Global Naija Info

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Outgoing UN Scribe, Ban Ki-moon, said on Friday that he had more regrets leaving office after a two-term tenure than celebrations. Ban, who made the remarks during his final press briefing as secretary-general, with the UN Correspondents, emphasised his sadness over the ongoing hot-beds around the world. “I regret leaving so much for my predecessor but I’m urging that we should do more to come to agreement on finding solutions to humanity problems,” Ban said. He, however, noted some notable achievements during his tenure, pointing out the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement and the Women Inclusiveness in UN appointments. “We are living in era of turmoil and challenges. The world leaders have shown commitment through adopting 2030 agenda and 17 sustainable development goals that cover every aspect of humanity. “If we can achieve that, then the world would be a better place to live. “On Climat

File photo: Some Arik Air passengers stranded in Lagos Arik Air on Friday alerted passengers of worsening aviation fuel supply leading to flight delays and some cancellations at airports across the country. The airline made the announcement in a statement signed by its Communications Manager, Mr Ola Adebanji, in Lagos. The statement said the fuel scarcity which has been on for several days was becoming more intense. It said this was due to the inability of approved major fuel marketers to meet the demands of the airline, especially at this time when the maximum number of passengers were travelling for the yuletide. “Arik Air, the largest airline operator, has been operating over 100 daily flights and therefore experiences a larger impact of this scarcity, compared to other airlines. “The airline requires a daily supply of approximately 500,000 litres for its operations but it has been getting between 180,000 and 200,000 over the past 10 days, which has severely impacted the sche

The results of 13,488 private candidates, out of the 172,699 who sat for the 2016 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), have been withheld. Mr Olu Adenipekun, Head of National Office (HNO) of the WAEC, announced this while releasing results of the Nov/Dec diet of the examination on Friday in Lagos. Adenipekun said the results were withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice. According to him, the results withheld represent 7.81 per cent of the total number of candidates who sat for the examination. He said that the cases of malpractices were being investigated and that reports of the investigations would be presented to the appropriate committee of the council in due course, for consideration. The HNO added that the committee’s decision would be communicated to the affected candidates thereafter. Giving a further breakdown of the results, Adenipekun said that 176,621 candidates registered for the examination, out of which 172,699 sa

Super Falcons during a training session The Nigeria Football Federation says it has started paying players and officials of the Super Falcons their outstanding allowances after receiving the money from the Federal Government on Friday. This is according to a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s spokesman and made available in Abuja. The statement quoted NFF’s Head of Women’s Football, Ruth David as saying, “the bank accounts of the players and officials are being credited as we speak. “They will all receive credit alerts of the monies due to them, as released by the government, before the end of the day.” The monies were for the Super Falcons’ participation at the 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals, which the team won after defeating hosts Cameroon 1-0 in the final in Yaounde on 3rd December. Olajire said the money released by the Federal Government included allowances due to players and officials of the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Alger

Justice Walter Onnoghen, acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the dismissal of Justice Ugbo Ononogbo of the Abia State High Court of Justice. This is contained in a statement signed by Acting Director of Information of the council, Mr Soji Oye, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja. Oye said the council also recommended the compulsory retirement from office of Justice Nasir Gummi of Zamfara State High Court of Justice with immediate effect. He said the decision was taken at the council’s 80th meeting held between Dec. 14 and Dec.16. He said Ononogbo was recommended for dismissal to the Governor of Abia State, pursuant to findings on petition brought against him by Mr Urum UdensiIfegwu. Oye said the Judge in Suit No: HOH/25/2013, Mrs Nnenna Enweliku and 4 Ors Vs Udensi Dike Udensi and 2 Ors made a blanket Order for the payment of unascertained amount as Estate fee. According to Oye, the fee which is from the Access

Pastor William Kumuyi, General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church The General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), Pastor William Kumuyi, has pulsed from his national outreaches, which have taken him to almost all the states of the Federation, for the December Retreat, which the leadership says will be unprecedented in the history of the church. The 75-year-old man, with his 71-year old wife, Esther, had, since the beginning of this year, undertaken what was described in some quarters as peerless outreaches, which, sometimes, had propelled him to embark on a six-hour journey by road. The cleric himself has declared that such exploits would continue until his strength and health could no longer carry him. The explanation, which Kumuyi could offer about his unprecedented outreaches in states and regions that had recorded many signs and wonders, was that it was to keep faith with the command by “our Lord Jesus Christ to go into all the world and preach

Botosea Botosoft Technologies, an award-winning Nigerian security solutions company, has launched the world’s most advanced anti-counterfeiting technology, Botoseal(TM). The new document security solution was unveiled at the 20th Annual Conference of the United Kingdom National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) held at Victoria Park Plaza, London, United Kingdom recently. The launch had in attendance representatives from recruitment agencies, examination bodies, academics, assessment institutions and security agencies from across the world. Speaking at the launch, Agbeyo Tolulope, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Botosoft Technologies said, “Botosoft Technologies prides itself on a culture of making life easy. The company recognises that forgery is rampant because document verification is difficult; if verifications were made easy, forgery would be contained and eventually eradicated.” According to him, with the prevailing problems associated with document security in organi

The burnt motorbikes A fire and some small explosions broke out at a filling station in Vietnam on Friday, burning some 20 motorbikes and many garment shops. When a tank truck was transferring petrol to the basin of the filling station on Quang Trung Road in Go Vap District, the fire happened unexpectedly, and rapidly spread to nearby garment shops and a motorbike parking lot. The fierce fire made the filling station’s staff and residents in the neighbourhood to flee on fear of big explosions. Report says dozens of fire fighters rushed in and extinguished the fire. A total of 2,872 fires and explosions broke out across Vietnam in the first 11 months of this year, killing 115 people and injuring 258 others, said the country’s Fire Prevention and Fighting Department.

Anofiu Elegushi The Lagos State Government has condemned the brutal murder of the Apapa Zonal Commander of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Surajudeen Olatunji Bakare by irate mob in Lagos on Thursday and vowed to prosecute the killers if found. The government described the killing as one too many and described the killers as‘blood thirsty hounds who parade themselves as purveyors of transportation.’ Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi at a press conference on Friday said “we have not just come here to announce a death. But we are here to state that this death is one too many.” “It is one instance of several where Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officials are given raw deals either by the people they are meant to serve or police and military Officers. This must stop,” he said. Elegushi explained that eyewitness account revealed that LASTMA vehicle did not kill anyone, saying it was the driver of the tanker that ki

Justice Walter Onnoghen, acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walters Onnoghen on Friday urged Justices of the Court of Appeal to shun corruption. The acting CJN gave the charge on the occasion of 2016 Court of Appeal Justices conference in Abuja. Onnoghen said the recent unprecedented assault on the judiciary called for self-examination and purging of consciences of judicial officers. “As traumatic as the recent assault on some judges may have been, it should be seen as an opportunity for the judicial officers to re-affirm their commitment to the rule of law,’’ he said. He said judicial officers must, however, continue to uphold the tenets of independence of the judiciary with integrity and fairness in the discharge of their official functions. “In performing those functions, however, we must resist external intimidation. Judges should refrain from taking wrong decisions or steps as such decisions have far reaching consequence

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says the country’s unemployment rate has risen from 13.3 per cent in the 2nd quarter to 13.9 per cent in the 3rd quarter of 2016. This is contained in the Unemployment/Under-employment Report for 3rd Quarter of 2016, released by the NBS on Friday in Abuja. The report stated that the number of unemployed in the labour force increased by 555,311 persons. According to the report, the underemployment rate rose from 19.3 per cent in second quarter to 19.7 per cent in the third quarter. The report said that unemployment covered persons (aged 15–64) who during the reference period were currently available for work, actively seeking for work but were without work. Underemployment, however, occurs when a person works less than full time hours, which is 40 hours, but work at least 20 hours on average a week. It explained that underemployment could also happen if a person works full time but are engaged in an activity that under utilises his skills, t

Naira The Naira on Friday fell at the parallel market as dollar scarcity worsened ahead of the Christmas season. The Nigerian currency exchanged at N487 to a dollar, from N485 it had maintained for close to two weeks, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro closed at N605 and N510 respectively. At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the Naira closed at N399 to a dollar, CBN controlled rate, while the Pound Sterling and the Euro traded at N606 and N515 respectively. The Naira remained stable at the inter-bank market, trading at N305 to a dollar. Traders said that the demand for dollars was putting pressure on the Naira.

Etisalat Logo The active users of telecommunications services in the country stand at 153.51 million in October, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said. The telecommunications industry regulator made this known in its Monthly Subscriber/Operator Data, obtained on Friday in Lagos. The reports stated that of the GSM operators, MTN had 60,982,487 users in October, which increased by 423,918, against 60,558,569 recorded in September. Globacom figure increased in October by 150,280, giving a total of 37,117,992 customers as against 36,967,712 in September. Airtel had 32,775,916 subscribers in the month under review, which were same users recorded in September. Etisalat, however, recorded a reduction in customers by 324,485, giving a customer base of 22,210,315 as against 22,534,800 users in September. The report revealed that the active telecommunications services customers increased by 214,572 in October, as against the figure in September which stood at 153,299,535.

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal by ex-governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa, seeking reinstatement to complete his tenure of office. Nyako was on July 15, 2014, impeached as governor of the state after spending three of the four years in office. Delivering the judgment, Justice Tanko Muhammad led the seven-man panel to hold that the appeal was lacking in merit. “This court agrees with the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal that declared Nyako’s removal from office as illegal. “We also hold onto the decision of the lower court that fails to reinstate the appellant because of the special facts of the case,’’ he said. Muhammad said the appeal had to fail because Nyako’s counsel compromised the case at the lower court when he withdrew the prayer seeking the ex-governor’s reinstatement. “There could be no ground of appeal when a litigant’s case was compromised by his or her counsel and on that score alone the appeal has to fai

Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe It is indeed true that ‘Silence in the midst of adversity does not represent peace, but fear’. Such a ‘fear’ is carried out by members of President Mugabe’s Liberation Movement, Zimbabwe African Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF). Their fear to stand up against the thirty-six years ruler has reached disturbing levels. This former liberation movement is failing the people of Zimbabwe. In Tanzania, merged former liberation movement Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) post their independence have been able to stay in power and continuous to periodically provide their people with new leaders. The same can be said about Mozambique’s Liberation Front (FRELIMO) and South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC). Perhaps members of ZANU-PF have never heard of Zambia’s United National Independence Party (UNIP). A former liberation movement which today seats on opposition benches, they too allowed a leader to overstay in power. Eventually their people got

FILE PHOTO: Illegal Immigrants Mrs Funke Adeuyi, Comptroller of Cross River Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says NIS has repatriated 769 illegal immigrants who gain entry into the state without valid travelling documents. She said that the illegal immigrants were repatriated between January 2016 and December 2016, they came into Nigeria without valid travelling documents. Adeuyi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Friday that the illegal immigrants were arrested at different border posts and brought to the command’s headquarters in Calabar. She explained that the command did a thorough profiling of the immigrants and found out that some of them did not have valid travelling documents needed to gain entrance into Nigeria. The comptroller said that during the period under review, 39 immigrants were denied entry into Nigeria based on lack of valid travelling documents and other related reasons. “Also during the year under review, about 39 immigrant

Prof. Alfred Makanjuola, a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, has warned Nigerians to guard against putting themselves under stress. He said that this could develop into mental illness in them if not checked. Makanjuola spoke on Friday in a paper presentation entitled: “Mental Health in a Dwindling Economy”. It was at the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) 2016 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Ilorin, Kwara. According to him, people in the country are facing a deluge of problems emanating from genetic factors, environmental factors as well as economic and societal factors. The expert postulated that there was a correlation between the steady rise in mental illness and the dwindling economy, especially, as the country is currently in recession. Makanjuola described mental health as the state of well-being where an individual realizes his or her abilities and can cope with normal

Multi-talented music star, Chidinma has once again reflected her amazing versatility with the release of a new single, ‘For You’ dedicated to the Christmas celebrations. Produced by Mystro, For You is a thrilling fusion of amazing vocals and Yoruba traditional vibes. For You is an amazing euphony of Gangan (talking drums) and horns to celebrate Christmas! Chidinma Ekile ( Chidinma) is a contemporary Afro pop singer, songwriter, performer, recording artiste since 2011 and has so far worked with distinguished artistes like Sound Sultan, Illbliss, Wizkid , Flavour Banky W, Tha Suspect and international acts like Awilo and Toofan. Following her amazing performance at the 2010 edition of MTN Project fame, the beautiful singer emerged winner and promptly began her music career signed to Illbliss management company, Goretti Company. Over the years, Chidinma’s music career has grown in leaps and bounds as the singer has won a good number of prestigious awards including the KORA, NMVA to me

prison A Kaduna State High Court on Friday sentenced one Sunday Oppa to one year imprisonment and N10,000 fine for parading himself as a medical doctor. Oppa, of No. 8 Future Road, Ungwan Rimi, Kaduna, was on April 12 dragged before Justice Gideon Kurada by the Kaduna State Government on a two-count charge of impersonation and culpable homicide. He was accused of parading himself as a medical doctor on or before Feb. 4, 2015, while not registered as one. He, thereafter, treated one George Ayuba of Sarkin Pawa Road, Bayan Dutse Kaduna, for cancer and accepted payments for same. Counsel to the state Government, Mr Suwam Stephen, said that the offence was punishable by law under section 17 (5)(b) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap M8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. Oppa was equally accused of administering wrong drugs on Ayuba, an act that could have caused his death with the full knowledge that he (Ayuba) was not suffering from cancer. He was, therefore,

A 25-year-oldman, Jimoh Oyekanmi, was on Friday arraigned in an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing fish. Oyekanmi is facing a one-count charge of theft of fish. The Prosecutor, Insp Fagboyinbo Abiodun, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Thursday at about 11.a.m. at Ofatedo area of Osogbo. Abiodun said Oyekanmi broke into the house of one Hammed Oyeniye to steal the fish valued at about N50,000 before he was apprehended in the act. He said the offence contravened Section 30 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2003. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. The defence counsel, Mrs. Bose Adeyinka, prayed the court to grant her client bail on liberal terms. The Magistrate, Mr. Olusola Aluko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 and two sureties in like sum. Aluko said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must show evidence of tax payments. They must also present t

Multi-talented music star, Chidinma has once again reflected her amazing versatility with the release of a new single, ‘For You’ dedicated to the Christmas celebrations. Produced by Mystro, For You is a thrilling fusion of amazing vocals and Yoruba traditional vibes. For You is an amazing euphony of Gangan (talking drums) and horns to celebrate Christmas! Chidinma Ekile ( Chidinma) is a contemporary Afro pop singer, songwriter, performer, recording artiste since 2011 and has so far worked with distinguished artistes like Sound Sultan, Illbliss, Wizkid , Flavour Banky W, Tha Suspect and international acts like Awilo and Toofan. Following her amazing performance at the 2010 edition of MTN Project fame, the beautiful singer emerged winner and promptly began her music career signed to Illbliss management company, Goretti Company. Over the years, Chidinma’s music career has grown in leaps and bounds as the singer has won a good number of prestigious awards including the KORA, NMVA to me

Governor Nasiru El-Rufai The Kaduna State Government has officially launched its door-to-door revenue and waste collection, an initiative designed to ensure the evacuation of waste from points of generation to dumpsites. The initiative is also expected to generate revenue for the government and create jobs for the teeming youths in the state. Speaking at the launch of the initiative in Kaduna, Ms. Abiola Bashorun, the Managing Director, Zoom Lion Global Alliance Nigeria Limited, said that it seeks to encourage the people of the state to develop a good culture of waste management. Bashorun said that the token levy to be paid by the residents would be utilized judiciously for effective service delivery to all and sundry through the provision of basic infrastructure. According to her, the pioneer personnel have been well trained for the job and 1,500 will be engaged to enhance service delivery. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Malam Shehu Bala

Bags of rice The smuggling of rice through the land borders has continued to thrive in Badagry area of Lagos State in spite of the Federal Government’s ban on the practice. Markets along Badagry Expressway close to Seme border, are stocked with various varieties of smuggled rice, especially as the Christmas season approaches. A smuggler, who identified himself as Sunday Egeseme, was seen unloading bags of rice from his car at Alaba Rago Market in Okokomaiko area of Lagos. He described the business as “lucrative’’. “We are messengers to the main owners of the goods who are in the Seme border. “Transporting rice from Seme to customers in various location of the town is a fast moving business with good returns,’’ Egeseme said. He, however, declined to say the exact amount it cost to ferry a bag of the commodity. Egeseme, a driver, said that the Christmas period was the peak of the business as many families depended more on the consumption of rice. At Doyin Bus Stop market befor

imported-rice The smuggling of rice through the land borders has continued to thrive in Badagry area of Lagos State in spite of the Federal Government’s ban on the practice. Markets along Badagry Expressway close to Seme border, are stocked with various varieties of smuggled rice, especially as the Christmas season approaches. A smuggler, who identified himself as Sunday Egeseme, was seen offloading bags of rice from his car at Alaba Rago Market in Okokomaiko area of Lagos. He described the business as “lucrative’’. “We are messengers to the main owners of the goods who are in the Seme border. “Transporting rice from Seme to customers in various location of the town is a fast moving business with good returns,’’ Egeseme said. He, however, declined to say the exact amount it cost to ferry a bag of the commodity. Egeseme, a driver, said that the Christmas period was the peak of the business as many families depended more on the consumption of rice. At Doyin Bus Stop market befo

Nigerian soldiers Nigerian soldiers of the 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army deployed to rout Boko Haram from the dreaded Sambisa Forest in Borno State early Friday went on the rampage by turning against their officers and firing gunshots in all directions. People familiar with the matter said the troops complained of mistreatment and then began to shoot indiscriminately, threatening to kill any officer who stands on their way. “The brigade is based in Bama but is currently deployed at Bula Bello in Sambisa for Operation Rescue Final,” a military insider told PREMIUM TIMES. “But suddenly soldiers started mutinying at 6AM today, firing in all directions and threatening to pull out of the operation. “As some of them fire gunshots, some started preparing vehicles to move out of location. They also warned officers to steer clear or they would be shot dead. “They are saying their commanders have been treating them badly and telling them lies. As I speak to you, the firing is still goin

Christine Lagarde, IMF MD Defence lawyers for International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief, Christine Lagarde, have called for her acquittal on Friday, in their closing arguments before the court hands down a decision on Dec. 19. Lagarde, standing trial on negligence charges over an arbitration ruling passed down by a three-person panel when she was French finance minister, has denied wrongdoing. Prosecutors on Thursday said that they do not support a conviction against 60-year-old Lagarde. In 2015, the prosecutor’s office had already recommended dropping the case, but the court’s investigating committee decided to move forward. If she is found guilty, she could face up to a year in prison and a fine of 15,000 Euros. Arbitrators decided in 2008 to award 403 million Euros(419 million dollars) to business mogul Bernard Tapie after he sued over how state-owned Credit Lyonnais had handled a business sale. In February 2015, the Court of Appeal of Paris overturned the arbitration award i

NDLEA The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ekiti state command, has embarked on the raid of hideout of suspected drug dealers in the state. The State Commander of the agency, Mr Suleiman Jadi, ‎made the disclosure on Friday in Ado-Ekiti. Jadi said: “the agency is determined and committed to rid the state of dealers in cannabis and other illicit drugs. “That is why we have embarked on the raid of their hideout. “In spite of our sensitisation ‎programme against drug abuse, some people still indulge in the illicit business of buying and selling harmful drugs. “We have been arresting and prosecuting them to serve as deterrent to those who take and sell drugs on the street. “The agency is collaborating with the Nigeria Police to carry out the operation. “Officers of the NDLEA will not relent in their efforts to arrest and prosecute anyone caught mobilising or distributing illicit drugs within and outside Ado-Ekiti.” The commandant warned drug dealers, who are still hi

Mfom Udoh Mfom Udoh has been named Enyimba FC of Aba’s new captain, following Chinedu Udoji’s movement to Kano Pillars FC, ahead of the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. This is contained in a statement posted on the club’s website on Friday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the striker has become an integral part of the Peoples’ Elephant side since joining from Akwa United in 2013. According to the statement, “His appointment as skipper was appropriate as he is one of the oldest players in the team and has served the club well over the last few years. “Mfon emerged as the record NPFL goals scorer with 23 goals in a single season in the 2013-14 season and has also won the NPFL title and the Federation Cup with Enyimba. “He finished as the 2016 CAF Champions League top scorer with seven goals, as Enyimba reached the group stages of the championship,” it noted. NAN also reports that the 2017 NPFL season is expected to kick-off on Jan. 15 with

Sheikh-Ibraheem-El-Zakzaky, leader of Shiites in Kaduna Human Rights Watch says Nigerian authorities should end violent repression of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a minority Shia group, that began with a three-day lethal crackdown on December 12-14, 2015, and free its leader. Sheik Ibraheem El Zakzaky, leader of the IMN, and his wife, Zeenatudeen, have been detained without trial for a year. On December 12, 2015, the Nigerian Army used disproportionate force against the group’s street procession in Zaria, Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria to clear a route for the army chief’s convoy. In an ensuing three-day violent crackdown, the army killed 347 members of the group and injured and arrested scores more. The violence against the group continued in a series of episodes in October and November 2016. “The involvement of soldiers in the Zaria incidents, and subsequent police actions against the Islamic Movement raises major questions about Nigeria’s commitment to military r

Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) Mr. Habib Adamu, the new Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Sokoto Command, has assumed office. This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s spokesman, Mr. Shehu Marafa, and issued to newsmen on Friday in Sokoto. According to Marafa, Adamu took over from his predecessor, Mr. Abubakar Ahmad, who has now been promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller-General. He said the former Comptroller would be posted to Zone ”C” Command, Bauchi, where he will be in charge of Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Plateau and Gombe State Commands.

R-L: Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Speaker Dabo Adams and Former Minister of Transport, DrAbiye Sekibo with other Rivers people marching to the Rivers State Police Command to protest police brutality and killings in Port Harcourt on Thursday. Less 24 hours after Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State led a peaceful protest to the Police headquarters in Port Harcourt, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by Oji Ngofa, its Deputy National Chairman, also led a protest to the police headquarters on Friday, requesting police investigation of the state government. While Governor Wike called for the transfer of some senior police officers he accused of rigging the recently held rerun election for the All Progressives Congress (APC), the APC Deputy National Chairman asked the Rivers State Police Command to investigate those arrested for ballot box snatching, their sponsors in the last election and bring them to book. The APC p

President Muhammadu Buhari presenting budget to National Assembly Alhaji Aliyu Mustapha, Director, Research and Consultancy, Kano State Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industry and Agriculture (KACCIMA), says the 2017 budget is designed to put an end to recession. Mustapha told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kano, that the entire budget was fashioned out by the Federal Government to revive the ailing economy of Nigeria. “The plan by the government to revive the country’s rail system, the agriculture and other key sectors of the economy will assist in boosting the nation’s economy.” He commended the Federal Government for not including fertilizer’s subsidy in the budget, adding that the issue of subsidy is related to corruption. According to him, the implementation of such subsidy by the previous government has contributed to the current economic challenges in the country. “What we need is that the government should be honest and sincere to provide fertilizers for far

christian-pilgrims Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has urged the 77 Christian intending pilgrims from the state to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria while in the Holy Land. Addressing the contingent on Friday at Enugu, Ugwuanyi said that their prayers were most needed as the country strive to get out of the current economic recession. The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Gabriel Ajah, said that government had given the pilgrims the needed support. “We urge you to be of good behaviour while in the Holy Land and we will not want any of you to abscond. Go in peace and come back happily,” he said. Responding, the Chairman, Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Board, Rev. Fr. John Nwafor, thanked the government for making the pilgrimage possible in spite of the current economic uncertainties. Nwafor said that without the facilitation by the state government the exercise would not have been possible and assured that no pilgrim will ab

Jigawa-gov The Garingabas Local Health Committee in Malammadori Local Government Council of Jigawa has donated blood test kits worth more than N400, 000 to the Garin Gabas clinic. The Chairman of the committee, Malam Nura Mu’azu, made this known on Friday in Malammadori, while presenting the items to the Director, Primary Health Care Department of the council, Alhaji Lawan Garba. Mu’azu said the kits were donated in order to improve diagnostic and other medical services at the Garingabas clinic. The kits donated included body temperature and blood test kits. He said the donation was to complement government’s efforts toward improving healthcare at the grassroots. Mu’azu said the committee was working toward promoting community participation in the management of health facilities in the area. In a remark, Garba commended the committee for donating the kits. He said the kits would go a long way in improving healthcare in the area. The director called on expectant mothers to vi

President Muhammadu Buhari Biometric data capture of workers nationwide has blocked the siphoning of billions of naira of public funds by some civil servants. A nationwide survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria [NAN] reveals massive distortion of payrolls by civil servants who defraud governments through inclusion of fictitious names. In most of the states where the biometric verification was conducted, thousands of names of fictituous workers were found and expunged from the payrolls. Already, hundreds of civil servants discovered receiving multiple salaries are facing various disciplinary actions across the country. Stakeholders were unanimous that the application of technology in capturing the data of civil servants would eliminate the ghost worker syndrome. In Oyo State, the state government has so far expunged 16,532 workers and pensioners from its payroll. They were hitherto collecting multiple salaries, or involved in age falsification and other infractions. The