Global Naija Info

The Traditional ruler of Uromi, Zaiki Edenojie II has been suspended for one year by the Edo State Government for failing to apologise within the stipulated period to a woman, Ms Betty Okoeber, whom he allegedly assaulted on September 28, among other infractions. In a suspension letter dated November 4, 2016 signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the one-year suspension takes effect from Monday, November 7. The letter reads: “The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is in receipt of your letter of 28th October, 2016 on the above subject matter. Mr. Governor observed that your activities since you were initially suspended from office as Ojuromi of Uromi have raised issues that require further determination. “It is important, for record purposes, to recount what has led to the present situation. Discounting your previous conduct, on the 28th of September 2016, you left your Palace during voting and moved from polling booth to polling ...

Traffic gridlock on Lagos-Ibadan expressway Thousands of Nigerians travelling out of Lagos State on Friday suffered a terrible gridlock on the long bridge portion of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway that was partially closed by Julius Berger Construction. They said that it was a black Friday as many spent several hours in the traffic before passing through the long bridge from Lagos which on a good day should not have lasted 30 minutes. Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that passed through the bridge between 2.p.m. and 5 p.m. observed that the construction company had commenced the scrapping of the topmost layer of the Lagos outbound lanes of the long bridge. All vehicles travelling outside Lagos that had formed between five and six lanes from 7-Up Bus Stop had to merge into plying two lanes instead of the normal four lanes because of the partial closure. It was also observed that there were fewer commercial buses on hand to commute several passengers to either Warewa...

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, SAN The Federal Government has denied closing the Shagamu end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as being speculated by the populace. This follows the panic of traffic build-up along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway as a result of alleged “closure” of the road. A statement from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing on Friday said it was only a diversion of traffic on the road and not total closure. The statement issued by Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser, Communications to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing said Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractors handling the road, only diverted the Lagos-bound side, from Shagamu interchange to Kilometre 37, to the Ibadan-bound side to enable it lay final layer of asphalt wearing course on the Lagos side. The Statement said contrary to the Traffic Advisory on a “closure” attributed to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), the diversion was necessary to enable Julius...

L-R: Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sewedo Whenu and the Managing Director, LAGBUS Asset Management, Idowu Oguntona at the briefing on Friday. Kazeem Ugbodaga The Lagos State Government has banned LAGBUS (red buses) from plying the Ikorodu Road corridor with effect from Monday. The government said the move was on consonant with its plan to introduce Intelligent Traffic System along the BRT corridor, and that all other franchises, apart from the BRT (blue buses) had to relocate from the corridor. Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi at a press conference on Friday said with effect from Monday, 7th November, 2016, all LAGBUS buses would no longer utilize the BRT corridor to load, drop and travel. He stated that the LAGBUS buses could only provide end to end bus services using the expressway and service lanes along the Ikorodu Road stretch. Explaining the decision, Elegus...

PDP-logo The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to emulate the judiciary by asking ministers accused of corruption to step aside for proper investigation. The party made the call in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Dayo Adeyeye, on Friday in Abuja. Adeyeye recalled that the National Judicial Council (NJC) had on Thursday announced its decision to suspend justices facing corruption charges. The justices are Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court, Mohammed Tsamiya, Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division and Kabiru Auta of Kano State High Court. Others are Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja; Justice I. A. Umezulike, former Chief Judge of Enugu state and Muazu Pindiga of Federal High Court, Gombe. Adeyeye pointed out that Justices Ngwuta and Okoro had alleged that they were the targets of a witch-hunt because they refused offers of inducement and bribes from two minister...

 Following on from last week, we’re talking make up brands available in Nigeria, some of the biggest cosmetics brands including international giants Maybelline and Sleek,  Zaron, Black|Up, MUD (Make Up Designatory), regional and home grown brands such as House of Tara International, make up guru owned brands including BMPro by renowned artist Banke-Meshida Lawal, Zaron Cosmetics, MUD (Make Up Designatory) are all available nationwide.   You cannot complain about lack of choice or quality in the Nigerian make up marketplace.           There is a new crop of smaller brands with luxury and vitamin infused offerings from Khuraira cosmetics, Trim & Prissy to “high street” including, Lise, Elsas pro, Dabota Cosmetics, Blot Cosmetics by the beauty supply chain, Giftys Daughter are also in the Nigerian marketplace to offer more choices.   Phew! So yes the make up business is booming. Where do you come in? Many of the brands named offe...

The city of Abuja converged for‎ the 16th edition of Most Beautiful Girl in Abuja Pageant which held over the weekend with about 20 contestants on stage to battle for the coveted title. The event which attracted several high profile personalities, showbiz entrepreneurs, pageant practitioners and beauty queens had so much side attractions of comedy, dances, award presentations and special performance from Dolce Entertainment LTD signed cripple artist who held the event with his arresting steps on stage. 22 years old Miss Yetunde Barnabas after a competitive performance of traditional presentations, catwalk and I.Q questions was crowned Most Beautiful Girl In Abuja in a colourful and glamorous atmosphere. The light skinned model turned beauty queen is expected to embark on several projects benefiting FCT residents like her predecessors. The hall packaged MBGA Finals held at Transcorp ilton honoured some distinguished personalities amongst which are ‎‎RT Hon. Friday Ossanebi, Deputy ...

Trump-and-Hillary-Clinton-in-final-debate hill More than 30 million votes have been cast already across 38 states in early voting in the ongoing 2016 U.S. election with four days into the Nov. 8 elections. Early voting data from several battleground states showed that Democrats are building an early voting lead in North Carolina and Nevada. However, Republicans maintain an edge in Florida and Ohio as well as in Arizona, while Democrats are also ahead in Colorado and Iowa, according to a CNN/Catalyst polls. Both Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are encouraging their supporters to hit the polls early. So far, about 7.4 million registered Democrats and about 6.4 million Republicans have done just that. The polls also showed that not all Democrats are voting for Clinton, and not all Republicans support Trump. In Arizona, a battleground state where about 1.3 million people have already voted, registered Republicans are ahead by about 71,000 votes or 5....

Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s vice president Worried by the economic and social challenges facing Nigeria, a group of Christian leaders on Friday converged in Ikoyi to discuss the way forward. The leaders, under the aegis of Coalition of Nigerian Apostolic Leaders (CNAL), met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and other well placed Nigerians. The colloquium held at the Guiding Light Assembly, Ikoyi, Lagos. CNAL is an affiliate and the Nigerian Arm of the International Coalition of Apostolic Leaders. Osinbajo said that Nigeria was going through the worst situation in its history, but gave an assurance of a bright future. The vice president said that the rough times in Nigeria should not make Nigerians, particularly those that should solve the country’s problems, to lose vision. According to him, those that must retain vision include political leaders, intellectuals, entrepreneurs ...

Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi: ex-NIMASA boss A prosecution witness, Mr Chukwuma Orji, has revealed how a former Director General of Nigerian Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, converted N496million from the office of the National Security Agency (NSA) to personal use. Orji made the revelation during the trial of Akpobolokemi and five others on a 13-count charge of stealing and fraud proffered against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They are accused of stealing N754million belonging to the agency. Akpobolokemi’s co-defendants are; Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited. Orji, an investigating officer with the EFCC, while being led in evidence by Mr Rotimi Oyedepo said “The first defendant (Akpobolokemi) raised a memo to the office of the NSA. “The memo requested the sum of N496million and attached to the memo was a detailed table des...

Finger-Analysis The U.S. Government has trained 66 officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on fingerprint analysis and forensics. The training is to modernise the crime-fighting abilities and enhance the skills of the officers on evidence collection. The two weeks training, organised by the U.S. Embassy, the Atlanta Police Department and the NPF rounded off with an award ceremony in Abuja on Friday. Ms Rosalyn Wiese, Director, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) at the embassy said the training was an opportunity for officials to learn how to properly collect and document latent fingerprints. Weise said the Latent Fingerprint Examination course was one of INL’s programmes designed to build capacity in the NPF. “It is an essential ground level course of instruction that is used as a basis to build further skills in evidence collection. “Along with more complex courses in crime scene management, INL seeks to support the NPF’s desire to strengthen forensic capabi...

Enugu-auto-crash The Enugu State Police Command says one person has died and two others were seriously injured in a ghastly motor accident that occurred in Enugu on Friday. The accident happened around 1:30 p.m. along Okpara Avenue by Prisons Roundabout, Enugu. The command’s spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said the accident was caused by break failure. Amaraizu said that the accident occurred when a 911 truck with registration number XB 164 JJJ lost control and hit two vehicles parked on the road. “This led to the death of a pedestrian identified as Nwankwo Igwebuike, who was a barrow pusher. “The auto crash also left two drivers with several degrees of injuries,’’ he said. The police spokesperson said the injured persons were receiving treatment at a nearby hospital while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the mortuary of the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre, Enugu. He said the command had commiserated with the families of the injured and the deceased persons. He advis...

The late Olaniwun Ajayi Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere on Friday confirmed the death of its oldest surviving member, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, at the age of 91. A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, entitled: “We lost a rare leader”, said he dedicated 70 years of his life to the service of the late sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The statement reads: ”Afenifere mourns the passing away of its oldest surviving member, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, who transited to higher glory in the early hours of Friday at the age of 91. “We received his passage with mixed feelings, we are joyful that in a country with life expectancy of 53, Papa made it to 91, ageing graciously and in good health till the last 24 hours of life when he had to be hospitalised for some health complications. “We are however sad that his exit has robbed the group of the wealth of experience of a philosopher, prolific writer and memory bag that is irreplaceable. “O...

Ambode Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday expressed sadness over the passage of foremost elder statesman and member of the Obafemi Awolowo political family, Pa Olaniwun Ajayi. Olaniwun Ajayi, a prominent chieftain of the pan Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere died in the early hours of Friday morning at the age of 91. The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, said the late Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large. “Papa was one of the few surviving close associates of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. After Chief Awolowo’s death, he was a consistent advocate for the struggle to see Nigeria achieve the dreams of her founding fathers. “He was very passionate about the progress of Nigeria, he was an intellectual genius who had an enthusiasm for the development of his immediate community and the country at large. “I recall my last meeting with hi...

Makarfi and Sheriff A new panel set up for the Ondo State Governorship Election Tribunal has commenced sitting. Before the panel are five appeals. First to be taken is that of Clement Faboyede against Biyi Poroye, the factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State. Another issues that the panel is likely to handle is the controversy within the PDP over its governorship candidate. Two factions of the party in the state are claiming that their candidate is the right representative of the party. The electoral body has added the name of Mr Jimoh Ibrahim to the list of the governorship candidates for the poll in line with court rulings, but agitations are still on for Mr Ibrahim’s name to be removed and substituted with Mr Eyitayo Jegede. At the commencement of hearing on Friday, however, the counsel to Mr Faboyede notify the court of his intention to withdraw the appeal. With no objection to the request, Justice Ibrahim Saulawu struck out the appeal seeking...

Pa Olaniwun Ajayi Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Friday said that Pa Olaniwun Ajayi, who died in the early hours of the day, seemed to have a premonition of his death. Ajayi, a prominent chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, died at the age of 91. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, recalled his last encounter with the late Ajayi three months ago. “I recall my last meeting with him just about three months ago at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was like a premonition. “He had admonished all of us to give him a long lasting legacy and ensure that the Yoruba hegemony is not trampled upon and tarnished. “This wish of his, as a great Nigerian statesman, and true son of Yoruba land, we are committed to uphold and to cherish,” he said. Ambode said the late Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large. He expressed sadness o...

President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki and the National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno after the Jumat prayers in Aso Rock mosque on Friday President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday held a closed-door meeting with President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Saraki was accompanied to the President’s office by Senator Danjuma Goje. Saraki later told State House correspondents after the meeting that Buhari’s external borrowing request that was rejected by the Senate was a work in progress. ”I came here to pray. I have finished praying and I just had a general felicitation with the President. It did not go beyond that. “We should not look at the loan request as a reflection of the relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. Don’t let us politicise very important issues. As we said, this is work in progress.” Buhari who tweeted about the meeting via his official Twitter account @MBuhari wrote, “This afternoon I receiv...

Pa Olaniwun Ajayi Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Friday said that Pa Olaniwun Ajayi, who died in the early hours of the day, seemed to have a premonition of his death. Ajayi, a prominent chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, died at the age of 91. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Habib Aruna, recalled his last encounter with the late Ajayi three months ago. “I recall my last meeting with him just about three months ago at the residence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It was like a premonition. “He had admonished all of us to give him a long lasting legacy and ensure that the Yoruba hegemony is not trampled upon and tarnished. “This wish of his, as a great Nigerian statesman, and true son of Yoruba land, we are committed to uphold and to cherish,” he said. Ambode said the late Ajayi was a frontline politician who was passionate about the progress of the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large. He expressed sadness o...

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said that his leadership was committed to leading the people into enduring heritage of worthy values and all-pervading welfare. The President said this at the 31st Annual National Conference of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) in Lagos. Buhari, who was represented by Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, urged Nigerians to complement and support government’s efforts to take the country out of the present economic challenges. “We wish to admit that the period of economic hardship that has coincided with our assumption of office till date, is a most demanding one. “It, therefore, implies that the impact would be more on women, as managers of resources for families. “I urge you not to despair, but pray and trust in almighty Allah, the only one that can guarantee the safe berthing of ships, irrespective of any turbulence,” he said. Buhari reiterated his administration’s commitment to women’s we...

Kwara State Polytechnic, The Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic, Alhaji Mas’ud Elelu, on Friday said that the institution had not increased its school fees. Addressing newsmen in Ilorin, the rector debunked rumours circulating in the social media that the school had increased its school fees. “The campaign on the social media is callous and not a true representation of the institution’s authorities. “I urge the general public to always seek clarification when they are in doubt over activities of the school,” Elelu said. The rector advised the public to verify information on fees and other activities of the school on the institution’s official website. He explained that the institution was involved in legitimate businesses to sustain its operations in order to survive the current economic recession. Elelu also described as untrue speculations that the institution asked students to pay before mobilising them for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). “Any of our graduates that i...

Sir Olanihun Ajayi Former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel has described the late Sir Olaniwun Ajayi as a democrat of repute and an elder statesman who dedicated his life to the service of his people and the country. In a condolence message on the passing of the elder statesman, Otunba Daniel expressed his shock on the death of one of the few remaining titans which ended another glorious chapter and created a deep void in Nigeria’s politics. According to the former Governor, late Sir Ajayi was “a very strong force in Nigerian polity and well respected in the political landscape over the years as he improved on the democratic ideals of the founding fathers and played his roles in the service to the nation in various capacities”. “He was a courageous personality noted for his frank disposition to issues and policies. He remained principled when it mattered most and never compromised his stance even in the midst of challenges. His invaluable contributions to national deve...

Nigerian-army Troops have foiled two suicide bomb attempts targeted at a military location in Yamtakei in Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno on Thursday and killed five terrorists involved in the attempts. One soldier also died in the failed attempts. According to a statement by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, issued in Abuja on Friday, at about 9.45 p.m. a suspected female suicide bomber attempted to enter the military location in Yamtake, but a vigilant sentry on duty gunned her down and she died instantly. Usman explained that the failed attack was followed up with another attempt by terrorists, but “was decisively dealt with by troops”. “The troops killed all the four attackers, including two suicide bombers and recovered two AK-47, three magazines, 109 rounds of 7.62mm (Special), one torchlight, one water bottle, three magazine carriers, one illuminator pyrotechnic and some quantity of drugs. “Unfortunately, we lost a soldier in the process,” Usman said.

LASU The Lagos State University (LASU) has directed successful candidates in the first round of its 2016/2017 admission screening to commence the payment of a non-refundable acceptance fee of N10,000. The directive is contained in the university’s official bulletin, obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos. It said that the candidates were expected to report for clearance ‎as from Nov. 7 and proceed on ‎the payment of the fee. ‎ The bulletin said the candidates were to visit the LASU e-payment website to access guidelines for the approved procedure for the payment. ‎ Successful candidates are expected to appear before their Faculty, School and College clearance team‎ with evidence of the payment, original and photocopies of credentials among other documents, it said.

Oba Goriola Oseni The trial of four men who allegedly kidnapped the traditional ruler of Iba Town, Oba Goriola Oseni, was on Friday stalled due to the disagreement between two counsel over-representation of an accused. The accused- Duba Furejo, Ododomo Isaiah, Reuben Anthony, and Yerin Fresh – were arraigned before a Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere on Oct. 24. They pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, robbery and kidnapping. At the resumed hearing on Friday, Mr. Seliowei Baidi announced his appearance for the first, second and fourth accused, but another lawyer, Mr. Anthony Onwueze, also announced that he was representing the fourth accused, Yerin Fresh. Baidi, following the incident, told the court that rules of professional ethics had been breached, as a formal letter should have been written to him informing him about the change of counsel. He said that his professional fees should be paid before a...

With just a few weeks to the national delegates conference of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), its National General Secretary, Mr Henry Odugale, died on Friday morning. Reacting to the ugly incident, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Waheed Odusile, described the death as “a great loss to the labour movement and the media.” Odusile, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Friday, said that the death of Odugale was a great loss not only to the labour movement and the media industry but to the entire nation. “Henry was a committed unionist, passionate about the welfare of workers; he was one of the prime movers for plans to have a special media salary for journalists. “He remained committed to it, it is unfortunate that he had to go now but only God can condole his family because he has left a big vacuum not only in his family but in the media, as well. “Two days ...

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers Gov. Nyesome Wike of Rivers has been nominated for the 2016 edition of the prestigious South-South Progressive Awards (SSPA). Mr Kinsley Amafibe, the Project Director of the SSPA, in Abuja on Friday said that foremost Nigerian comedian, Alibaba and veteran singer, Timi Dakolo, were also nominated for the award. Other nominees for the award, which would hold on Dec. 16, included King Alfred Diete-Spiff, traditional rulers, as well as industrialists, veteran entertainers and athletes from the South-South region. Amafibe said the names were among the list of nominees made available by organisers of the award — Good Dreams Multimedia Concepts, an NGO that celebrates productivity, excellence and good governance. He said the nominees would be honoured because of their contributions to the peace and development of the South-South. He added that “we believe that this recognition will always be the push for them to achieve more in their various fields. “A...

Buhari Majority of the problems we are facing today, in our health, economy, business, homes, education, even in governance are as a result of corruption going on in our society. The hardship all level of corruption and immorality has imposed or inflicted on us has also resulted to what we call today RECESSION. Which simply means a difficult time for the economy of a country. A period when there is less trade and industrial activities than usual and more people unemployed. A period of backwardness and deterioration. A period of lack and hunger. Mr. President, what we need now are policies that will pull our dear country out of recession. The policies and regulations that will create a good business environment and investment drive. When we do not obey rules and regulations corruption increase. We need transparency and efficiency that will bring fundamental and sustainable changes in our country. And in doing that, we must do away with those politicians who cannot do without public f...

The gavel of justice A 20-year- old man, Diekola Yussuf, was on Friday remanded in Ilesa Prison by an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court for alleged N20 million fraud. Yussuf is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and fraud. The Magistrate, Mrs Bashiru Habibatu, gave the order that the accused be remanded in prison due to the magnitude of the offences committed. The Prosecutor, SP Mireti Wilson, told the court that the accused committed the offences between 2014 and 2015. Wilson said the accused conspired with two persons, now at large, to defraud Star Pool Company on the pretence to transact a business which was false. He said the accused collected the sum of N20 million from the company. He said the offences contravened Sections 8(9) and 1(1)(a)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, Laws of the Federation, 2006. The plea of the accused was not taken. The case was adjourned to Jan. 17, 2017 for hearing.

The room just went dark, pitch black even. That though would ordinarily not shock The Magic Writer. For, he is no stranger to darkness. In spite of his privileged status, he still copes with hours of darkness outside his plush office. Besides, his vocation as government critic burdens him with the responsibility to run stinging commentaries about darkness of all hues. But power failure at Apata Oosa, as the palace is named, had been unthinkable. The Rock of the Gods is itself the throne on which the power sits. It is the shrine at which the mighty in the land worship the mightier one, where they stretch through the throng to touch the soiled garments of kitchen priests and of pompous priestesses tugging the reins to the Oosa’s heart. But as he was about to find out, this rocky cavernous hole is also a hallowed conclave for demons great and small, ghommids ancient and modern. For a brief moment, and despite the crushing, surrounding eeriness, his thought drifts to the job he is about ...