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Showing posts from October 9, 2016

President Buhari opens up on arrested judges

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari has opened up on the reason for the arrest of Supreme Court justices and judges across the nation. The Presidency said the on-going `surgical operation’ against some judicial officers is specifically targeted at corruption and not at the judiciary as an institution. Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, made the clarification in a statement in Abuja on Sunday. According to Shehu, the president reserves his highest respect for the institution of the judiciary as the third arm of government and will not do anything to undermine its independence. Shehu said Buhari remained a committed democrat, “in words and in his actions, and will not take any action in violation of the constitution. “In a robust democracy, such as ours, there is bound to be a plurality of opinions on any given issue but there is a convergence of views that the country has a corruption problem tha

Seme Customs intercept bullet-proof vehicles

Comptroller General of Customs, Retd. Col Hameed Ali The anti-smuggling unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Command has intercepted three bullet proof vehicles smuggled into the country at different entry locations. The three arrested bullet proof vehicles with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N58.79 million are: a black Jeep Escalade; a black Toyota Land Cruiser (VKR), both with Lagos registration numbers; and a black Mercedes Benz Bus with a foreign number. Inspecting the seized bullet proof vehicles, the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Mr Taupyen Selchang, said on Sunday in a statement that the security of the nation remained a top priority to the border commands of the Customs service. “Apart from generating revenue, suppression of smuggling and facilitation of legitimate trade, the Nigeria Customs Service has a complementary role of protecting the territorial integrity of this nation,’’ he stated. He said that the challenge of security “is vital to the survival

APC names ex-speaker as DG, Akeredolu Campaign Organisation

Ondo APC governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu eeFormer Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Adekanye Olabimtan has been appointed the Director General, Akeredolu Campaign Organisation. Olabimtan, one of the 24 aspirants who battled for the governorship ticket at the keenly contested All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, held on September 3, 2016 in Akure, the Ondo State capital was a former commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission. His rising political profile started with his contributions as the secretary of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) Students’ Vanguard which brought him to limelight. He was the unanimous choice of eminent leaders of the party as a member of the delegation of UPN Monitoring Group to Bauchi State during the 1983 Presidential Election. Olabimtan’s victory in the 2003 Election to represent his State Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly gave him a landmark opportunity to serve his people

Murray beats Dimitrov to win China Open

Victorious Andy Murray Andy Murray secured his fifth singles title of 2016 and the 40th of his career by beating Grigor Dimitrov 6-4 7-6 (7-2) in the China Open final on Sunday. World number two Murray was seriously tested by his Bulgarian opponent but the Scot ended a near-faultless week in Beijing with the main prize. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the British number one seed did not drop a set during the tournament. Earlier, British number one Johanna Konta was beaten 6-4 6-2 by Agnieszka Radwanska in the women’s final. “Andy is one of the toughest competitors out there and the credit goes to him,” said Dimitrov after the match on Sunday. World number 20 Dimitrov made it through to the final after his semi-final opponent, Milos Raonic, was forced to withdraw with an ankle injury. It looked a formality for the Briton who broke his opponent’s serve in the opening game before holding his own to double the advantage at the beginning of the first set. Dimitrov ral

Kaduna govt orders arrest of Shiite spokesperson

Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State The Kaduna State Government has ordered the arrest and subsequent prosecution of one Ibrahim Musa who has owned up to being the spokesperson of an unlawful society, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN). An order declaring the IMN as an unlawful society in Kaduna State went into effect on Friday, 7th October 2016. Violation of this order attracts penalty of imprisonment for seven years or a fine or both, according to sections 97a and 97b of the Penal Code. A few hours after the commencement of the Order, the said Ibrahim Musa admitted to membership of an unlawful society and identified himself as its spokesman in widely publicized statements. This is deemed as a deliberate and determined affront to the order, and the law has to take its course. A statement from the state government said the Commissioner of Police had been directed to ensure the arrest to enable prompt prosecution by the Kaduna State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justi

Release detained judges on bail

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana The State Security Service (SSS) raided the official quarters of judges at Abuja, Gombe, Kano and Port Harcourt last Friday night. During the raid, the homes of the judges were searched while some of them were arrested and taken away. They have since been detained by the SSS. In a press statement issued at the end of the raid, the SSS alleged that the suspects have engaged in judicial misconduct and corrupt practices. Details of the humongous sums of money recovered during the raid have been released to the press. One of the judges was said to have escaped arrest with the assistance of a state governor. As the detained judges are presumed innocent until the contrary is proved by the State, they should be admitted to bail in self recognizance. At the same time, the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation should ensure that the suspects are arraigned in court without any further delay. However, it is a matter of grave concern that the legal pr

APC sweeps Ogun LG poll

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGESIEC) has announced the results of the election held on Saturday into the 20 local government councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) of the state. Declaring the results, the commission’s Chairman, Mrs Risikat Ogunfemi, said the ruling APC won all the Chairmanship positions in all the 20 local governments and 37 LCDAs. The party also won 346 councillorship seats out of the 349 wards in the state. The Unity Party of Nigeria, however, won two councillorship seats while the PDP won one. A total of 17 political parties participated in the poll. Ogunfemi, who stated that the commission had discharged its duties without fear or favour, adjudged the poll free, fair and credible. The OGESIEC boss, however, conceded that there was room for improvement on the conduct of council election. “Election is a process and we can always learn from any shortcomings and improve on subsequent ones. “The 2012 lo

Nigerians condemn NBA’s threat over judges’ arrest

Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, new President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Some Nigerians have condemned the threat by the leadership of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) over the arrest of some judges for alleged corruption and professional misconduct. Those who made the call in interviews in Makurdi on Sunday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to succumb to pressure but to ensure that the judges faced the law. The Directorate of State Services (DSS) on Friday night arrested some judges for alleged corruption. The agency stated that it recovered huge sums in local and foreign currencies from the judges. Following their arrest, the leadership of NBA headed by Mr Abubakar Mahmoud (SAN). at a news conference, demanded the judges’ immediate release on the ground that due process was not followed in their arrest. The association said, “It is not the responsibility of DSS to arrest judges.’’ It described the action of the agency as unconstitutional and a way of intimidating the ju

PDP, LP call for cancellation of Ogun LG elections

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun Jamiu Yisa Chairmen of the Ogun State chapters of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sikirulai Ogundele and Abayomi Arabambi of the Labour Party, have called for the cancellation of the Ogun State local government elections held on Saturday. The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) yesterday conducted election into the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas where the exercise witnessed low turnout of voters in the three senatorial districts. According to the PDP state chairman, the cancellation had become necessary because the exercise was characterised by violence and irregularities. Ogundele alleged that there were many reported cases of ballot box snatching as well as other logistic challenges across the state. He also said that one of the PDP supporters, identified as Goodluck who was trying to prevent ballot snatching was shot in the chest at one of the polling centres at Ilara Remo in Remo North council area, addin

Kidnapping: Epe residents want improved security

L-R: Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule; State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni; member, Lagos House of Assembly representing Epe constituency II, Hon. Olusegun Olulade and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Mr. Titi Kayode (2nd left, behind) during the Deputy Governor’s visit to Lagos Model College, Igbonla-Epe where four students and two Teachers were kidnapped, on Thursday. Some traditional rulers and residents of Eredo Local Council Development Area in Epe, Lagos, have called on the state government to strengthen security in the community to combat criminal activities. They made the appeal in interviews in Lagos on Sunday following the kidnapping of four students and their teachers on Thursday. The principal, a teacher and four students of Lagos State Model College, Igbonla, near Epe, were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. Following the incident, armed policemen and other security agents have mounted patrols in the area. The traditional ruler

Breaking News: 2018 World Cup: Super Eagles defeat Zambia 2-1 away

The Super Eagles of Nigeria begin their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Sunday with an impressive 2-1 away win against Zambia. The Eagles scored their first goal through Arsenal young star, Alex Iwobi at exactly 33 minutes of the first half. The Super Eagles scored the second goal through Manchester City young star, Kelechi Ihenacho at the 43rd minute of the match. Zambia scored their goal through Collins Mbesuma in the 71st minute of the game, but it was too late to add another goal. More details later

Fire: UniJos Senate convenes emergency meeting on Monday

Fire at the University of Jos Library University of Jos is to convene an emergency senate meeting on Monday to review the level of damage done to the institution by the Saturday night inferno. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sebastian Maimako, disclosed this on Sunday after inspecting areas affected by the incident. The fire, which lasted for more than six hours, destroyed the Library Complex that equally houses the faculties of management and social sciences. The fire also destroyed examination scripts, books and very crucial materials. Consequently, the vice-chancellor said “the Senate will meet tomorrow (Monday) to take a decision about the unmarked examination scripts that were burnt.” On the cause of the inferno, Maimako said investigation had commenced, adding that “nothing has been confirmed yet. We are still investigating.” The vice chancellor said the school was already working with federal authorities toward establishing a main fire station since the mini fire station in t

Kidnapped varsity lecturer regains freedom

Entrance to Bayero University, Kano The authorities of Bayero University, Kano, have confirmed the release of its lecturer, Mr Saminu Aliyu-Kiri, who was kidnapped in Kaduna State on Thursday night. The Director, Public Affairs of the University, Malam Ahmed Shehu, confirmed the release of the abducted lecturer in an interview in Kano on Sunday. Shehu said the lecturer, who regained his freedom on October 7, had since been reunited with his family in Kano. “As I am talking to you now, the lecturer has regained his freedom since Friday, Oct. 7, and reunited with his family,” he said. Shehu, who, did not state whether ranson was paid before the release, said it was by the miracle of God that the lecturer regained his freedom. Aliyu-Kiri of Faculty of Computer Science of the university was kidnapped along with two other persons in Kaduna State while he was returning from an official assignment in Shaki, Oyo State.

Police arrest wanted robbery kingpin in Enugu State

Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, Enugu State Police Commissioner, The Enugu State Police Command says it has arrested an armed robbery kingpin, Chukwudi Chigbata, wanted in the past three months. The command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, made the disclosure in an interview on Sunday in Enugu. Amaraizu said that Chigbata was placed in the wanted list over several nefarious activities within Uzo-uwani Council Area and its environs. He said that Chigbata was arrested at the weekend following a tip-off. “A notorious armed robbery kingpin and suspected cultist who has been a thorn in the flesh of inhabitants of Adani in Uzo-uwani Council Area has been nabbed at Ogurugu Road axis of the council. “The suspect, identified as Chukwudi Chigbata, who also claimed that he is a commercial bus driver, was nabbed by the eagle-eyed police operatives of the command in a drinking joint through intelligence information. “The suspect had been on the wanted list of the operatives over his robbery and other nefar

Breaking: Nigeria lead Zambia 2-0

Half-time scores have Nigeria’s Super Eagles currently leading Zambia’s Chipolopolo 2-0 in Ndola, in a Group B Match Day 1 fixture in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Final Round, after goals from Alex Iwobi (32nd minute) and Kelechi Iheanachor (42nd minute). Details later.

Nigeria fans back Super Eagles to beat Zambia

Nigeria may not have shone in their first—and to date only—match under Rohr, but they eventually overcame Tanzania 1-0 in a Nations Cup qualifying dead rubber thanks to a Kelechi Iheanacho wondergoal. The victory has clearly prompted optimism among Eagles fans, with only 16 percent of those who replied to our poll not tipping the three-time African champions for victory. Of those who aren’t backing Rohr’s side to get the job done, nine percent are expecting a draw in Sunday’s showdown, while only seven percent of those who replied are backing Zambia to pick up all three points. In Group B’s other fixture, Algeria host Cameroon in Blida, with both heavyweights aware that they can ill afford a slip up if they are to reach Russia 2018.

Securing Project Nigeria: Lessons from Nehemiah

Motunrayo Famuyiwa-Alaka Security matters. One of the most defining characteristics of an independent nation is its ability to defend its border sanctity and territorial integrity against internal incursions and external aggression. Except a country is able to protect itself and its people from oppression and terror or at least harness enough force to suppress such, its independence is fickle at best. Border security is a major factor for national security. The Nehemiah project was a project first and foremost to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah and his colleagues understood that there would be no nation to build except the borders, which define the entity, were in place. Nigeria’s borders speak volumes about the nation. A porous border in reality means a porous nation. I once travelled by road to Benin Republic to visit a relative. The disorganisation at Nigeria’s side of the border was heart wrenching to say the least. Dusty roads, a phalanx of lorries, a constant directi

Release arrested judges now, SERAP tells Buhari

President Buhari The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari requesting him to use his “good offices and leadership to urgently instruct the Department of State Service (DSS) to immediately and unconditionally release all the judges arrested by them and to ask the DSS to end continuing intimidation and harassment of the judiciary.” The organization said that, “If following the receipt and/or publication of this letter, your government fails or refuses to immediately and unconditionally release the judges as requested, SERAP would promptly consider appropriate legal options nationally and internationally to ensure the full and effective implementation of our requests.” SERAP’s letter dated 9 October 2016 and signed by its executive director Adetokunbo Mumuni said that, “We are seriously concerned about the wave of arrests, intimidation and harassment of judges across the country by the DSS. While we fully support

Gov. Obiano has no intention of leaving APGA — Aide

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State The Anambra Government says Gov. Willie Obiano’s loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is “unalloyed” and does not intend to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement by Mr James Eze, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor in Awka on Sunday, the state government said that the media speculation on the governor’s intention to leave APGA was “a figment of someone’s imagination. “Our attention has been drawn to a publication which alleged that Gov. Obiano may dump APGA for APC.” Eze urged the public to disregard the speculation, saying “it is totally false and does not have the slightest semblance of truth.’’ He stated that Obiano’s passion for the growth and development of APGA was beyond “equivocation.’’ He noted that “it is strange how a clique of internally displaced politicians continue to circulate spurious and misleading information on a non-existent and sensational figment of their im

Convulsion: Paediatrician warns against use of cow urine

cow Dr Adeboye Nurudeen of the Department of Pediatrics, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has warned mothers against the use of cow urine concoction as curative measure on convulsing children as practiced in some parts of the country. He gave the warning on Sunday in Ilorin. He explained that although febrile convulsion was usually a frightening experience for nursing mothers, using such concoction would increase infant morbidity and mortality. He described febrile convulsion as “seizure caused by fever and a sudden change in a child’s body temperature. “A high temperature above 38°C is a sign of infection somewhere in the body and is often caused by a virus or bacteria. “The best option in such a situation is to seek medical attention immediately and not to use cow urine.’’ He said it was wrong to administer cow urine concoction, common in South-west Nigeria or palm oil concoction, also common in South-Eastern Nigeria. Nurudeen explained that other intervention

”Tyson Fury will return to ring” uncle says

Tyson Fury World boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is prepared to relinquish his World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) belts and could return to training in six months. Peter Fury, the uncle of the 28-year-old Briton, said the fighter had been in depression and should be taking some time out of the sport. Fury has withdrawn from his rematch with Ukraine’s Wladimir Klitschko, scheduled for Oct. 29, because of mental health issues. “It’s driven him to despair,’’ said Peter Fury, who is also Tyson’s trainer. NAN reports that the boxer has said he was taking cocaine to help deal with depression. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) is meeting on Wednesday when it would look at Fury’s admission, which was made during an interview. The WBO and WBA — the two organisations with which Fury holds heavyweight titles — can strip the unbeaten Englishman of the title. “I see him being back in the gym in March or April. He’ll resume his career,’’ ad

”Start bulding a new Flamingoes” club official advises NFF

NFF Abdul Sule, the Chairman of Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja, wants the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to start building a new Flamingoes side to represent the country from now. Sule said this on Sunday in Abuja following the crashing out of the Flamingoes from the ongoing 2016 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan. reports reveal that the Nigerian national under-17 women football team on Saturday lost 0-3 to North Korea in Amman to finish bottom of their group. Sule told NAN that the team which showed great promise during the African qualifiers could have been overwhelmed by the bigger stage. “The team did well in Africa. Maybe their opponents were stronger than they were in Jordan. “But I cannot say I am disappointed in them or that they failed us. These are young players and they are just coming up. “Most of them don’t belong to a particular club yet. They are just grooming themselves. But what the NFF should do now is to recruit players for the team about t

Dariye’s defection to APC a welcome development — Daban

Sen. Joshua Dariye Chief Letep Daban, the Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Plateau chapter, has described the defection of Sen. Joshua Dariye from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to APC as a welcome development. He made the remark on Sunday in Jos. Daban, who said that the party was highly delighted to receive Dariye, (former PDP-Plateau Central, added that his defection would make the APC stronger. He noted that defection was the best decision to take as a politician at the moment “because it will be unwise for the distinguished senator to continue to be in a party that is enmeshed in crises both at the state and at the national level. “The senator as a politician has read the situation and has taken a decision and for us as a party, it is a welcome development. “The PDP’s description of Dariye as `a liability and confusion,’ was mere sentiment because they lost him. “We know that deep down; they are weeping, lamenting and gnashing their teeth for losing som

Group urges government to empower teachers

A cross section of teachers A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) known as Project Know Thy-Self (PKTS) has appealed to government at all levels to empower teachers economically to boost their commitment toward improving the quality of education. The Chairman of the group, Mr Franklin Adjetey, made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja. He said “government is doing a lot, but it needs to do more to empower teachers economically so that they can do their best to nurture our children. “These children are going to be doctors, lawyers, senators, presidents, entrepreneurs and all kinds of people we are going to have in the society in future; so teachers matter a lot. “Education drives the economy, so we expect that teachers will be empowered and well trained to meet the 21st century standard so they can provide the best education for our children. “Education is meant to solve societal issues; it is meant to be well grounded.” Adjetey also urged stakeholders in the education sector to ensu

Rivers United to train in Spain : Gov. Wike

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers says Rivers United Football Club will train in Madrid, Spain to prepare for the 2017 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League. Rivers United finished second in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with 60 points to secure the CAF competition ticket. Wike who gave the assurance at a dinner party in Port Harcourt in honour of the team on Saturday also promised cash rewards for the players and officials. While the players and other officials will receive N500,000 each, club’s Head Coach Stanley Eguma will receive N1 million. The governor also announced the donation of a big bus and a coaster bus to Rivers United and their Supporters Club respectively. “Rivers United have done extremely well. They did not disappoint us. So, we must support them to come top in the continent. “In spite of the economic challenges, we will ensure that our boys are exposed by going for their training outsi

Military action still option against militancy in Niger Delta – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna on Saturday warned that decisive military action was still an option to deal with militancy in Niger Delta if militants continued with sabotage. The president gave the warning at the Passing out Parade of 133 Cadets of 63rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Buhari, who expressed happiness that the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East was being defeated, however, noted that militancy and other forms of emerging threats, including kidnapping and cattle rustling, were negatively impacting the nation’s economy. He said the clean-up of the Ogoniland was one of the ways to deal with root causes of militancy in the region. “However, for avoidance of doubt, let me state that other options are still open, including decisive military action. “Today, criminal elements disguise in ethnic regalia to sabotage the country, largely for their selfish and parochial interests. “I reiterate the call on all Niger

Nigeria hails South African Supreme Court’s conviction of Henry Orkah

Henry Okah in the dock The Presidency has expressed satisfaction over the South African Supreme Court of Appeal’s decision to confirm the conviction of Henry Orkah to 20 years in prison. A presidency official, who preferred not to be named, confirmed this development to State House correspondents in Abuja on Saturday. The court, on Oct. 3, found Orkah guilty on two out of the 6-count charges relating to the Warri bombing levelled against him. The Court also upheld the 12-year sentence for his role in the Abuja bombing, that claimed many innocent lives. The convictions that were upheld are those in respect of the Warri bombing, relating to Okah’s providing finance and equipment without which the bombings would not have been executed. The source stated that already the Nigerian government had written “a measured letter” to the South African government, hailing the judicial decision as a big step forward towards removing terrorism from the continent. “South Africa has projected it

Nigeria’s internet users stand at 94m in August – NCC

NCC Logo Internet users on Nigeria’s telecommunications networks increased to 93,591,174 as at August 2016, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said. The regulatory body made this known in its monthly Internet Subscriber Data, which was obtained on Saturday in Lagos. The data showed that internet usage on the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks increased by 167,819 It also said that 93,423,355 subscribers used the internet in July, rising to 93,591,174 in August. The data showed that of the 93,591,174 internet users in August, 93,524,398 were on the GSM networks, while 66,776 used the CDMA. Of the 93,591,174 internet users on the GSM networks in the month under review, the document showed that MTN Nigeria had 32,771,259 customers browsing on its network. It stated that MTN suffered a decrease of 561,236 internet subscribers in August, after it recorded 33,332,495 users in the month of July. According

Stacks of Pounds, Dollars found in judges’ homes – DSS

DSS operatives The Department of State Service (DSS), on Saturday revealed that it found stacks of pounds and dollars and Naira suspected to be proceeds of fraud during its search of the homes of justices of the Supreme Court and some judges across the country. The DSS said it had deployed intelligence to track down missing two million dollars believed to be a proceed of fraud found in a judge’s house. This is contained in a statement signed by an official of the service, Mr Abdullahi Garba, and made available to newsmen in Abuja. “In one of the States where the Service’s operations were conducted, credible intelligence revealed that the judge had two million dollars stashed in his house. “When he was approached for due search to be conducted, he, in concert with the State Governor, mobilised thugs against the service team. “The team restrained itself in the face of unbridled provocative activities by those brought in by the governor. “Unfortunately, the judge and governor also

Crown Prince of Benin to be crowned 39th Oba of Benin

Crown Prince (Amb.) Eheneden Erediauwa, Edaiken of Uselu. The Crown Prince of Benin Kingdom, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa, on Saturday began his coronation journey by trekking a distance of about 10 kms from his palace at Uselu to Eko-Ohae. Erediauwa, who would be crowned the 39th Oba of Benin, left Uselu at about 3:45 p.m. accompanied by a large crowd, mainly indigenes of Uselu. He climbed a 500-year-old palm tree as part of his coronation process. Commercial activities were paralysed along the routes he trekked through from the Benin-Lagos Road, through Lagos Street to Ekpo-Ohae at Urhokpota hall. He moved to the `Iyan-akpan’ now known as the popular five-junction, where Chiefs from Uselu community handed him to Chiefs from Benin. Various cultural troupes including the Iten Edo Theatre Group and Benin Royal Dynasty Trust Dance entertained as they moved with the crowd to entertainment.

M.K.O. Abiola – Do not let him die!

Late MKO Abiola An Open Letter to All Nigerians of Means and Goodwill In 1992, the late M. K. O. Abiola gave some money to the largest and most prestigious umbrella organization in the world for the study of Africa, the African Studies Association (ASA), based in the United States of America. The money was to establish the annual “M.K.O. Abiola Lecture Award,” an award that sponsors a distinguished scholar based in Africa to travel to the annual conference of the ASA in the United States to deliver a lecture of great significance about Africa. MKO’s action was truly visionary and ahead of its time then, and the award has since become one of ASA’s most treasured, and one that remains a source of great pride to Nigerian scholars in particular, and African scholars everywhere in general. Eminent Nigerian scholars who have won the award include Professors Bolanle Awe, Jacob F. Ade Ajayi, Wande Abimbola, and Abiola Irele. The detailed list of winners over the years is here: http://ift.tt

Gunmen abduct Ekiti APC chieftain’s wife, demand N40m ransom

APC Armed men have kidnapped the wife of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Ajibola Oyedele. The kidnappers have since demanded a ransom of N40 million from Oyedele. Oyedele, popularly called 50-50 by his political fans, revealed on Saturday night that he was able to speak with his wife at about 5:45 pm. She was abducted late Friday at about 8:30pm at the family home in Omuo Oke, a town in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State. The woman did not resist her abductors. According to Oyedele the kidnappers claimed that he was their actual target. “At gunpoint, my wife surrendered the key to our Nissan Ultimate to the kidnappers and they drove her away to an unknown destination. “We have not heard anything from her since the incident. All her lines are switched off,” he said. Oyedele who defected to the APC in July this year, was the only PDP member of the last Ekiti State House of Assembly. He was subsequently appointed Special Assist

Breaking: Fire guts University of Jos library

Fire at the University of Jos Library Fire has engulfed the university of Jos library. This happened on Saturday. The cause of the fire has however not been ascertained. It happened at the permanent site of the university in Jos. It was not exactly clear what caused the fire. Some students of the institution confirmed the fire through their facebook and twitter posts. Fire at the University of Jos Library