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
A flood which followed many hours of downpour displaced many homes and caused deaths in Suleja, Niger, on Sunday, witnesses said. Witnesses said eight members of a household were suspected to have died in the flood which affected Suleja and Tafa local Government areas of Niger.
Founder and President of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, ABUAD, Ekiti State, Aare Afe Babalola, has described former President, Olusegun Obasanjo as best President Nigeria ever had.
Babalola said Obasanjo, who had a rare opportunity to lead the nation for three times, as Military Head of State in the late 70s and elected President from 2009 to 2007, was known to him to be: "A very energetic, strong-willed, and stubborn person", adding: "He is difficult to persuade but he is a progressive man. He never became a Professor but he knows better than most professors. He is a highly talented man and is the the best President Nigeria ever had." Obasanjo The Senior lawyer further said it was Obasanjo's efforts in support of UNESCO during his tenure that helped in repositioning education properly in the country. Aare Babalola made the remarks while receiving members of the Yoruba Patriots Group, who nominated him to be their patron.
Speaking about the objectives of the group, its Publicity Secretary, Segun Adewale, who harped on restructuring of Nigeria, said: "The Yoruba Patriots Group was formed in 2005 by progressive Yoruba people who desires progress and unity for the nation.
" We felt that the way the Yoruba nation is being relegated to the background within the commonwealth of Nigeria is not acceptable.
" What we intend to do is a legacy that would survive us. And to do this we are consulting with established Yoruba men who love the nation and who have the knowledge and have made serious sacrifices to make Yoruba number one in the world.
”Aare Afe Babalola is one of them. This is why we consult with him to get a template that would make Yoruba the most economically developed nation in Africa. We are working together with all other stakeholders, the South-West governors, other pan-Yoruba groups such as Afenifere and others to achieve this. It is when we work together that we can achieve a rapid, systematic and sustainable development.
" The meeting with Aare Babalola has been very successful and he has accepted to be our grand patron. Our group is an umbrella for all socio-cultural groups in Yoruba race.
Speaking on the agenda of the group, Aare Babalola said: "I support the agenda of the Yoruba Patriots that we want to have our rightful place in the comity of nation's in the country The kind of restructuring that is needed in Nigeria is one that would give autonomy for each ethnic nationalities to manage itself in all areas of economy, education, power and others with the exception of geographical expression.
Aare Babalola also commented on the choice of two lawyers from his chamber as SAN recently: " I am very happy that two out of 29 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, are from my chamber. That makes 19 of the SANS in my chamber and it is a record that would be very difficult to match any were. It shows that if juniors understudy their seniors and are not in an hurry, they can make it. My advice is don't be in an hurry to go and start a kingdom."
He went down memory lane to explain his long years of rapport with former President Obasanjo: "The path of myself and Obasanjo crossed when he introduced zero party representation system as military Head of State. My people then chose me to represent them. And I agreed to represent them even though I wasn't a politician.
”But some politician who felt that if I went to represent my people, it would affect their chance, went to court to say that I should be disqualified because I haven't paid my tax.
"And I had an obsession at that time of over paying my tax in advance, so that if at the end of auditing, I had overpaid, I had some money repaid to me.
"I challenged them at the court because that was an attack on my integrity. So, I eventually won the case and my name was sent to Obasanjo as the qualified person to represent my people.
”Obasanjo in spite of that chose the politician and I went back to my practice as a lawyer. That incident prevented me from dabbling into the murky waters of Nigerian politics.
"Obasanjo left office and years after, there was an allegation by late Senator Olusola Saraki that about N2.8 billion pounds and put it in his own bank then. The students then we're angry and protested in Lagos. So, a panel of inquiry was set up to investigate the allegation. I was asked to defend the Federal Government at the court and Obasanjo was invited to give evidence as a former Head of State.
And we met at the court where I cross-examined him. That was when he met me physically and recognised that I was the same man whose name was sent to him at the time.
" Later, Obasanjo was sued for writing a book called :" is not my will'. He called me to defend him and that was how our age long rapport began. We got closer and closer until 2009 when he was to be President and was sued again by several others, Olu Falae, Buhari and others and he invited me and I won the cases for him.
"He later attempted to make me Attorney General of the nation but I turned the offer down. But when he invited me to come clean up the rot in education system at the University of Lagos, as Pro-chancellor, I accepted but with a condition not to get all the emoluments. I served selflessly and was awarded best Pro-chancellor for two terms that I served there.
The quality of education we offer is akin to that given in London, U.S and other Canada among others. Where we charge N1 million, these countries charge N17 million and N5 million. That is why our university is the best alternative to overseas schooling, " he said.
A Niger Delta group, Niger Delta Young Leaders Stakeholders, NDYLS, has backed the call for the restructuring of Nigeria, warning that there would be no oil blocs to allocate and explore, neither would there be General Election in the region come 2019 if the country is not restructured.
Former governorship candidate in Bayelsa state and Chairman, Nigerian Young Professionals Forum, Mr. Moses Siasia who convened the meeting said "over 60 Niger Delta Young Leaders, including Assembly members, present and former commissioners, Government appointees some private sector players across States of the Niger Delta Region met in Port Harcourt during a round table" to reach the resolution.
The group demanded100 per cent resource ownership, control and management while equally condemning every shade of hate speech in any part of the country.
Oil-pipeline
"Over 60 Niger Delta Young Leaders, including Assembly members, present and former commissioners, Government appointees some private sector players across States of the Niger Delta Region met in Port Harcourt as regards to restructuring of Nigeria, the Niger Delta people have unanimously agreed that restructuring embodies 100% control of their resources.
"The young leader unanimously demand for 100% resource ownership, control and management and the restructuring of the current faulty political and economic architecture of Nigeria which is a source of provocation and they said this must be done before the 2019 general elections or there will be no elections across the region and no exploration of oil blocks.
"The young leaders are determined in their resolve to put aside ethnicity and stand as one Niger-Delta.
"We must go back to the round table and discuss the principles of equity and justice and this must take effect from the highest seat of power to the communities which will birth true federalism in a new people's constitution. As a people united for our future, we must act now.
"We also condemn all forms of hate speech emanating from any part of the country.
"ON CRITICAL ISSUES FACING THE REGION "The issues facing the Niger-Delta require both collective and personal responsibilities. We are resolved to look inward and beyond our ethnicity in the Niger-Delta so as to build a united region. We therefore call on all Niger-Deltans to work together in tackling the deep rooted problems facing our people and environment, and define the future of the Niger-Delta.
"The Young Leaders also resolved to carry out proper sensitization programmes in states across the Region and promised to engaged with critical stakeholders on their desire to move the country forward on the basis of fairness, justice and equity."
Governor Ayo Fayose has said that the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Tinubu is his leader and that if you give an appointment opportunity to him he will give a Yoruba man not minding if the person is from the APC or not.
Fayose made this known in Edo State at the 13th convocation lecture at the Benson Idahosa University in Benin, Edo state.Ayodele Fayose
He said that: "I am not an APC member and I will never be. But remember the fact that our leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a courageous man in his own right, our leader in Yoruba land, forget about politics, if they give Asiwaju appointment, he will give a Yoruba man. Whether he is in the APC does not matter.
"And I came out strongly; I defended him. I am not defending politics. I am defending the truth. Our politics must have where we would stop it and say the truth as may be necessary." Fayose, Atiku and Tinubu Fayose also speaking on his presidential ambition said "I am the man to watch in this generation. So, I am controversial because I am doing things other men like me cannot do. They are scared. They are afraid; they don't have courage.
"What I am saying to you is that controversy is necessary for democracy. We must have our voice.
"Some people chose to be under the table; they don't want to die. They are afraid.
"But remember that the Bible says that those who want to gain their life will lose it and those that lose their life will gain it.
"My strength lies in God Almighty. If you put me inside running water, the water will become still. If you put me the den of lions, the teeth, the claws will go inside; you can find that in the Bible too,” he added.
Quoting Joshua 1:6-7, 9 and 17, Fayose said: "I draw my power from those things (Bible passages). When I wake up, I lie down in my bathroom and say "Lord, many are the afflictions of the righteous. But the Lord God will deliver him from them all.”
"Lord, many are the afflictions of the righteous. But the Lord God will deliver him from them all," he added.
ABUJA – EMINENT Nigerians have identified lack of strict monitoring and supervision as major impediment to the development of education in the country.
The Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Aloma Marian Muktar said school enrollment would increase in the country, if government at all levels show commitment to improve education system.
Also, the Founder and Director of the Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls, Mrs Maryam Duba said activities and resources in the education system are not properly monitored, saying effective supervision is a panacea to improving standard of education in Nigeria.
The duo, alongside with other speakers, stated this while speaking at the maiden Graduation Ceremony of the Noble Hall Leadership Academy for Girls, weekend, in Abuja.
Muktar maintained that people at the community level were disadvantaged when it comes to education, adding that the poor rural dwellers would be encouraged when government provide free education to their wards.
She called on parents and guardians to complement government efforts by releasing their children, male and female, urging government to be sincere with their campaign promises.
Duba noted that education system is not adequately monitored by the authorities, making some stakeholders to deviate from standard and do whatever they feel easy with.
“One of the things I noticed is strict monitoring on the part of government. Lack of strict inspection of schools to ensure that they adhere to the standard that had been set. So, that lack of monitoring is creating a system where everyone was doing what they want,” she observed.
Duba explained that the Academy was designed to provide an enriching learning experience for girls with strong family values, to influence change in Nigeria and African continent.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the President for Social Protection Plan, Mrs Maryam Uwais urged the graduating students to strive to be different, stressing that shortcut to life leads to no where.
Miss Rhadiyah Dikko emerged the overall best student of the graduating class of 2017, as well wishers prayed God to guide their steps in their journey to greatness.
Former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar on Sunday, described the death of late Maitama Sule as touching.
Abubakar, who said this in Kano when he paid condolence visit to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, stressed that the elder statesman's death was a great loss to Kano and Nigeria as a whole.
He said that the former diplomat was a complete gentleman and good citizen who dedicated his life to the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.
The former head of state said that death had left a big vacuum that would be hard to fill, considering the sincerity of the deceased who he noted served humanity well.
Abubakar, also who condoled with members of the bereaved family and the state government, prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest.
Responding, Ganduje said the deceased as simple, friendly and someone who carried everybody along, irrespective of differences.
He described the late Sule as a role model who all Nigerians should be proud of.
A five year old Nigeria American boy, Folajimi Orekoya, in cognomen ‘Jimi’ has dramatically challenged the fastest man on earth, Mr Usain St Leo Bolt to a race of his choice. Jimi who resides in Los Ageles, CA. dared Bolt to the track having won many infant gold medals. The self acclaimed ‘king of the track’ who started participating in track events at the age of four said that he has so much energy to win the anticipated race with Bolt.
A flood which followed many hours of downpour displaced many homes and caused deaths in Suleja, Niger, on Sunday, witnesses said.
Witnesses said eight members of a household were suspected to have died in the flood which affected Suleja and Tafa local Government areas of Niger.
The head of the household was said to have survived but his two wives and six children were not lucky.
Many families were affected with household effects floating in the water.
Many people struggled to bale water out of their houses.
Mr Mohammed Mohammed, the District Police Officer in-charge of Division 'A' Police station in Suleja, could not confirm the casualty figure but said his men had visited the flood scenes. "The flood affected many people who built their houses along the river bank; many houses have been destroyed with unconfirmed number of deaths recorded.
"Police are providing security around the scene so that hoodlums will not cart away victims' property especially those lying outside," he said.
He promised to furnish more details on the incident.
The National Emergency Management Agency was not also able to give details.
Meanwhile, Malam Abdulkareem Samanja, the Village Head of Hayin Nasarawa-Iku in the nearby Tafa Local Government Area decried the loss of property.
He said he was still awaiting report from ward heads on the incident. At Suleja General Hospital, Musliu Mohammed, a 17 year-old boy, recovered from the flood and brought into the hospital by sympathisers, was placed on admission
By Chris Ochayi ABUJA – A member representing Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Ebomo Mutual has appealed to the people of Delta State to join hands with the Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa to enable him achieve his dream of making the state the bride of the nation.
Gov. OkowaHon. Mutu in his message to felicitate with Senator Okowa on occasion of his 58 birthday anniversary, which a copy was made available to Vanguard in Abuja, pleaded that the governor desired the support of all and sundry to deliver the dividends of democracy to the state and its people.
Noting that no meaning development could be achieved in an atmosphere enveloped with rancours and acrimony, Mutu, particularly, charged political leaders in the state to close ranks with a view to offerring the government necessary support and advice that will lead to success of its ongoing programmes and policies iimplementation.
Hon. Mutu, who is the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, however, assured Deltans that he was optimistic Senator Okowa will bring to bear his astitue leadership qailities exhibited as a Senator of the Federal Republic in the life of the state.
He said, “On behalf of my Constituents, I heartily felicitate with His Excellency, Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, Governor of Delta State, a man and leader whose dexterity and commitment has made Delta State the bride of the nation in the midst of the dwindling resources of the state.
“Your deliberately chosen programmes and policies, and the administrative style which has impacted so much on Deltans, speaks volume of the leadership qualities you are made of.
“Your Excellency, your overwhelming commitment and dedication to God and investment in His kingdom, has further given the good people of Delta State to trust you the most.
“Your excellent service in the senate remain fresh and memorable, indeed, you are embodiment of good and quality service to your generation.
Mutu described Senator Okowa as an institution which reservoir contains virtues that could serve as panacea in achieving so much for a nation and state. .
He said “There are lessons to learn from him because of the great leadership qualities that make him indeed exemplary leader.”
Zimbabwe confirmed their superiority over Zambia in COSAFA Cup southern Africa championship finals by winning 3-1 in Phokeng Sunday to lift the trophy a record fifth time.
This was the fourth time the neighbouring nations have met in the final of the annual regional competition and Zimbabwe have won three.
Knox Mutizwa put Zimbabwe ahead in the first half at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace stadium in the northwest South African platinum mining belt with his fifth goal of the championship.
Lubinda Mundia nodded Zambia level before half-time via his first touch after coming on as a substitute.
Despite playing their sixth match in 14 days, Zimbabwe proved stronger in the second half and goals from Talant Chawapiwa and Ocean Mushure gave the “Warriors” a deserved triumph.
It was the fourth goal of the tournament for defender Mushure, who finished third in the scorers’ chart behind team-mates Ovidy Karuru (six) and Mutizwa (five).
“I am very happy for the boys and myself,” said Zimbabwe coach Sunday Chidzambwa, who captained his country in their first international, a 6-0 win over Mozambique 37 years ago.
“Playing six matches in 14 days and scoring 19 goals were tremendous achievements and I am sure our people are proud of us.
“At half-time I told the boys to keep going forward because Zimbabwe are blessed with gifted attackers who can score goals regularly.”
Zambia coach and former national team striker Wedson Nyirenda was magnanimous in defeat, describing Zimbabwe as “the most mature team in the competition and worthy champions”.
“Schoolboy errors, particularly at the back, cost us this match. We lost concentration during the second half and were severely punished,” he said.
“After equalising, my boys thought they already had their hands on the trophy and fell asleep. We came here with a young team and I hope valuable lessons have been learnt.”
The first Zimbabwe goal came gift-wrapped from Zambia goalkeeper Allan Chibwe, who was outjumped by Mutizwa and the ball landed in the net on 22 minutes.
Mundia equalised with a well-placed header off a cross that gave Zimbabwe goalkeeper George Chigova no chance.
Zimbabwe regained the lead on 56 minutes when Chawapiwa fired a rebound into the net after a Mutizwa header came back off the post.
Chawapiwa turned provided for the third goal after 67 minutes, cutting the ball back for Mushure to score with a shot into the corner of the net.
…as relatives await abductors phone call By Monsuru Olowoopejo In order to ensure speedy rescue of Baale of Shangisha in Magodo, Lagos State, Yusuf Ogundare, Department of State Services (DSS), has quizzes one of the alleged suspects, Jamiu Lawal, on allegations that the long protracted tussle between him and the abducted Chief on Baale stool could have been reason for the kidnap.Magodo Chief
Meanwhile, barely five days after the abduction, friends and relatives of the Chief are still hoping the abductors will contact them, to ascertain their demands and abductees (Baale) health status.
Lawal's invitation by DSS followed allegations by the abducted Baale's brother, Mohammed Adams, in statement made to the Nigerian Police after the kidnap of the Chief.
It was gathered that he alleged that Lawal, a resident of 5 Lawal Street Orgeun, Ikeja and one Saliu Akanni, could have masterminded Ogundare's abduction five days ago.
Adams had allegedly listed both men as major suspect in the abduction considering the ongoing feud between them on who becomes Baale stool.
Sources, who disclosed to Vanguard Sunday, said that Lawal was invited to the DSS office at Shangisha, Magodo where he was quizzes for several minutes on Friday.
He added that the accused was later released after the interrogation by the security outfit on self recognition.
A relative who identified himself as Adewale, who hinted that, the kidnappers were yet to contact the family five days after the abduction.
He said: "Baale's kidnappers have not contact us. Infact we have kept vigil to ensure that when they call, we do not miss it. Even with that, we are yet to be contacted."
The Baale's relative however appealed to the abductors to release him considering his role in the development of the community.
Video alleges a Saudi Arabian prince bought 24-karat gold necklaces worth millions of dollars for his flock of sheep. The necklaces are seen glistening on the necks of the sheep.
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Video: Saudi Prince allegedly buys 24-karat gold necklaces for his sheepVideo: Saudi Prince allegedly buys 24-karat gold necklaces for his sheep
The management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) on Sunday attributed the power outage being experienced in some parts of Lagos metropolis to the damage of its equipment by flood.
Mr Godwin Idemudia, the General Manager, Corporate Communications of the company, made this known in a statement in Lagos.
According to him, areas affected include Lekki, Ikoyi, Ijora and Victoria Island.
Idemudia said that the flood was as a result of the heavy rains over the weekend.
He said that the flood had caused water outflow into some sensitive and vital equipment, which led to shutting down of some distribution substations and some 11/33KV injection substations.
Idemudia said that some low tension and high tension poles and lines were also destroyed by the flood.
He said that EKEDC technical experts have since swung into action to clear all the faults within the shortest possible time.
The EKEDC spokesman expressed optimism that all faults would be fixed soon.
He urged all consumers affected by the outage to bear with the company pending the period the restoration would last.
.My victory signposts better future for PDP -Adeleke By Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo There was wide celebration by people of Osun state Sunday following the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate in the Saturday Osun West Senatorial Bye election, Dr. Ademola Adeleke, even as the state governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola congratulated the Senator elect, with the result of the poll, saying the “people of Osun have spoken”. Rauf Aregbesola
Adeleke, the PDP candidate defeated the the APC flagbearer in the poll, Senator Mudashiru Hussein, winning in 9 out of 10 local government areas in the Senatorial District.
The governor, in a tweet Sunday afternoon congratulated Adeleke, saying “Democracy has won and we respect the people’s choice”.
Also, while speaking with newsmen in his Ede home yesterday, Senator-elect, Dr Ademola Adeleke, noted that his victory signposts a brighter future for PDP in the state.
Adeleke said all his pre-election campaign promises would be fulfilled, stressing that his N5 million per ward scholarship scheme would soon takeoff across the Osun-West Senatorial District.
His words: ” We are working hard to make sure that next year we overcome and victory shall be ours. My victory is a new dawn in the history of our democracy.
” Our democracy is growing where an incumbent will be there and opposition will defeat the incumbent.This is a rare gem and this show that our democracy is improving.
” We want to make sure there is nothing like rigging anymore no matter how you try, we want our democracy to grow.”
” I want to thank the people of Osun West Senatorial District and the entire people of the state for voting for me and PDP.
” I can assure that where my late brother left it, that is where I tag my campaign continuity.
” I have budgeted N250,000 in scholarship for students, empowerment programmer for women as well as free mobile medical care”.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the PDP in Osun state has commended citizens and residents of the state for their support in various forms towards the victory of its candidate in senatorial bye-election.
The state chairman of the party, Mr. Soji Adagunodo, in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday, said the party recognises the fact that out of several options, people decided to give PDP the mandate to represent them in the upper chambers.
“We thank You for honouring the memories of the first Executive Governor of Osun state , the late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke by voting in his equally competent younger brother, Otunba Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke who is determined to serve you even better.
“We appreciate the confidence you reposed in the PDP as a party committed to good governance and development, true service and respect for human dignity in our dear state”, the statement concluded.
Also, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam has lauded the government and the people of the state under the watch of Governor Aregbesola for creating a conducive atmosphere for electoral contest which was conducted hitch free by Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and won by the opposition candidate Otunba Adeleke of Peoples Democratic Party.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, Salaam saluted the state helmsman for ensuring secured environment for all contestants to campaign and canvass votes for their respective parties without intimidation or lawlessness, saying as a Chief Security officer of the state, Aregbesola has passed another democratic litmus test.
He also thumbed up for the INEC on its swiftness at the deployment of staff and logistics, asserting that INEC has turned a success story with its proactive measure in the conduct of Osun West senatorial district by-election.
He further lauded the security agencies for living up to their billing by guiding and guarding the electoral process without fear or favor.
Salaam further saluted the courage and comportment of the contestants for putting up a good democratic fight, congratulating the people of Osun senatorial west and the Senator elect, Otunba Adeleke on the success recorded; admonishing Adeleke to be humble in victory and recognize the fact that Osun west is now his constituency that must work with the state government for the overall benefit of the people irrespective of political leaning; saying no achievement could be recorded in a divisive tendencies.
By Vincent Ujumadu Awka – THE Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, alleged on Sunday that some people had been paid to denounce the Biafra struggle with a promise by the federal government to accommodate them.
IPOB members at Federal High Court Abuja. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan
In a statement made available to reporters, IPOB media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful said while the organization would not reprimand those he described as erring elders in public as that would be uncharitable, such people, who he failed to name, needed prayers for their deliverance..
He said: "We are not bothered by the antics of those who have been paid to denounce our divine journey to the promised land, including the compromised so called political leaders, the so-called umbrella body and leaders in the comfort zone, who have been promised accommodation in the central government, at their meeting at the villa, if only they denounce us. We hear that they sheepishly agreed.
"The whole world knows that they shamelessly accepted the deal to disparage us, so they would be rewarded by the villa. They deserve nothing but our pity and prayers. They are like that proverbial fly which followed the coffin into the grave. Blinded by their greed, they cannot understand when to apply the brakes.
"They have played the game for too long that they cannot see that the game is over. When you have consistently betrayed your people for filthy lucre for too long, and got away with it, it is usually difficult to realize that one day the monkey will go to the market and won't come back.
"Those who have traded away our future for a pot of porridge will not repent overnight. We must never get tired of praying for them because it is not in our character to insult these elders and clergymen, even when their treacherous behaviour turns out despicable and nauseating. Please pray without ceasing for these lost elders, we plead."
By Henry Umoru ABUJA-DEPUTY Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has described the Osun West Senatorial District bye-election, with Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner as “a glimmer of hope for the nation's electoral system”. Ademola Adeleke Reacting to the outcome of the election, Ekweremadu who noted that it was not only victory for the PDP, but also more importantly, a victory for the nation's democracy’ however congratulated Ademola Adeleke, saying, “I congratulate the Senator-elect, Ademola Adeleke, and our party faithful in Osun State in particular on this symbolic victory.
"For our party, it shows that working together as one big family, we can always show strength, achieve great results, and surmount every obstacle in rebuilding the fortunes of our party and restoring good governance to the country.
"It also appears the Independent National Electoral Commission is beginning to get it right in reviving hope and confidence of the people in the potency and sanctity of the ballot box. We will tread the path of cautious optimism, watching and believing that sanity is beginning to return to the electoral system, once again".
In a statement by his special Adviser, Media, Uche Anichukwu, Ekweremadu who commended the people of Osun West for their vigilance and peaceful conducts during the election, said that they did not only vote, but also ensured that their votes counted in a peaceful atmosphere.
He expressed confidence that the Senator-elect would provide robust and quality representation as his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, had done in the past.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Ibrahim Idris, has sacked four policemen attached to Ijebu-Ode Area Command in Ogun State over extortion.
The former officers were found guilty of extorting N50,000 from a man they arrested on trumped up charge.
Four policemen sacked for extortion
Affected by the dismissal order are Inspector Mufutau Olaosun, Sgt. Adebayo Temitope, Cpl. Bakare Taiwo and Cpl. Adesoye Ayokunlehin.
According to a statement by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Sogunle, who heads the Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit, the men were dismissed after they were found guilty in an Orderly Room trial at the Area Command Headquarters, Ijebu-Ode.
IGP Idris K. Ibrahim,
They were charged with discreditable Conduct and Corrupt Practice under the First Schedule of Police Act and Regulations Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The four men, on 7 June, without any grounds, arrested a man who was just leaving a bank and took him to the Igbeba Station, where they labelled him a "yahoo boy" and made him to frog jump and write a self-incriminating statement, that he was an internet fraudster.
After the maltreatment, they released the man and also impounded the N50,000 he had gone to collect on behalf of his boss, saying it was payment for his bail. The man lodged a complaint with the Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit.
The police authorities found the complaint genuine and were mortified that policemen could take money for bail, despite the #BailisFree campaign by the police themselves.
"Their action is contrary to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police and unacceptable", said Sogunle.
The money had since been recovered from the four policemen and given back to the man.
*Have you been maltreated by policemen recently? You can now lodge a complaint directly to the Police Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit at the following numbers and platforms: Phone Calls Only: 08057000001, 08057000002 | SMS/WhatsApp Only: 08057000003 | BBM:58A2B5DE | Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU | Facebook: www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU | Email: complaint@npf.gov.ng OR PolicePCRRU@gmail.com.
Mr Olusegun Awolowo, Executive Director. Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), says the Federal Government has developed "Conduits of Excellence (CoE)'' to ensure consistent and stringent quality management for all exportable products.
Awolowo told the Newsmen in Abuja on Sunday that the Federal Government had also set up a committee for the realisation of the objective.
According to him, the committee will work under the technical guidance of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
He also said the committee would also develop the code of practice and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for production and processing of selected products.
Awolowo explained that government initiated the National Quality Infrastructure Project (NQIP) and conduit of excellence to ensure that an enabling environment and materials were provided to enhance quality and standards.
According to him, the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) has two new laboratories for product testing in the country.
He said that the issues of packing and labelling were also being looked into in enhancing acceptability of Nigerian products in the international market.
Awolowo said Nigeria became serious to address the rejection of Nigerian products, when the EU in 2016 placed a temporary suspension on the export of beans from Nigeria due.
He attributed the problem mainly to inappropriate residues and aflatoxin.
Aflatoxin refers to any of several carcinogenic mycotoxins that are produced, especially in stored agricultural crops, for example peanut by moulds.
"We must realise that the EU has programmed a system tagged "Rapid Alert'' which triggers any slight indication of residual anomaly in imports into EU,'' he said.
Awolowo said that in response to the challenge, the council brought together 17 other agencies and the Organized Private Sector (OPS) to form an Inter-Agency Technical Committee on Zero Reject.
According to him, the inter-agency committee has been transformed to the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Zero Reject of Nigerian Products under the supervision of Ministers of Agriculture, and Trade and Investment.
Awolowo further said the committee developed an "Export Control Plan" requested by the EU as a pre-condition for lifting the suspension of beans export to the EU.
According to him, inappropriate use of agro- chemical has been addressed in the document produced in the Inter-Agency technical committee on zero reject.
He said that the recommendations as contained in the document were presently being implemented by relevant agencies to develop a training manual on application of pesticides.
"Under the Conduits of Excellence (CoE) and code of practice model, the appropriate use of agro-chemicals has been addressed.
"The model envisages a strong collaboration among farmers, extension officers, laboratory facilities, warehouse providers and marketers.
"It ensures that exporters can only source and export products from the CoE certified system.
"Already, an MOU has been signed among private sector operators under the CoE seamless working relationship.''
Awolowo said most of the products rejected in the EU were exported by micro SMEs, who he said had no knowledge of export procedure and documentation.
"They do not follow the formal and approved procedures of export or seek the services of regulating authorities,'' he said.
He also indentified inappropriate use of agro-chemicals in the farming and inappropriate preservation of agricultural products and illegal export among others as possible causes of EU rejection of products from the country.
Awolowo said the country could address these problems with training and re-training of farmers, middlemen and exporters on logistics, on best international practices.
He expressed optimism that the training would create awareness on acceptable chemicals for preservation, mode of application, time of application and quantity to be administered among others.
Awolowo said the council was undertaking measures to ensure that Nigerian exporters maintain international standard requirements, including capacity building of Value Chain Operators, specifically farmers.
Others he further said include processors and exporters on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Storage Practices (GSH), Packaging and Labeling.
The executive director said in the last two years, over 20 states had been covered and about 5,000 farmers trained.
Awolowo explained that the council in the course of organising trainings also produced brochures and leaflets in English language and major languages on issues such as "Aflatoxin", meeting the MRLs (MaximumResidual Levels) among others.
He said the council produced in diagrammatic and pictorial charts on post harvest handling practices for farmers and extension officers. The council also produced and air radio jingles in the producing states to create awareness on the dangers of inappropriate use of chemicals and inappropriate drying methods.
He said that the council had carried out a lot of sensitisation on export procedures and documentation in Nigeria to curb corruption. The decried some exporters who he always mix unwanted products to shore-up quantity to dupe and make outrageous profits.
It was a goal fest in Ilorin as ABS FC hosted Sunshine Stars of Akure in what will be the only week 28 game of the NPFL with an away win.
Adeniyi Alaba of Sunshine Stars challenges Oyedeji Samuel of ABS. NPFL photo
After ending the first half barren, Sikiru Alimi opened the flood gates in the 46th minute before Otegbeye doubled the advantage in the 54th from a header off a corner kick. Oyedeji grabbed one back for the home team in the 62nd from the spot giving the home fans the hope of a comeback but Abiodun Joseph restored the two goal lead in the 76th minute.
Anaekwe pulled one back for the host in the 85th minute as they threw caution to the wind chasing at least a point, only for Thompson Ezekiel to quickly respond in the 86th to finish off the game at 2-4.
With this win, Sunshine Stars now sit 15th with 36points on the log still battling to avoid the drop.
League leaders Plateau United in another week 28 game spanked Akwa United 3-0 to continue their fine run that gives them a five points lead ahead of second placed MFM FC although with a game more.
