Global Naija Info

A truck ploughed into a crowded Christmas market in the German capital Berlin on Monday evening, killing nine people and injuring up to 50 others, police said. German media, citing police at the scene, said first indications pointed to an attack on the market, situated at the foot of the ruined Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, which was kept as a bombed-out ruin after World War Two. The incident evoked memories of an attack in France in July when Tunisian-born man drove a 19-tonne truck along the beach front, mowing down people who had gathered to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day, killing 86 people. The attack was claimed by Islamic State. The truck careered into the Berlin market at what would have been one of the most crowded times for the Christmas market, when adults and children would be gathering in the traditional cluster of wooden huts that sell food and Christmas goods. Berlin police said nine people were killed “I heard a big noise and then I moved on the Christmas mar

Chad’s President Idriss Deby The Chairman of the African Union (AU), Mr Idriss Deby, on Monday expressed full support for the decisions adopted by the ECOWAS Heads of State on the political situation in The Gambia. In a statement issued in Addis Ababa and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Abuja, Deby commended the Heads for their “principled stand with regards to the situation in The Gambia. He said the AU was in full support of the decisions reached at the meeting held in Abuja on Dec 16, including “the consideration to use all necessary means to ensure the respect of the will of the people of The Gambia.’’ “The Chairman of AU reaffirms its readiness to pursue and intensify coordination efforts with ECOWAS and the UN. “This is in order to facilitate the speedy and orderly transfer of power to the President-elect, including its full support to President Muhammadu Buhari, in his capacity as ECOWAS Mediator in The Gambia.’’ Deby, who is the President of Chad,

Beny Steinmetz Israeli billionaire Beny Steinmetz has been arrested on suspicion of corruption, police said on Monday. The diamond billionaire has been placed under house arrest until January 2, 2017, and has been forbidden from going into his office. The suspicions reportedly relate to deals made by Steinmetz’s company in the West African state of Guinea. Yuval Sassoon lawyer for the billionaire, said it was a recurrence of a previous suit brought by the Guinean government, according to Daily Newspaper Haaretz. Steinmetz’s firm BSG did not respond to the latest allegations. The suit was aimed at confiscating mining exploration rights previously won by BSG, he said. Security officials in the U. S., and Switzerland were also involved in the investigation into Steinmetz, police said.

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, Inspector General of Police Idowu Taiwo, Superintendent of Police attached to Ekiti State Police Command, has been murdered by unknown persons. The deceased was reported to have been initially kidnapped on Sunday night at a drinking joint in Ado Ekiti. His corpse was later found on Monday in a car in Ado Ekiti after a search for his whereabouts. A dependable Police source revealed that the late Taiwo was until his death, the Officer in Charge of Finance, commonly called OC MSS in the force’s parlance. According to the source, the motive for his murder is yet to be ascertained. The source however claimed that the deceased was at a relaxation joint not far from a police station at Ologede area of the state capital when the assailants stormed the place and took him away. He added that the corpse of the deceased was discovered in a car with his hands handcuffed. The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alberto Adeyemi, (SP) confirmed the incident in an int

Folashade Onanuga, LASPEC DG The Lagos State Government says it has paid N21.929 billion to 5,025 retirees as part of their accrued pension rights under thee Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS in the last one year. Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Benson Oke disclosed this on Monday at the 11th Retirement Benefit Documentation Seminar for intending retirees of the civil service in Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria. Oke disclosed that between August 2015 and November 2016, the government paid N21.929 billion to 5,025 retirees and that as at November 2016, the accrued pension rights of about N55.941 billion had been paid to 12,426 retirees by the state government since the commencement of payment of entitlements in the CPS dispensation. “The state government is also very much committed to the regular contribution of the monthly deduction of 7.5 percent from the salary of every employee and the employer’s 7.5 percent. As at October 2016, the total contributions

Gov. Ibikunle Amosun Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Monday reiterated his commitment to resuscitate the Gateway Hotel in Ota, Ogun. Amosun disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the First Shoprite Plaza situated at the Toll-Gate in Ota. According to Amosun, the resuscitation of the Gateway Hotel would complement the new Shoprite Plaza in bringing development to Sango-Ota, as well as the entire Ogun State, because of its proximity to Lagos State. He added that this would boost commerce and industrial activities in the area and also generate employment opportunities for youths in the state. “l am delighted that Ogun State has finally joined the states that have Shopping Malls, just like any other, in the world. “This development goes further to confirm our status as a mega-city, with things like this. Congratulations to Shoprite, congratulations to the Palms, the Chairman of the mall and so many others that will come to do business here,’’ Amosun said. He, however, ap

Russian Ambassador to Turkey The Russian Ambassador to Turkey, Andrey Karlov, has been shot and badly injured in Ankara while attending an art exhibition on Monday, state-broadcaster TRT reported. The ambassador was attacked shortly after giving an opening speech at the event, TRT said, adding that three shots were fired. Police have launched an operation in the area. Russia and Turkey patched up rocky relations over the summer and have recently been working together on the evacuations from Aleppo, despite supporting opposite sides in the Syrian civil war.

Pastor Sunday Adelaja At about the same time our church, the Embassy of God, that used to be called in the 90’s the Word of Faith Church was making its strides on the historical landscape of the former Soviet Union, paralleled out of nowhere, the name MMM hit the air waves. PONZI SCHEMES AND PYRAMIDS – WHAT ARE THEY? The terms Ponzi schemes and pyramids were new in the former Soviet Union. Ponzi schemes and pyramids are a long known fraudulent way from getting money from rather ignorant people. Whereby operators pay returns to the participants, from fresh money coming in from newly recruited members. A legitimate business on the other hand, must be involved in production of goods or services through which profit is made. A profit therefore is made legitimate by the exchange of goods or services produced. When it comes to Ponzi schemes and pyramids however, they do not produce goods or service so there is no process of production whatsoever, therefore there is no legitimate means o

Mr Issa Aremu Mr. Issa Aremu, the General-Secretary, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), has called for the merger of Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to help build formidable congress. He made the call on Monday in Abuja when he featured on the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum. He also urged the two bodies to reconcile every disagreement in order to proffer solution to workers’ plights, especially as it concerned the minimum wage. According to him, the leadership of the NLC should accommodate and make the Congress more inclusive “such that comrades will not look for easy answers in forming multiple centers. “What I am saying is that there are more things that unite us, which is to struggle for the interest of the working people and we can’t do so if have separate multiple centers. “Well, we can, but it will be desecrated energy and we always say that there is strength in united labour movement. “So, I t

The Retired Officers Welfare Association in Kebbi, on Monday, demanded release of N4.8 billion for the full payment of outstanding pension and gratuity owed to its members. The demand is contained in a statement signed by the association’s spokesman, Mohammed Aliyu, and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi. Aliyu said that only one-sixth of the gratuity of the retired workers was paid in February 2016. He alleged that the state-owned media was airing a contrary position of the agreement reached between the association and the government a week ago. Aliyu said the agreement was that those who received an initial payment of one- sixth of their pension and gratuity would be paid the balance next week. The association last week paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Atiku Bagudu, insisting on unconditional payment of the entitlements.

The gavel of justice A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti on Monday sentenced an Islamic cleric, Osupa Adini, to three months imprisonment for stealing and assault. Adini (49) was convicted on a six-count charge preferred against him by the state. He was arraigned on Feb. 22, 2010, at 9:45 a.m. along with his wife Yemisi Adini at Adebayo Street, Olorunsogo Zone 5 in Ado-Ekiti. Adini was charged for conspiracy, stealing, willful damage, assault occasioning harm and giving false information to the police. The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr. Femi Onipede, who called four witnesses tendered evidence to prove his case. He said the offence contravened Section 516(A), 390(a) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 11, Laws of Ondo State 1978 as applicable to Ekiti State. The Defence Counsel, Mr. Rotimi Adabenbe, pleaded for mercy after the court convicted the accused. Chief Magistrate, Adesoji Adegboye, discharged Adini’s wife for lack of evidence but sentenced the accused to three months on

Mavrodi Mondial Movement (MMM) The creation of the Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox (MMM) in Kenya and Ghana, approximately 48 hours after its activities in Nigeria was suspended for a month, has caused increased panic among Nigerian MMM participants. Chiamaka Ugorji, the wife of Chuddy Ugorji, a leading MMM Nigeria promoter, attempted to calm nerves by writing an open letter to participants, but this failed to reassure Nigerians that their investments were safe. Some individuals, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, shared their thoughts on the issue. A civil servant, Charity Okafor, said “I participated in the scheme twice by investing N500,000 and one million naira respectively and I got my money back with the large interest. “However, I felt I should not participate in the scheme any longer and I am lucky I had people around me who convinced me not to reinvest. “I know I would have turned into a crazy woman if I had money there during this suspension,”

Senator Bukola Saraki President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on his 54th birthday being marked today. In a goodwill message, the President described the Senate President as “one of the most influential politicians of our time who has made a tremendous impact on the country”. President Buhari noted that Saraki has successfully kept the memory of his late father alive by identifying with the grassroots in his home state. While wishing the Senate President many more prosperous years ahead, the President called for closer cooperation between the executive and the legislature to ensure the smooth implementation of government policies and programmes. According to President Buhari, despite the principle of separation of powers, both arms of government should be united in the promotion of the common good of the people. He noted that whatever differences that may occasionally arise between the two arms of government should not be allowed to

Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highway Gradual movement of traffic has started on Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highway which was blocked for many hours in the early of Monday by protesting truck drivers. The drivers were protesting exorbitant taxes by the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Service. According to the state Commissioner of police, Mr Abdullahi Chafe, the drivers and other stakeholders will meet on Dec. 21 to find a lasting solution to the problem. The protest led to total blockade of the major highway for hours, thereby inflicting serious pains on passengers coming to and from the Northern and Southern parts of the country. The drivers eventually called off their protest after a meeting with the officials of the board and the state Commissioner of police. The state FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Abayomi Omiyale, said that normal flow of traffic on the road will be restored within three hours. He appealed to drivers to be patient and not to resort to over speeding because of the long dela

Nigeria-police The Borno Police Command has confirmed the deaths of two female suicide bombers, who blew themselves up in an attempt to invade Maiduguri. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Borno Police Command, Victor Isuku, made this known to newsmen on Monday in Maiduguri. He said that the suicide bombers were halted at the outskirt of Maiduguri, the state capital. “At About 2030hrs on Sunday, two female suicide bombers were halted to stop for routine check at Geleri village which is about five km to Muna Garage, near Maiduguri. “One of the suicide bombers detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to her body, killing her and her accomplice, whose IED vest did not detonate. “Three residents of the area were, however, injured. “The police rushed to the scene to render the unexploded IED safe. “The area, however, has been secured and normalcy restored,” he said.

Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa state on Monday, donated wheelchairs to 54 physically challenged persons in the state to facilitate their mobility. Al-Makura, represented by Hajiya Hajara Danyaro, Special Adviser on Gender, Rehabilitation and Disability presented the wheelchairs to the beneficiaries at the state rehabilitation board in Lafia. He said that the gesture was to ameliorate the plight of the beneficiaries as part of his administration’s commitment to better the lives of the less privileged in the state. The governor noted that physically challenged persons in the state were being accorded priority in his administration’s policy to give them a sense of belonging. Al-Makura advised the beneficiaries not to be discouraged by their physical challenges but be focused and determined to achieve their goals in life. Alhaji Jibril Dan-Ogaji, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Rehabilitation Board, in his remarks, lauded the governor for putting smiles on the faces of th

Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highway Protesting truck drivers have blocked the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highways since the early hours of Monday. The drivers were protesting the N10,000 daily tax imposed by the Kogi State revenue Service. The state government, police and the Federal Road Safety Corps were, however, taking measure to ensure free flow of traffic. No official reaction yet from the state government but the state police Commissioner, Mr Badulahi Chafe is currently in a meeting with the leadership of the truck drivers to end the blockade. One of the motorists trapped in the gridlock, Mr Isaac Ighure said that he had remained on the same spot on the road for over three hours . Igure described the development as bad for the state and the country, especially when it is happening few days to Christmas. The gridlock has stretched to over 30 kilometres as at the time of this report. The meeting with officials of the truck drivers is holding at the state police command headquarters. The

The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) Two professors from the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) have been appointed vice-chancellors of two new private universities. They are Prof. Hussein Oloyede of the Faculty of Life Sciences, and John Olorunmaiye of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. According to the Bulletin of the University issued on Monday, Oloyede will head the newly licensed Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, while Prof. John Olorunmaiye of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology will take charge of the Crown-Hill University, Eiyenkorin, also in Kwara State. It stated that the new vice-chancellors have since assumed duties as the new universities get ready to begin their 2016/2017 academic sessions. It explained that Oloyede is a Professor of Biochemistry and a pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo from 2007 to 2012. It noted that Oloyede demonstrated astute academic and administrative leadership in laying a very solid academic foundation. U

Gov Atiku Bagudu-of-Kebbi-state The Retired Officers Welfare Association in Kebbi, on Monday demanded for release of N4.8 billion for the full payment of outstanding pension and gratuity owed to its members. The demand is contained in a statement signed by the association’s spokesman, Mohammed Aliyu, and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi. Aliyu said that only one-sixth of the gratuity of the retired workers was paid in February 2016. He alleged that the state owned media was airing a contrary position of agreement reached between the association and the government a week ago. Aliyu said the agreement was that those who received initial payment of one- sixth of their pension and gratuity would be paid the balance next week. NAN reports that the association last week paid a courtesy visit on Gov. Atiku Bagudu, insisting on unconditional payment of the entitlements.

NMA The Dawakin Tofa community in Kano State have commended the state chapter of Resident Doctors Association for providing free healthcare services. Some of the beneficiaries of the medical outreach commended the association for bringing healthcare to their door step. A beneficiary, Malam Yawale Ashiru, said he received free drugs from the team. Malam Habibu Hassan in company of his aged mother who benefitted from ophthalmological service and received free drugs also lauded the association. A pregnant mother, Malama Bilkisu Ado, testified that she benefited from the service where she received free ante natal care and drugs. The state Chairman of the association, Dr Ishaq Ahmed, said they were delighted to offer the services. He explained that the association conducted the exercise to mark the Annual Health Week where a local government in the state was chosen for the exercise. “ This year, Dawakin Tofa council emerged to be the beneficiary and next year we will move to anoth

NDLEA Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau on Monday declared war against “Gosokolo”, an illicit locally brewed alcoholic substance, in the state. Lalong made the declaration at the opening of the National Drug law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) 2016 Command Officers’ Summit in Jos.‎ He said his administration had set in motion different strategies to fight the menace that was destroying the lives of people, particularly youths. Such strategies he said, included drug abuse preventive education, arrest and prosecution as well as counseling and rehabilitation through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare. The governor commended the NDLEA ‎for introducing the Drug Free Club in all secondary schools across the state to step up and sustain the fight against the use of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances.‎ He also lauded the efforts of the agency for organising the summit that was geared toward repositioning it for effective and efficient performance for a drug-free Nigeria. Ea

Christine Lagarde, IMF MD Christine Lagarde Head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was on Monday awaiting the verdict in a trial over an arbitration payout made when she was France’s finance minister. Prosecutors in the case have called for her acquittal and her defense lawyers have expressed confidence in the outcome to be handed down by a special court charged with trying former ministers. Lagarde could face up to a year in prison and a fine of 15,000 Euros (15,665 dollars), if found guilty. A guilty verdict will also cast doubt over her position at the head of one of the world’s most powerful financial institutions. Lagarde has denied wrongdoing over the payout ruling, which was handed down by a three-person arbitration panel in 2008. In 2007, Lagarde gave the go-ahead for arbitration in the case of business mogul Bernard Tapie and a public consortium in charge of former state-owned bank Credit Lyonnais’ liabilities. The panel awarded 403 million Euros to Tapie, an a

bend down select clothes With the cost of living skyrocketing each day in Nigeria due to the economic recession, some parents in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa capital have resorted to buying second hand clothes. Second hand or fairly used clothes popularly called “Okrika” are now the preferred alternative for some parents who could not afford the cost of buying new ones for their children this Christmas. A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited Swali market in Yenogoa on Monday, reports that the section selling fairly used clothes for children was a beehive of activities. Parents were seen scrambling to buy second-hand clothes for their children and wards. Mr Ebimo James, one of the parents, who spoke to NAN, said the recession had led to astronomical increase in the cost of goods and services including new clothes for children. James, a father of three, said he chose to buy the fairly used clothes as he could not afford to buy new ones, as the prices had gone ov

court-of-law The police in Kano on Monday arraigned Kabiru Iliyasu in a Magistrates’ Court for enticing a married woman. Iliyasu, 40, who resides at Unguwar Dabai Quarters, Kano, is facing a one-count charge of enticing married woman. However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge but the Senior Magistrate, Aminu Fagge, ordered that he be remanded in prison. The prosecutor, Insp. Yusuf Sale, had earlier told the court that the Iliyasu committed the offence on Nov. 25. Sale said Nasiru Yusuf of the same address reported the case to Rijiyar Zaki police Division, Kano, on Nov. 25. He said that on the same date at about 5 p.m., Iliyasu allegedly sent his phone number to Mariya, who is wife to the complainant, Mohammed Yusuf, through Miss Islam Umar of Unguwar Dabai Quarters Kano. He added that the defendant told Islam to tell Mariya that the phone number belonged to his wife, Hajiya Binta and that she should call her. He noted that when Mariya called the number, she foun

File Photo: 4 suspected suicide bombers and 2 local vigilante die in early morning explosion in Maiduguri recently The Borno Police Command has confirmed the death of two female suicide bombers, who blew themselves up in an attempt to invade Maiduguri. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Borno Police Command, Victor Isuku, made this known to newsmen on Monday in Maiduguri. He said that the suicide bombers were halted at the outskirt of Maiduguri, the state capital. “At About 2030hrs on Sunday, two female suicide bombers were halted to stop for routine check at Geleri village which is about five km to Muna Garage, near Maiduguri. “One of the suicide bombers detonated the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped to her body, killing her and her accomplice, whose IED vest did not detonate. “Three residents of the area were, however, injured. “The police rushed to the scene to render the unexploded IED safe. “The area, however, has been secured and normalcy restored, ” h

Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong (right) and Contractor, Odofin Taiwo Henry (left) with one of the defense lawyers, Mr. Gboyega Okenla during their appearance at the Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court in connection with the Lekki Garden building collapse, on Monday. An Ebute-Metta Chief Magistrate Court on Monday struck out a motion filed by the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens, Mr. Richard Nyong seeking a variation of the earlier bail conditions ordered by the court following his arrest in connection with the collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road, Ikate Elegushi area of Lagos State which killed no fewer than 35 persons. The State Government had dragged Nyong and one of the contractors handling the project, Odofin Taiwo Henry to court, after which they were admitted to bail on some conditions, including the deposit of their international passports. Nyong had filed the motion for variation asking that his passport be released t

Adedayo Ojo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Caritas Communications Caritas Communications, Africa’s pioneer energy, oil and gas specialist reputation consultancy has emerged the best Reputation Management Consulting firm at the 2016 African Corporate Excellence Awards. Caritas’ recognition was announced by the United Kingdom based Corporate Vision (CV) Magazine. Caritas beat other reputation management firms to clinch the award in the consultancy category. Speaking on the criteria for selecting the winner, George Millar, Publications Editor for the Magazine said winners are decided by a combination of votes gathered from the publication’s network of respected industry partners followed by a rigorous in-house research, carried out by the magazine’s dedicated network of industry insiders and corporate specialists. He said; “Each award is carefully scrutinised, from a nominee’s region to their performance over the past 12 months, their commitment to innovation, their

Ralph Clarke A 101-year-old paedophile – one of the oldest convicted criminals in British legal history on Monday was sentenced to 13 years in prison for 21 sexual offences against children. Ralph Clarke, from Birmingham in the English Midlands, was found guilty of sexually abusing two sisters in the 1970s and early 1980s. “You present as a fragile old man; however, what was plain to see was that, despite your guilty pleas, you have no remorse whatsoever,’’ Judge Richard Bond stated at the sentencing. The victims, who were between the ages of 4 and 13 when the abuse took place and are now in their late 40s, spoke to police after they saw Facebook posts celebrating Clarke’s 100th birthday. However, Clarke denied abusing the sisters and accused them of being serial liars. The retired lorry driver was also convicted of sex offences against a young boy, which he admitted during the trial at Birmingham Crown Court.

Dr. Frederick Fasehun Founder of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Dr Frederick Fasehun, has described the marginalization of the Yorubas in President Muhammadu Buhari’s government as real. He warned that the people from the Southwest geo-political zone may use their votes to punish the president and All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections, unless there is a redress. Dr Fasehun who disclosed this during an interview, advised Buhari to take urgent steps to address the alleged marginalization of the geo-political zone under his administration to save his political career, especially, post 2019. ”You don’t need to look far before you can see the difference. Look at all the key appointments the president has been making since coming to power, the north is favoured more than the south. It is only inconsequential positions that are being handed Yoruba and other ethnic nationalities. Key appointments and influential positions are given to the north, and it is very unfor

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president Fifa has fined all four home nations for displaying poppies during World Cup qualifiers around Armistice Day. England and Scotland players wore armbands featuring the symbol when they met at Wembley on 11 November. Wales and Northern Ireland’s respective games featured displays on the pitch or in the stands to mark the event. England have been fined 45,000 Swiss francs (£35,311), Scotland and Wales 20,000 Sfr (£15,694) and Northern Ireland 15,000 Sfr (£11,770). Fifa disciplinary committee chairman Claudio Sulser said he “fully respected” the commemorations but stressed the rules “need to be applied to all member associations”. “The display, among others, of any political or religious symbol is strictly prohibited,” he added. “In the stadium and on the pitch, there is only room for sport, nothing else.” According to the rule-making International Football Association Board (IFAB), players cannot wear “political, religious or personal slogans, sta

Gov Atiku Bagudu The Kebbi State Government says it has set aside N1 billion for the payment of tuition fees of fresh and continuing students from the state studying in tertiary institutions. The Executive Secretary of the state scholarship board, Dr Sahabi Birnin-Yauri, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Monday that the payment will be for the students studying in the universities, polytechnics and colleges of education within and outside the country. He said no fewer than 2,500 of them would benefit from the payment. He further said the beneficiaries included the students studying in the nation’s tertiary institutions, the 15 others studying Medical Science in Sudan, and the remaining 18 studying various courses in India. “A verification exercise for the benefiting students is conducted annually with a view to ensuring that only genuine students continue to benefit from the scholarship,” he said. According to him, students in tertiary institutions abroad, whose courses are not c

Lateef Lawal, GM, MVAA The Lagos State Government says it has created a website – www.lsmvaapvs.org, through which motorists and law enforcement agencies could confirm the authenticity of number plates issued by the State’s Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA). It said the move was in line with the Smart City initiative of the present administration. The General Manager of MVAA, Mr. Lateef Lawal, who spoke in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria said the platform also became necessary in order to eradicate the unnecessary harassment of licensees by officials of the Nigerian Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other security agencies. He emphasised that the situation became worrisome and embarrassing to the State Government and its clients when incessant reports, calls, SMS, e-mails and visits from licensees became rampant that vehicles duly registered with Lagos State number plates were being impounded by FRSC and other security officials. The General Manager, therefore, enjoi

Truck drivers protesting on Abuja-Lokoja road Protesting truck drivers have blocked the Abuja-Lokoja-Okene highways since the early hours of Monday, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports. The drivers were protesting the N10,000 daily tax imposed by the Kogi State revenue Service. The state government, police and the Federal Road Safety Corps were, however, taking measure to ensure free flow of traffic. No official reaction yet from the state government but the state police Commissioner, Mr Badulahi Chafe is currently in a meeting with the leadership of the truck drivers to end the blockade. One of the motorists trapped in the gridlock, Mr Isaac Ighure said that he had remained on the same spot on the road for over three hours . Igure described the development as bad for the state and the country, especially when it is happening few days to Christmas. The gridlock has stretched to over 30 kilometres as at the time of this report. The meeting with officials of the truck drive

L-R: All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle during an evening of music and camaraderie with the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Sunday. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday disclosed that the state government, despite economic recession generated N287 billion as Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, in 2016. Speaking at a special evening of music and camaraderie held at the Lagos House, Ikeja, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria to usher in the Yuletide season, Ambode said the taxes paid by the people had been judiciously utilized to upgrade infrastructure and provide various services, just as he said that Lagosians deserved to be appreciated for cooperating with government in that regard. He hailed tax payers in the State for performing their civic obligations faithfully, saying the State recorded more Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in 2016 than what was recorded in 2015 de

Governor Nasiru El-Rufai The Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State on Monday imposed 24-hour curfew on Kafanchan and its environs to forestall breakdown of law and order. The curfew was imposed after a peaceful protest by youths in Kafanchan against killings in Southern Kaduna. The Interim Chairman of the council, Dr Bege Katuka, confirmed the development on telephone in Kafanchan on Monday. He said that the decision became necessary to forestall breakdown of law and order and save lives and property. The official advised members of the public to be calm and remain indoors until further notice.

The Kano State Fire Service has banned cooking in all markets across the state. The Director of the state Fire Service, Mr Mustapha Rulwan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Kano. Similarly, he said the agency had banned security guards from using naked fire to warm their bodies during the harmattan period. Rulwan said any food seller found cooking within the markets would be arrested and prosecuted, as the agency had put in place measures to check violation of the order. He said the agency had met with various market leaders with a view to sensitizing them on the need to take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks, this harmattan season. Rulwan said that henceforth, any security guard caught in the markets using naked fire for the purpose of warming his body, would also be arrested and prosecuted. “If any person, group or company violates our safety regulations, our legal department will take them to court. “Security guards

Malam Nasir El-Rufai, Kaduna State Governor Against the backdrop of incessant killings in the southern part of Kaduna state, youths in the area have staged a peaceful protest to draw attention to their plight. The protest was staged on Monday morning in Kafanchan towards having a speedy and lasting solution to the killings. The spokesman of the youths, Mr Nathan Chaweson, said the killing continued even with the presence of security operatives at flashpoints of the state. Chaweson called on the government to ensure the security of the people and bring perpetrators to book to serve as deterrent. “We are pushed to the wall to question the government in what has been happening,” he said. The youths who turned out in their numbers carried leaves and placards with varying inscriptions, chanting “we no go gree” slogan.

Give this season Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani has donated some bags of rice and other food stuff to over 50 Christian widows and their families to celebrate the forthcoming Christmas. Tijjani, a peace ambassador, made the donation to the widows at the Christ Evangelical Church Ministry in Sabon Tasha, Kaduna. She said it was part of her efforts to strengthen peaceful co-existence among different faith-based organizations in the country and reduce the hardship most widows face. She said that she was always happy to render assistance to widows and elderly persons with their children at every time. Tijjani advised others with generous minds to emulate her by helping the poor and other needy persons at a season like this. The peace ambassador said that Christmas provides an opportunity for Muslims to demonstrate to their Christian neighbours that Islam is a religion of peace and love. Tijjani also commended Pastor Yohanna Buru, the General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Church Ministry, f

Jigawa-gov The Jigawa Government says it has constructed six additional junior secondary schools in Buji Local Government Area. Malam Murtala Aliyu, the Education Secretary, stated this on Monday in Dutse through the Information Officer in charge of the area, Alhaji Ali Safiyanu. Safiyanu said the schools included two junior Arabic schools. He explained that they were constructed in Gantsa, Falgeri, Danbazau, Kawaya, Tijiyo and Bakwarga villages. The spokesperson quoted the education secretary as saying that the gesture would boost enrolment in the area. According to him, Aliyu, who commended the government for its effort, pointed out that it would go a long way in bridging educational gaps between children in the area and other parts of the state. “It is our hope that government’s decision will also boost literacy level of children at the grassroots. “We also hope that the provision of the schools will also assist in improving the standard of education in the area,” he quote

Aliko Dangote, President Dangote Group Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has been named along other world leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, American President-elect, Donald Trump and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel as the most powerful persons in the world. These personalities were ranked along with 70 others as the most powerful people with Dangote ranked as the second most powerful in the African continent. The Nigerian business mogul has constantly featured in the list since 2013 when he was listed as the only black African so rated by the popular Forbes Magazine in the list of 100 most powerful persons. Listed as number 71 most powerful last year ahead of the American President-elect, Dangote, Africa’s richest man, moved up the ladder of influential people as he was named as the 68th most powerful in the world, coming only after the Egyptian President, Abdel el-Sisi, who was adjudged the most powerful in Africa and 44th in the

Zakat- alms giving The Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji Najib Hussaini, on Monday stressed the importance of zakat (alms giving) as enshrined in one of the pillars of Islam. The Emir made the remarks while distributing Zakat to people of Jatinga village in Amaryawa district of the emirate on Monday. Hussaini explained that Zakat as ordained by Allah is a way of redistributing wealth among people so as to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. The royal father emphasised that alms giving to the needy brings wealth and economic prosperity. He explained that grains worth N5.7 million were distributed as Zakat to 16,652 indigenes of Jatinga village. According to him, the exercise is in continuation of the 2016 Zakat collection and distribution. He said that the grains were distributed to deserving families identified by the zakat distribution committee in the area. The Emirate had on Dec. 1, distributed grains worth N5.2 million to 2,041 less privileged people in Maraganta village

Magistrate-court An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court on Monday ordered the remand of three accused persons in Ilesa Prison over alleged armed robbery. Chief Magistrate Olusola Aluko, ordered the remand of the defendants: Moshood Sheriff, 38; Olaleye Sarafadeen, 36, and Ajetunmobi Sefiu, 26, due to the magnitude of their offence. They are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and armed robbery. The Prosecutor, Insp. Joshua Oladoye, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on Dec. 6 at about 11.30 p.m. on Osogbo-Ede road. Oladoye said that the accused persons had been terrorising motorists plying the route before they were eventually arrested by the police. He said the accused persons were armed with dangerous weapons like cutlasses, knives, axe, charms and four clubs with nails. He said the offence contravened Section 1(1) and Section 2(1)(a)(b) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provision) Act Cap R11 Vol. 14 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. The ple

Federal Road Safety Corps vehicles The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Pankshin Unit Command says all are set to massively deploy its officers to man accident prone areas in Plateau Central Zone. Mr. Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, Pankshin FRSC Unit Command, made the disclosure on Monday while briefing newsmen in Pankshin on the plans of the corps for the Christmas celebration. “Our personnel will be massively deployed to some identified black spots along Mangu/ Pankshin, Pankshin/Chip, Pankshin/ Kanke, Pankshin/ Kanam, and Pankshin/ Langtan, during the Christmas period. “The more dangerous spots are the Bwonpe-Chip snake road and the Pankshin-Amper snake and narrow roads. “What we are trying to avoid is a situation whereby innocent lives will be subjected to untimely death due to the recklessness of drivers on the highways. “We are saddened by the preventable road crashes recorded in Plateau Central in recent times and desire to do our best at avoid such during this yuletide,’’ he sai