Global Naija Info

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State The Kwara Government said it would open new markets and re-organise existing ones in the state to create specific commodity-based markets. Alhaji Mohammed Rifun, the state’s Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, said the plan would create competition of various commodities and services and decongest the already existing markets across Ilorin, the state capital. Rifun listed the proposed markets to include the motor spare parts market on Oke Oyi-Share road, motor dealers on Okolowo road, abattoir at Sobi road, while the mechanic village would be located on Airport- Eyekonrin road. “Presently the state has concluded plans to establish a motor dealers’ market, spare parts market, mechanic village and abattoir, among others. “We are going to arrange the various markets so that customers can easily identify where to get particular goods and services,” he said. He stated that the ministry would soon consult various market associations to

The gavel of justice For allegedly defiling his friend’s 10-year-old daughter, Godwin Itta, was on Monday docked at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. Itta, a factory worker who resides at Balogun Street, Orile Agege, a suburb of Lagos, is facing a charge of defilement. The prosecutor, Sgt. Rafael Donny, told the court that Itta committed the offence on Oct. 22 at Jibowu Street, Orile Agege during a visit to his friend’s house. “The victim, a 10-year-old girl, was the only person the accused met at home. “The accused pulled the girl on the floor and defiled her,’’ he said. The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused entered a non-guilty plea. The chief magistrate, Mrs Badejo Okusanya, granted the accused to a bail of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to Dec. 12 for mention.

NCC The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, on Monday called on the judiciary to ensure implementation of the Cybercrime Act 2015. Danbatta made the call in Lagos at a workshop for Judges on Legal Issues in Telecommunications, organized by the NCC in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI). He said that implementation of the Act would ensure reduction if not total eradication of cyber crimes in the country. According to the executive vice-chairman, implementation of the Cybercrimes Act entails that the judiciary understands the law, to keep abreast of developments in cyberspace. “The knowledge of the law will ensure that forbiddance in the Act are adequately addressed. “The implementation of the cybercrime law is domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser but the NCC plays an important role in the articulation of the law. “We have an important department of the commission: the New Media In

•Yinka Ayefele Three persons were on Monday docked at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging a vehicle belonging to Gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele. The accused are Kolade Owolabi (35); Tope Olorunfemi (22) and Isiaka Yusuf, 20‎. The prosecutor, Sgt. Bankole Olasunkanmi told the court that the suspects committed the offence on Oct. 27, at about 7:30p.m. at the Palace of Ewi in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State. Ewi is the title of the traditional ruler of Ado-Ekiti. According to Olasunkanmi, the accused persons conspired among themselves to unlawfully damage the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to Yinka Ayefele during his visit to the Ewi’s palace. He said the offence contravened Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16 Vol. 1 Laws of Ekiti. State ‎The prosecutor applied for a short adjournment to enable him study the case file as well as assemble his witnesses. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, Mr Gabrie

Kano-state-house-of-assembly The Kano State House of Assembly on Monday in Kano passed into law, the bill seeking life imprisonment for kidnappers in the state. The Majority leader of the Assembly, Alhaji Yusuf Atta, read the Kidnapping, Abduction and Forced Labour Amendment Bill 2016 before the Assembly. Speaking shortly after the plenary, Atta said the Committee of the whole House passed the bill after considering the amendment of the bill. “The law has been in existence since 1963, but did not provide serious punishment for kidnappers, therefore, we have to amend it to suit the current situation,” he said. Atta, who is a member representing Fagge Constituency, explained that any person found guilty of kidnapping would face life imprisonment without an option of fine. According to him, anyone found guilty of raping or forced labour will also be sentenced to 15 years without an option of fine. Also, in an interview with newsmen after the passage of the bill, the Chairman of t

FILE PHOTO: A market place after demolition Residents of Oke-Afa Estate, Isolo, Lagos have called on the state House of Assembly to prevail on the state government to stop the planned demolition of shops in the estate. Some of the residents, who staged a protest to the House on Monday, said that officers of the Lagos Building Investment Company gave them a final notice on Friday, Oct. 28. According to them, the demolition is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 1. The protesters said that the development would lead to loss of livelihood for the shop owners, who are predominantly pensioners. The leader of the protesters, Chief Olawale Osanyinpeju, said that the estate was constructed by former governor Lateef Jakande in the 80s, while the residents built shops on spaces around their houses. “We cannot allow grass to grow in the spaces, so we decided to build shops in the areas. “Since then, we have been making use of the place. We cannot leave them and go to the market. “LBIC initially ca

Nigeria-police Police Commissioner in Gombe State, Mr. Austin Iwar, has urged farmers and members of the state’s Cattle Breeder Association to reconcile their seeming differences and embrace peaceful coexistence. The commissioner gave the advice at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the command in Gombe state on Monday. He said if the feuding parties refused to urgently embrace peace, any further clash might result to loss of lives and property in the state. The CP said the meeting was convened as a sensitisation workshop for farmers and members of the breeders association to understand each other. He noted that if breeders understood the right routes to follow to avoid clashes with farmers everybody would live happily with each other. “We want everybody to be proactive in resolving this problem whether you are a farmer, headsmen, traditional ruler or security personnel, you are involved, because it crisis affects the economy of the country. “Everybody has responsibility in

•Yinka Ayefele Three persons were on Monday docked at an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging a vehicle belonging to Gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele. The accused are Kolade Owolabi (35); Tope Olorunfemi (22) and Isiaka Yusuf, 20‎. The prosecutor, Sgt. Bankole Olasunkanmi told the court that the suspects committed the offence on Oct. 27, at about 7:30p.m. at the Palace of Ewi in Ado-Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State. Ewi is the title of the traditional ruler of Ado-Ekiti. According to Olasunkanmi, the accused persons conspired among themselves to unlawfully damage the windscreen of a vehicle belonging to Yinka Ayefele during his visit to the Ewi’s palace. He said the offence contravened Section 451 of the Criminal Code, Cap C16 Vol. 1 Laws of Ekiti. State ‎The prosecutor applied for a short adjournment to enable him study the case file as well as assemble his witnesses. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, Mr Gabrie

Michael-Aoun-Lebanon-president Michel Aoun, the former Lebanese army chief, has been elected president of Lebanon, ending more than two years of deadlock surrounding the vacancy. Aoun, 81, secured the presidency by winning the support of 83 MPs, well above the absolute majority of 65 needed to win, according to a tally of votes read out in a televised broadcast from parliament on Monday. Fireworks echoed across Beirut as the tally showed Aoun the winner. Aoun, an MP, was shown smiling in his seat. The Lebanese presidency is reserved for a Maronite Christian in the country’s sectarian power-sharing system. Lebanon had been without a head of state for 29 months after Michel Suleiman stepped down as president at the end of his term in May 2014. Since then, 45 sessions to elect a new leader have failed due to political infighting that led to of a lack of quorum. Around noon on Monday, more than 100 of the 128-member legislature arrived at the parliament building guaranteeing the n

TheNEWS trilogy on the first coup In June, July and August, 2016, TheNEWS published a trilogy on the British Intelligence Report on the first Nigerian coup. The first was on what led to Biafra; second, how the revolution failed and the third, how Aguiyi Ironsi took over. Since the three editions contain one long narrative (with an organic unity), many readers got the first or second or third without getting the complete editions. If you missed one, you cannot get the whole story! However, here is an opportunity. To buy any of the editions or the complete set, contact Mr. Isa Isawade on: 08033517367

Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said that the Federal Government would establish three more obstetric fistula hospitals by 2017 to end the cases in the country. Mrs Boade Akinola, Director Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja. According to the statement, Adewole said this at the 6th International Conference of International Society on Obstetric Fistula Surgeon (ISOFS) that took place in Abuja recently. Obstetric fistula (or vaginal fistula) is a medical condition in which a hole develops between either the rectum and vagina or between the bladder and vagina after severe or failed childbirth, when adequate medical care is not available. The statement said that the fistula hospitals would be located in Ibadan, Oyo state; Ilorin, Kwara and Port Harcourt, Rivers. It quoted the minister as saying that the project was part of Federal Governmen

court The Federal Government on Monday arraigned, Ewuzu Okechukwu, in an FCT High Court, Jabi, for culpable homicide. Okechukwu, a resident of Gishiri Village, Nicon Junction, Abuja, was arraigned by the Ministry of Justice for killing Usman Sadiq, contrary to Section 222 of the Penal Code. The defendant, who had earlier pleaded not guilty, committed the crime at Area 1, Garki, Abuja, sometimes in 2014. The defendant had told the court that he was not involved in the death had been on remand since February 2015. When he was asked by the court why he had not met his bail condition, the defendant said he had nobody in Abuja to take him on bail. “My only sister that can take me on bail has left Abuja during the 2014 Apo demolition saga,” he said. Meanwhile, the Prosecuting Counsel, Mrs. Ama-Yeboah Ohien, prayed the court to allow her file in her final written address. Mrs Ikem-Mgbemema Chika did not oppose the application but also prayed the court to allow her file the defendant

Afolabi Afuape, Ogun Commissioner for Youth and Sports. The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has said that a ban from sports be placed on the Ogun Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Afolabi Afuape, for unsportsmanlike behaviour. The association’s President, Honour Sirawo, who made the call on Monday in Ilorin, said it became necessary because the commissioner ordered Gateway United FC not play their last Nigeria National League (NNL) Group B match on Sunday. Gateway United was to end the 2015/2016 league with its Match Day 14 encounter against Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC on Sunday in Ilorin. The match, however, could not hold as it was alleged that the commissioner prevented the Gateway United players from honouring the match, citing security reasons. Sirawo, who made the call while speaking with newsmen on the refusal of Gateway United to play on Sunday, said the commissioner’s action must be properly investigated. “And if he is found wanting, he should be bann

Lawyers-protest-in-Abuja Thousands of lawyers have stormed the streets of Abuja, to protest alleged continued disobedience of court orders by the State Security Service, SSS. The lawyers, supported by members of the civil society community, have stormed the Federal High Court Headquarters in Maitama, the Attorney General’s office, National Human Rights Commission. A witness said they are currently heading to the Three Arms Zone, which hosts the Aso Rock presidential villa, Supreme Court and the National Assembly. The lawyers say judges must not step down from cases involving the SSS as that would amount to victory for tyranny and intimidation. They are also demanding that all judiciary workers to go on strike until the SSS obeys all pending judgments. “Currently, major roads have been barricaded and there is palpable tension as the protesters meet heavy resistance from security agents who are blocking the protesters who are insisting on marching into Aso Rock,” a witness told P

The gavel of justice A panel of the National Industrial Court will deliver judgment in the dispute between the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Federal Ministry of Education on Dec. 5 SSANU also joined the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission as co-respondents. Justice Benedict Kanyip, who led two other justices to fix the date, said that the judgment earlier slated to be delivered on Oct. 31 was not ready. “This case was slated for judgment today (Oct. 31), unfortunately, the judgment is not ready. We have to take another date, the case is accordingly adjourned until Dec. 5 for judgment,” he held. The panel also ordered that hearing notices be served on the Federal Ministry of Education, the first respondent. The Association dragged the Federal Government to the National Industrial Court for alleged failure to honour a 2009 collective agreement with the union. The union said that it came to court because the agreement had been breach

court-of-law A Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, on Monday sentenced one Emma Enukura, a bricklayer, to one month imprisonment for stealing a phone and N5,000 in a parked vehicle. Enukura, a resident of Galadimawa area of Abuja, was convicted after he pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing. The Senior Magistrate, Mr Nuhu Tukur, however, granted Enukura an option to pay a fine of N10,000 in lieu of the term in jail. Earlier, the prosecutor, Christian Ononye, had told the court that one Yaya Bashir, of Area 11, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on Oct. 23. He said that on the fateful day, while the complainant’s car was parked in front of his building site in Guzape, Abuja, the convict broke into the vehicle and stole a Samsung cell phone and N5,000. Ononye said that the convict was, however, apprehended by passers-by and taken to the police station. He said that the offence committed contravened Section 287 of the Penal Code. Enukura, who plea

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State The Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) said on Monday that it had deployed 1,600 sanitation officials to carry out fumigation exercises in five liberated local government areas of the state. Alhaji Nasiru Surundi, the Coordinator of the agency, made the disclosure in Maiduguri. Surundi said the 600 male and 1,000 female officials, also known as vanguards, were deployed to carry out sanitation exercises in Bama, Damboa, Munguno, Konduga and Dikwa local government areas. He said that the initiative was part of the pragmatic measures of the government to ensure cleanliness in librated communities and make them habitable for returning IDPs. ” The agency is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring clean and healthy environment for all resident in the state. “Here in Jere and MMC alone, we made provision for N7 million to enable them mobilise workers to fumigate the whole nooks and crannies of the town. “The measure was to

A generator set The Police in Lagos on Monday brought a 39-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Saleh Muhammed, before a Surulere Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a generator valued at N140,000.‎ Mohammed is facing two- count charge of conspiracy and ‎stealing. The prosecutor, Insp. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that the accused, and others now at large, committed the offences at No. 76, Bode Thomas St., Surulere, Lagos at about 4.00 a.m. on Oct. 24. He alleged that a vigilant security guard apprehended the accused as he tried to steal the generator. “But the security man, Yusuf Ibrahim, was able to get hold of the accused and handed him over to the police,’’ Emuerhi said. Emuerhi said the offence committed contravened Sections 285(1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Mrs A.A. Famobiwo, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. Famobiwo said the surety should be gai

Magistrate-court An FCT High Court on Monday struck out an impersonation charge against an alleged fake doctor, Ugwu Martins, to enable him face prosecution for a similar charge in an Abuja Federal High Court. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on June 28, 2015 arraigned Ugwu on an eight-count charge of false statements and impersonation. The ICPC had charged Ugwu with making false statement to the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission and had presented educational certificates of Dr George Davidson to gain employment. The defendant allegedly gained employment to the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja with a forged certificate and earned N17.02 million salaries and allowances between Sept. 21 2006 and May 31, 2015. He said the offences contravened Section 25(1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 and Section 132 of the Penal Code. But, the Defence Counsel, Oghenovo Otemu, had on Sept. 19, applied that

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright. The British High Commission, in collaboration with the Chevening Alumni Association of Nigeria (CAAN), is organizing leadership summit geared towards Nigeria’s economic development as its contribution to efforts at boosting the nation’s economy. The summit, according to a statement by the British High Commission Press and Public Affairs Officer, Joe Abuku, aims at charting positive and productive way forward for Nigeria’s economy. The summit is scheduled for Nov. 18 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos. Abuku said it was to reconnect and engage with Nigerians who were awarded the UK Chevening Scholarships between 1984 and 2015. According to him, the summit with the theme “Economic prosperity of Nigeria and the role of Chevening Alumni in contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth”, is the first of its kind. He said that the gathering would draw on key Chevening Alumni in business, government, the media and other sectors to di

Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai, Governor of Kaduna State A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Generation For Peace (GFP), said on Monday that it trained 60 women in Kaduna State on peace building and conflict resolution. The lead trainer, Miss Ruth Bala, said the women were also trained to partake in decision making processes in their communities. She said that programme targeted Christian and Muslim women living in areas experiencing crisis, to encourage dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence in their communities. Bala said that 12 communities from the state were selected for the training with five Christian and Muslim women selected from each of the communities. “ NGO had trained 30 women and in this second section of the programme another 30 were selected from different communities. “The women were selected from Rigasa, Sabo, Malali, Down quarters, Tudun Wada, Gonin Gora, Kurmin Mashi, Unguwan Muazu, Kabala and Narayi communities in Kaduna. “The empowerment programme for peace

University of Ibadan The National Industrial Court in Ibadan on Monday stopped the University of Ibadan management from ejecting a sacked lecturer, Dr Adenike Ogunshe, from her official residence, pending the determination of a suit. Ogunshe, a lecturer in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, is challenging the institution and its council over the unlawful termination of her appointment. The institution had also directed the claimant to vacate her quarters on the institution’s campus. Counsel to the claimant, Mr Femi Aborisade, in a motion exparte, urged the court to stop the University of Ibadan from carrying out the directive. Justice Firstina Kola-Olalere granted the motion and instructed the University of Ibadan not to eject the claimant from her official residence. The judge, however, adjourned the case till Jan. 19, for hearing of the suit. The claimant’s appointment was terminated over alleged misconduct. Aborisade had earlier told the court that the app

The BringBackOurGirls campaigners Mrs Fatima Kaka, a member of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, has urged the Federal Government to hasten the process for the release of the remaining Chibok girls. Kaka made the appeal on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. She also urged the government to hasten the release of other Nigerians kidnapped in the North East. The Presidency on Oct. 12 confirmed the release of 21 of 291 Chibok girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorists on April 14, 2014. Kaka said: “We don’t know the number of people in captivity; we just know that a lot of people are in captivity. “The number available to the public is not consistent; the government should double up its efforts for the release of abducted people in the North East. “For the remaining 197 remaining Chibok girls, the government has to do everything possible and whatever it takes to get the girls,” Kaka said. She noted that the condition of the 21 girls s

An economist, Mr. Chris Nemedia, on Monday expressed optimism that the potentials in the Diaspora Bond would pull the Nigerian economy out of recession if effectively exploited. Nemedia, a former Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said utilizing the bond was important given the present economic challenges in the country. According to him, harnessing the bond could change the economic fortunes of the country given the huge funds available in it. He noted that although exploiting the potentials of the bond was good, “it comes with its peculiarities.” “This bond comes with its own difficulties because after the bond matures, we should be ready to pay back in foreign denomination. “It is a fact that there is scarcity of foreign exchange and there will continue to be depreciation and at the same time increase in the debt profile of the country. “It is better to incur debt locally because it will be much easi

court-of-law A 26-year-old-man, Frank Chinazor, who allegedly stabbed his neighbour with broken bottle, was on Monday granted N50,000 bail by a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. The magistrate, Mrs. Ipaye Nwachukwu, however, ordered the accused to produce two sureties in like sum, and that one of the sureties should be his blood relation. Nwachukwu also ordered that the other surety must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payments to the state government. The accused residing at No.15, Owolabi St., in Aguda-Surulere area of Lagos, is facing a charge of assault. The prosecutor, Sgt. Anthonia Osayande told the court that the accused committed the offence at his residence at about 12.30 a.m. on Oct. 25. Osayande said that Chinazor unlawfully assaulted his co-tenant, Chidi Maduneche, by using a broken bottle to inflict cuts on his body. She further alleged that the duo has had a disagreement prior to the day of the incident of Oct. 25. The prosecutor further

Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) The Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) on Monday said it had commenced the perimeter fencing of public primary schools in the state, to beef-up their security. Mr Seye Adelusi, Public Relations Officer of the board, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the fencing was part of the strategy of the board to tackle insecurity in the schools. He said work had begun in most of such schools either in the outskirts of towns, villages and the riverine areas of the state and would be extended to all nooks and crannies. The Public Relations Officer said that the board was also working to ensure that all schools in the state would be manned by security guards, both day and night. “We have begun the construction of perimeter fencing in some of our schools in the rural areas, to beef-up their security. “The board is working on recruiting security guards in all our schools, as well as increasing the personnel

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State Some youths in Ibaa community, Emohua local government area of Rivers, have commended the state government for granting amnesty to repentant cultists and others youths in the area involved in violent crimes. The youths expressed their gratitude to the government in separate interviews on Monday with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Emohua, the council headquarters. They said that the state government’s amnesty offer would bring peace and order in the communities. One of them, Chikodi Akintola, told NAN that the government’s gesture signaled the return of peace to the once violence-ravaged community. “We are happy to see our youths coming out to embrace peace and handing their arms over to the state government; it is a welcome development. “My prayer is that further steps be taken to deepen the process so that permanent peace returns to the community,” he said. A resident, Silas Akpenuchi, said that the amnesty offer had brought peace of

fashion-industry As the Federal Government pursues the diversification of the economy for increased revenue earnings, stakeholders have said that the fashion industry has the potential to contribute substantially. The respondents made this assertion on Monday in a survey in the North Central Zone of the country. In the survey anchored in Jos the respondents noted that the variety of locally made fabrics such as the `adire’, handwoven `akwete’ and `aso oke’ among others, would be globally acceptable with improved standard. They underscored the importance of more investments in the sector in the areas of infrastructure, equipment and funding among others, to improve on the quality of the fabrics in order to shore up their market value. They also said that increased local patronage would help expand the market and grow the textile industry and allied activities. Mr Ato Adi, a dealer in local fabrics in Jalingo, Taraba State, called for the promotion of local fabrics both locally a

NSCDC operatives The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Borno Command, on Monday, said it had started training 50 civilians on surveillance and intelligence gathering to curtail terrorism in the state. Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, NSCDC commander in the state, stated this during the graduation of participants of the training organized by the Crime Prevention Campaign of Nigeria (CPCN) in Maiduguri. Abdullahi said that the participants were trained to provide surveillance at motor parks, shopping malls, market places, drinking spots, gambling centers and ghetto areas in the state capital. He said that the training was part of measures to avert occurrences of suicide bomb attacks on the town by the Boko Haram insurgents. “The training is timely, especially with the re-emergence of suicide bombers in their desperate attempt to cause havoc and instill fear in the minds of the people of the state. “It is no longer news that terrorism and the strangulating insurgency have do

Gov. Muhammad Badaru of Jigawa State Female students of Gagarawa Local Government Council Area (LGA) of Jigawa are to benefit from its free school uniform scheme, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Malam Ahmad Sulaiman, the council’s Information Officer, disclosed this to NAN on Monday in Duste, the state capital. Sulaiman said that the council’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Aminu Sule, made the pledge when he received the executive members of Gagarawa Secondary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in his office. He said that the council would also provide additional teaching and learning materials to schools within its jurisdiction to improve their standards of education. According to him, the council’s gesture is to bridge the enrolment and attendance gaps between the male and female students in the area. “The gesture is in keeping with the state government’s policy of providing free education to female students in the state. “The council’s chairman, therefore,

President Muhammadu Buhari Dr. Titus Okunronmu, a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, on Monday, commended the Federal Government for its plan to borrow $29.9 billion to finance infrastructure development in the country. Okunronmu, an ex-staff of the CBN’s Budgetary Department, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ota, Ogun, that borrowing to revamp infrastructural deficit was a welcome idea. NAN reports that President Muhammad Buhari had on Oct. 25 written to the National Assembly seeking approval to borrow $29.9 billion to finance the nation’s infrastructure development from 2016 to 2019. President Buhari’s letter said it had become necessary to resort to prudent external borrowing to bridge the financial gap. He added that the monies would be applied to key infrastructure projects including power, railway and road project amongst others. Okunronmu said: “If the Federal Government borrows for development, it is good and realistic, but borrowing for consumption

After months of speculation about his future, Iyanya has finally broken the silence by announcing that he is officially joining Mavin Records with the release of a new a song featuring Don Jazzy and Dr. Sid. The new hit tune entitled “Up 2 Sumting” is produced by Mavin Records head-honcho, Don Jazzy. It was released on Monday, October 31 which coincides with the singer’s 30th birthday. With this new move, Iyanya joins other artistes on the record label including Tiwa Savage, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks and Di’Ja. In his own words, Iyanya said, “I am at a decision-making curve in my music career where I have to make the right professional and creative decisions. At this point, I realised the need to put in solid structures in place to move to the next level of my career. I think I have found that professional and creative backbone in Mavin Records.” Don Jazzy, who broke the news on his Twitter handle on Monday, was also excited about the new partnership. “Iyany

Tomatoes Alhaji Haruna Abubakar, Chairman, Tomato Farmers Association of Nigeria, Sokoto State Chapter, said his members would collaborate with wheat farmers to boost the production of the product in the state. Abubakar made the disclosure on Monday in Sokoto. He said the state government’s determination and commitment to technologically improve wheat production in the state was the reason for the collaboration. Hs said that the government is so much committed to improving agricultural production, as it had introduced modern wheat farming techniques. “All our members have accepted to join hands with the association of wheat farmers to ensure the development of farming activities in the Sokoto.” Abubakar thanked Gov. Aminu Tambuwal for supporting farmers in the state. He assured the government of his members’ commitment to grow the sector for the overall development and growth of the nation’s economy. He, therefore, urged members of the association to become role models to the

Adebayo-Bamidele-general-manager-NTA The General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Lagos, Mr Adebayo Bamidele, has said that encouraging the inert creativity in children is key to overcoming the economic recession the nation is going through. Bamidele stated this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abuja. He spoke against the backdrop of the recently-concluded NTA Children Educational Expo, where inventions and crafts made by children from schools all over the federation were showcased and prizes won. According to Bamidele, our children are greatly gifted in both craft and science and only need the encouragement of teachers and parents to come out with invaluable tools to meet societal needs. “Today, we are talking about science and technology that addresses issues of mechanisation, issues of integrated agriculture, issues of poultry, and issues of power either solar or renewable energy. “So what I am saying in essence is this. We have come this

Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye, Bishop, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Calabar Diocese. Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye, the Bishop, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Calabar Diocese, has advised government at all levels, to create jobs for the youths in order to check rising cases of crimes in the country. Adeleye made the call on Monday in Calabar in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He said unemployment was largely responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy and other heinous crimes across the country. The cleric said that the rate of kidnapping in the country was on the increase and the best way to tackle it was for all levels of government to create massive jobs for the youths. “Kidnappers now take away both adults and children. The federal state and local governments should take urgent steps to stop this. “Even some parts of this country which were earlier adjudged to be safe are no longer safe. “Government at all levels should rise up to this ch

Herbert Wigwe, Access Bank’s Group Managing Director Access Bank Plc has announced an impressive profit of N72 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2016 based on enhanced business efficiency as a result of the effective execution of its long-term strategy. The Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) showed an increase of 19% from N60.4 billion recorded during the same period in 2015. Profit After Tax (PAT) grew by similar margin from N48.1 billion in 2015 to N57.1 billion in 2016. Access Bank Group’s unaudited nine-month results released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday also showed Gross Earnings of N274.5 billion, up 7% from N257.6 billion in the corresponding period of 2015. The growth in gross earnings was driven by 17% increase in interest income on the back of continued growth in the Bank’s core business. Similarly, the Bank posted 12% growth in operating income to N199.3 billion from N178.1 billion in 2015. Customer Deposits grew 25% to ₦2.10 trillion from

Ali Modu Sheriff, embattled PDP national chairman A trekker, Muhammed Isa, 32, has once again embarked on a walk from Lagos to Abuja in solidarity with the Ali-Modu Sheriff’s Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction. Isa, who started the walk from Berger footbridge along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, told newsmen before departing at about 9.12 a.m. that youths of the party support Sheriff as the Chairman. “I am on solidarity trek from Lagos to Abuja to show my support and the support of youths to Sheriff as the authentic national Chairman of PDP,” he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that internal leadership squabbles had factionalized PDP with Alhaji Ahmed Markafi leading the other. Isa, a graduate of Psychology, claimed that the youth felt that Sheriff was the best person to manage the affairs of the party. “I want to make something clear, Ali-Modu Sheriff is someone who is honest and listens to grassroots politicians; he has been working tirelessly to ensure that PDP r

Primary school teachers in Cross River have commended the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for taking over the payment of their salaries. A cross section of the teachers spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday. NAN recalls that before now, salaries were paid by local government councils, accused of being responsible for delays in payment of salaries. Mrs. Hannah Okon, a teacher, told NAN that the initiative by the state government was in order, expressing hope that it would ensure prompt payment of their salaries. “The takeover is good, provided we receive our salaries promptly,” she said. Another teacher, Mr. James Ekanem, also expressed hope that the situation would enhance prompt payment of teachers’ salaries. “We are the geese that lay the golden egg, but we are often relegated to the background. So, if the new idea will guarantee prompt payment of our salaries, then it is a welcome development,” he said. Mr. Law

Mavin Entertainment artiste Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk popularly called Iyanya, has joined the Mavin Records family as announced by Don Jazzy on Twitter a few minutes ago. The Kukere crooner announced few weeks back that he was leaving the TripleMG record label he started with Ubi Franklin. Although the duo revealed that the separation had not caused any rift between them, fans were left to their own imagination of what could be ongoing The Mavin boss announced that Iyanya is now a part of Mavin, joining Korede Bello, Di’Ja, D’Prince, Reekado Banks and Dr. Sid. They also have two in-house producers, Baby Fresh and Altims. Iyanya is a Nigerian recording artist and performer. He is best known for winning the 2008 MTN Project Fame West Africa as well as for his song “Kukere”. See video of new song titled ”Up to Something” featuring Dr SID and Don Jazzy. Jennifer Okundia

Mavin Entertainment artiste Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk popularly called Iyanya, has joined the Mavin Records family as announced by Don Jazzy on Twitter a few minutes ago. The Kukere crooner announced few weeks back that he was leaving the TripleMG record label he started with Ubi Franklin. Although the duo revealed that the separation had not caused any rift between them, fans were left to their own imagination of what could be ongoing The Mavin boss announced that Iyanya is now a part of Mavin, joining Korede Bello, Di’Ja, D’Prince, Reekado Banks and Dr. Sid. They also have two in-house producers, Baby Fresh and Altims. Iyanya is a Nigerian recording artist and performer. He is best known for winning the 2008 MTN Project Fame West Africa as well as for his song “Kukere”. See video of new song titled ”Up to Something” featuring Dr SID and Don Jazzy. Jennifer Okundia from Entertainment – P.M. NEWS Nigeria http://ift.tt/2fmrgd1 via IFTTT

Donald Trump’s oft-repeated claim that the FBI’s investigation of “Crooked Hillary” and the presidential election itself were and are “rigged,” seems to have thrown FBI Director James Comey into a state of panic. In foolishly making a public announcement that the bureau is reviewing newly discovered emails related to Hillary Clinton’s personal server, he has inserted himself yet again into the presidential campaign. The FBI virtually never announces the commencement or termination of ongoing criminal investigations or the discovery of new evidence. Such inquiries are often conducted in relative secrecy, enabling a more efficient investigation. It is not unusual for investigations in so-called “white collar” cases to go on for years, luring the target into an unfounded belief that he or she is in the clear. Then the hammer falls. A grand jury indictment is announced by the Department of Justice and the handcuffs are swiftly employed. The old, sensible FBI rule book apparently has bee