Global Naija Info

President Buhari By Senator Babafemi Ojudu Today, May 29, 2016 marks President Muhammadu Buhari’s first year in office. It has indeed been an all-round exhilarating year, not only for the government but also for the generality of Nigerians. There is nobody in Nigeria today who does not agree that the current challenges that the government faces stem from deep seated rot in the system which pervaded the entire nation prior to President Buhari’s assumption of power. Precisely one year ago, President Buhari took over the mantle of office to wide acclaim from Nigerians. Before that fateful day, Nigerians had watched aghast and rather helplessly as the country continued a fast downward spiral, as if racing to join the ignoble category of failed nations. A year ago, though the sorry state of the economy was partly due to the falling prices of oil, Nigeria’s biggest foreign exchange earner, a bigger part of the problem, however, was unbridled corruption, mindless depletion of our foreign

Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for the 11th time after defeating Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in Milan. Zinedine Zidane becomes the seventh man to win the European Cup as both a player and a manager. Cristiano Ronaldo fired home the winning penalty as Real Madrid won Europe’s biggest prize for the 11th time in its history. Ronaldo held his nerve to beat Jan Oblak from the spot after Real had been held to a 1-1 draw by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final. Juanfran, the Atletico defender, was the unfortunate man to miss his spot kick — striking the post and allowing Ronaldo to fire his team to glory. It was a dramatic conclusion to a game which only caught light in the later stages. Sergio Ramos had headed Real in front after 15 minutes before Atletico hit back after the break. Antoine Griezmann, scorer of 32 goals this season, should have equalized just after the interval but the forward struck the crossbar from the penalty spot after Fer

A first class traditional ruler in Ogun State, the Olota of Ota, Moshood Oyede, is dead, reports Premium Times. The monarch, who spent 19 years on the throne, passed away at University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan following protracted illness, family sources said. Passage rites for the traditional ruler have already commenced as his remains are due in the town on Sunday, the source said. In announcing the monarch’s passage on Friday night, it was gathered that the traditional council wrote a letter to the Ogun State Government through Ado-Odo/Ota local government council, signed by the Secretary Olota in Council, Bamgboye Osunlabu. A palace source said residents would stay off the streets between the hours of 11pm till dawn when the final passage rites of the deceased is in progress. He said the rites were expected to last for seven days, while residents would be expected to abide by the rules guiding the funeral rites of a monarch of his reputation. Meanwhile, traditional and p

ln spite of non-restriction of vehicular and human movements, residents across Lagos State on Saturday observed the usual monthly sanitation exercise. The Lagos State Government had on Friday lifted the restriction order on human and vehicular movements due to the scheduled nationwide examination of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board. The Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, advised residents to still observe the monthly exercise by clearing the drains and their environment. Investigation revealed that many residents were not aware of the government’s announcement lifting restriction on movements which made compliance almost total. Visits to Shasha area of Akonwonjo, Abule Egba, Old Ota Road, Genesis Estate in Aboru and Ipaja Ayobo areas, Agege and Dopemu areas, showed that the turnout was quite impressive. Some residents said that they were not aware of the partial cancellation of the sanitation exercise. A civil servant, Mr Joseph Abeshe,

The Minister of Works, Housing and Power, Mr Babatunde Fashola, and the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bola Tinibu, have inaugurated projects worth billions of naira in Zamfara State. Tinubu and Fashola were among the dignitaries invited by Governor Abdulaziz Yari to inaugurate the projects as part of activities to mark the 2016 Democracy Day. The projects are township roads, rural electrification, power substation and hospitals. Fashola said while inaugurating the sub-stations in Anka that the projects were in line with the Federal Government’s policy of ensuring that all the towns and villages were connected to the national grid. He said the Federal Government was ready to partner with the states to improve the quality of lives of Nigerians, especially those in the rural areas. He said the current administration had planned various infrastructural development projects to be executed across the country to deliver the dividend of democracy to the mas

Governor Tanko-Al-Makura of Nasarawa State Nasarawa State Commissioner of Police, Mr Lawal Shehu on Saturday confirmed that hoodlums snatched five ballot boxes in the on-going bye elections in the state. He said that the boxes were snatched at Ugwar ward of Toto Local Government Area of the state. According to him, INEC officials reported the snatching of ballot boxes containing electoral materials in units 003,004,005,006 and 008, adding that he had directed his men to ensure the recovery of the boxes and arrest of culprits. “We are doing our best to ensure violence-free election; to also ensure the protection of lives and property, as such we will not allow any person or groups to cause distraction,” he said. He called on voters to remain peaceful, law-abiding and respect constituted authorities in order to have free air and acceptable by-election. Meanwhile, a former member of the National Assembly, Senator Abubakar Sodangi, has lauded the peaceful conduct of the exercise. “

FILE PHOTO: A pipeline destroyed by Niger Delta militants now known as ‘Avengers’ Th‎e Bayelsa State Government on Saturday condemned the attack on ‎two crude trunk lines, operated by Aiteo and Agi‎p, by new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). The militant group earlier on Saturday claimed responsibility for vandalism of the pipelines that convey crude to the Bonny and Brass export terminals. Mr Jonathan Obuebite, Bayelsa Commissioner for Information who confirmed the attack in an electronic mail to the News Agency of Nigeria, condemned the twin attacks describing them as “one too many.’’ “The blowing up of the trunk line is coming a few days after a similar oil facility operated by Chevron was blown up in Delta.’’ Obuebite lamented the economic impact of destruction of the key oil facility and wondered why the militants would go to that extent, knowing the economic implication to the state and the country. He observed that in spite of concerted efforts of the govern

Popular Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, said on Saturday in Abuja that she was unaware that she was pregnant when she was in primary six. Edochie revealed in an interview that contrary to a story that she did not tell her mother about the pregnancy, she was not even aware of her situation. “Though a boy used diabolic means and sexually abused me; I was not aware, I could not tell exactly how it happened. “I was not aware that I was pregnant then; I was so tiny. “We were playing games in the school; the type that the instructor or referee will say `number one’ and pupils with number 1 would run and collect something. “It was during the game that a fellow pupil insulted me that my tummy was like a breadfruit; I was angered and beat her up,” she said. She explained that the lesson teacher then asked them to go home and bring their parents. The actress said that she was a young innocent girl who could not tell lies to the mother or against the mother. “When I got home, I told my m

Henry Ajomale: Chairman of Lagos APC The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Nikolay Udovichenko, on Saturday announced that the Nigerian and Russian governments plan to sign an agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific research nuclear centre in Nigeria. Udovichenko, who disclosed this in Lagos at this year’s Alumni Congress of the Soyuznik Alumni Association in Nigeria, said that the Nigerian and Russian governments had been negotiating for the centre’s establishment. The theme of the congress was “Harnessing The Potentials of the Nigerian Graduates of Higher Institutions of former USSR States”. “Bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Russia is blessed with huge potential in every avenue. “Nuclear energy development is another area with good prospects for our two countries’ cooperation. “This June, we expect to sign a bilateral agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific centre in Nigeria,’’ he said. The envoy also said th

Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, the Eleko of Eko Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu 1, on Saturday said the rapid transformation and development of Lagos State is largely due to the visionary, selfless and committed leaders which the state is blessed with, just as he said that the sterling achievements of the state has made it to remain a pride to all. Oba Akiolu, who spoke at the Inaugural Lecture to herald the Lagos at 50 Celebration held at the Glover Hall, Lagos, said the achievements of the State in all spheres of life did not just occur, but that same happened through the enduring legacies put together by leaders of the State since creation. Oba Akiolu, while highlighting the history of Lagos, said right from the time of first civilian governor of the State, Pa Lateef Kayode Jakande down to the incumbent Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the State had been blessed with great leaders who genuinely have the interest of the State at heart and are totally committed to the development and progress

FILE PHOTO: Nigerian Customs Services bust a smuggling chain A truck loaded with 1,533 cartons of smuggled generators popularly known as “I better pass my neighbor ’’ has been seized by the Headquarters Compliance Team of the Nigeria Customs, Ogun Axis. The Team Leader, Assistant Comptroller Shittu Almaruf, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos. Almaruf said that the seizures were made on May 19, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. “Similarly, the team in another operation intercepted a bus along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway, loaded with 542 cartons of foreign frozen poultry products,’’ Almaruf added. Almaruf said that his squad was saddled with the responsibility of enforcement of the fiscal policies of the Federal Government with regard to trade, in conjunction with other anti-smuggling arms of the NCS. He said that after the seizures were made, the truck was taken to the Customs House in Abeokuta, alongside the mini-bus conveying

Children of Apostolic Faith Church, Jabi, Abuja celebrated Children’s Day with a retreat organised by the church. The retreat tagged; “The Power in the Blood of Jesus” featured activities such as Bible games, Bible study, musical presentations as well as presentation of gifts. Mrs Grace Ajao, a member of the church, said she was happy that the church had come up with such an event. According to him, it afforded the children the opportunity to celebrate the day in a spiritual environment. She said the retreat was organised to create an opportunity for children to have fun while learning about Christian teachings. Cynthia Ugwu, a child at the retreat, said she had a nice time and would be happy to come for the next retreat. “My mommy brought me here to have fun with my friends and I am happy because I had fun and got a gift. “I want to come for the next one so I can have fun with my friends again in the house of God. Mr J. Orji, a member of the church, said it was important to im

Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State Governor Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has appointed Usman Alhaji Usman, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Usman replaces Dr Rabi’u Bichi, who was removed by Governor Ganduje. The appointment is contained in a statement signed by the Kano State Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Na’iya and made available to newsmen in Kano on Saturday. According to the statement, Ganduje also approved the appointment of seven new permanent secretaries. They are Halilu Baba-Dantiye; Alhaji Usman Bala; Hajiya Bilkisu Waziri; Dr Saadatu Bala; Danladi Garba; Aminu Mohammed, and Aliyu Sani. Similarly, the governor approved the immediate redeployment of six permanent secretaries to other ministries. According to the statement, the appointment and redeployment are with immediate effect, while handing and taking over processes should be completed within one week.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman Poor turnout of voters characterised Saturday’s bye-election into the Nasarawa/ Toto Federal Constituency seat in Nasarawa state, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Investigations revealed that accreditation and voting started simultaneously around 8.30am in most of the polling units, with proceedings gong on peacefully. An Assistant Presiding officer at Angwan Dallatu polling unit of Nasarawa central ward in Nasarawa Local Government Area, Mr. Ahmed Mohammed, disclosed that accreditation and voting took place same time to ensure that nobody was disenfranchised . However, Mr.Abubakar Ibrahim, an All Progressives Congress (APC) agent at the ward, expressed concern over malfunctioning of the card readers. “My problem is with the card readers; they are not functioning well the way we had expected; we want transparent and peaceful election,” he said Mr. Mohammed Umar, a voter, described the exercise as peaceful and commended Independent Nat

Ex-wife of Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Anita Ebhodaghe, has denied rumours making rounds in the social media that she was back with the Christ Embassy Senior Pastor. Reports in some online social media had insinuated that the former couple have reconciled and back together. To dispel such rumours, Anita posted a message on her official blog where she advised the public not to be misled by such rumours as she had severed all ties with the man she was married to for 15 years. “It has been brought to my attention that there are persistent rumours and misinformation about my marital status being circulated and I would like to address the certain reconciliation rumours with this statement. “Further to the formal notification of the dissolution of marriage made by my Solicitors earlier this year, please note that this has not changed; and I am no longer a part of Christ Embassy aka Believer’s Loveworld or any such organisation in any capacity. “I am reiterating this to ensure that no one i

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho on Friday opened his senior international goal scoring account in just his third appearance to give the Super Eagles a 1-0 win over Mali. Nigeria ended a run of four games without a win in the victory through a 77th minute goal in the international friendly played in Rouen, Mali. The Super Eagles had failed to win since beating Niger 4-1 in January and they were kept frustrated for much of the game by the side coached by Alain Giresse. The Eagles showed they were missing a number of key first-team players for the game, with Victor Moses having asked to be left out due to fitness worries. Team captain Mikel Obi also joined Ahmed Musa for former defender Joseph Yobo’s testimonial match in Port Harcourt. That lack of extra quality told in a match short on excitement throughout, with Watford striker Odion Ighalo missing perhaps the best chance. Musa Muhammed, making his Nigeria debut at 19, came close to breaking the

Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) The Plateau Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), says it has convicted 62 motorists in Jos for committing various road traffic offences. Mr Andrew Bala, FRSC Public Education Officer in the state, disclosed this in an interview on Saturday in Jos. Bala said that the offenders were arrested and convicted by a mobile court on Friday. He said the exercise took place on some highways in Jos and Bukuru metropolis. Bala said that 64 motorists were apprehended, 56 were found guilty and convicted, while seven were discharged and acquitted. According to him, mobile court has become one veritable tool that the corps uses to curtail the many anomalies on highways, with a view of reducing road traffic crashes. ”The most prevalent offences motorists were convicted for were overloading, use of worn-out tyres, vehicle licence violation, and driver’s licence violation. ”Others were, use of cell phone while drivin

Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun, the Minister of Finance, on Saturday, monitored the biometric data capture of police officers at the Sagamu Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force. The biometric data capture is being handled by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information Systems (IPPIS) Department of Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation. “The Police Force is one of the biggest employers of labour on the Federal Government’s pay-roll; getting it into IPPIS is a great achievement for this administration. “As you can see, the data capture is going on smoothly and the officers are happy because it means their salaries will be paid much more promptly and directly into their accounts. “I am very pleased with what I can see here; it’s fast, convenient and I think this is a credit to the Nigerian Police Force and the office of the Accountant-General,’’ Adeosun said. Accordding to the minister, government will continue to clean up the pay-roll syst

President Muhammadu Buhari: mocked by UK newspaper Some residents of Hadejia, Jigawa State has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his administration’s effort to tackle insurgency and other security challenges in the country. They made the commendation on Saturday in Hadejia while commenting on Buhari’s one year in office. Malam Ahmad Salisu, a civil servant, said that the administration had performed creditably in curbing Boko Haram insurgency, control spate of armed robbery and other crimes across the country. He noted that the new approach adopted in the war against insurgency brought about positive results and enhanced peace to the troubled North East and other parts of the country. “Buhari has demonstrated great commitment to end Boko Haram insurgency, cattle rustling and other forms of violence in the country. “He implemented positive changes in the security apparatus, which is critical to safeguard lives and property,” Salisu said. Also commenting, Mr Iliyasu Musa,

Commander Adekunle Ajibade (TRACE) The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) in Ota, Ogun State, has appealed to motorists to strictly adhere to average speed limits in order to save lives and property during the rainy season. The TRACE Zonal Commander, Mr Adekunle Ajibade, made the appeal on Saturday in Ota in an interview. Ajibade said there was the need for motorists to desist from excess speeding during the season because most of the roads would be slippery. He implored motorists to ensure that their vehicles were properly maintained before putting them on the roads. ” When there is good maintenance of a vehicle, it will reduce the risk of developing faults and putting the lives of people in danger, Ajibade said. He said that the rising rate of accidents caused by articulated vehicle drivers in the country was worrisome and stressed the need to it. Ajibade explained that the radiator of trucks easily develop faults during the rainy season because water easily ent

Mr Fadesola Adedayo, 25, a Nigeria-born civil engineer based in Canada, who is on course to complete a 17-day Abuja to Lagos marathon, says he feels fulfilled already. Adedayo, who is running to raise $1million toward Stevens-Johnson’s Syndrome research, expressed his joy on his successful arrival on the 15th day in Ibadan en route Lagos. A visibly spent Adedayo spoke upon his arrival at the Egbeda Toll Gate in Ibadan on Friday evening. The race he began on May 13 in Abuja after the flag-off by Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole, is scheduled to conclude in Lagos on Sunday at a rousing reception. Adedayo said he embarked on the fund-raising marathon in honour of his late elder brother, Adeyosola, who had died from complications arising from the Stevens-Johnson’s Syndrome. Late Adeyosola, a University of Birmingham-trained medical doctor, died on March 20, 2012. Adeyosola had contracted the disease after an allergic reaction to a precautionary medication he took while heading a