Global Naija Info

A 52-year-old man, Ige Aruya, will spend six years in prison for posing as a landlord to defraud a Nollywood actress of N820,200. A Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, presided over by Mrs Kikelomo Ayeye, sentenced Aruya after finding the convict guilty of a two-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences. Ayeye said that all the evidence before the court showed without a doubt that Aruya was guilty of the charge and sentenced Aruya to prison with hard labour and without an option of fine. “The Jeep found in the convict’s possession should be sold at the rate of N820,200 and the money should be given to the complainant,” she held. The Prosecutor, Insp Nurudeen Thomas, had told the court that the accused and two others still at large committed the offences on Jan. 22, 2015 at Lekki, Lagos. He said the trio collected N820, 200 from Tamara Eteimo, an actress, with a promise of leasing a self-contained apartment to her. “The accused and his accomplice ar...

The Sokoto State Police Command has directed its personnel to arrest and prosecute cattle rustlers in Isa and Sabon-Birni local government areas of the state The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir, gave the directive while addressing officers and men of the command in Isa and Sabon-Birni divisions on Wednesday. “I don’t want to hear any report of cattle rustling in your respective areas of jurisdiction,” Abdulkadir said. He said that the command would not tolerate cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the state . He said effective operational order had since been issued to the Divisional Police Officers across the state to work toward ending cattle rustling in the area. “We will do all that we can to ensure the arrest and prosecution of criminals in our resolve to sustain the peaceful nature our state is known for,” he said. The commissioner appealed to the people of the state to always give the command intelligence reports that could lead to the arres...

birth control pills Dr Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja-based gynaecologist, said “amenorrhea” could occur as side effect of medication or an indication of a medical problem. She disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. Ukoh, who defined amenorrhea as the absence of menstrual period while a woman is still in her reproductive years, however, said there are two types of amenorrhea. According to her, amenorrhea can be natural, saying that during pregnancy and breastfeeding, menstruation stops in some women. She explained that the primary type of amenorrhea was when menstruation never occurred in a girl of 15-16 years of age due to genetic disorder or abnormal female reproductive organs. She said that the secondary aspect occurred when a woman had experienced menstrual periods but stopped for three or more consecutive months. The gynaecologist said that the secondary amenorrhea could occur due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, emotiona...

Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom The Benin Traditional Council on Wednesday announced Oct. 20, as the new date for the coronation of the Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa. Prof. Gregory Akenzua, Chairman of the Coronation Planning Committee, made the announcement at a news conference at the Oba’s palace in Benin. According to Akenzua, who is the Enogie of Evbuobanosa/Abudu, the date for the coronation has been changed from Sept. 26 to Oct. 20, 2016. “The change of date is sequel to the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] that they have changed the date of the Edo Gubernatorial election which was originally Sept. 10 to Sept. 28, 2016. “As a result of this change, Benin Crown Prince will now depart finally from Uselu palace for Eko-Ohae on Oct. 8, 2016. “And he will perform some important ceremonies connected with coronation everyday for seven to 10 days prior to the day of his final departure from Uselu,” he said. Akenzua said...

Sole Administrator, Orile-Agege LCDA, Hon. James Agboola; Representative of Lagos State Governor & member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Taofik Adaranijo; Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Chief Shafar Adaranijo and Alaige of Orile-Agege, Oba Ambaliu Agbedeyi during the inauguration of Fashola Street in Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area as one of the 114 Local Government Roads, on Wednesday. Kazeem Ugbodaga Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday said his administration will deliver 456 inner city roads across all local governments and local council development areas by 2019. He also urged royal fathers, traditional chiefs, Community Development Associations (CDAs), market men and women and other stakeholders in all the communities across the State to cultivate the habit of timely reportage of suspicious movement around them to security agencies to nip in the bud any potential...

King Sunny Ade Juju music exponent, “Sunny Ade”, born Sunday Adeniyi, has been described by Chief Ebenezer Obey as one of the most gifted artistes in the world as he turned 70. Obey on Wednesday in Lagos, said that Ade had contributed to the development of the industry in the country. “On this occasion, I am thanking God for his life and celebrate him as one of the most gifted artists in the country and the world,” Obey said. In the same vein, Chief Tony Okoroji, Chairman, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON), said that Ade inspired him and many people with his wonderful music. Okoroji added that the veteran musician still looked very fit, even as he turned 70 which he described as an intriguing character for a man of that age. “King Sunny Ade (KSA) has been two-time president of the Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and has been able to sustain music to a great level in the country. “The king has been a great encouragement to musicians because he has performed...

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, Inspector General of Police The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Ibrahim Idris, on Wednesday, said the force would no longer deploy personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to guard individuals. Idris made the disclosure at a meeting with Commanders of the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Special Protection Unit (SPU) and the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) in Abuja. “Therefore, in line with these responsibilities, it will be against force policy to deploy police mobile force personnel to guard individuals or fragment their personnel into smaller units,“he said. He said that the PMF, CTU and SPU were currently undergoing reorganisation and restructuring in accordance with their responsibilities. The I-G said the force had put in motion strategy to ensure that PMF personnel were gradually replaced with SPU personnel who were saddled with the responsibility of close protection of VIPS. Idris said that the special police units occupied the central aspects of po...

Participants at the 2016 International Day of Peace held at the University of Ibadan on Wedneday Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development without tackling the high rate of poverty in the country, says Prof. Tajudeen Akanji, a Professor of Peace Studies, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria. Akanji spoke on Wednesday while delivering a lecture titled: “Youth, Peace and Security” to mark the International Day of Peace, held at the University of Ibadan. The theme of this year’s International Day of Peace is “Sustainable Development Goals: Building Blocks for Peace.” The event was organized by the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies Students Association (IPSSSA), University of Ibadan in conjunction with the All Nigeria United Nations Students and Youth Association (ANUSA). Akanji stated that the world today was faced with several challenges of poverty, hunger, diminishing natural resources, water scarcity, social inequality, among others, saying that all thes...

Boat carrying migrants capsize A boat carrying 600 migrants has capsized off the Egyptian coast near Kafr al-Sheikh, the Egyptian military said Wednesday. Around 150 people have been rescued and authorities have retrieved at least 29 bodies so far, the country’s state media reported. Officials haven’t said where the boat was headed to. But migrants are leaving African countries in large numbers for Europe, often in rickety boats on perilous voyages that regularly turn fatal. On Tuesday, the Egyptian military arrested 68 people on a boat trying to make its way to Europe. They were captured off the coast of Matrouh. Last week, the country’s navy thwarted two attempts by people trying to cross from Egypt to Europe. More than 400 would-be migrants from various nationalities were arrested in that operation.

Jos University Teaching Hospital The Management of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), has threatened to stop the feeding of in-patients if complaints against the gesture persisted. The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof. Edmund Banwat, in Jos, on Wednesday, said that the initiative, which was heavily subsidised by the hospital, might stop, if patients were not appreciative. He said, “we see the feeding of in-patients as a social service, which we run at a heavy loss; as a specialist hospital with referral cases, we know that feeding form part of the patients’ management therapy. “We subsidise the feeding, as we charge N100 for breakfast and N150 for lunch and super each. “Our desire is to ensure that patients are fed with food rich in the required nutrients that are crucial to their recovery process, as prescribed by the physicians. “We expect the patients to cooperate with us and appreciate this gesture and not complaints from people; alleging that we are forcing peo...

Rowdy session in the House of Reps. There was an uproar in the House of Representatives on Wednesday as supporters of Speaker Yakubu Dogara started shouting his name to prevent some members of the House from moving a motion for his impeachment over the budget padding scandal. The drama started when Speaker Dogara refused to recognize a member of the House Aliyu Madaki who raised his hand to raise a motion. Instead, the Speaker recognised Emmanuel Oker-Jev, Chairman, Rules and Business, to move a motion. There was so much noise that when Oker-Jev moved his motion to discuss the budget padding allegation, it was quickly referred to the ethics and privileges committee by the Speaker. Majority of the lawmakers were not happy with the budget padding allegations raised by the former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation Abdumumin Jibrin. During the commotion in the House, Abdumumin Jibrin was observed moving round the chamber trying to enlist supporters for his call on Dogar...

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State Kwara State Government on Wednesday said it received about N2.8 billion as its share of August allocation from the Federation Account. This is contained in a statement issued in Ilorin by the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Demola Banu. The Commissioner said the figure showed a slight increase from the N2.41 billion the state received in the preceding month. He said that the state got statutory revenue allocation of N1.41 billion and Value Added Tax (VAT) of N701.81 million. He added that the state also received N474.39 million for Exchange Gain Difference and Excess Profit before Tax of N190.99 million, all adding up to N2.8 billion. Similarly, the commissioner said that the 16 local government areas in the state got a total of N2 billion for the month. This, he said, was higher than N1.77 billion they received for the month of July. He explained that the local government areas’ allocation for the period comprised statutory allocatio...

The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mr Taiwo Lakanu, on Wednesday in Owerri, warned members of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) against breaching public peace. Lakanu gave the warning while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the “sit at home protest” of IPOB slated for Friday. The group’s planned protest is over the detention of its Leader, Mr Nnamdi Kanu. The commissioner said that the police would resist any attempt by the group to breach public peace or carry out activities contrary to the law. According to him, the group has no right to forcefully order members of the public to sit at home or switch off their phones. “We will arrest and prosecute any IPOB member if any of their actions leads to breach of security and public peace. “Agitators must find a legal ways of making their grievances known to the authorities and not to create panic in the society. “Police is in charge of any situation in the state, and we are ever ready to ensure a violence-free ...

The Akwa Ibom Government says it is partnering with the World Bank to execute erosion control project worth N52 billion on IBB Way in Uyo, the state capital. The State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, disclosed this on Wednesday in Uyo at a news briefing to mark the 29th anniversary of the creation of the state. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state was created on Sept. 23, 1987, by the administration of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida alongside Katsina state. Udom said that the state government was committed to providing a lasting solution to the perennial flooding on IBB Way and in some parts of the state capital. “The cost of taking water in that area, which is almost below sea level is exorbitant, especially at the current exchange rate in the country. “IBB is a peculiar situation, we can’t do it alone, I must confess, I cannot find N52billion anywhere, which is why I am partnering World Bank. “World Bank has agreed to partner with Akwa Ibom to control the erosion; right...

SolidStar Nigerian Afro-pop singer Joshua Iniyezo, popularly known by his stage name SolidStar is set to begin music tour to Australia from September 30 to October 16. The Achievas Entertainment signee made the announcement on his Instagram page on Wednesday. “Australia, we are coming and I’m super excited,” he said. According to the Delta State born singer, the tour will see him thrill music fans in five Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. The “Baby Jollof” crooner also announced his highly anticipated album “weed”. He noted that the album was in its finishing stages. “It will be one of the best albums ever made in the history of the Nigerian entertainment industry,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday said it had directed its states’ offices to begin the distribution of uncollected Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to their owners. Mr Nick Dazang, Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity in the commission, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. Dazang said that the directive was part of efforts by the commission to ensure that uncollected PVCs were distributed to the registered voters. “It will be recalled that after the 2015 general election, we had over 12 million uncollected PVCs. “What the commission did was to direct all states of the federation, including the FCT to strategise ways of distributing the uncollected PVCs that are with them. “It is an ongoing exercise,” he said. He, however, said that there was no deadline attached to the directive, adding that it was left for each state to decide on the modality for the distribution. INEC had in June 2016, admitt...

Mosquito, agent of Malaria The Zamfara Government was partnering with international organisations in its malaria eradication programme, Alhaji Hamisu Dauran, the Project Manager, State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) said. Dauran told newsmen in Gusau on Wednesday that the organisations included Presidential Malaria Initiative (PMI), sponsored by U.S. President Barak Obama, Sustainable Health Initiative (SHI) sponsored by global funding, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Seasonal Malaria Control (SMC). He said that the partnership was part of the state government’s commitment to eliminate malaria, noting that the state government was concerned about the increase of malaria-related deaths in the state. He explained that “based on data we obtained from the public health centres across the state, malaria-related deaths has increased, especially among pregnant women and children under the age of five years. “That is why we introduced programmes that will work hand in hand wit...

The police on Wednesday arraigned a 42-year-old man, Ogunlade Akim, in a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly obtaining N85,000 ‎under false pretence from his cousin. ‎Akim of no fixed address is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretext. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Christopher Okoliko told the court that the accused and others now at large committed the offence at Odo-Olowu Warehouse, Ijesha-Tedo at about 11 a.m. on Feb. 13. Okoliko said that the accused and ‎others fraudulently obtained N85,000 from the complainant, Akim Lawal, under the pretext of selling an unregistered Volkswagen Golf to him. He said the offence contravened sections 285, 312 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.‎ Akim, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charges. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.I. Dan-Oni, in her ruling, granted bail to the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. Dan-Oni ordered that...

The gavel of justice After several unsuccessful interventions to save a 16-year-old marriage, an Igando Customary Court in Lagos on Wednesday dissolved the union, citing the husband’s infidelity. The marriage between a food vendor, Adejoke, and her bricklayer-husband, Musiliu Omotosho, was dissolved the President of the court, Mr Adegboyega Omilola. He said the petitioner (Adejoke) was adamant despite several mediations from the court and family members. “Since the petitioner wants a divorce after several interventions, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union despite the fact that the husband claims he still `loves’ her. “The court hereby pronounce the marriage between Adejoke Omotosho and Musiliu Omotosho dissolved today; both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife. “They are free to go their separate ways without any hindrance or molestation.” The petitioner, Adejoke, 39, had approached the court to end her 16-year-old marriage over infidelity on the part ...

Former Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam The trial of former Managing Director, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdulsalam, before a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday suffered a set back following the absence of the trial judge. Abdulsalam is charged alongside six others over alleged stealing and conversion of N6.8 billion belonging to the agency. The other accused are: Adegorite Olumuyiwa, Agbolade Segun, Clara Aliche, Joy Adegorite, and two Limited Liability companies, Randville Investment Ltd and Multeng Travels and Tours Ltd. They are been prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC]. The case which was fixed for continuation of trial, could not proceed on Wednesday, due to the absence of the trial judge, Justice Babs Kuewumi, who is said to be attending a conference. A new trial date of Nov. 8, Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, was however issued to the parties. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the EFCC had ...

Having attained the retirement age of 60 in the civil service, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir, the State Director in National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kano, retired on Wednesday. He has handed over the office to Malam Mohammed Aliyu, the most senior deputy director. A statement signed by Mr Olayinka Olawore, the Public Relations Officer in Kano office of the agency, disclosed this on Wednesday. The statement said Bashir was promoted to a director from deputy director on July 31, 2012. “During his tenure, he worked to reposition the agency along with its various units and organs into a proactive, knowledge-based and activity-driven agency,” it said. In a brief session with workers in the office, the outgoing director expressed gratitude to the Federal and State Governments for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation as NOA Director. Bashir thanked the staff for their cooperation while in office, adding that he would remain an advocate and ambassador of the agency wherever he fo...

Two men carrying bags of rice A Jos Chief Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday sentenced two labourers, Friday Duro, 21, and Friday Audu, 22, to 14 months in prison for stealing a bag of rice. The duo, who reside at Jenta Adamu Street in Jos are facing a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft. The Magistrate, Mr Jovita Binjin, sentenced them after they pleaded guilty to the crime and pleaded for leniency. In their plea they said that hunger led them to the crime. “It was hunger that led us to do it, we have stayed without food for days and we needed money to buy food. “Have mercy on us we will not do it again,’’ they pleaded. The magistrate in his ruling said that the accused were sentenced to four months in prison for trespass. “I hereby sentence you to four months in prison for the offence of trespass or pay a fine of N 2, 000 and 10 months in prison for the offence of theft or a fine of N 3, 000,’’ the magistrate ruled. He said that the sentence was meant to serve as a...

Ogun House of Assembly Two commissioner-nominees have scaled the screening of the Ogun House of Assembly to expand the existing 37-member State Executive Council. The nominees are Mrs. Biola Kufile-Okongi (Odeda Council Area) and Miss Ronke Onadeko (Remo Council Area). The Executive Council consists of 18 commissioners and 19 special advisers including the governor’s chief of staff. Gov. Ibikunle Amosun had on Monday forwarded the names of the would-be commissioners to the House, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Ogun has 20 local governments in addition to the newly created 37 local council development areas. The Speaker, Mr. Suraj Adekunbi, said the screening was done in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 constitution. He said appointing two additional commissioners by the governor was to ensure quality representation of the people in the state administration. Adekunbi called on the nominees to bring their wealth of experience from the private sector to...

Godwin Obaseki, APC governorship candidate for Edo State As the Sept. 28 Edo Governorship election approaches, leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo South Senatorial District, have assured the party of their votes. The Senatorial District Leader, Mr Gentleman Amegor, disclosed this on Wednesday in Benin while speaking with newsmen at the end of a meeting with other party members. He said that the leaders had been mandated to deliver their wards and units to APC. Amegor said that they had resolved to deliver the seven local government areas in the district and the units under them to the party during the exercise. “We have resolved to deliver the Senatorial district to Godwin Obaseki,” the APC leader said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the leaders arrived at their resolution after over three hours’ meeting in Benin. Amegor said the party had put forward a candidate that “is not only experienced but also has the credibility and integrity to be th...

Sheikh Garuba Akinola-Ibrahim Sheikh Garuba Akinola-Ibrahim, Chief Imam of Lagos State, on Wednesday urged the government to declare a state of emergency in the agricultural sector as a way out of the current recession. “Agriculture remains the only solution to poverty eradication, unemployment, food crisis and economic recession. “It will ensure adequate food production and self-sufficiency for economic development,” Akinola-Garuba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. The Chief Imam urged the three tiers government and the private sector to promote agriculture and research projects aimed at enhancing food security. According to the cleric, getting the country out of recession requires collective efforts of both government and citizens. “We should not leave it all to government alone, we must start as individuals, families and communities. “Let us start looking inwards to re-position our great country; we have the human and natural resources to make Nigeria great ag...

Former Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam The trial of former Managing Director of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Ibrahim Abdulsalam, facing N6.8 billion fraud at a Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday suffered another setback following the judge’s absence. Abdulsalam is charged alongside six others for allegedly stealing and converting the agency’s N6.8 billion to personal use. Others are Adegorite Olumuyiwa, Agbolade Segun, Clara Aliche, Joy Adegorite, and two companies — Randville Investment Ltd and Multeng Travels and Tours Ltd. The case, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was fixed for the continuation of trial on Wednesday but the absence of Justice Babs Kuewumi, who is attending a conference in Abuja stalled it. The court fixed Nov. 8, Nov. 9, and Nov. 10 as new dates for the trial. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on April 7 arraigned the NAMA boss, three directors of the agency and the wife of one of th...

Pilgrims arriving Nigeria from Saudi Arabia A total of 1,265 pilgrims from Kaduna State have arrived home after performing the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 3rd batch of pilgrims arrived in Kaduna on Wednesday via Max Airline with 474 pilgrims. Abdullahi Bayero, Chairman, Media Sub-committee of the state Hajj Delegation, told NAN in Makkah that 405 pilgrims for the 4th flight would also depart for Kaduna from King Abdulaziz Airport, Jeddah, on board Flynas, a Saudi Arabian airline. NAN reports that the first batch of 491 pilgrims were transported back to Kaduna on Sunday by Flynas Airline, while the second batch of 300 pilgrims arrived at about 2:30 a.m. aboard Max Airline flight on Monday. According to Bayero, a total of 5, 575 pilgrims from Kaduna State performed the 2016 Hajj. He gave an assurance that the three airlines transporting the pilgrims would conclude the exercise on time as the operation has been smooth so far. The c...

President Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, is deeply committed to full restoration of peace, security and stability in Guinea Bissau, the war-torn country that has not known peace and stability in the last four decades. Buhari said this on Tuesday at the ECOWAS Consultative Meeting of Heads of State and Government at the ongoing 71st United Nation General Assembly (UNGA). The president, who was represented by Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said this was why Nigeria had been actively involved in the search for peace, deploying huge human and material resources in that regard. “We are, therefore, fully determined to ensure full democratic governance and effective functioning of all key institutions, especially Defence, Legislature, the Judiciary and other security agencies. “As a further demonstration of our deep commitment to Peace and Security in Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria appointed a Speci...

The gavel of justice A 20-year-old man, Isaac Bamidele, was on Wednesday charged before an Ota Magistrates Court in Ogun for alleged impersonation. Bamidele, who lives at No. 27 Opeyemi Street, Iyana -Iyesi, Ota, is facing a two-count charge of impersonation and conspiracy. The Prosecutor, Cpl. Abdul Kareem Mustapha told the court that the accused and other still at large committed the offence at Ijaba area of Ota. Mustapha said that the accused and his accomplices paraded themselves as Nigerian Navy officers with a view to aiding land speculators in achieving their unlawful act. He said that the offences contravened Sections 249, 484 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun, 2006. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja granted bail to the accused in the sum of 200,000 with two sureties in like sum. She directed that the sureties should be resident within the court’s jurisdiction and should be gainfully employed. In ad...

FILE PHOTO: Road being repaired in Lagos A Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr. Kola Shittu, has recommended concessioning of roads as a panacea to the deplorable state of roads in Nigeria. Shittu made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Offa, Offa Local Government Area of Kwara. The former Commissioner for Works said that the best way to achieve road infrastructure in the country remained through Public-Private Partnership arrangement. He asserted that government alone could not tackle road decay without the active involvement of the private sector. Under this arrangement, Shittu explained that the company handling the project would deliver and as well as take charge of the maintenance. “There is no doubt that one of the best way to achieve our road infrastructure is by concession; private-public partnership. “When you do concession for our roads, it will be delivered and maintained by the company that is handling it,” he said. ...

An Osun Magistrates’ Court in Ile-Ife on Wednesday remanded five accused persons in prison custody for allegedly being in possession of Indian hemp. They are Dare Sijuade, 27; Abiodun Arogundade, 22; Elijah Balogun, 24; Emmanuel Benjamin, 30 and Wale Awoseemo, 20. The Magistrate, Mr. Olalekan Ijiyode did not take the plea of the accused and did not hear their bail application. He ordered the accused persons to be remanded in prison to enable them show remorse. He adjourned the case till Oct. 10, for hearing. The Prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Abdullahi told the court that the accused persons committed the offence on Sept 18, 2016, around 9 a.m. at Oke-Ijan, Ajamopo area, Ile-Ife. Abdullahi said that the accused conspired among themselves to commit the felony to wit: housebreaking, stealing and resisting arrest. He further stated that the accused persons conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace with their behaviour which caused panic among the people in t...

Gov Atiku Bagudu The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Sami, on Wednesday, urged the Kebbi Government to commence exploration of available mineral deposits in the state. The Emir made the call in Birnin Kebbi when he visited the state Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu. The monarch noted that the four local government areas in Zuru Emirate were particularly blessed with huge deposits of gold, diamond, kaoline and gypsum. He stressed that commencing mineral exploration would create employment and promote economic activities. Sami also urged the state government to hasten the repairs of electricity installations and water installations in Zuru Local Government Area. According to him, the area has been experiencing epileptic water and power supply due to obsolete electricity facilities. He said that the situation has made life difficult for people in the area and hindered economic activities. Gov. Bagudu thanked the Emir for the visit and assured him of the administration’s commitment to dev...

Shinzo Abe, Japanese Prime Minister The Japanese Government on Wednesday presented farm implements worth millions of Naira to farmers in Mainok in Kaga Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno, as part of its support toward ensuring quick recovery for victims of the Boko Haram insurgency. Mrs Sali Musa, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Programme Officer launched the distribution of the items to the beneficiaries at a ceremony in Mainok. Musa said that the presentation was made under UN Social Support Programme for insurgency victims. She explained that the action was targeted at dry season farmers to enable them to start producing food for subsistence, after suffering from the Boko Haram insurgency for some years. She added that “we are gathered here for the presentation of agricultural implement donated by the Japanese Government aimed at ensuring speed recovery of the state from the devastation of the insurgency. “The Japanese Government decided to assist the state because of...

A cleric, Rev. Fr. Stephen Akpe has urged Nigerians to pray for the return of total peace in the country as the world marks International Day for Peace. Akpe, an Assistant Coordinator, Justice Development and Peace Commission, Catholic Archdiocese of Jos made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos. NAN reports that the UN General Assembly had in 1981 declared every Sept. 21 as International Day for Peace. The cleric said as much as other human strategies were deployed to ensure lasting peace returned to conflict areas of the country, the need for all and sundry to turn to God in prayer was highly imperative. He added that “human efforts have been deployed to ensure peace is achieved in all parts of Nigeria, particularly in conflict areas. “But I feel we are also missing the point; it is high time we go before our creator in total submission and lay our challenges. “So, I call on our political and religious leaders, Christians and Musli...

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has congratulated Kogi Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on his victory at the Supreme Court on Tuesday. In a statement released to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, the chairman called on the party and its members to close ranks and unite. “Going forward, I call on all party leaders, stakeholders and teeming members of our great party to put aside any differences and unite as a strong political force in support of the administration of Gov. Yahaya Bello. “I also call on the governor to reach out to all aggrieved political stakeholders and mend fences. “Only then can the administration successfully achieve its plans to build a strong foundation for the growth, development and prosperity of the good people of Kogi state,” Odigie-Oyegun said in the statement. Bello was picked by APC as its candidate for the conclusion of the governorship election in Kogi in Novemb...

Mango leaves Professor Moses Adeniji, a Consultant Plant Pathologist at the Herbal Treatment Home of Human Diseases, Orogun, Ibadan, has disclosed that mango leaves can successfully cure diabetes at the early stage. Adeniji made this disclosure in an interview in Ibadan on Wednesday. He said that the tender leaves of the mango tree contain “tannis”, known as “anthocyanidins’’, could treat early diabetes and some other diseases at their early stage. He said that the leaves could be dried and grinded into powder and could also be used as infusion to treat some diseases. “The most useful parts of the leaves are the tender, reddish or purplish part, while the old mango leaves, which are dark, green in colour and with pale underside can also be dried and used. “These leaves are rich in vitamin C, B and A. They are also rich in various nutrients. They have powerful antioxidant properties as they have a high content of flavonoids and phenols. “Mango leaves are very useful for treating...

Pilgrims arriving Nigeria from Saudi Arabia No fewer than 1,560 pilgrims from Sokoto and Zamfara states were on Tuesday transported back to Nigeria through the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport,Sokoto. The Manager of the airport, Alhaji Ahmed Adamu, made the disclosure in an interview in Sokoto on Wednesday. Adamu said that the pilgrims who were all hale and hearty, were transported by Max Airline. ”The first flight into the Sokoto airport arrived around 6.40 a.m., with 560 pilgrims from Bukkuyum and Gummi local governments of Zamfara. ”The second flight arrived the airport at around 10.0 4 a.m. with 500 pilgrims from Bungudu and Kauran Namoda local governments of Zamfara. ”The third flight into the airport arrived at around 6.20 p.m. with 500 pilgrims from Gada, Isa and Binji local government areas of Sokoto State,” he said. Adamu said the management of the airport had made adequate arrangements to ensure the successful transportation of all the pilgrims back to the co...

Col. Sani Usman, Acting Director of Army Public Relations Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole and Multinatioanal Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have captured Mallam Fatori in northern most part of Borno after a fierce battle closely covered by air operations.‬ According to a statement signed by Col. Sani Usman, the acting Director, Army Public Relations and issued on Wednesday, the town was captured under “Operation Gama Aiki” of the Operation Lafiya Dole. Usman said that the troops killed several of the Boko Haram terrorists in the resulting encounter, who subsequently withdrew “to a vantage position”. ‪”However, the terrorists reinforced around the border with Niger Republic.‬ ‪”This was while the troops were consolidating on this success.‬ ‪”The Operation is continuing,” the army spokesman said.

APC, PDP logo Jethro Ibileke/Benin Ahead of the September 28 gubernatorial election in Edo State, the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the government are locked in a war of words over the redeployment of the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye. The State Publicity Secretary of PDP, Chris Nehikhare, said Mr. Adeoye who replaced Mr. Chris Ezike as Commissioner of Police in the state on Tuesday, September 5 and was saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the security arrangement for the Edo State governorship election, was removed in “very controversial circumstances.” According to him, Mr. Adeoye “is said to have been removed over his disagreement with the state governor, Adams Oshiomhole on the use of police personnel, before and on the day of election.” He further alleged that the governor had taken offence that the commissioner was not in support of the recent indiscriminate arrests and detention of members of the opposition PDP which ...

Adekoya Boladale A recent investigative report by Economic Confidential puts the total annual remuneration of President Buhari and his cabinet at N2.295 billion. In the extensive report, President Buhari and his vice-president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo enjoy a hardship allowance pegged at 50 percent of their annual basic salaries. This is less the 250 percent Constituency, accommodation, furniture, domestic staff, personal assistants, utilities, newspapers, vehicles, entertainment, maintenance and estacode allowances enjoyed by the duo. The remunerations and other perks enjoyed by ministers and cabinet members are sour stories best told another day. If not that life is brutish, nasty, and unfair, who truly deserves the hardship allowance between citizens who toil day and night to make ends meet; buy food at exorbitant prices and still have to provide water, electricity, security and road to move on and elected officials whose cars are fueled from state purse, free food budgeted in ab...

President Muhammadu Buhari meets President Barack Obama in New York U.S. President Barack Obama on Tuesday commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic reforms, describing it as “bold”. Obama made the commendation when he met with Buhari on the sideline of the ongoing 71st UN General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. He said America would continue to offer support to Nigeria in areas of agricultural development, recovery of stolen funds and the fight against Boko Haram. He said America would put things on ground to sustain partnership and cooperation between the two countries. “We discussed broader issues on development and the President is taking some very bold economic reforms in allowing for a flexible exchange rate. “We are focusing on agriculture and we pledged to offer all the assistance that we can in that area and as the president is trying to stamp out corruption and to recover external funds that may have been illegally obtained and are sitting in bank accounts around th...