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
Non-league Lincoln City's astonishing run in the FA Cup came to an end on Saturday as Arsenal remained on course for a 13th title by reaching the semi-finals.
Lincoln, 88 places below their Premier League opponents, held their own for much of the first half and even went close to scoring when Petr Cech saved Nathan Arnold's curled effort.
However, Theo Walcott's deflected strike gave the Gunners the lead on the stroke of half-time and Olivier Giroud put the hosts in control with a clinical strike just after the break.
Arsenal’s Chilean striker
Lincoln's dreams of a fight back were dashed when Luke Waterfall scored an own goal, turning in Kieran Gibbs' cross.
Alexis Sanchez added a brilliant fourth, expertly placing the ball beyond Lincoln goalkeeper Paul Farman's reach, before Aaron Ramsey completed the win when he tapped in from Sanchez's cross.
It was ultimately a routine victory for Arsenal and perhaps eased some of the pressure on Arsene Wenger, who is bidding for his seventh FA Cup triumph as Gunners boss.
Newsmen report that a protest was held before the game by around 200 fans urging the club to not give the 67-year-old a new contract when his current deal expires this summer.
The other FA Cup quarterfinals match also played earlier today (Saturday) saw Manchester City beat Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium.
Goals from David Silva and Sergio Aguero gave Manchester City a deserved win over Middlesbrough and earned Pep Guardiola's side a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
City have reached the last four of the FA Cup for the first time in four years as Guardiola aims to win some silverware in his first season in English football.
The Spanish manager also had the luxury of taking off Sane and Aguero before City play the second leg of their last-16 Champions League tie in Monaco on Wednesday. City hold a 5-3 lead after a thrilling first leg.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi has inaugurated a truth and reconciliation committee to ensure peace between the Hausa community and Yorubas in the ancient city.
Oba Ogunwusi inaugurated the committee in his palace on Saturday in Ile-Ife, Osun
Ooni described members of the Hausa community in Ile-Ife as his subjects and co-owners of the town with whom he has enjoyed tremendous loyalty in the last 14 months of his reign.
"Thank God for the normalcy, I commend Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, for being proactive and the security agents for their efforts towards ending the crisis" he said.
The royal father condemned the actions of those behind the fracas on Wednesday and expressed optimism that they will soon be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi 51st Ooni of Ife
He assured the residents that the situation had been brought under control by the government and promised that such mayhem will not be allowed to occur again.
The monarch admonished the Hausa community not to retaliate, saying that the Abuja motor park will be relocated from Sabo, while the police station will be located too.
The Monarch urged all the Yoruba people to always embrace the Hausa and other ethnic groups as their brothers to enjoy maximum peaceful co-existence.
Newsmen report that the Committee is chaired by Obalufe of Ireland, Oba Idowu Adediwura; other members are the Jaran of Ife, High Chief Ademola Adeyeye; Wasin of Ilare, High Chief Zacheus Olasode.
Others are: Seriki Hausa of Ife, Alhaji Mamuda Mandagali; Ezendigbo of Ife, Ezekiel Onyejekde; Okobairo of Urobo, David Akpomedaye; Chairman Modakeke Progressive Union, Alhaji Tajudeen Oke and security agencies, while Sen. Babajide Omoware is the adviser for the committee.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called on Ibadan indigenes to have a positive change of attitude toward the development of the city, environment and government policies.
The governor made the call on Saturday at the grand finale of Ibadan Cultural Festival 2017 held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium.
Ajimobi lamented the unpleasant attitude of indigenes to the development of the city, cleanliness and support for government policies, saying that the city could only develop through collective effort.
According to the governor, Ibadan is a historical home of warriors and these warriors have conquered several wars in the past. "We have to brace up to uphold the legacy as the society demands today.
"Our own war today should be for the development of the city, against indiscipline and poverty," he said.
He stated that selling of goods on the streets destroys the environment and government had continually preached against such.
Ajimobi stated the state government has begun the enforcement of its environmental laws, adding that anyone who flouts the law would be punished accordingly.
"Our society will be better for it if the people embrace the right attitude. It is difficult for any government to do it all alone without the support of the people. "Investors can only come into the city if the environment is clean and attractive," he said.
Gov. Senator Abiola Ajimobi
Chief Wole Akinwande, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), commended the governor for the signing of Oyo State Real Properties Protection bill into law and the progress made so far on Ibadan Master Plan.
He urged the people to make cleanliness of the city a habit, saying their "Clean Ibadan" programme carried out during the festival was to encourage the people on the habit.
Princess Olaide Salawu, the Chairperson of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2017 Committee called on the indigenes to always strive for the growth and development of the city.
"If you have been so much blessed in Ibadan, then this land is your Jerusalem. Don't let it be a one day affair.
"Seek for the peace, cleanliness and advancement of Ibadan land and all who love her shall prosper," she said.
Newsmen report that the event featured several cultural displays, likewise the display of the prowess of notable Ibadan warlords.
Newsmen report that the festival, which commenced on Feb. 2 featured quiz competition, debate, operation make Ibadan clean, stage play, Ibadan beauty pageant, Oke'badan day, Ibadan conference and lots more.
The event was bankrolled by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and with the theme "Advancing Our Heritage"
The event was attended by the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Chief Adebayo Akande, members of Olubadan-in-Council, members of the State Executive Council and hosts of Ibadan sons and daughters.
Ex-head of state, Yakubu Gowon, four governors — Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos; Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State; Willie Obiano of Anambra and Ben Ayade of Cross River as well as business moguls and other eminent personalities are currently being awarded for impacting positively in the lives of Nigerians. Follow us live as the event unfolds.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for vigilance against the deadly Zika virus in spite of a decline in cases of the virus infection that has been reported in some countries.
WHO made the call in a fresh guidance issued on the virus that has been linked to birth defects and neurological complications.
The new WHO data also lists countries where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is present, but where there is no sign of the Zika virus.
The insect is considered to be the main transmitter of the disease, which has been identified in more than 80 countries to date.
As such, WHO said that overall, the global risk assessment has not changed and "the Zika virus continues to spread geographically to areas where competent vectors are present.
"The current data add some 70 countries to the list of those considered to be 'at-risk'.
"These are countries where there's no sign of the virus, but where the Aedes aegypti mosquito is present; it is considered to be the main carrier of the virus".
The WHO Technical Officer, Ms Monika Gehner said: "The new guidance helps us because now we can assess risks more precisely.
"Now, even if you do not have Zika virus transmission, but if you have the Aedes aegypti mosquito, you are at risk of Zika virus transmission".
Gehner stressed that amid surging global travel, "a traveller who is infected with Zika virus may go to an area in a country and in fact mosquitos that are established there.
"And a mosquito can then transmit to other people and so on, so you have a cycle of transmission".
She said the aim of this new WHO guidance is not to spread alarm but create awareness.
According to her, it is also a call to governments to do more to prevent the spread of Zika.
"This requires greater surveillance of mosquito populations and research into suspected Zika infections, as well as better diagnostic techniques and updated health advice to at-risk communities and travellers."
A former Nigeria's President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said on Saturday in Lagos that good governance was imperative for the socio-economic growth of the country.
Obasanjo said this at the Pro. Gabriel Fakeye Memorial Lecture entitled, "The Challenge of Good Governance, National Stability and Development" at Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ayo Ni O.
He said for good governance to be felt in Nigeria, there was need for national cohesion, vision and cooperation among the components of the system with a common focus on people-oriented development.
"We see leaders as managers that make decisions organise people and achieve organizational goals; yes, leaders must do all those, but leaders must be visionary and must communicate strategies to achieve the vision.
"The ability to take risks and adapt to change, develop a vision, influence people, provide direction, innovate and solve problems is the hallmark of leadership.
"Appointment at the leadership level should be based on competence, knowledge and experience; any other consideration will be based on sub-optimal,'' Obasanjo said.
Obasanjo
Harping on national stability, he said since the nation was an extension of families the intrinsic family values that had evolved from generations to generations should be given attention.
He said: "A stable system is that that can weather storms, psychologically, spiritually, financially, environmentally; for some storms we need spiritual intervention and that is where the church have a major role to play.
"A nation consists of the communities and family constitutes communities, therefore, the stability of the nation depends on how stable or robust the families are and consequently the communities.
"The nerve centre of national stability is the family. Individuals, communities and nations can only develop if they are innovative.
"Innovation could be incremental breakthrough or disruptive in nature, our leaders must embrace disruptive innovations.
"The Bible teaches us to love our neighbours as ourselves. If we love our neighbour as ourselves, we will love our nation and be patriotic.''
Obasanjo said the church had the responsibility to restore family values and that they should make the church a training ground for future leaders.
"The church as we have seen in some nations throw up national leadership and we must, therefore, encourage our churches to dedicate time to the training of youths in the choir, bible study and evangelism.
"A nation that is cohesive and built on core positive family value inclusive of reward/punishment system that is open and just shall progress.
"We need prayers that the Lord will direct us to see more of the positive than the negative reasons for national unity.
"The church must be a training ground for leadership and the Bible is the best handbook for such training,'' he stressed.
The General Leader, Cherubim and Seraphim, Apostle Funsho Korode, in his address, urged Christians to imbibe the leadership qualities of the late Fakeye.
"Although as a religious leader, he impacted greatly on the political terrain through his non-discriminatory preaching on the pulpit and on the airwaves.
"If we truly love him and his legacies, then we must all fight tooth and nail and within available resources to see that this nation, Nigeria, is restored to greatness, prosperity and righteousness,'' he said.
The Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank, Mr Remi Omotosho, one of the guest speakers at the occasion, urged Christians to build on the legacies of Fakeye.
The Ogun Police Command said it had arrested one Dr. Emmanuel Ogah, who allegedly stabbed his biological mother to death.
In a statement issued in Abeokuta Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the command said the arrest was sequel to a complaint by the elder brother of the suspect, Cletus Ogah.
It said the elder brother reported at Itele Ota Divisional headquarters that his younger brother had stabbed his 62 year-old mother, one Janet Ogah, to death.
The command said that following the complaint, the DPO of the division, CSP Lukman Raheem, led detectives to the scene at No 16, Ololade street, Lafenwa, Itele Ota , where the suspect was arrested.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who has just finished his NYSC programme, came back home three days earlier and had been having issues with the deceased since then.
"In his statement, the suspect claimed that his mother was in the habit of insulting and disgracing him in the presence of her apprentices, and that frustrated him into taking her life," it said.
According to the command, the corpse of the deceased, a food vendor, has been deposited at the Ota General Hospital morgue, for autopsy.
It said that the State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Iliyasu, had ordered the immediate transfer of the suspect to homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, for further investigation.
Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), on Saturday re-echoed his support for a two-party system, and declared that it was the best option toward deepening democracy.
Babangida spoke in Minna, when the Strategy and Inter-Party Affairs Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presented its report on how to move the party forward, to him.
"Gradually, my earlier suggestion about the practice of a two-party system is gradually coming to the fore in the country.
"In 1999, when I was advocating for a two-party system, some of my colleagues had their doubts, but I told them that it provides a choice, which is the first essence of democracy,'' he said.
Former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida during prayers to mark his 75th birthday celebration at the Hilltop, Minna, Niger State
He expressed optimism that PDP could still rule for 60 years "provided it can put its house in order".
The former leader claimed that the PDP was the only political party, whose presence had been felt, known and accepted by the people. "PDP's presence is felt not only in Abuja or Lagos, but down to the lowest level.
" if you go to the grassroots, the ordinary man will talk about PDP; that is the asset the party has and should use to spring back to reckoning.
"Already, it is accepted and known. All you have to do is work harder and try to convince the people back to your fold," he said.
Earlier, Prof. Jerry Gana, chairman of the committee, had urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to allow opposition political parties to always voice their opinion on issues.
Gana also advised the APC to allow rival parties to develop so as to offer Nigerians other options "at all times".
"The presence of opposition is key to democratic growth; we must allow Nigerians to listen to the other side," he said.
He described Babangida as "a visionary leader, who read the future and advocated a two-party system long ago".
Newsmen report that Gana was accompanied by Alhaji Aminu Wali, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Chief Tom Ikimi, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, Prof'. Rufai Alkali and former Niger governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu.
The National Association Of Nigerian Students NANS, has applauded the decision of the Federal High court in Abuja, which struck out a suit instituted by Senator Umaru Dahiru, seeking for the removal of Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal. The National Deputy President of NANS, Comrade Basheer Gorau made this known, shortly after a stakeholders’ meeting in Sokoto.
His words: “We wish to say that this decision of the court, has further justified the mandate freely given to Governor Tambuwal, and the victory belongs to the people of Sokoto State, and every lovers of democracy across the nation.
“Even though the victory does not call for wild jubilation, we believe that it offers a golden opportunity for the opponents Governor Aminu Tambuwal, to join the effort of the incumbent government, which is built on the podiums of development, fairness, justice, freedom and shared prosperity from the various opportunities which abound in the state.
We also wish to assure the good people of Sokoto State, that the Tambuwal administration will continue to put in place, tested and sustainable structures to revolutionize education, healthcare, agro-business, industrialization and conscious efforts at creating jobs for the teeming unemployed in the state.
“While once again congratulating the governor, we urge him to sustain the developmental programmes which is assuring the people of Sokoto state and which they will be proud.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has charged federal universities to be prudent in the management of funds allocated to them in view of current economic challenges.
Buhari gave the advice on Saturday at the 30th Convocation of the University of Calabar.
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka, Buhari said that his administration placed premium on the funding of education as a way to improve teaching and learning.
President Muhammadu Buhari
According to him, in view of the present economic challenges, it is important for public universities to adopt prudent measures in spending the funds allocated to universities by the Federal Government.
"As we all know, Nigeria is facing some economic challenges presently; I wish to advise federal universities to make judicious use of the funds allocated to them from the federal government for the development of their campuses.
"The University of Calabar has fared very well in terms of infrastructural development and I must commend the university management for this,'' he said.
The president congratulated the graduands on the award of degrees to them and urged that they should be good ambassadors of the institution and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Zana Akpagu, said that the institution graduated a total of 13,347 students in various fields of studies at the ceremony.
Akpagu explained that 1,437 students were awarded post-graduate certificates while 11,910 got first degrees in different classes.
He said that 22 students graduated with First Class degrees, adding that the University recorded a milestone in establishing the Faculty of Engineering which never existed since its establishment in 1978.
He assured that the university would continue to leave up to its expectations in delivering quality academic services to students.
On his part, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, thanked the Federal Government for improving infrastructure in the school through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
Iwunayanwu said that the support had helped in the physical development of the university.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who was a guest at the occasion, donated the sum of N30 million as an educational support fund to the university's Medical Centre, still under construction.
Tambuwal commended the school management for infrastructural development and urged the graduands not to depend solely on white-collar jobs "but rather, be determined to be entrepreneurs".
Highlight of the occasion was the award of doctoral degrees "Honoris Causa" to Brig.-Gen. Anthony Ukpo (retd), Alhaji Ummarun Kwabo and Mr Daniel Chukwudozie for their contributions to the socio-economic development of the country
A large scale cassava farmer in Ilorin, Mr Tajudeen Onilu, has attributed the sky-rocketing price of gari in several parts of the country to the decline in cassava production.
Onilu, who is also the Secretary of Cassava Growers Association in Kwara, told journalists on Saturday in Ilorin that cassava farming activities had declined drastically.
According to him, this development has resulted in scarcity of cassava, thus triggering a hike in the price of gari and other food and non-food items prepared from cassava.
Onilu observed that that several young Nigerians who were supposed to remain in their localities to engage in cassava farming, had migrated to urban centres and taken to commercial motorcycle and other businesses.
The cassava farmer called on the Federal Government to introduce accessible and affordable loans to genuine cassava farmers in the country, to enable them embark on mass production.
A plastic container of gari, which was formerly sold for between N180 and N200, now sells for N400, while the price of a small container of the product, has shot up to N40, from its former N20.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday said it had arrested a 57-year-old woman with substance suspected to be cocaine.
A statement in Lagos by the agency's spokesman, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the woman was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
It said that the suspect was Saudi Arabia-bound, and that the substance was concealed in her luggage.
"The suspect, who claimed to be going on a pilgrimage to Jedda, Saudi Arabia, had all the paraphernalia of a pilgrim, save for the narcotic content of her luggage.
"The two parcels of white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine were carefully concealed inside her luggage.
"The suspect with a valid Egypt Air ticket from Lagos to Saudi Arabia was arrested with 1.595kg of cocaine.
"The cocaine which was concealed in a false bottom of her bag was discovered during routine check on passengers at the departure hall.
"We had to cut the bag open to recover the cocaine because of the way it was neatly concealed. She was immediately arrested and the case is currently under investigation," the statement stated.
The statement also quoted Chairman of NDLEA, Mr Muhammad Abdallah, as describing the suspect's action as "condemnable".
"Smuggling cocaine to Saudi Arabia under any guise is condemnable.
"It is good that she was arrested here because drug trafficking attracts capital punishment in Saudi.
"Apart from saving her from execution in Saudi, the prompt arrest also protected our country from disrepute.
"The agency will not relent in the fight against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse" Abdallah said.
A group of commercial tricyclists in Kano have begun offering free rides to commuters, to celebrate the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from medical vacation in London.
One of the tricyclists Malam Badamasi Aminu, told journalists in Kano on Saturday that the decision was made after a friend shared the idea with yhe association.
He said consequently members refilled their vehicles' petrol tank on Friday and offered free ride to all the passengers that patronised them.
According to him, "We prayed devotedly for the health of the President while he was in London, and it seems our prayers have been answered so we need to thank God in some way."
Aminu further said that about 10 tricyclists offered same gesture to show gratitude to God for returning the president safely.
A passenger, who enjoyed a free ride, Malama Habiba Abdul, told journalists that it was a commendable gesture and prayed to God to grant the them the reward, better job and wealth.
youths in Kano have been expressing happiness in various forms, including prayers and offering alms on arrival of the president on Friday.
Buhari returned to the country after a 50-day medical leave in London.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), has called for direct Foreign Exchange (FX) allocation for the telecommunications sector.
ALTON Chairman, Mr Gbenga Adebayo, said in a statement in Lagos on Saturday that the sector deserved to be supported with such allocation from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Gbenga Adebayo
Adebayo said that operators faced challenges while trying to purchase FX from Interbank Market to fulfill obligations to Equipment Suppliers and Foreign Vendors.
According to him, this situation is adversely impacting on ALTON members' network operations and urgent assistance is needed from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
He said that the prevailing scarcity had made the operators not able to obtain FX for an upward period of six months, despite the submission of pre-requisite documentation for such transactions.
Adebayo decried the exemption of the telecommunications industry from the CBN's intervention window.
"In November 2014, the CBN excluded telecommunications equipment from the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS), where the exchange rate was N155 per dollar.
"ALTON members were mandated to purchase FX from Inter-bank at the rate of N199 per dollar.
"The CBN subsequently introduced a floating FX regime at the inter-bank market and cleared three months backlogs at N280 per dollar, and this technically moved the exchange rate from N199 to N280 levels.
"CBN then issued another circular mandating banks, effective Aug. 22, 2016, to sell 60 per cent of all FX availability, irrespective of source of inflows, to the manufacturing sector and the balance (40 per cent ) to other sectors.
"This directive tactically closed FX inflows even from ALTON's members, thereby exacerbating the impact of the liquid FX market on our members operations and the industry at large," he said.
Adebayo said that on Oct.14,2016, CBN further requested banks to submit all outstanding FX requests for the manufacturing, agriculture and airlines sectors, to enable it sell two months forwards.
He said that the equipment imported by the telecommunications industries, either via Letters of Credit or Certificate of Capital Importation (based on deferred payment terms), were excluded from the intervention.
"Telecommunications service providers are similar to manufacturing firms and deserve to be treated in the same manner.
"The core network equipment and other auxiliary equipment procured for providing voice and data services are equivalent to plant and machinery acquired by the manufacturing firms," he said.
He said that the telecommunications sector was termed "infrastructure of infrastructures" and the "Social Overhead Capital", which propelled productivity in other sectors of the economy.
According to him, the multiplier effects of efficient and reliable telecommunications services on other spheres of the economy cannot be overemphasized.
"In the light of the foregoing, ALTON respectfully requests the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to fast-track the ongoing engagement with the CBN.
"NCC should include telecommunications equipment, both visible and invisible ones, among the list of items to be allocated from the 60 per cent FX availability by the banks, regardless of source of inflows.
"This is to ensure the continued provision of world class telecommunications services to the consumers," Adebayo said
The Lawmakers (APC-Edo), representing Etsako Federal Constituency and Etsako East Constituency in Edo State House of Assembly have assured victims of rainstorm in Okpella, Edo, of the Federal and state governments' intervention.
The lawmakers, Mr Johnson Oghuma and Mr Kingsley Ugabi, gave the assurance during their visit to the affected victims and assessment of damage done by the rainstorm at Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo, on Saturday.
The downpour of March 6 led to the death of a four-year-old girl, Miss Maria Idzi, with many others injured.
Mr Johnson Oghuma (APC-Edo), representing Etsako Federal Constituency, said the house had mandated National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief materials to the victims of the devastating rainstorm to alleviate their sufferings.
"I came to see things for myself and to sympathise with you all and also to report to the House Committee on NEMA on the extent of the damage.
"We need to take the statistics of every house and property that have been affected which spread across villages and communities in Okpella area.
"So, that when there is a succour and a helping hands from the Federal Government, those affected by the disaster would be assisted,'' Oghuma said.
He sympathized with the family of Idzi over the death of their four-year-old daughter, Idzi, and prayed the Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
"This is something nobody plan for and I can see that the damage is much, and it is my prayer that we will not experience it again,'' he said.
Earlier, Mr Kingsley Ugabi, a lawmaker representing the constituency in the state assembly, said that the Edo State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has been mobilised to provide relief materials to affected victims.
"This is a tragedy, people are suffering, I think the Federal and the state governments need to do something,'' he said.
The probe panel setup by the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Idris, to investigate the communal clash which occurred in Ile-Ife between some ethnic groups, arrived Osun on Saturday
Osun Police Command's Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Folasade Odoro, confirmed the arrival of the Hammed Bello – led panel in the state to newsmen in Osogbo.
Idris had appointed Bello, Commissioner in charge of Military Police at the Force Headquarters, to head the panel.
The panel is to look into the immediate and remote causes of the clash and submitted its findings to the police authorities for appropriate action to prevent future occurrence of the incident.
The team is expected to visit leaders of the ethnic groups involved in the conflict as well as pay courtesy visit on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi in his palace, and other stakeholders in the city.
Odoro told newsmen that apart from investigating the cause of the conflict, the panel would also work out how to ensure cordial relationship between the groups in conflict.
She said detectives were still on the trail of some suspected culprits, adding that 10 persons had been arrested and were assisting the Police in their investigation.
According to her, relative peace has returned to the city, with anti-riot policemen and other security operatives fully on ground to ensure that there is no breach of the peace.
The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) generated N8.83 billion as revenue in 2016, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has announced.
In a report titled: "Annual Postal Services Data 2016", obtained by the journalists on Saturday in Lagos, the bureau said N4 billion was generated from Stamp Duty, representing about 46.34 per cent of the total revenue generated.
Coming closer is the EMS/Speed post service which generated N1.36 billion, accounting for 15.38 per cent, while the Parcel clearance/delivery fee earned for the organisation N726. 85 million, 8.23 per cent of the total revenue.
The NBS report shows that the international mail income followed with N715. 73 million about 8.10 per cent.
It said NIPOST handled a total of 33,6 million mails domestically and internationally during the year under review.
According to the report, 21 million mails which represent about 63 per cent of the total mails were handled locally.
"About 7,689,093 mails which represent about 23 per cent of the total mails were dispatched abroad.
"While 4,937,410 mails which represent about 15 per cent of the total mails were received from abroad and delivered in Nigeria," the report states.
On the whole, NIPOST has a total of 1,858 post offices and postal agencies across the country.
Of the 1,858 offices, Head Post Offices (HPO) are 106, Branch Offices (BO) are 12, Counter Extension (CE) and Post Offices or Departments (PO) are 963.
The Bureau also noted that NIPOST has 20 Sub Post Offices (SPO), 304 Post Agencies (PA) and 376 Post Shops (PS)
Minna – A Don, Dr Thomos Alabi, on Saturday called Nigerians to embrace the whistle-blowing initiative of the Federal Government in exposing corrupt public officers in the county.
Alabi, Head, Educational Services, Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, that corruption was the major factor responsible for the nation's setback.
Alabi said Nigerians must align with the principle of whistle-blowing with a resolve to support the anti-graft agencies with useful information in their drive to rid ther country of corrupt practices.
He commended the Federal Government's political commitment demonstrated in the ongoing fight against corruption.
He said that the task ahead was for the judiciary to assist in ensuring quick prosecution of corrupt cases brought before them.
"God has sent President Buhari to clean up the country of corruption, so we must all support him in this fight, ''he said.
The lecturer, however, called on Nigerians irrespective of political party differences to further pray for God intervention in the health of Mr President.
"We thank God Almighty for keeping our President alive and healthy, we should further pray for him to be able to complete what God has sent him to do in Nigeria,'' he added.
Alabi expressed optimism that Nigerians will witness the desire political growth if the fight against corruption succeeds.
The Police on Saturday said it had begun 24-hour air surveillance on Abuja-Kaduna highway following increase of traffic on the road.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7, Abuja, Alhaji Salisu Fagge, told journalists in Minna that the measure was part of efforts at ensuring safety of travellers on the road.
Traffic on the Abuja-Kaduna road is expected to be high from now till the next six weeks due to the shift of air transport services from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Kaduna Airport.
The Abuja airport was closed on Wednesday for upgrade of some critical facilities, especially the runway.
Fagge said that the commissioners of police in Kaduna, Niger and Federal Capital Territory, comprising the zone, had been directed to put adequate measures to contain any security threat along the road and beyond.
He assured that the zone would continue to adopt proactive security strategies against any form of security threat in the area, adding that sufficient personnel had been deployed to provide security in the zone.
He assured travellers on the highway that there is "no course for alarm".
"We are patrolling the entire area on air and land against any form of security threats.
"We will continue to map out comprehensive security measures that will enable us apprehend all kinds of criminals.
"We have identified and deployed armed security personnel to dangerous spots for that purpose," the AIG said.
He solicited the support of traditional rulers and stakeholders in sensitising residents to volunteer information that would aid security agencies in apprehending criminals in their midst.
ABUJA – The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Samson Ayokunle, weekend, called on all Nigerians to sustain their prayers for the complete recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.
This is just as the CAN helmsman on behalf of Christian faithful congratulated PMB, his family and the populace on his return to the country 51 days after he left for London, for medical reasons.President Muhammadu Buhari shaking hands with the Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed during a meetong with members of his cabinet on his arrival from a UK medical leave at the First Lady’s Conference Centre, State House, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida 10/03/2017
Buhari who returned Friday had a brief meeting with the Federal Executive Council, service chiefs and other top government functionaries said the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo who had been acting in his stead while away would continue to act.
Welcoming him back to the country, Ayokunle, in a statement issued and signed by his Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Pastor Adebayo Oladeji urged Nigerians, especially, Christians, not to cease praying for a total and perfect healing for him.
He said: "CAN rejoices with the family of President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and the whole nation on his return to the country after spending 51 days abroad for medical reasons. We will continue praying for his full recovery in order to be able to continue the task of rebuilding the country and most especially, to end the economic recession and its attendant problems.
"We urge him to do everything within his power to strengthen Naira which has been facing unprecedented devaluation since its emergence in order to bring the much awaited relief to the people who have been groaning under the yoke of the economic recession."
The CAN President commended Buhari for handing over power to his deputy as mandated by the constitution, praising Osinbajo too for living up to the expectation of his principal and the people.
"It is worthy to commend President Buhari for transferring power to the Vice President, Osinbajo whole away to avoid any breach of the constitution as we witnessed in recent history. We also acknowledged the loyalty, commitment and dedication of his deputy who live up to the expectation,” he said.
The statement noted with dismay the failure of the government at all levels to pay the workers and the pensioners as and when due which has compounded the problem in the polity.
"It is disheartening to note that workers and pensioners are being denied of their inalienable right nation-wide as a result of the poor management of the meager resources at all levels of the government, and it is our prayer that God will help President Buhari and his team to bring the economy out of the wood sooner than later.
"Our prayers, complimenting the efforts of those who are at the helm of the affairs will go a long way in bringing back the golden era with an accelerated speed. Our God who did it in Samaria is still on the throne on our behalf,” it said.
The body tasks its members to always remember that praying for those at the helms of the affairs of the country is a divine mandate.
"The Scripture tasks us to be praying 'for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior' (1 Timothy 2:2-3).
"As Christians, it is a divine mandate to be interceding for our leaders in order for us to enjoy the benefits that our country brings; we must strive to always pray for the people who have been made to rule over us, irrespective of our political and religious differences,” CAN reminded.
