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
Abuja – The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A), has urged those who peddled false reports on President Muhammadu Buhari´s health to apologise to Nigerians for misinformation. President Muhammadu Buhari The president of the group, Mr Eshanekpe Israel, made the call in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, following President Buhari´s return to the country.
Buhari left for London since May 7 where he had been receiving medical attention after formally transferring power to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as required by the Constitution.
"Those who played God in their mockery of the president's ill health should humbly apologise to Nigerians for heating up the polity without justification,'' Israel said.
The official said that such critics wished Buhari death because they wanted the norms of corruption and impunity to continue unabated in the country.
He said having waited for the announcement of President Buhari´s death in vain.
"The country's enemies found occupation in his ill health, rolling drums of evil sounds and spewing deliberate falsehood to incite the people against the administration,'' he said.
He emphasised that the Buhari administration, though inherited a battered economy from its predecessor, was poised to take the country to a greater height by ensuring true development.
Israel said that the Buhari-led administration should therefore, be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians.
The ex-militant, while welcoming the president back to the country, said that Nigerians who voted massively for him in 2015 had been vindicated.
He said if the reverse had been the case, members of the opposition party would have organised a national crusade to mock Nigerians of good will.
NAN reports that the President is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast on Monday at 7.00 a.m.(NAN)
—–I'm happy Buhari is hale , hearty—WIKE By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA – ACTING President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the recovery and recuperation of President Muhammadu Buhari signified that Nigeria was going to recover from any challenge facing her. President Muhammadu Buhari on arrival received by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. AUG 19 2017 Prof. Osinbajo who may handover powers to the President when he communicates to the National Assembly that he was back and fit to take over told State House correspondents that the return of the President and the mammoth crowd that went to the airport to receive him was an indication that the people were happy.
According to him, "Oh, the message to Nigerians is that, the recovery and recuperation of the President is in some sense symbolic of the recovery of Nigeria. Nigeria is going to recover. We are on the path of strong economic recovery and this is an excellent sign that the country is on the right side. There is great hope, there is great excitement and we are going to make it as a nation.
"As you can see from the many Nigerians who lined up on the road to receive the President as he came back, many Nigerians are happy that the President is hail and hearty and that he has come back. It was a natural reaction, most people heard of his arrival only a few hours before then, but as you can see, the response was so spontaneous. So, I think that people were so exited and very happy."
Also speaking to journalists, the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike said that he was happy that Mr. President was back hale and hearty.
He said, "We are happy, that he is alive and that is why l am here today to rejoice with the family. We should not play politics with everything. We are here talking about health and irrespective of the party l belong to, you can see that l am here today to rejoice with the family. That is what it is supposed to be. Don’t play politics with health issues, don’t do that. So, irrespective of what is going on out there, one is happy to be here."
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State said that people were happy because the captain was back.
He said, "Today you can see the faces of Nigerians right from the airport. We now have the Captain on ground; the citizens should also continue to pray for him. We are now ready to take off fully and we believe that everything is now alright and that is why people are so happy today. As I said, we will continue to pray for our president and the country generally."
Prayer time is approaching but Raja Miah, an imam at a tiny mosque in the heart of Barcelona does not expect a big turnout.
Since the twin attacks in Barcelona and the nearby seaside resort of Cambrils claimed by the Islamic State group, the Muslim community in central Barcelona’s neighbourhood of Raval fears an anti-Islam backlash.
“People are very scared,” said Miah, 23, as he sat in a small room at the mosque in Raval as a small group of children in an adjoining room studied the Koran.
Raval — whose name derives from the Arabic word for neighbourhood — is located just west of Barcelona’s bustling Las Ramblas boulevard where a van ploughed into pedestrians on Thursday, killing 13 and injuring dozens of others. Just hours later, another person died in a similar attack in the holiday town of Cambrils, where police shot five suspects dead.
“There is a lot of fear, people don’t go out. Very few people come to pray. Normally we are about 40 people, last night we weren’t even 15 and this morning 10,” said Miah, who moved to Barcelona nine years ago from Bangladesh.
Spain’s Muslim community has until now been spared from the islamophobia that has swept parts of Europe.
Far-right parties remain barely visible and just four percent of Spaniards consider immigration to be a problem, according to a survey by the government’s Centre for Sociological Research (CIS).
But the string of attacks in Europe, claimed by the so-called Islamic State group, has sparked a rise in hate incidents.
The number of recorded cases jumped from just 48 in 2014 to 534 in 2015, according to a campaign group, the Citizens’ Platform Against Islamophobia.
And Muslims fear it will get worse following the twin attacks.
– ‘You feel bad’ –
The narrow and normally noisy streets of Raval were silent on Saturday morning.
Immigrants account for roughly half of the densely-populated neighbourhood’s population, with a huge number of people from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Morocco.
“(The) Spaniards treat us well, they help us, they make us feel at home,” said Raja.
But just minutes after the attack in Barcelona, he said he could feel that something was changing. When he fled the Ramblas area in the wake of the attacks he was stopped by police.
“It’s normal, they saw me with my beard and robe and they stopped me. But you feel bad,” he said.
“We fear that the same will happen here as in France, Britain or other places” where far-right parties have grown strongly in recent years, said Islam Zahid, 22, who runs a small supermarket in back streets of Raval. Children could be heard playing football in the background.
About 100 members of Barcelona’s Muslim community, many of them tearful, gathered on Las Ramblas on Saturday to demonstrate against the twin attacks in Spain.
“They are not Muslims, they are terrorists” and “Islam is peace,” they shouted.
– ‘Barbarians’ –
Marzouk Rouj, a 39-year-old Moroccan construction worker who went to the demonstration with his daughter, said the bloodshed left him “shattered”.
“I have lived more years here than in my (own) country. My children go to school here and I don’t want people to look at them negatively because of some barbarians,” said Rouj, who moved to Spain from Nador in northern Morocco when he was just 16.
Several Muslims left flowers at an impromptu shrine on Las Ramblas.
“In the end Muslims are the main victims, for the deaths as well as for the social pressure,” said Xantal Genovart, vice president of the Association of Catalan Muslim women.
Catalonia is home to about a quarter of Spain’s 1.9 million Muslims — and it is also a centre of jihadism, according to experts.
Even so, Mounir Benjelloun, president of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Religious Entities, remains optimistic.
“I think that Spain will know how to handle this and will separate the culprits from the rest so a xenophobic message does not prosper,” he said.
The initial signs are encouraging. A small group of anti-Islam protesters who turned up at Las Ramblas on Friday were forced to leave after passers-by began to shout “No racists” at them.
Jubilant pro-President Muhammadu Buhari protesters and Abuja resident on Saturday temporarily blocked the highway along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (NAIA) singing and dancing to welcome President Buhari from London.
The security personnel deployed to ensure smooth traffic flows along the highway abandoned their duty posts as they could not control the crowds, shouting "Sai Baba Buhari''.
Venezuela's congress is meeting in defiance of what opposition leaders consider an autocratic push by allies of President Nicolas Maduro to usurp the legislature's powers.
The deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas was among a group of foreign diplomats who attended Saturday's special session to express solidarity with the increasingly cornered lawmakers.
Venezuela's ongoing political standoff took another dramatic turn Friday after the pro-government constitutional assembly approved a decree taking over congress' powers to pass legislation of vital importance to the crisis-wracked nation.
The U.S. government called the move an illegitimate "power grab." Lawmakers from nine mostly Latin American nations meeting in Peru said it consolidates Venezuela's tilt toward "dictatorship."
Lawmakers dismissed the edict and said they won't stop meeting unless they are dissolved by force.
Jese Rodriguez made a memorable start to life at Stoke City by scoring the only goal of a 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday.
Stoke City’s Spanish striker Jese (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Stoke City and Arsenal at the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, central England on August 19, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
The Spanish forward, a loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain, finished crisply in the 47th minute to bring Arsene Wenger’s side down to earth after their opening 4-3 win over Leicester City.
It was an early blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations and left them three points behind early pace-setters Manchester United, who won 4-0 for the second game running at Swansea City.
Jese, 24, only joined Stoke on Wednesday and he was quick to make an impression on the fans of his new team.
After driving at Arsenal’s back four from halfway, he swapped passes with Saido Berahino and then drilled a left-foot shot past the advancing Petr Cech.
Arsenal, who remain without the injured Alexis Sanchez, thought they had equalised in the 72nd minute when Alexandre Lacazette lashed home, but it was chalked off due to a marginal — but correct — offside.
Stoke had not beaten Arsenal since December 2014.
Earlier, Romelu Lukaku had been on target again as Manchester United continued their fine form by crushing Swansea.
Eric Bailly, Paul Pogba and substitute Anthony Martial also found the net at the Liberty Stadium, giving Jose Mourinho’s side their second big win after last weekend’s 4-0 victory over West Ham United.
“The team was confident from the first minute,” said Mourinho after a result that means United have scored four goals in their first two league games for the first time in 110 years.
“I like to see the confidence that the players are having in this moment. There’s no panic. The team was always confident and always trying to move the ball. I’m really happy.”
– Austin late show –
Sadio Mane struck in the 73rd minute to earn Liverpool a 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace and get Jurgen Klopp’s side up and running after their 3-3 draw at Watford on the opening weekend.
Beaten 3-0 at home by Huddersfield Town in their first game, Palace produced a much more solid display, but were undone with 17 minutes to play when Mane seized upon a loose ball to fire home.
“It was a hard job. I have no idea how much we had the ball, but it was a lot,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
“We were really awake and defended really well and I loved the goal because it was not a clear situation. We had other chances, but I am completely happy with how we did the job today.”
Leicester, the 2016 champions, bounced back from defeat at Arsenal to beat Brighton and Hove Albion 2-0 at the King Power Stadium through Shinji Okazaki’s first-minute goal and a Harry Maguire header.
Charlie Austin scored a 93rd-minute penalty to give Southampton a last-gasp 3-2 home win over West Ham.
Goals from Manolo Gabbidini and Dusan Tadic, the latter a penalty, put Saints 2-0 up and West Ham new boy Marko Arnautovic was sent off in between for an elbow on Jack Stephens.
Javier Hernandez’s first two West Ham goals drew the 10 men level, only for Austin to secure victory from the spot after Maya Yoshida was fouled by Pablo Zabaleta.
Hal Robson-Kanu was hero and villain as West Bromwich Albion won 1-0 at Burnley.
The Wales striker came off the bench to score a 71st-minute winner, but was then sent off for leading with his arm in a challenge on Matthew Lowton.
Brazilian youngster Richarlison scored his first goal in English football and Etienne Capoue opened his account for the season as Watford claimed a deserved 2-0 win at Bournemouth.
President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock
President Muhammadu BuhariPresident Muhammadu Buhari on arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. AUG 19 2017.President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock with governors.President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock with governors.
President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock with governors.President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock with governors.
By Dirisu Yakubu ABUJA – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has felicitated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the latter’s return into the country from a long medical vacation in London.
In a statement issued Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the PDP expressed happiness over the return, saying the President would now resume duties to pilot the affairs of the Nigerian state.
“The PDP joins other Nigerians to welcome back the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari from his medical sojourn in London for over three months.
“The President departed Nigeria on 7th of May, 2017 for an ailment and returned today being August 19, 2017. We believe that Mr. President is healthier now to assume his responsibility at the helm of the Country’s affairs.
“We thank the Almighty for saving his life and pray that he grants him better health and understanding on how to rescue our poor economy and relieve Nigerians from the current hardship,” the statement read.
Residents of Jos, the Plateau capital have expressed happiness over the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from a medical vacation in London.
Newsmen report that Buhari, who traveled to London on May 7, returned to the country on Saturday.
Some of them, who spoke with our correspondent, thanked Almighty God for restoring the President's health, and promised continuous prayers for perfect healing.
Mr Philip Tella a civil servant, said that Buhari's return would douse tension following anxiety over his health status.
He urged the President to pay special attention to the nation's economy and initiate policies that would minimise the harsh effects of the current economic recession.
"We are happy that God answered our prayers and the President is back. We shall continue to pray to God to bless him with wisdom to address Nigeria's enormous challenges," he said.
Alhaji Ado Suleiman, a trader at the Jos Terminus Market, urged Nigerians to pray for God's guidance to the President in the task of moving the nation forward.
"The challenges are many, from security, economy to health. The President cannot deliver alone if we do not support him," he said.
Suleiman urged Buhari to pay special attention to the plight of poor Nigerians, noting that life had been "very tough for them".
Hajia Sawaba Bawa, an Irish potatoes seller in Bukuru, who screamed when she was told that the President had returned, urged Nigerians to continue to pray for him to enable him deliver on the difficult task of leading Nigeria to progress and prosperity.
"His return is a testimony to God's special love for Nigeria. We must pray to God to further strengthen him because his job is a difficult one that requires a lot of energy and commitment," he said.
Malam Nalado Alti, a herdsman resident in Mai-Adiko in the Rayfield area of Jos, told newsmen that Buhari's return had restored hope to him.
"I have been worried about Buhari's absence. At a point I lost hope. I am happy he is back to continue the work we elected him to do for us," he said.
By Bashir Bello KATSINA – As President Muhammadu Buhari returns back safely to Nigeria after a medical trip to the United Kingdom, UK, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State on Saturday said God has not failed Nigerians and friends of Nigerians across the globe. President Muhammadu Buhari on arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. AUG 19 2017.
The Governor who was reacting to the safe arrival of the President, said God has answered the prayers of Nigerians and friends of Nigerians by healing and returning President Buhari home in better health.
Governor Masari in a statement by his Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Abdu Labaran Malumfashi, congratulated and commended Nigerians for their steadfastness in prayers and moral support to the President while he was away.
The statement reads: “Above all, the Governor thanked God for bringing the President back to Nigeria hale and hearty, saying that God has answered the prayers of Nigerians and friends of Nigerians across the globe by healing and returning President Buhari home in better health.
“Governor Massri was “particularly thankful to and appreciative of Katsina State citizens, Muslim and Christians alike, for never relenting in their prayers, in Mosques and Churches, for the quick recovery of the President and his safe return to Nigeria”.
“The Governor disclosed that a week ago he had spoken with the President and the President had requested him to express his sincere appreciation to Nigerians for their prayers and moral support.
“Describing Nigerians as “wonderful people who have a very high degree of patriotism”, the Katsina State Governor urged for continued prayers to the nation and its leaders, saying that a society is only as good as its leaders,” the statement however reads.
At least 23 people were killed and dozens injured after an express train derailed in north India Saturday, officials said, as rescuers clambered across mangled carriages to pull passengers from the wreckage.
Emergency workers look for survivors on the wreckage of a train carriage after an express train derailed near the town of Khatauli in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on August 19, 2017. Ten people were killed and dozens injured when an express train derailed in north India on August 19, an official said.Emergency workers were pulling people out of mangled, upended carriages after 14 coaches derailed near Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh state, some 130 kilometres (80 miles) from New Delhi. / AFP PHOTO
Emergency workers and crowds of local people rushed to the site where 14 coaches derailed near Muzaffarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh state, some 130 kilometres (80 miles) from New Delhi, the latest deadly disaster on the country’s creaking rail network.
“Twenty-three people have died and 64 others are injured in the accident. Rescue and relief operations are continuing,” G S Priyadarshi, Muzaffarnagar district magistrate, said.
A police officer at the accident spot said 50 people had been taken to hospital.
Photographs and television footage showed twisted and upended coaches lying sideways as hundreds of people try to pull the passengers out.
“We are trying to take out the trapped people from the coaches,” senior police officer Jitender Kumar said.
Another official said metal cutters and cranes were being used to reach inside the damaged coaches as the federal government rushed dozens of rescuers with specialised equipment and sniffer dogs to the spot.
“Scores of people have been safely evacuated from the coaches. Some dead bodies have also been recovered,” fire and emergency officer Naresh Kumar said.
The train had left eastern Puri city on Thursday evening and was scheduled to arrive in northern Hindu holy city of Haridwar on Sunday.
The accident is the latest disaster to hit India’s most populous state. It comes just a week after dozens of children died at a hospital that had run out of oxygen there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet expressed sympathies with the families of those killed and assured all possible assistance.
India’s railway network is still the main form of long-distance travel in the vast country, but it is poorly funded and deadly accidents often occur.
Less than a year ago 146 people died in a similar disaster in Uttar Pradesh after 14 carriages of a passenger train came off the tracks.
More than 2,000 passengers were on the train when it flipped off the rails that left over 150 injured.
In January nearly 40 people were killed when eight coaches and the engine of a passenger train derailed in the forest area of southern Andra Pradesh.
A 2012 government report said almost 15,000 people were killed every year on India’s railways and described the loss of life as an annual “massacre”.
Modi’s government has pledged to invest $137 billion over five years to modernise the crumbling railways, making them safer, faster and more efficient.
His government has signed numerous deals with private companies to upgrade the network.
Japan has agreed to provide $12 billion in soft loans to build India’s first bullet train, with Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expected to lay its foundation in September.
The remains of the former Governor of Taraba, Danbaba Suntai was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown, Suntai in Bali Local Government Area of the state amidst tears and eulogies.
Newsmen report that a cross section of Nigerians, who were touched by the late governor's kind gesture and sterling leadership qualities, could not hold their tears as they gave their testimonies of his legacies.
One of them, Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba, described the late Suntai, as an epitome of humility with great sense of humour and passion for the development of the state.
CRASHED—The wreckage of the plane: Inset: Gov. Suntai and parts of the crashed plane.
Ishaku, however, thanked all Nigerians, especially those who stood by the late governor during his trying moment and in death.
He said that the love they showed him was a great source of strength to the family and the people of the state.
The governor urged Suntai's family to be consoled by the legacies and virtues of the late icon, who he said would be remembered by people for what he believed and stood for.
Earlier, Gov. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti, urged the people of Taraba to imbibe the virtues of Suntai.
Fayose said they should imbibe his virtues and continue to promote the good things he stood for while alive for the development of the state and country.
In his remarks, Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe said the late governor did well for the people of the state.
The President of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Most Rev. Musa Philibus, at the funeral service, enjoined Nigerians to live a life of service to humanity.
Philibus said that Nigerians should bear in mind that all must die to give account of their stewardship to God.
"There is glory and happiness in death when we live a life that pleases God.
"We should think about pleasing God rather thinking of how to bring others down in order to get to the top,'' he said.
Newsmen report that the funeral was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life, including Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau and the immediate past governor of Benue State, Dr. Gabriel Suswam.
Others were the First Executive Governor of Taraba, Rev. Jolly Nyame, the pioneer military governor of Taraba CP Ambrose Afolahan, representatives of the governors of Adawawa, Benue and Nasarawa as well as some National Assembly members among others.
The deceased, who was aged 55, died on June 28, in the USA where he was recuperating from treatment he sustained injuries when a private aircraft he was flying crashed on October 25, 2012 in Yola.
He was the governor of the state between 2007 and 2015.
Prof. Stella Okunna, the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, has called on the Nigerian Copyright Commission, to strictly enforce copyright laws and bring copyright violators to justice.
Okunna, spoke in Awka on Saturday at a creative forum, organised by Anambra State Broadcasting Service (ABS).
She said that creative people had put in enough brain work, finance and precious time to create their works of art, adding that anybody that tampers with their intellectual property should be severely punished.
She encouraged youths to get involved in creative art in order to showcase their various God given talents.
Okunna was a one-time Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism in Anambra.
A publisher, Mr Austine Onwubiko, who also spoke, urged the Copyright Commission to double its efforts in tackling copyright violations. He said that the activities of copyright violators discourage productivity in the creative industry.
Mr George Ezenwa, a public affairs analyst, said that the reason why copyright violation was still in the increase was due to negligence by the commission.
He said that if the commission should be on top of their duty and prosecute offenders, the crime would be reduced if not entirely eradicated.
A participant, Miss Mmeso-oma Chiadikaobim, said that she is a lover of creative work and would appreciate if the copyright offenders issues were addressed.
" I will not be happy to see my work in many shelves without my permission after I have spent a fortune in making them a reality,'' she said.
Responding, Mr Emeka Ogbonna of the Nigerian Copyright Commission, condemned the stealing of people's intellectual property. He urged schools and the general public to report copyright offenders to law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
Ogbonna commended Gov. Willie Obiano for recently inaugurating anti-piracy commission in the state, adding that it would boost the fight against piracy.
Daura Emirate Council in Katsina State, on Saturday said it would hold special prayers to thank God for the return of President Muhammadu Buhari from his medical vacation in London.
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, said in his palace that the special prayers was to also to seek God's grace for the well being of the nation.
Farouk pledged that the emirate council would continue to support the Buhari led administration in its crusade against corruption, efforts at enhancing national security and its promotion agriculture in the country.
He expressed confidence that the President would salvage the country and put it on the path of growth and development to effectively compete with advanced nations of the world.
Meanwhile, a unionist, Comrade Ibrahim Killi, has attributed the recovery and safe return of the President to the tremendous goodwill and prayers of well meaning patriotic Nigerians.
He expressed the belief that Buhari would aggressively pursue his agenda of reforming the country.
Killi advised Buhari to focus on the provision of infrastructure, rehabilitation of roads, refineries and improving power supply as well as human development.
Another resident, Alhaji Sani Zimbo, commended Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo for his loyalty and commitment to the unity of the country.
"We salute his courage and administrative acumen,'' he added.
Thousands of pro-President Muhammadu Buhari protesters on Saturday temporarily blocked the highway along the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja (NAIA) singing and dancing to welcome President Buhari from London.
Newsmen report that security personnel deployed to ensure smooth traffic flows along the highway abandoned their duty posts as they could not control the crowds, shouting "Sai Baba Buhari''.
Some of the pro-Buhari protesters were also heard casting and shouting unprintable words against Charles Oputa, otherwise known as Charly Boy, who led a protest movement calling on President Buhari to return home or resign.
Another set of the protesters also stormed the Supreme Court's gate of the Presidential Villa, begging the security personnel on duty to allow them enter the main premises of the Villa to welcome the President.
Newsmen report that President Buhari, who returned to Abuja on Saturday without his wife, Aisha, was received at the NAIA by the acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, six state governors, ministers and some presidential aides.
Newsmen reliably learnt that Aisha Buhari, who was with her husband in London during his medical vacation, would soon be returning to Nigeria.
Among those at the airport to welcome the president included members of the National Assembly, service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari as well as other presidential aides.
Others at the airports are the National Security Adviser to the President (NSA) Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno; the Director-General, Department of State Security (DSS), Alhaji Lawal Daura and other dignitaries from and within Abuja.
The President took a national salute from the Presidential Guards Brigade while cultural groups were also singing and dancing to welcome him back home.
The President, who has since retired into his official residence in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, is expected to speak to Nigerians in a broadcast on Monday at 7a.m.
A large crowd trooped out to welcome President Buhari back to Nigeria after he had been abroad for 103 days, from May 7 to August 10th, 2017. What do you say? Type your comments below:
In line with the calls by various stakeholders on the need to diversify the nation's mono-product economy, the Agriculture and Allied Employees Union of Nigeria (AAEUN), at a recent meeting of the forum's chairmen in Gwagwalada, has called on the Federal Government to increase the budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector to prove its commitment in making the sector the mainstay of the economy.
The Union commended the efforts of the Federal Government in re-positioning the Agricultural sector and urged government to approve and implement the payment of hazard allowances to agriculture and allied workers in the country as a matter of urgency.
The meeting which had representatives from across the federation, requested that the Union be given membership status by Nigeria Agricultural Council and Nigerian Water Resources Council for proper representation of workers' interests and aspirations.
They also stressed the need for synergy between the union and the Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and Environment as a way of enhancing their contribution to agricultural development in Nigeria.
The members used the opportunity to reiterate their support for the national leadership of the union under the presidency of Comrade Simon Achiever and called on all members to make the union the fulcrum of the agricultural sector.
