Global Naija Info

Some Nigerian judges The National Judicial Council (NJC) has said that the call by the President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Mahmoud Abubakar (SAN) for the suspension of the seven judges accused of fraud is “unacceptable”. The Acting Director of Information of the Council, Mr Soji Oye, made this known in a statement to newsmen in Abuja on Friday. Oye said the Council was not unaware of the various views expressed by members of the public on the matter, adding that it reserved the right to ensure the best action was taken. He said the NJC could only recommend appointments, dismissal and if need be other punitive measures against erring judicial officials to either the President or the Governor of a State as prescribed by the Law establishing it. “The Council’s mandate is limited by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution that established it. “NJC is constrained to inform the general public that its Constitutional mandate is to recommend to the Executive at the Federal and

Abdulmajid Ali, Ogun Police Commissioner The Ogun Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old lady, Abosede Omolare, for allegedly killing her fiance, Sadiq Dauda, who she was engaged to marry in December. Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), made the disclosure while addressing news conference on Friday in Abeokuta. He said that the suspect, who committed the crime at Onirugba St., in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday was arrested on the same day. The PPRO explained that the incident followed minor disagreement over allegation of mismanagement of funds from the gas business which the late Dauda entrusted to the suspect. Oyeyemi said that during interrogation, Oyelare claimed that her late fiancé, who she was living with, beat her up and sent her away. She said she returned home on the invitation of her fiance’s mother who promised to intervene. “She stated that immediately she got home, her fiance descend on her, beat her mercilessly and broke a bottle with whi

The suspect The police at the Lion Building Division, Lagos Island have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Abiodun Joshua, 28 for attempting to withdraw N44m ransom he demanded from a victim, Mrs. Oseni Aigbogun Omolewa, in Kano State. The Police alleged that trouble started for the suspect in October, 2016 in Lagos when he sent a threat message to the complainant in Lagos to pay N44m into his Kano State First Bank account, warning that failure to do so will result in him eliminating her and her children. Following the threat message, the complainant, fearing for her life, reported the threat to the DPO in charge of Lion Building Division, CSP Folashade Tanaruno. The DPO, according to investigation, advised the complainant to play along with the suspect and pay a bait sum into his account. The DPO notified the bank management of the development. Nemesis caught up with the suspect when he went to the bank to withdraw the ransom as he was apprehended by bank officials and handed over

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu The number of registered political parties in Nigeria has risen to 40, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The commission said in its official website that 10 new political parties were recently registered, thereby increasing the number of the parties from existing 30. The parties, according to INEC, are Better Nigeria Progressive Party (BNPP), Democratic Alternative (DA), Masses Movement of Nigeria (MMN), National Action Council (NAC) and National Democratic Liberty Party (NDLP). Others are Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP), National Unity Party (NUP), Nigeria Peoples Congress (NPC), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Mr Nick Dazang, INEC’s Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, explained that the 10 new political parties were among those deregistered sometime ago but were re-registered based on a court order. “The commission on Sept. 1, approved the acceptance

TURNING-POINT-Bola-Bolawole “I thought we would just allow the sleeping dog to snore. It was the same candidate of yours who accosted the CO (Collation Officer) in Unit 11 with about six guns and drove him (CO) to the corner of the collation centre, forcing him to mutilate. I did not mutilate any paper; my papers are here. Number two: this same candidate went to the office of INEC to repeat the same thing on the electoral officer and later came to the collation centre, where I served, with 10 gun-toting men, threatening to kill all of us. I want to say that this same candidate several times told the man who handled that Ward 11 that he was a dead man. He repeated it three times and that was why we managed to put him (electoral officer) on the security vehicle to get him to Benin City here…For the case of the man who handled Ward 11, all the security men deserted him. For the EO, he was locked up in his room. In our own case, we were rescued by the men of the Quick Intervention Force

TURNING-POINT-Bola-Bolawole Last week, I was asked by Mr. Idowu Oluwole Adelusi, Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti State Gov. Peter Ayodele Fayose, to be reviewer of a book he had just written titled “Trial, travails and triumphs of Ayo Fayose: A compendium of newspaper reports (2006 –2014)” – if he got approval. He did get approval and I also did consent to perform the task. The book, launched last Saturday, was one of numerous activities that commemorated the second year of Fayose’s second coming. We all know Fayose; my first “meeting” with him was fortuitous. I had just finished Holy Communion service and was getting inside my car when the phone rang. The time was around 7.00pm. “Am I on to Bola Bolawole?” I said “Yes” and the caller immediately launched into a tirade against my column for that day titled “What again does Fayose want?” After speaking for about five minutes while I listened patiently at my own end wondering who could this be; the caller satisfied my curiosity when he

Fani-kayode sandwiched by EFCC officials The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday re-arrested Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, after he emerged from trial before a Federal High Court in Lagos. Fani-Kayode, who is former Director of Media and Publicity, campaign committee of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, is charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman and Danjuma Yusuf. Also charged with them is a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Ltd. They were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money to the tune of about N4.9 billion. They each pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail. On Friday, after the Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, opened the case and had wrapped up the witness’ evidence for the day, the court adjourned the case to Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 for continuation of trial and rose. However, shortly after the accused left the courtroom, two officers of the EFCC dressed i

Nenadi Usman and Femi Fani-Kayode at previous appearance in the court The trial of former aviation minister, Mr. Femi Fani-kayode, former Finance Minister Nenadi Esther Usman and Danjuma Yusuf in alleged N4.9 billion money laundering has begun at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos. The commencement of trial followed an order issued by the presiding judge Mallan Sule after dismissing an application for adjournment filed by counsel for the former minister and the other accused persons. The application for adjournment was vehemently opposed by the prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, who urged the court to begin trial today. Justice Sule in his ruling dismissed the application as being a mere technicality and a ploy to further delay the trial of the accused persons, as witnesses set to be called by the prosecution had his statement attached to the prove of evidence. In addition, the judge ruled that the witness can give evidence today for the court to adjourn till a later date for cross

Nigeria-police The Enugu State Police Command on Friday said it arrested members of a notorious syndicate that specialized in job placement racketeering in Enugu. The command’s Spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the syndicate members were rounded up through intelligence information. Amaraizu said that the syndicate, which operated under the name “Step Golden Concept”, had been a thorn on the flesh of members of the public in Enugu and its environs. He said that they were arrested on Wednesday at their hideout at 46 Chime Road, New Haven, Enugu. “It was gathered that the suspects who usually act as job providers, use the platform to extort various sums of money from unsuspecting job seekers. “They do this with a promise that job is real which will be false later, without the victim getting his money back or getting the job. “The suspects usually contact their victims via random SMS sent to their phones calling for job interviews an

The gavel of justice A Gudu Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja, on Friday, dissolved a 17-year-old marriage between Hajara Ibrahim and Ibrahim Tanko and ordered her to pay N10,000 to her ex-husband to free herself. The judge, Mallam Isah Imam, said Tanko who claimed he was still in love with Hajara was granted enough time for settlement, which did not yield positive results. He said Tanko and his counsel were absent in court severally,adding that where there is disagreement between parties, the judge has the discretion to decide on the matter. Imam, however, dissolved the marriage by way of ‘Khuli,’ adding that any aggrieved party can appeal to the Sharia Court of Appeal within 30 days from Oct. 21. Under Islamic law, Khuli is when a woman seeking divorce returns the dowry. Hajara in her claims accused Tanko of negligence, battery and lack of love. She agreed to refund N5,000 which was paid on her as dowry and pleaded with the court to grant divorce by way of Khuli. The marriage produ

magistrate-court A cleaner, Festus Ihuoma, who allegedly stole items valued at N1.16million from one Fidelis Oziegbe, was on Friday arraigned in an Ikeja Senior Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Ihuoma,18, a resident of No.15 Balogun St., Oshodi, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of breach of peace and stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Raji Akeem, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 24 at Royal Class Hotel, No.18, Akinpelu St., Oshodi, Lagos. He said that the accused entered the complainant’s hotel room while he was away and stole four phones, four tablets and 10 different wrist watches, all valued at N1.16million. Akeem said that the accused had just come back from London and had decided to lodge at the hotel. The prosecutor said that the complainant left his belongings in the hotel room, dropped the key at the reception and quickly travelled to Abeokuta. He said that the receptionist gave the cleaner a key to Oziegbe’s room to tidy it up, not knowing tha

Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Chief of Naval Staff Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), says the navy has reduced incessant attacks on merchant ships by pirates on the nation’s territorial waters. Ibas who spoke on Friday in Onne, Rivers, at the launch of an operation, codenamed “Tsare Teku III,” said deployment of several warships was responsible for the decline. “Operation Tsare Teku III is a continuation of an earlier operation we launched in the first and second quarter of 2016 to tackle incessant attacks on merchant ships by sea pirates. “In order to sustain the gains of the earlier operation for optimum performance and benefits, it has become imperative to extend it by another three months. “It is instructive to note that attacks on shipping have substantially declined since the commencement of this operation, relative to what obtained between January and April 2016. “This is because only four attacks on shipping have been reported during the pe

Students The Centre for Learning and Educational Development Advocacy Africa (CLEDA Africa), on Friday commended the Kaduna State Government for the N43.9 billion capital allocation to education in 2017. Its Executive Director, Mr Daniels Akpan, said in Kaduna that the allocation represents 57 per cent increase when compared to 2016. Akpan said the gesture demonstrated the government’s commitment to transform the education sector. “This shows the passion of the state to move the education sector through promotion of quality education and has proven beyond reasonable doubt the premium Kaduna place on education.” He called on other states to emulate the gesture by raising their budgetary allocation to education, to at least 26 per cent as outlined by UNESCO. The director urged the state Assembly to ensure smooth and timely passage of the budget. He also said that the government must muster the will to ensure timely release of the funds for full implementation of the budget. The

APC, PDP logo The All Progressives Congress (APC), in Bayelsa, has threatened to expose moves by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to influence Supreme Court judges handling the 2016 governorship elections petitions. The party posed the threat in a statement issued by the state publicity secretary of the APC, Mr. Fortune Panebi. However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a reaction dismissed the allegation as frivolous and coming from a drowning party in the state. The APC alleged that the PDP’s moves were to swing the 2016 Bayelsa gubernatorial election petition in favour of its candidate adding that it would fight to the end to get justice for the people. The APC cautioned that the syndicate involved in the transfer of funds meant for civil servants salaries used as bribe would be investigated and prosecuted. The party alleged that the pre- and post-elections activities had shown how desperate the Gov. Seriake Dickson administration was in the quest for power. The APC

Dr. Muhammad Bose, Director General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), says the commission will soon erect demarcation poles on Nigeria’s borderline with Niger Republic. Bose made the disclosure when he visited the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Mera, at his palace on Friday. “My visit to Kebbi is to sensitize the people of Dadin-Kowa in Arewa Local Government that the commission is set to construct demarcation poles on Nigeria border line with Niger Republic. “The commission enjoins the people not to see the artificial demarcation as something meant to cause disunity. “Rather they should see it as a symbol of promoting unity, peace, mutual understanding, as well as social, cultural and economic development,” he said. He commended the people living in the border towns for exhibiting discipline and maturity. Bose promised that the governments of Nigeria and Niger Republic would provide basic social amenities that would promote peaceful co-existence among them. Responding, the

mosquito bed nets The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Friday said it has handed over 4.5 million mosquito bed nets to Oyo State Government. Dr. Rick Niska, USAID’s representative, said in a statement that the bed nets would be distributed across the 33 local government areas of the state on Oct. 22. “The bed nets valued at 13.5 million dollars will be distributed through a mass campaign scheduled to take place tomorrow in the 33 local government areas of the state. “The U.S. Government also provided an additional 4.5 million dollars (N1.4 billion) to support the logistics of the campaign, including transportation of the bed nets, community mobilization, training, and household mobilization. “These nets and the support for the distribution are gifts from U.S. people to the people of Oyo State,” Niska said. He commended the state government for its initiative to launch and coordinate the distribution of mosquito bed nets. Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo

Hon. Jibrin Abdumumini The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday, struck out the suit of Abdulmumin Jibrin, a former Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, challenging his suspension from the House. The judge, Justice John Tsoho, struck out the matter after Jibrin’s Counsel, Mr Chukuma Nwachukwu, told the court that his client had filed a notice of discontinuance. Tsoho declined the request of the defendants for a N200,000 cost, holding that the defendants were “strong institution and personality”. At the hearing, Jibrin’s counsel, Nwachukwu, told the court that there was a notice of discontinuance filed on Oct. 11, urging the court to discontinue the matter. The Counsel to the defendants, Mr. Kalu Onuoha, did not oppose the application but asked for a cost of N200,000 for the processes filed by them. He said the defendants filed many processes in this case before the court went on vacation in July 2016. Nwachukwu, however, opposed the application with t

Chief Remi Ogungbemi AMATO-President Chief Remi Ogungbemi, President, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), on Friday said that truckers may withdraw their services from Lagos ports because of the bad access roads. Ogungbemi said in Lagos that the port access roads were in terrible state and was hampering business. The AMATO president said that the truckers’ planned boycott would have started before now if not for the intervention of some respected operators. “The association intends to have a meeting with some operators on Oct. 25; if this meeting fails to proffer feasible palliatives, truckers will not have any other option. “For a long time now, we have been drumming it in the ears of the authorities without any attention on their part. “We cannot continue to work in a vicious circle in which trucks break down after every trip to the ports due to bad roads. “We end up expending a huge amount to put them back on the road,’’ Ogungbemi said. The condition of the road

Barbara Hendricks German Building Minister, Barbara Hendricks on Friday said that new global guidelines on how to solve problems stemming from the rapid growth of cities have been set down. She said that the set down was arrived at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development held in the Ecuadorean capital Quito. The new non-binding “Urban Agenda’’ which will act as a guideline for planners and decision makers when it comes to urban development in the coming decades, was reached on the final day of the conference, known as Habitat 3. “With the city development agenda, the international community is committing itself to the strengthening of cities,’’ said Hendricks. Cities are thus better able to combat poverty and strengthen themselves against climate change, she added. However, a climate and urban expert Lisa Junghans, from the NGO German Watch criticized parts of the new agenda for their lack of concrete details. “Measurable goals as well as criteria, which

The Kaduna State Government has earmarked over N2.6 billion to procure CCTV cameras and drones, to provide adequate security cover in the state in 2017. More than N1.5 billion of the amount was earmarked for the procurement and installation of CCTV cameras in strategic areas of the state, to reduce crime. The figure is contained in the state’s 2017 budget document currently before the state House of Assembly. “The N1.5 billion is for procurement and distribution of CCTV cameras for monitoring and surveillance towards reducing criminal activities within the metropolis and securing the state.” The News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reports that the government has also allocated N265 million for the procurement of drones “to identify locations of armed bandits in forest reserves across the state.” The document indicated that the government would also spend N193.6 million to secure the state from the menace of kidnappers. It said the money would be used to procure “geo-position intercepto

Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation. South Africa says it is withdrawing from the International Criminal Court with effect from a year notice to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. According to a document on Friday, this move would take effect one year after the notice is formally received by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. A UN spokesperson declined to confirm receipt of the document, which is dated Oct. 19 and signed by South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. “The Republic of South Africa has found that its obligations with respect to the peaceful resolution of conflicts at times are incompatible with the interpretation given by the International Criminal Court,” According to the document. South Africa’s Foreign Affairs Department Spokesperson Clayson Monyela declined to comment, saying the Justice Minister would hold a news conference on the is

Nigeria-police The Kaduna State Police Command, on Friday, debunked rumours of a purported crisis in Gidan Waya area of Jema’a Local Government. This is contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relation Officer, ASP Aliyu Usman. Usman stated that the rumour was the handy work of “mischief makers”. “The Command’s attention has been drawn to a rumour in circulation that there is a crisis going on along Gidan Waya axis of the State. “The Command hereby debunks this rumour; it is baseless, untrue story cooked up by mischief makers,” Usman said in the statement. According to him, the Command remains resolute in fighting crime across the state and urged members of the public to desist from peddling rumours. “It is imperative that members of the public desist from rumour mongering and other acts capable of promoting public discord. “Citizens are hereby advised to go about their lawful businesses without any fear of intimidation as the police personnel deployed across

FILE PHOTO:Saraki market. Ilorin The 20 traders that were affected by the recent fire that gutted eight shops at Saraki Market in llorin are calling for financial assistance from well meaning individuals and government. They said that the assistance would enable them return to their businesses. The market, popular for assorted food items and locust beans, is located at lta-Ama in llorin. Business activities resumed fully in the market, except the burnt section where ashes still littered the ground. Alhaji Shehu Eleburuke, the Chairman of Saraki Market Traders Association, who spoke on behalf of the affected traders, described the fire outbreak as a disaster to the owners. He said about seven million naira worth of food items were lost to the inferno. “The 20 traders no longer have means of livelihood and none of us at the market is capable of assisting them,” he said. Eleburuke appealed to well meaning Nigerians, the llorin West Local Government council and the Kwara Governme

The Kaduna State Government has earmarked over N4 billion for the Kaduna Metropolitan Rapid Rail Transport project, to begin in 2017. The amount is part of the N24.06 billion provided for projects under the State Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport in the 2017 budget. Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i had on Wednesday, Oct. 12, presented an appropriation bill of over N215.9 billion to the State House of Assembly for approval. The estimate for the 2017 fiscal year included N85.5 billion for recurrent expenditure and N130.3 billion for capital projects. The first phase of the intra-city Kaduna light rail project will link Rigachikun with the Refinery. The government indicated that funds for the rail project would be sourced through a loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria. “The state government also voted N2, 445,160,730.00 for the ongoing state trunk road project, while township road projects will gulp N7,705,788,694.58 in the fiscal year. ” According to the breakdown, the government eq

court A 22-year-old bus conductor, who allegedly broke into the house of one Emeka Nzeh and stole valuable items worth N225,000, was arraigned in Lagos on Friday. The suspect, Olawale Ayinde, a resident of No. 17, Opelu Agbado, Ogun, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and burglary before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court. The Prosecutor, Insp. Raji Akeem, told the court that the accused and others still at large, committed the offences on Aug. 18 at No. 40, Oluwole Estate, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos. Akeem said that the accused conspired with others, now at large, and stole a pair of shoe, a phone and cash, all valued at N225, 000 from Nzeh’s house. He said that the accused and his accomplices gained access into Nzeh’s apartment through a shop attached to the house. Akeem said that the accused was caught by the complainant’s neighbour, who noticed that something dubious was going on in the apartment. He said that the offences contravened Sections 285, 307 and 409 of the

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development in Sokoto, Alhaji Musa Ausa, said the state government had concluded plans to construct a new Stadium in Sokoto township to enhance sports development. Ausa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Sokoto that “the present administration in Sokoto is fully committed to ensuring the general reforms of sporting activities in the state. “So, we will ensure that no sector of sports is left behind to encourage our teeming youths to become more productive and useful in sports participation,” Ausa said. He said that arrangements were in top gear to renovate all the playing grounds at Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto. The commission said the state government was determined to develop all sporting activities in the state and also develop the talented youths to enable them participate actively in sporting activities.

Mr. Leye Oyebade, Abia State Commissioner of Police The police in Abia have arrested three suspects alleged to have sexually abused a 12-year-old girl, as well as six suspects involved in various criminal activities in the state. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Leye Oyebade, announced the arrests at a news briefing in Umuahia on Thursday. Oyebade said that the command would not relent in its resolve to rid the state of criminals, adding that the command had adopted strategies for crime management. Oyebade said that on Oct. 18, three men were arrested in Amuvi village in Arochukwu Local Government Area for defiling a 12-year-old girl. The commissioner said that the suspects took turns to sexually abuse the victim, adding that the suspects were arrested following an alarm by her guardian. One of the suspects, Uche Nwaokoro, admitted that he committed the crime and said that it was the devil that made him do it. Nwokoro said that he used to lure the victim to his hous

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto The Sokoto State Government will hold an International Symposium on the legendary Sokoto Caliphate as part of activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III on the throne. “The caliphate’s contributions to the economy, politics, leadership and good governance in the sub-Saharan region will be the focus of the symposium.” The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Danladi Bako, made this known in a statement in Sokoto on Friday. Bako, the Kogunan Sokoto and Chairman of the Publicity Subcommittee of the Local Organising Committee, said the symposium would hold on Nov. 2. According to him, renowned local, national and international scholars are expected to feature at the event. He said that there would be a presentation on the proposed Nana Asma’u College of Medical Sciences at the symposium and some translated books authored by the founding fathers of the Caliphate like the legendary Jihadist, S

University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Association of Resident Doctors, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital chapter, has called off its 11 weeks old strike over their salary arrears with effect from Oct. 21. President of the association, Dr Christian Adeneye, made this known to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday. Adeneye said the suspension followed intervention by the State Government and other stakeholders in Akwa Ibom. He described the 11 weeks industrial action and the losses suffered during the period as unfortunate. “The decision to suspend the strike followed intervention by government, spirited individuals and the consideration of those that might not be able to access medical care in other health institutions. “The association, on compassionate ground, agreed to allow industrial harmony by suspending the strike because of new commitment and agreement by the management of UUTH, the association and other stakeholders. “We are hoping that this new bilateral agreement will be compli

Patience Ozokwo and her son, Uche Ozokwo during the premiere of the film in London Popular Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwo and her son, Uche Ozokwo, have collaborated in her first ever UK Nollywood film “Why Marry?”. The film was produced by Visionary Bridget Benjamin and directed by UK Nollywood pioneer director, Nelson Spyk. The premiere held in London was the most expensive movie premiere at £100 (N54,000). The movie also featured Van Vicker, Princess Brun Njua, Suzi Oben, Labell Diamond, Mazi Obi, Goretti, Gift Boyo, Vera B and a host of other top UK stars. The movie was a fantastic drama that sees Mama G in a great form as she reprised her role as the most brutal mother in-law in Nollywood history. The film was Written by the producer. from Entertainment – P.M. NEWS Nigeria http://ift.tt/2ezBSA4 via IFTTT

Esther Idowu Philips popularly known as Iya Rainbow will be a judge at the competition Veteran actress, Esther Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, is among those who will sit as judges during the Area D Drama competition this Friday, 21 October, 2016. The competition, which will be held at the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ikeja 2 Parish, Ogba, Lagos. The competition will parade all Celestial church’s Area drama groups in Lagos and other prominent parish drama groups. Other judges billed for the competition include Prophet Farodoye, Prophet Tunji Fashina, Bro Rotimi Ajayi and Bayo Adetu. According to Tomisoye Ajayi, Area D’s Drama Coordinator, there are numerous prizes and gift items for winners and participants of the competition respectively. Area D Drama Troupe is a dance and drama unit of Celestial church, comprising of parishes in Ikeja, Agege, Ogba, Iju and Ojodu. “The purpose of this 2016 drama competition is to identify talented youths, with innate dramat

Late Prof. Dora Akunyili, Former Information and Communications Minister. The Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), on Thursday, conferred posthumous ‘Meritorious Service to Humanity’ award on Prof. Dora Akunyili, a former Minister of Information and Communication. Akunyili was honoured at RATTAWU’s First National Merit Award held in Abuja. RATTAWU’s National President Yemisi Bamgbose said that the late Akunyili was honoured because of her immense contributions in the struggle for a better welfare package for media workers. “We decided to honour her posthumously today because of her efforts at securing better welfare for our members. “Whatever we are enjoying today as improved welfare package was made possible with her efforts. “We believe award should be bestowed only to those who have genuinely contributed to society and most especially as it concerns us, the Media Sector,” he said

Patience Ozokwo and her son, Uche Ozokwo during the premiere of the film in London Popular Nollywood actress, Patience Ozokwo and her son, Uche Ozokwo, have collaborated in her first ever UK Nollywood film “Why Marry?”. The film was produced by Visionary Bridget Benjamin and directed by UK Nollywood pioneer director, Nelson Spyk. The premiere held in London was the most expensive movie premiere at £100 (N54,000). The movie also featured Van Vicker, Princess Brun Njua, Suzi Oben, Labell Diamond, Mazi Obi, Goretti, Gift Boyo, Vera B and a host of other top UK stars. The movie was a fantastic drama that sees Mama G in a great form as she reprised her role as the most brutal mother in-law in Nollywood history. The film was Written by the producer.

Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, says Supreme Court judge lied against him Nigeria’s Minister for Transport, Rotimi Amaechi has stated categorically that he never attempted to lobby or bribe Justice Sylvester Ngwuta. Amaechi who described the allegations as ‘nothing but pure fiction’ said Ngwuta’s narrative was not true, stressing that it was a ploy to distract the Department of State Services (DSS). In his response sent out by his media team, Amaechi said: “Our attention has been drawn to the allegations leveled against Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, by Supreme Court Justice, The Honourable Justice Sylvester Ngwuta. In response we state that, “The Hon. Justice Ngwuta’s allegation as it concerns Amaechi is nothing but pure fiction, a dubious diversionary tale concocted to muddle the very serious issues of his arrest and investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS). Secondly, for emphasis, we want to state categorically that Am

Esther Idowu Philips popularly known as Iya Rainbow will be a judge at the competition Veteran actress, Esther Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, is among those who will sit as judges during the Area D Drama competition this Friday, 21 October, 2016. The competition, which will be held at the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ikeja 2 Parish, Ogba, Lagos. The competition will parade all Celestial church’s Area drama groups in Lagos and other prominent parish drama groups. Other judges billed for the competition include Prophet Farodoye, Prophet Tunji Fashina, Bro Rotimi Ajayi and Bayo Adetu. According to Tomisoye Ajayi, Area D’s Drama Coordinator, there are numerous prizes and gift items for winners and participants of the competition respectively. Area D Drama Troupe is a dance and drama unit of Celestial church, comprising of parishes in Ikeja, Agege, Ogba, Iju and Ojodu. “The purpose of this 2016 drama competition is to identify talented youths, with innate dramat