedion’s Mother

Edo State Police Command has arrested a housemaid, Dominion Okoro in connection with the ‘murder’ of Madam Maria Oredola Igbinedion, mother of a former Governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.

The 85-year-old woman was allegedly strangled by the suspect at her residence in Ugbor, GRA, Benin-City, the State capital.

It was further learnt that the maid who hailed from Cross River state, ransacked the deceased’s home for her jewelries and money, and carted them all away after she allegedly killed her.

According crime correspondent Festus Alenkhe, the suspect was arrested on Tuesday December 15, 2021 in Calabar, the capital of Cross River state, by a combined tactical team of the Nigerian Police.

She is currently being held at the Edo State Police headquarters in Benin City.

I Married Many Wives To Help Women – Nollywood Actress, Regina Daniels Husband, Ned Nwoko Reveals

 

Ned Nwoko, billionaire husband of Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, has explained why he has more than one wife and prefers to marry young women.

In an interview, the billionaire politician explained the economical reason behind his choice of polygamy.

According to him, the average northerner has at least two wives, which he argued helps the society by preventing the women from being promiscuous.

You All Will Appreciate Buhari After 2023 – Nasarawa State Governor Tells Nigerians

 

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has said that Nigerians will appreciate the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), the more, after he leaves office in 2023.

This is as he said the President has done a lot for the country which many citizens will not see until he leaves office.

Sule was speaking to State House Correspondents on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He will not be the only governor toeing this line. On September 7, 2021, Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, told State House Correspondents that God will give Nigeria another President like Buhari.

Umahi, who praised Buhari for some landmark projects in the Southeast, was speaking after a meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa.

For the Nasarawa State Governor, the agricultural and oil and gas sectors have been revamped under the Buhari regime.

He said, “I told the President that some of your efforts for the country will be more appreciated when you leave office. Today, you are the architect of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline. Recently Nasarawa State signed an MoU after our gas roundtable in the State capital Lafia, where the top management of NNPC were around.

“We discussed gas utilisation and we are bringing our own experience of what happened with the West African gas pipeline, where it was tapped from Sagamu into Ikeja and all the industries there are utilising gas.

“So for a country like Nigeria that has over 200 trillion standard cubic feet of gas, to say that somebody is building a gas pipeline for the utilisation of gas, I don’t think that is a small thing but a lot of people will not understand this until may be when the President leaves office and in future, when we begin to have LPG everywhere for cooking and LNG so that most of our vehicles will convert to gas rather than petrol.”

The governor added that “Many cannot see now what is going to happen tomorrow and by that time they will say who did this and they will be told its President Buhari and people will bless him.”

Asked about the purpose of his visit, Sule said he was in the State House to thank the President for the support Nasarawa State has received in the area of security, which has helped a lot to sustain peace across the State.

“I came to express our great appreciation to the President for the great support we have continued to receive in the area of security. You must have heard there were several joint operations of the Special Forces; the Military, Police, Airforce and Navy in the two Local Government Areas that are bordering Abuja, Toto and Karu.

“The various operations have been very successful. When we heard recently that some of our schools were being targeted, we privately approached and the right actions were taken. We thank God that we have been able to dislodge those ones.

“Also we are here to express our happiness that as a result of some level of peace we have in Nasarawa State, we have been tagged as a State that is currently number one in sesame seed production, number two in yam production, number two in cassava and number five in rice production in the country,” he said.

The Governor also said the recent completion of the 330MVA Thermal line in Lafia, which is coming from the Niger-Delta has helped a lot in boosting electricity supply in Lafia, the State capital and environs, a feat he said was made possible through President Buhari’s intervention.

 

I Won’t Turn Down Calls To Run For President In 2023 – Tinubu Says

Former Lagos State governor and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has said he will not rebuff entreaties to him to seek the party presidential ticket ahead of the next general elections.

Tinubu stated this on Tuesday in Abuja after a closed-door meeting with certain Northern elders in Abuja.

The politicians operating under the aegis Alliance Committee was led to the meeting by their Chairman, Ambassador Lawal Mohammed Munir.

Tinubu told his host that he would make a declaration at the right time after extensive consultations with friends and associates.

Checks revealed that both the national and presidential conventions of the APC would hold next year.

He told members of the Alliance Committee that he was also being careful not to distract President Muhammadu Buhari whom he noted deserves the cooperation of all genuine patriots to succeed in governance.

He said: “I am not going to turn them (Nigerians) down, but I will still effectively and widely consult, particularly brainstorm with my friends and find a date to come out openly and tell Nigerians.

“But the president is still in office, I don’t want to distract him from all the challenges that he might face today.

“So we will consult and make our programme known to the people later and the intention is clear. So you keep guessing.”

The leader of the group, Ambassador Munir said the meeting was very successful.

“The meeting ended very well. We are working for him. We are working for him because we know he will win the election when the time comes.”

In spite of the huge investment in the water sector by the government and international organisations, water scarcity has grown to become a perennial nightmare for residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. This report x-rays the lives and experiences of COVID-19 cases in the state.

Nigeria Will Remain One Indivisible Country – Buhari Vows

 

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, vowed that his administration is committed to ensuring that Nigeria remains one indivisible country no matter the challenges facing his government.

President Buhari made this known while addressing stakeholders of the south east zone during the 6th convocation ceremony of the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, FUNAI, that took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe convocation arena, Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

He stated that: “This underscores our emphasis on the digital economy which led to the launch of e-Naria and similar processes. I enjoin Nigerians especially the academia to remain focused on the cardinal objective of the university on Teaching and research.

“I assure you that the federal government will support research efforts geared towards addressing local and national challenges. My government is building bridges of partnership and friendship with foreign governments in all areas with a view to accelerating our national development.”

President Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Chinedu Nwajuba, a member of the NUC and former Vice-Chancellor of FUNAI, added that his administration is winning the war against terrorism and banditry among other criminal activities in the country.

“In a similar manner, I urge Nigerian universities to take advantage of the goodwill our nation has with the foreign governments and investors due to the sincerity of this government to partner with foreign universities in strategic areas.

Nigeria is the only country we have, in respect of our ethnics, religious and cultural differences. My government will continue to do the needful to ensure that the country remains one. We are also winning the war against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of criminal activities.

“Our government will continue to ensure that citizens remain safe and their livelihood secured in every part of the country.

“Students should be committed to their studies and not be distracted, while lectures should not only teach but guide the students properly,” he stressed.

Earlier in a remark, the Chancellor of the varsity, HRH, Oba Michael Aremu Adedotun, said the economic development of the nation depends on the quality and quantity of functional knowledge and sellable skills at the disposal of the citizens as well as the quality of research from the universities.

He noted that the quality of teaching and research of lectures in the university meets global best practices at all times.

Also, the Pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs commended the management of the varsity for their decision to stick to enduring values and timeless principles of responsibility, which according to him, has contributed to the great success of the varsity.

However, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, said much is still needed to be done especially as regards faculty buildings, office blocks, lecture halls/theatre, students’ hostel accommodation and staff quarters.

He called on the federal government to assist the university to upgrade in all ramifications.