A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, on Tuesday released its merit admission list for the 2016/2017 academic session.
The institution's spokesman, Mr Adekoya Martins, told newsmen in Lagos that LASU received the approved list from Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.
Although Martins was silent on the number of students on the admission list, The National University Commission (NUC) admission quarter for LASU is 8000 candidates.
"The vice-chancellor had said that the university could not admit more than 5,500 new students to avoid stretching the facilities on ground,'' he said.
He advised candidates who made LASU their first choice to visit the institution's website to confirm their admission status. The university spokesman also said that the screening of candidates that made LASU their second choice would begin soon. He said that the screening was delayed because of JAMB's lateness in releasing the merit list. Martins urged candidates who failed to make the merit list not to lose hope, adding that such candidates could still be considered in the second or supplementary list. According to him, candidates who made LASU their first choice but missed the post-University Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exercise can still apply for screening at the institution for the second choice. The post-UTME screening form for the first choice candidates was sold for N5000, as against N2, 500 recommended by JAMB.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has dismissed concerns surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo’s supposed troubles in front of goal that have led to boos from the club’s notoriously demanding fans.
The Portugal superstar has scored four times in nine appearances for the Spanish league leaders since returning from the knee injury that forced him off in his country’s Euro 2016 final win over France.
He failed to find the net in Madrid’s last two games and there were boos from sections of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd after the three-time world player of the year missed a chance in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
“Personally, it’s not that I am indifferent to it, I would prefer him to score two or three goals in every match, but I am not worried because I know it will pass,” Zidane said ahead of Wednesday’s trip to third-tier Cultural Leonesa in the last 32, first leg of the Copa del Rey.
“He is still getting lots of chances and soon he will put them away. I was also booed when I was a player, it can happen and it means the crowd expect a lot of the player.
“The Bernabeu is special. But he knows it, he is used to it and he is not worried.”
Ronaldo is rested for Wednesday’s game along with Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Marcelo and goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello said on Tuesday that herdsmen must move their cattle out of the Federal Capital Territory.
Bello gave the warning when he met with members of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, FCT Chapter, in Abuja.
The minister noted that there is no way, such animals can co-habit with the residents.
Bello said that this is part of efforts to totally stop cattle grazing in Abuja metropolis and major entrance and exit highways into the city centre.
According to him, the decision is for safety reasons; cattle should not roam on the streets and highways in the city.
"This is not because the government wants to prevent cattle breeders from rearing cattle in the Territory.
"You have to understand that when Abuja Environmental Protection Board says cattle should not roam the city, it is not because they want to prevent cattle breeders from raring cattle in the FCT.
"Basically, it is just for safety. It is for safety of your cattle and above all, safety of the citizens.
"In a modern city, it's not possible for animals and vehicles to move together on the roads because this could cause accidents, which in some cases could be fatal, and it is our duty to protect lives and property," he said.
The minister implored the association to nominate some of their members to serve in the Ministerial Task Team on Environment to ensure that there is smooth communication between FCTA and the association.
Bello said that the FCT Administration has moved a step further to identify new grazing reserves that will cater for their requirements.
"A total of 33,485 hectares have already been earmarked for grazing reserves to cater for about 7 million herds of cattle comprising of Paikon Kore – 8,500 hectares.
"Karshi – 6,000 hectares, Kawu in Bwari – 9,000 hectares and Rubochi in Kuje has 9,985 hectares," the Minister revealed.
Bello said that the critical issue is payment of compensation to the farmers.
He said that FCT Administration will work together with the National Assembly to resolve the issue amicably.
The minister explained that the FCT Administration may even reach out to the host communities to work out a situation where compensation does not have to be in monetary terms because of the large expanse of land involved.
"Nothing should prevent the communities that are there and the Fulanis living together because you don't always have to move people away," he said.
The minister thanked Miyatti Allah for its support to the FCT Administration and also to the Federal Government.
Bello urged them to continue to robustly support the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier, the Chairman of the FCT Chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Malam Yahaya Isah said the association would continue to promote peaceful co-existence.
He promised that his association will enlighten the members not to breed their cattle on the streets and highways of Abuja again.
NAN recalls that the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) had arrested 589 hawkers, 25 cows, 51 sheep and nine herdsmen between May and September.
Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, Acting Director of the board said in Abuja that the herdsmen and the animals were arraigned in the FCT mobile court.
Olanipekun said that the board had embarked on dialogue with the leadership of the herdsmen in the FCT to explain to them the implication of moving their animals into the city centres.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte says he deserves the same respect he gives others and described himself as “a passionate man”, after he appeared to upset Jose Mourinho with his touchline antics.
The Italian urged Chelsea fans to ramp up the volume following the fourth goal in the 4-0 win over former Blues boss Mourinho’s Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Following the full-time whistle, Mourinho spoke at length to Conte, with reports in the Italian media suggesting the Portuguese said: “You don’t celebrate like that at 4-0, you can do it at 1-0, otherwise it’s humiliating for us.”
But Conte, 47, speaking on the eve of Chelsea’s EFL Cup fourth-round tie away to London rivals West Ham on Wednesday, said: “I think that everyone must show respect for me, for my work, for my job.
“In every game I show myself. I have a history and you can see my history, my past and my behaviours on the bench.
“I’m a passionate man, I show this in the past (and) now. I want to stay very close to my players, also to play with them, to help.
“I always show respect for the opponent, for the other teams, for the other club, and my history speaks for me.”
Conte, still hoarse from his repeated shouting at the weekend, added he was looking forward to managing a team at the London Stadium, where the large technical area is in marked contrast to the relatively small space in which he operates at Stamford Bridge.
“I know that these two teams are big rivals, but in England it’s fantastic the atmosphere during the game, during a match and I hope to see this tomorrow,” he said.
“If I have to compare the technical area to Stamford Bridge, I’m happy.
“For me, it’s very difficult. I have to ask my club to try to change the technical area. My area and also for the other coach.”
Chelsea captain John Terry was an unused substitute in the recent wins over Leicester and United, but he could start for the first time in six weeks on Wednesday following an ankle injury.
“John is fit,” Conte said. “He’s fit to start, he’s in good shape, but tomorrow I decide the starting XI.”
Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, the Director-General, National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), on Tuesday lamented the obsolete, dilapidated and grossly inadequate facilities at the orientation camps across the country.
Kazaure made the observation in Calabar during the 2016 `Batch B' Pre-orientation Workshop organised for stakeholders to fashion out ways for a successful orientation programme.
According to him, the panacea for the challenge is for all the three tiers of government to live up to their statutory roles in the operations of the scheme.
The director-general said the Federal Government was providing funds for robust activities of the scheme in spite of the current financial challenges.
"The NYSC scheme started with less than 2,700 corps members in 1973. Today, the scheme is now mobilising over 300,000 corps members annually.
"Presently, the facilities in most orientation camps are obsolete, dilapidated and grossly inadequate for the ever increasing corps population.
"The panacea for this challenge is for all the three tiers of government to live up to its statutory roles in the operation of the scheme.
"As we commence this exercise, I urge all stakeholders, especially the traditional rulers, transport workers and security agencies to assist our prospective corps members safely to their places of posting and throughout the service year.''
Earlier, Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River, represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ivara Esu, said the scheme was established as a platform for engendering oneness and national cohesion.
Ayade said he was pleased with the new curriculum of the NYSC which placed emphasis on skills development and cultural assimilation.
According to him, the state is diversifying its economy in the area of agriculture.
The governor advised the NYSC management to post a large number of agriculture graduates to the state.
Ayade announced that N1million would be shared among the 14 best performing corps members in the 2015 Batch `B' session in the state.
Mr Asu Okang, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sport, said that corps members in the state had contributed greatly to the socio-economic development of Cross River.
Mrs Ifeoma Anidobi, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, thanked the state government, traditional rulers and security agencies for ensuring peaceful stay of corps members.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), presenting a State plaque to President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Prince Dapo Adelegan during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday, October 25, 2016.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with Patron, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Chief Micheal Olawale-Cole; immediate Past President, Prince Yemi Adefulu; Asiwaju Fola Osibo during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with Patron, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, Chief Micheal Olawale-Cole; Council member, Aare Kamarudeen Danjuma; President of the Chamber, Prince Dapo Adelegan and Mrs. Magaret Adeleke during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), in a group photograph with the Executive Council of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of the great Brazil team that won the 1970 World Cup, died on Tuesday of a heart attack in Rio de Janeiro at the age of 72, Brazil’s Sportv, for whom he worked, announced.
Carlos Alberto starred alongside Pele, Tostao, Jairzinho and Rivelino in the Brazil team that beat Italy 4-1 in the final in Mexico and is considered as one of the greatest sides of all time.
A right-back, he scored the last goal in the final, running onto a Pele pass and smashing in a thunderous shot with his right foot.
Born in Rio in 1944, “Capita” as he is known in Brazil, also played alongside Pele at Santos from 1966 to 1974 and at the New York Cosmos from 1977 to 1980 after beginning his career with Fluminense.
He hung up his boots in 1982 and started his coaching career with Flamengo, winning a Brazilian title before working in the United States, Colombia, Mexico, Oman and Azerbaijan.
ABUJA: The crisis of confidence rocking the hierarchy and other strata of the All Progressives Congress APC would lead to an implosion in the next three months except urgent remedial actions are taking by President Muhammadu Buhari to stave off such development.
Acting National Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Timi Frank expressed this sentiment Tuesday in Abuja while appraising recent developments in the party, adding that by 2019, APC could cease to exist totally.
“You are aware that there are several realignments going on now in the country and my party has only now and January 2017 to put its house in order. If we don’t harmonize all the contending interests, some of us would be exploring new avenues to pursue our various political agenda”, he said.
Frank said the only way to rescue the party would be for the president to intervene and support calls for the resignation of its national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
He reminded the president of how Chief Odigie-Oyegun as chairman of ANPP frustrated him (Buhari) out of the party, forcing him to go and form the defunct Congress for Progressive Change CPC. “The same thing is now happening in the APC and Mr President has to act fast because that same thing that drove him out of the ANPP then is also about to drive some people out of the APC because of Oyegun”, he stated.
Frank who said he was speaking the mind of most members and other stakeholders of the party, added that “at the appropriate time, more leaers of the party would speak out”.
He said he would soon write formally to the president and his vice as well as the leadership of the national assembly to seek their audience in other to adequately brief them on the circumstances that have necessitated the calls for Odigie-Oyegun’s resignation.
“I will also consult the governors (of our party) to make them understand the danger inherent in their silence in the face of the wave of crisis that has enveloped the party.
“This is like a rescue mission I am about to embark on. This struggle to rescue our party is not personal. It is because I love this party so much and I am a very loyal party man and I believe in this party.
“I am also going to pay a visit to our former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; I will also visit Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all the past national chairmen that made the merger to work.
I am going to pay visit to my own former national chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje, of the then New PDP, Chief Bisi Akande of the then ACN, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu of the then ANPP, Chief Tony Momoh of defunct CPC and Gov Rochas Okorocha who led a section of the APGA to make the APC. This visit is one that I will start anytime soon”, he said.
Frank explained that he decided to first visit Baraje “since he was the chairman of the New PDP that led us to join the APC”.
I remain APC Spokesperson
Frank also asserted that he remained the acting spokesman of the party, saying the attempts to name a new spokesperson would force him to sue the party.
“I am still in charge as the acting Publicity Secretary of the party. Oyegun cannot hand-pick anyone. It is very clear that there is a constitutional procedure and if they do not follow due process, I am going to take the party to court to determine whether Oyegun has any such powers to carry out such appointment”, he said.
Frank alleged that Chief Odigie-Oyegun was looking for people that are malleable, saying “as a young man, I cannot be manipulated. I want to do what is right”.
Vanguard had Tuesday exclusively reported current attempts by the party leadership to name a former Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi as its substantive National Publicity Secretary.
…Says Fund Will Help Physically Challenged Realise Their Potentials
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday inaugurated the Governing Board of the Office for Disability Affairs to manage the N500million Disability Trust Fund, expressing optimism that it would aid people living with disabilities in Lagos State realize their dreams and live a more comfortable life.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Alausa, while inaugurating the Board, said it was in fulfillment of his administration's promise to ensure that the affairs of people living with disabilities is managed by people passionate enough to show that there is ability in disability.
Describing the development as another milestone in his commitment to run an all inclusive government, the Governor said the Board will, on behalf of the State Government, manage the affairs of people living with disabilities by issuing guidelines for their education, social development and welfare.
"The Board will also manage the Disability Trust Fund. In fulfillment of the promise I made on May 29th, 2016, this Fund has in its kitty today, N500m with a marching order to solicit from the public and other charitable organisations, additional support for its objectives.
"We could not have done otherwise, given the array of people with disabilities who possess requisite qualification, experience and character.
"In addition, we believe in their ability to manage the Disability Trust Fund more judiciously because they have a more personal understanding of the needs and situation of our less privileged people. This fund will give our brothers and sisters a needed boost to make a livelihood for themselves and a chance to fulfill their potentials," the Governor said.
The Governor, however, assured that notwithstanding the N500million Trust Fund, people living with disabilities are still eligible to access the N25billion Employment Trust Fund (ETF).
Governor Ambode, while congratulating the members of the Board, tasked them to ensure that the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and fairness are observed in administering the Fund and coordinating all affairs concerning people living with disabilities.
"It is my belief that the fund should provide infrastructure and facilities required by needed parties to also complement the efforts of our administration," he said.
Earlier, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, said that people living with disabilities have the same right as everyone else, noting that with proper planning, a person with special needs can have a more fulfilling, healthier and enjoyable life, hence the fulfillment of the Governor's promise of the N500million fund to take care of people living with disabilities.
"This is an important step towards scaling up efforts to address disability inclusion and further strengthen the fact that social exclusion of persons living with disabilities is unacceptable in the face of economic and social progress in the state", Akinbile-Yusuf said.
In his vote of assurance, Chairman of the Board of Trustee, Office For Disability Affairs, Dr. Oki Olabodunrin Waheed, thanked the Governor for reposing confidence in him and his team, just as he assured that they would discharge their duties conscientiously.
Other members of the Board are Leila Omawumi Atake, Rose Ekaete Mordi, Abdulwahab Matepo, Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, Dr. Adebayo Adebukola Shehu, Biola Liadi, Bada Emmanuel Oladipupo, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, representing the Ministry of Youth and Social Development; and Dr. Babatunde Awelenje.
Ado-Ekiti-Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose today hit back at the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, over its threat of violent reprisal on the alleged killing and arrest of their cattle.
The governor challenged Ekiti people to be on alert against any attack by herdsmen, saying: “I am therefore using this opportunity to put Ekiti people, especially residents of border towns in the State on red alert.
Ekiti people must be prepared to defend their land against these Philistines whose attributes and characters are extremism, violence, bloodshed and destruction.”
He also reiterated his resolve on the grazing law he signed in the state: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Bill, 2016 that was signed into law on August 29, 2016 remains in force.
” Therefore, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria should rather tell its members to comply with this law by seeking for the government designated land for grazing ranch, which the government is always willing to give”.
While reacting to the governor’s inauguration of the Ekiti Grazing Law Enforcement Marshals, EGEM recently, Miyetti Allah, had said in a statement on Saturday that the Federal Government must intervene in the inauguration of the marshals, which the herdsmen alleged had shot five of their cows, warning that: "before this macabre incident develops into unquenchable inferno involving our members and Ekiti State government."
MACBAN in the statement signed by its spokesman, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, said: "Fayose unleashed the marshals against our members whose herds of cattle had gone to a stream at Agon bridge on Federal Polytechnic Road between the time of 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to quench their thirst on Friday, October 2," claiming that "the vigilance group shot five cows and carted away the meat, but the herdsman was able to flee with the rest of his cattle."
Jos – Nigerians have been urged to see the current recession in the country as an opportunity to engage in small businesses and entrepreneurs engaging in small businesses in Plateau State encouraged to expand the scope of their businesses as they have the potentials to shore up opportunities for growth of the business sector and take the country out of the current recession.
The Representative of the Centre for International Private Enterprise, CIPE, Mr. Haroun Audu whose organization is partnering with the Plateau Coalition of Business and Professional Associations, PLACOBA to create enabling environment for small businesses to thrive in the State expressed the view at a press briefing in Jos where he called on the media to support small businesses to grow by generating the necessary awareness and understanding required to strengthen the capacity of businesses in the country.
Speaking, Audu disclosed that CIPE is a US based organization whose primary objective is to strengthen democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market oriented reform, assisting business coalitions to develop business agenda which are important tools that allow private sector actors to collectively identify and discuss the obstacles to the development and growth of the business sector and propose potential solutions to those problems.
He also emphasized the need to hold a media workshop to enhance the capacity of professionals as partners who would engender an enduring and viable business climate and “provide solutions to the problems faced by businesses and professional associations in Nigeria.”
According to him, “Nigerians should see the recession as an opportunity to go into businesses, the media should support small businesses to grow and in view of your pivotal role in generating the necessary awareness as well as being an important plank for the continuing survival of the several medium, small and micro enterprises, there is need for media professionals to be trained so you can better appreciate the role of the media in projecting the activities of the coalition.”
… Says It's Important To Globalize State's Economy
…Lagos, Good Example Of How To Run An Economy Without Oil – Sanusi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed delight at the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa, just as he said his administration is in the process of setting up an Economic Management Team comprised of distinguished individuals from the private sector and the public sector to manage and scale up the successes recorded in that direction.
Governor Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Ikeja when he received a delegation from the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce on courtesy visit, said the emergence of Lagos was very instructive, adding that government would explore synergy with private sector with the view to catapult Lagos into a true global city-state in the true sense of the word.
"Very soon we would be setting up what we would refer to as an Economic Management Team to drive the fifth largest economy, because that's the way we need to envision our self and this Economic Management Team will involve nominees from the Chambers and other people in the private sector, so that we can collaborate because majorly this economy is driven by the private sector, our duty is to create an enabling environment and fuse all that together, I think that synergy can just catapult Lagos into that global city state that we want it to be," Governor Ambode said.
The Governor said there was no doubt about the fact that the economy of Lagos was in the hand of the private sector and the willingness on the part of government to ensure an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, which according to him, was why his administration has been investing massively in security and other business incentives.
According to the Governor, his decision to come up with the Office of Oversees Affairs and Investment, otherwise known as Lagos Global, was part of efforts at encouraging investment in Lagos both from within and outside, among many other initiatives of the present administration.
He said: “I think it is very instructive to clearly state that the economy of Lagos is in the hands of the private sector and beyond the fact that Lagos is now the fifth largest economy in Africa, the drive to take Nigeria out of recession actually resides in the private sector and willingness on the part of the public sector.
“Because our economy is in the hands of the private sector and we are willing to allow them drive it, that is why we have decided to formulate policies and decisions that will make the private sector to thrive in this State and that is why in the last 18 months, we have been running this administration on a tripod of security, job opportunities and infrastructure development.”
While explaining the tripod, the Governor said his administration believed that when the people and investors are well secured, businesses will thrive and more people would be employed, while the resources generated in terms of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would be deployed to provide infrastructure for the people.
Besides, Governor Ambode commended investors who have remained committed in doing business in Lagos despite the down turn in the economy, assuring that his administration would continue to work hard and partner with the private sector.
While justifying the recent joining of O'dua Investment Group by Lagos, the Governor said his administration was of the strong view that the socio-economic integration of western Nigeria depend majorly Lagos, adding that it was better for states around Lagos to be equally prosperous to address migration issues.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and President of the Council, Prince Dapo Adelegan, congratulated Governor Ambode on the emergence of Lagos as the fifth largest economy in Africa, adding that with the development, it was now important to globalize the economy of Lagos.
He said the Chamber would be willing to partner with the Lagos State Government not only to globalize the economy of the State, but also in the area of policy formulation, among other critical sectors.
Adelegan, who lauded the various initiatives of the present administration in terms massive investment in security, job opportunities, Light Up Lagos, road projects, among others, also announced the decision of the Chamber to inaugurate Governor Ambode as one of the patrons of the Chamber.
In a related development, Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has lauded the Lagos State Government on the management of the economy of the State, especially in this period of recession.
Sanusi, who was the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said any country that depends on a mono product commodity like Nigeria is bound to fail.
According to him, Nigeria and other African countries has a lot to learn from how the economy of Lagos is being run, especially before the state gained oil producing state status.
The Emir, who spoke at a forum recently, commended the Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration in Lagos and urged the State Government not to allow its new oil status distract it from the very solid economic template it is currently running.
According to him, Lagos should emulate Norway, where all its oil proceeds are warehoused in a sovereign wealth fund and saved for the raining day.
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says N145 price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, has not been increased.
The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday at a news briefing.
At an Oil Trading and Logistics Expo in Lagos, the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing, NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, had said that the current price was not sustainable.
Kyari said NNPC was still subsidising the product leaving a heavy burden on the corporation, which is the sole importer of the product.
However, Muhammad said the report was simply not true and was taken out of context.
He said: "Regardless of what was said, the bottom line is that there is absolutely no plan whatsoever that government will increase pump price of petrol.
"If there is going to be anything like that, the agency for fixing pump price of petrol will definitely sensitise Nigerians and give reasons why.
"For this moment, there is absolutely no plan and no need to do that because we have more than enough supply, very robust stock and long term procurement contract with our suppliers.
"We have enough supply to last us throughout the ember months and beyond.
'' So, the reported statement was made within the context of technical explanation not within the context of downstream operations.''
On the issue of marketers' complaint that the window given to them for foreign exchange was not enough, Muhammad said their complaints had been addressed adequately.
"A new window has been opened for them and in fact what is happening now is that we are waiting for them to deliver.
"A new window to make forex available for their needs has been opened and they are satisfied with it and we are waiting for them to deliver.
"What we have now is a glut. We have people who have already imported and they are looking for people to buy their products.
"We have a glut in the market, you can testify if you go around, there is not even a hint of scarcity so what generated or necessitated the report,'' he said.
Muhammad said the current availability of PMS was as a result of price modulation and petroleum products were available because prices were being determined by market forces.
"Right now if you go to filling stations you find that people sell at 145 and some even at 143.
"It is not really magic but diligent pursuit of common sense and that is what has been responsible for the stability we have achieved and we intend to maintain the momentum.''
On the allegation that the NNPC was still subsidising fuel, he said "no, there is no subsidy.''
Responding to the question that some filling stations were already recording long queues, Muhammad said "that must have been associated with the reports that you people carried.
"It was interpreted outside the context it was meant but as you have seen, and from the reality on ground, there is absolutely no plan to increase fuel price, there is no shortage and there is no possibility of shortage in the nearest future.
"I'm telling Nigerians to relax, drive with care, enjoy their vehicles, enjoy their movement and travels because no plan to increase fuel price''.
He further said there had been no report that fuel was sold above N145 outside Abuja and Lagos as was the case before.
"The refineries have been back but you know it has been on and off but they are back. Port Harcourt has been producing as well as Kaduna.
"You know about the plans to collocate some refineries, bring in new ones and upgrade these ones so by the time all these are done by probably the end of 2018, refineries will run at optimum capacity,'' Muhammad said.
By Michael Eboh The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Tuesday, denied any plan to further hike the price of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol, stating that current realities on ground do not support any price hike.
Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Mr. Muhammad Garba-Deen, said there is absolutely no plan, whatsoever, by the Federal Government or the NNPC to increase fuel price above the N145 maximum level.
According to him, if there is going to be anything like a price hike, the agency responsible for fixing the price of petrol, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, would definitely sensitise Nigerians on it and give reasons for the hike.
He said, "As for this moment, there is absolutely no plan to do that and no need to that, because we have more than enough supply, we have very robust stock of product in our custody. In addition to that, we also have long term procurement contract with our suppliers.
"The usual reason that would necessitate a review of price at the moment has been taken care of. We have long term procurement contract with our suppliers; we have more than enough supply to last us throughout the ember months and beyond.
"The statement people are referring to was made within the context of technical explanation, not within the context of downstream operations."
Nigerian troops have arrested another nine suspects said to be aiding the Boko Haram sect in the North East Zone, bringing the number of those caught in the last two days to 30.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, the suspects included two officers, two soldiers, two policemen and 26 civilians.
Usman said that investigation carried out on the 21 suspected collaborators and saboteurs earlier arrested led to the nabbing of the nine.
"Many more suspects would be arrested and prosecuted based on evidences against them and level of culpability,'' he said.
Usman described the suspects as "unpatriotic elements'' whose acts were "likely to jeopardise'' the collective efforts of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.
He advised members of the public to report any known or suspected illegality with regards to Operation Lafiya Dole to security agencies.
In an effort to promote Yoruba cultural tourism, Oyo State Government, in collaboration with some notable associations, has concluded arrangements to organise Amala Fiesta.
Mr Toye Arulogun, the state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism on Tuesday in Ibadan publicly presented the Amala Fiesta Logo and Brand Ambassador.
At the event held at the Western Hall, Agodi Secretariat, Mr Gboyega Olatunji, a former aide to Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, was presented as the Amala Fiesta Ambassador.
`Amala' is the Number One food brand of the Yoruba race.
`Amala' and its complements, `Ewedu' and `Gbegiri' are a delicacy for occasions of any magnitude associated with Yoruba race.
Arulogun said that the food festival would open opportunities, create employment and promote cultural tourism.
The commissioner said that the three-day fiesta would hold from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17 at the Trans Amusement Park, Bodija, Ibadan.
He said that `Amala' represented the homogenous nature of Yoruba people, the culture, health and wealth.
"The Yorabas are indigenous to South-West Nigeria, and `Amala' is not only indigenous to the Yoruba race but symbolic as the commonality and strong bond of a people.
"Amala is the Oyo State's foremost delicacy which has become a national pride with international presence and worldwide acceptance,'' he said.
Alhaja Iyadunni Lawal, Proprietress of Iyadunni Food Canteen, Ibadan, said at the occasion that Amala had become a delicacy for all, irrespective of ethnicity, religion and tradition.
Lawal, who represented Canteen Owners' Association of Nigeria (COAN), Oyo State Chapter, commended the state government for the idea.
Mr Philip Areo, the Vice-President, Tourist Care and Hospitality Association of Nigeria (TCHAN), Oyo State Chapter, noted that `Amala' consumption had provided employment and promoted food tourism.
"Farmers produced the raw material for Elubo, Gbegiri and Ewedu, while the transformation to edible substance involved many.
"If you look at these processes, it allows more opportunities, more revenue and economic development.
"A lot of my friends come from Lagos every weekend to eat Amala in Ibadan,'' he said.
The programme is being packaged by the Oyo State Government in collaboration with COAN, TCHAN and Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter.
Abuja – Nigerian troops have arrested another nine suspects said to be aiding the Boko Haram sect in the North East Zone, bringing the number of those caught in the last two days to 30.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, the suspects included two officers, two soldiers, two policemen and 26 civilians.
Usman said that investigation carried out on the 21 suspected collaborators and saboteurs earlier arrested led to the nabbing of the nine.
"Many more suspects would be arrested and prosecuted based on evidences against them and level of culpability,'' he said.
Usman described the suspects as "unpatriotic elements'' whose acts were "likely to jeopardise'' the collective efforts of clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.
He advised members of the public to report any known or suspected illegality with regards to Operation Lafiya Dole to security agencies.
Lokoja – A Lokoja Chief Magistrate's Court has remanded three men charged with highway robbery in prison custody.
They are John Angulu, 20; of Kosa village; Shaba Abel, 18; and Silatu Gwatana, 18, who claimed to be farmers in Bangede and Koton-Karfe council areas of the state.
The accused are facing criminal conspiracy and armed robbery charges.
The Chief Magistrate, Levi Animoku, gave the order, said the accused should remain behind bars until next date of adjournment.
The accused are alleged to have robbed commuters of cash and valuables on highways in Kogi.
The chief magistrate said:"Armed robbery is a grievous offence against the state; the court will not grant bail to the accused.
"The chances of escape from justice are high. The presumption of innocence guaranteed under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution notwithstanding, I decline to admit the accused persons to bail.
"Consequently, they shall be remanded at the Federal Prisons, Koton-Karfe."
Animoku, however, adjourned the case to Nov. 3, for further mention.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Tuesday Ganagana, had earlier told the court that on July 29 at about 3.30 a.m.a man, Hassan Yakubu, reported the incident.
He said Yakubu is a member of a Vigilance Group in Gegu-Beki in Koton-Karfe Local Government Area of Kogi.
"While Yakubu was on duty with his team, he received a distress call from commuters that a robbery was taking place on Gegu-Kosa road.
"The group immediately mobilised to the scene and arrested Gwatana, one of the accused persons, while others members of the gang took to their heels.
"The group handed Gwatana over to the Special Anti-Robbery Squadin Lokoja while investigation later led to the arrest of the two others, Angulu and Abel.
"Two guns and one mask were recovered from them."
The offneces contravened Sections 91(1) and 298 of the Penal Code Law.
Ibadan – An articulated vehicle driver, Aderemi Adebiyi, was on Tuesday brought before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates' Court for allegedly causing multiple deaths at Oja'ba market in Ibadan.
Adebiyi of no address is charged on four-count charge of murder, causing injury to people, causing damage to shop and tricycle.
The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Ojeleye, told the court that Adebiyi drove an articulated vehicle with registration number AGL 883 XQ and caused the death of four persons.
Ojeleye said Adebiyi, having no regards to other road users, drove in a dangerous manner at that particular time.
"Adebiyi caused the death of a woman, Koni Busari, 27, and her twins children Taiwo Busari, 7, Kehinde Busari,7,as well as Monsuru Ajedayo, 37," he said.
Ojeleye said Adebiyi caused injury to one Salawu Akin, 54, Monsuru Ayoade, 27, Mojirayo Sule, 28, Dapo Payimo, 28, and a policeman, Sgt.Lawrence Isevbisua F/ NO 387116.
"Having no regards to all circumstances of the case, Adebiyi allegedly caused damage to one Nissan Micra car with registration number GGE 234 DR and four tricycles, popularly called " Keke Marwa"
He said the registration numbers of the damaged tricycles were: LES 506 QA, EJB 188 AB, TUT 407 AB, JTA 168 WY"
Ojeleye said Adebiyi also caused damaged to the shop of one Adegboye Oderinlo.
The offence was said to have been committed by Adebiyi on Oct.18 at about 8:05am at Oja'ba area of Ibadan.
He said the offence contravened Section 3 (1) Cap 142 Vol. V of Road Traffic Act, Law of Oyo State, 2000.
The offence also contravened Section 23, Cap 148 Vol. V and Section 4 (1) of RTA Cap 142, Vol. V, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The Counsel to the accused, Mr Abiodun Ige, implored the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal term.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Modina Akanni, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Akanni adjourned the case till Dec.14 for hearing.
Abuja – The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday sentenced a 35-year-old man, Mohammed Nasiru, to five years imprisonment for unlawful possession of narcotic drugs weighing 2.3kg.
Nasiru of Fruit Market, Zuba, was first arraigned on Sept. 28, on a one-count charge of unlawful possession of narcotic drugs, cannabis, similar to cocaine weighing 2.3kg, which he had pleaded guilty.
In his judgement, Justice Okon Abang, decried the absence of the defence counsel, Mr James Ameh, who excused himself from the court having participated at the time the convict was arraigned.
"Where no excuse is offered, no indulgence should be granted," he added.
Okon, did not give Nasiru an option of fine, holding that the offence contravened Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act.
He ordered that the drug recovered be destroyed.
The prosecuting counsel, Mike Kassa, prayed the court to acknowledge the drug analysis test 2.3kg of cannabis concealed in a black Polythene bag and other relevant documents, including the defendants' statement translated into English.
Mike, however, asked the court to proceed with it's judgment having admitted the evidences which was tagged exhibit A1 to A8.
The convict, who was unrepresented at the time of Judgment, acknowledged his crimes and begged the court to tamper justice with mercy for the sake of his family with a promise not to return to the crime.
