Nigerian Eye

Immigration arrests two Niger nationals with weapons at Katsina border

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There was wild celebration on the streets of Katsina over the decision of the election petition tribunal which on Saturday in Abuja upheld the re-election of Governor Aminu Bello Masari.<br />
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The re-election of Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state was confirmed by a majority decision taken by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Katsina State which ruled that the election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate was lawful and valid<br />
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The tribunal had by a split 2-1 decision, dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Senator Yakubu Lado, challenging Masari’s victory at the poll.<br />
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This is the second time this year that Governor Masari is defeating Senator Yakubu Lado of the PDP, having defeated him in the March 9 Guber election<br />
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While delivering its judgement, the Tribunal which delivered its judgment in Abuja, dismissed all the grounds of the petition, saying that the petitioner did not prove them beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.<br />
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Reading the verdict on behalf of two other members of the three-man tribunal, Justice Augustine Ityonyiman affirmed that Governor Masari was the duly elected governor of Katsina State, having scored majority of lawful votes cast in the election.<br />
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He said: “There is no shred of cogent evidence in proof of their allegations as required by relevant laws. In the circumstance, the petitioners are not entitled to any of the reliefs sought in their petitions. The petition is therefore dismissed in its entirety for lack of merit.”<br />
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The minority judgment, however, came through the Chairperson of the three-man panel, Justice Hadiza Ali Jos, who told other members that Governor Masari “does not have the requisite qualification to contest the election”.<br />
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But her move was overruled by the other two members of the panel, leading to the victory of Governor Masari at the tribunal.<br />
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Meanwhile, there was jubilation galore in at the Governors lodge in asokoro Abuja, as both the victorious Governor and top government functionaries, APC supporters present were seen jubilating and thanking Allah for the victory<br />
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The State Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Shitu Shitu described the verdict as a victory for democracy and called on opponents to join hands with Masari to move the state forward<br />
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Also reacting to the judgment, the state Chairman of the PDP, Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, expressed displeasure over the judgment, insisting that the party and its candidate would Appeal the court ruling

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Nigeria makes World Bank’s list of top-20 “improvers in doing business”

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The World Bank Doing Business (DB) team has announced Nigeria as one of the top-20 improvers in doing business out of 190 countries.<br />
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Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Special Adviser to the President, Ease of Doing Business, disclosed this a statement on Friday in Abuja.<br />
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She said that the announcement came ahead of the Oct. 24 release of the 2020 World Bank Doing Business rankings.<br />
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Oduwole said that the World Bank Doing Business Report was an objective assessment of prevailing business environments based on a number of ease of doing business indicators.<br />
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According to her, in Nigeria, the report assesses doing business conditions in the two largest commercial cities of Lagos and Kano.<br />
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“The World Bank’s announcement acknowledges reforms spearheaded by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in the areas of operationalising a new electronic platform that integrates the tax authority and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).<br />
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“It also acknowledges reforms carried out in some of the World Bank Doing Business indicator areas such as starting a business, registering property, getting construction permits, getting electricity, enforcing contracts, and trading across borders.<br />
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“The CAC also upgraded its name reservation platform and, in Kano, there is now an electronic platform for registering business premises online, eliminating the need to appear in person.<br />
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“In Lagos, land administration was made more transparent following the digitisation of cadastral plans in a geographic information system; digital copies of cadastral plans are now easily obtainable.<br />
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” Nigeria also made getting electricity easier by allowing certified engineers to conduct inspections for new connections. Initiatives also made commercial litigation of smaller cases more efficient.<br />
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“The Chief Judges in Lagos and Kano issued practice directions for small claims courts introducing pre-trial conferences and limit adjournments.<br />
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“ Finally, customs integrated more agencies into its electronic data interchange system, and port authorities launched an e-payment system, speeding up both exports and imports.”<br />
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She said that over the past three years, Nigeria’s score had steadily improved in the World Bank Doing Business Report, after years of decline in both score and ranking in the years preceding 2016.<br />
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Oduwole, who is also PEBEC Secretary, said that in 2017, Nigeria moved up by an unprecedented 24 places on the Doing Business rankings.<br />
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The presidential aide said that for the first ever, Nigeria was also recognised as one of the top 10 reformers in the area of doing business that year.<br />
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Oduwole, said that the recognition being given to Nigeria was one of the top 20 most improved countries, who had implemented the most reforms in 2019 was significant.<br />
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According to her, the validation confirms that PEBEC’s strategy is working and it will continue to push even harder.<br />
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“These improvements in the standing of Nigeria trail the reform agenda being implemented at national and sub-national levels across the country since the establishment of PEBEC by President Muhammadu Buhari in July, 2016.<br />
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“The PEBEC works towards the fulfilment of the projections of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), which is striving to deliver sustainable economic growth in Nigeria by restoring growth, investing in our people, and building a competitive economy.<br />
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“PEBEC, through the Enabling Business Environment Secretariat, has carried out over 140 reforms so far in a bid to remove bureaucratic constraints to doing business in Nigeria and make the country a progressively easier place to start and grow a business.<br />
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“With the impending ratification of the Companies and Allied Matters Bill and the introduction of the Business Facilitation (Omnibus) Bill, 2019 in view, along with other pending regulatory, judicial and sub-national reforms, Nigeria is poised to meet its goal of being a top 100 ranked economy by 2020.<br />
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“The announcement indicates that our goal of moving into the top 70 doing business destinations by 2023 remains achievable,” she said.<br />

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#BBNaija: ''My weakness played against my strength..'' Tacha speaks on her disqualification

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BBNaija: Reno Omokri blasts Nigerian celebrities over Tacha

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Why Buhari returned to Nigeria from US ahead of schedule

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Nigeria listed among top 20 reformers in Ease of Doing Business

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‘The church will fight for him’ — CAN defends Osinbajo on N90bn allegation

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Buhari returns to Abuja after UNGA74

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President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Abuja after his engagements at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA74), in New York, USA, on Saturday morning, a day ahead of schedule.<br />
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News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president was initially scheduled to return to Abuja on Sunday morning at about 7.00a.m.<br />
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However, the presidential aircraft carrying the president, his aides and some members of his entourage landed at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja early Saturday morning.<br />
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NAN gathered that the president’s decision to return home was informed by the fact that he was able to complete all his official engagements in time.<br />
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The president, who left Abuja on Sept. 22 for New York, participated actively in the main and High Side Events of the UNGA74.<br />
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NAN reports that the first official engagement of Buhari at the UNGA74 was on Monday in New York where he addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit with the theme, “A Race We Can Win. A Race We Must Win.”<br />
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At the event, Buhari announced robust plans and initiatives by his administration to reverse the negative effects of climate change in Nigeria.<br />
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While sharing the sentiment expressed by the UN Secretary-General that the world is on the verge of climate catastrophe, President Buhari stated that ”undeniably, Climate Change is a human-induced phenomenon.”<br />
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The president had on Sept. 24 presented the country’s National Statement as the fifth speaker on the first day of the General Debate during the UNGA74 where he among other issues alerted the world on attempts by international criminal groups to cheat Nigeria of billions.<br />
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While at the UNGA74, the president also participated in high level side events on Water and Sanitation as well as ‘SDG Integration – Bridging the Policy Planning – Budgeting Gap for the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.’<br />
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On Sept. 26, the president presented an address at the High-Level National Side-Event organised by the African Union Development Agency and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).<br />
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President Buhari also held several bilateral meetings with world leaders, international organisations, world business gurus and Nigerian Youths Climate Group before departing New York on Friday.

Latest-News Buhari returns to Abuja after UNGA74

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I wasn’t told the cause of Mad Melon’s death- Mountain Black (Danfo Drivers)

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One-half of the music group, Danfo Drivers, Mountain Black, has said he wasn’t told the cause of Mad Melon’s death. He also noted that the music industry neglected his colleague, Mad Melon, before his death.<br />
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Speaking in a chat with newsmen, he said: “Yes, he was neglected (by the music industry). We became popular in 2003, and we had been managing ourselves since then. I believe that with God, all things are possible. We believed in ourselves, and that is why we were still relevant in the industry till now. The industry is very wide; you can fix yourself anywhere and make your money. We were, also, both involved in transportation business.”<br />
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Asked about the cause of his shocking death, he said: “I am not a doctor. I was actually not around. It was when I got back, I was told that he was not feeling well. One of his relatives called me and said I should come immediately because my brother was acting strangely. By the time I got there, he was gone. I was just told he was not feeling fine.”

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7 Sure signs you are getting older

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In humans, ageing represents the accumulation of changes that occur in human beings over time, though some of us may dread this stage; getting older is an aspect of life most of us will experience.<br />
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If you are blessed enough to make it to a certain age, you will start to see and feel the effects of ageing. There are some obvious signs of age, such as wrinkles and gray hair (unless you’re prematurely graying). However, there are also subtle signs that often begin a few years before we start to see the physical signs of age.<br />
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Here are seven sure signs compiled by TheNEwsGuru [TNG] which could serve as a likely proof that you’re getting old. So if the underlisted signs are common to you already, never think ageing is far from for you, it’s already here.<br />
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<b>1. You take diet plans seriously</b><br />
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When you were young, you had incredible resilience. You can eat what we want, dance the night away and your bodies just bounce back. In short, you appear to be able to get away with a less-than-healthy lifestyle. However, as you age this changes. So it is a sure sign you are really getting old, if ‘what you eat’ has become a huge priority to you. Getting older? people tend more towards nutrition than taste – healthy recipes that keep them looking (and feeling) youthful.<br />
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<b>2. You begin sentences with, ‘When I was your age … ‘</b><br />
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Chances are, you’ll get to a point where you can’t help but start most sentences with “when I was your age …” Then you’ll proceed to tell your young listener about the tough situations you faced and how you managed to survive. Once you finish your story of trial and triumph, he or she will scurry away before you begin yet another story about pre-independence administrations; Nigeria’s first republic; what life was like before mobile phones and the internet existed among others.<br />
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<b>3. Regular medical check-up [Most likely, you have your doctor’s number]</b><br />
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Now, nobody needs to tell you why it is important to have regular health check-ups, you know it! It can help you identify any early signs of health issue, especially sugar level management and blood pressure. Finding these problems early means that your chances for effective treatment are increased. Age and lifestyle choices, impact on how often you need check-ups.<br />
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It won’t be a surprise if you have the direct contact of a medical expert,  you always find confidence in discussing your health status with a healthcare professional.<br />
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<b>4. Blame game: Yab your friends they are getting old</b><br />
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Once you get to the point where you realize you’re not a kid anymore, rather than accept it, some prefer to mirror the reality in their peers. So they can’t help but play the blame game.  Once they come in contact with there old friends or relatives they are quick to label those in their age bracket as ‘getting too old’. The truth is, they are the one who are more disturbed or feeling the grip of ageing the most.<br />
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<b>5. When you give speeches to defend that you are not ‘that old’</b><br />
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If you have to explain to people that you’re not old, then you’re old. That’s where the irony is. Denial only strikes when the reason you’re in denial has taken over. So, you may think you’re convincing everyone that you’re as young as you think you are, but you’re not fooling anyone. And how do we know this? Because we have eyes. We can literally see that you’re old. Fool your mirror all you want, but good luck fooling everyone else.<br />
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<b>6. Trying so hard to fake young</b><br />
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There’s nothing sadder than not being able to just accept your age—and who can relate to that better than you? You use phrases that genuinely seem foreign when they’re coming out of your mouth, but you use them anyway. Because you’re desperate. You’ve gotten to this point in your life where you may as well be actively trying to sell your soul to the devil to feel younger than you are, but no matter how hard you try, nothing about your sense of style, your taste in trends, or your “modern” vocabulary feels natural.<br />
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<b>7. Go to sleep early, no night events</b><br />
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The days of staying out past midnight to hang out with friends are pretty much over. After a long day of work, all you can think about is getting home, jumping into your pajamas, and getting into your bed so you can get a solid night’s sleep. There was probably a time in your life when you would rather be out meeting people and going to events. Nowadays, all you want to do is relax

Latest-News 7 Sure signs you are getting older

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VIDEO: Peter Okoye denies promising Tacha N60m

08:46 Unknown 0

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Superstar musician Peter Okoye has denied promising to give Tacha, who was disqualified on Friday from #BBNaija whether or not she wins the reality show.<br />
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Okoye was seen in a live video promising to give the controversial the prize money whether she won or not.<br />
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However, Okoye made another live video on Friday to debunk the promise.<br />
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He said he never promised to give Tacha any money.<br />
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According to him: “I said I will teach her how to make N60million, I never said I will give her N60million.”<br />
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Peter went ahead to pledge to give N10million to anyone who can provide video evidence or a tweet where he promised Tacha N60million.<br />
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WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
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<p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B27kBcPA5fE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Peter Okoye has denied promising to pay Tacha N60m. Recall that the superstar musician said in a live video that if Tacha wins or not, he will give Tacha the prize money. #bbnaija #TheNationNewspaper #Tacha #Bbnaija19 #peterokoye</a></p>
<p style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samiflow1/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank">Oamen Samuel</a> (@samiflow1) on <time style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-09-27T22:02:21+00:00">Sep 27, 2019 at 3:02pm PDT</time></p>
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Latest-News VIDEO: Peter Okoye denies promising Tacha N60m

Superstar musician Peter Okoye has denied promising to give Tacha, who was disqualified on Friday from #BBNaija whether or not she wins th...

BBNaija: Celebrities divided over Tacha’s disqualification

08:41 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGmxIM9CexoN4pdtxOpp9FBaFPO1FeIwQ89Lv9nz37HNaKhA1H3YbFJQyJTuhxbvTXsKEAxhSj02EN28MriLfDN0UJrHjO3Rx5scG4YMCz0UQGy31ekM6AffUqzRTTftiyWlo9mRLVZw/s1600/Tacha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="589" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGmxIM9CexoN4pdtxOpp9FBaFPO1FeIwQ89Lv9nz37HNaKhA1H3YbFJQyJTuhxbvTXsKEAxhSj02EN28MriLfDN0UJrHjO3Rx5scG4YMCz0UQGy31ekM6AffUqzRTTftiyWlo9mRLVZw/s400/Tacha.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Celebrities have expressed divergent views over the shocking eviction of BBNaija housemate, Tacha.<br />
<br />
The controversial housemate was kicked out of the show after she was embroiled in a shouting match with Mercy which turned physical after Tacha grabbed Mercy’s hair and she, in turn, tried to defend herself with an electric iron.<br />
<br />
For her part in the altercation, Mercy got two strikes from Big Brother “for not stepping away from a volatile situation.”<br />
<br />
Speaking about Tacha’s disqualification, Daddy Freeze said:” Dear Big brother, just in case you missed the clip here it is again, we can clearly see Mercy assaulting @symply_tacha twice once with how she flung her hair in Tacha’s face, the second time when she grabbed the iron in a threatening manner; THAT’S ASSAULT!<br />
Question what is Mercy still doing in the house if Tacha was disqualified?”<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<br />
“I don’t support violence but I fault her disqualification. The part they had to throw her out is the part that I do not support. Mercy too attempted to hurt her”,Nigerian comic, AY said.<br />
<br />
Controversial Gambian born Ghanaian actress, Princess Shyngle wrote:” Forget the fact that @symply_tacha is my favorite housemate but this disqualification is bullshit, she was clearly provoked and she reacted which is very normal, if any girl dare flip her stupid dirty hair on my face I would have slapped the shit out of you”.<br />
<br />
Ex BBNaija 2019 housemate, Jackye Madu wrote:”When I said she is a walking time bomb, you all trolled me.Look at it now. She didn’t see the 99th day, she had always wanted “.<br />
<br />
On the flip-side, other celebrities like Dayo Adeneye a.k.a D1 commended Biggie for disqualifying Tacha.  The media personality complained over Tacha not being remorseful after her disqualification.<br />
<br />
According to him:” Not even an ounce of REMORSE. And she will be someone’s wife and mother some day?”<br />
<br />
Nigerian psychiatrist and media personality, Dr Memunah said:” People should never let emotions strip them of their opportunities. In our pursuit for greatness, being emotionally intelligent is key to our success in life”<br />
<br />
TV presenter, Shade Ladipo in her reaction said:”The reaction of both housemates shows who deserved to stay. When pride and anger rule you, opportunities move to the next person who has less pride and anger. Talent, Over confidence and even money is never enough”

Latest-News BBNaija: Celebrities divided over Tacha’s disqualification

Celebrities have expressed divergent views over the shocking eviction of BBNaija housemate, Tacha. The controversial housemate was kicke...

2019 polls: Effort to increase women participation did not yield desired result-INEC

08:41 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9otdrHlC4J07WavqkUyRd0LFyLujJV_dT18gzbIYcjWFgC7hmX2TRv18zHRjk9s2gn2t_-qMd-pNHXq1z5hRX4dyllRHkI43WWXelszV9es0iCJ3k8wmNacIvqP545sOw-qk3SLfkaE/s1600/inec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="530" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9otdrHlC4J07WavqkUyRd0LFyLujJV_dT18gzbIYcjWFgC7hmX2TRv18zHRjk9s2gn2t_-qMd-pNHXq1z5hRX4dyllRHkI43WWXelszV9es0iCJ3k8wmNacIvqP545sOw-qk3SLfkaE/s400/inec.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its efforts at ensuring the participation of more women in the electoral process did not yield the desired result in 2019 general elections.<br />
<br />
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made the assertion at the “INEC’S review meeting of 2019 general elections from a gender perspective”, held in Abuja on Friday.<br />
<br />
Represented by Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, INEC National Commissioner, Yakubu said that it was evident on the number of female candidates who emerged in the general elections.<br />
<br />
He described the situation as appalling, “in spite a general commitment to the principle of non-discrimination, Nigeria fell short of the deserved result of giving males and females equal opportunities.”<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
<br />
Yakubu said that evidences abound of several negative aspects of gender relations such as: disparities between male and female access to power and resources, played out in the 2019 general elections.<br />
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He said that the 2019 general election activities and engagements showed high level participation of women in the electoral process as aspirants, but due to barriers, they regressed in the number that won elections.<br />
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Yakubu added that party primaries amongst others fell short of expectations as many women could not secure tickets to represent their parties.<br />
<br />
“During the elections, only five out of the 73 candidates who ran for the position of president were women.<br />
<br />
“Also, 1,668 men and 232 women contested for the 109 senatorial seats while 4,139 men and 533 women contended for 360 seats in the House of Representatives.<br />
<br />
“At the end of the election, only seven women won senatorial seats and 11 were elected into the House of Representatives, while four were elected as deputy Governors.<br />
<br />
“However, other countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa have laid examples to follow.<br />
<br />
“For instance, 12 Sub-Saharan countries elected more than 30 per cent women to legislative positions, while Rwanda reportedly have so many success stories and advancement in electing women to more than 60 per cent of its legislative positions.<br />
<br />
“The huge efforts made by the commission to support the participation of women in the electoral process did not succeed in addressing the decline of women’s representation in politics.<br />
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“This is worrisome as women’s participation in governance and leadership is not only essential prerequisite for removing gender inequality, but also the attainment of basic human rights,” he said.<br />
<br />
The chairman said there was need to start thinking of how things could be done differently for more impact.<br />
<br />
“Such exercise will assist INEC to learn vital lessons that could enable the commission review its policies and programmes and serve as a roadmap in planning for future elections.<br />
<br />
“There is also need to review the operational framework put in place by the commission, identify success factors with a view to consolidating and sustaining them,” he said.<br />
<br />
Yakubu added that the reviews were not about the commission alone, but about mutual credibility for a successful electoral process and outcome in the future elections.<br />
<br />
“He said that INEC would continue to engage with critical stakeholders at various levels to support and interrogate gender issues in politics and political processes in Nigeria,” he said.<br />
<br />
Prof. Antonia Okoosi-Simbine, INEC National Commissioner, said that the overall level of representation of women in politics remained a cause for concern.<br />
<br />
Okoosi-Simbine said that the meeting would interrogate the actions and inactions of the commission and other stakeholders around gender issues during the elections and how to change the narrative going forward.<br />
<br />
“The overall objective of the review is to provide a platform to analyse the 2019 elections, especially from the commission’s perspective and to advance the rights of women in Nigeria towards setting an agenda for 2023,” she said.<br />
<br />
In her remarks, Dr Asmau Maikudi, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Zamfara, said that the marginalisation of women in Nigeria had been a huge detriment to its efforts to grow as a stable, democratic nation.<br />
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Maikudi said that any democratisation process that fails to incorporate a gender perspective was a flaw.<br />
<br />
Maikudi recommended that every man and woman, starting from the ward to the presidency level should be made to compulsorily receive an awareness education/lecture on equal access of women in politics.<br />
<br />
The event, which was attended by INEC Desk Officers from the 36 states and the FCT, was organised in collaboration with the European Centre for Electoral Support (ECES).

Latest-News 2019 polls: Effort to increase women participation did not yield desired result-INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its efforts at ensuring the participation of more women in the electoral process...

Bakare faults Nigeria’s education system, recommends total overhaul

08:31 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IWSpoW0sqzVfSYIhXA55xYAF59evabaymr4ZvogLRkwlNm6aYcKCD3pR9ficGNVyIrRMTpclpIXe2l4eoNz7pXL2cnqHzuSHQA0Y8cnB5hOgfuF0qeTd3W_V20vFWrwK81i9rSNMC3E/s1600/Tunde-Bakare-Buhari.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="822" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4IWSpoW0sqzVfSYIhXA55xYAF59evabaymr4ZvogLRkwlNm6aYcKCD3pR9ficGNVyIrRMTpclpIXe2l4eoNz7pXL2cnqHzuSHQA0Y8cnB5hOgfuF0qeTd3W_V20vFWrwK81i9rSNMC3E/s400/Tunde-Bakare-Buhari.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Tunde Bakare, the senior pastor of Latter Rain Assembly, says Nigeria’s education system needs a total overhaul to create productive graduates.<br />
<br />
Bakare made the statement on the sidelines of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Annual Goalkeepers meetings in New York, on Friday.<br />
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He said 50% of Nigerian youths are not employed while 25% are unemployable.<br />
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According to him, the current system has huge implications on the economic development and life outcomes of young people.<br />
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<br />
“In the past, when you are coming out from the university, there are regular jobs, car loan and other facilities that will keep you in the country,” Bakare said.<br />
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“Right now, because of the lack of jobs, job creation has become a major issue. Our young people are now taking to crime and are benefiting from proceeds of crime and kidnapping.<br />
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“But with the right policy in place, we can inject new ideas that will create jobs for our people.<br />
<br />
“I trust God that the right leadership will come. I call them a new breed without greed that will consider others and begin to create opportunities for us within our countries.<br />
<br />
“About 50% of our youth are not employed and 25% of them are not employable. So, there is something fundamentally wrong with our education system that is producing semi-illiterates.”<br />
<br />
The pastor, therefore, called on the government to review the education curriculum saying Nigeria would need better-educated graduates to cope and compete in the world.<br />
<br />
Bakare had trended at the weekend after a February 2018 video recording where he said he is “number 16” after President Muhammadu Buhari, who he says is “number 15″ in the ”scheme of things” resurfaced.<br />
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The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Goalkeeper’s report, which measures the state of performance of the SDGs across the world, had said there is inequality in almost every location in the world.<br />
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According to the report, the quality of education people receive differs depending on the state or local government area they live in.<br />
<br />
The report showed that a girl born in Ado Ekiti will most likely finish her secondary education, but if the same girl were born in Garki local government in Jigawa, she will not complete primary education.

Latest-News Bakare faults Nigeria’s education system, recommends total overhaul

Tunde Bakare, the senior pastor of Latter Rain Assembly, says Nigeria’s education system needs a total overhaul to create productive gradu...

Lagos to host Global Citizen Festival 2020 – Sanwo-Olu

08:31 Unknown 0

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<br />
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday night, in New York City, United States announced Lagos, Nigeria as the host city for the year 2020 Global Citizen Festival.<br />
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Sanwo-Olu who made the announcement during an interactive session of global leaders, activists and entertainers said the need to end extreme poverty by the year 2030, which is the aim of the Global Citizen movement must be embraced by every world leader.<br />
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He said, “I stand before you this evening to join my brothers and sisters from Nigeria to announce to you that come September 26, 2020, we would be hosting the world. We would be hosting the Global Citizen Festival in Lagos, Nigeria. We are looking forward to it. It is the beginning of greater things to happen to us as people from West Africa and indeed the entire African continent.<br />
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“I will encourage the Federal Government of Nigeria to invite leaders from countries in Africa and around the world to grace the occasion. And as Governor of one of the 36 states in Nigeria, I will invite my colleagues to come and make commitments on behalf of nearly one hundred million poorest of the poor people in Nigeria so that by the year 2030, we would be writing a different story about the situation of the poor masses in the country.”<br />
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Sanwo-Olu said, that Nigeria, which has over 200 million people, with half of the population living below the poverty line requires concerted efforts by all and sundry to ensure that more people are taken away from extreme poverty on a regular basis.<br />
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Speaking on the event, the CEO of Global Citizen, Hugh Evans, together with the CEO of Teneo, a supporting company, the historic 10 hour global broadcast event spanning five continents will reach every corner of the world.<br />
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According to them, the idea is to spread the message in a very loud and well-coordinated manner for every leader across the world to hear and for them to see the urgent need to commit their knowledge and material resources to help the poor.<br />
<br />
The year 2019 festival will hold at the central park in New York on Saturday.<br />
<br />
Leaders in music and entertainment, who have signed on to perform at the 2020 Global Citizen Festival in Nigeria include Usher Raymond, Pharell, D’banj, Tiwa Savage, Hold Space, Shawn Mendes among others.<br />
<br />
The 10-hour live event will be supported by the Lagos State Government in partnership with Live Nation and Delivered Production Services, made possible by Messrs Tunde Folawiyo and Aig-imoukhuede who are co-chair of Global Citizen, Nigeria.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Governor Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to shun violence and continue to live in peace and harmony in order to build a better Nigeria.<br />
<br />
The Governor made this call, on Friday, at a Special Jumat Service organized to commemorate the 59th Independence Day Celebrations at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, Alausa, Ikeja.<br />
<br />
Sanwo-Olu who was represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, stressed that the nation cannot develop if there is violence, killing and fighting amongst its citizens. He, therefore, urged everyone with a violent disposition to have a rethink, as it is ungodly to kill anybody in Islam.<br />
<br />
According to him, “It is clear in Islam that if you kill a soul, you have killed a nation. Whatever the grievances are, let us all sit down and resolve it, to have a nation where we will live in peace and harmony, where we will be able to fulfil Allah destiny”.<br />
<br />
He disclosed that his dream for Nigeria is for all Nigerians to live in peace and utilize their God giving talents for a better nation which cannot be achieved when there is fighting, no peace and violence.<br />
<br />
Speaking further, the Governor stated that Nigeria is a good country and it will be better if all citizens are upright, do what is right always and care for one another.

Latest-News Lagos to host Global Citizen Festival 2020 – Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday night, in New York City, United States announced Lagos, Nigeria as the host city for...

Conclude discussion on new minimum wage, TUC urges FG

14:36 Unknown 0

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<br />
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to urgently conclude discussion on the new minimum wage and commence implementation across board.<br />
<br />
The TUC Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.<br />
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Ekundayo said that the union had condemned the segmental implementation of the minimum wage for grade levels one to six.<br />
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NAN reports that the junior public servants from grade one to six have started receiving payment of the new minimum wage from the Federal Government for August salary.<br />
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This was confirmed on Sept. 22 by Mr Lawrence Amaechi, the National President, Nigeria Civil Service Union, also a member of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.<br />
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Ekundayo said: “The government implemented for grade levels one to six, leaving grades level seven upwards out, and we are still discussing around the consequential adjustment and relativity impact.<br />
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“It needs to be quickly dealt with, concluded; what needs to be done is to go to the negotiation table, discuss these issues and let us have implementation for all the workers.”<br />
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Also, the union Secretary, Mr Abiodun Aladetan, expressed displeasure over the delay of the implementation of the minimum wage.<br />
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Aladetan said that it was the duty of government to address the issues in the interest of the workers.<br />
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“It is unfortunate where we are on the minimum wage; recently, the Minister of Labour acknowledged that the government had commenced payment for those on grade levels one to six.<br />
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“This could create division within the labour circle and as a labour movement, we condemn it; it will not deter us, but have a ripple effect on the system.<br />
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“We call on government, as a matter of urgency, to discuss with labour; come to terms with these realities by accepting the demands of the labour movement,”Aladetan said.

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Cybercrime: Entertainers lend voices as Naira Marley’s trial resumes

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCP6RBkG56NYwPRi_CEoFKSLqXsuYdKuDiQRdgZEcxunClCBd64fXdHiMhJe2PTIwb_8FROlV2eYHtKf1jRiDowpIA06dIVT0aix6IZIk2MZsgSWEsFwyTPG1A00iH1fLW2JClFbxZ2c/s1600/Naira-Marley-released-bail+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="656" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCP6RBkG56NYwPRi_CEoFKSLqXsuYdKuDiQRdgZEcxunClCBd64fXdHiMhJe2PTIwb_8FROlV2eYHtKf1jRiDowpIA06dIVT0aix6IZIk2MZsgSWEsFwyTPG1A00iH1fLW2JClFbxZ2c/s400/Naira-Marley-released-bail+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to resume trial of Nigerian popstar, Naira Marley over fraud, frontline comedians have lent their voices against cybercrimes in the society.<br />
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This took place when the frontline comedians visited the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday in support of the anti-graft agency’s enlightenment and preventive campaigns against the scourge.<br />
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The comedians, Mc Tagwaye, Ambassador Wahala and Chuks D General in an interactive session noted that some players in the entertainment industry are misleading the youth into cybercrimes through display of ostentatious lifestyles and unedifying content they make available to the public.<br />
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“We are pastors over unknown audiences, who are religiously looking up to us as entertainers. There is a need to be cautious of our contents and lifestyles so as not to mislead the general public into cybercrime,” Chuks D General said.<br />
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Ambassador Wahala observed that, “Role models in the entertainment industry are not telling their audience the true story behind their success. A lot of their followers are not seeing the work involved; they are misled by what they see and a lot of them are anxious to make it like these celebrities, they end up toeing the path of cybercrime as a quick access to making it to the top”.<br />
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He noted that comedians can aid the fight against cybercrime and corruption by developing contents that will speak to the conscience of the youth on the dangers of life on the fast lane.<br />
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“Entertainers can join hands with the Commission by taking the message down to the youths,” he said. While urging Nigerian youth to cooperate with the Commission by staying away from cybercrimes and embrace decent sources of livelihood, they commended the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu for his determination and passion to completely rid the country of corruption and for the successes so far recorded in the fight by the Commission.<br />
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Recall that singer Naira Marley was on the 14th of June released exactly 14 days after he was granted bail by the Ikoyi High court. The trial, however, resumes in a month time as Naira Marley needs to give answer to all charges leveled against him by the EFCC.<br />
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EFCC leveled an 11-count charge against Naira Marley. The alleged crimes were in contravention of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and the Cyber Crimes Act, which he risks seven years in jail if found guilty. The charges with suit number FHC/L/178C/19 were filed before a Lagos State High Court. 10 days after his arrest, Naira Marley was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

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BBNaija 2019: Cindy evicted from reality TV show

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<br />
Cindy has been evicted from the BBNaija 2019 Pepper Dem edition after polling the lowest votes in the 13th week.<br />
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Cindy becomes the 17th housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother Naija 2019 house.<br />
On Sunday, September 27, 2019, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the eviction of from the Big Brother House.<br />
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Cindy's exit is coming after spending a total of 89 days and nine weeks in the house.<br />
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Cindy emerged the Head of House on September 9, 2019. She joined the show four weeks after it kicked off alongside Joe, Enkay, Elozonam and Venita.<br />
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This is the 10th eviction and 11th live eviction show on the Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem edition which kicked off on June 30, 2019.<br />
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On Sunday, July 7, 2019, two housemates, Isilomo and Avala were evicted from the Big Brother House emerging two of the housemates with the lowest amount of Bet9ja coins.<br />
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After the first eviction, which saw Isilomo and Avala leaving the house, the ex-housemates said Jeff was living a fake life in the house and playing the strong.<br />
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On July 14, 2019, two more housemates, Kimoprah and Ella were evicted from the BBNaija house after getting the least votes from fans voting online and via SMS.<br />
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On July 21, 2019, Tuoyo was evicted and became the first male housemates to be evicted.<br />
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On July 28, 2019, Nelson and Thelma were evicted from the BBNaija house.<br />
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On Sunday, August 4, 2019, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the eviction of Jeff from the Big Brother House.<br />
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Eviction resumed on Sunday, August 18, when Joe and Enkay were evicted from the house.<br />
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On Sunday, August Sunday 25, 2019, Gedoni and Jackye were evicted from the Big Brother Naija 2019 house.<br />
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On Sunday, September 1, 2019, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the eviction of Esther and Sir Dee from the Big Brother House.<br />
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On Sunday, September 7, 2019, Venita was evicted from the BBNaija House after a total of six weeks in the house.<br />
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On Sunday, September 15, 2019, Khafi was evicted from the BBNaija House after a total of 77 days in the house.<br />
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21 youths made it to the Big Brother House to become the housemates of the BBNaija season 4 tagged Pepper Dem. Three weeks later, 5 other housemates joined the competition. Elozonam, Venita, Joe and Enkay were added to the reality show making the housemates 19 all over again.<br />
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The eviction continues for the next four weeks when the show comes to an end.

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Alleged fraud: Court insists NFF boss Pinnick, others must appear

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A Federal High Court in Abuja has insisted on the appearance of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and four others to answer to a pending criminal charge against them.<br />
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Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu gave the order yesterday at the resumed hearing in the charge brought against them by the Federal Government, through the now disbanded Special Presidential Investigation Panel (SPIP) on the recovery of public property.<br />
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Those charged with Pinnick are NFF Secretary, Sanusi Mohammed; the 1st Vice-President, Seyi Akinwumi; the 2nd Vice-President, Shehu Dikko and an Executive member, Yusuff Fresh.<br />
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Pinnick and others are, in the charge 17-count charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/93/2019,  accused among others, of misappropriation of $8,400,000 belonging to the football body.<br />
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The money was said to have been paid by the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to the NFF as appearance fees in the group state of the Russia 2018 World Cup.<br />
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They are also accused of “moving dishonestly and intentionally the sum of about N4bn” belonging to the NFF without the consent of the NFF.<br />
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When the case was called on Thursday, the defendants were absent, despite the court’s order of July 1, 2019 for bench warrant compelling the defendants to appear on the next adjourned date.<br />
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SPIP’s lawyer,  Celsius Ukpong drew the court’s attention to the fact that his agency, (the SPIP)  has been shut down on the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.<br />
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Ukpong said, because of the development and subsequent directive by the President, SPIP’s activities and functions have been transferred to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).<br />
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He added that part of the SPIP’s activities transferred to the AGF was the case file containing the Pinnick and others’ charge and related processes.<br />
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Ukpong said: “It was the panel that file the charges. But, we have been disbanded and President Buhari directed us to handover all our activities to the office of the AGF.<br />
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” In view of the new development, we believe that the office of the AGF will do justice to this matter.”<br />
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A lawyer, who said he was from the AGF’s office, Abubakar Musa confirmed Ukpong’s explanation, but said he believed the case file was in transition to the office of the AGF, following the closure of the SPIP by the President.<br />
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After listening to the lawyers, Justice Ojukwu expressed displeasure at the defendants’ absence.<br />
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She noted that it was a slight on the court for its order to be ignored by the defendants, and threatened to excuse herself from the case.<br />
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The judge noted that had the defendants been in court, she would have excused them in view of the absence of a competent prosecution counsel before the court.<br />
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The judge thereafter adjourned until November 5, 2019, but insisted that the defendants must attend court.

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Federal Govt suit: Pay $250,000 in 14 days or forget appeal – P&ID

09:31 Unknown 0

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The Process and Industrial Development Limited has said Nigeria will not be able to file an appeal in respect of the $9.6bn arbitral award until the Federal Government pays it a $250,000 cost awarded by a United Kingdom court.<br />
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The firm said the $250,000 payment must be paid to it by Nigeria within 14 days.<br />
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Justice Christopher Butcher of the Commercial Court in London on Thursday granted Nigeria’s request to stay of execution of the enforcement of the $9.6bn arbitral award pending the Federal Government’s appeal.<br />
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Granting the stay conditionally, the judge ordered Nigeria to make a $200m security payment into its account within 60 days.<br />
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He also granted Nigeria’s request for a leave to file the appeal in respect of the $9.6bn arbitral award.<br />
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It was gathered that the amount of the running cost was not disclosed in the open court.<br />
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But P&ID, in a statement e-mailed to The PUNCH following our enquiries from the firm at the end of the Thursday’s proceedings, said the running cost which the Nigeria government must pay to it within 14 days before it could file the appeal amounted to $250,000.<br />
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It said the Thursday’s ruling by the British court was not a permission to the Federal Government to appeal against the arbitral award but to appeal against its enforcement in the form of seizure of its assets.<br />
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The statement read, “For background, today’s judgment granted the Nigerian government leave to appeal the UK court’s decision that it could be subject to asset seizures to enforce the arbitration award in favour of P&ID.<br />
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“It does not allow the government to appeal the award itself.<br />
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“As you’ll be aware, the High Court in the UK heard arguments in the case today, with the Nigerian government seeking a stay of asset seizures and leave to appeal the asset seizure decision.<br />
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“The court has ruled the government may appeal – if it meets the conditions that $250,000 must be paid to P&ID in costs within 14 days and $200m in security paid to the court within 60 days.”<br />
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The British court had in August this year delivered a judgment recognising a London-based arbitration panel’s award of $9.6bn against Nigeria over a failed Gas Supply Processing Agreement signed in 2010 between the Federal Government and P&ID for “lean gas” production in the country.<br />
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Parties to the case returned to the court on Thursday with Nigeria obtaining the leave of the court to appeal against the judgment and order of conditional stay of execution of the judgment subject to the Federal Government’s payment of security fund of $200m into the court’s account within 60days.

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Ex-NBA chairman, magistrate sent to prison

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A Federal High Court in Yola, on Thursday, sentenced a former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chairman, Binanu Esthon and Magistrate Shehu Mustapha, to three years in prison each for fraud.<br />
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Esthon and Mustapha with seven counts bordering on fraud in before 2015.<br />
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Delivering judgment, Justice Bilkisu Aliyu, held that the convicts were sentenced for stealing and defrauding 502 retired staff of the Stirling Civil Engineering Nigeria limited in Adamawa in 2007 of N67 million.<br />
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NAN reports that she held that Mustapha stole money belonging to 502 retired workers of the debtor company.<br />
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“The convicts stole from workers who retired and were not paid any benefit over the years.<br />
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“The second convict as a judicial officer who was in the position of authority to give the retired workers justice and reprieve, failed to do so. Rather, caused untold hardship on them.<br />
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“Mustaoha has done a great disservice to the administration of justice in general and his conduct is highly condemned,” she held.<br />
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On Esthon, she said, as counsel for the complainant, he failed in his sacred duty to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice was upheld always as a lawyer.<br />
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Aliyu held that Esthon participated in causing more harm to his clients whose interest he ought to protect.<br />
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She held that the three years sentence was the maximum punishment provided for the offence of criminal conversion by Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 LFN 2004. and demand for the amendment.<br />
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She ordered the EFCC to take urgent steps to recover the money for onward payment to the retired workers.<br />
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Reacting to the judgment, EFCC counsel, Mr Ahmad Muntaka, said justice had taken it course in the trial.

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Xenophobia: Obasanjo parleys Ramaphosa in South Africa

09:06 Unknown 0

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After his recent letter to Chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi, South African politician and Zulu tribal leader about the demerits of xenophobia, former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo has visited South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa.<br />
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Obasanjo also used the visit to present to Ramaphosa a new book that Obasanjo co-authored with Greg Mills of the Brenthurst Foundation in South Africa; Jeffrey Herbst, a celebrated Africanist; and Tendai Biti, the former finance minister of Zimbabwe.<br />
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The book is titled “Democracy Works: Rewiring Politics to Africa’s Advantage”.<br />
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President Ramaphosa thanked the former President for working hard and still having the energy to write and contribute to current debates about the development of Africa.<br />
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The two leaders also used the opportunity to reflect on recent events in South Africa which saw more than four hundred Nigerians voluntarily evacuated from the country.<br />
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“Former president Obasanjo expressed his sincere appreciation of President Ramaphosa’s recent appointment of a team of special envoys who have in the past few days visited a number of fellow African states to deliver a message from the president regarding the incidents of violence,” said Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Khusela Diko.<br />
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“In the meeting, the leaders engaged on misconceptions created about the situation in South Africa that gave the impression that Nigerian nationals in particular had been victimised. No loss of life was reported among Nigerian nationals in South Africa during this period.

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2023: Oshiomhole, El-Rufai’s campaign posters flood states, APC reacts

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The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, said that the party is not concerned about the race for 2023 elections now.<br />
<br />
The focus of the party, he said, is governance.<br />
<br />
The posters of APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State and the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had been seen in some parts of the country.<br />
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Issa-Onilu, who said that the governing party was faced with challenges of governance, security, economy and corruption, said that it would focus on policies, projects and programmes that were imperative to Nigerians.<br />
<a name='more' id="more"></a><br />
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“As a party, we want to state clearly that having won elections convincingly and having been given the mandate to run government for the next four years, our major and only focus now is governance.<br />
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“We are not engaging in any other activity about 2023 elections.<br />
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“Wherever you see such (posters) you can be sure it is from mischief makers to continue to take actions to cause distractions for the governing party.<br />
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“We are to deal with the challenges of governance, security, economy and corruption as well as other associated issues. That is what we are focused on.<br />
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“So, as a party, we understand that the social contract we have signed with the people of Nigeria with the renewal of our mandate,”<br />
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Issa-Onilu also urged the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) not to undermine the order and security, particularly the judiciary as an important institution of the country.

Latest-News 2023: Oshiomhole, El-Rufai’s campaign posters flood states, APC reacts

The National Publicity Secretary of APC, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, who said this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday, said that the pa...

VIDEO: Comedians Basketmouth, Chigurl, IK storm BBNaija house

08:41 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiE75sh360zqaj3LgBzHiPdNYRFSFJSkS-R6RBePTFoRXg9Kv7105h5OMqAWRPDyLf4OuyJoN4h4pBC6QWfsBFFJ5el5yhiJ8RZlb7N2kp4hmXne1Dby_Kmt5BUZ_gUxVZbFEJJ8lWms/s1600/bbnaija+comedian.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="750" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiE75sh360zqaj3LgBzHiPdNYRFSFJSkS-R6RBePTFoRXg9Kv7105h5OMqAWRPDyLf4OuyJoN4h4pBC6QWfsBFFJ5el5yhiJ8RZlb7N2kp4hmXne1Dby_Kmt5BUZ_gUxVZbFEJJ8lWms/s400/bbnaija+comedian.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nigerian comedians, Basketmouth, Chigurl, Ushebebe, IK Osakioduwa, on Thursday, paid a surprise visit To Big Brother Naija Housemates.<br />
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The entertainers visited the house not just to interact and entertain the housemates, but to also judge their comedy talents<br />
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Housemates were tasked to prepare a comic play for their final task presentation.<br />
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Recall that Nollywood stars, Patience Ozorkwo, AKA Mama G, Chinedu Ikedieze, Maiatafo, Osas Ighodaro, Akande Dakore, Mr Ibru and Lala Akindoju on Wednesday visited housemates in the Big Brother Naija, BBNaija, reality show.<br />
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The actors during their visit, advised housemates on how to use the platform wisely.<br />
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Big Brother also surprised housemates with dinner after welcoming the superstars.<br />
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The housemates were advised to show good character, be committed in their work and give back to the society.<br />
<br />
See video:
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<p style="margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B24zBrhjH9L/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">The Guess are here wow a full arena with great comedic</a></p>
<p style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bigbrothernaijapage/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank">Blog_world1</a> (@bigbrothernaijapage) on <time style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2019-09-26T20:16:10+00:00">Sep 26, 2019 at 1:16pm PDT</time></p>
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Latest-News VIDEO: Comedians Basketmouth, Chigurl, IK storm BBNaija house

Nigerian comedians, Basketmouth, Chigurl, Ushebebe, IK Osakioduwa, on Thursday, paid a surprise visit To Big Brother Naija Housemates. T...

The most surprising thing to me about Dangote -Bill Gates

09:36 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRlfWs8Uha6rgzkSpG64ThVXrR0IrAQmCWMCMSxYAlJqqi27cnD5GN9pliYfWhFoLd_hx0dFhISh_rka8WdKRyab34vm-KXyrh24vUIqrl47FuQDQDjjifPHK99a5Kpi5sebTqCpk5AeT/s1600/dangote%252C+bill+gates.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="615" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRlfWs8Uha6rgzkSpG64ThVXrR0IrAQmCWMCMSxYAlJqqi27cnD5GN9pliYfWhFoLd_hx0dFhISh_rka8WdKRyab34vm-KXyrh24vUIqrl47FuQDQDjjifPHK99a5Kpi5sebTqCpk5AeT/s400/dangote%252C+bill+gates.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Bill Gates, American billionaire and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has revealed what is most surprising to him about Aliko Dangote, president of the Dangote Group.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">At the Goalkeepers Summit in New York on Wednesday, Gates and Dangote were asked what they have found to be most surprising about each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">In his response, Gates said: “It was fun when we got to know each other, we would be travelling around Lagos with the traffic — gives you lots of time to talk. I would be showing Aliko some of my charts, hey Sokoto has a pretty low vaccination rate and Kano needs to do this.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“And Aliko, he really knows people, he has relationships, he is willing to reach out to people, he would say ‘let’s call the governor’, we would talk to him about this, next thing you know we’ve got the governor of Sokoto on the phone, we’re talking about this.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“So this ability to reach out, to draw on the broad relationships that Aliko has developed — and you know I am pretty shy about calling people. I just want to mail them my charts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“In fact, what has come out of that is that Aliko and I do conference calls with six of the governors in the northern states where twice a year we look at vaccine coverage.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“It is a big challenge, but really drawing on Aliko’s communication skills and the fact that he is not afraid to call anyone. Everyone likes to talk him, its been phenomenal.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>DANGOTE: I WILL TRY TO BE LIKE BILL</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">In his response, Dangote said before he met Bill Gates, he always thought was a “very, very tough guy” until he had an encounter with him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“When I started my foundation in 1994, I never realised we had this massive challenge in the health sector,” Dangote said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Really, it was mind-boggling when we had this agreement to collaborate with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and that really opened my eyes to realise that there are a lot of challenges in health.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Honestly one of the things that made me very shocked and surprised is that at that time I hadn’t had the opportunity of meeting Bill but meeting Bill changed me into a different person.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“This is somebody that has nothing to do with us in Africa or Nigeria but he is putting his money and his soul, everything. He is very committed to helping humanity and that really surprises.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“It surprises me a lot and I realised that he is a simple person and I never knew Bill would be this simple. He is a very soft-spoken guy and kind-hearted. It is very difficult to find people like Bill in this world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Bill, we are very grateful and I can assure you that with my association with Bill, my only prayer is that in the next few years, I will try and give my chunk of wealth to charity.”</div>
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Latest-News The most surprising thing to me about Dangote -Bill Gates

Bill Gates, American billionaire and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has revealed what is most surprising to him about ...

No point keeping fuel subsidies while fighting climate change, says New Zealand PM

09:26 Unknown 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9jb9c6kVMAC0yucVO62DyzfHonr11VpWEJeTvzC7hDtagn6P8VRjcFh3Nt9PdYl7bRVq5U_1cSltfXBfPE92ogoafcdzAg24rvmjhqfMACU9wn-4D9L5gmXyiujd_itn_rWn9c8bbOkj/s1600/Capture.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="353" data-original-width="613" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT9jb9c6kVMAC0yucVO62DyzfHonr11VpWEJeTvzC7hDtagn6P8VRjcFh3Nt9PdYl7bRVq5U_1cSltfXBfPE92ogoafcdzAg24rvmjhqfMACU9wn-4D9L5gmXyiujd_itn_rWn9c8bbOkj/s400/Capture.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, says there is no point keeping fossil fuel subsidies while fighting to reverse climate change.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking at the Goalkeepers Summit in New York on Wednesday, Ardern said the global leaders must go beyond just gross domestic product (GDP) to driving a wellbeing agenda for the greatest number of people — without ignoring the minority.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">The 39-year-old prime minister said the world is making progress in many of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) but in some other areas, progress has slowed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">She said countries should look for “how to improve peoples wellbeing and achieve a productive economy at the same time. In a way that enhances rather than diminishes our environment and leave no one behind”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">“We also look for practical ways to get closer to our shared goals, and I want to give an example, and that is our work alongside other to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies and other environmentally harmful subsidies,” Ardern said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“There is no point in subsidising the climate change that we seek to reverse, but ultimately, we need more collaboration, more examples of the international community prioritising our collective global wellbeing over domestic self-interest.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia are some of the few countries left subsidising fossil fuel, while signing up to combat climate change.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">According to the International Monetary Fuel, the world still spends as much as $5.2 trillion subsidising fossil fuels globally.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>‘NEW ZEALAND MODEL SHOULD BE ADOPTED GLOBALLY’</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;">
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<td style="text-align: center;"><img height="221" src="https://f5p3e9e4.stackpathcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Screenshot-2019-09-26-at-01.58.14.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td>
</tr>
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<td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Ardern and Bill Gates at the Goalkeepers Summit 2019</span></td>
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</tbody>
</table>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
Ardern, who became the world’s youngest female head of government in 2017, called on global leaders to adopt the New Zealand model of prioritising more than just economic growth, to keeping a focus on national and global wellbeing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“Globally, there has been some impressive progress in some SDGs areas such as reduction in extreme poverty, infant mortality, along with progress in discreet areas, such as increased electricity,” she said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“I know we all applaud these advance, and the efforts taken to achieve them, but in many areas, progress has slowed. Despite global economic growth, the distribution of benefits remains uneven.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“In some areas, we are going backward; with rising global hunger, rising global greenhouse gas emission, alarming pressure on national resources on the environment.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">“I believe the change in approach that we have tried and worked hard to adopt in New Zealand, we should perhaps try and work hard to adopt globally; it is about acceleration, but it is also about transformation.”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">She added a caveat that the New Zealand model may not be as successful as envisaged, but the world needs to adopt a new way of thinking more than cost-benefit analysis to pursuing cost benefit across human potential.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">Ardern is the first female head of government to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meeting with her infant present.</div>

Latest-News No point keeping fuel subsidies while fighting climate change, says New Zealand PM

Jacinda Ardern, the prime minister of New Zealand, says there is no point keeping fossil fuel subsidies while fighting to reverse climate ...

Oil will remain relevant beyond 2040 – NNPC

09:16 Unknown 0

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The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, said fossil fuel would remain relevant in the global energy mix contrary to assumptions in some quarters that oil demand would be very high even beyond 2040.<br />
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The NNPC chief spoke on Wednesday in his office in Abuja, when he received members of a Higher Command Course of the Indian Army War College on a geo-strategic tour of Nigeria.<br />
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Kyari espoused the uniqueness of Nigeria’s crude oil grades as rich crude with high global demand, saying NNPC was determined to grow Nigeria’s production to 3million barrels per day by 2023 to enable it to take advantage of the gap that exists in the demand-supply balance.<br />
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The Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Samson Makoji disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.<br />
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He said the age-long bilateral relations between Nigeria and India, which cut across trade, military cooperation and international peace keeping, among others.<br />
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The GMD explained that NNPC’s mandate cuts across satisfying domestic energy needs and contributing to global energy market, especially crude oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deliveries across the world.<br />
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He described energy security as a critical factor in guaranteeing Nigeria’s territorial integrity and growing its economy.<br />
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“Energy security is everything in terms of national security. The recent attack on Saudi oil facility is one incident which has attracted global attention and has the potential to impact global economy,” Kyari said.<br />
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According to the NNPC’s helmsman, understanding the relationship between energy security and global security was important, especially as developing nations strive to grow their respective economies and guarantee their territorial integrity.<br />
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In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Brig. Gen. Sudhir Malik, said India was the largest trade partner with Nigeria, stressing that oil formed a large chunk of the trade between the two counties.<br />
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He described Nigeria as Africa’s economic power house which shares similar aspirations as India.<br />
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“We are also a growing economy. It is a mutual benefit to both nations. In times to come, we hope that these bilateral relations will continue to grow so that we will also increase the trade volumes,” he added.<br />
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While stating that India was aware of Nigeria’s peculiar security and economic challenges, the military chief, however, expressed optimism that the deep relations between the countries’ armed forces would help in addressing these challenges.

Latest-News Oil will remain relevant beyond 2040 – NNPC

The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mallam Mele Kyari, said fossil fuel would remain relevant in ...

Senate announces date for passage of PIB

09:06 Unknown 0

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Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Wednesday said the Senate will pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the end of 2020.<br />
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The Bill is meant to overhaul the petroleum industry, entrench efficiency and transparency in the upstream and downstream sectors, bring operations in line with international standards.<br />
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It also seeks to increase government revenue from oil and lay down a strengthened legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian oil industry.<br />
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But efforts to reform the nation’s petroleum industry in the last two decades have not yielded result.<br />
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Lawan spoke about the bill while inaugurating the 70 Standing Committees of the Senate at plenary in Abuja.<br />
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The Senate President urged security-related committees of the Senate to ensure the overall review of the nation’s security in “architecture and structure” to curb the rising security challenges in the land.<br />
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He also urged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to cooperate with committees of the National Assembly to accomplish their tasks.<br />
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Lawan said: “Our petroleum industry is almost stagnant; it has for long be in need of profound reform. Our oil and gas-related committees are, therefore, expected to work hard to take the lead in our determination to reform this vital sector.<br />
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“It is the desire, indeed the design of this Senate, that the PIB is passed before the end of 2020.”<br />
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The Senate President regretted that the nation’s security agencies had continued to perform below desired standards in providing tight security for all citizens.<br />
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He said: “As security is a fundamental responsibility of government, no amount of investment is too much.”<br />
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Lawan stressed that senators expected total cooperation of the Executive arm of government to enable them discharge their legislative duties.<br />
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“The Senate expects the honourable ministers and heads of agencies of government to be forthcoming and responsive to the engagement requests of our committees.<br />
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“Our committees will undertake regular oversights with a view to ensuring that government programmes and projects are properly executed for the benefit of our citizens,” he said.<br />
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Lawan explained that as standing committees are the engine rooms of the legislature so are the MDAs to the Executive.<br />
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“This is why there is need for cooperation, consultation, partnership and synergy between the two arms of government.<br />
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“The MDAs are hereby called upon to harness the opportunity of the existence of the committees in the execution of their mandates. We must have a unity of purpose,” he said.<br />
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Lawan said the inauguration of Senate’s standing committees yesterday was to make the senators fully ready to perform their functions.<br />
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Also yesterday, the Senate directed its committees on National Planning, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and the Diaspora to come up with a legal framework to regulate the inflow of aids into the country.<br />
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It regretted that 60 per cent of foreign aids were usually lost to transaction costs, wastage and capital flight to the donor countries through the implementing contractors.<br />
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The resolution followed the adoption of the prayers of a motion, titled: “The need to make development aids more effective to work for Nigerians,” sponsored by Senator Yahaya Oloriegbe.<br />
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The Senate also directed the National Planning Commission to develop a policy framework that would create mechanisms for the development, cooperation and aid effectiveness in Nigeria.<br />
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It also mandated all its relevant standing committees – that oversee Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) – who are beneficiaries of development aids/grants to request for, analyze and consider such aid/grants in the appropriation of funds for the MDAs’ activities.<br />
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The Senate advised State Planning Commissions and Houses of Assembly to domesticate and implement Federal policies and laws that would enable the states to achieve aids effectiveness.<br />
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Senate President Ahmad Lawan thanked his colleagues for their interventions.<br />
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The Senate President described the issue of aids as an important item that would be part of the legislative agenda of the Ninth Senate.<br />
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He said: “Let me say this is one of those very important items to form our legislative agenda because aids to Nigeria, particularly, should not be treated like it is treated elsewhere in other countries that are less than Nigeria.<br />
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“We must be able to know exactly what the aids are coming for, and then streamline them with our national developmental objectives.<br />
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“So, the Chairman of Diaspora and NGOs, you have the task of engaging the National Planning Commission together, of course, with the Chairman of the Committee on National Planning to ensure that we know what the processes and procedures are and the regulations and guidelines.<br />
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“If we are not satisfied, then we have to come up with a legal framework that will ensure that if there is any aids to us as a country, our people benefit from the aids.”<br />
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In his lead debate, Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, who represents Kwara Central, urged the Senate to know that Nigeria, a developing country, receives aids from bilateral developed countries and multilateral organisations.<br />
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The senator noted that the aids cover health, education and water, among others.<br />
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He urged the Senate to note that Nigeria is not an aid-dependent country “as the donor support to the country is about five per cent of the national budget. However, in real monetary terms, this is a large amount”.<br />
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Most senators supported the motion.<br />
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The four prayers in the motion were unanimously approved when Lawan put them to voice vote.<br />
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Also, the Senate received report of its ad hoc committee on the Ninth Senate Legislative Agenda.<br />
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Committee Chairman Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) presented the report.<br />
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The consideration and adoption of the report will take place today.<br />
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“This is to enable Senators time to read and digest the report for effective contributions during its debate,” said Lawan.<br />
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The Senate President, on assumption of office, pledged to design a legislative agenda that would ensure effective performance of senators.<br />
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Aliero listed many areas that would ensure youth empowerment, reduce youth unemployment, boost poverty alleviation to ensure that 100 million Nigerians are lifted out of poverty in the next four years, as part of the plank of the agenda, among others.<br />
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The senator representing Kebbi Central said the Senate would also work to further block revenue leakages, back anti-corruption agenda of the Federal Government and make procurement processes less cumbersome.<br />
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He said the Open National Assembly policy would ensure that its budget always remains in the public glare.<br />
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“By throwing open the budget of the National Assembly, Nigerians will know that we have nothing to hide,” Aliero said.

Latest-News Senate announces date for passage of PIB

Senate President Ahmad Lawan on Wednesday said the Senate will pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the end of 2020. The Bill i...

Housemates excited as Mr Ibu, Aki, Mama G visit Big Brother House

08:56 Unknown 0

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Big Brother Naija housemates could not hide their excitement as they welcomed their visitors on Wednesday night.<br />
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The screams that met their arrival sure made Patience Ozokwo, Chinedu Ikedieze, Mai Atafo, Osas Ighodalo, Dakore Akande, Lala Akindoju and Mr Ibu feel at home the moment they walked through the Pepper Dem doors.<br />
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They even hinted Biggie to leave them in the House as the top finalists which left the Housemates nodding in agreement and we wonder if the Pepper Dem Gang winner knew what that meant. Is the winner ready to share his or her grand prize with the stars?<br />
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The highlight of the visit was seeing each of the stars talk the Pepper Dem Gang through surviving in the industry. From personal and career balance, keeping fit and knowing how to find your career strength, the stars dished it all.<br />
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Tacha didn’t hide her excitement as she asked each of them questions while adverting her brand in the process.<br />
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The housemates’ excitement was evident as they were captured spending the night re-sharing the bits of advice they got from tonight’s chat with the stars.<br />
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Reacting to the presentation by the visitors, Ebuka Uchendu wrote: “Well done Lala, Osas, Dakore, Mai, Chinedu, Mr. Ibu and Mama G. Really enjoyed the evening.”