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
INNER Wheel District 911, a non-governmental organisation, has urged the Lagos State government to build cancer centers across the divisional areas in the state. Mrs. Fathiat Rufai, chairman of the District, made the appeal during a cancer roadshow campaign in Lagos recently. The campaign took off at the Ikeja Local Government Area and ended up at state House of Assembly, Alausa, Ikeja.
Members of Inner Wheel during the walk in Lagos
Rufai said the purpose of the cancer roadshow was to create awareness on cancer, especially breast cancer. "Cancer kills. It has claimed several lives in the society. We are not happy about this occurrence. We want the Lagos State Government to come to women's aide by providing early solution/cure to this disease. We are your mothers, your wives, sisters, aunties and daughters; therefore, you need to come to our rescue in providing solutions to this disease at an early stage," she said.
According to her, building cancer centres in the divisional areas of the state would help women have easy/quick access to intervention. Rufai appealed to members of the state House of Assembly to pass a pending bill on cancer awareness in the state. "This will help to reduce the death rate of cancer patients, as there will be easy and quick access to centres where vaccines and other drugs will be given at an early stage, " she said.
She appealed to all women and girls not to hesitate to go for check up once they sense any strangeness on their body, and also commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on his effort in infrastructural development, health awareness and adequate security around the city. Hon. Omotayo Oyeledun, the Lagos House of Assembly Deputy Chief Whip, who received the group, expressed satisfaction over the solo roadshow on cancer awareness. Oyeledun said that a bill on cancer awareness had been forwarded to the assembly and that deliberation was still ongoing, for its quick passage into law.
Earlier, Hon. Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on Health, while also receiving the women, said the House would ensure swift passage of the cancer awareness bill into law.
MAKE UP can be your best friend or your worst enemy and when it turns on you, you are generally the last to notice. You wear your make up for hours; hence it has to be a combination of beautiful, comfortable and resilient- just like your man.
If you started wearing make-up more than ten years ago, chances are you will struggle with today's make-up techniques and products, which is about as hi-tech as today's technology. To catch up, you need to buy, learn about and use the new basics below:
Primer One of the fist things one learns when painting with oils is to treat the canvas with Gesso first. This protects the fabric and fills in the cracks, providing an even surface texture for a painting that looks beautiful for centuries. The same theory applies to painting your face. Once upon a time, all you needed for great make up was a good moisturizer base. Not these days. There's a make- up primer for every skin type – moisturizing, anti-ageing, anti-blemish, mattifying and even sweat-proof.
Eyelashes You might have thought putting on a fake pair of lashes was something of an overkill but not today. It is virtually impossible to pull off a complete made-up look without a pair. Look for reusable human hair lashes and a VERY good fixer.
Brow kit Forget about your eyebrow pencil- or you can keep it, but as a keepsake. These days there are far more important materials to attain the perfect brow, as the brow has become the focal point of every well made up face. Rather, you will be needing an entire kit consisting brow powders, gels, concealers and tools such as would make a regular pedicure kit green with envy.
Contour/highlight Forget blushes, which is now only relevant to the white skinned make up user. Contour makeup is your fast-track to cheekbones worthy of the catwalk; by playing around with light and shade, you can totally transform your face, whether it's a slimmer nose or a more defined jawline. The world of contour cosmetics has come a long way since the craze began seven or so years ago. It's an art that is here to stay, one that's worthy of investing some time in.
Setting spray It is no longer enough to wear make up and go. It is also no longer customary to excuse yourself to go powder your nose when you are at a public function. This is where setting spray comes in. In addition to keeping your make up fresh, setting sprays are usually infused with moisturizers, sunblocks and acidity regulators.
New Delhi – Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday offered to step down following two rail derailments few hours after the Chairman of Indian railway board A. K. Mittal tendered his resignation.
Mittal, who was the administrative head of Indian railways, voluntarily resigned from his position on Wednesday morning following the derailment of Utkal Express and Kaifiyat Express in a gap of five days.
The minister, who met with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took moral responsibility of two back-to-back accidents, and offered to quit.
"I met with Modi taking full moral responsibility and the PM has asked me to wait," Prabhu wrote on his twitter page.
At least 74 people were injured after 10 bogies of a passenger train derailed early on Wednesday in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
On Saturday, at least 23 people were killed and over 150 others injured.
Some of the victims were critically injured, after 14 coaches of the train derailed fell upon one another in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh state, around 100 km from New Delhi, India's national capital. (Xinhua/NAN)
By Providence Emmanuel SME 100 Nigeria is set to empower 25 innovative entrepreneurs who are under the age of 25 years with the aim of reducing the high mortality rate among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.
For well over an hour, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors & Ministers walked through booths where hundreds of MSMEs showcased and advertised their products. 20th July 2017.
SME 100 Nigeria is engaged in youth-driven entrepreneurship training and specializes in finding, preparing and connecting young entrepreneurs with the resources, training and support they need to run successful entrepreneurial businesses.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Founder and Executive Director of the organisation, Mr. Charles Odii, said members of the public were invited about six months ago to nominate under 25 entrepreneurs who were making quality impact on the economy.
He explained that more than 3,500 entrepreneurs were nominated and subsequently reduced to 100, adding that the number will be further slashed to 25 after voting and the winners will be awarded on August 26. He added that to qualify, businesses must be based in Nigeria, duly registered at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and in fields such as cyber security and technology; fashion; arts, crafts and culture; food; health & skincare; education, as well as energy & sustainability. Others are media & ICT, photography; music; software & design and event and planning.
Odii said: "SME 100 Nigeria is meant to encourage the entrepreneurs to make much more impact. "The difference between this award and others is that these people are founders, innovators and CEOs of their businesses. The short-listing is based on the impact the entrepreneurs make."
In his comment, Director of Programmes, SME 100 Nigeria, Mr Brian Oji, stated: "We identify young people doing phenomenal work across the country, shine the spotlight on them so that all others can see them and aspire to set up businesses as well. On the other hand, we are actively tackling the menace of widespread youth unemployment in Nigeria."
Tottenham finalised their signing of Ajax defender Davinson Sanchez for a reported club record £42 million ($54 million) on Wednesday.
We are delighted to announce that @daosanchez26 has completed his move to the Club subject to receipt of his work permit later this week. pic.twitter.com/GtppypuoIj
Sanchez’s move to the Premier League club was originally announced last Friday and Tottenham have now rubber-stamped the paperwork after he completed a medical.
The 21-year-old Colombia centre-back has agreed a six-year contract and his move is believed to have eclipsed Tottenham’s previous record fee of £30 million, which they paid Newcastle for midfielder Moussa Sissoko last year.
“We are delighted to announce that Davinson Sanchez has completed his move to the club subject to receipt of his work permit later this week,” a Tottenham statement read.
Sanchez joined Eredivisie side Ajax in June last year on a five-year deal after leaving Atletico Nacional in his homeland.
He played in last season’s Europa League final, which Manchester United won 2-0, and was named Ajax’s player of the year in May.
Enugu – A civil war veteran, Prof. Okoro Akpa, has urged various youth organisations issuing threats of quit notices and ultimatums to withdraw them and move for a more united and prosperous country.
Akpa, who fought on the Biafra side during the 30-months Nigeria-Biafra civil war, made the call while speaking to journalists on the indivisibility of the country on Wednesday in Enugu.
He urged the youth groups, especially members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Arewa youths, to join hands with the Federal Government to harness their potentials to build the country.
"Federal Government should sensitise Nigerians to love each other and to love the country because we have no other country than Nigeria.
"We must realise, understand and accept that the instrument that brought all of us together was an act of God.
"And all those who did it only came to fulfil that divine mission and mandate,'' Akpa said. According to him, Nigerians should be made to know that the country is equally owned by all and that a leader can emerge from any place, no matter how remote.
Akpa, a professor of alternative medicine, however, urged governments at all levels to ensure that youths are gainfully employed to check their restiveness.
He expressed the view that if industries are established, and the teeming youths gainfully employed, the country would be a better and peaceful place to live in.
"Establish industries in various communities in this country, in which indigenes will be employed to produce products and services that can be exported to other countries of the world.
"Organise a powerful organ for sending our youths to foreign countries like India, USA, China, etc, for high profile skill acquisition for the manufacture of aircraft, ships, motor cars, television, handsets, medical and engineering equipment,'' he suggested. (NAN)
Abuja – Mr Adams Oshiomole former Governor of Edo, has called for the review of the revenue allocation formula in favour of states and local governments in the country.
Oshiomohole made the call at the Colloquium organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The theme of the colloquium is: "The Labour Movement and the Future of United Nigeria: What Role for Restructuring?''He said that the review of the formula was overdue.
"We are now 17 years in democracy and for over 18 years that formula has yet to be reviewed,'' he said . He called for the transfer of resources to the states.
`If resources are transferred to each of the 36 states of the federation, those who want to grow can continue to grow, those who want to sleep and go slowly, let them do so.
"Those who want to run as fast as lion should be allowed to run, that could lead to the competition that we should have, ''he said. The former governor said that the country did not need federal roads but rather, states and local governments should be empowered to do so while states should be allowed to manage their own power to efficiency in power distribution.
"There are a lot of things we can do in the devolution of power and what I believe we must do is that, we can be mobilised to the National Assembly and tell our lawmakers what they must do as far as devolution of power is concerned. Contributing, Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President said the colloquium was convened in response to the recent developments in polity and calls for the restructuring of the nation.
"The discourse among the political elites in our country, in the last few months, has been so heated that suddenly, many of the elites involved in this debate have thrown caution, decency and decorum to the winds. "Also, the threats and counter threats have grave consequences for our cooperate existence as a nation.
"We have also heard stringent calls for Nigeria to return to regions of the first republic, others called for remodel our federation along the Abacha era. "Yet, others have called for a return of parliamentary form of democracy, ''he said.
He said the forum was called to seek sustainable effort to address the recurring problems affecting the country.
Waba said if the resources available to the nation were well managed in the past and not stolen by both the public and private sector operators, unemployment would have reduced.
He said that proper management of the nation's resources in the past would have enhanced building of infrastructure, effective funding of education sector, healthcare and other social services. (NAN)
Samsung on Wednesday unveiled a new model of its Galaxy Note as it seeks to leave behind the debacle over exploding batteries in the previous generation of the device, and mount a renewed challenge to Apple and its soon-to-come iPhone 8.
Introducing the Note 8 “phablet” at an event in New York City, executives repeatedly thanked fans who had remained loyal to the device.
“None of us will ever forget what happened last year,” said Samsung president of mobile communications business DJ Koh.
“But, I will never forget how millions of dedicated Note loyalists stayed with us; so let me express my deepest gratitude.”
The South Korean giant laid claim to being the first smartphone maker to field a “phablet” device — combining features of smartphones and tablets — when it introduced the first Note five years ago.
Samsung did not disclose the price of the Note 8, which will hit shops on September 15 but will be available for pre-orders starting Thursday.
Note 8 features include dual cameras on the back, with improved image capabilities, and a signature “S Pen” for drawing or writing on touch screens.
“All in all, it was a good day for Samsung,” Moore Insights and Strategy analyst Patrick Moorhead said at the event.
“The Note 7 is clearly behind them and now it’s onto the future with the Note 8.”
The analyst depicted the Note 8 as Samsung’s best opportunity in years to gain market share in the fiercely competitive premium smartphone market.
– iPhone turns 10 – The Note 8 debut comes on the heels of Samsung launching new Galaxy 8 smartphones, and as the South Korean consumer electronics giant and fellow market leader Apple seek wow factors that can help them fend off challenges from rising Chinese-based manufacturers.
Apple is under particular pressure to dazzle as the culture-changing California iPhone maker looks for a way to maintain its image as an innovation leader in a global market showing signs of slowing.
Apple is expected to unveil a 10th anniversary version of the iPhone in September.
“Clearly, Apple wants to do something different,” NPD Group analyst Stephen Baker told AFP.
Reports say the new iPhone will include a high-quality, edge-to-edge screen with a notch in the top for an extra camera supporting 3D facial recognition.
Some speculate that the back of the new handset will be glass and will offer wireless charging.
Meanwhile, Google-made Pixel smartphones that debuted last year will likely get a second generation in the months ahead.
Global smartphone sales saw a modest decline of 0.8 percent in the second quarter of 2017, an IDC survey showed.
Samsung maintained top spot in the crowded field with a 23.3 percent market share, while Apple held onto second place with 12 percent, according to IDC.
“Samsung had the Note 7 debacle, but it appears their troubles are behind them,” GlobalData analyst Avi Greengart told AFP. “Samsung is doing some amazing things with its display and design.”
– ‘Infinity’ and beyond – Note 8 handsets boasted “infinity” screens that span edge-to-edge on handsets, to enhance the viewing of video or help to juggle multiple tasks.
Samsung said it also built its Bixby virtual assistant smarts into Note 8 as it battles to compete with artificial intelligence being meshed into handsets powered by Apple or Google-backed Android software.
Note 8 also boasted water and dust resistance, along with wireless charging capability.
“We appreciate the relentless passion of the Note community,” Koh said during a presentation focused almost as much on Note fans as it was on the new handset.
“They’ve been a constant inspiration to us, and we designed the new Note for them.”
By Henry Umoru ABUJA- THE quick intervention of Senate President Bukola Saraki Wednesday stopped the Chief Executive Officers of some major multinational companies and Nigeria based Organisations from staging a walkout at the resumed probe of these firms by the Senate Joint Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, investigating the alleged N30 trillion revenue leakage.
Apparently tired of waiting for hours, the CEOs of these companies were prepared to leave the hearing room and go back to Lagos.
But for the very quick intervention of Senate President Saraki who pleaded with them to give the Committee members some more time, the Chief Executive officers, CEOs then waited for the Senators.
The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, on Wednesday, said the state government in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI), would soon commence the disbursement of interest-free loans to two thousand women to grow their businesses in the state. The First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, speaking on the activities of her pet project, Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise (EWAE), in Benin City, Edo State on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. Mrs. Obaseki who said this while speaking on the activities of her pet project, Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise (EWAE), assured women leaders from the eighteen local government councils of the state, that the scope of the project has been expanded.
“The Edo Women for Agriculture and Enterprise initiative has been successful. We have recorded over 85 per cent success rate, and most of our women have done well. Due to this success, I have decided to expand the scope of the programme to include general enterprise that can grow the state’s economy and empower our people," Mrs. Obaseki said.
She explained that there were several programmes in the bouquet of the Bank of Industry, designed to support the initiative, and grow the micro, small and medium enterprise sub-sectors. She added: "I am also working towards getting support and funding from outside the state and country as part of my contributions to the economy of the state.”
She said the criteria for qualifying for the loan facility includes membership of a registered cooperative that has serious and credible executives, whose members must be diligent traders who are ready to pay back the loans at the stipulated time.
Mrs. Obaseki said the loan amount would be between fifty and one hundred thousand naira with a repayment period of six months.
.Moves to block tax leakages, targets 75 percent from IGR
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
Barely 27 days assumption in office of the new administration, Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, LCDA, has awarded the rehabilitation of the deplorable Raufu Tijani Road, a link road from Idimu-Ejigbo for immediate construction which is aimed at ensuring smooth movement of traffic around the axis.
Meantime, the council, also unveiled a special tax revenue team, which was created recently, with the aim of reducing the high level of leakages associated with collection of cash by revenue officials.
Chairman of the council, Alhaji Monsurudeen Bello, disclosed this yesterday, during a Town Hall Meeting, which focused on infrastructural development and effective means of generating revenue internally, held at the council's Secretariat.
Bello, addressing the mammoth crowd, which included; Members of Community Development Associations, CDA, traditional ruler, clerics, traders, stakeholders, among others, stressed the need for a collective responsibility from residents to further engender overall development of the area among other councils in the state.
He reiterated commitment to his campaign promise of ensuring a transparent, evidence-based plan to support infrastructural development with high quality public investment and effective service delivery in all sector.
According to him, "Local councils are systematically designed as close as possible to the people at the grassroot levels with the objective of facilitating development which cannot be achieved by government alone.
"Our roads are in terrible shape, our waterways need urgent attention, and some of our communities are in need of government schools, clinics, among others. Our drainage system is worrisome and shameful while our youths need to be meaningfully engaged.
"I am happy, therefore, to notify you that our administration has awarded the rehabilitation of Raufu Tijani up to Kolawole Sebilli Street, which is about 152 meters in length and Moshalasi Road from Idimu Junction down to Alhaji Obe, which about 540 meteres in length.
"These two link roads which will further ease movement of traffic in Alimosho axis are expected to be completed before the end of December, 2017."
Bello, explained that the project which had been awarded to a local contractor is to further complement the on-going construction of 181 inner roads already embarked on by the state government.
"This roads links, Lagos-Abeokuta Road, LASU-Iba, Ikotun, Oke-Afa, Ipaja, Ayobo roads, thereby, reduces man-hour loss as result of traffic gridlock, as well as boost business activities of residents in the area," the council boss stated.
Tax net
While lamenting on the challenges facing the council due to scarce resources, Bello stressed the need for private partnership and cooperation from residents.
His words: "Ejigbo has the potential survive on Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, if the right parameters are set. We are considered weak in our IGR because we do not have comprehensive data on who should pay the approved revenue license fees and permits or the key economic activities that can generate levies.
"It is important for all of us to look inwards and start to engage in resource development in order to fashion out a more effective means of generating revenue while encouraging Public-Private Partnership, PPP, within our locality.
"Today we intend to make Ejigbo LCDA self sufficient so that we can generate at least 75 percent of our revenue from IGR which is achievable through your support and cooperation and by implementing a customized data base with cutting-edge technology methods."
Unveiling the special tax team, Bello, stressed, "We are willing to partner with you in order to reduce the high level of leakages associated with the collection cash by revenue officials, hence, we have trained and retraining our revenue officers who will from today (Wednesday) be going about their official duties in a uniform for easy identification, thereby, eliminating possible impostor in the process."
Prof. Chris Bode, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, on Wednesday said nobody died of any "strange disease" linked to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the hospital.
Bode spoke in a statement in Lagos against the reported death of 13 people in the hospital as a result of HPV.
According to him, no doctor made such a claim from this institution and nobody died of any "strange disease" in LUTH.
Bode said: "HPV does not cause sudden mass deaths in humans.
"Medical literature informs us that the human papillomavirus causes a number of diseases in man, and the ordinary wart is the commonest of these.
"The virus is also known to cause cancer of the cervix in females, genital cancer and cancer of the throat. Occasionally, it can prevent pregnancy.
"The virus is found only in humans and it can be transmitted through sexual contact and infects the anus and genitals.
"HPV vaccines can prevent the most common types of infection and it is now recommended to be given to young girls between the ages of 9 and 13 to prevent cervical cancer.''
The chief medical director said that though, warts have been documented since the time of ancient Greece, its viral nature was described over a hundred years ago.
"It is, therefore, absurd to attribute the discovery of this old disease to any LUTH doctor.
"It damages the ethical standards of the Nigerian Medical community when such reckless claims are made,'' Bode said.
Abuja – The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND) has called on Niger Delta youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction by greedy and selfish politicians.
Mr James Erebuoye, President of the group, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to recent wave of hate speeches in the country. Nnamdi Kanu
According to him, some politicians are in the habit of using unsuspecting masses to instigate crisis in the country while their children are overseas studying and enjoying.
He added that rather than engaging in ventures that would heat up the polity, youths in the region should focus more on monitoring constituency projects and fund disbursement to and in the region.
He said they should also strive to work towards ensuring the country´s unity while supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to enable it deliver true democracy dividends to the people. Erebuoye particularly called on youths in the region to shun the call being made by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for the disintegration of the country.
He maintained that the unity and development of the country should be the interest of all well meaning Nigerians, adding that youths in the region should stay clear from IPOB activities and embrace peace.
"We must not give room to Nnamdi and his IPOB group to course panic and destruction to this great region and the country generally.
"The Niger Delta region has suffered several crises in the past and it is time for us to give peace a chance to enable us benefits from the Buhari administration.
"I am very sure that we all know that nothing good comes out of crisis; it is high time we stop participating in illegal rallies out of personal interest,´´ Erebuoye stressed.
He maintained that Niger Delta youths should join hands with the Federal Government and its anti- graft agencies in fighting corruption which he noted had left the country and he region in a very bad shape. (NAN)
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, has approved the release of the admission list of successful candidates into the Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) for the 2017/2018 academic year.
Malam Adamu Adamu
A statement by the Federal Ministry of Education on Wednesday quoted the minster as saying that admission list into JSSI was on notice boards in the colleges and on their websites.
The statement signed by Mrs Priscilla Ihuoma, Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, said the list was also online: http:htt//www.fmeinterviewtest.com or the ministry's website www.education.gov.ng.
"Students who have been offered provisional admission have two weeks after the release of the results to accept the offer, otherwise, they will be replaced by other candidates,'' the statement quoted Adamu as saying.
The Kogi House of Assembly has constituted a five-man committee to "critically investigate" the remote and immediate causes of the attack on members while in session on Aug. 1.
The action followed the adoption of a motion to that effect brought by Victor Omofaiye (APC,Ijumu) under matters of urgent public importance, on Wednesday in Lokoja.
Hoodlums, on August 1, invaded the house and attacked members and staff of the assembly.
The hoodlums, who left many members critically injured, also destroyed furniture.
Omofaiye, while moving the motion, described the incident as "ugly and unpalatable", saying that the attack desecrated the chamber that was supposed to be a sacred place for the legislators to carry out their constitutional roles.
"It is unfortunate that the thugs turned the hallow chamber into a theatre of war; they physically assaulted some members, forcing many of us to scale the walls to escape to safety.
"This evil deed on the members of the House of Assembly is uncivilised, barbaric and should be checked, investigated and condemned by a resolution of the House," he said.
Seconding the motion, Edoko Moses (APC-Dekina-Biraidu), explained that whenever there was crisis in any Assembly, it was usually among members.
"But on Aug. 1, the House was disrupted by evil guests; hoodlums invaded the Assembly that day. One keeps wondering what brought them and why the lawmakers became their target," he said.
Contributing, Pedro Obaro (APC-Mopa-muro), decried the inaction of security operatives on the day the attack took place.
"There were security agents all over the place, but they did not protect the lawmakers; they left us vulnerable and the hoodlums had a field day," he said.
Speaker of the House, Prince Matthew Kolawole, in his ruling, condemned the attack and constituted a five-man committee to critically investigate its remote cause.
Mover of the motion and Chairman, Ethics and Privileges Committee, Omafaiye is to chair the committee that has the Deputy Speaker, Hassan Abdullahi, Lawi Ahmed, Haruna Idoko Musa and Oluwatoyin Lawal as members.
The Concerned Nigerian Network in Diaspora (CNND) has called on Niger Delta youths not to allow themselves to be used as instruments of destruction by greedy and selfish politicians.
Mr James Erebuoye, President of the group, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja while reacting to recent wave of hate speeches in the country.
According to him, some politicians are in the habit of using unsuspecting masses to instigate crisis in the country while their children are overseas studying and enjoying.
He added that rather than engaging in ventures that would heat up the polity, youths in the region should focus more on monitoring constituency projects and fund disbursement to and in the region.
He said they should also strive to work towards ensuring the country´s unity while supporting the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to enable it deliver true democracy dividends to the people.
Erebuoye particularly called on youths in the region to shun the call being made by Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for the disintegration of the country.
He maintained that the unity and development of the country should be the interest of all well meaning Nigerians, adding that youths in the region should stay clear from IPOB activities and embrace peace.
"We must not give room to Nnamdi and his IPOB group to course panic and destruction to this great region and the country generally. "The Niger Delta region has suffered several crises in the past and it is time for us to give peace a chance to enable us benefits from the Buhari administration.
"I am very sure that we all know that nothing good comes out of crisis; it is high time we stop participating in illegal rallies out of personal interest,´´ Erebuoye stressed.
He maintained that Niger Delta youths should join hands with the Federal Government and its anti- graft agencies in fighting corruption which he noted had left the country and he region in a very bad shape.
………as agency shun request to handover case files of ex-Govs
By Ikechukwu Nnochiri
ABUJA – Ongoing cold war between the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, and the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, may frustrate the trial of more than 35 ex-governors.
Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the anti-graft agency had yet to transfer case files of the affected public officials to the AGF, though the request was made since July 2016. Magu It was further learnt that the rift between Malami and Magu was worsened by the AGF’s insistence that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, must be separated from the EFCC.
Further probe by Vanguard revealed that Malami had in a memo marked HAGF/SH/2016/Vol.1/2, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency, expedite the process of securing autonomy for the NFIU which has been under the control of EFCC since it was established in 2006.
According to section 1(2) (c) of the EFCC Act, it is the NFIU that has “the responsibility of coordinating the various institutions involved in the fight against money laundering and enforcement of all laws dealing with economic and financial crimes in Nigeria”.
It will be recalled that the Egmont Group of national financial intelligence units, had at its 24th Plenary that held in China in July, suspended Nigeria for what it termed lack of independence of the NFIU from the EFCC.
The group, at the meeting where about 354 participants representing 112 Financial Intelligence Units were in attendance, anchored its decision to axe Nigeria, on repeated failure to protect confidential information relating to Suspicious Transaction Report (STR) derived from international exchanges, which it made available to the NFIU.
The group, which is the highest inter-governmental association of intelligence agencies in the world, gave Nigeria until December to comply with its standards on financial intelligence or risk expulsion in 2018.
Following the threat which came whilst President Buhari was on medical vacation, the then Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, promptly constituted a Presidential Adhoc Committee headed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Chukwuka Utazi.
Mandate of the adhoc committee included to recommend and facilitate legal and regulatory measures to ensure the financial and operational autonomy of the NFIU, as well to recommend other necessary steps to be taken by relevant stakeholders to ensure the restoration of Nigeria’s membership on the Egmont Group.
Meanwhile, the AGF, through his memo, persuaded President Buhari to re-transmit the Proceed of Crime Bill and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Centre Bill, to the National Assembly.
Though the two Bills were previously passed by the 7th National Assembly in 2015, however, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan could not assent to them before his tenure elapsed.
Consequently, Malami, SAN, urged President Buhari to re-transmit them to the National Assembly.
The AGF’s memo read in part; "In view of the fact that the thirty (30) days time limit permitted under Section 58 (5) of the Constitution for assent to a Bill has expired, I respectfully wish to request Mr. President to re-transmit the Bills to the 8th Assembly for accelerated hearing, as may be permitted by its Rules. I have reviewed the two Bills which are Executive Bills and can confirm that they are consistent with the agenda of the present administration.
"The two Bills have been prioritized because they will support the fight against corruption, money laundering, terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft and a host of other crimes that are related to financial crimes. They will also enhance the legal measures for the recovery and management of stolen asset and ensure that all assets are recovered from within Nigeria and outside Nigeria in a prompt manner."
The memo signed by the AGF with the two Bills attached, dispatched and acknowledged same day by the presidency had as prayers that, "In the light of the above, Your Excellency is graciously invited to re-transmit the above-mentioned two Bills to the National Assembly for consideration and passage, please", it concluded.
Besides, the adhoc committee that was setup by Prof. Osinbajo is expected to conclude its assignment and submit final report to the Presidency at the end of this month.
Meanwhile, the case files yet to be transmitted to the AGF as requested, included those involving the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki who was former governor of Kwara State, Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu); Saminu Turaki (Jigawa); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Joshua Dariye (Plateau); Ahmed Yerima (Zamfara); Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); James Ibori (Delta); Martin Elechi (Ebonyi); Danjuma Goje (Gombe); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Ikedi Ohakim (Imo); Gbenga Daniel (Ogun); Achike Udenwa (Imo).
Others are Jolly Nyame (Taraba); Rasheed Ladoja (Oyo); Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo); Adamu Mu'azu (Bauchi); Lucky Igbinedion (Edo) and Peter Odili (Rivers) and Ubong Victor Attah (Akwa Ibom).
The Lagos State Ministry of Education on Wednesday said it has placed 5,278 successful candidates who scored 65 per cent and above in the last Model College placement test in the 16 Model Colleges/ Upgraded Secondary Schools.
Mr Adesina Odeyemi, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, said this while announcing the result of the test in Lagos.
He said that 10,592 candidates registered for the examination while 10,323 wrote test.
Odeyemi said 8,147 representing 78.92 per cent scored above 50 per cent, adding that it is an indication that the placement test was not only competitive, but the pupils made an impressive outing.
Odeyemi explained that the 65 per cent cut off mark was a function of the available vacancies in all the model colleges and for fairness and equity all pupils who scored above the cut-off mark were placed.
He said that this was a change from the practice in the past where those who could not meet the cut-off mark of their schools of choice lost out completely.
He said that 190 pupils who chose Vetland Junior Grammar School and scored between 65 per cent and 79 per cent who could not be placed in the school would be placed in public junior secondary schools around the area because it was a day school.
The permanent secretary said the parents of successful candidates would be contacted through Short Message Service (SMS) on the contact telephone line made available on the form.
He, however, said the list of successful candidates would be on display at the headquarters of the six education districts from Aug. 25.
"Parents can check the results at the closest education district irrespective of the choice of school of their children or wards.
"Parents and guardians whose children or wards scored 65 per cent and above were advised to start making arrangement for the Sept. 10 resumption date preparatory for the beginning of new academic session in Lagos state," he said.
Abuja – Mixed reactions on Wednesday trailed the decision of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to peg the minimum cut-off mark for admissions into universities at 120.JAMB candidates
Most Nigerians decried the reduction in the cut-off describing it as `too low a requirement for admission' into the university.
Mr Ettu Ahmed, an Educationist, said that the pegging of the cut-off to 120 would encourage laziness and lower the standard of education in the country.
"Rather than lower it to 120, JAMB management should have used 180 as the cut-off, judging from the number of those who scored 200 and above.
"JAMB's decision to reduce the cut-off to such a mark could have a multiplier effect on the already lower standard of education in the country,'' he said.
Mrs Foluke Mathew, a concerned mother, berated JAMB management for toeing that path, adding that such ridiculous reduction would not augur well for the educational development of the country.
"When I was about entering the university in the 90s, the minimum requirement was 180 but instead of increasing it, the management of JAMB reduced it drastically.
"It saddened my heart when I heard the news of the reduction. The reduction is capable of destabilising the educational system,'' she said.
Mrs Adekemi Jegede, Headmistress, Methodist Elementary School, Oke-Omi, Osun, State noted that the reduction of the cut-off marks would only worsen academic performance in tertiary institutions.
Jegede said the level of academic excellence depends on the performance of candidates in the UTME.
"When I heard the news of the reduction in the cut-off mark by JAMB yesterday, I was so perplexed because this has not been the usual way of JAMB doing things.
"This will only reduce the level of performance of the students.
"I believe students should be made to read more but this reduction will only make them idle, especially as regards their academic performance,'' she added.
However, some parents, teachers and students in Bwari, FCT also expressed mixed feelings over the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)'s reduction of cut-off marks for admissions to tertiary institutions.
Mr Joseph Okon, a civil servant, told NAN that although the reduction in the minimum cut-off marks marked deviation from the past, he did not expect it to have been reduced to such level.
According to him, last year it was 180, I was expecting this year's cut-off marks will be pegged at 170, but not as low as 120.
Okon said "I only pray that Universities will give room for our children to secure admission, to enable them acquire tertiary education.
"Before now, securing admission into tertiary institutions used to be very difficult, due to high cut-off marks often placed by University authorities.
"At least with this reduction in the bench mark we are sure our children will secure admission with minimal effort."
Mr Femi Ogunle, a parent, decried reduction in cut off marks, adding that this negated his expectation about standards of the nation's public examination.
"I used to think passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) reflects candidate intelligence to an extent, but now to secure admission at 120 marks leaves a wrong impression," Ogunle said.
On the contrary, a Secondary School Teacher, who pleaded anonymity, said that the reduction in cut-off marks would not in any way affect admission standards to tertiary institutions.
He suggested that there should be a platform to examine student intelligence through aptitude test, to avoid a situation where dull ones get admission at the expense of the intelligent ones.
A student of Government Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, Mr Paul Egbe, expressed delight in the reduction of the admission cut-off marks.
According to him, the reduction of cut-off marks will help to reduce the back log of candidates wanting to enter higher institutions, but cannot.
Egbe said "at least with this reduction, many candidates will be able to secure admission to study their course of choice and even attend the University they desire.
"I call on JAMB to sustain this feat because it will go a long way to encourage people wanting to enter higher institution to do so after passing the UTME''.
Miss Emmanuella Daniel, a student of Government Day Secondary School Bwari Central, said that the reduction of cut-off marks by the Board would hinder competition for excellence among candidates.
"I want JAMB to raise the bench mark to give room for those who really studied hard and passed the UTME, to be given admission.
"Reducing the cut-off marks to 120 will only benefit lazy students and contribute to the fallen standard of the nation's education," Daniel said.
JAMB had on Aug. 22 reduced university cut-off to 120, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education 100 at a policy meeting with the Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of higher institutions in the country.
NAN reports that Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB, had at the policy meeting of the stakeholders of Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja disclosed the reduction of cut off marks to 120.
The reduction decision on the choice of cut-off marks was an outcome of the unanimous agreement arrived at by heads of tertiary institutions at the policy meeting.
NAN reports 569,395 of the 1.7 million candidates that wrote this year's UTME scored over 200 marks. (NAN) FEA/FAK/GOM/AFA
Mixed reactions on Wednesday trailed the decision of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to peg the minimum cut-off mark for admissions into universities at 120.
JAMB candidates
Most Nigerians decried the reduction in the cut-off describing it as `too low a requirement for admission' into the university.
Mr Ettu Ahmed, an Educationist, said that the pegging of the cut-off to 120 would encourage laziness and lower the standard of education in the country.
"Rather than lower it to 120, JAMB management should have used 180 as the cut-off, judging from the number of those who scored 200 and above.
"JAMB's decision to reduce the cut-off to such a mark could have a multiplier effect on the already lower standard of education in the country,'' he said.
Mrs Foluke Mathew, a concerned mother, berated JAMB management for toeing that path, adding that such ridiculous reduction would not augur well for the educational development of the country.
"When I was about entering the university in the 90s, the minimum requirement was 180 but instead of increasing it, the management of JAMB reduced it drastically.
"It saddened my heart when I heard the news of the reduction. The reduction is capable of destabilising the educational system,'' she said.
Mrs Adekemi Jegede, Headmistress, Methodist Elementary School, Oke-Omi, Osun, State noted that the reduction of the cut-off marks would only worsen academic performance in tertiary institutions.
Jegede said the level of academic excellence depends on the performance of candidates in the UTME.
"When I heard the news of the reduction in the cut-off mark by JAMB yesterday, I was so perplexed because this has not been the usual way of JAMB doing things.
"This will only reduce the level of performance of the students.
"I believe students should be made to read more but this reduction will only make them idle, especially as regards their academic performance,'' she added.
However, some parents, teachers and students in Bwari, FCT also expressed mixed feelings over the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB)'s reduction of cut-off marks for admissions to tertiary institutions.
Mr Joseph Okon, a civil servant, said that although the reduction in the minimum cut-off marks marked deviation from the past, he did not expect it to have been reduced to such level.
According to him, last year it was 180, I was expecting this year's cut-off marks will be pegged at 170, but not as low as 120.
Okon said "I only pray that Universities will give room for our children to secure admission, to enable them acquire tertiary education.
"Before now, securing admission into tertiary institutions used to be very difficult, due to high cut-off marks often placed by University authorities.
"At least with this reduction in the bench mark we are sure our children will secure admission with minimal effort."
Mr Femi Ogunle, a parent, decried reduction in cut off marks, adding that this negated his expectation about standards of the nation's public examination.
"I used to think passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) reflects candidate intelligence to an extent, but now to secure admission at 120 marks leaves a wrong impression," Ogunle said.
On the contrary, a Secondary School Teacher, who pleaded anonymity, said that the reduction in cut-off marks would not in any way affect admission standards to tertiary institutions.
He suggested that there should be a platform to examine student intelligence through aptitude test, to avoid a situation where dull ones get admission at the expense of the intelligent ones.
A student of Government Secondary School Dutse-Alhaji, Mr Paul Egbe, expressed delight in the reduction of the admission cut-off marks.
According to him, the reduction of cut-off marks will help to reduce the back log of candidates wanting to enter higher institutions, but cannot.
Egbe said "at least with this reduction, many candidates will be able to secure admission to study their course of choice and even attend the University they desire.
"I call on JAMB to sustain this feat because it will go a long way to encourage people wanting to enter higher institution to do so after passing the UTME''.
Miss Emmanuella Daniel, a student of Government Day Secondary School Bwari Central, said that the reduction of cut-off marks by the Board would hinder competition for excellence among candidates.
"I want JAMB to raise the bench mark to give room for those who really studied hard and passed the UTME, to be given admission.
"Reducing the cut-off marks to 120 will only benefit lazy students and contribute to the fallen standard of the nation's education," Daniel said.
JAMB had on Aug. 22 reduced university cut-off to 120, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education 100 at a policy meeting with the Vice Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of higher institutions in the country.
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB, had at the policy meeting of the stakeholders of Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja disclosed the reduction of cut off marks to 120.
The reduction decision on the choice of cut-off marks was an outcome of the unanimous agreement arrived at by heads of tertiary institutions at the policy meeting.
According to reports 569,395 of the 1.7 million candidates that wrote this year's UTME scored over 200 marks.
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 very misleading report by Urhokpota Reporters that Governor Obaseki walked out on the Chairman of the APC, Edo State, Barr. Anselm Ojezua at a meeting to address the recent misunderstanding in Edo State House of Assembly could not have been further from the truth.
Remarkably, the story had no byline and was not credited to anyone but if your reporter was at the APC Secretariat on Monday the 14th of August, he should have had the honesty and integrity to admit that the meeting with the honorable members was behind closed doors to which the press corps was not admitted. There is no way the reporter could have witnessed a walkout by the Governor.
The Governor of Edo State and the APC as the ruling party are working in synergy and are determined to run an open and responsive government. Your reporter had ample opportunity to clear his suspicion when the Chairman addressed the press corps at the end of the meeting. He chose instead, to go to town with the product of his own imagination in place of facts.
The press as the fourth estate of the realm, owes a fundamental duty to the reading public to publish the truth and nothing else. Falsehood and sensationalism do not conform to the ethics of your noble profession which is to inform and educate.
The facts are these. A majority of members of the Edo State House of Assembly effected a change in the leadership of the House in accordance with the House rules. Those who were in favor and those who were against the change thereafter proceeded to the State Secretariat of the APC to inform the party leadership of the development.
The Governor was duly informed and he chose to meet with the honorable members and the Party leadership on the same platform. Both sides to the misunderstanding presented their versions of the incident. At that juncture, it was decided that the signatures on the impeachment notice needed to be verified.
The other major issue that was of concern to the Party leadership was the balance of power in the State. The honorable members and in particular the new leadership were urged to be sensitive to this long standing tripod arrangement which ensures that the positions of Governor, his deputy and the Speaker of the House are shared equally to the three senatorial districts in the state.
This is what guarantees political stability in Edo State and the point was made that failure to adhere to it would surely generate needless and avoidable agitation from Edo Central Senatorial District. Recognizing that tension was high, and nerves were frayed, it was amicably agreed that all parties should meet with the Governor and the Party leadership the next day at 9.00am. The State Chairman Anselm Ojezua was mandated to brief the press and he said, and I quote, "We are talking. As soon as we finish talking, we will let you know the outcome. But know that we are all still talking".
That the Governor exited the conference room ahead of everyone present is standard protocol and did not in any way translate to storming out or walking out on the Chairman.
All the conspiracy theories are false and baseless. The immediate past Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole holds his successor Godwin Obaseki in high regard and their relationship is based on mutual respect. Comrade Oshiomhole left office a fulfilled man, knowing that Governor Obaseki would build on his legacies of development and good governance. Any and every attempt to drive a wedge into the cohesive leadership of the APC in Edo State is doomed to fail.
The Edo State House of Assembly is made up of loyal party men and women who are independent-minded in the discharge of their legislative functions and will not lend themselves to manipulation or blackmail by anyone, no matter how highly placed as insinuated in your article. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole served the good people of Edo State meritoriously for eight years and has honorably bowed out of the stage. He should be left to enjoy his life as a private citizen without intrigues and conspiracy theories.
Finally, we hope Urhokpota Reporters will give this rejoinder the same prominence and circulation that it gave their misleading article.
Azebamwan is the Edo State Publicity Secretary of the APC
The National Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, has banned five songs by Olamide, Davido and 9ice, having considered them offensive for broadcast, according to online portal, Premium Times.
The banned songs are Olamide's "Wo" and "Wavy Level"; Davido's "Fall" and "If (Remix)"; and 9ice's "Living Things."
The corporation released the list yesterday, saying it banned the five songs from being aired across the Nigerian airwaves.
The Federal Ministry of Health had in a tweet on Friday, said the video to Olamide's "Wo" violated the Tobacco Control Act 2015.
The 28-year-old rapper, who is signed to his own record label, YBNL, had returned to Ladi Lak in Bariga where he was raised to shoot the video of his latest single.
"This is our position: video contravenes the act. Innocently or otherwise, Tobacco Promotion Advertising Sponsorship is banned in all forms," the NBC said.
It could not immediately ascertain why the songs of the two other musicians were banned.
In June this year, the federal government, through the Ministry of Health, had launched a campaign to ban smoking in public places, including motor parks, shopping malls and health care centres.
Tweeting the information via its official Twitter page, the Ministry claimed that the video, which features ghetto scenes in which youth are seen smoking, encouraged second-hand smoking.
This is not the first time that an Olamide song will be banned by the regulatory agency. In 2016, just a few months after the ban of one of his songs, 'Shakiti Bobo', NBC also banned, 'Don't Stop' which is a track off Olamide's 5th studio album, Eyan Mayweather, for its vulgar lyrics.
Defending the decision at the time, the NBC said the song was banned from being played on the airwaves for its 'obscenity, being indecent, vulgar languages, lewd and profane expressions like 'wa gba ponron', 'I just want to hit you now', 'je kin wo be…"
Rapper Falz had also in June, criticized Nigerian musicians who glamourised fraud with their lyrics, a criticism fans took to be directed at 9ice for "Living Things."
The actor and rapper stated that the recent trend of hailing Internet fraudsters in music is not helping future generations as the young ones are beginning to see this as a normal way of life.
He recounted the personal experience of challenges faced by Nigerians in other countries as a result of cyber crime.
"No person shall engage or participate in any tobacco advertising, promotion or sponsorship as a media or event organizer, celebrity or other participant," it read.
According to the 2015 law, anyone who violates the law faces the risk of a fine and jail term of not more than one year.
Persons that produce or publish advertising, promotion or sponsorship content shall attract a fine of not less than N3,000,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than one year.
If the tenets of the tobacco-control act are followed to the latter, then the rapper is at risk of N3 million fine, one-year jail term over 'Wo' video.
The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, has attributed Nigeria's poor performances in sports to aging professional athletes.
Dalung
Dalung said this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving Nigeria gymnasts that participated at the 2017 Regional African Gymnastics Championship in South Africa.
The 11 gymnasts comprises a boy and 10 girls, particularly a five-year old.
Team Nigeria won two gold medals and nine bronze at levels 4-9 of the championship.
Dalung thanked Coach Anthony Asuquo for his determination in grassroots sports development.
"I thank the coach for his determination in grassroots sports development. I discover that we have depleted the profile of our national athletes.
"This has led us to recycle our professional athletes which has resulted to our poor podium performances.
"When I came on board, I came up with a policy of massive grassroots sports development. I have not pretended over this, it will remain the focus and policy in the ministry.
"We must encourage young athletes; we must discover young athletes, develop them so that they can realise their potential.
"I think the gymnastic federation, with others, have keyed into this policy.
"We must practically demonstrate this, and in demonstrating this, we must get younger people involved and much younger ages should be attracted into sports.
"They should be encouraged and supported so that they can develop,'' he said.
Dalung, who was very impressed with the performance of the five-year old gymnast, Lara Anot who won her first bronze medal, said more younger gymnasts should be trained.
"If we can get more five-year old gymnasts to win medals for the country, in the next five years, Nigeria will have athletes that will dominate the gymnastics space for the next 10 to 15 years before retiring.
"Therefore, I congratulate our great gymnasts for making us proud,'' he said.
Dalung directed the acting permanent secretary of the ministry to ensure that the financial assistance due to the team was released.
Earlier, Asuquo thanked the Minister and the President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Habu Gumel, for their support for the championship.
He expressed happiness over the results recorded so far in the sport.
According to him, "we competed with over 500 gymnasts and won two gold and nine bronze medals.
"We trained tirelessly for this championship, an average of four hours a day in Nigeria.
"I promised the minister that I will do my best to ensure that gymnastics is well known in Nigeria and I thank God for this achievement.
" I also thank the NOC president for supporting the team with flight tickets for the championship''.
Asuquo thanked parents who assisted the team and promised to put in his best to get the gymnasts ready for the country.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has identified more football officials who must drop one of two or more hats in administration as the football body's Integrity Initiative Reforms juggernaut rumbles on.
This is contained in a letter on Tuesday by NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.
"The Nigeria Football Federation, in furtherance to its Integrity Initiative Reforms, has identified key officials of football that are currently occupying offices that present a possible conflict of interest in the discharge of their duties.
"These officials are to forthwith comply with the earlier directive of the NFF to resign from one of the positions that they are currently occupying to give way for a system that is devoid of a possible conflict of interest.
The affected officials are as follows: All Executive Members of Nigeria Coaches Association at both the State and National level are to henceforth, ensure they are not members of another executive body of football within their state or at national level.
"Hence, no official is allowed to occupy a State Executive/National Executive position of Coaches Association and still be a member of a State Football Association Board or State Referees Association Executive.
"All executive members of Nigeria Players Union at both the state and national level are to henceforth ensure they are not members of another executive body of football within their state or at national level.
"Hence, no official is allowed to occupy a State Executive/National Executive position of Players Union and still be a member of a state football association board or State Referees Association Executive.
"All executive members of Nigeria Referees Association at both the state and national level are to henceforth ensure they are not members of another executive body of football within their state or at national level."
The letter also directed affected officials to immediately resign from either of the positions and send copies of their resignation letters to the National Integrity Officer via Christian.emeruwa77@gmail.com .
The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has called on state governments to take proactive measures to minimize the risk of flooding in their areas.
Saraki made the call in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that recent reports showed that as many as 30 states out of the 36 in the country were at risk of being affected by flooding this year due to poor town-planning.
Saraki, therefore, urged the various governments to take responsibility of ensuring the safety of their communities, adding that the authorities must ensure that strict measures were taken to stop disruption of drainages.
"We have to take this issue of flooding very seriously. God has blessed Nigeria in so many ways. We are not like many other nations that experience cataclysmic natural disasters that leave considerable destruction.
"This issue of flooding is something that with proper planning and proactive steps, we can minimize to prevent the loss of lives and damage to property.
"What we need to do is for all stakeholders, including governments at all levels, town planning councils and our emergency management agencies to meet.
"They ought to meet and discuss how we can put in place long-term strategies to stop flooding so that we can end this fire-brigade approach of dealing with crisis situation,'' he said.
He said "our state governments need to work with town planners to identify areas that are at risk for flooding.
" Additionally, we need to immediately put in place sensitization and punitive measures to ensure that people are not blocking our drainages.
"When these drainages are blocked, especially in urban centres, the water begins to accumulate during heavy raining season.''
Saraki also called for comprehensive re-evaluation of the nation's dams, explaining that such field study would allow the country to know the dams, specifically those located close to residential areas, channelling water into towns.
"Right now, we cannot leave any stone unturned. We must immediately look into our own man-made structures.
"We have to identify which of our dams and other infrastructure that are contributing to the frequency of flood and work out strategies to tone down their negative impact.
"The Senate, through our oversight powers, will continue to work to ensure that our town planning laws are updated.
"We will continue to support the executive in every way possible to enforce the codes and ensure that states that are at risk do not turn into disaster zones,'' he said.
The Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Ekiti State government to investigate allegations of fraud against the administration of the Minister for Steel and Minerals Resources Development; Dr Kayode Fayemi will begin proceedings next week Monday at the State High Court premises in Ado Ekiti.
The setting up of the enquiry was in strict compliance with section two of the Ekiti State Law on the establishment of Judicial Commission of Enquiry. The law under which the commission was set up was signed into Law in 2012 by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, which means it is an extant Law, a Law of the state and not intended to witch-hunt anybody.
The Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Justice, Silas Oyewole, has summoned Dr Fayemi, who is a former governor of the State, former Commissioner for Finance; Mr Dapo Kolawole, Executive Secretary of the
Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Ado Ekiti Branch Manager of Access Bank, Director General of the Security, Managing Director of Coscharis Motors Limited, Tianjin-Yuyang Construction Eng. Ltd, CASA Nig Ltd and Exchange Commission and Managing Director of SCOA Nigeria Limited.
An Ado-Ekiti High Court had rejected an application filed by Dr Fayemi, seeking an interim order to restrain the judicial commission of inquiry from probe his administration.
Justice Lekan Ogunmoye in a ruling held that Fayemi's request for an interim order could not be granted because the defendants had filed a notice of preliminary injunction challenging the competence of the court to hear the substantive suit.
The Notice issued by Secretary to the Commission, Mr Gbenga Adaramola, read; "Consequent upon the inauguration of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the finances of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014 by the
Ekiti State Government, the Commission will commence the public hearing and the following witnesses would be called, examined and/or cross-examined as indicated hereunder."
Those to be called on Monday, August 28, 2017 are witness from the
Accountant General's office and the Ministry of Finance while witnesses from the Ministry of Budget and Planning; General Administration and Department (GAD), Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Managing Director of Coscharis Motors Ltd will be called on Wednesday, August 30, 2017.
On Wednesday, September 6, 2017, witnesses from the Ministry of Works and Transportation will be called as well as Dr Kayode Fayemi, Mr Dapo Kolawole, SCOA Nig. Ltd, Citadel Nominees Limited/Toyab Associates Joint Consultants, CASA Nig. Ltd, and Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission.
On Monday, September 11, 2017, witnesses from the State Universal
Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ekiti State House of Assembly while Dr Fayemi, Mr Dapo Kolawole, UBEC Executive Secretary and Access Bank Branch Manager are to be cross-examined.
Officials of the Cabinet and Special Services (State Tenders Board) will be called to witness on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 while witnesses from the Ministry of Information, Youth and Sports
Development and Ministry of Agriculture will be called on Monday, September 18, 2017.
The Commission of Inquiry was set up following a resolution passed by the Ekiti State House Assembly few weeks ago, which directed the governor to pursue the investigations given that Fayemi failed to appear before the house when summoned the come and testify.
The assembly had accused Fayemi of diverting funds belonging to the state Universal Basic Education Board while serving as governor of the state.
It has as its terms of reference, to ascertain how much Ekiti State
Government received as statutory allocations during the period under review and how same were disbursed.
The commission is also to "look into the financial transactions of Ekiti State between 2010 and 2014; ascertain the amount received on behalf of the State from the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); investigate the allegations of fraud/loss of funds, including the diversion and conversion of the UBEC funds; ascertain the amount that the Ekiti State Government took as loans during the period under review and how they were utilized."
It was also mandated to consider all other issues relating to the finances of the Ekiti State Government within the period under review, and to make appropriate recommendations to the Ekiti State Government.
Abuja – Nigeria's Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, has been appointed the Chairperson, Board of Governors of ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID).
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja at the end of the 15th Ordinary Session of the board of governors of the bank. Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi ADEOSUN She succeeds Hassoumi Massoudou from Republic of Niger.
Earlier, Adeosun had urged other finance ministers to speak about radical economic transformation, which would no doubt, take the sub-region to improved living standard for all citizens.
She advised them to prioritise industrialisation, especially through labour intensive manufacturing to promote job creation.
"In addition, conscious emphasis should be placed on agriculture to improve food security and deriving more value from the sea by boosting the ocean economy.
"Potentially, these areas also provide investors with profitable investment opportunities in our community.''
Adeosun said that critical work was being done to promote regional integration in the sub-region.
She said that on Nigeria's part, efforts were underway to radically transform its economy in a manner that would shift the age-old emphasis away from oil as the main source of revenue.
Adeosun said diversification and domestic resource mobilisation through improved tax revenue were ongoing in Nigeria.
According to her, "the signaling effect coupled with positive externalities that would be generated will have significant impact on the regional economy."
"Infrastructure development remains top of the agenda to ease movement of goods, people and services across our community.
"Furthermore, power to light up Africa is an essential imperative for industrialisation and for us to succeed, we need to mobilise appropriate financing.
"Accordingly, we must support our Bank, EBID, to mobilise domestic and external resources to strengthen developmental partnerships and collaboration.''
She said the meeting was a key instrument in this regard as it brought the drivers of the economy in the sub-region together to discuss important matters.
"Our people yearn for prosperity and we must be determined not to fail them and that is why we have ECOWAS Vision 2020 as a clear roadmap towards a better life for all, ''she said.
President of the Bank, Mr Bashir Ifo, said the implementation of the 2016-2020 strategic plan of the bank was being constrained due to lack of resources.
He said a review of the key indicators of the plan showed that all of the projected targets for various quantitative indicators had fallen below expectations.
"Especially hard hit was the mobilization of resources which is the overarching pillar in the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan.
"However, we are hopeful that with the intensification of resource mobilization initiatives, the implementation of the 2016-2020 Strategic Plan would considerably improve.''
Ifo, therefore, called on all member states and other stakeholders to help the bank to fulfill its mandate to help ECOWAS countries reduce poverty.
He said payment of the remaining capital arrears owed by member states would not only help it fulfill its mandate in the sub-region.
He said it would also significantly contribute to positioning it as a viable financial entity that could mobilise adequate funds on the back of its shareholders' support.
"In short, additional equity infusion would strengthen the bank's balance sheet which would then permit it to mobilise funds at competitive rates, ''the bank president said.
Ifo said the bank was mandated to help member states create employment and build the necessary infrastructure to undergird economic growth and development.
He, however, said that that in spite of resource constraints, the bank had been making significant regional development and integration efforts.
He explained that in 2016, the bank's net cumulative commitments in member states stood at 1.34 billion dollars for 135 projects.
"We are pleased to report that in 2016, we were able to conclude negotiations with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
"This culminated into the signing of two loan agreements in the amounts of 45 million dollars and 15 million dollars for trade finance and private sector financing.
"We are also in discussions with the Indian Government for another 500 million dollars line of credit to the bank.
"In addition, discussions are ongoing with the Islamic Development Bank, China Development Bank and OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
"This is for the purpose of mobilising adequate resources to finance development projects and programmes within the ECOWAS sub-region in conformity with our mandate.''
EBID was established by the 15 member states for economic development of West Africa through the financing of ECOWAS projects and programmes. (NAN)
The Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province have urged the Federal Government to compensate Churches and other victims of attacks carried out by insurgents on places of worship.
Bishop Mathew Ndagoso, their spokesman, made the plea on Tuesday in Minna, in a briefing after a two-day Catholic Bishops of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province plenary session, held at St. Michael Cathedral, Minna.
"In the past six years, insurgents have attacked Churches and other Christian places in the north, but the Federal Government is yet to compensate the victims. "We want to inform you that the Catholic Church has not received any support from the Federal Government for the Churches affected.
"In Niger, the first terrorist attack was on St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, on Dec. 25, 2011.
"Last year, some youths attacked the St. Philips Catholic Church, Bakin Iku, near Suleja, destroying properties valued at several millions of Naira. No one has even sympathised with us," he said. The Bishop opined that the Federal Government was supposed to be responsible for giving assistance to the Churches and the victims.
Ndagoso explained that government ought to be responsible for giving assistance to the victims.
The Bishop said that he had personally suffered from such attacks.
"When I was in Maiduguri, my house was destroyed and burnt in my absence. Nothing was taken out of that house. The Church was equally destroyed. Nobody has compensated me or the Church," he said.
Ndagoso appealed to state governments to issue Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) for lands meant for the building of Churches, and urged the Federal Government to encourage the governors to do so to enable the Church to assist development needs of the nation.
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday underscored the importance of accurate data to adequate planning which is necessary to bring about inclusive development and growth in all sections and sectors.
Speaking while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA) on behalf of the State Government on a courtesy visit, Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension, Dr. Akintola Benson said adequate data remains critical to bringing about efficient planning and execution of policies and programmes that would help to enhance quality of life of the people.
The delegation led by NSA Second Vice President, Dr Olusanya Olubusoye and former Statistician General of the Federation, Chief Oladejo Ajayi had scheduled to visit to intimate the State Government about the forthcoming international conference of the association to be held in Lagos from September 6 to 8, 2017.
The conference, which is to be attended by statisticians from within and outside the country, is with the theme: "Positioning National Statistical Systems For Data Revolution And Inclusive Development."
Benson, who received members of the NSA delegation alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon Benjamin Olabinjo; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr Abayomi Kadri; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mr Tunde Ogunleye, commended the association for putting the conference together, saying that aside Lagos State, all other States of the federation and the Federal Government would benefit tremendously from topics lined up for discussion.
He said: "In this kind of data gathering conference, Lagos State and indeed all the States of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja will benefit tremendously. First of all, the conference will give us all the data that we need to plan. You will agree with me that without data, we cannot do anything. If we have accurate data, it will help all the 36 States and the Federal Government to plan.
"For instance, today, nobody can actually ascertain the exact population of Nigeria. Some people will say we are 180 million, some will say we are 150 million, some will say we are 250 million. The question is what is the exact figure of our population? In essence, this conference will give us insight on how to get the accurate data that will help us to plan properly.
"Though effective data tools, each of the State Government in Nigeria including the Federal Government will be able to know the methodologies, the action or the way and manner to go about their planning and from there, it will have a major positive impact on our people be it in the education sector, economy, health and so on. I believe this kind of conference will not only help the Lagos State Government, it will help other States and the entire diaspora."
While pledging to convey the message of the delegation to the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, Benson assured that the State Government would partner with the NSA and support the conference to ensure its huge success.
According to Benson, "In the last 25 months, our Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode who is a thinker and a doer, has done a lot in all sectors and sections of the State. He has asked that a powerful delegation of State officials should receive the NSA team and we assure you of our support."
Earlier in his opening remarks, Olubusoye, who is the Chairman of the National Organising Committee of the conference, said the courtesy visit was basically to officially introduce the officials of the NSA and the members of the Organizing Committee, as well as to present the details of the conference to the State Government.
He said the meeting was also to provide the State Government with information about the Nigerian statistical community and dignitaries expected to attend the conference from within and outside the country.
Besides, Olubusoye thanked the State Government for supporting the conference, saying that in the 41 years history the association, this would be the first time a State Government would be doing such.
DELTA State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has said provision of infrastructure that will uplift the standard of living of the people cannot be compromised.
Speaking when he received on courtesy call, the General Manager of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Asaba, Governor Okowa disclosed that recession has affected a lot of sectors in the country but the provision of infrastructure must be sustained.
According to the Governor, "as a result of the country being in recession, a whole lot have been affected, but, as a government, we will continue to do the best to provide infrastructure."
"We appreciate your views about our programmes in the areas of infrastructure development, empowerment of our youths and fostering peace and unity in our state, we believe that we can do more in having a healthy people through the contributory health insurance scheme," Governor Okowa said, reiterating, "we want to showcase to Nigerians that the health insurance scheme can actually work effectively in our country."
The Governor who commended the NTA, Asaba for projecting the activities of his administration, observed that the state was peaceful because of effective collaboration between the federal government, the state and relevant stakeholder, assuring that the peace would be sustained for necessary development and investment to take place in the state and the Niger Delta region.
"Under a peaceful atmosphere, our resources will improve," he asserted.
Earlier, the General Manager of the NTA, Asaba, Mrs Omolara Olorode had lauded the giant strides Governor Okowa's administration has recorded in different sectors of the economy, noting that empowering the youths to be entrepreneurs by the administration has distinguished it as that which has the interest of the future of the youths at heart.
Judging by the Instagrams Drake posted last night, two things are clear.
First, he has no problem announcing his obsession with Drakkar Noir to the world.
He wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the logo of the classic drugstore men's cologne. (Fun fact: He also has a tattoo of the scent's bottle.) Drake and Rihanna Secondly, Drake is still not over Rihanna, at least not according to his socks.
The rapper sported a colorful pair from Rihanna's latest Fenty x Stance collection.
And don't think it was just a random top-drawer choice, either.
The socks were patterned with an image of Rihanna from the music video for "Work," in which they both starred last year.
So what to make of this not-so-subtle sartorial gesture?
Well, for one, Mercury is in retrograde, a time when people from one's past are said to resurface, and emotions tend to run high. Perhaps this is the rapper's way of extending an olive branch to his rumoured former love.
There might even be more tender Rihanna fashion tributes on the horizon—who knows!—or better still, a reciprocal selfie from the Bad Gal herself donning some OVO merch.
Celebration for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari was taken a notch higher yesterday as Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and his deputy, Yusuf Bala Bamtex joined hundreds of youths in the state to stage a match around the city.
The youths had hundreds gathered at the Murtala Square early in the morning, adorning branded T-shirts and face caps with the pictures of the
President and that of the Kaduna State governor before they proceeded to other parts of the town.
A convoy of several vehicles, blaring loud music tore through the popular Independent Way before making a detor into Yakubu Gown way before coming towards the Ahmadu Bello way and later moved to the government House.
Governor El Rufai thanked them for the match and expressed his solidarity with the group for their support.
He made it clear that he supports the President and called on all Nigerians to do same saying the current administration means well for the country and assured the youths that no amount of distraction and blackmail can derail the programme of the government
The governor and his deputy then mounted a convertible which moved with crowd and both of them stood waving at the crowd until the train moved back to the Murtala Square
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has said that the All Progressives Congress party, APC, and its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi, are clever by half in what it termed an attempt by APC to deceive Nigerians into believing that it supports restructuring.
PDP also accused APC of adulterating its manifesto to present itself as being a co-driver of the restructuring mantra when the party had initially stood against restructuring.
In a statement signed by Adm. Chinwe I. Nnorom , PDP's Head of Publicity Division on behalf of the party's National Publicity Secretary, it said APC's National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Abdullahi confirmed it his latest report what PDP and Nigerians have known APC for which, according to it, is lies and deceit.
APC & PDP
The statement read thus:
"The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is once again constrained to react to a statement made by the National Publicity Secretary of the Ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Mr. Bolaji Abdullahi in another failed attempt with the Mischief his Party is known for – manipulation – against Nigerians (this time) into believing that the APC is interested in 'restructuring'.
"Nigerians will recall that in our statement, we were categorical that the leaders of the APC had denied promising restructuring at different times but suddenly jumped at it as "the Latest in a series of deceitful ploys designed and being implemented by the Party to hoodwink Nigerians ahead of the 2019 General Elections".
"We were correct! Mr. Bolaji confirmed our hint of their ploy on Paragraph 4 of his statement thus, 'We understand that PDP needs desperately to return to reckoning; and realizing that restructuring is the new political currency in Nigeria, it is latching on…' Indeed, 'restructuring' is the APC's '…new political currency in Nigeria,…' to further delude and buy the votes of unsuspecting Nigerians ahead of the 2019 General Elections given that its original "Change" mantra has failed woefully.
"We wish to emphasize that the APC's response was another misadventure and inglorious efforts to further misinform Nigerians especially by just quoting a part of the sections of the PDP Constitution that was included in our statement – Preamble 2(b), which of course resonates with the PDP's endeavor towards economic and socio-political growths; and he referred to it as our misunderstanding of the Word – Restructuring.
"Let Mr. Bolaji recall that we also quoted other sections such as Preamble 2(e) which states, "to devolve powers equitably between the Federal, State and Local Governments in the spirit of federalism"; and 7(2b) which states that, "The Party shall strive to promote federalism and an equitable revenue sharing formula" PDP Constitution (As Amended in 2012).
"Mr. Bolaji should be informed that we did justice in our statement by explaining what the Word "Restructuring" means especially in Nigeria context of governance. But no, he has to argue and sadly after rolling around in his text, he came on the same page with us by quoting the APC Manifesto – Section 3(1) – on their so called restructuring thus, "We will devolve more revenues and powers,…" That means, both parties are referring to Nigeria restructuring in the Context of 'devolution (decentralization)' of power for equity and functional federalism.
"In the light of the above, we make bold to state that Mr. Bolaji is clever by half! It is therefore important at this point to state that personalities like Bolaji Abdullahi's disrespect to organization's norms and ideology contributed largely to the Delayed Restructuring of the Country since 1999, when he and most of his APC leaders where at the Driving Seat of the then Ruling Peoples Democratic Party.
"This character trait of lack of comprehension of ideas is equally being exhibited currently in the APC. After all, the Party leaders bluntly denied promising Nigerians restructuring only to re-track when the Euphoria on restructuring refused to wane.
"While we don't want to further dignify the APC Spokesman's ignorance and lack of comprehension on the matter under review, we wish to however inform him and unsuspecting members of the public that the PDP Constitution and Manifesto have ample provisions for effective restructuring of Nigeria. So, the PDP believes in restructuring!
"It is also important to remind the APC’s Spokesman and his Party, the APC, that all the Provisions of the PDP Constitution (As Amended in 2012) existed before the Emergence of his new Party, the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Year 2013. It is therefore our understanding that the Manifesto of the APC that has a resemblance of 'restructuring' in it was coined from the PDP's Plans of Action. No wonder the APC did not quite understand what was copied from the PDP Constitution and Manifesto, hence their initial denial on the Issue and later total display of ignorance.
"For the umpteenth time, we wish to re-iterate that the PDP is not only interested in functional devolution and equitable distribution of powers between the Federal, States and Local Government levels in the Country but we are equally working hard with all our elected representatives across the Country to restructure Nigeria for our common good.
"Finally, let the APC know that Nigerians cannot be deceived again with their antics. A Party that cannot stand on its promises and accept responsibilities to deliver dividends of democracy to the people as it promised cannot be entrusted with the Governance of this Country in future."
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) says the phase one of Abuja Rail Mass Transit Project will be commissioned by December.
The Project Manager, Mr Kong Tao, said this while addressing newsmen who were on tour of the site at Idu, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Tao said that the rail transit, which cost 823 million dollars (about N299 billion), consisted of lots 1A and 3, covering 45km with 12 designed passengers' stations.
"The rail linked the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to the Central Business District.
"The line of the rail mass transit is double-track line of right side running, and standard-gauge is 1435mm.
"Work on the large scale project is going on smoothly," he said.
According to him, it will be test-run by November and will be commissioned for public usage in December.
He said that the project, after completion, would generate employment and boost the commercial activities of the host communities.
"Abuja rail mass transit project is bound to accelerate the growth of national economy.
"The realisation of this large scale project will definitely deliver much benefits to the general public, such as better investment environment.
"It will also enhance better living condition, more employment, land value enhancement, energy saving and greater social responsibility," he said.
Tao, however, expressed concern about the vandalism of the rail facilities of the company.
"Despite the presence of security personnel, thieves still operate on weekly basis," he said.
He said that host communities often destroyed the perimeter fencing built to prevent trespassing on the rail track.
"This endangers lives as operational trains move constantly on the rail track.
"Safety is the most important thing in our operation. Even though we built fence to prevent trespass, they break it to cross the rail rack," he said.
Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has said that those groups calling for the disintegration of Nigeria are only wasting their time as "Nigeria remains one.''
Adesina stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving a coalition of South East youths group who stormed the Aso Rock Villa gate to declare support for President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have been agitating for the creation of Biafra over alleged marginalisation of the south east zone of the country.
The Presidential aide described as untrue and false the insinuation by some mischief makers that the south east region was not in support of President Buhari's administration.
"The fact that a coalition from the south east region has come to mount this solidarity rally for him is very significant because some mischief makers always say that the south east region is not with the President. That is not true.
"It was in the south east region that he was given the name Okechukwu during the campaign. It was in the south east, Abia precisely that Eze Ikot Nne gave him a traditional title.
"So we know that every part of this country approves the leadership of President Muhammadu Okechukwu Buhari.
Adesina recalled that some youth groups from the south south region also embarked on similar solidarity rally in support of President Buhari.
He said: "This gives us confidence that no matter what anybody does, no matter the antics of people who plot mischief, Nigeria will remain one.
"You must have heard our President yesterday in his nationwide address when he said whatever it takes Nigeria will be kept together. And I tell you, whatever it takes this President he will keep the country together.
"Therefore, anybody who is planning something else should know that it's just a mere waste of time, is like beating a dead horse which is share waste of energy. Nigeria will remain one; President Muhammadu Buhari will keep the country together.
Adesina reassured that the Buhari administration would continue to ensure fair and equitable distribution of infrastructural facilities across the six geo-political zones of the country.
"And I also want to promise on his behalf that the south east will get its due during the President Muhammadu Okechukwu Buhari's Presidency.
"The roads in the region will be fixed, the second Niger Bridge will be done, everything, infrastructure, positions, offices, all that the centre needs to do for the region, the south east region will get its own fair share,'' he added.
He thanked the group for their support and promised to present their letter to the President.
The leader of the group, Steve Anyata, said they embarked on the solidarity rally to demonstrate their support for Buhari's administration.
Anyata called on the Federal Government not to ignore the quit notice slammed on the Igbos residing in the north by some youth groups.
He thanked God for the successful return of the President after his medical vacation in London.
Former acting governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, on Tuesday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).Umar said in Jalingo at a meeting of APC Integrity Group on Tuesday, that he took the decision after consultations with political stakeholders in and outside the state.
Umar said that he had decided to join hands with like minded politicians to save the state from alleged bad governance.
''I can see future in APC, and if we work together as a team, the party will wrestle power from PDP in the state come 2019.
''I want to assure you that this is the APC and I am part of it one hundred per cent.
''I have decided to join my brothers of like minds to see how we can salvage the state come 2019.
''I assure you of my unwavering loyalty and willingness to make all necessary contribution for the success of this party and our mission,'' Umar said.
The former acting governor stated that he had made an arrangement to officially decamp along with hundreds of his supporters to the APC.
The Chairman of the APC Integrity Group, Alhaji Uba Maigari, said that the party was honoured to have the former acting governor and political appointees that served under him joining the party.
Maigari said Umar's goodwill and political connection would enhance APC's chances in the 2019 general elections.
Umar, fondly known as UTC, was chosen by the late Governor Danbaba Suntai as his deputy after the impeachment of the then Deputy Governor, Sani Abubakar.
He became the state's acting governor after Suntai's plane crash in 2012.
He was later sacked by the Supreme Court in 2014 when the apex court ruled that Abubakar 's impeachment was illegal and ordered his reintatement.
KANO- Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state Tuesday distributed drugs, malaria test kits and treated mosquito nets worth over N350m to 748 healthcare facilities across the 44 local government areas of the state.
Ganduje
Similarly, no fewer than 11 motorized fumigation machines were also distributed for regular fumigation of the environment against mosquitoes.
Consequently, the state government has engaged the Services of 3000 health workers that included over a thousand workers.
Speaking during the distribution of the materials at the government house, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje charged members of the general public on cleanliness saying it is the only way to guard against infection.
Ganduje reiterated the commitment of the state government in ensuring that the people of the state stay safe from menace of malaria.
''Already we have introduced one programme, ''keeping our drainages clean''. We are reconstructing our drainages, we're rehabilitating our drainages, we are making our drainages covered so that we can control the menace of mosquitoes, cockroaches and other infectious insects''.
Earlier in his speech the state's commissioner for health Dr Kabiru Ibrahim Getso described malaria as the common health problem in Kano accounting for over a million outpatient visits and consultations at the health facilities across the state every year.
According to him "In Kano malaria is the single most common reason for outpatient consultation and visits, it is estimated that in 2016 alone more than one million hospital visits are due to this preventable disease(malaria). In economic terms, malaria morbidity and mortality has led to loss of billions of naira in cost of drugs."
"Since the inception of this administration in 2015, Kano state government has consistently demonstrated its support and commitment to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from malaria.
ENUGU-A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, APC, in Enugu, Chief Gbazuoagu Nweke, has stated that the healing and return of the President, Muhammad Buhari, is for Nigerians to know that “God still has a good plan for them and for the President to continue his good leadership in the country”.
Chief Nweke, who made this known during a welcome cum solidarity rally for President Muhammad Buhari in Enugu, said that eighty percent (80%) of Nigerians are still doubtful of Buhari’s miraculous recovery.
The party stalwart said that both life and leadership are in God’s hands, and further warned Nigerians who wished the President dead on social media to desist from such act as God is the sole determinant of who should live and who should not.
“Today is a remarkable day in the history of this country as we celebrate the good health of our president and his coming back from London. The sickness and recovery of Mr President was just for him to appreciate that God still has a good plan for his good governance in Nigeria.
“80% of Nigerians are still in doubt as to what is happening but all I know is that life and leadership quality is in the hands of God”, he pointed out.
Also speaking at the rally, former APC, governorship aspirant in Enugu State, Chief Okey Ezea, urged Ndigbo to be strategic in their actions and embrace the Federal government to get a chance at the 2023 presidency.
He equally condemned the actions of some people in the South East during the 2015 general election who campaigned against the President on the basis that he was going to Islamize the country once he became president.
“Those of us supporting Buhari were called Boko Haram. They said that Buhari was coming to Islamize Nigeria. I did not agree with them because Nigeria was a secular country and since 2015, we have seen that there is no effort to do that”
Chief Ezea said that President Buhari will remain the President of Nigeria whether people like it or not, until the constitution demands him to step aside.
He promised that Enugu Chapter of All Progressive Congress, APC, would remain steadfast and gives maximum support to Buhari and APC administration.
“Ndigbo are fighting the Federal Government in the name of agitation and same time looking for presidency. We will only get the presidency in 2023 if we work together with the federal government.”
“Buhari will remain our president as the constitution demands whether anyone likes it or not. We want him to run for another tenure”, he concluded.
ENUGU-ENUGU State Police Command and sister security agencies have vowed to swing into action to mop-up all illegal firearms circulating in the state.
Commissioner of police, Muhammadu Danmallam, addressing the stakeholders during a one day security meeting held at Senior Officers Mess, Agbani Road, Enugu on Tuesday, said that police would not relent in stopping the circulation of illegal firearms.
He said that the security meeting had become necessary given some recent emerging security threat, the up-coming Ember months as well as the forthcoming councils election in the state in November.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police Mr. Danmallam Mohammed (3rd Left) with relevant security stakeholders after their meeting held at senior Police Officers Mess, Agbani Road Enugu.
The commissioner noted that a lot of illegal firearms and dangerous weapons were in the hands of many youths and even adults in the state.
“This ugly development has resulted to unfortunate incidents causing death of many promising young men and women.
“As we draw closer to the conduct of the local government elections in the state, I am of the opinion that all of us should think outside the box to see how this ugly monster can be checkmated,'' he said.
He said that the state police command was investigating alleged nefarious activities involving some members of neighbourhood watch groups; which included: kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, murder amongst others.
“The essence of this meeting is to re-awaken our consciousness on the reason why these neighbourhood watch groups are set up in the first place and proffer solutions that will ensure that their activities are always within the ambit of the law,'' he noted.
Danmallam said that Chief Security Officers (CSO) of tertiary institutions should retrace the step of giving pump action guns to their security personnel; adding: “My question is; for what reason? Has our tertiary institutions become theatre of war?''.
The commissioner, however, said that “Enugu State is relatively peaceful and we (police) are poised to continue to maintain the tempo and to improve, where necessary''.
According to him, we shall continue to appreciate the support of our dear governor, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, for providing the enabling environment and necessary logistics for us to perform.
“You will agree with me that the population of the state is increasing on a daily basis and as such both business and criminal activities are also increasing; therefore, there is need for us to re-strategies and synergies with relevant stakeholders to make sure that Enugu remains safe and secured,'' he said.
The meeting was attended by traditional rulers; leaders of Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba communities; top officers of state niegbourhood watch groups, retired military officers as well as top officers of sister security agencies in the state.
The state Commissioner for Poverty Reduction and Human Capital Development, Mr Obinna Mbaeke and retired Brig.-Gen. Fred Ezeh, the Special Adviser to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Security Matters also attended the meeting.
The National Coalition of Niger Delta Ex-Agitators (NCNDE-A), has reiterated its support and solidarity for the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.
National President of the coalition, Mr Eshanekpe Israel, said in a statement, that members of the coalition were elated after listening to Buhari's broadcast to the nation on Monday.
The statement was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Israel noted that though the President's medical trip abroad elicited criticisms and negative comments from the opposition, his speech could not have been better delivered especially on hate speech.
Israel urged the Federal Government to ensure that those propagating hate speech in the country were arrested and brought to justice.
He said that Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had flouted his bail conditions.
He said, "to let him off the hook could set a bad precedent in the nation.´´
The ex-militant said that Kanu should not be allowed to plunge the country into civil war.
He said that the silence of human right activists on Kanu's comments was becoming worrisome.
He called on human right activists and other well meaning Nigerians to support the Buhari-led administration in its fight against corruption.
Israel said that the fight against corruption was critical to enable the administration succeed in delivering democratic dividends to the people.
