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
It was indeed a remarkable day on the 11 of March 2017, when Vanguard newspaper management invited distinguished personalities known for their achievement and contributions to the growth and development of humanity in Nigeria at Eko hotel Lagos state. An event that ushered in colossal statue conferral walking straight in with panache and aplomb to the hall. Bellow are some picture display of the event:
Chief Emeka Anyaoku (right) presenting Vanguard’s Governor of the Year Award to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State, represented by Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of the state and his wife, Oby.From left, Mr Frank Aigbogun, Publisher, Businessday newspaper; Mr Rotimi Oladele, President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR; Mrs Stella Sawyerr, Associate Editor, Tell Magazine and Mr Gbenga Ogunleye, Provost, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ.From left: Chief Amos Akingba, Mr Moshood Salvador, Mr Aramide Tola Noibi and Mr. Folu Koyi.From left, Mrs Tobi Odunaiya, Mr Irone Orugbo, Mr Sunny Aminaghan, and Mrs Chuko Aminaghan.From left, Pastor Kingsley Bayagbon and Mr Mideno Bayagbon, Publisher, The News Guru.From left: Senator Bassey Ewa, Chief Bode George and Dr. Asuquo Ekpeyong.Mr. Victor Etuokwu, Executive Director, Personal Banking Division (left) receiving Vanguard Banker of the Year 2016 on behave of Herbert Wigwe, GMD/CEO, Access Bank Plc from Dr Asuquo Ekpeyong.Mr Nduka Obaigbena,Publisher, Thisday Newspapers (right) presenting Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award 2016 to Alhaji Isa Funtua (left) while Aremo Olusegun Osoba looks on.Senator Florence Ita-Giwa (right) presenting Vanguard Governor of the year 2016 to Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State and his wife, Hajia Aishat.From left, Nwafor Adaeze; Yeye Rewane and Emmanuella Onochie.A cross section of ushers at the event.From left: Chief Joop Berkhout, Executive Chairman, Safari Books Ltd and Mr. Ernest Berkhout.From left, Thelma Osammor; Mrs Bridget Mayaki and Stephen Mayaki.Mr Emeka Oparah (left) and Chiekezie Dozie.From left, Dr Amos Akingba; Adegoke Salvador and Yinka OdumakinEdo cultural dancers.
There are strong indications that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is unrelenting in its move to ensure liquidity in the interbank foreign exchange (Forex) market, as it will inject more funds into market this week.
This is according to information gathered on Sunday in Abuja from market operators.
Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele
Confirming the proposed additional foreign exchange injection into the system, the acting Director, Corporate Communications of the CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor said the CBN was determined to sustain the provision of liquidity in the Forex market.
Okorafor cautioned dealers in foreign exchange not to engage in any unwholesome practice that could be detrimental to the smooth operations in the market.
He also warned that the CBN would impose heavy sanctions on any organisation involved in such acts.
The CBN had, as at last week, injected over 1.4billion dollars into the interbank Forex market for both wholesale and retail interventions.
Rivers United Manager, Stanley Eguma says the team will work out a strategy to tackle Sudanese club, Al-Merreikh in the second leg match of their CAF Champions League match.
United beat Al-Merreikh 3-0 in the first leg, first round CAF Champions League match played at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday.
Stanley Eguma
United`s striker, Guy Kuemain, scored twice in the 15th and 17th minutes while midfielder, Esosa Igbinoba scored the third goal in the 82nd minute.
Al-Merrieikh`s attacker, Bakri Babeechar, almost scored for his side in the 20th minute but his goal bound shot was saved by United`s keeper, Sunday Rotimi.
In the second half, Rotimi saved the situation for his side when he saved a pull-out from the right flank by Al-Merreikh`s Ramadan Ajarb.
Eguma said his team used the chances that came their way to score goals.
" We had fatigue in the second half because of the wears and tears of the league.
" We tried our best to see how we could score more goals. I think that three goals in a game is not a bad result.
The Manager said the team will be cautious in the return match in Sudan.
" We will fashion out a formation and strategy on how to see that we are cautious. While we try to get a spoiler goal, we will be very cautious not to concede goals.
" It's not yet over and we will take it from there," Eguma said.
Al-Merreikh Italian Manager, Diego Garzitto, said the weather and synthetic pitch affected his team.
"We are not used to playing in synthetic field and we play most of our matches in the night. The weather was not favourable to us," he said.
Garzitto said the team would work hard to cancel the three goals conceded against United.
Kelechi Osunwa, Nigerian Al-Merreikh striker, said the team played several matches before meeting United in the CAF Champions League match.
" Our players were tired having played in the Arab League and some domestic matches. We played eight games in three days before this match," he said.
Zambia beat Senegal 2-0 in the final on Sunday in Lusaka to be crowned champions of the Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Zambia 2017.
First half goals from Patson Daka and Edward Chilufya was all the Junior Chipolopolo needed to claim their first ever title in the history of the biennial competition.
Besides being the second Southern African country after Angola (in 2001) to be crowned champions, Zambia's feat makes them the fourth host to claim the ultimate after Morocco (1997), Ghana (1999) and Congo (2007).
Zambia was the only team in the competition to win all matches and they capped their campaign in grand style with the title in hand.
Zambia U20 team celebrate their 2-0 title win over Senegal
Watched by a full house at the 50,000-capacity Heroes National Stadium in the capital, Lusaka, including President of the country, Edgar Lungu, the Junior Chipolopolo ensured the fans left the stadium the happiest.
Senegal really tested the Zambians but their efforts were little enough to save them from a successive final defeat. 'Les Lionceaux' lost 0-1 to Nigeria in the 2015 final on home soil.
It was the Senegalese who started on a positive note and on seven minutes, Ibrahima Niane tested Zambia goalie Mangani Banda with a low shot, which Banda collected calmly.
On the quarter-hour mark, Fashion Sakala was gifted with Zambia's first major chance. He outwitted his marker but his angled shot missed target by inches.
Two minutes later, the stadium erupted as Daka gave the Junior Chipolopolo the lead capitalising on a blunder by Senegal goalie Lamine Sarr. Sarr failed to make a firm grab of Sakala's seemingly harmless shot and Daka who was lurking around slotted home to send the over 50,000 fans into a frenzy mood.
The goal brought out the best of 'Les Lionceaux' who stepped up their game in search of the equalizer. However, it was Zambia who managed to score on 34 minutes from yet another mistake by Sarr. The goalie in his bid to clear his lines saw his shot come off the body of Chilufya as the ball headed straight into his own net.
Senegal were the better team in the second half dominating in possession and pinning the Zambians to their half with Niane and Aliou Badji coming close a couple of times.
Midway, the host almost scored the third following a one-two between Enock Mwepu and Sakala that saw Daka at the receiving end. Daka lobbed past onrushing Sarr only for Senegal captain Mamadou Diarra to clear the ball off the line to his side's relief.
The final minutes saw the Zambians defence kept boiling following raids by the Senegal attack, however they held on to claim victory.
It is indeed a scrupulous act and abysmally a total violation of fundamental human right of people who by the colour of their skin tend to associate with a fellow country, perhaps calls each other brother, laying bare for a through partnership and international relationship was in-between the line caught up by anger and man inhumanity to man. Despite the friendly help rendered to South Africa by Nigeria counterpart during the apartheid period could not quench the razing fire flame of hatred that laid to a massive slaughtering of a good number of Nigerians in South Africa.
Xenophobic attack in South Africa
However this made the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) on Saturday 12 March 2017 to call on the attention of South African government to stop the xenophobic attacks being levelled on Nigerians in their country. This they said has claimed lives of many Nigerians living in the country.
MASSOB said most of the victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa were Igbo people.
Members of the Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) during their rally to mark the 17th anniversary of the movement, yesterday, in Awka, Anambra State.
Nazi Sunday Okereafor , the National Director of Information of MASSOB, made this call on Saturday, that the Federal Government was not compelling its South African counterpart to stop the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians, particularly Igbo people doing business in the area.
Okereafor claimed that one Emeka, who was a businessman in South Africa, was shot 25 times by a group of South African youths, adding that it was wrong for Africans to kill their brothers for no just cause.
He said, "Government has not shown enough commitment towards stopping these attacks; because Igbo people are more in population in South African" Federal government can stop this attack if they want to".
In last week's episode, Emeka, the University bass guitarist, was invited by his friend Gbenga to come and play for his fellowship at Oduduwa Hall. This week, as Emeka goes to play there, Evelyn, the virgin on campus, sees him for the first time…read on.
On the Saturday morning, Evelyn sang as she got dressed in her room, 'E'39, Moremi hall. She had just finished washing her clothes and was feeling happy that morning. Although she is naturally a peaceful girl, Evelyn did not always feel blissful as she was feeling today.
She took a neatly tailored navy blue skirt made of teasel and shrugged her curved slender hips into it. Evelyn was 26, a little above average in height with the complexion of a polished mahogany. She was slender, graceful, and one who made everyone who saw her agree that black was indeed beautiful.
She began to dress the massive strand of hair protruding from her forehead. Later, she put on a white, loose short-sleeved shirt rather meant for men. She liked to wear men's short-sleeved shirt and they fitted her perfectly. Evelyn had the taste of an artiste, and of course she was a student of English and literary studies. She was brilliant, and in her final year.
Finally she took a pair of well shined Italian brown sandals and eased her feet into them.
The small transistor radio on her bed began to play Tears Are Not Enough. Evelyn paused. She listened to the song for some time, then walked down to the bed and switched off the radio.
"Hee! Why now?" her roommate who had been enjoying the music protested.
Evelyn ignored her. That song always brings sad memories to her. The first time she heard it was five years ago when her father had died trying to save the life of another person.
She remembered now, that night when her father, a surgeon, had been called on the telephone in their house for an emergency case at the hospital. Few minutes after he had driven out, another doctor had come and told them that their father was dead. A trailer that lost control had crushed his car.
That was how her father died, leaving her, her elder brother, Phil, an engineer, and her mother, a Guidance and Counselling lecturer at the University of Benin. Her family came from Delta state, but they lived in Lagos.
Evelyn recalled how her tall father used to carry her high on the Bar Beach, while Phil trotted alongside them. She loved her father more than she loved any other person in the world. The blow of his tragic death had devastated her more than any other person in the family. Evelyn too was her father's favourite when he was alive.
She was already feeling sad. That song always did that to her each time he listened to it. Phil had played it continuously during and after his father's burial. Determined now not to allow anything to spoil the beautiful day for her, she began to sing Jesus Is Here Right Now.
"You look more beautiful in that dress, Sister Evelyn. I haven't seen you wearing that skirt before. Where are you going?" her roommate who had been lying on the bed asked her.
"Oh, a friend has invited me to a celebration in her fellowship at the Oduduwa hall and I'd like to invite you to come with me. I assure you, you are going to be blessed, Dupe."
"I would have loved to, Sister Evelyn, but my boyfriend will be visiting me this morning."
"Well, enjoy yourself, Dupe, Evelyn said without any trace of envy as she stepped out of the room. She knows the type of men her roommate befriends. They do not meet Evelyn's taste. Although she secretly yearns for a man, she knows the type of man she is going to submit herself to. A lot of men, both in and outside the Lord, had approached her concerning things like friendship and marriage, but they did not meet her requirements.
Not that she has a laid down qualities of the man she is going to marry, but she knows for certain that the man must be tall, handsome and of course, intelligent. He must be neat also. Nothing disgusts Evelyn more than a person, especially a man, who is slovenly.
She remembered how often her mother had told her: "My dear Evelyn, let me tell you. It's alright for you to make up your mind about the things you want in life. But when the time comes, you will discover that you can hardly get everything you had wished for.
"Your problem, my daughter," her mother would continue, "is that you have so rigidly made up your mind about the type of man you are going to marry – handsome, intelligent, strong, and a giant like your father. Well, there may be nothing wrong with that, but let me tell you something. You might never meet someone with all those attributes. A man with all your father's attributes might never even exist any longer."
The first time her mother had said those words, she had realized she had unconsciously been setting standards for men based on her late father's attributes. Thinking about it now she became certain that nothing less than those qualities in a man would satisfy her taste.
That part of her mother's speech about there not existing any longer, the type of man she would like to marry, frightens her sometimes, especially when she remembers that even Phil her brother, although handsome, is not as tall and brilliant as her father. But she has faith that God understands her problem, and will attend to it, and in due time. She is in her mid-twenties, and a woman ought to get settled around that age.
She passed through the white house and came to the road that runs across to the African Studies Building. She crossed over to the other side of the road, walking down to the Odudwa Hall.
The entrance by that side of the hall is fenced off with barbed wires, so she walked down to the other entrance facing the Students' Union Building (SUB).
When she was about ten meters to the entrance, a man in blue jeans jacket and trousers swaggered across the road between the SUB and Oduduwa Hall, going into the hall premises.
Evelyn entered, following closely behind the man. The SUB and Oduduwa Hall junction is always busy especially that Saturday morning. People darted across the SUB into the Oduduwa Hall and from the Oduduwa into the SUB, amidst motorists and motorcyclists.
Suddenly the man turned and began to walk towards Evelyn. Someone in a passing car had called out to him and pulled up by the roadside. As he swept past Evelyn she drew to one side of driveway, slightly shuddering.
The man is so tall. Evelyn turned round her eyes trying to take a second look and almost collided with an elderly woman. The woman caught her arms.
"Oh, sorry," Evelyn whispered nervously to the woman and hurried into the Oduduwa Hall.
The former aide to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Electronic Media, Pastor Reno Omokri has advised critics of the General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries Worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman, to stop spitting venom on the Apostle on Facebook since the infidelity accusation leveled against him whose veracity they are not sure of has not been proven.
Pastor Reno also assured the Apostle that come good, come bad, he would always stand by him.
“Some of you are here on facebook spitting venom on Apostle Johnson Suleman for an accusation whose veracity you are not sure of. I just read from a fellow on facebook who wrote a statement with a lot of ifs.”
“You are filled with ifs and yet you are making judgments? Rather than give the man the benefit of the doubt, you start casting aspersions and slurs. Do not wait until it happens to you before you know that there can be smoke without fire.”
Stephanie Otobo and Apostle Joshua Suleiman
“If you have too much bile and venom inside you, then unleash on corrupt politicians. But before you bury Apostle Suleiman, I will urge you to wait until he dies. Apostle Suleiman, I do not think you are guilty, but no matter the case, in good times and bad times I will stand by you!”
Recall that Apostle Suleman has since the last two weeks been accused by one Ms Stephanie Otobo of ditching her after having an amorous affair that led to her being pregnant and losing the baby.
Ms. Otobo, a Canada-based stripper has equally accused Apostle Suleman of promising to marry her but later failed to keep his words.
However, Ms. Otobo was arrested and later granted bail after filing a N500 million naira suit against the pastor.
Although Apostle Suleman has denied ever having anything to do with the lady except the possibility of helping her just like he does to numerous others in need, the alleged scandal won’t die off the media as claims and counter-claims from both sides have kept on coming.
Even the wife of Apostle Suleman, Dr. Lizzy Suleman has in a video said she knows her husband is not a cheat.
She said this when so many pictures kept flooding the social media wherein it was alleged that the pastor was having an amorous relationship with the lady.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has declared fasting and prayers for three days to restore peace and harmony to Ile-Ife.
Oba Ogunwusi made the declaration through his Deputy, Oba Idowu Adediwura, the Obalufe of Ife kingdom, on Sunday in Ile-Ife, Oyo State.
Adediwura said that the monarch, who travelled to London on Saturday, sent him to deliver the message.
Ooni of Ife,
According to him, the fasting and prayers will hold from Monday, March 13 to Wednesday, March 15.
The Ooni, who said he believed that "with God, all things are possible", noted that "one tree cannot make a forest" and urged his subjects to eschew violence.
He also appealed to all indigenes and non-indigenes in Ile-Ife to cooperate with him to restore peace to the land.
"Ife is the cradle of Yoruba, Niger Deltans, Urobos and other tribes that live in Ile-Ife and in the diaspora; we are all Nigerians and should not forget our origin," Adediwura quoted the Ooni as saying.
By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJA-President Muhammadu Buhari will tomorrow write the leaderships of the two chambers of the National Assembly to formally notify them of his return to the country from London, United Kingdom.
Also, the President will resume his official duties.
PRESIDENT BUHARI RETURNS
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina confirmed the resumption on Sunday when Vanguard contacted him on the issue.
He had twitted last Friday of the development.
“PMB will Monday transmit letter to N’Assembly on his return to the country. That makes his return to work formal, and constitutional,” he twitted
It will be recall that President Buhari on January 19 transmitted a letter to the National Assembly informing them of his 10 days vacation in London.
He also transmitted the powers of his office to his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo according to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The President however failed to return after the 10 days which elapsed on February 6.
He later wrote another letter to the Parliament, extending his leave, informing them of his doctors’ advise to stay put abroad and run a series of medical tests.
The extension was indefinite as no date of his return was given.
The President however returned to the country last week Friday after spending 51 days in the United Kingdom to attend to his health.
Meanwhile, Adesina has denied knowledge of an impending cabinet reshuffling.
The same was the case with the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu.
Both men who spoke to Vanguard on the phone Sunday evening said they were not in the picture of any cabinet changes.
While Adesina responded thus: “The President has not discussed that with me. I report what he says’, Shehu said “I am not aware of that”.
HEROD was a Jew and not an atheist. However, when Wise Men came looking for little Jesus, he inquired of the chief priests and the scribes where the Messiah would be born. He was told it would be in Bethlehem, according to the scriptures. Herod believed. Nevertheless, determined to frustrate the will of God, he ordered all young male children in Bethlehem to be killed. Herod's days became numbered.
Jonah was a prophet of God. But when God told him to call the people of Nineveh to repentance, Jonah would have none of that. He did not just refuse to go to Nineveh; he decided to go in precisely the opposite direction. He took a ship headed for Tarshish. He ended up in the belly of a fish.
My will be done
Many of the difficulties and problems of a believer are those he brings on himself. When he gets bogged down, it is because he is not relying on the resurrection power of Jesus. We are not called to walk in the light of our conscience. We are specifically enjoined not to lean on our own understanding. We are called to walk in the light of the word of God.
When we do anything from reason or from a sense of duty, we can always back it up by argument. But when we do anything by obedience to the Lord, there is no argument possible. That is why true believers are easily subject to ridicule. When a Christian walks in obedience to God, he is often a fool for Christ.
James says: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4).
But because we do not know what the word of God says, or because we do not believe what it says, we despair when we fall into temptations. Some even jump to the ridiculous conclusion that God does not love them anymore.
Rejoicing in the word
When the disciples of Jesus were arrested by the Jewish Council and flogged for preaching Jesus, they departed from their persecutors rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of the Lord. (Acts 5:41 ). Jesus had fore-warned them that: "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12).
The disciples rejoiced because the word of God tells them to do so. We should also rejoice in similar circumstances today because the law, the prophets and the epistles tell us to do so. Thus James says: "My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord- that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful." (James 5:10-11).
For every temptation Jesus has an answer: "it is written." We cannot resist the devil successfully unless we know what is written. Eve was deceived because she did not know the word of God. The devil told her God does not want her to be like God. But the word of God would be written saying: "you are Gods and all of you are children of the most high." It would also be written: "His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by glory and virtue." (2 Peter 1:3).
The devil told Eve if she ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil she would surely not die. But it would be written: "the soul who sins shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4). Poor Adam and Eve, they did not have the scriptures. But the word of God exists and has always existed and will always exist. (Remember this: Jesus is the word of God).
Resisting the devil
Realising that Jesus knew what is written, the devil tried to distort the scriptures by saying to him: "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give his angels charge over you,' and, 'in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.'" (Matthew 4:6). But Jesus had a ready answer: "It is written again, 'you shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" (Matthew 4:7).
God does not want his children to be ignorant; therefore he tells us vital things beforehand. In this life, some people are going to die, some are going to fail, some are going to be broke, some are going to be divorced, and some are going to be raped. What about you? What is going to happen to you?
Only the things written in the book of life will happen to a believer. Indeed, some will die, but believers will not. It is written: "whoever lives and believes in Jesus Christ shall never die." (John 11:26). The names of those appointed to death are written in the book of death. But the believer's name is written in the book of life. It is written in the book of the abundant life: ""God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Thessalonians 5:9).
Only the purpose that God has purposed will take place in the life of the believer. How do you know the purpose that is purposed? It is written. Theophilus, (lover of God) your life is following a script written by the most High. You are pre-destined to glory.
Catch the revelation. God does everything by the book. He does everything by the word. Who is the word? Jesus. In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God and the word was God. All things were made by him and without him was not made anything that was made.
God made everything by the word. That is why God fulfils every promise by the word. God fulfils every promise by the book. Every promise of God is fulfilled in Christ and by Christ.
Kings and king of kings
King Ahaseurus could not sleep. What does a king do when he cannot sleep? He reads the scriptures. Who is a king? A king, of course, is the believer. So King Ahaseurus says: "bring me the book." "Bring me the book of the records of the chronicles."
King Ahaseurus is a king in the Old Testament. He is the shadow of the substance of the King of Kings, King Jesus. King Ahaseurus says: "Bring me the book of the records of the chronicles." King Jesus says: "bring me the book of life." And what does he find in the book? It is written about you: "This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased."
That is the portion of the believer, in the name of Jesus.
A landslide at a landfill in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa has killed at least 46 people and leaving several dozen missing, spokeswoman in the mayor's office said on Sunday.
The accident at the large garbage disposal area occurred on Saturday, burying makeshift houses and concrete buildings.
The initial death toll was reported at 35, with 37 people missing, but rescue workers recovered more bodies in the rubble, Spokeswoman Dagmawit Moges said, adding that 32 of the victims were women.
"We expect to discover more bodies but we foresee a decline in the number as most of the excavations are being completed," said Moges, head of the city's communications department.
"The number of people missing was still unclear", she said.
Most of the injured were treated for minor wounds and quickly discharged from hospital. Two people were seriously injured and remain hospitalized under intensive care.
"All my brothers and sisters were rescued but my mother is not answering her phone – she could still be inside that rubble," said Ruth Tadesee, who lives on the landfill with her family.
Known as Koshe, the Amharic word for "dirty," the landfill has been used as a dumping ground by Addis Ababa residents for more than 50 years.
Some have blamed recent political unrest for unsafe conditions there.
The city plans to relocate people living near and around the waste site as a result of the accident, Addis Ababa mayor Diriba Kuma said on Sunday.
City officials stopped using the landfill several years ago, but were recently forced to resume dumping at the site after farmers living in a politically restive region blocked entry to a newly built landfill.
Anti-government protests have rocked Ethiopia since 2015, particularly in the Oromia region, which includes Addis Ababa.
Protesters from the Oromo ethnic group say they feel excluded from political and economic power.
Security operatives and members of Civilian JTF volunteer group have intercepted a pregnant suicide bomber and another woman in Borno State.
The two female suicide bombers were subdued when they refused to surrender and attempted to attack a security post.
A statement by the spokesman of the Police Command in Borno, Victor Isuku, confirmed that the bombers were shot when they attempted to enter Maiduguri through the Umarari in Molai, near Damboa road.
"On Saturday at about 20:45hrs, two female suspected suicide bombers, of about 18 years of age, attempted to enter Maiduguri through Umarari in Molai General Area which is about 9 Kilometres to the township.
"They were sighted by local vigilantes- the Civilian JTF- and consequently shot dead by security personnel on duty at the area,'' it said. The incident occurred in Ummarari village along Mulai axis of Maiduguri Damboa road at the outskirts of Maiduguri.
The pregnant suicide bomber and her accomplice being evacuated.
The spokesperson of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in North-East, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said that the rescue workers have evacuated the bodies of the suicide bombers.
"When we got the alert on the incident, the NEMA emergency workers in collaboration with other stakeholders moved to the scene and evacuated the bodies," Ibrahim stated.
"The police Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team was mobilised to the scene to render the unexploded improvised explosive device safe, while normalcy has been restored to the area,'' the police said.
A civilian member of the JTF was injured during the incident.
The President blames bad vibes and even ghosts for driving him from his sumptuous official residence in the villa.
A Brazilian news weekly reported that Brazil's President Michel Temer surprised Brazilian politics watchers this week with the revelation that he has decamped from the Alvorada Palace in the capital Brasilia.
He moved with his former beauty queen wife and their seven-year-old son down the road to the smaller vice presidential residence.
The modernist Alvorada, which means Dawn and was designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, would be a dream home for many.
It has a huge pool, football field, chapel, medical centre and vast lawn.
Michel Temer, Brazil's new President
But Temer, 76, and his 33-year-old wife Marcela, find the cavernous, glass-fronted building spooky.
"I felt something strange there. I wasn't able to sleep right from the first night. ` "The energy wasn't good," Temer was quoted as saying by Veja.
"Marcela felt the same thing. Only (their son) Michelzinho, who went running from one end to the other, liked it."
"We even started to wonder: could there be ghosts?" he reportedly quipped to Veja.
According to a report in Globo newspaper, Marcela Temer brought in a priest to attempt to drive out any evil spirits, but to no avail.
The Temers then moved to the still luxurious but smaller Jaburu Palace nearby.
Temer knows it well: this was his residence when he served as vice president until last year when then president Dilma Rousseff was impeached for breaking budget accounting laws.
That automatically put Temer in the top job and in the Alvorada. No one filled his vacant vice presidential post, however, meaning he can now take his pick of palaces.
The house moving comes in the middle of a severe political crisis for Brazil, with many of Temer's allies face potential corruption probes.
The president himself is battling a case in the electoral court where he is accused of having benefited from illegal donations when he and Rousseff ran together in 2014.
By Simon Ebegbulem, Gabriel Enogholose & Gbenga Oke
Mr. Sam Ogbemudia Jr, the first son of the two-time ex-governor of defunct Midwest and Bendel States, Brigadier General Samuel Ogbemudia, retd, who died on Friday at the age of 84 has moan that his father had prepared his grave beside his ,Ogbemudia, late mother's grave, who died in 1968 before he died.
The revered leader of the both states which were later split into Edo and Delta States, died at a private hospital in Lagos shortly before midnight on Thursday.
Journalists recall that the statesman was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, in November 2016 where he was later transferred to Lagos for treatment.
Dr Ogbemudia
It was reliably learnt that the deceased had battled diabetes and High blood Pressure since 1970. These, eventually led to the partial stroke he suffered late last year. The news of Ogbemudia's demise shocked Edo residents, who woke up to read it on the social media. Family members and friends thronged his Ihieya residence in Benin City to express sympathy.
Mr. Sam Ogbemudia Jr said he would miss everything about his father.
He said:"My father represents everything to me right from my child hood days. I don't know what to say. It is devastating. I learnt so much from him. He was a wonderful man. I will miss everything about him. I, and other persons, who have come in contact with him, have all learnt a great deal from him. He was a father, not just to his children, but to all. He was a great man.
"He prepared his grave years ago because he said he will like to be buried beside the grave of his late mother. The family will need to meet and discuss including the government of both Edo and Delta states. Our governor, Obaseki has been wonderful, he has been duly informed. It is sad but we thank God for the life of my father".
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari , Senate President, Sen Bukola Saraki; Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State; immediate past governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; Delta State governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa; former governor of Edo State, Prof Oserheimen Osunbor; former Senate President, Sen David Mark; former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Speaker of Edo state House of Assembly, Justin Okonobor; and former Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Rowland Owie reacted to Ogbemudia's demise. Others included ex-governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbenedion; former governor of Delta State. Chief James Ibori, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rev. Peter Obada, former Minister of Transport , Chief Ebenezer Babatope and Chief Chris Ogiemwonyi among others.
Ogbemudia would be remembered for his service to people – Buhari
President Buhari in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity said the deceased diligently served the country.
The statement said: '' The President believes that the late Ogbemudia, who had a distinguished career as a military officer, administrator and Federal Minister, has left an impressive legacy of hardwork, discipline and commitment to communal, state, regional and national development."
We will take solace in his legacies—Obaseki
Obaseki said: "It is with sadness but glory to God Almighty that the Government of Edo State announces the death, in the early hours of today, of Brigadier General (retd) Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia. As we mourn our great leader and father, we take solace in the legacies he bequeathed Edo State and indeed Nigeria. As a mark of honour, I hereby declare seven days of mourning commencing from today."
He left footprints in Edo, Delta—Oshionhole
Oshiomhole said: "He is a man that the future generation will remember for the solid foundation he laid for our state. Even as a military governor, his footprints can be found in every Local Government Area across the three Senatorial districts of the state and other parts of Delta State."
Ogbemudia was a dynamic administrator—Saraki
Saraki, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described Ogbemudia's death as a huge loss to the country.
He noted that Ogbemudia was a dynamic administrator, focused gentleman and a leader par excellence, who served his country and people meritoriously.
He was a political colossus—Okowa
Okowa described Ogbemudia as a quintessential Army General, adroit and sagacious administrator, elder statesman, an astute politician and patriot, who stamped his footprints in the sands of time by touching the lives of Nigerians, particularly the people of Edo and Delta states.
He cared for welfare of citizens—Uduaghan
Uduaghan said: "He was a father figure at times of crisis. His advice and admonitions were valuable. Of course, one tried to emulate him in so many ways. Pa Ogbemudia made indelible marks in the old Bendel State. We are forever grateful to him for his giant strides in helping to lay the foundation for the even development of our good, old Midwest State. As a military and later civilian governor, he left no one in doubt that he was an astute administrator, who exhibited the kind of courage only leaders who crave the welfare of citizens have. I am personally grieved by his death, I will miss him."
On his part, Senator Owie, said: "I never knew death will come so quickly. When you talk about greatness, he earned his own kind of greatness. It will be difficult to have another Ogbemudia."
Ogbemudia enhanced quality of life in Bendel State —Ibori
He said: "Ogbemudia turned Bendel into a super-state with intra-city modern bus service, first class education system that led other states in sports and examinations. The Bendel school system was serviced by its own central book acquisition centre, the Bendel Book Depot, and Ethiope Publishing Company and a Bendel Library whose trailers and boats went round the state twice a month taking books to borrowers in even the remotest parts of the state. By 1970, Ogbemudia's administration provided television viewing centres in remote villages, powered by small generators.
In fact anything that enhanced the quality of life of the people of Bendel, was a priority to Ogbemudia who introduced the Bendel Line with Mercedes Benz buses and cars and both male and female drivers to ferry Bendelites to and from major cities across Nigeria. Within Bendel itself, a fleet of Hino buses provided a luxury inter-city transport service across the state while equally top-class boats serviced the riverine areas."
Brigadier General Samuel Ogbemudia was a shining example of impactful governance whose positive legacies have been a reference point for his successors in office. His simplicity was reflected in the fact that despite being governor for close to eight years, he hardly lived in Government House, preferring the simplicity of his personal residence. The only time he slept in Government House was when he played host to the then Sultan of Sokoto, Sadiq III.
The foundation of the excellence that Ogbemudia projected in office perhaps arose from the finest tradition of the military discipline. He was an accomplished gentleman officer who by applying discipline to his military and civilian duties caused excellence to shine on whatever he did.
Ogbemudia joined the army in 1957 and subsequently attended the officer's course at Aldershot, England and was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1961.
Following military missions in Congo and then Tanzania he was posted to the faculty of the Nigeria Military School, Zaria in 1964. It was probably there that he met one young recruit named Sanni Abacha who saved his life few years later. As chief inspector, at NMS, Abacha had impressed Ogbemudia with his marksmanship.
In 1966 after he was appointed brigade-major at the 1st Infantry Brigade, Kaduna Ogbemudia had locked up one Lt. Sukar Bukar Dimka on the suspicion of plotting a coup. That particular incident also saved his life exactly ten years later when Dimka led the coup that killed Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
Given insinuations that Ogbemudia was involved in that coup, Dimka confessed to military interrogators that he could not have informed Ogbemudia given his earlier brushes with him ten years earlier when he, Ogbemudia locked him up on the suspicion of plotting a coup.
*Ogbemudia
Just as the pogrom in the North started in 1966, Abacha had called on Ogbemudia's residence in Kaduna and insisted that he leave the north immediately. Abacha with a land rover with some soldiers escorted Ogbemudia who drove with his wife and children in a new Opel till they reached Ilorin following which Abacha returned to Kaduna. On reaching Benin he soon found himself leading the task of liberating the Midwest region from Biafran forces.
His role in liberating the Midwest from Biafran forces reflected military tact and originality. Given the lack of trust in Midwest officers by those in control of the armoury in Kaduna, Ogbemudia after one hazardous journey to Kaduna with a DC 3 plane lamented that he was given only 30 rifles to fight the Biafrans. One strategy he employed was to use Midwest girls to steal weapons from amorous Biafran forces, a strategy that so much succeeded and contributed greatly to the defeat of the occupation army.
By September 1967, he was appointed military governor of Midwest State and his qualities as a good leader then only known in the military came to fore. Given the division among the different ethnic groups in the Midwest, Ogbemudia's first priority was to forge unity among the civilian population and this he did through sports. This eventually helped in placing the Midwest as the top sporting state in the country. The Afuze Games Village was constructed as a way of preparing Midwesterners for endurance sports.
Ogbe Stadium with its Olympic size swimming pool and tennis courts were legacies that became examples for some other states subsequently.
Many successful people from the former Midwest Region who failed in the conventional education system resorted to the remedial education programmes adopted by the Ogbemudia regime making use of the Institute of Continuing Education, ICE. The Observer Newspaper, established by Ogbemudia was a training ground for many of Nigeria's successful newspaper men and women. The present NTA, Benin which was first established as Midwest Television, MTV had grounds bigger and facilities better than many of its contemporaries that prepared the station to be among the first to transmit colour in Africa.
In the Second Republic, a desperate attempt by the National Party of Nigeria, NPN to take over the state then rechristened Bendel made the NPN strategists led by Chief Tony Anenih to lure Ogbemudia into partisan politics in 1982. He won the governorship election in 1983 but stayed only three months in office before the Muhammadu Buhari coup truncated that effort. His alliance with Anenih in the Fourth Republic politics was, however, less successful.
He was also at one time chairman of the National Sports Commission, and minister of labour during which time he sufficiently managed the one time boisterous labour leader, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
Ogbemudia celebrated for his glorious record in statecraft through various stages in public office died last Thursday. He was aged 84.
Barcelona suffered a hangover from their remarkable Champions League comeback against Paris Saint-Germain as Alex Bergantinos’s winner 16 minutes from time handed Deportivo la Coruna a famous 2-1 win on Sunday.
Joselu had fired Deportivo into a first-half lead before Luis Suarez levelled in the first minute of the second period.
However, Bergantinos rose highest from a corner to seal Deportivo’s first victory over Barcelona since 2008.
Barca still lead Real Madrid by one point at the top of La Liga, but the European champions now have two games in hand and can go top with victory over Real Betis later on Sunday.
Deportivo La Coruna’s midfielder Alex Bergantinos (L) vies with Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi during the Spanish league football match RC Deportivo de la Coruna vs FC Barcelona at the Municipal de Riazor stadium in La Coruna on March 12, 2017. / AFP PHOTO
Barcelona boss Luis Enrique made five changes from the side that beat PSG 6-1 on Wednesday to produce the biggest comeback in Champions League history from a 4-0 first leg deficit.
Two-goal hero in midweek Neymar was one of those to miss out due to an abductor injury.
However, Barca still had plenty of firepower available with Suarez alongside Lionel Messi up front and Suarez had the first big chance when he headed straight at German Lux.
It took Deportivo 40 minutes to force Marc-Andre ter Stegen into a serious save as the German leapt to his left to brilliantly turn Joselu’s volley behind.
However, from the resulting corner Ter Stegen was found wanting as he spilled Javier Mascherano’s miscued clearance and Joselu was on hand to smash into an unguarded net.
Barca got off to a flyer in the second-half as Suarez lashed home a loose ball inside the area to equalise just a minute after the restart.
Enrique turned to Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic for a winner in the final half hour as Arda Turan and Andre Gomes were sacrificed.
But Barca found it difficult to create clear-cut chances against the mass ranks of Deportivo defence, whilst the hosts were always a threat on the break.
Joselu fired a sweetly hit volley straight down Ter Stegen’s throat.
Alejandro Arribas then saw his header come back off the post, but once again having survived the initial threat, Barcelona conceded from the resulting corner.
This time Bergantinos got above Jordi Alba to head into the bottom corner at the far post.
Lux made a great save to deny Suarez a second equaliser, but Deportivo held out to give their hopes of survival a huge boost as they move eight points clear of the bottom three and up to 15th.
And Pepe Mel’s men should even have capped their victory with a third goal as Ter Stegen denied Faycal Fajr deep into stoppage time before Jordi Alba cleared the Moroccan’s follow-up effort off the line.
France , a former friend of Biafra in the 1967 secession bid, has ruled out any support for the secession of any part of the country, particularly Biafra.
France's Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Gauer, told newsmen that his country would not in anyway work with any group agitating for the dismemberment of the nation.
He said France was working with Nigeria and supporting it as a country.
Speaking against the backdrop of France's previous support for Biafra during Nigeria's civil war, Gauer pointed out that Nigeria has evolved since the civil war.
France has been cooperating with the country to overcome its challenges, especially the fight against insurgency.
But in reaction, MASSOB said the opinion of Gauer does not represent that of France and as such, would not be taken as truth.
Members of the Movement for the Survival of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) during their rally to mark the 17th anniversary of the movement, yesterday, in Awka, Anambra State.
Leader of the Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu told pressmen that the struggle for Biafra "is real and cannot be stopped by any man created by God"
"We in MASSOB do not believe what he said because that does not represent the position of France. France is a friend of Biafra and even during the Nigeria/Biafra war, they assisted us so much."
"In this current agitation for Biafra, France has sympathy for us. We advise our people to disregard what he said. We think that the Nigerian media misinterpreted what the French envoy said.
But the French envoy further pointed out that there is no future for Biafra and urged proponents of secession or Biafra to continue to be part of Nigeria.
"We are working with Nigeria and we are supporting it as the only country. This is absolutely clear and I don't think there is any kind of future for Biafra. They are part of Nigeria and Nigeria has to remain as the only country," he said.
He disclosed that France is working with the country in its fight against insurgency, saying the fight against Boko Haram has brought the two countries together, more than before.
The Ambassador explained how France helped the former Goodluck Jonathan's government to organise a regional meeting with neighbouring Francophone countries, Chad Cameroon and Republic of Benin, in Paris, in 2014, following which the Multinational Joint Task Force, MJTF was established to fight Boko Haram.
"Apart from encouraging neighbouring African countries to cooperate with Nigeria, we have also developed a strong bilateral relationship with the Nigerian Armed forces.
In May 2015, the Defence Ministers of Nigeria and France signed a first-ever cooperation agreement between the two armed forces.
Also, Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, recently warned those agitating for an independent state to "forget it."
The groups are Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
Though they have the same aim, they are rival groups; and have consistently clashed with themselves and security agents.
Speaking in Abuja after receiving an award conferred on him by a coalition of over 80 civil society organisations (CSOs), Buratai said the army would not condone any act that could lead to the disintegration of the country.
"Those individuals and groups that are bent on destablising our country I think they have to wait till may be the next three or four millennium for them to do that. That is, may be the next generation of officers and men will allow them at all," he said.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State had inaugurated Fadama III, that would provide additional financial intervention for the year 2016/2017 dry-season farming in the state.
The event, which held at Kurfi Village of Kware Local Government Area, would cover the 23 local government councils at a cost of N1.56 billion.
This is contained in a statement signed by Imam Imam, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media and Public Affairs, and issued to newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday.
Sokoto state Governor, Tambuwal
Imam said that the programme was aimed at distributing agricultural inputs equipment, agro-chemicals and other farm tools to 90 production clusters, comprising 611 production groups across the crops value chain of rice, sorghum and tomato.
Imam said that Tambuwal promised the citizens that his administration would continue to provide support to the farmers through the provision of subsidized agricultural inputs and equipment.
"We are going to provide enough fertilizer, seedlings, herbicide and pesticide.
"Similarly, farm implements like water pumps and sprayers will be distributed to farmers at little or no cost to enable them deploy modern farming techniques in their farmlands," Imam quoted the governor as saying.
The governor was also quoted as saying that the government would continue to undertake people-oriented programmes aimed at supporting the entrepreneurship drive of the people.
According to him, "Sokoto government has also gone into various partnerships with both national and international partners.
" This is for the conception and implementation of projects and programmes that will have direct bearing on the socio-economic lives of the people."
He expressed the appreciation of the state government to the development partners, especially the World Bank, for supporting the state to achieve various development feats.
Tambuwal, who said that the World Bank had been providing project grants to the state project office through the National Project Office, urged beneficiary-farmers to utilise them for the intended purposes.
Also Imam quoted the State Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Umaru Nagwari, as saying that the state government had provided necessary support for the implementation of the project in the state.
Miss Favour Njikonye, 17, has emerged winner of the "2017 Delta Icon Talent Search Show'', sponsored by Blue House Entertainment industry.
The programme was held on Sunday at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Junior Staff Club in Warri.
Njikonye, a graduate of Challenge International School, Kolokolo in Delta, defeated nine other contestants in the grand finale of the keenly contested competition.
According to the organiser, Mr Mine Dafiaghor, the winner will smile home with N300, 000 prize and a contract with a music producer in Lagos.
Dafiaghor, who resides in the U.S., said the contract period would enable the sponsors to prepare a visa for the winner to travel to Chicago to take part in a global career event.
"I want to come home and start making a difference and I want to effect the change through entertainment, starting from my home state, Delta.
"The whole idea started two years ago and this has given me the opportunity to actualise the idea at a time when there is high demand for Nigeria's culture in America.
"We have a show that is all about African Festivals for the winner and sponsors; after completing the project, they will come back to Nigeria," he said.
The 21-year-old Dafiaghor, who is also a university undergraduate in Chicago, said Nigeria was blessed with both natural and human resources.
"We have the best people in Nigeria and I am happy to be here because it gives me a sense of identity," he said.
Dafiaghor appealed to wealthy Nigerians to help the less privileged in the country to fast track national development
Mr Ayo Teriba, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Associates, says he is optimistic that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will be able to sustain its intervention on the foreign exchange (Forex) market.
Teriba told newsmen on Sunday in Abuja that increase in oil production and high oil prices had increased the foreign reserve base of the country.
"We are back to a situation where the Forex at the disposal of the CBN is likely to go up.
"The CBN could not intervene in the Forex market in 2016 because of low oil production, prices and because foreign reserves were also low.
"Today, oil price is up, reserves have also gone up, the outlook of the oil prices is stable and production in Nigeria is going back to capacity; so it has the capacity to intervene.
"In a couple of months, the apex bank should be able to meet all of the demands and all the multiple exchange rates will converge."
The CBN recently injected 100million dollars into the interbank foreign exchange market as a measure to ease Forex accessibility, thereby crashing demand in the black market.
The measure was also to fund commercial banks with enough Forex to cater for the demand by customers and to meet basic travelling allowance, medicals and tuition fees.
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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.
