Ogun Assembly Confirms Amosun’s Commissioner Nominees

The Ogun State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s nominees for the post of Commissioners II &IV in the State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Mojeed Ekelojumati and Adeleke Micheal Adebayo following their screening earlier in the day.

The approval was sequel to the adoption of the report of the Committee of the whole house chaired by the Speaker, Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, presented by his Deputy, Olakunle Oluomo, who also moved the motion for its adoption which was seconded by Hon. Olusola Sonuga.

The confirmation of the nominees was thereafter done through a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Adeyinka Mafe, seconded by the Minority Leader, Olawale Alausa and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote.

The Assembly had earlier screened the nominees during a meeting of the Committee of the Whole House chaired by Speaker Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, who also charge them to put their experience to bear on the commission to further reposition it for effective service delivery.

Adekunbi, represented by his Deputy, Olakunle Oluomo urged the nominees when confirmed by the Assembly and appointed by the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun to see their appointment as a call to service by consolidating on the gains of the State public service towards sustaining the ideals of discipline and effective service delivery that the State civil service was known for.

He explained that the State Civil Service which paraded an array of seasoned administrators committed to achieving the success of government’s policies and programmes, should be strengthened for increased productivity in line with the rebuilding mission of the Senator Ibikunle Amosun led- adminstration.

The nominees, Mr Mojeed Ekelojumati and Micheal Adebayo in their separate submissions, described the Civil Service Commission as performance driven and result- oriented system with a promise to ensure human capacity development programmes to further equip it for improved service delivery.

Mr. Ekelojumati bagged Master of Arts in English Language from the University of Lagos and Bachelor of Arts in English from Lagos State University in 2008 and 2003 respectively while his counterpart, Adebayo possessed Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adekunle Ajasin University in 2014.

It would be recall that the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun had last week forwarded the names of the two Commissioner-nominees to the Assembly in replacement of two members of the Commission whose tenure of office has expired and to forestall any impediment in the Commissions’ effectiveness.

PSG Dangles $256.8 million On Neymar

Barcelona vice-president Jordi Mestre insisted yesterday that Brazilian star Neymar will be staying in Spain despite rumours linking him with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Reports in Spain have suggested PSG are looking to lure the 25-year-old to the Parc des Princes after snapping up Neymar’s international teammate Dani Alves on a free transfer.Asked during a press conference if he could confirm Neymar would remain at Barca ahead of the 2017-18 season, Mestre replied: “200 percent”.

“PSG want to finalise the signing of Neymar this summer”, wrote Catalan daily Sport, while the Madrid-based AS newspaper led with the headline “Neymar flirts with PSG”.

PSG are reportedly attempting to take advantage of Neymar’s desire to step out of Lionel Messi’s shadow, with the French club prepared to build a team around the Brazil forward.

“In the background of Neymar’s annoyance there’s always a concern, which has to do with his role in the team and his wish to become a leader,” wrote Sport.

“But you have to be aware that there are no shortcuts to leadership and it is something that is earned slowly, naturally and progressively,” it added.

According to Marca, PSG would be willing to stump up the 222 million euros ($256.8 million) required to trigger Neymar’s release clause and would offer him a five-year deal worth 30-plus million euros a season.

However, a report in French sports daily L’Equipe yesterday quoted a PSG club source as saying: “We’re not going to repeat the Neymar show. There is a huge release clause and you have to be realistic.”

PSG have previously been linked with Neymar only for the striker to pen a new five-year deal with Barca last October

Nigerians still believe in PDP, says Jonathan

Former President Goodluck Jonathan said Nigerians still believed in the capacity of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to lead the country.

Jonathan stated this at the expanded National Caucus of the party held on Monday night at Wadata House, Abuja.

He said that this was demonstrated with reactions by Nigerians to the Supreme Court judgment on the party’s leadership crisis on Wednesday.

He urged that all our efforts by PDP members and supporters within this period should be channelled towards building the party.

“Nigerians still believe in the PDP because when the Supreme Court judgment was given, I was so surprised because some of the people called and sent text messages to me.

“They are not even politicians but they are so happy that PDP has come on stream because they were worried that PDP will go down.

“So, if people who are not even members of PDP are so happy that PDP has now gotten a platform to operate in spite of the negative propaganda against us, it means people still believe in PDP.

“PDP is a party that Nigerians still believe in,” Jonathan said.

He appealed to party members to rebuild it, assuring that many people who stepped aside from the party as a result of its leadership crisis would return.

“The first thing we need to do is to rebuild the party because when the party is strong, everything will be added to that.

“Whether you have individual or group interest, as a politician, you must serve. These are very basic things, but first and foremost, we must strengthen the party.

“Let us cooperate with the Caretaker Committee and make sure that PDP is very cohesive. And when that happens, people who stepped aside may step back.

“We may not even need to go on a voyage of discovery to discover people. But they, themselves will come back because a strong party acts like a magnet.

“It will attract all the people that are interested,” he said.

On his part, Chairman of the PDP National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, said only a miracle would stop PDP from regaining power in 2019.

Makarfi said the meeting was convened to chart the way forward for the party.

“We call this caucus before the meeting of other organs. You are our party leaders.

“Immediately judgment was delivered, I said no victor nor vanquished, and we mean it.

“It does not mean taking what belongs to people and giving to a few people.”

On his part, Mr Ayodele Fayose, Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ekiti State, urged party members and leaders to return to the “home” and mobilise Nigerians at the grassroots.

“If this party must win, if PDP must get the confidence of Nigerians, if this party must be restored, our leaders must go back home and work,” Fayose said.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Mr Ike Ekweremadu, said that the Lord gave PDP the victory because He loved Nigerian.

He said that the time had come for the party to work together and deliver good governance to the country.

“Time to work is now; we must go back to the drawing board. We must not disappoint Nigerians. It is time for fence-mending and reconstructing Nigeria for real change.

“We all believe in the party that was why we stayed. We need everybody in this party to re-build the party,” Ekweremadu said.

The Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Jubril Walid, said it was time for the party to build a new Nigeria.

Walid, who was represented by Mr Aminu Wali, said “this is a new PDP. It is going to have a new beginning, a new start, by the grace of God.”

Present at the meeting were David Mark, Remi Bakare, Stella Omu, Godswill Akpabio, Nyesom Wike, Sule Lamido, Ahmadu Ali and also Uche Secondus.

Others were Olisa Metu, Jonah Jang, Jerry Gana, Grace Bent, Gabriel Suswam, Emmanuel Udom, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Darius Ishyaku

The other persons were Jonah Jang, Tom Ikimi, Vincent Ogbulafor, Ahmadu Ali, Jim Agbaje, Solomon Ewuga, Liyel Imoke, Ibrahim Mantu, Emeka Ihedioha, Dimeji Bankole.

Meanwhile, the former Chairman of the Party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff was absent. (NAN)

Man jailed three months for stealing N500 from dead accident victim

A Magistrates’ Court in Minna on Tuesday sentenced a 25-year-old security guard, Musa Isah, to three months imprisonment for stealing N500 from an accident victim.

Isah was arraigned on a count of theft, contrary to Section 287 of the Penal Code.

The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Gunduma Ibrahim, told the court that the convict, residing at M.I. Wushishi Estate in Minna committed the offence on July 15 at about 4 p.m.

Ibrahim said the convict went to a fatal accident scene in Minna under the guise of rescuing the victims.

The prosecutor said that instead of assisting the accident victims, the convict searched the lifeless body of one of the victims and removed N500 from the victim.

Ibrahim said that Isah was arrested on the spot and taken to a nearby police station for prosecution.

When the charge was read to him, he pleaded guilty and begged the court for leniency.

The prosecutor urged the court to sentence Isah, based on his plea in line with Section 157 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The Magistrate, Mrs Mariam Kings, sentenced Isah to three months imprisonment, saying, however, that he could pay a fine N20, 000 in the alternative.

(NAN)

THIS COUNTRY IS ONE OF THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD - Osibanjo

THIS COUNTRY IS ONE OF THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD, THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT THAT, SAYS OSINBAJO

Remarks by the Acting President, His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, today at the palace of the Emir of Gusau, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, during a one-day visit to Zamafara State.

PROTOCOLS

Let me begin by saying that am very honoured  by this warm welcome that has been given me and l bring very warm greetings from President Muhammadu Buhari whom l had the pleasure of seeing in London just about this time last week.

It’s important that everywhere in our country is safe for our people to work and live and I am especially pleased to see that His Royal Highness has maintained this within this kingdom and anyone can approach him and everyone can live here.

This l think is very worthwhile and l must commend you for this great work  that you are doing.

And we have been around to see the works of his Excellency, the governor and in-fact that’s what we are spending the whole of today doing.

We have been here since 11am in the morning and we have been to Gunmi, we are still going round the state and all of these shows that there is lot of work going on and we are extremely proud of the work that Governor Yari is doing and that our great party, the APC is doing also in this state.

The message that l have is only to say that this country is one of the greatest countries in the world, there is no question at all about  that. We see that in another ten years, probably we will be measuring with the 15th largest economies in the world.

A lot of that will depend on how hard we work but more importantly on our staying united. The reason why we are such an important country is that we are a big country and we are diverse, we have arable land everywhere, solid minerals everywhere, even here in Zamfara State.

The Federal Government  is committed to developing all of the mineral resources especially here in Zamfara State. We intend to work very hard on developing mineral resources and we must ensure that  all of these places are safe to live and to do business.

Our country's size is important and the diversity of  our people and resources  are important. But we must stay together to be able to reap the fruit of our size and the development of this country. We must remain united to reap the fruit.

There are many countries in Africa, some of them are not bigger than Zamfara State, infact many of them are not as big as Zamfara State and they are countries in  Africa.

When you look at the sheer size and the diversity of Nigeria, we have the potentials of becoming one of the truly great countries of the world and l think that with the hard-work that we are seeing and with the right leadership, leadership committed to the people, committed to delivering services to the people, we can really make a difference, we can become what God has purposed and planned for us to be.

I want to thank you again, Your  Royal Highness for this warm welcome and to say that we remain solidly with you and will work with you to ensure peace and stability in this place and also to thank you for all that you are doing to support the governor for ensuring that this place is safe for all to live in.

Thank you very much, God bless you.

RELEASED BY:
Laolu Akande
Senior Special Assistant on Media & Publicity to the President
Office of the Acting President.
July 17, 2017

DISCLAIMER UNAUTHORISED SALES OF NYSC KITS

UNAUTHORISED SALES OF KITS

The attention of the NYSC Management has been drawn to a post by one Chimex Chimezie Ejike seeking patronage of what he calls "NYSC white outfits"  by Prospective Corps Members.

Management wishes to assure that adequate provision has been made for kitting (including whites) of Prospective Corps Members in all Orientation Camps free of charge and, as such, there is no need for patronage of any kit items other than those provided by the Scheme.

Prospective Corps Members are also to note that wearing of unapproved  kit items, especially in the Orientation Camps, constitute an offence punishable under the NYSC Bye-Laws.

Please, be guided.

Signed:
Management

Amosun Addresses Members of NUJ Info Chapel

To take the full advantage of the new media to promote the progress and development of our society we must learn to put it into its proper use.

Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun made this known while addressing members of The Nigeria Union of Journalists Ministry​of Information Chapel during a rally as part of the activities marking the annual press week of the union tagged social media journalism in a democratic setting at the Governor’s office Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

Governor Amosun said the advent of social media is not without some of its challenges and opportunities but the responsibility on the shoulders of practitioners to ensure its proper use to get the best results.

The governor revealed that the social media can either be used as a weapon of mass destruction or mass development.

Chairman of the chapel Comrade Wole Dosunmu appreciated the efforts of the governor in the state and support for the union while promising the continuous dedication of members of the union the development of the state.

Fayose for President?

By Josiah Oluwole
The Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, has commenced activities towards his ambition to become president of Nigeria in 2019.
On Monday, the governor launched his campaign on Twitter and Facebook by opening accounts in the name his presidential campaign on both platforms.
His spokesman, Lere Olayinka, however, told PREMIUM TIMES that the campaign has not been officially launched.

Mr. Olayinka said what happened on Monday was the opening of the official Twitter and Facebook accounts on the social media.
"When we officially launch the campaign, everyone will know about it," he said.
Mr. Fayose had recently boasted that he would wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress come 2019.
He had indicated that he would approach the Supreme Court to determine his eligibility to contest the next governorship election following the court's judgment that his impeachment during his first tenure was a nullity.
As a result, many Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirants had suspended their ambition until it was clear that Mr. Fayose would not be able run in the election.
The governor is one of the harshest critics of the current federal government.

BUHARI IN LONDON HOSPITAL

Cabal went to London to bring back Baba and the doctors said he can't return because he has lost memory!

The cabal insisted, they demanded the doctors should prove what they meant by memory lost!
So the doctors took them in for a little chat with Baba!

Here is the conversation in hausa through an interpreter:

Cabal: your excellency sir we have come to take u home so u can retrieve ur presidential powers from Osibanjo.

PMB: whaz?? Itz President Goodluck Jonathan I was contesting the election with not Osibanjo!

Cabal: sir, but u won the election, u defeated former president GEJ.

PMB: then when is the swearing in ceremony?

Cabal: sir, u have been sworn in 2 years ago, u are currently the president of the federal republic.

PMB: I don't believe u, so why I'm I in London and not Abuja.
And if I'm the president why should I contest again with Osibanjo?

Doctors: please gentlemen, u can all see what we are talking about.
The man does not remember he is still ur president, go back home and do the needful.

Amosun pays N4.5bn deductions to workers

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has approved the total sum of N4.5 billion for the payment of cooperative deductions arrears to all categories of workers in the state.

This was disclosed on Tuesday in Abeokuta by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Wale Oshinowo.

Giving a breakdown of the payments, Oshinowo said N3.4 billion has been disbursed for the payment of six months arrears of outstanding cooperative deductions to all categories of the workforce at the state level.

Another N1.1 billion was disbursed for the payment of three months of outstanding cooperative deductions to workers at the Local Government level.

He said another sum of N1.2 billion would be expended on state expenditure.

Explaining the source of the fund, the Finance Commissioner said, it came from the N5.7 billion Ogun State government received from the Paris Club refund, which the Federal Government recently shared to different states of the Federation.

He explained that whereas the Federal Government advised state governments to use only 50 per cent of the fund for payment of workers’ emolument, Governor Amosun has decided to apportion 79 percent on the workforce because of the love he has for the workers.

“Ogun State is apportioning 79 percent to staff welfare and only 21 percent on state expenditure, aside the fact that the state government, in its usual practice, has paid June 2017 salary to all categories of workers at both the state and local government levels”, Oshinowo added.

He therefore thanked the entire civil servants in the state for their cooperation and understanding while affirming that “the state government is ready to offset all outstanding staff related expenses, as soon as more funds are available."

The Commissioner added that government would continue to do all within its power to cater for the civil and public servants in Ogun State.

Mr. Wale Oshinowo
Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Finance,
Abeokuta, Ogun State
Tuesday, July 18, 2017.

Many road users are abusing the civility of FRSC personnels – Oyeyemi

According to Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer, FRSC, the Corps Marshal’s response came on the heels of the recent shooting of two FRSC staff and the detention of another in a Police facility in Abia State. The Corps Marshal stated, “Many road users are abusing the civility of the unarmed personnel that are trained to be cautious while discharging their legitimate duties.

In the past, many FRSC operatives had been abducted, killed, assaulted, ran over, threatened and shot. It is also disheartening that some of the attackers misinformed the unsuspecting public by releasing manipulated information to gain public sympathy. Attempts are often made to make the aggressors looked like the victims.” The Corps Marshal said the FRSC remains the nation’s lead agency on road traffic administration and safety management empowered to arrest and prosecute erring motorists. He added, “Section 10 (4) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007 states categorically that members of the Corps shall have powers to arrest and prosecute persons reasonably suspected to have committed any traffic offence. Resistance based on ignorance of the law or impunity can no longer be grounds to attack operatives carrying out their lawful duties. We will definitely not abdicate our statutory responsibilities.” ABIA On the Abia case where our men were shot, the FRSC Corps Marshal said, “While we commend the Abia State Police Commissioner for swiftly directing the arrest and orderly room trial of the Policemen who shot the FRSC staff at Aro Ngwa along the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway last Saturday, the Corps is deeply saddened by the shooting. It is also greatly concerned that the two young men were abandoned with their gun wounds by the Policemen attached to the wife of the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly who shot them. Obviously, they were left to die at the scene by these Policemen who are also employees of government. He thanked the road users that assisted the two injured and abandoned staff to the hospital, adding that he hoped the two victims, who are still been treated, will not suffer life-threatening injuries. FCT The Corps Marshal also recalled the case in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, where an investigating panel revealed that a patrol team flagged down a driver for routine checks. When his car was to be impounded for running foul of traffic laws, a female staff was attached to the offender’s vehicle to accompany the vehicle to a nearby FRSC office for other necessary processes as contained in the operational procedure to be effected, the driver sped away with the female staff. A patrol team, obviously concerned about the motive of the fleeing driver, had to apply force to rescue the female operative. The manipulated video which the suspect released afterwards only told one side of the story. The Corps is determined to follow through with the suspect’s prosecution as a deterrent. JIGAWA The case in Jigawa was also pathetic. An FRSC patrol team was carrying out its legitimate duties along the Kiyawa – Dutse road in Jigawa State when a team of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) officials challenged the team for daring to check vehicles for excessive overloading and installation of the Speed Limiting Devices. They not only set the FRSC patrol vehicle ablaze but aso badly damaged another vehicle. The FRSC office was also destroyed by the rampaging NURTW officials. The Jigawa incident resulted in fatality as one person was killed and several others injured. OYO It will also be recalled that an FRSC personnel in Oluyole Unit Command, Oyo State was almost strangled to death by a driver who was accosted for contravening traffic laws. The Corps has turned down the plea for out-of-court settlement by the now sober attacker. The Corps Marshal said that all the attacks had been collated, well documented and would be brought to the attention of all the relevant arms of government for necessary action. Enough, he said, was enough. Meanwhile, the Corps Marshal has assured all staff that the Corps would not leave any stone unturned to prosecute all those involved in the recent spate of attacks. He also said additional steps were being taken to further protect staff performing their legitimate duties and asked them to continue to discharge their duties without fear or ill-will. “The hall mark of gallant operatives is never to be deterred by negative influences but focused in the commitment to service for the sake of posterity,” Oyeyemi added. He appealed to all sister security operatives and the general public to always come to the aid of the Marshals when they are under threat. “If the laws are not strictly enforced,” he said, “road safety becomes the first casualty. Nobody knows the next victim.

Do You Know That Facebook Constantly Tracks Your Location? This is How You Can Stop It

The world's most popular social media platform, Facebook tracks its users' location. However there is a way you can stop it.  

Snap Map –bva Snapchat feature — allows users to see their friends’ location on a map. Many people regard it as a large invasion of privacy.

However, Facebook now has a similar feature, but instead of mapping locations with map-like accuracy, it will tell you when friends are in the nearby area.

It’s only accessible through the mobile app and displays the neighbourhood your Facebook friends are in when nearby.

The feature is called “Nearby Friends” and many people are not entirely sure of its purpose. Surely, if you want to let someone know you’re in the area, you’ll just text them, right? Or Facebook message them if you want to stay attached to the app in some respect. Here’s how to turn it off, anyway: Menu button > Explore > Nearby Friends (it may already be disabled, in which case no changes are necessary). From here, go to gear button/settings and swipe the ‘Nearby Friends’ button at the top to disable the function, or customise it for certain friends’ groups, indy100 advises

BREAKING.....

2017 BATCH ‘A’ (STREAM II) ORIENTATION COURSE COMMENCES 26TH JULY

The 2017 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) Orientation Course has been scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 26th July, 2017 nationwide.

Highlights of the exercise are as follows:
 

a. Registration/verification:    Wednesday 26th July  - Thursday, 27th July, 2017

b. Registration Cut-off date:    Midnight of 27th July, 2017

c. Closing ceremony:                Tuesday, 15th August, 2017

Meanwhile, all Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) of the 2017 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) are to advised to watch out for information on the printing of call-up letters shortly.

PCMs are advised to report promptly to the Orientation camps in their states of deployment at the camp addresses indicated in their call-up letters.

Management wishes all Prospective Corps Members safe journey to their respective states of deployment and a hitch-free Orientation course.

 Thank you

Signed:
Management

I sacked 93 top military officers in 1999 to stabilize Nigeria’s democracy – Obasanjo

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says  his decision to retire 93 top military officers on his assumption of office  in 1999 has gone a long way in  saving  and stabilizing  the nation’s democracy.

Obasanjo branded the move as a kind of engineering in politics, pointing out that the mass retirement was inevitable  on account of the  lavish life style of some  top military men in the corridor of power.

He spoke at his 80th birthday celebration organized by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in Abuja at the weekend.

The former president also warned people from referring to him again as Matthew, a name he said he dropped a long time ago.

He said: “If anyone does not want to see my red eyes, don’t call me Matthew again.”

He said that  moving people from one position to another could be a blessing in disguise, citing the examples of former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Barnabas Gemade .

Oyinlola was military administrator of Lagos during the Abacha regime and was one of those affected by the Obasanjo purge while Gemade lost his position as PDP chairman in a move believed to have been sanctioned by the ex-president.

Obasanjo said the development has not affected his relationship with both men because to him, Nigeria comes first in everything.

He said: “Talking about engineering in politics, when I got into office as elected president, I got 93 officers of the armed forces out of the military because they were used to what is called the chummy chummy life in government house, and if I had left them in the military they would have been the ones that would have created more problems for us and our democratic dispensation would not have lasted as it has.

“Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola was one of the 93 officers, but in everything in life there may be a silver lining. If he hadn’t been out at the time he may never have been governor. If Senator Gemade had not been kicked out as chairman he would never have become a senator, but I’m happy that I was looking for perfection and what is best for Nigeria.

“Gemade is my friend and is still a friend and will remain a friend, but when it comes to Nigeria even with the best of my friends, Nigeria will come first. And for that I have no apology and I will have no apology for that.”

2017 BATCH ‘A’ (STREAM II) ORIENTATION COURSE

 The NYSC Management wishes to inform Prospective Corps Members that preparation for the conduct of the 2017 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) Orientation Course is at advanced stage. Management appreciates your sense of patriotism as demonstrated in your eagerness to join other compatriots in national service. While we enjoin you to sustain the patience shown so far, we wish to assure that the Orientation Course will commence in no distant time.
 
This statement supersedes any other information being circulated regarding the date for the commencement of the 2017 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) Orientation Course. Prospective Corps Members are to watch out for announcement of the commencement date through the following online communication platforms: Website: www.nysc.gov.ng Facebook page: www.facebook.com/officialnysc Twitter handle: www.twitter.com/nysc_ng Thank you Signed: Management

JUST IN: Court Grants Bail To 7 Badoo Suspects

The Magistrates’ Court in Ebute Meta, Lagos today granted bail to seven suspected members of Badoo cult group.

The accused namely: Afolabi Kessington, Ismaila Shaibu, Mutiu Nurudeen, Ibrahim Bello, Lukman Mohammed, Gift Itafa and Sheriff Adewunmi, were charged with conspiracy and membership of an unlawful society.

The prosecutor, ASP Fidelis Dike, said the accused committed the offences between July 3 and 5 at Powerline, Agbala area of Ikorodu and also at Irawo Estate, Owode Onirin in Lagos.
He said the accused members of the reprehensible Badoo cult had conspired and gathered in the aforementioned areas to have their meeting, which was deemed illegal.

The offences, the News Agency of Nigeria reports, contravened Section 42(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The magistrate, Mrs. Kofo Ariyo granted each o the accused a bail of N 200,000 with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a blood relation.

The case has however been adjourned till August 9.

Man kidnaps self, demands N60m from elder brother in Lagos

The police in Lagos have arrested one Ufom Udoh for allegedly staging his kidnap in order to fleece his sibling.

The incident occurred on July 3, at Liverpool, Apapa.

It was gathered that one Victor Udoh, had reported at the police command that his younger brother was kidnapped by unknown persons.

According to the command’s spokesman, Olarinde Famous-Cole, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), the case was referred to the anti-kidnapping unit and they swung into action.

He said the unit traced all calls the complainant got on his phone, adding that it led to the arrest of one Paul Okiemute, who reported the case at Udoh’s work place.

Okiemute, upon questioning confessed that Udoh staged his own kidnap to collect money from his elder brother due to his financial problems.

Famous-Cole said: “Udoh was not kidnapped. It was all planned. He staged his own kidnap so that his elder brother can pay ransom.”

The suspect said he made calls to the victim’s elder brother with an unknown number demanding a ransom of N60 million.

“Udoh was later picked up and he confessed to the crime. He said he had checked into a hotel at Iyana-Ipaja area on July 3, where he spent three nights without food and water.

“The suspect said he later trekked to Ifo area in Ogun state, only to return to Lagos looking frail for his story to look convincing,” said Famous-Cole.

Beautiful lady on instagram needs a husband

need a man who will love me, show me care and make me feel on top of the world, and I will make that man my king give him my all including my wealths.
          
   

FG removes HND, First Degree dichotomy

THE Federal Government has removed the age-long dichotomy between holders of university degrees and Higher National Diploma (HND) in all the paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior.

This was contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Abubakar Magaji, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the approval was made by the Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration and Prisons Board (CDFIPB), at the end of its meeting held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, under the chairmanship of the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau.

To this end, the Board directed that all officers with HND to be upgraded to COMPASS 08, which is the salary grade level for holders of degree certificates at entry point.

He added that while the nomenclature for the HND holders would start with the rank of Senior Inspector, the degree holders are with the rank of Assistant Superintendent II.

Magaji said the Board also approved the commencement of the Year 2017 promotion exercise for all the services with effect from July 17, 2017.

In order to boost internal security mechanism, the Board accordingly approved the establishment of the Institute of Domestic Security aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation, among other functions.

In another development, the Federal Government has approved the re-organisation of the Nigeria Immigration Service in line with the provision of Immigration Act, which stipulates the establishment of Directorate of Immigration.

The statement indicated that the directorates, each to be headed by Deputy Comptroller-General, are as follows: Human Resources Management; Finance and Accounts; Planning, Research and Statistics; Passport and Other Travel Documents; Investigation and Compliance.

The Permanent Secretary others as Border Management; Migration and Visa and Residency.

He quoted the Minister of Interior as saying that the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari places high premium on the welfare of its workforce and hopes that officers and men in the Services would reciprocate this gesture through improved performance and dedication to duty, in line with the Executive Order on the Ease of Doing Business, so as to revamp the economy.

Better Practices, Better Nigeria.

EU SEEKS PARTNERSHIP WITH NYSC ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

The European Union is seeking partnership with the National Youth Service Corps on empowerment of youth.

Head of EU Delegation to Nigeria and the ECOWAS, Ambassador Michel Arrion, made the proposal today during a courtesy visit to the Director-General, Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure, at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.

Arrion said the collaboration will cover issues of job creation as well as how to make sure youths are fully recognized as major component of the nation.

The envoy, noted that the question of youth was gaining political attention not only in Nigeria, but also in the entire African continent, and stressed that stakeholders needed to do much more on the youths not only in the area of education, but also other forms of empowerment.

He noted that the AU Heads of State had endorsed a joint EU and African Union Commissions’ proposal to concentrate discussions at the next EU/African Union summit scheduled for November 2017 on the youth.

“The way we are looking at the youth is really holistic in the sense that we are seeing the youth as important component of the society with rights and obligations,” he said.

He recalled that some EU Ambassadors in Nigerian participated in the sensitization programme conducted in some NYSC Orientation Camps by the Pan African Institute for Global Affairs and Strategy (PAIGAS) with the aim of getting Corps members to believe in themselves and their country.

Arrion, who described feedback on the camp sensitization as encouraging, said the EU, NYSC and PAIGAS had more good things to do together.

Also speaking, the President of PAIGAS, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, thanked the NYSC Management for accepting PAIGAS’ proposal on sensitization of Corps members on national pride.

He recalled that twelve states were covered and expressed readiness of the organization to cover many more during its next outing.

Ambassador Uhomoibhi said the EU/NYSC/PAIGAS collaboration will further pass the message of hope and self-confidence to the youths, stressing that the latter could achieve much in Nigeria without having to travel abroad in search of greener pasture.

He said PAIGAS wanted to go beyond talking to the youth and give them better options, including empowering them with skills for self-reliance.

Responding the Director-General, Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure, thanked the EU and PAIGAS for their interest in the progress of Nigerian youths.

Kazaure told his guests that the NYSC had been striving to empower Corps members for self-employment through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, stressing that one of the focal points of his administration’s policy direction was to optimize the benefits of the programme.

He called on the EU to expand the scope of its proposed collaboration with the NYSC to cover assistance towards strengthening the SAED programme, especially in the area of start-off funds for the trained corps entrepreneurs.

Misconduct

Misconduct: Kidnapper Evans’ lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, fined N20,000 for professional offence: -

Suspected kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, aka Evans’ lawyer Olukoya Ogungbeje was yesterday slammed N20,000 “punitive cost” for professional misconduct.

Justice Abdulazeez Anka of the Federal High Court, Lagos, said the cost must be paid before July 20.

Evans’ fundamental rights case was billed to be heard by the Judge, but his lawyer wrote, claiming to be ill. Ogungbeje apologised for his absence and asked for adjournment.

But, Mr Emmanuel Eze, who represented Lagos State Commissioner of Police, opposed Ogungbeje’s application for adjournment.

He said the applicant’s lawyer did not inform the police that he would be absent, adding that any other lawyer from Ogungbeje’s office could have come to represent Evans.

According to him, it is an “affront” to the court for Ogungbeje not to send another lawyer to stand in for him.

“In view of this, we are of the view that the applicant’s counsel is most unserious with this application. We, therefore, ask for a punitive cost of N100,000 against the applicant and his counsel,” he said.

Awarding the N20,000 cost, Justice Anka said: “Counsel wrote a letter seeking for an adjournment without copying the prosecution. This, to me, is unprofessional. The court hereby warns counsel to desist from such type of practice.”

The judge said the facts before him showed that the applicant was still in police custody.

Hearing continues on July 20.

Breaking: Etisalat Nigeria Gets New Name

Etisalat Nigeria gets new name, Now They’d be Known as “9mobile”. It was revealed at an executive meeting held in Lagos two hours ago.

Etisalat Nigeria has just greatly accelerated the pace of its effort to stabilize the troubled telecoms company by changing the name brand.

It was exclusively gathered that the new name is 9Mobile. At an executive meeting held in Lagos two hours ago, the name 9Mobile was adopted and all staff across the country are being notified of the change of name

Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Ltd. (EMTS) trading as Etisalat Nigeria on Tuesday informed its customers that a proposed change of brand name will not affect its operations.

The telecoms company is yet to unveil the new brand to the public.

Etisalat Nigeria has 20 million subscribers, making it the country’s number four mobile operator with a 14 percent market share. Our mandate is to make sure the business runs as profitably as it can. What is most important now is to … ensure that the business runs and meets its obligations,” the company’s new chief executive Boye Olusanya said on Tuesday.

He said the telecom company is focused on getting the group back on track

N120.7 Million Fraud: EFCC Arraigned Umar

The Kaduna Zonal Office of the EFCC, today Thursday July 13,  2017 arraigned Sahel Technical Services Limited and one Umar Faruk, before Jusitce M. T. Aliyu of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna on a two count Charge of Criminal breach of trust and diversion of public funds to the tune of N120,700,000 (One Hundred and Twenty Million Seven Hundred Naira) only.
Umar, a director in Sahel Technical Services ltd, began his sojhourn to the court when the Company was contracted by the Kadùna State Ministry for Governmental Affairs in March 2014 for the supply of 115 units of Hand Tillers to all the 23 Local Government Areas in the state upon which an agreement was reached by all parties involved. He was paid the sum of N 120,700, 000.00 ( one hundred twenty million, seven hundred thousand Naira) in three installments for commencement of the contract which was to be delivered within twelve weeks.
In his ruling, Justice M.T Aliyu granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the Court and own landed property also within the jurisdiction of the Court. The surety must also have the Certificate of occupancy of the residence verified by the Kaduna State Ministry of Lands, while also providing evidence of payment of tax payments for the last 10 years. Trial of the case shall commence on 16th November 2017.

Soyinka at 83: A Global Icon of Humanitarian Service, Amosun

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has felicitated with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, who turns 83 today (July 13), describing him as a global icon of humanitarian service.

The governor, in a statement, said Soyinka has devoted his life to the emancipation of the oppressed, enthronement of democratic rule and improvement of the welfare of the human race.

According to him, the literary giant is a foremost wordsmith, playwright, poet, political activist and human rights advocate, whose works are targeted towards the good of the downtrodden.

"Soyinka, despite age and time has still not relented in fighting for sustainable democratic rule and good governance. He laboured for an independent Nigeria and has continued to defend it's survival, through his opposition to misrule.

"The Nobel Laureate, conspicuously joined forces with other true democrats to selflessly bring about a truly democratic Nigeria.

"Your birth place Isara, Remo and Ogun State, are proud of you as we join others globally to celebrate you at 83. We pray for more strength and wisdom as you march forward as a soldier with good conscience", the governor concluded.

Breaking:PDP Reps give Buhari quit notice

ABUJA-RISING from an emergency this morning (Thursday),Members of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),declared that there is vacancy in the Aso Rock come 2019. The Rep. Leo Okuweh Ogor, (Delta)led opposition in the House at a press briefing stated this to highlight the struggles it passed through in the course of ‎the party’s legal battles that resulted in the victory at the supreme court. Speaking on behalf of the House,Ogor told journalists that the APC administration has been all promises and no action, and has occasioned the impoverishment of Nigerians who now live in hunger and insecurity. He said the APC having failed to improve the country’s situation better than it met it, it should see the PDP’s legal victory at the supreme court as a quit notice towards 2019. Details soon…

JAMB COMENCED SALES OF DIRECT ENTRY APPLICATION FORM

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Tuesday said it has commenced sales of the 2017 Direct Entry application form.

This is contained in a statement signed by JAMB’s Head of Public Relations, Mr Fabian Benjamin, and issued to newsmen in Bwari in the FCT.

The statement said that the form was designed for candidates that have A-level results and wished to gain direct admission to Degree programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

It explained that the process of registration for the Direct Entry was spelt out in the just concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to the statement, the board equally has commenced the sale of UTME application for Nigerians abroad and foreign candidates who desired to attend tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

“We urge all candidates wishing to register through direct entry to obtain the pins at Interswitch, Remita or any of the commercial banks approved earlier for the vending of UTME pins.

“The process is as it was with the UTME where you create a profile and obtain the pins and proceed for biometric capturing at the CBT centres for Direct Entry candidates.

“Candidates for the Direct Entry are expected to possess `Advanced Level, Diploma or its equivalent, while foreign candidates must possess proof of residency abroad.

“For foreign candidates, you must have stayed in the foreign country for at least a minimum of six months and you must have had your secondary education there.”

It noted that the board had not commenced the change of course and institutions, but that it would soon begin.

It explained that when it starts such changes would be carried out in all approved Computer Based Centres (CBT) centres nationwide.

“Candidates need not necessarily come to the Board’s centres for the change; it can be done in any of the CBT centres.

“This is to avoid overcrowding of our offices for services that can be obtained at the utmost comfort by the candidates.”

The statement further said that delay in the change process was due to the Board’s preparation to ensure that the system was carried out without encumbrances.

It advised candidates who are desirous of change of course or institution would be allowed to do so since the platform would be open until close of admission.

It also urged candidates not panic because the change process would not be closed as speculated by people that want to use the opportunity their desperation to defraud them.

However, it warned candidates not to patronise fraudulent individuals or organisations, but visit approved CBT centres and always cross check any information they are not too clear about, to avoid fraud.

“Do not fall victim of fraudsters who claim they can inflate your scores; they do not have the ability, the Board will prosecute such fraudsters and the candidate who patronise them,” it said. (NAN)

Breaking News

BIAFRANS BIGINS PRINTING OF CURRENCY
pictures below

Details coming soon.......

What I discussed with Buhari in London- Osinbajo

The Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, said he travelled to London, UK, on Tuesday to see how the ailing President Muhammadu Buhari is doing physically.

Mr. Buhari has been in the UK on medical vacation for over two months.

Mr. Osinbajo said although he had been speaking with the president over the phone, he thought “it will be a good thing to go and see him and also brief him on developments back at home.”

Speaking to State House correspondents ahead of the weekly meeting of the federal cabinet, Mr. Osinbajo said, “We had a very good time, we had a good conversation on wide ranging issues; he is in a very good spirit. He is recuperating very quickly and he is doing very well.”

On the state of health of the President, Mr. Osinbajo said, “He is in a very high spirit, he is recuperating very fast.”

“We had a very long conversation, we spoke for well over an hour and his humour is there and he is doing well”.

When asked when Mr. Buhari will return, the acting president said “Very very soon.”

“I think we should expect him back very shortly because he is recuperating very fast and very very well.

“He is recuperating very fast and we expect him very shortly; more sooner perhaps than you expect,” he said.

The acting president, however, said he did not discuss the swearing-in of the two ministers from Gombe and Kogi states who were screened and cleared by the Nigerian Senate on May 3, 2017.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged Mr. Osinbajo to swear in the two ministers-designate.

..... BREAKING NEWS..... NASU, ASUP MAPOLY CHAPTER DISAGREE WITH THE TRANSITION COMMITTEE OVER THE PROPOSED DISMISSAL OF OVER 250 STAFFERS IN MAPOLY

It is no more news that the prestigious polytechnic in Abeokuta, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic has been converted into a university of science and technology under the effective administration of his Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun CON, FCA.

The transition committee which is being chaired by Professor Peter Okebukola, has ordered the sack of over 250 workers in the institution and call for a fresh application for those that are eligible to work in the newly established University.

This corroborates the fact that all workers are being automatically sacked by the committee and which they tend to reapply as fresh applicants into the institution.

Aftermath of the board meeting yesterday, which encompassed the transition committee and all recognised bodies in the institution, it was unanimously agreed that such inhuman decision would not be taken by all staffers of the polytechnic.

All bodies, NASU and ASUP including the students of the school, made a huge convergence at the school entrance this morning, 12th July, 2017 to show a prompt unacceptance to the dismissal of all workers and to restrict all activities on campus.

Students have lamented for a quick resolution so as not to jeopardize their academic Career and hold the academic activities into ransom.

We however use this medium to urge the responsive and responsible Ogun state government ably led by his Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun  CON, FCA to implement a swift antidote to the situation and allow peace to reign in the institution and state as large.

In result of that, we all know that "a stitch in time saves nine", this is the only solution we need before situation goes out of hands.

More information to come.