A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on Friday, announced the appointment of Mr Olusegun Adekunle as the Alternate Chairman of the Economic Commission Board.
OPEC made the announcement in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by Mr Idang Alibi, Director Press Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Alibi said: "In a welcome development, OPEC announced the appointment of Nigeria's Mr Olusegun Adekunle as the Alternate Chairman of the 127th OPEC Economic Commission Board.
Dr Ibe Kachikwu expressed delight at the development while congratulating Adekunle and urging him to continue to work hard to justify the appointment and make Nigeria proud.''
Adekunle was before this appointment Nigeria's representative to the organisation.
The Commission is saddled with the responsibility of writing reports and making recommendations to the Conference of OPEC Oil Ministers on oil prices and other economic issues.
It also assists OPEC in promoting stability in international oil prices at equitable levels.
The Police in Winnebago County, Wisconsin in the United States have begun a manhunt for thieves who stole a Nigerian goat.
This is not a SeyiLaw joke!. It is true!.
The riddle the police are trying to crack is: Who would steal a goat named Cinnamon?
Winnebago County Sheriff's Office is now in search of the answer after the Nigerian Dwarf goat was stolen from the Town of Poygan, which has a very small population of just over a 1000 people, with 397 households, and 308 families, according to the census figures available.
Cinnamon's owners say the goat was taken on May 25, and they are hoping for her safe return.
The missing Nigerian goat
The Sheriff's Office in a Facebook post says Cinnamon is under a vet's care and needs medication.
The Facebook post has attracted many comments, with one saying:" who the hell steals a goat?"
Anyone with information should call the Winnebago County Sheriff's Office at +1-920-236-7300.
LAGOS—Zaria Mimano Foundation, a non-profit organization, has kicked off a nation-wide campaign to help indigent patients in hospitals, which have since started with National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.
The foundation which offers relief to the needy, has reached out to five-year-old, Adegboye Daniel an accident victim whose parents could not pay his medical bills.
Showing appreciation to the foundation, Medical Director, Dr O.O Odunbi, through B.A Ayidina, thanked the foundation for offsetting Daniel's bill which his parents had tried to pay to no avail.
Speaking in Lagos on the work of the foundation, Zaria Mimano, said; "Zaria Mimano Foundation pays outstanding fees for patients that have been kept after discharge due to their inability to pay for treatment. However, the foundation requires that patient cases be genuine with no financial means to pay. The foundation takes care of the rest and the doctors can focus on helping others.
"Our Foundations offers many services and relief for the needy and one of those services is to free those in hospitals caught up in unexpected debt they cannot pay. Zaria Mimano Foundation pays outstanding dues and the patients walk away free from debt and ready to focus on their health. No strings attached."
Crystal Palace F.C. has agreed a five year contract extension with homegrown star Wilfried Zaha, securing the winger’s long term future with the club.
Wilfred Zaha
Zaha has been awarded Palace’s Player of the Season for the past two campaigns, and was instrumental in securing the club’s fifth consecutive season in the Premier League.
The Ivory Coast international has made 258 appearances for the Eagles over two spells with the club, scoring 34 goals.
Zaha said, “Palace is in my heart and I don’t think the story is over. I spoke with Steve and I think I still have more to give this Club. The supporters have been amazing and I want us to do more than just stay in the League next year. I would like to thank the Chairman for being a big part of my journey and his fellow owners for backing me and rewarding my progression. Let’s do this!”
Commenting on the news, Chairman Steve Parish said, “Wilf has been with the club since he was 8 years old and in the first team from the day I arrived. He is our talisman and someone that week in week out gives everything for the Red and Blue. I’m delighted he has committed his future to us and look forward to climbing up the table with him next year.”
I believe that it is not only the height of naivety but also deeply insulting to say that the way to stop the Biafran agitation is to offer the Igbo cake.
Quite apart from that I find it curious, incredulous and somewhat patronising that those behind the “Biafra at 50” event, which took place at the Yar’adua Centre in Abuja today, would think it appropiate to invite the leaders and representatives of a government that is committing genocide against the Igbo and IPOB members on a daily basis to their programme.
They talk peace and reconciliation but can there really be peace and reconciliation without restitution and justice?
You can say anything and rationalise it in any manner that you deem fit but the reality is that 1 million innocent igbo children were purposely starved to death in the civil war and 2 million igbos were killed.
Worse still the problems and atrocities that the Igbo complained of in 1966 are still with us today. The very reasons that they were forced to fight that war are still with us today.
If you want peace and reconciliation, if you want to celebrate or remember Biafra at 50 and if you want to honor the memory of those that lost their lives during the struggle for Biafra the promise of a greater share in the national cake will not cut it.
Instead the first thing that you need to do is to get the Nigerian state and authorities to give an unconditional apology for the atrocities committed against the Igbo during before and after the civil war.
Secondly you must reach out to those that are agitating for Biafra today with love and genuine affection and endevour to make it worth their while to stay in Nigeria by treating them with love, compassion, respect and sensitivity.
You do NOT kill them in the streets, lock up their leaders and attempt to kill their dream of emancipation from subjugation and servitude and at the same time claim that you want and believe in reconciliation. It is either one or the other.
You either love and honor them or you fight them and reject their attempt to express themselves freely or to exercise their right of self-determination.
This charade of kill them and pretend to love them all at the same time sickens me. It dishonours the memory of ALL those who fought for and believed in the ideal of Biafra.
It is like dancing on their graves and spitting on their blood.
How can you talk about Biafra and celebrate Biafra at 50 when the leaders of the new Biafra like Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and others are not there.
How can you talk about Biafra when a contractor and compromiser from Igboland who has lost every sense of self-worth and dignity is invited to the gathering.
The Federal Government is killing his kinsmen with their security forces and refusing to protect them from the relentless carnage and barharic slaughter of the Fulani militias and this despicable man who has fed fat on Nigeria will come to such a gathering and say that he will fight anyone that wants to leave Nigeria, including Oduduwa and Arewa. I really dont know whether to laugh or cry.
These are clearly the words of a desperate comedian who has lost all sense of self-respect and who is prepared to do anything in order to remain in perpetual servitude.
Such a man is shameful. He is dishonorable. He is cowardly. He is evil. Worse of all he is a grave danger to those that he claims to speak for and represent.
If anyone really wants peace in this country and true reconciliation the only way to achieve it is to set into motion a process of and a programme for restructuring and the devolution of power from the centre. They must also accord due respect to every ethnic nationality in this country including the Igbo.
Failing that it is only a matter of time before Nigeria breaks into two or more pieces and this will be done peacefully or not so peacefully depending on the attitude and disposition of those who believe that they own Nigeria and that the rest of us are slaves.
Encouraging was the fact that Chief John Nwodo, the respected and much-loved Chairman of Ohaeneze, was at the Abuja event.
Of all the Igbo leaders that attended he, together with Pat Utomi and a handful of others, are amongst those that I trust and admire.
What a leader this man is. Nwodo is a man of immense wisdom and courage and he is very well bred too.
He comes from a well-educated, noble and illustrious lineage of statesmen and political leaders of the rarest kind. That explains his courage.
He will never bow down to ANYONE that attempts to undermine the interests of the Igbo and he will never sacrifice or betray any of the millions of young men and women from the south-east who are yearning for Biafra.
With him at the helm of affairs of Ohaeneze I have no doubt that the Igbo are in safe hands and that they will not be fooled by the wolves in sheeps clothing that organised and engendered this shameful event.
By Femi Nnamdi Kanu and wife Uchechi Okwu-Kanu after his release from detentionFani Kayode
New York – The U.S. on Friday wished Muslims a happy and blessed Ramadan as they commence the Ramadan fasting on Friday night.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, in a press statement, said the Ramadan period reminded everyone of the common values of harmony and empathy humanity shared.
"On behalf of the United States Department of State, Renda and I sincerely wish Muslims around the world a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.
"Ramadan is a month of reverence, generosity, and self-reflection.
"Most importantly, it is a cherished time for family and friends to gather and give charity to those who are less fortunate.
"This time reminds us all of the common values of harmony and empathy we hold dear.
"I wish all those celebrating a very happy Ramadan Kareem", Tillerson said.
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is expected to start on Saturday, May 27.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) alongside the League Management Company (LMC) have consummated a multi-faceted strategic agreement in general football development with the Football Federation and Premier League body of the Kingdom of Morocco.
On Thursday, NFF President Amaju Pinnick and NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko put pen to paper on a memorandum of understanding with their Moroccan counterparts, the result of detailed discussions, deliberations and considerations over time. The FA Presidents signed their own side in the offices of the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football in Rabat, while Dikko and and Chairman of the Ligue Nationale de Football Professionnel, Said Naciri signed at the LNFP office, watched by the two FA bosses.
Both Pinnick and FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa (who is also Director of Budget in the Kingdom of Morocco) are Members of the CAF Executive Committee.
"The strategic partnership is for technical development, exchange of ideas and contacts, training support, friendly matches, use of facilities and joint marketing where necessary," Dikko, who is also Chairman of NFF Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee and NFF Strategic Committee, explained to thenff.com.
"Morocco has one of the best technical centres globally and they are still developing it, and they are delighted to make the facilities available for use by the National Teams of Nigeria and Nigerian Clubs. The Kingdom also has one of the most innovative structure in managing the domestic media rights of both their National Teams and the elite League, which we intend to replicate.
"The agreement between the two League bodies is to collaborate in areas of mutual interests between the Leagues and participating Clubs. The Moroccan FA only recently set up an independent elite League body in line with global practice, and wants to learn from LMC Governance Structure of the NPFL. On their side, they would help our Clubs understand the structure and principles of community club ownership, elite players development, youth development et cetera. It is all about fostering mutually beneficial relationships."
On Friday, Pinnick and Dikko were at the offices of a Moroccan multinational company with extensive business interests in Nigeria, where an MOU was executed to explore the sponsorship of some activities in Nigerian Football including the NPFL. A steering group has been set up to ensure the conclusion and activation of the milestone MOU.
The agreements represent another landmark feat by the Amaju Pinnick –led Nigeria Football Federation, coming exactly one month after the N2.5 Billion, 5-Year partnership with Nigeria's foremost energy solutions company, Aiteo Group for payment of salaries of Coaches of the National Teams.
The latest pact also sits comfortably with the ever –improving strong working relationship between the Governments of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Morocco.
Only last week, both Governments signed pacts to drive the implementation of gas regional pipeline and fertilizer initiative. The proposed Morocco-Nigeria Gas Regional Pipeline will have a direct impact on 300 million people through the speeding up of electrification projects in West Africa.
A civil servant in Kogi, Mrs Husseina Mohammed has returned the sum N1, 780,500 paid in excess of her March salary to the coffers of the state government.
Mohammed said this on Friday in Lokoja while on a courtesy visit to the Director – General, Bureau of Information and Grassrrots Mobilisation, Alhaji Abdulkareem Abdulamlik .
She said that she received an alert from her bank in the afternoon of May 21 and discovered that a huge sum had been credited in her favour.
Mohammed said that she immediately called the attention of her husband to the development and a decision was taken to return the money to the coffers of the government.
The civil servant, who works at the state Teaching Service Commission, said she started the process of returning the money back to government on May 22, saying that the money was paid into the government account with the Lokoja branch of the Zenith Bank Plc.
She then handed over the bank teller and other documents used in paying back the money into the government bank account to the Director General
Mohammed praised Gov. Yahaya Bello for paying her salary up till March, 2017, saying that she was not in any way affected by just concluded staff screening and verification exercise.
She, however, pleaded with the state government to reciprocate her good gesture by paying the outstanding 15 month salary arrears of her husband, Mr Yakubu Mohammed.
The civil servant said that the salary of her husband was being withheld for the discrepancy in his age declaration, saying that the discrepancy had since been rectified.
In his response, the Director- General commended Mohammed for her honesty.
He said with people like her in the society, Nigeria was sure of winning the ongoing war against corruption.
The Director -General urged other civil servants and residents of the state to emulate Mrs. Mohammed.
He said that her good conduct would not go unrewarded, adding that her exemplary conduct would be recorded for generation yet unborn to learn and emulate.
Abdulmalik also reiterated the resolve of Gov. Yahaya Bello to carry the restructuring of the state civil service to the end.
Former president Goodluck Jonathan has reacted to a statement credited to Kaduna State governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai where he said ‘”What President Goodluck Jonathan did was to take N2bn each from the Ecological Fund and gave to some PDP states. Any PDP state that was not his friend, like Kano and Kwara, didn't get.”
A statement released by Ikechukwu Eze, Media Adviser to Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, titled “ON EL-RUFAI’S LIES AGAINST JONATHAN ON THE SHARING OF THE ECOLOGICAL FUND” reads:
“That Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State has an incurable knack for lying has been proven by his own boss, Former President Olusegun Obasanjo who described El-Rufai in his book-My Watch Volume 2 as follows:
"Nasir's penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological. Why does he do it? He is brilliant and smart. I grant him that also. Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent and brilliance. At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir el-Rufai. He barefacedly lied which he did to me against his colleagues and so-called friends. I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who was like, in the African setting, his foster father. I shuddered when I heard the story of what he did to his half-brother in the Air Force who is senior to him in age."
“With such a description, we are not surprised at his recent comments after the just concluded National Economic Council meeting where he accused former President Jonathan of only sharing the National Ecological Fund to PDP States. Mr. El-Rufai lied as follows:
“What President Goodluck Jonathan did was to take N2bn each from the Ecological Fund and gave to some PDP states. Any PDP state that was not his friend, like Kano and Kwara, didn't get.”
“It is so easy to expose Malam Nasir El-Rufai as a liar being that Akwa-Ibom, a PDP state governed by the then Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum and a close confidante and major supporter of the then President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, did not get the monies alluded to by Malam El-Rufai from the Ecological Fund as did multiple other PDP states including Ekiti state, a state governed by a thoroughbred patriot and Jonathan supporter, Ayo Fayose.
“Also, it is false that non-PDP states did not get monies from the fund. Nemesis catches up faster with liars than any other agent of evil. El-Rufai was probably led by the gods against his own sinister plot to confess in another breathe that States under non-PDP parties like APGA and Labour party also benefitted.
“The fact remains that the Ecological Fund is a specialized fund with certain constitutional requirements which must be met before a state can access the funds. EVERY state benefitted from the fund under President Jonathan who bent over backwards to accommodate states that had difficulty meeting the criteria for accessing the fund.
“El-Rufai's sinister narrative was intentionally silent on the over N10 billion specially deployed to fund the Great Green Wall (GGW) project in some northern states, in view of the need to work with the rest of Africa on the African initiative to check desert encroachment in the Sahelian states. These states included Zamfara, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina and Adamawa.
“Others are Yobe, Borno and Kano which belong to Mallam El-Rufai's class of 'non-friendly' states that he alleged never benefitted from any discretionary fund.
“Similar principle applies to the conditions for accessing the Universal basic Education fund where some states have not had access to what is due them, because they are yet to fulfill the mandatory criteria for allocation. Would it then be right in the name of El-Rufai's position on equity to blame the failure of those states to access their UBEC funds on Jonathan?
“It is really sad that judicious presidential interventions to tackle emergencies and other pressing national needs are being interrogated in a rather facile manner, by those who never get tired of playing dirty politics.
“Nigerians may recall that this is not the first time that El-Rufai has vented his known passion for lying against the former President.
“The public will recall that in October 2015 he falsely alleged that former President Jonathan spent a whopping N64 billion on Independence Day celebrations, during his tenure when in fact only N333 million was spent.
“Nigerians may also recall that this same El-Rufai falsely accused former President Jonathan and former CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of founding and funding Boko Haram to the tune of N50 billion.
“We can only wonder what new false accusation El-Rufai may come up with tomorrow, as with him it is a case of one day, one lie!
“We therefore urge Nigerians to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” whenever this notorious liar opens his mouth.
Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday said that his administration attracted investment worth $65 million to the state within four years.
He made the disclosure on Friday while unveiling the Transformation Industrial Park Project on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.
The governor unveiled the industrial park and flagged off the Phase 1 of the Polaris Pacesetter Free Trade Zone as part of activities marking his administration's sixth year anniversary.
The industrial park has 162 plots of land, with the Free Trade Zone located on 4,000 hectares of land.
"From the National Bureau of Statistics figures on Foreign Direct Investment inflow into Nigeria over the period between 2011 and 2015, Oyo State attracted a total of $64.8 million investment.
"This places the state second only to Lagos State in the South West,'' the governor said.
Ajimobi said his administration also attracted 34 new companies, while two others, Leyland Busan Motors Limited and Dizengoff, were resuscitated by their owners.
According to him, the companies have yielded a turnover of N32 billion and have created over 3,000 jobs.
The governor also said that the industrial park had been divided into 162 plots of various sizes to accommodate medium and small scale industries.
"We assure investors that the paper processing for their plots would not exceed 30 days.
" Let me state here that the first 20 allottees would enjoy 70 percent discount,'' he said.
He assured the former land owners of the benefit from the investment through profit sharing.
Ajimobi said that the state was uniquely blessed with land mass and resourceful people, noting that 75 percent of the state's land mass was arable.
"Our state is blessed with arable land and mineral resources. With all the blessings, the state was trapped in violence, decadence and culture of impunity.
"It was also tagged the dirtiest in the country until we came on board.
" Let me tell you that in the last six years, we have been able to make the state clean, safe and healthy for residents and investors,'' he said.
Mrs Folake Akinleye, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Investment, Promotion and Public Partnership, said the park was established to elevate the state from its civil service status to an industrialised one.
This, he said, was in line with the restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda of the Ajimobi administration.
"With the unveiling of this park today, the state is set for better opportunities for investment, investors and industrialists from all over the world,'' he said.
Chief Kola Akosile, the Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo/Osun/Ondo/Ekiti branch, commended the governor for his doggedness and commitment to the tenets of Public-Private Partnership.
Akosile, who was represented by his deputy, Vikroam Gursahanei, said industrialisation was critical in driving development.
"Industrialisation provides the brightest hope for sustained growth, employment generation, improved savings and poverty alleviation,'' he said.
Mr Olaitan Alabi, the Chairman of Oyo State Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, said that the efforts of the state government deserved commendation.
Ahead of the committal proceedings initiated against the National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, by the Young Democratic Party (YDP) at the Abuja division of the Court of Appeal, the Barrister Georgina Dakpokpo (Mrs.) led faction of the party, has declared that no court in the country can stop them.
The Henry Nwanbueze and Horsfal Sebibo led national leadership of the YDP have cited the INEC boss for committal for disobeying the judgment of the Court of Appeal directing the Commission to re-issue a certificate of registration to Young Democratic Party (YDP) as a dully registered political party as at May 2, 2014. Already, Form 49 has been issued against the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu by the appellate court commanding him to show cause why an order of committal to prison should not be made against him.
The party is pressing for an order committing Yakubu to prison for refusing or neglecting to obey the order of the Court of Appeal dated December 8, 2015, affirming and confirming the judgment of the trial court delivered on March 4, 2015 and dismissing the appeal by the electoral body. Specifically, the appellate court had in its judgment of December 8, 2015, granted all the reliefs of the party to the effect that it was registered as a political party as at May 2, 2014 considering section 78 (4) of the Electoral Act.
The court which dismissed the appeal by INEC directed that its judgment and that of the lower court must be obeyed to the letter. This was one of the reliefs brought by YDP and granted by The Federal High court and also affirmed by the Court of Appeal: “Whether considering the letter of submission of Application dated 17th March, 2014 and received by the Defendant on 1st April, 2014 to be registered as a political party and also considering Section 78 (4) of the Electoral Act the Plaintiff was a political party as at 2nd of May, 2014?”
But ahead of the committal proceedings, a faction of the party in a press statement in Abuja boasted that no court can stop them. The statement signed by Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye National Publicity Secretary with the theme “Putting the Record Straight”, Stated that it had no legal issue with INEC as the Commission is not in disobedience of any order of court.
According to the statement: “In 2014 after the party had applied for registration, we went to court. We had some outstanding issues with INEC over our registration. By 4th of March 2015, the court gave a judgment ordering INEC to issue our certificate of registration. INEC which had a right of appeal, appealed to the court of appeal and by 8th of December, 2015, the court of appeal Abuja dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court.
Consequently, INEC obeyed that court order and issued us with a certificate of registration and same was handed over to us on 15th of January, 2016 through the former National Chairman and National Secretary, Arch Nya-Etok Ezekiel and Hon. Nkem Nze respectively.
According to the factional leadership of the party; by February 11th, 2017 the party had its First National Convention producing Barrister Georgina Aye Dakpokpo as the first female National Chairman of a political party in Nigeria. In that same convention, other executives emerged while the party unveiled its new logo as well as its amended constitution which were ratified at the convention.
“Our attention has been drawn to some actions being taken by meddlesome interlopers, lovers of chaos, pretenders and fraudsters purporting to come from the Young Democratic Party. We want to put the following records straight:
“The Chairman of Young Democratic Party is Barrister Georgina Dakpokpo (Mrs.) Please confirm from the official record of INEC. The official logo of the Young Democratic Party is a tractor with Green and White background. INEC obeyed the court order when it issued Young Democratic Party with a certificate of registration after the court of appeal case. The court of appeal never at any time gave any order to INEC to backdate our certificate of registration to 2014. The Young Democratic Party did not officially initiate contempt proceedings against the Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmud Yakub. Other court cases against INEC did not originate from our party."
"According to our very first registered constitution, an amendment to a constitution can only be done at a convention. Hence our very first convention held February 11th, 2017 amended and ratified our constitution. Notice is hereby placed that one Henry Nwanbueze was expelled from the party November 15th, 2016 while Horsfal Sebibo was never a member of the party.
Hence both men are not members of Young Democratic Party. We advise the public, innocent Nigerians and influential Nigerians to beware. They do not represent Young Democratic Party in anyway whatsoever. Please report to the nearest police station if they come to you in the name of Young Democratic Party. Note that Young Democratic Party is in good terms with INEC within the provisions of the law."
The Federal High Court, Abuja, has disagreed with the Department of State Services (DSS) over the amount of money admitted into evidence in the ongoing trial of Supreme Court judge, Justice Sylvester Ngwuta.
The money in question is said to have been recovered from the residence of Ngwuta by the DSS during a search on the residence on Oct. 7, 2016.
At the resumed hearing on Friday, Justice John Tsoho, said that he was informed that the Naira denomination in the court's custody was different from the amount the witness gave on Thursday while giving evidence.
"I am just receiving the information that there was a problem with the exhibit because the amount announced by the prosecution in respect to exhibit 11h should have been N35,358,000, but when counted, it was N35,335, 840.
"So, it doesn't agree with what the witness said as there appears to be a shortfall."
The money is N22,160 less the amount the witness gave.
However, during cross-examination by the defence counsel, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), the witness, Mr John Utazi, an operative of the DSS, insisted that the amount was N35, 358,000.
"I am not aware of any discrepancy between the money I recovered and the money tendered in court.
"My Lord, I stand by what I delivered to the court on Thursday because I meticulously counted the money before bringing it forward to the court."
Utazi also told the court that his team left some insignificant amount of monies at Ngwuta's residence after searching the place because they got tired of counting the money they found.
"There were pieces of monies that we left behind because we could not take all the money, after counting and counting, we were tired but what we left behind cannot be matched with what was taken away."
When Agabi sought to know who the money they recovered belonged to, the witness said that ownership of the money was for the court to determine.
Utazi also told the court that he did not know the origin of the money contained in the charge against Ngwuta.
The prosecuting counsel, Mrs Olufemi Fatunde, prayed the court for an adjournment since there was no need to re-examine the witness.
She said the next witness the prosecution intended to call was absent in court because he was bereaved.
Moreover, Fatunde said that an adjournment was necessary to enable the appropriate officers move the money to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as was ordered by the court.
"When they finished counting the money on Thursday, it was late to convey it to the CBN since the bank has closed, and to avoid that, we want to close early since the exhibit was kept in court pending the end of today's proceedings."
The judge adjourned the matter until July 3 for continuation of trial.
The court had on Thursday admitted in evidence nine bags containing money said to be recovered from Ngwuta's residence by the DSS.
The fifth prosecution witness who was being led in evidence, told the court that he led a team of DSS operatives to conduct a search on Ngwuta's residence in 2016.
He said they recovered various sums of money in both local and foreign currency, including N35, 385 million, £35, 915, 319,096 dollars, 50 South Africa rands, €280, 000, 380 Dirhams and 420 Dalases.
The court had ordered that the money recovered be deposited with the CBN.
Ngwuta is facing a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering, retention and concealment of various sums of money in local and foreign currencies.
He is also charged with giving various sums of money above the statutory threshold to his building contractor for the building of various houses without going through a financial institution.
Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp has played down chances of signing Benoit Assou-Ekotto because "he wants to be a pornstar".
Ekotto
Redknapp has been linked with several of his former players since agreeing to stay on at St Andrew's last Friday.
He even had a call from an agent offering him Assou-Ekotto, who played under him when the pair were at Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers.
Redknapp quipped that he would be open to the idea of signing the 33-year-old Cameroon left back if it wasn't for his desire for a career change.
The Blues boss speaking to the Spurs Show podcast said “He was mad, Benoit, but do you know what? I think I'm mad as well,” Redknapp joked on theSpurs Show Podcast.
“I got a phone call – it's the gospel truth. I agreed I might go to Birmingham and suddenly I get a phone call from this guy.
“'Oh Mr Redknapp, I've got a fantastic player for you'. Oh yes? 'One of your old players'. Yes? ‘Benoit’. No! But seriously you know what? I'm thinking: ‘Yeah!’ Somewhere inside I'm thinking I can get him going again.
“The only trouble is that he's admitted he wants to be a pornstar. Maybe I can get another year out of him before he decides to do that.
“What a good player. He could well end up in the Birmingham colours next year, Benoit.”
A governorship aspirant and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ekiti State, Hon. ( Engr.) Bamidele Faparusi has said the newly constituted Judicial panel by Governor Ayodele Fayose to probe his predecessor, former Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi was a predetermined and well orchestrated attempt to ridicule President Muhammadu Buhari as well as smear the personality of the minister.
Faparusi & Fayose
Faparusi warned that any attempt to ridicule Fayemi will be resisted by Ekiti people. This is as he advised Fayose to be cautious of the security implications of the exercise.
Sequel to allegation of financial impropriety allegedly committed under Fayemi's administration, Fayose had on Monday constituted a judicial panel, led by former Acting Chief Judge of the State, Justice Silas Oyewole to probe the immediate past government.
In a statement sent to Vanguard, Faparusi said the timing of the probe coming at a time the parties are already scrambling for the governorship poll slated for 2018 signaled that it was a mere political contrivance being used to distract our party .
He stated that it stands common sense on its head for a Governor who supposed to be preoccupied with how to solve the litany of hydra-headed problems pummeling the state, like non-payment of salaries and the daunting youth unemployment to get entangled with such a political misadventure.
He said: "The timing of setting up the panel has shown that it is in bad faith with a dual motive to smear Fayemi's reputation and deride his achievements to cover-up Fayose's shameful performance. Ekiti people are much wiser now to be able to discern his highly endemic deceptive antics.
"What has Fayose and his bunch of illiterate assembly be doing for the past three years before waking from their deep slumber to know that Fayemi must be probed? Fayose is gradually turning Ekiti into a huge laboratory where all sorts of political experiments, shoddy ones for that matter were being practiced.
"The only positive side to his action is that he has succeeded to set a template and precedence through which his numerous criminal and financial crimes will be immediately beamed to the world after his exit. The APC will not tarry in setting up its own mock 21 –man judicial panel of enquiry to receive and begin compilation of his fraudulent actions with the hope of sending him to jail in no time after leaving office".
On the governor's intention to seek redress in court over possible extension of his tenure beyond 2018 on account of his impeachment in 2006, Faparusi said such could only exist in the wildest imagination of a theatric like Fayose, who sees governance as a comic relief, rather than a serious business.
Faparusi clarified that the Supreme Court in case of Muritala Nyako Vs FG ruled that a governor whose tenure was abruptly terminated via illegal impeachment can only be entitled to the perks of office throughout the time there was a vacancy and not tenure elongation.
"The governor should have known that he cannot be entitled to third term in office, neither can the oath of office be administered on him three times. What former Governor Nyako wanted to achieve was to finish the remaining nine months of his second term tenure before he was ousted and supreme court was so unequivocal that since that dispensation had lapsed, he could only be entitled to the benefits and that has become a functus officio as far as this case is concerned.
"Governor Fayose should refrain from wasting the precious time of the court by wanting to engage in mere academic exercise that has no legal fecundity, having been earlier determined by the apex court."
Some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Kogi have called on Gov. Yahaya Bello to resign over accusation that he registered twice for Permanent Voter Card.
Spokesman for the members, Sen. Dino Melaye made the call at a news briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Melaye said the people of Kogi State and the party were dissociating themselves from the act and called on Bello to resign immediately or risk impeachment.
Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello and Dino Melaye
"This executive recklessness and impunity is what we are reacting to.
"We are saying that as stakeholders in Kogi politics and the All Progressives Congress (APC), we condemn in its entirety the fraudulent behaviour of Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
"This criminal behaviour has embarrassed the people of Kogi state and the APC. We dissociate ourselves from this criminal behaviour.
"Kogi people are responsible people and we expect to have a responsible governor. As at the time he was contesting that election, it showed that he was not a registered voter in Kogi state.
" Since he knew he was not registered in the state, why did he in the first place accept the candidacy of the party?
"So, on this note, we are calling immediately for the resignation of the governor because a criminal awaiting trial cannot be representing the people of Kogi state as governor.
"If he has integrity, he should honourably resign and if the governor refuses to resign, we are going to mobilise our members in the House of Assembly to start an impeachment process against him.
"We will do this because we have a valid point as expressed by INEC'', he said.
Melaye further said that besides the move for impeachment, Kogi citizens would be mobilised to stage peaceful protest in strategic locations across the country should he refuse to resign.
He stressed that the people would be mobilised to INEC's head office, the National Secretariat of APC and strategic locations in Lokoja to protest, adding that power belonged to the people.
The lawmaker emphasised that the governor's action was an embarrassment to the state and the party.
"He has disgraced the party we are so proud of; he has disgraced the people of Kogi state enough by not paying salaries.
"Our people are dying. This 419 entrant into government should cease and we are going to follow it to the letter.
"This will give the APC electoral deficit in 2019 if we did not separate Yahaya Bello from the APC.
"We will not allow him to destroy this platform because it is still useful to many of us because we want to use it in 2019.
"He must be honourable enough to step aside because he who must go to equity must come with clean hands.
"INEC said it contravenes the provisions of the Electoral Act and that he has committed a crime and because of his immunity they cannot prosecute him now.
"INEC said the second registration has been cancelled and that the officer who went to conduct the registration will face disciplinary action.
"INEC also said Government House Lokoja is not a designated local government registration centre, meaning the governor must have taken INEC to Government House either through corruption, coercion or through diabolic means'', he said.
The Chairman of APC in Kogi, Alhaji Hadi Ametuo, agreed with Melaye, adding that it was the position of the party.
He said, "we know the law and INEC says it is criminal. We will abide by what Melaye has just said. That is our position.''
The call for the governor's resignation came on the heels of a statement from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying Bello registered twice to vote.
INEC, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, accused Bello of double registration for Permanent Voter Card in contravention of the Electoral Act.
The statement was issued by Prince Solomon Soyebi, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
The statement noted that Bello had his first registration on Jan. 30, 2011 in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja and the second registration on Tuesday, May 23, at the Government House, Lokoja.
It further noted that the Government House was outside the designated centre for the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration.
R-L: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Co-Chairman, Lagos @50 Committee, Prof. Wole Soyinka and former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; A Charity Boxing Match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @50 at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Country Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Nigeria, Mr. Uyi Apkata; Co-Chairman, Lagos @50 Committee, Prof. Wole Soyinka and former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; A Charity Boxing Match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @50 at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with President, Boxing Board Control, Alhaji Rafiu Oladipupo and Evander Holyfield during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; 'A charity Boxing match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @ 50 @ the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Co-Chairman, Lagos @50 Committee, Prof. Wole Soyinka; former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield and his Lawyer, Shevon Harris during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; A Charity Boxing Match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @50 at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd left), with female Amateur Boxers, Adijat Gbadamosi (2nd left); Funmilayo Kushimo (middle); Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (left); former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield (3rd right); Chairman, Lagos Amateur Boxing Association (LABA), Hon. Monsuru Liasu (2nd right) and Co-Chairman, Lagos @50 Committee, Prof. Wole Soyinka (right) during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; A Charity Boxing Match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @50 at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with President, Boxing Board Control, Alhaji Rafiu Oladipupo and Evander Holyfield during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; 'A charity Boxing match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @ 50 @ the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (3rd right), with male Amateur Boxers, Imole Adebayo (3rd left); Olaitan Ganiyu (2nd right); former Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Evander Holyfield (right); Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (2nd left) and his Deputy, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun during the Rhumbles in Lagos, tagged; A Charity Boxing Match – Jagaban vs Holyfield to commemorate Lagos @50 at the Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday, May 25, 2017.
The South Sudanese government on Friday freed a South Sudanese journalist working for a UN radio station after two and a half years of imprisonment, officials said.
George Livio, who worked for Radio Miraya, was arrested in August 2014 but never brought to trial.
"He has been released and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is looking into his needs right now," said Daniel Dickinson, spokesman for the mission.
Prof. Ahmed Sanni, Imam of the Lagos State University (LASU) mosque, on Friday advised Muslims to shun indecent and immoral acts during the Ramadan.
Sanni, who is also a lecturer in the department of foreign languages at the university, gave the admonition during the Jumaat sermon at the mosque.
He advised that fasting was more than abstinence from eating, drinking and other basic necessities, within a certain period of the day.
"Fasting is not just about abstaining from eating, drinking and some other basic human needs at a particular time of the day.
"The time of fasting is for us Muslims to keep away from all evils; if one fasts and still gets involved in backbiting and other immoralities, there is no reward for such a person,'' he said.
Sanni advised fasting Muslims to be more engaged in special prayers and supplication for increased blessings from Allah.
"Fasting is not the period to engage in worldly pastimes; it is the time to engage in special prayers and supplication for the favour of Allah,'' he said.
The Cleric advised governments to take urgent steps to solve prevalent economic challenges in the country, in the interest of the masses.
"The economy is so tough that hunger has made some people to be fasting, even before the Ramadan, and this is not right.
"I urge the governments at both national and state levels to take urgent steps to alleviate the hardship,'' he said.
The Cleric urged Muslims to seize the opportunity of the Holy month of Ramadan to increase prayers for the country and its leaders, so they will have divine wisdom to lead aright.
A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
The Senate on Thursday passed the first part of the much anticipated Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) after 17 year of consideration.
The Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) has been passed to take care of the governance aspect of the PIB.
The Bill which has gone through 5 sessions of the National Assembly beginning from the 4th Assembly which was inaugurated in 1999 under President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The bill seeks to open up the sector to more and better business opportunities, make the sector more transparent and ensure better accountability of revenue derived from oil.
If the bill scales through assent by the President, it would restructure the Nigeria National Petroleum Cooperation, Department for Petroleum Resources and also create new agencies with more responsibilities.
Below are key benefits of the PIGB:
1. It will create a conducive business environment for petroleum operations 2. Enhance exploitation and exploration of petroleum resources in Nigeria for the benefit of Nigerians 3. Optimize domestic gas supplies, especially for power generation and industrial development 4. Encourage investment in Nigerian petroleum industry 5. Optimize government revenue 6. Establish profit-driven oil entities 7. Deregulate and liberalize the downstream petroleum sector 8. Create efficient and effective regulatory agencies 9. Promote the development of Nigerian content in the oil industry 10. Protect health, safety and the environment in petroleum operations. 11. PIB will lead to the establishment of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Investment Pact Scheme will ensure that components of industry equipment can be manufactured locally
Chelsea's Nigeria forward Victor Moses on Thursday praised club manager Antonio Conte for resurrecting his career and giving him the "confidence to enjoy his football''.
The 26-year-old Moses joined the Blues from Wigan for nine million pounds in 2012 but was loaned out to Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham by former club manager Jose Mourinho.
But he played 34 times this term in the role of wing-back as Chelsea claimed the English Premier League title with a record 30 wins.
"I am more focused now than ever. I am enjoying my football again,'' he said.
The Nigeria international played 43 games in his first season with the Blues, scoring 10 goals on the way.
He was part of the 2013 Europa League-winning squad under interim manager Rafael Benitez.
But the forward failed to play under Mourinho in the Portuguese manager's second spell at Stamford Bridge, being given temporary moves to three top-flight clubs.
This season, he was handed a new defensive role as he rejuvenated his Chelsea career, playing an integral role in Italian boss Conte's first season in charge.
"We have got a new manager here who is willing to give everyone an opportunity,'' said Moses.
"He gave me that opportunity and I didn't look back after that.
"I am very pleased with that and I just want to keep improving in every game I play. It is a new role for me and I am still getting used to it,'' Moses said.
NAN reports that he could add an FA Cup winners' medal on Saturday when Chelsea take on London rivals Arsenal in the final match at Wembley.
"That would be a great achievement for me. We don't feel any pressure, we are just taking this game as it comes.
"We have got the league title and they are going to want to win because they missed out on top four. We are going to try and stop them because we want the Double.''
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello of double registration for Permanent Voter Card against electoral law.
The commission disclosed this in a statement issued by Prince Solomon Soyebi, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) on Thursday in Abuja.
INEC stated that Bello second registration was done on Tuesday May 23, in Government House, Lokoja, outside the designated centre for the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
Yahaya Bello
"It has come to the attention of INEC that Gov Bello of Kogi State registered as a voter for the second time on Tuesday May 23, 2017 in Government House, Lokoja, the state capital.
"His first registration was on Jan. 30, 2011 in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.
"The Governor's double registration and doing so outside lNEC's designated centres are both illegal.
"For the on-going Continuous Voter Registration [CVR) exercise, INEC has designated a centre in each of the country's 774 Local Government Areas including FCT's six Area Councils.''
The commission therefore dissociated itself from the governor's action while it also pledged to take disciplinary action against its staff who did the second registration for Bello.
"We wish to make it clear that no INEC staff was authorised by the Commission to re-register him or any Citizen or to do so outside our designated CVR centres.
"The Commission is taking disciplinary action against the INEC staff involved.
"As for the State Governor, Section 308 (l) (a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended], precludes lNEC from prosecuting him while in office.
"However, the Commission wishes to state that it has cancelled his second and illegal registration forthwith.''
It stated that the second registration would be cancelled as Electoral Law and the Commission's guidelines make no exception for anyone to register more than once, and to register outside the designated centres.
History was made, weekend, when the newly constructed Copyright Society of Nigeria,COSON House, was officially commissioned amid roaring applause, amazing fireworks and countless balloons released to the skies.
(R-L) Shina Peters, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Moses Ekpo and Prof Victor Uwaifo.
The multi-million naira edifice, located on Oluwaleimu Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos,was the first real property owned by any association, union or group in the Nigerian creative industry.
Commissioning the new COSON House, the deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Moses Ekpo, who was the first Director-General of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, recalled how Professor Egerton Uvieghara as former Chairman of the Nigerian Copyright Commission,NCC, midwifed the copyright administration in Nigeria. He said, without Professor Uviegbara, this history wouldn't have been possible.
He, therefore, sued for peace among musicians, praying that the commissioning of the ultra-modern complex should bring eternal unity to Nigerian musicians. " We pray that the ultra-modern complex should bring eternal unity to Nigerian musicians. Before now, musicians in Nigeria have been scattered. This is because of the fact that none of them has enjoyed the sweat of his or her labour."
"We want to thank Professor Egerton Uviegbara for the bigger thing he gave to copyright owners in Nigeria. At that time, he insisted that the artistes must receive what was due to him or her for his or her creativity. For me , it has been a great honour to part and parcel of writing this history," he said. Earlier, COSON Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji thanked his Board, the management of COSON and the team of skilled Nigerian professionals who worked tirelessly to build COSON House in record time without any money from the government, any support from any donor agency or any loan from any bank.
However, many dignitaries defied the early morning downpour to be part of the event. Among them were Professor Egerton Uvieghara, highlife maestro, Professor Victor Uwaifo, Sir Shina Peters, Chris Ajilo, Baba Dee Fasasi, Azeezat, Kenny Saint Brown and Prince Ann Inyang. Others were Obi Asika of Cabal Entertainment, Dr Ben Ofoeze of Billtop, Mr Joel Ajayi of MULOAN, Hon John Ewelukwa Udegbunam, immediate past president of MORAN and Engineer Sharon Esco Wilson of MUPMAN. Also, Ken Calebs Olumese, Guvnor of Niteshift Coliseum; Ayo Animashaun who owns the wave making HipTV among other dignitaries.
The Benue state Governor, Samuel Ortom has said that the Former Senate President in the 7th Senate, Senator David Mark is telling lies. Governor Ortom also asked senator Mark to come to the state for better clarification on his misconception of his (Ortom's) developmental strides in the state.
Governor Ortom was reacting to a mocking statement credited to the Ex-Senate President who had, while commissioning some projects in Rivers state, said that while Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers was busy commissioning projects such as roads and bridges, his own state governor, Ortom, was also busy distributing wheelbarrows to youths as empowerment.
However, while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday, the Benue state Governor said although Senator Mark is just jealous of his achievements in Benue as well as his rising profile amongst his people, he (Ortom) would nonetheless discuss things over with the ex-Senate President whom he regards as an elder statesman.
"When you hear the likes of David Mark, who are supposed to be an elder statesman, go to make false propaganda against people who are supposed to be his subjects, I used to regard him as an elder, but it's unfortunate he is telling lies.
Senator David Mark & Gov. Samuel Ortom
"Those wheelbarrows were brought to us by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to be distributed to displaced people who need them.
"They actually need those wheelbarrows and they were given to the state emergency relief body for onward distribution to the victims. And for whatever reasons, the agency wrote my name that I was distributing it.
"But as soon as that was drawn to my attention, I refuted it and I said this is not my property.
"In empowerment, I have several programmes for the youth and this one is not meant for the youths. It was distributed to displaced people.
"So, it was just meant to blackmail me because PDP in Benue are still dreaming, including David Mark, that I am governor and I won election.
"I left them (PDP) because of the injustice they did to me and I came to APC and found a platform. The people accepted me and I won. They are out to blackmail me and it will not work because there is no iota of truth."
"Of course, they have been propagating that they want to take over the leadership in 2019 but I think they are just dreaming because even when it was pepper, I was able to finish the food, how much more now that it's with chicken and sesame seed. You know it's easier to eat and the people we are working with, we have gotten more support.
"More people have decamped from the PDP to the APC. So, where will they go? The local government election is coming up on June 3. I want them to come up and compete.
"It's unfortunate that even to present candidates, there are factions and up till today.
"I am told that they have six candidates out of the 23 local governments. It is their problem. They should go and sort out their own problem. All I am concerned is to bring development to my people," Governor Ortom said.
Continuing, the Governor said, "On the 22 May, I invited all Benue stakeholders, David Mark was invited and I was given standing ovation. That alone is an indication that Benue people are pleased with me in all sectors despite all the challenges especially in funding.
"I have cleared arrears of salaries. These people are just jealous, David Mark is jealous and all his cohorts are jealous. They have left Benue State and went to Rivers and met and came and disturb us in Benue State. Let them come to Benue State." he added
"I don't think it's about quarrel. For a very senior citizen of that level to spread falsehood and tell lies against his governor when I invited them to stakeholders meeting where my two year scorecard was delivered to my people and they accepted it and appreciated what we are doing and he refused to come only to go to Rivers and be telling lies against me, It's unfortunate.
"Anytime I have the opportunity I think we will discuss things over," he concluded.
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Thursday said it impounded 941 bags of foreign per boiled rice valued at about N6.8 million.
According to the Controller of the command, Sarkin Kebbi at a news conference in Lagos, "the impounded rice is valued at N6,830,719, a Duty valued N4, 781,503 and duty paid valued N11,612,322."
The controller, who displayed the commodity, said the feat was achieved through a renewed resolve of the officers to stamp out smuggling.
Kebbi said that on resumption of duty a month ago, he made known to the officers the mandate given to him from the customs headquarters.
According to him, "the service echelon handed me a stern order to ensure that smugglers were compelled to change their nefarious act to legitimate businesses.
"I will not fail in my mandate; I have never failed before and will not stay below the board.
"With motivation from the headquarters, I promise to make bigger seizures.
"We know that the rainy season is the time the smugglers always want to make use of the waterways as the roads are bad because of the rains.
"My officers and I promise them a tougher time within the nation's waterways as all avenues will be explored to ensure that they are forced out of business,'' Kebbi said.
He said that no arrest was made as the only man who was to be arrested in connection with the seizure jumped into the Badagry water and disappeared.
He advised the smugglers to desist from their act as a new "sheriff" had taken over the saddle and therefore, no hiding place for smugglers.
Kebbi said that the Federal Government had been trying to make local rice available to the masses, thereby creating jobs in the agriculture sector.
He expressed regret that the activities of the smugglers were making the effort of the government fruitless
STARBOY, Wizkid has hinted that his first project under RCA Records will be released on July 7. The pop singer disclosed this to US online platform, Revolt TV on Tuesday. Entitled 'Sounds From The Other Side', it's not yet known whether it will be an album project or a mixtape.
Wizkid
Drake, Diplo, Trey Songz, and Chris Brown are some of the international stars expected to guest-feature on the project. "Afrobeat is getting a lot of attention right now. People are really loving the sound. "I was like 'it would just be a good idea for me to do like a project where I try to fuse the sound with artists from right here (USA), with my local producers back home. Some international producers as well."
The "Sounds From The Other Side" mixtape features from international artists like Chris Brown, TY Dolla $ign, Future and Drake among others. The album marks his first international project to be released under Sony RCA Records with whom he signed to in 2016.
Wizkid first gained popularity with the 2010 track "Holla At Your Boy" as a signee to Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment. He's also released two albums: 2011's "Superstar" and 2014's "Ayo".
Wizkid, recently won 3 awards at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards which held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, United States on Sunday, 21 May 2017.
NOLLYWOOD actress, Halima Abubakar, who recently returned from India, where she underwent successful fibroid surgery has refuted reports by an online platform that she has cancer.
Halima Abubakar
The actress is, however, demanding an apology from the online portal, saying "Whoever wrote the story would go through worst pain that I ever went through." Halima who now sports a bald look after shaving her hair due to drug reactions she suffered during the operation noted on a post on her Instagram page that she would have revealed that she has cancer just as she opened up about her fibroid operation.
"Naijagist you know I can sue and win this case right? If I have cancer, just the way I announced my fibroid, I would announce it. Please, I have no such around me and I would appreciate the non-factual information and speculation about my health to stop. Allow me heal in peace!!
"We heal differently. Am encouraging women out there. This is wickedness and whoever wrote this will go through worst pain that I ever went through. You would tell the world who diagnosed me and how you got such conclusions. More than 1000 ladies are suffering from fibroid and I am talking to them. Am scared of none, am sure you know this. Better apologize," she added on Instagram page.
Members of the National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday in Abuja commended the leadership style of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
NEC, an official economic platform for dialogue among the 36 state governors, the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and other co-opted members, is chaired by the Vice-President.
Addressing State House correspondents on the outcome of the NEC meeting, which was presided over by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo said members of the Council were impressed by the way and manner Osinbajo was handling the affairs of the country.
"But the highlight of the whole discussion today was a special commendation the Council made on the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who we have all resolved to call a `System Stabiliser.
"For the mere fact that Mr President (Muhammmadu Buhari) is on medical vacation, the system is still as smooth as it has always been.
"So, we commended the acting president for a job well done.''
Okorocha, who disclosed that the Council discussed monetary issues concerning Nigeria's economy, said the nation's Excess Crude Account stood at 2.3 billion dollars as at May 24.
He said the Council also reviewed the discrepancies in the figures and directed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris to reconcile the discrepancies.
He said: "we were made to understand from the office of the Accountant-General that the excess crude account as at May 24 stands at 2.3 billion dollars''.
"Council also reviewed the discrepancies in figures and we have said that the Accountant-General will look at it and at the next meeting he will brief the council appropriately.''
On the budget support facility for state governments which would be terminated by the end of May, the governor said the Council expressed concern that this may affect the economies of the states negatively.
He said the Council resolved that the budgetary support be extended to enable state governments to meet some of their financial challenges.
"As regards the loan support called the budget support facility for states which is suppose to come to an end by the end of this month, council was concerned about the fact that we are gradually coming out of recession.''
According to him, if this budgetary support ceases at the end of May, it may create some lapses in our bid to stabilise the economy.
"So council resolved that the budgetary support be extended to enable states catch up with the economic challenges of the moment,'' he added.
He stated that the council noted with delight that the Forcados terminal would soon commence crude oil production and this would subsequently help to stabilise the economy.
Parties to conflicts are treating hospitals and clinics as targets rather than respecting them as sanctuaries, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Thursday.
Guterres, who gave the warning during a Security Council debate on the Protection of Civilians in Armed Violence, regretted that civilians continued to bear the brunt of such attacks.
"Despite our efforts, civilians continue to bear the brunt of conflict around the world," Guterres told the 15-member body, stressing that attacks on medical staff and facilities continue in conflict zones.
"These unrelenting attacks on civilians, coupled with lack of access to aid, are also playing a major role in creating conflict-driven famines that threaten 20 million people in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen."
The UN chief recalled that last year, the Council took specific action to improve the protection of medical care during conflict by adopting Resolution 2286 of former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
Guterres noted his predecessor's recommendations for the swift implementation of this resolution, which platforms to enhance respect for the norms of international humanitarian law.
The recommendations, among others, urged 'States and all parties to armed conflict to develop effective measures to prevent and address acts of violence, attacks and threats against medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in medical duties'
"But on the ground, little has changed," Guterres warned, citing statistics from the World Health Organisation showing that attacks on medical care took place in at least 20 countries affected by conflict in 2016.
In Syria, Physicians for Human Rights has documented more than 400 attacks on medical facilities with more than 800 medical staff killed, and more than half of all medical facilities are closed.
Similarly, in South Sudan, after years of attacks, less than 50 per cent of medical facilities are functional in areas affected by conflict.
"These attacks are evidence of a broader trend: parties to conflict are treating hospitals and health clinics as targets, rather than respecting them as sanctuaries," Guterres said.
"We must also tackle the causes of displacement. That means addressing the root causes of conflicts by investing in inclusive and sustainable development, promoting all human rights.
These rights are civil, political, economic, social and cultural; and the rule of law, strengthening governance and institutions, and enhancing mediation capacity, from communities to national governments.
"No one is winning today's wars; everyone is losing. I appeal to all leaders, parties to conflict and those with influence to bring these raging conflicts to an end.
"And to do all in their power to prevent new ones from erupting; preventing and ending conflict is my first priority as Secretary-General.
"I call on you all to make it yours, for the sake of the millions of civilians who are suffering around the world," he said.
Nigeria`s Consul General in South Africa, Amb. Godwin Agada, says the country`s rich culture, food and attires were on display at a cultural event to mark Africa Day in South Africa.
The event was organised by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) on Thursday.
Agada told newsmenon telephone from Johannesburg, South Africa, that the Nigerian stand at the event attracted many visitors, tourists and potential investors.
"Nigerian foods like "Amala'', Pounded Yam, Semovita, "Moi-Moi'', "Suya and all native soups were more than enough for visitors to taste.
"We also displayed various native attires made in Nigeria and distributed pamphlets about investment opportunities in the country,'' he said.
Agada said that Nigerian culture was also displayed through music as native attires were won to dance to the country's local music and songs.
"We were fully there. It was amazing. All participants and visitors were impressed with the Nigerian stand. The event was also a big platform for cultural diplomacy.
"The organisers thanked Nigerians for the outing,'' the Consul General said.
Agada said that Nigeria achieved a lot through the event, noting that it was one way of exterminating Xenophobia.
Mr Olusola Solarin, an entrepreneur and cloth designer, told NAN that high grades of Nigerian attires were on display.
"My firm, Bida Clotheirs, specializes in making African attires in modern ways. We use innovations to create African attires.
"Visitors came to our stand to check the clothes, designs and fabrics. It made our great country Nigeria to be proud,'' he said.
Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, said that the Nigerian community gave the country quality representation at the event.
"We believe so much in African unity and Nigerians did the nation proud with the various displays which attracted visitors to our stand,'' he said.
Militia violence in Central African Republic has killed almost 300 people and displaced 100,000 recently, the United Nations and the government said on Thursday, in the worst displacement since a 2013 civil war.
The violence marks a sharp escalation in the long conflict that began when the mostly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition overthrew then-president Francois Bozize in 2013, prompting reprisals from Christian anti-balaka militias.
The UN humanitarian office and the minister of social affairs said in a joint statement that the clash in the last two weeks has hit the towns of Bria, Bangassou and Alindao, all hundreds of kilometres east of Bangui.
Social Affairs Minister Virginie Baikoua told newsmen after a visit on Wednesday to Bria that it was a catastrophe.
"Houses are burnt down, others pillaged, the displaced are afraid it could degenerate at any moment because armed men are roaming around the camps.
"Over 41,400 of Bria's 47,500 inhabitants were displaced by fighting between May 15 and 18,'' Baikoua said.
The Red Cross recently said it had found 115 bodies in Bangassou, a diamond-mining area on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo after it was seized by hundreds of militia with heavy weaponry.
"UN peacekeepers, part of a 13,000-strong force, have since secured Bangassou and reinforced their positions in other areas,'' the mission (MINUSCA) said in a statement.
About 440,000 people were displaced throughout the country by the end of April and that number could reach 500,000 by the end of May.
The UN humanitarian office said the huge number would represent the most displaced since the height of the crisis in 2013.
THE Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Ikeja, Lagos, has inaugurated an 11-member branch Executive Committee for the newly commissioned Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque, Old Secretariat, Ikeja.
The new branch executive committee which was inaugurated on behalf of the Board of Trustees (BoT) by the former Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr. Lawal Alade Pedro is chaired by a director in the Teachers Establishments and Pensions Office (TEPO), Alhaji Ganiyu Shodipe.
Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN) who administered the oath of office on members of the new executive, enjoined them to put the fear Allah first in their discharge of the onerous task of managing the edifice and ensure that they render selfless service to the generality of Muslim worshipers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alhaji Saheed Animashahun, urged the branch executives to exhibit a great sense of humility and absolute commitment in the discharge of their duty, noting that the edifice which was completed at a huge cost of N175 million requires utmost commitment of all and must be guided jealously in order to protect the structure from abuse.
PIB: Senate unbundles NNPC, approves creation of two companies PIB: Senate unbundles NNPC, approves creation of two companies By Cecilia Ijuo/Naomi Sharang
The Senate on Thursday passed first tranche of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), titled the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) 2017.
The bill, which is expected to take care of the governance aspect of the industry, scaled third reading following presentation of report of Joint Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream, Downstream, Oil and Gas).
If assented to by the President, the Act will unbundle the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into two companies: Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company and the National Petroleum Company.
According to the bill, the two companies shall be created and supervised by the Ministry Of Petroleum Incorporated.
It provides that "the Minister shall, within six months after the Effective Date, take such steps as are necessary under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to incorporate two entities – the first may be called the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company, or such other name as may be available and the other may be called the National Petroleum Company, or such other name as may be available, as companies limited by shares, which shall be vested with certain assets and liabilities of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ("NNPC").
"Upon incorporation and the transfer of assets pursuant to this Act: the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company (hereinafter called the "Management Company" in this Act) shall be responsible for the management of assets currently held by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) under the Production Sharing Contracts and Back-in Right Provisions under the Petroleum Act 1969 as amended;
"The National Petroleum Company shall be responsible for the management of all other assets held by NNPC except the Production Sharing Contract and Back-in Right assets currently held by the NNPC;
"At the time of its incorporation, the initial shares of the National Petroleum Assets Management Company shall be held in the ratio of 20% by the Bureau for Public Enterprises, 40% by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated and 40% by the Ministry of Petroleum Incorporated on behalf of the Government.
Sen. Tayo Alasoadura, Chairman of the joint committee, who presented the report, said the PIGB was the first tranche of the PIB.
According to him, other tranches, that would soon be presented before the senate are, Upstream Petroleum Licence and Lease Administration, Downstream Oil and Gas Administration and Petroleum Fiscals.
He added that another tranche to be considered is the Petroleum Revenue Management including Petroleum Host Community Fund.
Alasoadura said the PIGB would help to create efficient and effective governing institutions with clear and separate roles for the petroleum industry.
The lawmaker said with the passage of the bill, there will be a slim, focused yet robust framework for effective institutional governance of the petroleum industry.
He stressed that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would be reformed into two liability companies, while all existing regulatory agencies would be absorbed into a new agency called Petroleum Regulatory Commission.
"We supported and enhanced the creation of an independent one-stop-shop regulatory agency which will absorb the present Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).
"It will also absorb the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF) into one agency.
"We have streamlined the role of the Minister.
"We have also enhanced the extensive reform of NNPC into two limited liability companies-the National Petroleum Company and the Nigeria Petroleum Assets Management Company.
"This is to ensure efficient and effective commercial performance,'' he said.
The lawmaker further pointed out that the PIGB would help to establish a framework for the creation of commercially oriented and profit driven petroleum entities that ensure value addition and internalisation of the petroleum industry.
He also said that the bill would help to promote transparency and accountability in the administration of the petroleum resources of Nigeria as well as foster a conducive business environment for petroleum industry operation.
"PIB has been in the works since 2000 and almost all the senate republics that you can think about have tried to work on it and to get it passed but none has succeeded.
"We looked at the Bill as it was and we said it will be better not take the bill as a whole, to divide it into sections.
"And the first section, which we believe will make petroleum industry what we expect it to be, is what was passed today and that is the Petroleum Governance Bill.
"Everything that has to do with petroleum resources the governance is what has been done,'' he said.
The chairman further noted that the laws governing the petroleum industry in the country had become so obsolete and as such the need for an overhaul.
According to him, the law has been an impediment to investment in the oil and gas industry and needed a drastic overhauling, transformation and reformation.
"This situation has brought a lack of investments in this industry and consequently the reserves in the industry are not being grown.
"The Mexican experience has shown that a well-reasoned and crafted Oil and Gas reform law could attract as much as $60 billion additional investment in the industry in 3 years,'' he said.
The joint committee according to the chairman recommended that the bill be given accelerated consideration and passage and its immediate implementation for maximal utilisation of the nation's natural resources.
He further pointed out that the joint committee made amendments and deletions to relevant sections of the Bill were contained in the attached bill for consideration.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki said the passage of the first tranche of the bill was a landmark achievement for the 8th Senate.
He said the present senate made a commitment at its inauguration and was happy to keep to its promise.
"All our friends and investors in the petroleum sector have been waiting for us to put a framework that will ensure transparency and accountability and create the enabling environment for the petroleum sector.
"We hope that by what we have done today, we have continued to show commitment and leadership and our contribution to develop this country. We are proud of all we have done today.
"I hope that with this bill the oil and gas industry will begin to see the kind of investment that is necessary,'' he said.
Saraki said with the passage of the bill, "we will block loopholes, we will be able to reduce the areas of corruption, inefficiency and our people will be able benefit better from the petroleum sector.''
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday revealed strategies being adopted towards moving the State from mega city to smart city, just as he said that his administration has put in place policy framework for a technology-driven land administration and mapping, tax administration and justice administration.
Speaking at an international conference held at Eko Hotels and Suits as part of activities marking the Lagos@50 celebrations with the theme: "Towards A Smart City: Preparing For The Next 50 Years Of Prosperity," Governor Ambode said the government has completed modalities for the take-off of the digital switch, all of which he said would come on stream in the coming months.
The Governor acknowledged that for the State to be prosperous in future and occupy its pride of place among city states, concerted efforts must be geared towards equipping the youth with technological and educational skills they can use to develop solutions to challenges.
He said the future prosperity of Lagos is dependent on how well the young ones are equipped technologically and educationally, adding that in line with such, the State Government was already focusing on driving growth through key areas such as ICT, transportation, ease of doing business and tourism.
While alluding to the theme of the conference, Governor Ambode said if Lagos must become a Smart City, the next 50 years of the State must cut out a path to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary but also inspirational with passion for development.
He said: "Obviously, this gathering is not about what we have done or what we ought to have done. I am quick to add, that, there is so much yet to be done. Yes, we are always in agreement that the interplay of THINK, PLAN AND ACT is a sure recipe to success; but the practice and process are not fully picked up in textbooks or lectures. Leadership must have passion and commitment for vision before it can be delivered as a product.
"The next fifty years must cut out a path for us to create a framework for leaders that are not only visionary but also inspirational with passion if Lagos must become a Smart City.
"Our State has made this commitment which has the potential to improve lives of our citizens, expand economic opportunities and access to critical public services. The Smart City initiative is Lagos Urban Development vision to integrate all sectors of governance into one box of growth and development – through efficient service delivery to each citizen.
"The future prosperity of Lagos is dependent on how well we can equip our children and youth with technological and educational skills they can use to develop the solutions of the future," he said.
Besides, the Governor acknowledged the fact that for government to facilitate investment in infrastructure, it was imperative for a top notch public service to be in place, especially delivery of quality service by civil servants, saying that such would facilitate greater confidence in government from the private sector.
In his keynote address, Professor Paul Collier from Oxford University, said in its years of existence, Lagos has shown sustained and visible progress, and especially commended the leadership of the State over the years for moving in the right direction.
He commended Governor Ambode for his initiative on mass transportation, but recommended that it should be scaled up with the deployment of technology, while also calling for introduction of tax to stop people from driving private cars to already congested areas.
Collier, who is a development expert, also advocated for power issues to be addressed as well as clear legal and secured land ownership, saying that such was vital both for housing and commercial investment.
To address housing deficit, Collier said the State Government must plan for housing development through plots preparation, layout of streets, road network, storage, sewage, water and electricity, among others, while the private sector can develop the rest.
Also, other discussants – Mrs Mosun Bello- Olusoga, Chairman of Access Bank; Uyi Akpata, Managing Partner, PWc and Dayo Adelegan, President of British Nigeria Chamber of Commerce advocated for the globalization of the Lagos economy and proper environmental management initiatives.
What could have turned out to a major disaster in Magboro, Ogun State along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was on Thursday averted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with salvaging of a 50,000 litres of truck conveying Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol from catching fire.
The incident occurred during early morning rain when a truck with registration number – Lagos MK88US belonging to MRS skidded off the road and fell on its side into the ditch spilling its content into the area.
Hundreds of residents of the area had thronged the scene struggling to scoop fuel before they were dispersed with the arrival of the emergency responders and security operatives from Lagos State.
Speaking at the scene of the incident, General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu said that the Agency received the distress call at about 9.00am on Thursday through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He said LASEMA swiftly intervened and responded by mobilizing all the required personnel and resources to the scene.
According to him, although the scene of the incident falls outside the jurisdiction of its operation but Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave express approval for the Agency's intervention with the use of its heavy-duty equipment and crane.
The LASEMA boss said the Agency responded promptly with other emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ogun State Fire Service, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the FRSC, while the truck was carefully lifted up by the Agency’s Crane.
He said the Lagos Fire Service also carried out blanket of the truck with chemicals to avoid fire outbreak.
The RRS, according to him, helped to chase people scooping fuel around the area to avoid any fire outbreak, while LASEMA sensitized the people on the danger of storage of fuel.
The General Manager, however, advised motorist especially articulated truck drivers to avoid over speeding and always adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties on the roads.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has described the Department of State Services (DSS) continued detention of the Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Ubah as tyrannical, barbaric, reckless and irresponsible display of power, saying; "Within two years of President Muhammadu Buhari's All Progressives Congress (APC) government, the DSS has become the government's terror gang, disobeying court orders with impunity."
The governor, who said the DSS claim that Ubah's offence was punishable by death was reckless and alarming, added that "the DSS has now become law unto itself, dragging Nigeria back to 1984 when Decree 2 was used by the National Security Organisation (NSO) to dump Nigerians in detention without trial."
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Governor Fayose expressed worry that less than two hours after a High Court in Lagos ordered the DSS to release Ubah within 48 hours or charge him to court, the DSS got another High Court in Abuja to secure an order to detain him (Ubah) for another 14 days.
He said; "The judiciary must be mindful of being used by the DSS to sustain its regime of tyranny by granting orders allowing the service to detain Nigerians perpetually. "Our courts should not allow themselves to becoming willing tools to promote and sustain dictatorship. They should be able to stand up against the tyrannical acts of the DSS by asking when it became the duty of the service to arrest and detain Nigerians for offences still being investigated."
Ifeanyi Ubah
Describing the DSS as the APC-led government's the terror gang, Governor Fayose said; "For the first time in the history of Nigeria, DSS operating under a democratically elected government is justifying the detention of Nigerians in disobedience to court orders.
"Ridiculously, the DSS is even telling Nigerians that the head of Nigeria’s Islamic Movement (IMN), Ibrahim El-Zakzaky is being kept in detention since December 13, 2015 for his personal safety, meaning that the government is protecting El-Zakzaky by detaining him for 18 months!
"What happened to the December 2016 order of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of an Abuja Federal High Court, that the DSS shouldo release El-Zakzaky within 45 days and that the Federal Government should provide an accommodation for him (El-Zakzaky), his wife and family members within Kaduna State or any part of the northern region?"
The governor maintained that the DSS claim that it arrested and detained Ubah for inciting members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union to stop lifting petroleum products so as to cripple the economy and cause untold hardship to Nigerians was "nonsensical", said; "The arrest and continuous detention of Ifeanyi Ubah for alleged economic sabotage and the DSS pronouncement that the offence is punishable with death is a sad reminder of the President Buhari's military regime.
He called on well-meaning Nigerians and the international community to rise in condemnation of "this regime of tyranny being ran be the DSS, saying; “When the regime of tyranny started, we raised alarm but those who should have joined us then kept silent. Today, it is Ifeanyi Ubah that they have visited with their tyranny, who knows who will be next?"
The Ekiti State House of Assembly passed three amendment bills for third reading in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday.
The bills are the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (Amendment) Bill, Local Government Administration (Amendment) Bill, and Ekiti State Joint Local Government Account and Allocation of Revenue (Amendment) Bill.
Newsmen report that the three bills were passed during the plenary sitting after a thorough debate in which the lawmakers canvassed for their speedy consideration.
Messrs Akinleye Ekundayo, Anifowose Badejo, Akinniyi Sunday and the Chairman House Committee on Information, Dr Omotoso Samuel highlighted the advantages of the amendments and pointed out that they would be of immense benefit to Ekiti people.
The Leader of Government Business, Mr Akinyele Olatunji, said the Primary Health Care Amendment Bill would address health care delivery at the grassroots.
They described the amendment as timely, adding that it would make the health sector function effectively at the local government level.
The Local Government Administration (Amendment) Bill was passed to expunge the primary health department from the local government level.
The House also amended the Ekiti State Joint Local Government Account and Allocation of Revenue.
It said it was to enable the government put the payment of salaries of primary school teachers, primary health care workers, local government workers and five percent of statutory allocation in the account and for the payment of traditional rulers on first line charge.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Kola Oluwawole, said the amendment would improve efficiency and develop primary health care at the local government level.
He said it would also reduce bottlenecks as well as boost the morale of staff at the primary health care agency.
Oluwawole said the amendment removed any ambiguity in matters relating to primary health care delivery in Ekiti State.
Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Thursday said that the Zaria waterworks, constructed at the cost of N24 billion, was ready for inauguration.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Water Resources, Suleiman Lere, said this in Kaduna at the annual press briefing, organised by the Correspondents' Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He said that the newly constructed water plant would be supplying 150 million litres of water per day to the residents of Zaria and its environs.
"We are happy to inform you that the project has been completed and it is being test run; by Saturday, the water treatment plant will be inugurated," he said.
Besides, El-Rufai said that the Islamic Development Bank had approved a loan of 81 million U.S. dollars for the construction of 73km main transmission station, 10 service reservoirs and two booster stations.
"The project's overall objective is to improve the people's access to sustainable potable water supply in the Zaria metropolis and its environs,'' he said.
Besides, El-Rufai said that his administration had revalidated the consultancy services contract for the engineering design of the Kachia regional water supply project, which was earlier awarded in 2014.
He said the aim was to explore the possibility of drawing raw water from Gurara Dam for treatment and supply to Kachia and its environs.
He appealed to the people to support the state government by promptly paying their bills, while safeguarding the water projects in their neighbourhoods and reporting any leakage to the appropriate authorities.
