Global Naija Info

INEC The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it had always been ready to conclude the suspended re-run parliamentary elections in Rivers, but subject to a conducive environment for the exercise. Mr. Nick Dazang, Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity in the commission, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja. Dazang spoke in reaction to the Dec. 10 deadline given to the commission that the National Assembly on Wednesday to conduct the outstanding polls in Rivers. The Senate had threatened to suspend plenary if INEC failed to meet the deadline. Dazang said that it was unfortunate that in spite of the commission’s readiness for the elections, some stakeholders in the state were uncooperative, not helping to create the peaceful environment needed for the conduct of the exercise. He said that as a sign of good faith, INEC had engaged stakeholders in several meetings in Abuja and in the state on the issue. “

Lagos-Badagry Expressway Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Thursday said the stretch of Lagos-Badagry Expressway from Okokomaiko to Seme Border would be concessioned. Ambode made the assertion while inspecting some ongoing projects in the state. The governor said he was committed to ensuring that the 10-lane road with modern rail track would be completed on schedule before the end of 2019. Ambode said, though, the state government awarded the project and has been financing the work; it has resolved to give the project to a concessionaire who would push it from Okokomaiko to Seme border. He urged the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contractor handling the project, to complete the first, second and third segments to Okokomaiko on scheduled. Ambode reiterated the government’s commitment to economic expansion and opening up of the road to real estate and harness its tourism potential. The governor had earlier directed that construction work shou

Gov. Sani Bello of Niger State. Niger Government on Thursday declared a state of emergency on the health sector in order to ensure effective healthcare delivery to the people of the state. Dr. Mustapha Jibrin, Commissioner for Health and Hospital Services, who disclosed this on Thursday in Minna, said that it was part of decisions taken at the weekly State Executive Council meeting. Jibrin said that the council approved N2 billion for the renovation of Minna, Suleja and Kontagora General Hospitals as part of the effort aimed at restructuring the dilapidated health facilities in the state. He said that though the administration inherited a challenging health sector, it would remedy them for the benefit of the people. The commissioner explained that the Minna General Hospital was last renovated in 1972. He said that the council also approved 100 percent payment of health workers entitlement and salaries owned since 2011 for effective health service delivery and to encourage more

court-of-law Two accused persons, Babajide Adu, 19 and Modupe Ajayi, 30, were on Thursday arraigned in Ikole Ekiti, over the theft of a crate of soft drinks and other items. The accused persons were brought before an Ikole Magistrates’ Court for allegedly conspiring with others at large with intent to commit felony on Oct. 16. According to the police prosecutor, Sgt Gbenga Adebayo, the accused persons and others at large conspired to commit the offence at about 8am, on Irode Street, Oke-Ijebu Ekiti. Adebayo said that the accused persons broke into the shop of one Idowu Oyeyemi in Ikole Ekiti and stole one crate of soft drinks and other provisions valued N35,000. He said that the accused persons had in their possession some property reasonably suspected to be stolen items. The prosecutor said the offences were contrary to and punishable under sections 516,413(1) and 430(2) of the Criminal Code Cap 16 Vol 1, Ekiti State Laws of Nigeria 2010. The accused persons, however, pleaded

Hajiya Salamatu Al-makura, Nasarawa-first-lady Hajiya Salamatu Al-makura, the wife of the Nasarawa State governor, says that her NGO will soon commence the training of some internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Shabu and Shinge camps in various skills acquisition. Al-makura said on Thursday in Lafia that her NGO: Mother and Child Care Foundation ((McCEF) ,was set for the training of the IDPS. Shabu and Shinge camps are located in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. “Already some key staff of my NGO have been mobilised for the training of the IDPs”, to make them become self reliant, she said. According to her, the gesture will promote productivity amongst the IDPs who had been forced out of their places of abode but should not remain idle. The governor’s wife promised to assist the less privileged in the society to improve their standards of living through her NGO’s pet project. She said that the training would also keep them away from criminality, adding that, “an

Street-sweeper-in-Lagos-state Multinational corporations have been urged to provide reflective jackets and other logistics to street sweepers in Lagos State. A banker, Mr Simeon George, who made the call in Lagos on Thursday, said such outfits make the cleaners visible several metres away. George added that the corporate organisations in the state should get involved in the issue welfare of the street sweepers. “If you look at the reflective overalls the sweepers wear, you will notice the name of the bank providing those outfits to make the cleaners visible several metres away. “It is a safety mechanism. I appeal to multinational corporations to support them with more logistics’’, he said. He said the support had become necessary because of safety and that the sweepers were making great contribution to the cleaning of the environment in the state. An advert executive, Mrs Fatima Nwosu, also urged the State Government to do more for the safety of the cleaners by taking out insu

Nigeria-police The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Thursday, said the mother of a day-old baby, abandoned along the road in Lafia, had submitted herself to the police. The command’s spokesman, DSP Kennedy Idrisu said the 17-year-old mother reported herself to the ‘A’ Division in Lafia. He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the girl, who hails from Doma, abandoned the baby along Shendam road in Lafia on Tuesday. Idrisu said investigation revealed that the girl, who hawks groundnut and other wares, was impregnated by a yet to be identified man at a construction site in Doma. According to the police spokesman, the parents of the girl did not handle the matter properly, as they chased the girl away when they discovered she was pregnant. “She said the man responsible for her pregnancy is married, she could not face him to accept his responsibility and had to go to a women at Mararaba Akunza, Lafia, who took her in because of her condition.” He added that when the girl bec

Reverend Father Ejike Camillus Mbaka Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka has promised to reward the winners of events at the ongoing Enugu State Sports Festival. Speaking at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium where the Enugu East senatorial zone is holding its elimination series, the vocal priest said the reward would go to the winners of all the events. “I love sports and I will always support the youth to keep themselves busy with sports events to avoid being lured into illegal businesses. “I will sponsor those that will excel at this festival in line with the state’s plan for them,” Mbaka said. Mbaka awarded N100,000 to Awgu Local Government Area for placing first in the march-past. He also gave Udi local government N30,000 for placing second and Nkanu West got N20,000 for emerging third. He thanked the organizers for the initiative of catching the athletes’ young and keeping the youth busy. In matches played so far in the zone, the Enugu South U-15 boys thrashed their Nkanu East counterparts 6-

Inmates-from-Badagry-Prison The Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, on Thursday released 11 inmates at the Badagry Prisons during her maiden jail-delivery in the prison. This is the first visit by Atilade to the Badagry Prison in her tenure as the Chief Judge of Lagos. The Badagry Prison which has a capacity for 160 inmates is currently holding 370 inmates, out of which 207 are convicted and 163 are awaiting trial. Atilade, said that the visit was for amnesty purposes. “This is the first visit by me and my team to the Badagry Prisons to release inmates and those incarcerated unduly. “Today, a number of inmates are qualified for amnesty and will breathe the air of freedom, the purpose of which is not only for them to be released but to contribute meaningfully to society,” she said. The chief judge urged the Badagry Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and other Non-Governmental Organisations to take up cases of inmates pro bono to help with the adm

FILE PHOTO: A compromised oil pipeline in the Niger Delta The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) says pipeline vandalism across the country had reduced by 28 percent. The corporation made this known in its 13th publication of Monthly Financial and Operations Report released on its website on Thursday. According to the report, the spate of pipeline vandalism has reduced following the Federal Government and NNPC’s sustained engagements with Niger Delta militants. “In August 2016, there was 28.94 percent drop in the number of pipelines vandalised points relative to July 2016 which had up to 311 vandalised points,” the report stated. On natural gas supply to power plants, the report stated that it edged up to 469 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) which equalled about 2,083 megawatts of electricity generation in August 2016. On refineries’ operations, it report said that the combined value of output by the three refineries “at import parity price” for August 2

HPV-vaccine A Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Nathaniel Adewole, has urged all sexually active Nigerians to take the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, to prevent them from contracting the virus. Adewole, said in Abuja on Thursday that the vaccine would be more helpful to men or women who had multiple sex partners. According to him, the virus is the leading cause of cervical cancer. “Any man or woman who has multiple sex partners stands a high risk of getting the virus, and the virus cannot be cured, it can only be managed. “The virus can be transmitted from man to woman, especially those who have multiple sex partners. “It is better when you are not HPV exposed; you know most virus do not have treatment, they can only be managed. “A person can take the vaccine to prevent him/her from having it and a woman that is not HPV positive can take the injection in order to prevent it. “The best advice for the man if he has it already is that his wife should go for screening,’’ Adewole

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto The Federal Government on Thursday described the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III as a great leader, who has brought wisdom and pragmatism to bear in handling critical issues of national importance. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, gave the commendation in Sokoto while speaking at the International Symposium on the Sokoto Caliphate. He said: “Ten years in your royal sojourn, you are in good standing with your people and with the Nigeria people, this is not to be taken lightly the reason is that you have led by strong values. “You have worked in worthy fellowship with leaders such as Cardinal John Onayekan and Bishop Mathew Kukah and other Christian leaders and leaders in other faith, locally and internationally “You have extended great kindness and generosity to so many regardless of status and recognized common humanity. “ Your reign has witnessed some of the most challenging times in the history of multi-religious view of th

Dr Idiat Adebule, Deputy Governor, Lagos State. Deputy Gov. Idiat Adebule of Lagos State on Thursday urged women to break new grounds and possibilities to tackle economic slowdown and social disconnection in the country. Adebule made the call at the 15th Annual Conference of the Women in Management, Businesses and Public Service (WIMBIZ) in Lagos. The conference had the theme: “The Next Frontier: New Landscape, New Possibilities”. The deputy governor said that exposure to contemporary skills and knowledge had placed women better to get the nation out of its economic challenges. According to her, women need to position themselves to rebuild the nation as the next frontier of development in Nigeria. “Women should not allow the economic challenges to pull them down, but face the future with every amount of determination and vigour, which will help them…in various fields of endeavour and …in reviving the economy. “Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration will also continue to impl

Abuja-Environmental-Protection-Board The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) said on Thursday that it arrested and prosecuted over 200 beggars in the month of September alone. Mrs Omolola Olanipekun, Acting Director of the board disclosed this in Abuja. Olanipekun said that the arrest was in collaboration with the FCT ministerial task-force and Social Development Secretariat (SDS). “In our efforts to clear FCT streets of beggars and hawkers, the board carries out a daily patrol of the city; this is an ongoing combined effort with other agencies like the SDS. “More than 200 beggars were arrested and prosecuted in the month of September alone. “We have our mobile courts which prosecute all sanitation and environmental defaulters under the AEPB Act of 1997,’’ she said. According to the acting director, the board only arrests and prosecutes hawkers and beggars then hands them over to the SDS for rehabilitation and repatriation to their locations of origin.

court-of-law A 39-year-old trader, Onyedika Okezie, who allegedly obtained diapers and sanitary pads worth N860, 000 from a company — Power Hero Nigeria Ltd — under false pretences, is facing trial at a Lagos court. The accused, whose lives in Keffi in Nasarawa State, is facing a two-count charge of obtaining goods under false pretences and stealing at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court. The prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the representative of the company in Lagos had reported the incident at Anthony Police Station. “The complainant reported that sometime in March one of their marketers collected 250 cartons of diapers worth N745, 000 and 50 sanitary pads worth N5, 000, all valued at N860, 000 from the company’s store. “The goods were supplied to the accused in Keffi, Nassarawa State, on trust to sell and remit the money to the company’s account. “After the sales, the accused refused to remit the money after repeated demands. “The complainant stated that when the

Broken marriage A 44-year-old man, Iliasu Salami, on Thursday in Iseyin, Oyo State, lost his five-year-old marriage to irreconcilable political differences between him and his estranged wife, Rashidat. Rashidat’s refusal to show up in court after several summonses and the evidence tendered by the husband on the political differences between them are enough to show that no love is lost between the couple, the President of a customary court, Chief Adelodun Oyegbenle, said. “It is unfortunate that the defendant (Rashidat) did not attend any of the court proceedings despite court summonses. “This court hereby dissolves the five-year-old union,” he ruled and ordered Salami to pay N10,000 monthly upkeep allowance for the two children of the failed marriage. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Salami had approached the Iseyin Customary Court, seeking the dissolution of the marriage over allegations of disobedience and insubordination. He told the court that his wife had no r

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. Some politicians on Thursday said that using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to settle political conflicts, as suggested by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, will save money and time. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that litigation would be expensive and time-consuming. Wike had last week said that ADR would allow more time for governance, reduce bickering and cost and time spent in tribunal, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He made the suggestion when the executive members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators paid him a courtesy call in Port Harcourt last week. Chief Martin Onovo, the 2015 Presidential Candidate of National Conscience Party, said that ADR would be useful in resolving all political conflicts. “Alternative Dispute Resolution is good for all cases; electoral matters can be resolved through it, instead of legal technicality that can lead to miscarriage of justice. “I will suggest that it

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-East), Mr Ozo Okafor, over alleged anti-party activities. In a communiqué released in Awka on Thursday, after an emergency meeting of its South-East Working Committee, the party said that Okafor’s activities were considered and found to be against its interest. It said that the anti-party activities contravened Articles 21(1) (g) (k) (i) (n) and 22(1) (C) (d) (e) (h) and (h) of APGA’s Constitution as amended. “Sequel to the self-induced crisis currently instigated by some members of NWC of APGA and spearheaded by National Vice Chairman South-East, Ozo Okafor, we resolve as follows: “That Ozo Okafor is suspended as a result of glaring anti-party activities, which he has been engaged in and in total breach of Articles 21(1)(g)(k)(i) (n) and 22(1)(C)(d)(e)(h) and (h) of APGA Constitution as amended. “That we the South-East Working Committee appoint Chief Smart Iheoma as the Acting National Vic

The gavel of justice The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) on Thursday said it had inoculated over 90,000 children against poliomyelitis in Kafinhausa Local Government Area of Jigawa. Alhaji Abdullahi Sarawa, the Immunization Officer in the area, stated this while reviewing report of the exercise in Kafinhausa. Sarawa said that the children were administered Oral polio Vaccines and antigens against other child killer diseases in the exercise conducted between Oct. 15 and 19. He said that the exercise recorded remarkable success and attained effective coverage, which exceeded the targeted population of 89,000. He noted that the agency supplied 95,000 doses of vaccines which facilitated smooth conduct of the exercise. Sarawa added that the council also deployed over 300 health workers and provided 90 cartons of candies to entice children to come out for the immunisation. The immunisation officer commended the council, communities and religious leaders for mo

NSCDC operatives The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has alerted residents in Borno over the activities of vehicle thieves during social occasions. Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Commandant of the NSCDC in Borno, issued the alert on Wednesday in Maiduguri while fielding questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Abdullahi said criminals and other bad elements now target innocent sympathizers at burial grounds and other social gatherings to steal vehicles. He said the command had received not less than 10 cases of car and tricycle theft at the Gwange burial ground in Maiduguri within a week. “These criminals always target people who are carried away with the loss of their loved ones during the time of burials at the graveyards. “And you know no one will ever imagine a thief going to steal from the dead. Do you know even at the grave where people are been buried, you will still find phone snatchers and pickpockets. “This is very disheartening; the hoodlums are

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Sultan of Sokoto The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III marks 10 years on the throne, the Muslim Media Watch Group has commended him for promoting national unity and peace. The group, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, on Thursday in Abuja, said the Sultan had offered purposeful leadership which made him a pride of the Muslim Ummah. The group said that the Sultan, who is also President-General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had undertaken tours of virtually all states in Nigeria solely to promote unity, peace and stability in the country. “Since assumption of office, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar has scaled-up the level of traditional leadership by being selfless, committed, dedicated and responsive to the yearnings of the people. “He has undertaken tours of virtually all states in Nigeria with the sole aim of promoting unity, peace and stability in the Nation. “Just recently, the Su

IDPs The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris has set up a special investigation panel to investigate cases of alleged sexual abuses, exploitation, harassment of IDPs against security personnel and others by the Human Rights Watch. The Human Rights Watch in its report, accused the Police, Nigerian Army, vigilante groups and camp leaders of raping young girls and women in various IDPs, camps. The Force Spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP. Don Awunah, in a statement, said Idris was committed to the protection of all Nigerians. He said that Idris had expressed concern over the report and had directed the panel to carry out a discreet and unbiased investigation into the alleged report. Awunah said the inspector-general of police has called on Human Right Watch officials to avail the panel more facts that would assist them in the alleged 43 cases mentioned in the report. He said that Idris had also directed Commissioners of Police in locations where IDP Camps were

A Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, on Thursday slammed a one million naira bail on a 33-year-old man, Roland Olise, for alleged defilement of a six-year-old girl in a church in Lagos. Olise, whose address was not provided, pleaded not guilty to a one-count charge of defilement. The Chief Magistrate, Ipaye Nwachukwu, ordered the accused to produce two sureties in like sum. Nwachukwu said one of the surety must be a property owner in Lagos State, while the other must be a civil servant on grade level 14. She said the sureties must provide evidence of tax payments to the government, and adjourned the case till Jan. 19, 2017 for mention. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Anthonia Osayande told the court that the accused committed the offence at a church at Ajah-Lekki Area in Lagos at about 6.00 p.m on Oct. 21. ‎ Osayande said the accused, who was a church worker, was in church and he saw the six-year-old girl passing and he called her into the church where there wasn’t anybody around a

FILE PHOTOS: Lagos State Govt Demolishing Illegal Structures. Some residents of Jakande Estate Oke-Afa, Isolo, have lauded the Lagos State Government for demolishing illegal structures built within the blocks of flats in the estate, while others condemned it. The illegal structures, in majority shops, are owned by some residents who had purchased flats within the estates. The shops were marked for demolitions on Oct. 28 by officials of the Lagos Building Investment Company (LBIC), the official owners of the landed properties within the state’s residential estates. Some of the residents, who applauded the development that commenced on Wednesday, said the demolition would ensure that sanity returned to the estate as other believed the notice was short. Mr Olufemi Adebowale, a former banker, said that the constitution guiding the purchase of flats within the estate did not allow individuals to own shops or any other structure within the estate. “When I purchased my flat about 10 y

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State. Some politicians on Thursday said that using Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to settle political conflicts, as suggested by Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers, will save money and time. They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Wednesday that litigation would be expensive and time-consuming. Wike had last week said that ADR would allow more time for governance, reduce bickering and cost and time spent in tribunal, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. He made the suggestion when the executive members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators paid him a courtesy call in Port Harcourt last week. Chief Martin Onovo, the 2015 Presidential Candidate of National Conscience Party, said that ADR would be useful in resolving all political conflicts. “Alternative Dispute Resolution is good for all cases; electoral matters can be resolved through it, instead of legal technicality that can lead to miscarriage of justice. “I will suggest that it

Professor Wole Soyinka Literature guru and Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has told students that if Donald Trump is elected president of the United States next week, he will leave the country. “If in the unlikely event he does win, the first thing he’ll do is to say [that] all green-card holders must reapply to come back into the US. Well, I’m not waiting for that,” said Soyinka, who is scholar-in-residence at New York University’s Institute of African American Affairs this autumn. “The moment they announce his victory, I will cut my green card myself and start packing up.” The Nigerian playwright and poet, who was imprisoned in Nigeria during its civil war, later fleeing the country and receiving a death sentence in absentia, urged young people to stand up against oppression. Giving a seminar to students at Oxford University’s Ertegun House, he also laid into Brexit, saying it was a “ridiculous decision”, and part of an international rise in what he called “ultranationalism” accord

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-East), Mr Ozo Okafor, over alleged anti-party activities. In a communiqué released in Awka on Thursday, after an emergency meeting of its South-East Working Committee, the party said that Okafor’s activities were considered and found to be against its interest. It said that the anti-party activities contravened Articles 21(1) (g) (k) (i) (n) and 22(1) (C) (d) (e) (h) and (h) of APGA’s Constitution as amended. “Sequel to the self-induced crisis currently instigated by some members of NWC of APGA and spearheaded by National Vice Chairman South-East, Ozo Okafor, we resolve as follows: “That Ozo Okafor is suspended as a result of glaring anti-party activities, which he has been engaged in and in total breach of Articles 21(1)(g)(k)(i) (n) and 22(1)(C)(d)(e)(h) and (h) of APGA Constitution as amended. “That we the South-East Working Committee appoint Chief Smart Iheoma as the Acting National Vic

Hillary Clinton in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Heading into the final days of the presidential campaign, the race has settled back into a tight contest, with Hillary Clinton holding an edge over Donald J. Trump after a month of tumult. Most voters say their minds are made up and late revelations about both candidates made no significant difference to them, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll released Thursday. Five days before Election Day, the margin between the candidates is narrow, with 45 percent of likely voters supporting Mrs. Clinton, the Democratic candidate, to 42 percent for Mr. Trump, the Republican nominee. The difference is within the poll’s margin of sampling error. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, has the support of 5 percent of likely voters, and the Green Party nominee, Jill Stein, takes 4 percent. More than 22 million Americans have already cast their ballots, and roughly one in five likely voters who participated in the Times/CBS poll said th

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa The Consul-General of the South African High Commission in Nigeria, Mr Darkey Africa, on Wednesday announced his government’s new plans to further support Nigeria in the development of her agriculture and tourism sectors. Africa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the South African Government’s move was to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s ongoing economic diversification drive. “As we all know, the Federal Government of Nigeria is currently looking at how best to diversify its economy. “We know how much that Nigeria is looking at the possibility of moving away from a single product economy into a multi-product economy. “And we know how central the development of Nigeria’s agriculture and tourism sectors would be in this drive. “So, we stand ready to make sure that all agreements signed between Nigeria and South Africa in the development of her agriculture and tourism sectors are well implemented,” he said. Africa said th

The Association of Commercial Motorcycle Operators says 20 of its members were killed by thieves in the last six months in Kebbi State. Malam Nafi’u Zaki, the Chairman of the association, on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi said that the killings were reported in three Local Government Areas. He said that no fewer than 800 members of the association have abandoned the business for fear of falling victims of bike snatchers. “From April to date, we have lost 20 of our members; 11 were from Birnin Kebbi Local Government while nine were from Argungu and Yauri Local Government Areas. “They were manhandled, waylaid and sometimes strangled or stabbed to death. We registered 4,000 members as at last year; most of them were from neighbouring villages. But this year, we have only registered 3,200 members. “We are aware of the circumstances behind the low registration; they were no longer at ease in operating their routine commercial services,” Zaki said. According to him, the association hardly s

By Daniels Ekugo Ken Njoroge and Bolaji Akinboro being presented with the “Best Payment and Transfer Company” award Cellulant emerged as one of the big winners at the African Fintech awards where innovative FinTech companies are recognized for the integral role they play. The award ceremony is part of the Finance Indaba Africa, a conference and expo for finance professionals across the continent, endorsed by companies like IBM, SAP, KPMG etc. With over 500 entrepreneurs, bankers, investors, and advisors in attendance; Cellulant emerged as winner in the Best Payments and Transfer Company in Africa category, ahead of companies like Interswitch, Paga, e-transact, Voguepay and others, because of its unique blend of financial technology & agriculture. Cellulant is a technology company providing a payment platform that has transformed input distribution across the continent in programs such as the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) of the Nigerian Government and the Agricult

Ali Modu Sheriff, embattled PDP national chairman Sen. Ahmed Makarfi led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed confidence in the newly constituted panel of the Court of Appeal to hear the appeal filed by the faction. The PDP Publicity Secretary in the state, Mr. Banji Okunomo, made this known to newsmen in Akure on Thursday, while insisting that Eyitayo Jegede was the authentic candidate of party. Okunomo said the faction would get justice at the appellate court, alleging that there was injustice in the Oct. 12 judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja. “We believe in the law, we are protected by the law. “The law is on our side to produce the candidate of our party because the only lawful PDP primary was held in Ondo State and was monitored by the INEC, security agencies and other stakeholders on Aug. 22. “We believe that the judgment of Justice Abang will not stand in the face of the law. The same lawyer that stood for Biyi Poroye as a plaintiff a

Eko DISCO Head Office The management of EKO Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDCP) on Thursday said it would soon publish the names of energy theft customers within its network. Mr Oladele Amoda, the DISCO Chief Executive Officer, disclosed in Lagos that the company was losing over 30 per cent revenue to energy theft monthly. Amoda said it was surprising that educated customers constituted the bulk of energy thieves within its network. He said that they were supposed to understand the essence of paying for electricity consumed, but instead, they engaged in stealing electricity. According to him, most of the energy theft customers caught stealing energy without paying were elites living in enlightened areas of our operations. “We are going to start publishing the names of energy theft customers within our operations in the dailies. “Most customers caught engaging in energy theft live in lkoyi, Lekki, Victoria Island and most high brow areas,” he said. Amoda said that som

Turkey-military-police-officers Hundreds of military police officers have been suspended in Turkey over alleged links to July’s attempted coup. According to state-run news agency Anadolu, 1,218 personnel from the Gendarmerie have been removed from their positions for alleged ties to FETO, the movement aligned with US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Turkey blames for the failed coup. It is estimated more than 100,000 government employees have been suspended or dismissed in the last four months. CNN reports that an intense crackdown on government critics and those with alleged ties to either Gulen or Kurdish groups has seen thousands of teachers suspended, public servants sacked, and journalists detained and media organizations shut down. This week, 13 journalists were detained in a raid on the Istanbul offices of newspaper Cumhuriyet. According to Anadolu, Turkish police also searched the houses of two other journalists. Istanbul’s chief prosecutor has said the journalists de

AfDB The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved 600 million dollars loan as the first tranche of a one-billion-dollar budget support to help finance Nigeria’s economic governance, diversification and competitiveness programme. The Spokesperson for the bank in Nigeria, Fatima Abubakar, said in a statement that executive directors of the bank approved the facility on Wednesday. The last tranche of 400 million dollars will be approved in 2017, Abubakar said. The operation is part of a two-year (2016-2017) fiscal programme of support to enable Nigeria to implement reforms to achieve efficiency in government business, combat corruption and promote diversification. It will help the government to create fiscal space to facilitate smooth implementation of its budget, support fiscal and structural reforms and improve social sector spending to protect the most vulnerable segments of the population. The facility will also assist the country’s efforts to quickly build a buffer of for

court An Evbouriaria Magistrates’ Court in Benin on Thursday sentenced a 33-year-old man, Ibrahim Samuel, to 18 months imprisonment for stealing six electrical fuse and five lengths of Copper wires. The Magistrate, Mrs. C.E Oghuma, sentenced Samuel after he pleaded guilty to a one-count charge of stealing. Oghuma gave the convict an option to pay N30,000 as fine in lieu of the term in prison. The Prosecutor, Insp. Olatoye Oluwaseun had told the court that the convict committed the offence on Oct. 23, at Isiuwa Str., Off Upper Sakponba, Benin. Oluwaseun said the property belonged to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). He said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Edo State.

FRSC The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Ogun, Mr Clement Oladele has said that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, will temporarily close a section of the Ibadan/Lagos corridor by Sagamu Interchange to effect repair. Oladele disclosed this on Thursday in Abeokuta. He said that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had informed the FRSC that the reason for the closure was to effect repairs on the section from Nov. 3 to Nov. 12. “There will be temporary closure by Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) of a section of the Ibadan/Lagos corridor by Sagamu Interchange from Thursday, Nov. 3 to Saturday Nov. 12 to effect repair,’’ he said. He urged motorists, especially commercial vehicles operators, to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules. Oladele advised motorists to cooperate with the FRSC and other traffic officers who would ensure minimal discomfort of motorists during the period. “Motorists should exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules; cooperate with the FRSC and other tra

Petroleum-and-food-ship Thirty one ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from Nov. 3 to Nov. 23. The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication – `Shipping Position’, – a copy of which was made available on Thursday in Lagos. The document indicated that eight ships would sail in with petrol; two with diesel; while a ship would berth with aviation fuel. NPA said that the 20 other expected ships contained buck wheat, bulk frozen fish, general cargoes, empty containers, base oil and containers. The document noted that six ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, bulk sugar, ethanol and petrol. NAN reports that 14 other ships are at the ports discharging general cargoes, crude palm oil, base oil, bulk wheat, containers, empty containers, bulk gypsum, clinker and petrol.

Miss Chidimma Okeke Mr Sam Okaula, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, says the command is not aware of any sex scandal involving Miss Anambra Beauty Queen, Miss Chidimma Okeke. Okaula told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday that the command was yet to receive any report of such case. On the speculation making the round that some people have been arrested over the matter, he said that the command had not made any arrest regarding the issue. “I am not aware of any arrest of those involved or blackmailers in the matter. We have not gotten any report on the matter. NAN reports that Okeke, the reigning Miss Anambra Beauty Queen, was alleged to be involved in lesbianism due to amateur video clips which have gone viral on the internet. The development have not only caused crisis between the beauty queen and the organizers, but have raised moral issues. from Entertainment – P.M. NEWS Nigeria http://ift.tt/2fktMvi via IFTTT

Nigeria-police A 20-year-old bartender, Richard Ayodele, who allegedly stole N50,000 from one Nicholas Umolu, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Senior Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. Ayodele, who pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money by false pretences, is a resident of No. 12, Ayoola Edun St., Agbado, Lagos. Magistrate T.O Shomade admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum. Shomade said that the surety must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government. The prosecutor, Insp. Raji Akeem, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 21 at Wab Rasaq Hotel situated at Iju area of Lagos. Akeem said that the accused conspired with one other still at large to steal N50,000 from the complainant. The prosecutor said that the complainant, who was a customer at the hotel, said he bought drinks from the bartender two times respectiv

Mr Emmanuel Ojukwu, Enugu State Police Commissioner, No fewer than five persons suspected to be high tension aluminium conductor cable vandals have been arrested by the police in Emene near Enugu. The rolls of the cables and pliers used in carrying out their deeds was recovered from the vandals. The Enugu Police Command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, told NAN on Thursday in Enugu that the vandals were caught in the act at Thinkers-Corner in Emene. “The vandals, who are already helping the police in its investigation, were nabbed by our eagle eyed operatives at the wee hours of Monday in Thinkers-Corner axis of Emene close to Enugu. “Information revealed that the suspects had allegedly vandalized the cable from one company located at Thinkers-Corner axis of the state,’’ he said. He said that the names of the vandals are Ibrahim Azamu; Yusuf Anano; Justice Michael; Prince Jessy and Sadiq Isah. Amaraizu, however, urged members of the public to report any unauthorised person temp

Miss Chidimma Okeke Mr Sam Okaula, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, says the command is not aware of any sex scandal involving Miss Anambra Beauty Queen, Miss Chidimma Okeke. Okaula told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Thursday that the command was yet to receive any report of such case. On the speculation making the round that some people have been arrested over the matter, he said that the command had not made any arrest regarding the issue. “I am not aware of any arrest of those involved or blackmailers in the matter. We have not gotten any report on the matter. NAN reports that Okeke, the reigning Miss Anambra Beauty Queen, was alleged to be involved in lesbianism due to amateur video clips which have gone viral on the internet. The development have not only caused crisis between the beauty queen and the organizers, but have raised moral issues.

Nollywood The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to partner with Japan and France to develop the movie industry through animated movies in line with its diversifying the economy. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, said this on the side line of the second edition of the Animated Film Festival organised by the Japanese and French Embassies in Abuja on Wednesday. Mohammed said that government was set to partner with Japan and France to build the capacity of the country’s movie industry. “What we have seen here is another genre of movie making and I am sure we will be able to partner with both Japanese and French embassies in the capacity we are building for our movie industry. “We agreed to work together because the Japanese are developing this animation industry quite tremendously and they promised to partner with us again in capacity building. “With technology in the movie industry, the potentials are limitless,” he said. French Ambassador to