Global Naija Info

Olufemi Elias UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday announced the appointment of Olufemi Elias as Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals with effect from Jan. 1, 2017. Until his appointment, Elias has been serving as the Executive Secretary of the World Bank Administrative Tribunal since July, a position which he also held from 2008 to 2013. He was the Legal Adviser and Director at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) from 2013 to 2016 and Senior Legal Officer at the OPCW from 2005 to 2008. He worked in legal positions at the UN Compensation Commission between 1998 and 2005. Elias is an associate member of the Institut de Droit International. A member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), he holds a PhD from the University of London. Elias also holds a Master of Law from the University of Cambridge and a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence from the University of Oxford. Elias will succeed Joh

Niger Delta militants Gunmen in military uniform have abducted seven people at a farm in Epe area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. PM News gathered that about 20 gunmen stormed the Kodjo Farm, located at Igbodu, Epe area on Sunday and abducted seven people. One of the victims is Kakaja Joseph, a 65-year old man, four poultry workers of Kodjo Farm and two travellers. The guard and four poultry workers were abducted after the kidnappers attacked Kodjo Farm. But the two travellers were taken after the militants embarked on a second operation, which witnessed them blocking a transit road. On Monday, the kidnappers attempted to abduct students of Molajoye Community High School on the assembly ground, but policemen attached to Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Area N Police Command, Navy and Army foiled the abduction. Eye witnesses said that the gunmen stormed the poultry at about 8am on Sunday and shot several times in the air and took away their victims in a waiting boat while they took away

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday approved death sentence for kidnappers, whose victims died in their custody. The approval followed the adoption of a report presented by Mrs Adefunmilayo Tejuosho, the Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, Petitions, Human Rights and Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). Tejuosho had presented the report of a Stakeholders meeting on a bill entitled; “A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Prohibition of the Act of Kidnapping and for Other Connected Purposes”. The bill was sponsored by the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa. The bill prescribed life sentence to kidnappers, whose victims did not die in their custody. The bill states that any person, who kidnaps, abducts, detains, captures or takes another person by any means or tricks with intent to demand ransom or do anything against his/her will, commits an offence, and liable on conviction to death se

L-R: Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari has said there was no truth in reports suggesting that he and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC are at loggerheads with a national leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying that Tinubu never worked against the interest of the party in the just concluded Ondo governorship election. Buhari said the reports going round about a rift between the party and Tinubu were unfounded and mischievous. A statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the President was highly embarrassed by such reports as he was in regular contact with Tinubu before, during and after the recent Ondo State governorship election. The statement clarified that any suggestions that the President and the party machinery were working to destroy Tinubu had no foundation in truth or any credibility. The statement stated that the President was impressed by Ti

Senator Buruji Kashamu has revealed that the refusal of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, to listen to advice on where his successor should come from worked against him and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), during last Saturday’s governorship election in the state. Kashamu who revealed this in a statement, added that rather than listen to wise counsel, Mimiko turned himself into Fayose’s puppet and allowed the Ekiti State Governor to lead him by the nose. According to him, “We told Governor Mimiko that after eight years in office, the good people of Ondo State would resist the injustice of producing a successor from the same senatorial district where he hails from. “It is not that Jegede is not a good material. He is urbane, intelligent and smart. He would have probably won had he come from any other senatorial zone than Mimiko’s. “We told Mimiko that the people would not take anything that would look like a third term for him and his senatorial district. He would not liste

L-R: Special Adviser on Arts & Culture, Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola; Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Acting Commissioner & Special Adviser for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi and Special Adviser on Central Business District, Mr. Agboola Dabiri during a media briefing on the traffic diversion for the Lagos Street Party at Conference Room, Ministry of Transportation, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday. Kazeem Ugbodaga The Lagos State Government is to divert traffic within Victoria Island as a result of the first ‘Lagos Street Party’ which will hold this Saturday and Sunday. The street party, which would hold between December 3 and 4 on Ahmadu Bello Way would subsequently lead to Tiamiyu Savage, Akin Adesola and Bishop Oluwole and Ahmadu Bello Way being condoned off. At a press conference on Monday, Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi reeled out traffic diversion in the area, saying that all traffic into the ven

PDP-logo The Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has resolved to challenge the outcome of the Saturday Ondo State governorship election at the tribunal. The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, said this in Abuja on Monday. Adeyeye said that the faction had instructed its candidate in the election, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, to be joined by the state chapter of the party for the legal battle. The faction which called for the total cancellation of the election results said, “we vehemently reject the results of the Nov. 26 gubernatorial election in Ondo State. “The election and all actions leading to it fall short of laid down principles guiding conduct of elections in Nigeria.” Adeyeye recalled that PDP persistently called for the postponement of the election for at least two weeks to enable it campaign and prepare properly for the exercise. He said that the refusal of INEC to grant the postponement

Prince Eze Madumere The Deputy Governor of Imo, Prince Eze Madumere, on Monday, said the All progressives Congress’s (APC) victory in the Ondo gubernatorial elections “is a victory for democracy”. Madumere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to the election results. He said that the victory was a referendum by the people of Ondo to join the ‘progressives’ in re-engineering Nigeria. “First and foremost, I want to congratulate the governor-elect on his resounding victory at the polls. I also felicitate with our great party; All Progressives Congress (APC). “I congratulate specially the good people of Ondo for honouring the call to join hands to rebuild the state and Nigeria at large,’’ Madumere said. The Imo Deputy Governor, who congratulated Chief Rotimi Akeredolu on his well-deserved victory, said that his victory was a testimony of the giant strides of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. He expressed confidence in the political vibranc

PDP-logo The Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says it has resolved to challenge the outcome of the Saturday Ondo State governorship election at the tribunal. The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dayo Adeyeye, said this in Abuja on Monday. Adeyeye said that the faction had instructed its candidate in the election, Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, to be joined by the state chapter of the party for the legal battle. The faction which called for the total cancellation of the election results said, “we vehemently reject the results of the Nov. 26 gubernatorial election in Ondo State. “The election and all actions leading to it fall short of laid down principles guiding conduct of elections in Nigeria.” Adeyeye recalled that PDP persistently called for the postponement of the election for at least two weeks to enable it campaign and prepare properly for the exercise. He said that the refusal of INEC to grant the postponement

Prince Eze Madumere The Deputy Governor of Imo, Prince Eze Madumere, on Monday, said the All progressives Congress’s (APC) victory in the Ondo gubernatorial elections “is a victory for democracy”. Madumere told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja while reacting to the election results. He said that the victory was a referendum by the people of Ondo to join the ‘progressives’ in re-engineering Nigeria. “First and foremost, I want to congratulate the governor-elect on his resounding victory at the polls. I also felicitate with our great party; All Progressives Congress (APC). “I congratulate specially the good people of Ondo for honouring the call to join hands to rebuild the state and Nigeria at large,’’ Madumere said. The Imo Deputy Governor, who congratulated Chief Rotimi Akeredolu on his well-deserved victory, said that his victory was a testimony of the giant strides of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government. He expressed confidence in the political vibranc

APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi, has dismissed insinuations of any dispute between Gov. Atiku Bagudu and his predecessor, Sen. Adamu Aliero. The Chairman of the APC Elders Committee, Alhaji Sani Zauro, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, on Monday, that the speculations were the handiwork of mischief makers and dissenters within the party. The former and present governors had maintained a cordial relationship aimed at improving the fortunes of the party,’’ he added. He said the governor and his predecessor were working in harmony to ensure that the party wins future elections to further unite the party, adding that “mischief makers have no place in the APC”. Zauro said the party would introduce modalities to ensure unity and respect for leadership as well as work towards the attainment of more victories in the future. He said the elders’ committee had met with Bagudu and would implement strategies that could improve the welfare of members. The APC chairman, therefor

Mrs Yetunde Oni The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it will introduce mobile testing laboratories to curb circulation of fake and counterfeit products in the country. Mrs. Yetunde Oni, Acting Director-General NAFDAC, said this on Monday at a stakeholders meeting in Minna. She added that the laboratory would be built on a mobile truck. “The mobile van will be able to move from town to the hinterland to test packaged water, drugs, farm produce and other items in order to safeguard the health of the nation,” she said. Oni, who was represented by Dr. Abubakar Jimoh, Director, Special Duties of the agency, said that “we have been to China to see how the mobile testing van was being operated. “So we are making arrangements and considering our terrain to see how it will work in Nigeria. “We are hopeful that after our study we are going to use the mobile van to tackle fake and counterfeit products,” she said. However, she said that the agenc

APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi, has dismissed insinuations of any dispute between Gov. Atiku Bagudu and his predecessor, Sen. Adamu Aliero. The Chairman of the APC Elders Committee, Alhaji Sani Zauro, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, on Monday, that the speculations were the handiwork of mischief makers and dissenters within the party. The former and present governors had maintained a cordial relationship aimed at improving the fortunes of the party,’’ he added. He said the governor and his predecessor were working in harmony to ensure that the party wins future elections to further unite the party, adding that “mischief makers have no place in the APC”. Zauro said the party would introduce modalities to ensure unity and respect for leadership as well as work towards the attainment of more victories in the future. He said the elders’ committee had met with Bagudu and would implement strategies that could improve the welfare of members. The APC chairman, therefor

Dr Adesola Adedayo Former Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Dr Adesola Adedayo has allegedly absconded after shunning the invitations of two committees of the Lagos State House of Assembly. Dr Adedayo reportedly fled to Canada days after he refused to honour the invitation by the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Government as well as that of the Local Government Administration. The two committees had summoned him to answer questions concerning a petition from the local government about how he allegedly took over government properties. Some of these properties were allocated to the LCDA after it was carved out of Apapa Local Government. He was also to answer questions relating to graft as exposed by a report of the state auditor-general. Members of the committee said the former council chairman only kept them waiting for hours on the days he was supposed to appear. “He did not even send a message to excuse himself or give us reasons why h

Unilever Nigeria Plc The Federal Ministry of Health on Monday announced its partnership with Unilever Nigeria Plc to promote good dental care and enhance oral hygiene education in the country. Prof. Isaac Adewole, the Minister of Health, made this known in Abuja while briefing newsmen as part of the activities to commemorate 6th edition of the National Oral Health Week. The minister also signed a memorandum of understanding with Unilever Nigeria Ltd. on behalf of the ministry. Adewole said that the company had accepted to undertake the initiative to provide facilities to 10 million school children across the country through the Pepsodent School Oral Health Initiative, in collaboration with the ministry. He said that the partnership had a far-reaching effect on Nigerians to promote proper habits for oral hygiene and encourage schools and families to play a role in their children’s oral health. He said that the partnerships would promote quality assurance, patient satisfaction an

FILE PHOTO: A 14-year-old girl holding her baby. The Federal Government in Abuja on Monday announced plans to launch a campaign to end child marriage and other related harmful traditional practices in the country. The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan said this during a media briefing. Alhassan said the move was borne out of the resolution by African leaders to end child marriage during the 25th African Union Ordinary Session of Heads of State in June 2015. She said the leaders also resolved to take practical steps in addressing the issues of child marriage and other harmful traditional practices. “One of the first practical steps is a vigorous campaign to end child marriage which will be launched tomorrow Nov. 29 at the Sheraton Hotel. “Global communities and Nigeria, in particular, are increasingly recognizing child marriage as a serious challenge, both as a violation of human rights and a hinderance to key developmental outcomes,’’ she sai

National Youth Service Corp members The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expelled a young man from its orientation camp in Nasarawa State for presenting a fake call up letter. Mrs. Habiba Bappah, NYSC Coordinator in Nasarawa State, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen at the Orientation Camp in Dan Yamusa. Bappah also told newsmen shortly after a brief swearing-in ceremony for 2016 Batch B corps members that the suspect had been handed over to the police. She said that the man, who posed as a prospective corps member, arrived at the camp on Thursday with a fake call-up letter which was not found on the NYSC system. “He came with a fake up call up letter and he has been handed over to the police. “The good thing is that we have a biometric system of registration. By the time he thumb-printed and we checked, he had no data,” she said. According to her, the biometric system of registration has helped in exposing many frauds. She said that three other persons were a

Nigeria-police The Police in Plateau say they have arrested three persons in Kapil village of Chip District in Pankshin Local Government over the alleged killing of a 26-year old man, Mr. Chinme Daniel. Mr. Tyeopev Terna, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), for the Police Command in the state, confirmed the arrest of the suspects in Jos on Monday. The command’s image maker said that the arrest of the suspects, whose names remained withheld, followed a complaint lodged by a family of the deceased, Mr. Lawi Dabwen. “We have the three suspects in our custody and we shall try them before a law court, even though we are still investigating the incident,” Terna said. He said that the three suspects, who reside at Kapil village, were alleged to have committed the crime 6.00 a.m of Nov. 25 in the area. The PPRO called on members of the public to be conscious of the activities of criminally minded persons and alert the police whenever they suspected any strange movement. This h

FUNAAB logo The Ogun High Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, on Monday granted bail to the Bursar of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Moses Ilesanmi, standing trial over alleged financial crimes. Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi admitted the bursar to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum. Majekodunmi ordered that one of the sureties must have a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and must deposit the title documents with the court. She also ordered that the sureties must be on Grade Level 15 and above in the Ogun State Civil Service. Majekodunmi directed that Ilesanmi should be remanded in prison custody pending perfection of his bail terms. She adjourned the case till Dec. 16 for substantive trial. Ilesanmi was arraigned on Friday alongside the university’s Vice Chancellor, Olusola Oyewole, and pro-chancellor, Adeseye Ogunlewe. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the trio on an 18-count charge of

Students Nigerians have lost over N900 billion in examination fees to exam malpractice in the last 20 years, according to Exam Ethics Marshal International (EEMI), an NGO. Mr. Ike Onyechere, the Chairman of the organization, said this while fielding questions on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum on Sunday in Abuja. He said that exam malpractice had become an organized criminal activity controlled by syndicates who, when caught, are not punished. “The exam bodies have organized exams for 84 million candidates from 1996 till now; of that 84 million candidates, you (exam bodies) have cancelled 9.9 million results. “Now if you want to talk in monetary terms, having cancelled those results, if you calculate the exam fees that were lost, you are talking about N900 billion lost and nothing happened. “Exam malpractice has become an organized criminal activity controlled by syndicates like money laundering syndicates, kidnapping syndicates and so on. “The only difference is that e

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has inaugurated a modern automated car park at the Domestic Terminal 1 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. FAAN’s Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, disclosed this in a statement she released to newsmen on Monday. The statement said that the facility, inaugurated by the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr Saleh Dunoma, would curb leakages and boost FAAN’s revenue base. “This modern facility is uniquely designed to ensure that parking fees are paid at the payment booths by its end-users before they exit the car park unlike in the past when they were paying at the entry point. “This facility also has a special billing system which is programmed to give the end-users the exact amount for time spent at the parking lots,” it said. The statement said that it would automatically eliminate long queues, reduce traffic, speed up passenger and vehicular movements at the landside of the termina

APC The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra has congratulated the Ondo State Governor-elect, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on his victory in Saturday’s governorship election. The party, in a statement by its state Publicity Secretary, Mr Okelo Madukaife, described Akeredolu’s victory as “prosperous” for Ondo State and the people. “We have always pictured that victory was a whiff away for Ondo, for salaries of workers and for discipline in governance. “Our party chose the right candidate and as well had the right mission for governance. “We urge Akeredolu, in the spirit of our party’s understanding of governance, to translate his campaign policies, particularly as they affect agriculture and other productive sectors that have been ignored before now. “The victory should stand as warning against the idea of profiting from fractionalization of political parties,” it said. It regretted that the illegality of fictionalising a political party during elections started in Ana

Suicide Rope The Kwara Police Command on Monday says it has arrested five suspects who allegedly strangulated a widow on her farm at Chikanda in Baruten Local Government Area of the state. The command’s spokesman, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the arrest in Ilorin. Florence Ede, a mother of four, was on Thursday strangulated by unknown persons on her rice farm at the Kwara border town. The suspects also stole her money and 12 bags of rice she had just harvested. Okasanmi said the suspects would be paraded before the media on Thursday. “Yes we have arrested five of them; the vehicle and the rice had be recovered,” he said. The police spokesman said that the leader of the group was, however, at large, adding that his father had been arrested to assist the police in tracking him down.

Lufthansa airlines: strike paralyses operations German pilots union VC has announced further strikes at Lufthansa (LHAG.DE) for Tuesday and Wednesday after fresh talks at the end of a four-day walkout failed to settle their long-running pay dispute. VC board member Joerg Handwerg said in a statement on Monday in Frankfurt. “Unfortunately the high-level talks that took place today at short notice failed to produce a result. “There is still no negotiable offer from Lufthansa regarding the compensation of pilots, which means industrial action needs to continue. “The latest round of strikes will affect short-haul flights on Tuesday, Nov. 29, and short- and long-haul flights out of Germany on Wednesday, Nov. 30,’’ Handwerg said Lufthansa said it would have a special flight schedule by Monday, 1400 CET (8.00 a.m. ET/1300 GMT), adding it is disappointed by VC’s move. Recently, Lufthansa had to cancel nearly 2,800 flights during a four-day strike from Nov. 23 that affected over 350,00

Nigerian-army The Chief of Army staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said the Nigerian Army was planning to establish a command secondary school with boarding facilities in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi. Gen. Buratai, who was on a working visit to the state, also told Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, in Birnin Kebbi that the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps (NAEC) would construct the bridge linking Shema and Bakoshi in Zuru Local Government Area. He said the proposed Army command secondary school in the state would be the second to be established nationwide. The COAS said the project was to ensure that the Nigerian Army sustain the cordial relationship with the Army friendly state governments and promote the educational development of youths in the area. He assured the state government that the Nigerian Army would execute the projects professionally. Buratai also commended the state government for reposing confidence in the Nigerian Army in its efforts at securing the territorial in

physically-challenged Prof. Mathew Sule, Chairman of Plateau Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB) says physically challenged students will now be involved in public primary schools’ sports competition to widen their horizon. Sule made this known on Monday in Jos. According to him, the measure is part of the initiatives to ensure inclusiveness for the special group. He said that the last competitions held earlier in the year showcased talents in different sports and enhanced the selection of those to represent the state in bigger sports platforms. “ The all public primary school competitions involve sports, debate, essay writing, arts and craft exhibitions earlier in the year and it was last organised in 1990. “ It is a great opportunity for our young children to showcase their sports talents, one of the best footballers during the event was picked to play for an under- 13 Football Club in Nigeria.’’ Sule said that the preparation for the 2017 competition had since begun and c

Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State Mr Issa Aremu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile and Garment Workers of Nigeria, on Monday urged ex-governor Adams Oshiomhole to shun the N200 million pension approved for him by the Edo State Assembly. Aremu made the appeal in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Kaduna. “Following the trend in other states, the Edo assembly recently approved a pension benefit for a residential building worth N200million for immediate past governor of the state, while N100 million was approved for his Deputy among other benefits. “We appeal to former Governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to make a positive difference by not collecting the life pension benefit as approved by the state assembly. “Comrade Oshiomhole had beaten the governors to good governance as evidenced by his globally acknowledged record of achievements as governor of Edo state. “He should therefore not join the former gov

Akeredolu after winning in his polling booth Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State on Monday sent congratulatory message to the state’s Governor-elect, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola, made available in Akure, Mimiko said “it behoves on me as Governor of Ondo State to congratulate the Governor-elect, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) and wish him success in the challenging task of governing our dear state.” The Ondo State governor added that “it is incumbent upon me as Governor to facilitate smooth transition between my government and the incoming one. I will, to this end, provide the ambience for a smooth and seamless transition process.” While promising to continue to provide leadership to the state until the takeover date, Mimiko expressed appreciation to the people of the state. He added that “I use this medium to express my sincere appreciation to all our citizens for the very peaceful manner in which they conducted themselves th

imported-rice Agricultural stakeholders in Ebonyi have called for caution on the State Government’s planned ban of the sales of imported rice in its markets and other sales’ outlets. Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi recently announced the ban on the sales of foreign rice in the state though remarking that the implementation was yet to commence. Umahi said that he would personally lead a State Executive Council task force to carry out the order while sellers of the produce would provide certification of its quality. Also, the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, during a recent visit to the state in company with the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, had commended Umahi for the decision. Ogbeh said then that the Ebonyi Government had shown enough commitment by ensuring massive production of rice and promised to assist the state with agricultural equipment such as : rice harvesters, threshers and par- boiling drums. However, a rice dealer, Mr Basil Ekeleme, in Ebonyi Loca

NSCDC Operatives Lack of office accommodation is a major problem affecting operations of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Crops (NSCDC) in Niger State. Mr. Philip Ayuba, the state Commandant of the Corps, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday. “We have been operating in a residential area due to lack of office accommodation since inception. “We wrote several letters to the state government soliciting office accommodation to enable us to operate effectively, but no response had been received so far. “We required a befitting office accommodation to enable us to fashion out the blueprint to confront the present security challenges in the state,” he said. He said that there was no way the corps could operate effectively while operating from a three-bed room flat.

rape For alleged defilement of his neighbour’s daughter, a 37-year-old trader was on Monday docked before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court. The accused, Jimoh Jibunor, who lives at Opeloyeru St., Idimu, Lagos, is facing one-count charge of defilement. The Prosecutor, Insp. Simeon Inuoha, told the court that the offence was committed on Nov. 4 at the accused residence. “The accused sent the 10-year-old girl on an errand and at her return, he shut the door and defiled her,’’ he said. The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs B. O Osunsanmi, granted the accused N400, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum. She adjourned the case to Jan. 30 for mention.

Zimbabwe ‘bond notes’ Zimbabwe on Monday launched a new currency, issuing 10 million dollar of ‘bond notes’ that the authorities hope will ease a severe cash crunch. However, critics fear it will erase their savings less than a decade after a hyper-inflationary economic meltdown. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) first announced the plan in May to address chronic cash shortages and supplement the dwindling U.S. dollars that have been in circulation for the past seven years. However, the announcement triggered a run on the banks as Zimbabweans tried to empty their accounts of hard currency. The notes have also fueled some of the largest protests in a decade against President Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s leader since independence 36 years ago, and led to suggestions they could cause the 92-year-old’s downfall. A 36-year-old street hawker Tennison Tigere, said she have bought airtime and just wanted to try to purchase something from one of the big supermarkets. Tigere said shortly

mosquito bed nets The National Malaria Booster Control (NMBC) programme has distributed 3,500-insecticide-treated mosquito nets to school pupils in Kirikasamma Local Government Area of Jigawa. Alhaji Abdullahi Sirajo, the Desk Officer in charge of the programme in the area, told newsmen on Monday in the town that pupils of both the primary and post basic schools benefitted from the exercise. Sirajo said that the nets were provided free to the pupils, adding that additional nets would be distributed to mothers and households. He added that the state government had earlier distributed malarial drugs and test kits to health facilities in the area. Sirajo said that the gesture was to enhance treatment of the disease and encourage quality healthcare delivery at the grassroots. “The government, in collaboration with the NMBC, has been creating awareness on the use of the nets, ensure effective case management and promote good sanitation to control the disease in the state,” he said.

A cross section of lawmakers at the national assembly A senior legislative aide has collapsed and died at the entrance of the National Assembly. Attempts by medical personnel at the National Assembly, who rushed to his aide in an ambulance, to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. Punch reports that the Grade Level 16 worker was on his way to obtain a pass for medical services at the National Assembly clinic when he slumped. More details soon…

iroko-tv Nollywood is making an inroad into the European market with “iRoko Cable TV”, the biggest digital distributor of Nollywood films, creating a new channel in the U.K. Damilare Ogunmowo, the Public Relations Officer of Quadrant Company, a public relations outfit made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Lagos. The statement said that The CNN Marketplace Africa organised a programme in London to celebrate the launch and meeting of actors and filmmakers in Nigeria’s film industry in the U.K. It said that Jason Njoku, the owner of iRoko Cable TV, Africa’s largest distributor of Nigerian movies, noted that “there are billions of black Africans in the world. “I think we have not even gone as far as we would love to go on this journey to actually connect with those black communities. “First and foremost, it is about grabbing people’s attention and making them to fall in love with the channel. “Making sure the stories resonate, making sure we are grounded in the reality o

iroko-tv Nollywood is making an inroad into the European market with “iRoko Cable TV”, the biggest digital distributor of Nollywood films, creating a new channel in the U.K. Damilare Ogunmowo, the Public Relations Officer of Quadrant Company, a public relations outfit made the disclosure in a statement on Monday in Lagos. The statement said that The CNN Marketplace Africa organised a programme in London to celebrate the launch and meeting of actors and filmmakers in Nigeria’s film industry in the U.K. It said that Jason Njoku, the owner of iRoko Cable TV, Africa’s largest distributor of Nigerian movies, noted that “there are billions of black Africans in the world. “I think we have not even gone as far as we would love to go on this journey to actually connect with those black communities. “First and foremost, it is about grabbing people’s attention and making them to fall in love with the channel. “Making sure the stories resonate, making sure we are grounded in the reality o

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje The Kano State Government has donated four vehicles to the Global Partnership for Education to enable the organization to carry out its duties more effectively in the state. The Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, said in Kano on Monday that the vehicles were provided to assist the project coordinator his team members to reach selected areas for the programme implementation. Abubakar, also the state Commissioner for Education, said that the donated vehicles were two Hilux, a Toyota Corolla and a bus. He urged the team to make good use of the vehicles and ensure that every child in the state would receive quality basic education under the programme. Responding, the Project Coordinator, Dr. Tunde Adekola, thanked the Kano State Government for the gesture. Adekola said that under the project, five states – Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara – were among the first batch of beneficiaries of the partnership. He said that the donation

CIBN Mr Segun Ajibola, President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), has called for utilisation of the forthcoming World Conference of Banking Institutes (WCBI) to attract foreign investments. The CIBN president made the call in Lagos on Monday. Ajibola said that WCBI slated to hold in April, 2017 in Lagos, would be an avenue to showcase the investment potential of Nigeria, particularly, Lagos State. Ajibola said: “The conference holds a great potential in that it will attract more direct foreign investments to the state. “Since it is a biennial global forum, it will bring professionals from the banking and finance industry, training providers and relevant stakeholders. “It will also be an opportunity to showcase the hospitality potential and rich cultural heritage of the state. “This automatically will further improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state as a tourism destination of choice.’’ Ajibola commended the state Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambo

Nigeria Customs Service Mr Uche Ejesieme, the Public Relations Officer, Tin-Can Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), has advised freight forwarders and shippers to avoid demurrage by desisting from false declaration of cargoes. Ejesieme gave the advice on Monday in Lagos. The Customs spokesmen described demurrage as a “whirlwind that blows no one any good.’’ “There is need for us to check arrangements that tend to induce demurrage and save our country the much-needed investment capital. “Most Customs agents and shippers try to cut corners by false declaration of cargoes, thereby exposing their cargoes to undue delays that lead to demurrage,’’ Ejesieme said. He said that monies paid as demurrage by the shippers (importers and exporters) to foreign shipping operators found their way out of the country. Ejesieme advised shippers and their representatives to help in trade facilitation by making genuine declaration of cargoes. “It is not to our (Customs) advantage that

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Chief Godwin Obla have been arraigned before the Lagos High Court, Ikeja for alleged bribery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The duo were arraigned before Justice T. Oshodi. Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo is the prosecuting EFCC counsel while Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia is being represented by Mr. Wale Akoni (SAN). Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN) is representing Obla. Details later.

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman, said the traffic gridlock in Apapa had affected access into the ports and killing trade facilitation programme of government. According to a statement by NPA on Monday in Lagos, Usman said this at a stakeholders meeting held in her office. She said that the bad access roads into Apapa was killing the trade facilitation programme of the government and had affected the smooth delivery of cargoes to importers. “NPA is not happy that all modalities and measures adopted so far have not translated into quick cargo movement in and out of the ports,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the managing director as saying. She told the stakeholders that a positive action would be taken by the NPA in the interest of all and the economy. Usman told the stakeholders that “the quick rehabilitation of the road remains a priority to her team to reposition the ports and salvage the economy’’. She received the report on traf

Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Development The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Monday called for collaborative efforts by stakeholders in the creative industry to ensure protection of their intellectual property. Mohammed made the call in Abuja during the premiere of a movie, “My Name is Kadi’’, an entertaining love story intertwined with curbing corruption and child talent development. The movie, which was produced by Aisha Mohammed, starred artists like Blossom Chukwujekwu, Kenneth Okolie, Tina Mba, Sylvya Oluchy, Jide Bolarinwa and Josephine Ramos. The minister said the government was contributing its quota to curb piracy but there was need to engage the creative industry practitioners. “It is clear to the government that we must protect intellectual property of our artists. “We have laws already in place but some people are of the view that some of the laws are not even strong enough. “Like the penalty for pirating m

NSCDC operatives The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced sensitisation of Fulani herdsmen and farmers in Edo, as part of proactive methods to prevent conflict. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State Commandant of the Corps, Dr. Benito Eze, said during the event on Monday that they must adopt dialogue to settle any misunderstanding. Eze told the herdsmen to report to the appropriate authorities any issue that arose in the course of carrying out their legitimate businesses, rather than resorting to violence. According to him, the NSCDC has established a specialized unit to promptly intervene in cases involving farmers and the herdsmen. The commandant express happiness that there had been no report of any clash between herdsmen and farmers in the state. He assured that the corps would also engage farmers, to promote peaceful co-existence in the state. Eze blamed reports of clashes in some parts of the country to communication breakdown