Edo election: Mixed reactions trail disqualification of Obaseki by APC

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Liverpool pull out of new contract talks with Van Dijk

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3KfLCoCUDpSzM78OH6MFfv8dq9OBptOKPlHXQIlQJSpUFX21T6xjWZu96UetGdPHnCSlOjPfBM35I3QPjaZvg7WMgn_wmJy6PRLV_nwcOyNZ2mrbhCpVSnvgAhPILu8Ykigd9KddYAI/s1600/68C3B415-6C5A-47F9-BF7F-63F6FF117FF8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="620" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3KfLCoCUDpSzM78OH6MFfv8dq9OBptOKPlHXQIlQJSpUFX21T6xjWZu96UetGdPHnCSlOjPfBM35I3QPjaZvg7WMgn_wmJy6PRLV_nwcOyNZ2mrbhCpVSnvgAhPILu8Ykigd9KddYAI/s400/68C3B415-6C5A-47F9-BF7F-63F6FF117FF8.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Liverpool have stunned Virgil van Dijk with a decision to stall on new contract talks, it has been revealed.</b><br /> <br /> De Telegraaf says Liverpool and Van Dijk’s camp are no longer discussing new terms.<br /> <br /> Liverpool have pulled back from negotiations after their finances have been hit hard by the coronavirus suspension. The terms demanded by Van Dijk cannot be matched by the Reds at this stage.<br /> <br /> For the moment, the two parties are now no longer in contact.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> And watching developments closely are PSG, where it’s mooted Van Dijk will be assured a €300,000-a-week package will be waiting for him should he agitate for a Liverpool transfer this summer.

Latest-News Liverpool pull out of new contract talks with Van Dijk

Liverpool have stunned Virgil van Dijk with a decision to stall on new contract talks, it has been revealed. De Telegraaf says Liverpool...

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US appoints Damilola Ogunbiyi among first members of Development Advisory Council

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYiL3vYGZ2DjI7Q0XoK7HnHQm0xpnI0Mr63aUyxeIox7pKx4qsHXNa_UuPLZOK39Ueitu7j7Wmqd3_BuIYat-MA-6bExr_cQ1XxFbckl17PLbx7EzppWn0FX8uc2xu7M-Ev-4E7huSac/s1600/EDD72557-BF62-4E3E-B383-3710CA55198F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYiL3vYGZ2DjI7Q0XoK7HnHQm0xpnI0Mr63aUyxeIox7pKx4qsHXNa_UuPLZOK39Ueitu7j7Wmqd3_BuIYat-MA-6bExr_cQ1XxFbckl17PLbx7EzppWn0FX8uc2xu7M-Ev-4E7huSac/s400/EDD72557-BF62-4E3E-B383-3710CA55198F.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Board of Directors has approved the first members of the agency’s inaugural Development Advisory Council of which Nigeria’s Damilola Ogunbiyi is one.</b><br /> <br /> The members will advise the agency on ways to increase development impact.<br /> <br /> “I am proud to welcome the inaugural members of DFC’s Development Advisory Council,” said DFC Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler.<br /> <br /> “These individuals have championed private sector-led global development and dedicated their careers to helping communities in need. They bring a wealth of experience that will be instrumental in helping DFC carry out its development mandate. I look forward to the first meeting of the Development Advisory Council in the near future.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Development Advisory Council was established by the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018, which created DFC. Members are appointed by DFC’s CEO in consultation with the agency’s Chief Development Officer and with the approval of its Board.<br /> <br /> The first members of the Development Advisory Council include:<br /> <br /> Bashar Masri: As Founder and Chairman of the Board of Massar International, Masri spearheads investment in agriculture, technology, financial services, and other sectors that advance development across the Middle East and North Africa. He has dedicated his career to promoting economic prosperity and growth throughout this region.<br /> <br /> Robert Mosbacher, Jr.: Mosbacher served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), DFC’s predecessor agency, from 2005 to 2009. He is Co-Chair of the Consensus for Development Reform and also sits on the boards of the Center for Global Development and the Initiative for Global Development. He is also Chairman of Mosbacher Energy Company.<br /> <br /> Michelle Nunn: Nunn is President and Chief Executive Officer of CARE USA, a humanitarian organization that fights global poverty and provides lifesaving assistance in emergencies. In this role, she has led several ambitious initiatives and sharpened the organization’s focus on collaboration with the private sector.<br /> <br /> Damilola Ogunbiyi: Ogunbiyi serves as Chief Executive Officer and Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of UN-Energy. Prior to her appointment to these roles by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, she held various leadership positions in organizations focused on expanding energy access in Sub-Saharan Africa.<br /> <br /> Damilola was the first woman to be appointed as Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency. She is also responsible for implementing the Nigerian Off-Grid Electrification Programme and successfully negotiating the Nigerian Electrification Project, to rapidly construct solar mini-grids and deploy solar home systems across Nigeria.<br /> <br /> She also developed the Energizing Economics Initiative and Energizing Education Programme, which provides sustainable and affordable off-grid power solutions. Before joining the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ms. Ogunbiyi was the first woman to be appointed as the General Manager of the Lagos State Electricity Board, which is responsible for public lighting, independent power projects, and energy development serving millions of people across the State.<br /> <br /> On the 29 of October 2019, the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, announced the appointment of Damilola as his Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All and Co-Chair of United Nations-Energy.<br /> <br /> Mrs Ogunbiyi was the immediate past Managing Director of the Nigerian Rural Electrification Agency (REA), a position she occupied historically as the first woman. On January 1, 2020, Ogunbiyi released a video-statement, announcing her resumption and vision for her new appointment and efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7) in its last decade.<br /> <br /> Edward R. Royce is another member of the Development Advisory Council, Royce served more than 25 years in the House of Representatives, including as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2013 to 2019. In his current role as Policy Director at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP, Royce advises international companies doing business domestically and guides multinational corporations looking to expand overseas.<br /> <br /> Also, Paul Weisenfeld: As Executive Vice President for International Development at RTI International, Weisenfeld leads the design and implementation of programs aimed at solving global development challenges. He previously directed the Bureau for Food Security at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), served as USAID Mission Director in Peru and Zimbabwe, and led USAID’s Haiti Task Team following the 2010 earthquake.<br /> <br /> The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is America’s development bank. DFC partners the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today.<br /> <br /> It invests across sectors including energy, healthcare, critical infrastructure, and technology. DFC also provides financing for small businesses and women entrepreneurs in order to create jobs in emerging markets.<br /> <br /> DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights.

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Indian healer who kissed hands to ‘cure COVID-19’ dies from the virus

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Police confirms killing of alleged kidnappers in Cameroun, not Adamawa

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEHjDzRRm2jxuFLm7ZAn1gO3b0z0X765xcJKfoDGcpZG6-nERGkDfDj7FLcF4q9dS1DspvFgFiZeBfOkPNTtMgj16smdc0AMSUG5HhjvvAHMU7vTuiS2mPyoATyRboA0ZJAnNQ9rNgp0/s1600/B5664A88-75D1-4351-BFE1-5675C558DFAA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEHjDzRRm2jxuFLm7ZAn1gO3b0z0X765xcJKfoDGcpZG6-nERGkDfDj7FLcF4q9dS1DspvFgFiZeBfOkPNTtMgj16smdc0AMSUG5HhjvvAHMU7vTuiS2mPyoATyRboA0ZJAnNQ9rNgp0/s400/B5664A88-75D1-4351-BFE1-5675C558DFAA.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Police in Adamawa has confirmed the alleged killing of 18 suspected kidnappers by thunderstorm in neighbouring Republic of Cameroun and not in the state.</b><br /> <br /> This is contained in a statement signed by the spokesman of the state police command, SP Suleiman Nguroje, on Saturday in Yola.<br /> <br /> The police command is reacting to viral social media reports on Friday that thunderstorm had killed 18 kidnappers in Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa.<br /> <br /> Nguroje said the alleged killing was not in Nigeria but it occurred in neighbouring Cameroun village called “Pawati”.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The attention of Adamawa State Police Command is drawn over a publication “Cross Border Banditry, Thunderstorm kill 18 Kidnappers in Toungo, Adamawa Border Community.<br /> <br /> “In order to keep the record straight such incident never happened anywhere in Toungo, Adamawa State as alleged but in Pawati Forest, somewhere in Cameroun Republic.<br /> <br /> “It’s not in dispute that Toungo Local Government is bordering with villages under Cameroun Republic which a times criminals comes into Border Communities and commit crimes.<br /> <br /> “But with this border closure, measures had been taken by the Command to prevent such,” the statement read in part.<br /> <br /> While urging members of the public to disregard such report, the police assured members of the puplic of its commitment to protecting lives and properties.

Latest-News Police confirms killing of alleged kidnappers in Cameroun, not Adamawa

The Police in Adamawa has confirmed the alleged killing of 18 suspected kidnappers by thunderstorm in neighbouring Republic of Cameroun an...

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Ex-BBN housemate, Khafi’s brother murdered in the U.K

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8JKW204SmlWFZ7VpO9PmiJ2Rt3yRg2kh9BzNJX0n23ld0BWm_xxeYAWgGMYwr21ZBJ0Y2HfB-C95cW821ut1Wv_sNYbYhC5MdeKCj5yvti7_WFvhJuIY4UkFghkQRuJ7zclpZA1pc1o/s1600/EF5827E1-F39D-4658-A29B-0D14071BE593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="700" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8JKW204SmlWFZ7VpO9PmiJ2Rt3yRg2kh9BzNJX0n23ld0BWm_xxeYAWgGMYwr21ZBJ0Y2HfB-C95cW821ut1Wv_sNYbYhC5MdeKCj5yvti7_WFvhJuIY4UkFghkQRuJ7zclpZA1pc1o/s400/EF5827E1-F39D-4658-A29B-0D14071BE593.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Former BBNaija housemate, Khafi Kareem is bereaved.</b><br /> <br /> The bubbly entertainer ‘s brother was shot dead in West London by an unidentified man.<br /> <br /> 20-year-old Alexander Kareem was killed after suffering gunshot wounds on his chest and abdomen . The sad occurrence happened on Askew Road in Shepherd’s Bush at 12.40am on Monday.<br /> <br /> According to detectives, a white Range Rover Evoque linked to the murder was later found burnt out three miles away. The police said they were yet to make any arrests.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He was walking home along Askew Road after a trip to a convenience store, when someone opened fire on him. Khafi was in mourning last night with relatives.<br /> <br /> According to a friend: “His family is distraught.ex wouldn’t talk down to anyone – he was friends with everybody.”

Latest-News Ex-BBN housemate, Khafi’s brother murdered in the U.K

Former BBNaija housemate, Khafi Kareem is bereaved. The bubbly entertainer ‘s brother was shot dead in West London by an unidentified ma...

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Alleged fraud: We are not involved in Hushpuppi’s case – EFCC

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BREAKING: Edo guber: Obaseki allegedly joins PDP, picks membership card in Oredo

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June 12: Why President Buhari should go after Babangida, others now – Balarabe Musa

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Pete Edochie honoured with African Film Legend award at TAFF 2020

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkrTKSK7wbrsXyXHbW6qmfUNaCXXn2qMbwVn3Enw0iVyUTFm4YoRK0kQH4BNJhAAN672uI_JNOqpY9_Y5dmlhvZF0os4g3K8vGjA51eoT9t7yqHJU3pqpsi0FxWYWfbvNzS3VUqn3jYg/s1600/B015D403-E539-4076-9FF8-2DC9890B854C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="480" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkrTKSK7wbrsXyXHbW6qmfUNaCXXn2qMbwVn3Enw0iVyUTFm4YoRK0kQH4BNJhAAN672uI_JNOqpY9_Y5dmlhvZF0os4g3K8vGjA51eoT9t7yqHJU3pqpsi0FxWYWfbvNzS3VUqn3jYg/s400/B015D403-E539-4076-9FF8-2DC9890B854C.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Legendary actor and producer, Pete Edochie, who turned 73 few months back has added another feather to his cap as he was honoured with the African Film Legend award at the just concluded African Film Festival,TAFF, which held in the beautiful city of Dallas, the United States.</b><br /> <br /> The festival ran from June 2, through June 6, and was screened live online. It was the first ever virtual award, and a trailblazing effort by the founder of TAFF, Kelechi Eke. However, due to ravaging Coronavirus pandemic , Pete was unable to attend the four day f estival. But he did not miss anything as back home, the veteran actor was presented with TAFF 2020 Living Legends Award Certificate by actress, Patience Ozokwor popularly called Mama G, in his residence in Enugu amid celebration.<br /> <br /> Also, the festival founder and film maker, Kelechi Eke has put plans in place to personally deliver the trophy to the veteran actor after the COVID-19 pandemic. This honouring was coming six years after the actor was also honoured with the Industry Merit Award at the 2014 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award, AMVCAs for his contribution towards the growth of the film sector in Africa, and Africa Film Academy Lifetime Achievement which he bagged last year at AMAA.<br /> <br /> Explaining why TAFF decided to honour Pete Edochie popularly known as Ebube Dike this year, Eke said the veteran actor has contributed immensely towards the development of the African film sector and therefore, deserves the honour accorded to him.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> According to him, Pete Edochie came into prominence in the 1980s after he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an NTA adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s all-time bestselling novel, “Things Fall Apart”, and since then, the bearded actor has not looked back. At 73, he’s still active and ever busy more than the young actors. Meanwhile, South African veteran actor and director, Dr. Jerry Mofokeng, winner of the 2006 Oscars Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, introduced Edochie as the Living Legend awardee at the four day event, which featured film screenings, online workshops, training sessions, and TAFF closing awards ceremony.<br /> <br /> TAFF showcased this year, one of a kind African independent films that either promote African culture; address issues affecting Africa; or explore African landmarks and historic leaders.<br /> <br /> The festival has always achieved its set goal of “Bridging cultures through films” by inviting a diverse audience to celebrate some of the best films from and about the African continent. And this year’s edition was no exception despite hosting it online. Attendees enjoyed the privilege of watching the festival selections in the comfort of their own homes as well as on demand. The film portal ROOTFLIX, showcased the selected films and the awards ceremony.

Latest-News Pete Edochie honoured with African Film Legend award at TAFF 2020

Legendary actor and producer, Pete Edochie, who turned 73 few months back has added another feather to his cap as he was honoured with the...

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Barca, relegation-threatened Mallorca lock horns today

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRmcBJDhKd5qmkYCjhLQyX60wcBCtcguZ5-CMpizzxtJ3Si38E0mP793TE4OnO_-pemrHInLpuvdGSffNvfv4YhtKAPGYxZVB4NB3vV2dN2vHqcVixYok7Dtwx50E_GOUXFYwDeobCdw/s1600/6FAC3B47-9681-4B36-87AE-B5FFB0B452F7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="500" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRmcBJDhKd5qmkYCjhLQyX60wcBCtcguZ5-CMpizzxtJ3Si38E0mP793TE4OnO_-pemrHInLpuvdGSffNvfv4YhtKAPGYxZVB4NB3vV2dN2vHqcVixYok7Dtwx50E_GOUXFYwDeobCdw/s320/6FAC3B47-9681-4B36-87AE-B5FFB0B452F7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> <b>After a break of almost three months Barcelona are finally back in action today with a trip to relegation-threatened Real Mallorca.</b><br /> <br /> It will be a bit different of course after such a long lay-off and with the game being played behind closed doors.<br /> <br /> Striker Luis Suarez is expected to make a return after hid  season looked over when he had knee surgery in January, but the suspension of the season means he will now have a chance to play a part in the run-in.<br /> <br /> The Uruguay international has been given the green light to return by Barca’s medical department, but Quique Setien has made it clear he’ll be careful with the 32-year-old.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Barca boss said Suarez  won’t play all 90 minutes against Real Mallorca as he thinks it would be “reckless” to put him straight back in after such a long time out.<br /> <br /> Barcelona will still be hoping Suarez can hit the ground running. For all the criticism he’s received this season he’s still scored 11 goals in 17 La Liga matches, only Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema have better records in La Liga this season.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s absence from training last week caused a bit of concern but Barca have been keen to play his “minor” injury down ahead of the return of La Liga.

Latest-News Barca, relegation-threatened Mallorca lock horns today

After a break of almost three months Barcelona are finally back in action today with a trip to relegation-threatened Real Mallorca. It w...

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I will do my best to sustain Nigeria’s democracy – Kalu

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9u-e0ieKvtWBCO7JTH454t_bCSOZJ2vSeDdHI-PfAIGT3cEXb5dFqETv1b15iELdw9msHAwizL5hmtsV6GQdQ4BCFfG2I5wdy1t26ILaYF0yJqDoWZKek_hZa6D-wB39SzoIWNmSfn8/s1600/65352EE3-3B4E-4F6C-A958-2506B04C1E0A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="480" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9u-e0ieKvtWBCO7JTH454t_bCSOZJ2vSeDdHI-PfAIGT3cEXb5dFqETv1b15iELdw9msHAwizL5hmtsV6GQdQ4BCFfG2I5wdy1t26ILaYF0yJqDoWZKek_hZa6D-wB39SzoIWNmSfn8/s400/65352EE3-3B4E-4F6C-A958-2506B04C1E0A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, says he will do his utmost best to ensure the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy.</b><br /> <br /> Kalu stated this on Friday while reminiscing on the labour of past heroes on the occasion of the 2020 Democracy Day celebrations.<br /> <br /> “As we commemorate and celebrate the remembrance of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola and other heroes of our hard-fought democracy, I want to assure all Nigerians that I would do my best to ensure its sustenance,” he tweeted.<br /> <br /> Kalu resumed normal legislative duties at the National Assembly complex earlier this week after he was incarcerated for six months at the Kuje Correctional Centre.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Senator and others, were in December last year, convicted and sentenced for N7.1bn fraud.<br /> <br /> Justice Mohammed Idris, who was elevated to the Court of Appeal bench, had returned to the Federal High Court in Lagos to complete the case, which started in 2007.<br /> <br /> However, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision by a seven-member panel led by Justice Amina Augie, on May 8 this year, held that the Federal High Court in Lagos acted without jurisdiction when it convicted Kalu, his firm, Slok Nigeria Limited and a former Director of Finance in Abia State, Jones Udeogu, in December last year.<br /> <br /> The verdict of the apex court was not categorical on whether Kalu should be released from prison or not and his lawyers decided to approach a Federal High Court in Lagos for the interpretation of the judgment.<br /> <br /> The Federal High Court led Justice Mohammed Liman before whom the applicant’s motion was pending, however, granted the prayer of the applicant, and ordered the release of Kalu, from the Kuje prison custody on Tuesday.<br /> <br /> The Senator was invariably released by the authorities of the Kuje prisons.

Latest-News I will do my best to sustain Nigeria’s democracy – Kalu

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu, says he will do his utmost best to ensure the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy. Kalu stat...

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Hushpuppi set to be extradited from UAE to Nigeria

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhc_oy8GdGZ1yd2bqs-vP3QHE1agqmmMvHTtSaP0yT0WzzA4BF0dhGYNrJFg5cSFkQaiRdqoilbflDnnuwv9-LFPwQr-zY58CUPqo3wXfIgE4z9XUcSV-P54C5QEkd7zuRISGoavmkCYu/s1600/hushpuppi+rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhc_oy8GdGZ1yd2bqs-vP3QHE1agqmmMvHTtSaP0yT0WzzA4BF0dhGYNrJFg5cSFkQaiRdqoilbflDnnuwv9-LFPwQr-zY58CUPqo3wXfIgE4z9XUcSV-P54C5QEkd7zuRISGoavmkCYu/s640/hushpuppi+rich.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Fresh plans are underway by the International Police (INTERPOL) Nigeria to extradite Instagram celebrity Raymond Igbalodely a.k.a. Hushpuppi from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nigeria to face alleged multiple fraud charges.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The INTERPOL is also on the trail of other accomplices in the alleged fraud who are resident in Nigeria to bring them to justice.<br /> <br /> Commissioner of Police (CP) INTERPOL, Garba Umar disclosed these to newsmen yesterday while confirming the arrest of Igbalodely whose real name is said to be Ramoni Igbalode.<br /> <br /> He said: “It is true that Hushpuppi was arrested by the INTERPOL. We are currently working on bringing him to Nigeria to face charges of fraud.<br /> <br /> “Some of the offences were committed here in Nigeria and he has to answer for them. He is not alone in it; there are accomplices in the country who we are currently on their trail,” said the CP.<br /> <br /> Hushpuppi, known for his reckless display of wealth on social media, was arrested three days ago for allegedly hacking into the United States (US) unemployed database and impersonating citizens qualified for unemployment funds.<br /> <br /> He and his accomplices in Nigeria, Dubai and other countries allegedly defrauded the US of over $100 million meant for Native Americans in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> His arrest came three days after he posted a picture of his newly acquired 2020 Rolls Royce Cullinan worth about N280 million, the latest addition to his fleet of exotic vehicles.<br /> <br /> It was alleged that Hushpuppi was arrested alongside two of his friends after weeks of investigation by the US Secret Service, following the alarm raised in May about a crime ring of suspected Nigerians who broke into the personal information of citizens and used factitious unemployment claims to steal hundreds of millions of dollars reserved to help jobless American people.<br /> <br /> The syndicate was alleged to have filed in so many names of Americans who were still working to various state unemployment offices and collected money from the system.<br /> <br /> They were alleged to have used information stolen from first responders, government personnel and school employees.<br /> <b><br /></b><b>The escapades of a suspected fraudster</b><br /> Ramoni Igbalode may not ring a bell. But the mention of Hushpuppi alerts many about the Nigerian born Instagram celebrity who lives in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. Hushpuppi is virtually synonymous with glamour.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wDIBZEB48FY7EJwZx8rupql_BRLcqSLMG9eZgEDgLQiFQwkB3rrsrOZFsi4XxypbQiD30E4Nj20BF2Yo_aifmFkjQG5gSjexbsV2bxsQ6cikBNK8yrdBKpCVYStnnjQMljYfKGLjxg2t/s1600/Hushpuppi-Biography-Source-of-Wealth-Obsession-with-Gucci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="620" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wDIBZEB48FY7EJwZx8rupql_BRLcqSLMG9eZgEDgLQiFQwkB3rrsrOZFsi4XxypbQiD30E4Nj20BF2Yo_aifmFkjQG5gSjexbsV2bxsQ6cikBNK8yrdBKpCVYStnnjQMljYfKGLjxg2t/s640/Hushpuppi-Biography-Source-of-Wealth-Obsession-with-Gucci.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Until Wednesday, June 10, when he was reportedly arrested, he had kept entertaining his 2.3 million followers on Instagram with his luxurious lifestyle. His name echoes glamour and panache as he junkets the globe on private jets, flaunting high-end clothing, watches, and shoes on the social media.<br /> <br /> Known for his weakness for luxury and high-end brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, Rolls Royce and Versace, Hushpuppi is a regular face at Dubai’s premier luxury department, Harvey Nichols.<br /> <br /> Although he claims to be a real estate developer, according to his bio on Instagram, his high taste for expensive lifestyle has not only endeared him to his 2.3 million followers on Instagram but also celebrities and dignitaries from different walks of life.<br /> <br /> From music stars to footballers and Nigerian lawmakers, Hushpuppi’s name resonates across the globe – with roots in Nigeria and Dubai.<br /> <br /> On January 7, 2020, ex-Senator Dino Melaye turned 46 and decided to throw a lavish party for the occasion in Dubai. The guest list had the names of ex-Speaker of the House of Representative, Yakubu Dogara, and former APC spokesman, Timi Frank. Also at the party filled with the distinguished guests was no other than Hushpuppi, the Instagram celeb who partied and took pictures with Dogara, Timi Frank, and Dino Melaye.<br /> <br /> The lifestyle displayed by Hushpuppi on Instagram drew several Nigerian music stars to him. Touted as a philanthropist, music stars like Olamide and 9ice sang Hushpuppi’s praises with reckless abandon. It is, however, not certain whether these music stars benefitted from Hushpuppi’s largesse.<br /> <br /> On November 16, 2014, Hushpuppi was spotted with ‘Kukere’ star, Iyanya. He shared a picture of himself with the singer with the caption, “Out for dinner with Mr. Oreo Iyanya.”<br /> <br /> On November 1, 2018, Hushpuppi shared a picture of himself with Wizkid. The two were seen to be hanging out somewhere in Dubai.<br /> <br /> On March 26, 2019, Hushpuppi shared a picture of himself with Manchester City defender and French international, Benjamin Mendy. Although the nature of the relationship between the Instagram celeb and the footballer could not be established, he captioned the picture, “I wish I can play for Manchester City and be humble and down to earth like my bro Ben Mendy. Thanks for being the most amazing person ever bro.”<br /> <br /> From Davido to Eniola Badmus, Kcee, Phyno and Timaya, Hushpuppi has had his fair share of controversies. He had first taken on Davido, claiming that he was richer than the musician. He bragged about his authentic designer wears and shoes, saying many Nigerian celebs wear fake products.<br /> <br /> He had also trolled Phyno and Iceprince, saying that since the duo wear fake Patek wristwatches, they should stop complaining when people pirate their music. He also toed the same line in respect of Eniola Badmus and Timaya, who in anger dragged him and dared him to come back to Nigeria.<br /> <br /> Hushpuppi is rarely seen with individuals on his Instagram posts. But on December 14, 2015, he shared a picture of himself and Mompha, announcing to his followers that they were both flying to Malaysia on a private jet for some business deals after expending millions on designer shoes, bags, and clothes. However, there are unconfirmed reports that the relationship between the two Instagram celebs has since gone sour.<br /> <br /> Interestingly, Hushpuppi was reportedly arrested in Dubai exactly eight months after Mompha was arrested in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for alleged fraudulent activities.

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I am now a selfish person – Toke Makinwa declares

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRILYuiBxIFZZZ8yG-uL6jnDgMTdY63H3ZXzKupbcMe6jkbBifquBxADRSLc3dJssQ-32wVpnVgrCjC5LX4dnVAPn6WX18IrUgs5X1OzVpvUOCoLmpXoy2ayyVHDZVmuXh45WJDJycBI/s1600/9FC67B33-A041-4873-AA09-1606C7177E04.png" 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/AVvXsEhzRILYuiBxIFZZZ8yG-uL6jnDgMTdY63H3ZXzKupbcMe6jkbBifquBxADRSLc3dJssQ-32wVpnVgrCjC5LX4dnVAPn6WX18IrUgs5X1OzVpvUOCoLmpXoy2ayyVHDZVmuXh45WJDJycBI/s400/9FC67B33-A041-4873-AA09-1606C7177E04.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Media personality, Toke Makinwa, said she has become “selfish” and the concept of “sacrificing” to “accommodate” anyone scares her.</b><br /> <br /> The 35-year-old vlogger stated this on Twitter while detailing her struggle with the idea of a relationship.<br /> <br /> She wrote on twitter;<br /> <br /> Been single so long that I like the idea of a relationship more than actually being in one, I am selfish with myself, I love my space, I like to move as I want, I love waking up sprawled out on my bed alone, the concept of “sacrificing” all these to “accommodate anyone scares me.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Chatting is cute in the beginning, at some point I get tired and lose interest, can someone date for me, like can I hire an assistant to go on all these dates, share my CV, see if we are fit for each other and close the deal, I just want to fast forward the process.<br /> <br /> I know I like to “date” but when I’m actually asked out on a date I think of a million reasons to cancel, the thought of putting in effort turns me off, in my head, it’s rosy, in real life…. It is a lot of work and I can’t be bothered, who else can relate?<br /> <br /> I think I know what the problem is, I have been in a relationship with myself for so long, dating myself and loving on me, I have become selfish, I’ll need to first break up with me but I like me, me works, me comes first, I don’t know how to undate myself.”<br /> <br /> Toke Makinwa is known for hosting The Morning Drive on Rhythm 93.7 FM.<br /> <br /> Makinwa, who lost both of her parents to a fire accident when she was 8 years old, released her memoir On Becoming in November 2016.<br /> <br /> The book talks about her personal struggles with life including Maje Ayida, her ex-husband.<br /> <br /> Makinwa married Maje Ayida on 15 January 2014, after eight years of courtship.<br /> <br /> They separated in 2015.<br /> <br /> On 5 October 2017, Makinwa’s marriage to Ayida was dissolved by a Lagos High Court.

Latest-News I am now a selfish person – Toke Makinwa declares

Media personality, Toke Makinwa, said she has become “selfish” and the concept of “sacrificing” to “accommodate” anyone scares her. The ...

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Coronavirus: Nigerian govt evacuates 102 citizens from Egypt

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="720" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5sAJmTmBX8wlZEp-5tWoG6rH5p_4dVZw1D0sZ-K237xkr-Jlu9WeLFHmdpw8IroOV9D248bD-Ww-yq11eR_s8aEGIgaqwI1Xp3o2EdXytBCBzTpLKwkusZvw7zNGcvwtROYNeiurX4PY/s640/plane+in+air.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <br /> The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday said that 102 Nigerians evacuated from Egypt have arrived the country.<br /> <br /> The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, made this known on his verified Twitter handle, adding that 260 others were expected to arrive Nigeria from India on Saturday.<br /> <br /> “102 Nigerians arrived from Egypt and 260 are expected on Saturday tomorrow morning from India.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> “Air Peace will be bringing in the passengers from India while EgyptAir brought the ones from Egypt, ” he said.<br /> <br /> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <div dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">102 Nigerians arrived from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Egypt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Egypt</a> and 260 are expected tomorrow morning from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/flyairpeace?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@flyairpeace</a> is bringing in the passengers from India and <a href="https://twitter.com/EGYPTAIR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EgyptAir</a> brought in the ones from Egypt.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DemocracyDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DemocracyDay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeSaveLives?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeSaveLives</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTFCOVID19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTFCOVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NigeriaGov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NigeriaGov</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DigiCommsNG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DigiCommsNG</a></div> — Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffreyOnyeama/status/1271528461786546178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async="async" charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br /> Meanwhile, Ms. Sarah Sanda, Special Assistant, Media, to Onyeama while speaking with newsmen, said that the evacuation was done following the new protocols.

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The Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday said that 102 Nigerians evacuated from Egypt have arrived the country. The Minister of Fore...

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Dele Momodu - "Nigeria still under military rule"

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="750" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigS4D81U4Ss6Ouot95FieCef7yBtJEs6ZGs3RxwfTsx1OfGZphuwIUiNl4BJxLeJIhWlm9OR0RYrMTgPaVbTH5vEyPobAc6USQ6i6NliHhG3tA52nwDvnp094Md-gWXDeeHQE63epiR0Y/s400/dele-momodu.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> The Publisher, Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has said that Nigeria is still under military control, despite over 20 years of democracy.<br /> <br /> Momodu, who spoke during a webinar titled, ‘June 12: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future’, which was organised by the Lagos State Government in commemoration of Democracy Day, on Friday, celebrated the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Abiola.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “I believe the military is still largely in control in Nigeria. If you look at 1999, when we returned to democracy, the first beneficiary, (former) President Olusegun Obasanjo, was a retired military general.<br /> <br /> “In 2007, he handed over to (late) President Musa Yar’Adua, who was a brother to a retired military general, Maj Gen Shehu Yar’Adua.<br /> <br /> “Just by accident, we had President Goodluck Jonathan, and thereafter, we had another retired military general, Major General Muhammadu Buhari.”

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Abiola's family to Buhari - "MKO should be conferred with Ex-President status"

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDmUYY_2cmol2pn8GOyUPnrzdJh3yCo8nCr6s-568qIYddGAKJFLbvE-_GIOIMDa_lQoD15QwvgWRzOe5FjwmWQ3W1FI80SE1rX8JRiDAiJCqd5CCG7aH_uBrJsC8WGJBpzPzdGALFWXb/s1600/MKO-Abiola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="938" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDmUYY_2cmol2pn8GOyUPnrzdJh3yCo8nCr6s-568qIYddGAKJFLbvE-_GIOIMDa_lQoD15QwvgWRzOe5FjwmWQ3W1FI80SE1rX8JRiDAiJCqd5CCG7aH_uBrJsC8WGJBpzPzdGALFWXb/s640/MKO-Abiola.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> The Head of Abiola family in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Chief Olanrewaju Abiola, has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari, to actualise the mandate that Nigerians gave to the late Chief Moshood Abiola on June 12, 1993, by conferring an official status of an ex-President of the country on him.<br /> <br /> Olanrewaju also asked that all the entitlements that should have accrued to his late brother from 1993 to date should be paid to the family.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He made the demand at the family house in Abeokuta on Friday, advising Buhari to liaise with the National Assembly to debate the issue and subsequently pass it into law.<br /> <br /> He said recognising the late breadwinner of the family as an ex-president had become necessary for Nigerian leaders to govern in peace.<br /> <br /> He said, “The spirit of MKO is still hovering around Aso Rock and will not rest until his mandate is actualised.<br /> <br /> “On June 12, 2019, when I spoke with the President, he said he had given him (Abiola) the honour, but we want it in black and white.<br /> <br /> “Let the members of the National Assembly debate it and pass it into law.<br /> <br /> “Moshood was the breadwinner of the family and since his death, the family members have been suffering.”

Latest-News Abiola's family to Buhari - "MKO should be conferred with Ex-President status"

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12 more Nigerians dead overnight as COVID-19 cases in Nigeria exceeds 15,000

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhm2OWOSde3Ejad9vL5_lIRW0x4Mbpmz2l9gIdgklCO7dRzyuPaWSCZC4jNg_jR0IwUf5L_RbPU8VL0uMfRpmU4HxMMXtsEpfZIKzKg99kOijHKEB4HsezKDcJiwyiEMAfO3nzCYXHAVG/s640/coronavirus+isolation+yaba+lagos.png" width="640" /></div> <b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b>Nigeria recorded 627 COVID-19 cases on Friday, taking the national total to 15,181.</b><br /> <br /> It was the second high number to be logged in 24 hours, following Thursday’s record-setting 681.<br /> <br /> Overall, the NCDC announced 12 deaths, from 387 to 399.<br /> <br /> Those discharged were 397. This took the discharged to 4,491 from 4,494 on Thursday.<br /> <br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Ninety of the newly discharged came from Lagos isolation centres.<br /> <br /> Lagos logged on Friday another 229 cases, although smaller to the 345 confirmed cases a day earlier.<br /> <br /> According to the NCDC, the FCT Abuja that did not register a case on Thursday, returned with another 65.<br /> <br /> Abia that shocked a few days ago by toppling Lagos from the grim chart, returned with 54 cases.<br /> <br /> Borno, Oyo, Rivers, Edo, Gombe, also logged some high numbers as well.<br /> <br /> While Borno recorded 42 cases, Oyo has 35.<br /> <br /> Rivers logged in with 28, tied with Edo state.<br /> <br /> Gombe recorded 27 cases and Ogun 21.<br /> <br /> Breakdown of the cases recorded in the states:<br /> <br /> Lagos-229<br /> FCT-65<br /> Abia-54<br /> Borno-42<br /> Oyo-35<br /> Rivers-28<br /> Edo-28<br /> Gombe-27<br /> Ogun-21<br /> Plateau-18<br /> Delta-18<br /> Bauchi-10<br /> Kaduna-10<br /> Benue-9<br /> Ondo-8<br /> Kwara-6<br /> Nasarawa-4<br /> Enugu-4<br /> Sokoto-3<br /> Niger-3<br /> Kebbi-3<br /> Yobe-1<br /> Kano-1<br /> <br /> Total:<br /> 15181 confirmed<br /> 4891 discharged<br /> 399 deaths<br /> <br /> In the overall caseload update provided by the NCDC, Lagos has a total of 6,840 confirmed cases so far.<br /> <br /> The Abuja FCT is second with 1,162, with Kano closely following with 1,049.<br /> <br /> Ogun is fourth with 544 cases, while Edo is fifth with 518 cases.<br /> <br /> Details below:<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25DCKV0-A0c9R7tPtntbSel4HNzWaQ3UU-g4dXwQldRYa6FoBxN-i5NALrFURLTG5XPTzC6fw047ts6GKIl3qPsjHDsgO8oERaMwkzTZ4RDLlIqZGZ9YMyif4VIHjR8hWxxkj8rMsn33T/s1600/cv1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25DCKV0-A0c9R7tPtntbSel4HNzWaQ3UU-g4dXwQldRYa6FoBxN-i5NALrFURLTG5XPTzC6fw047ts6GKIl3qPsjHDsgO8oERaMwkzTZ4RDLlIqZGZ9YMyif4VIHjR8hWxxkj8rMsn33T/s640/cv1.jpg" width="276" /></a></div> <br />

Latest-News 12 more Nigerians dead overnight as COVID-19 cases in Nigeria exceeds 15,000

Nigeria recorded 627 COVID-19 cases on Friday, taking the national total to 15,181. It was the second high number to be logged in 24 hour...

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Lagos seals several buildings on Banana Island

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk1lIbZ-hwaKxCWVXF7atEja777keWd5ICcjbBdVIKuhMYJKQoNGF3-BgIGV9eybqqKG80Hs1AyLsdBhvqsmAv1vRofpKFsDckzRfWDWVQYkkJJTIhY5qJTa12eT9gB3IdOvkgGIXNI31/s1600/sanwo-olu+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYk1lIbZ-hwaKxCWVXF7atEja777keWd5ICcjbBdVIKuhMYJKQoNGF3-BgIGV9eybqqKG80Hs1AyLsdBhvqsmAv1vRofpKFsDckzRfWDWVQYkkJJTIhY5qJTa12eT9gB3IdOvkgGIXNI31/s320/sanwo-olu+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Lagos State Government has sealed more buildings on Banana Island, Ikoyi, over lack of building permits.<br /> <br /> The state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development on Friday said it sealed 19 more buildings.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> It said in a statement that the exercise was in continuation of the government’s ongoing effort at regulating physical development in the state.<br /> <br /> Dr Idris Salako, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, led an enforcement team to the area.<br /> <br /> He said the exercise was to create a sustainable environment in the state.<br /> <br /> He added that a total of 34 buildings had been sealed on the axis since the exercise commenced on Wednesday.<br /> <br /> The offences of the owners, he said, included lack of building permits and other violations of the state’s physical planning law.<br /> <br /> “Government would not sit by and allow people violate planning laws to the detriment of the wellness and well-being of the society”, Salako said.<br /> <br /> According to him, government would not relent in its effort to ensure that residents comply with the state’s planning laws.<br /> <br /> He also decried encroachment by some developers on the right of way and alignment of the proposed Lagoon Highway.<br /> <br /> He warned developers to desist from encroachment and other activities that would incur the government’s disciplinary action.<br /> <br /> Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Mr Ganiyu Ayuba, warned developers to stop removing government seals from already sealed buildings.<br /> <br /> According to him, such illicit acts could be interpreted as affront to the authorities and would attract stiff penalties.<br /> <br /> The enforcement team comprised officials of Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development; Lagos State Building Control Agency, and the Special Operations Team in the governor’s office.

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COVID-19: Buhari challenges scientists on solutions as humanity, Nigeria’s democracy under threat

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO8MGH2-40IFIG7vXwAF-yrwka_xtxy6KfeLT9oTlG6Vi-HfgiwlE9GbBZHuGrMxWqN9t6XIZhhLFFlq9d2IoYsY1sIZOiesy1fz5rWC4vL5aQ28DI63fyeH0ZVOUUGQGvp7WuL7ufSQ/s1600/F8058119-AE17-47A3-944A-92A26EEA83D9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifO8MGH2-40IFIG7vXwAF-yrwka_xtxy6KfeLT9oTlG6Vi-HfgiwlE9GbBZHuGrMxWqN9t6XIZhhLFFlq9d2IoYsY1sIZOiesy1fz5rWC4vL5aQ28DI63fyeH0ZVOUUGQGvp7WuL7ufSQ/s400/F8058119-AE17-47A3-944A-92A26EEA83D9.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged Nigerian scientists and researchers to come up with solutions  to cure COVID-19 as humanity and democracy is under threat of the pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> The president gave the challenge in a nationwide broadcast to commemorate 2020 Democracy Day in Abuja on Friday.<br /> <br /> He, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria would survive the pandemic like similar crises in the past where the country emerged much more stronger.<br /> <br /> The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had on June 11 announced on its official Twitter handle that Nigeria recorded a total of 14,554 cases.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The centre also revealed that Nigeria recorded its highest daily toll on Thursday with 681 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in 17 states.<br /> <br /> Buhari, however, expressed optimism that the steps being taken by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 had started showing fruitful results.<br /> <br /> “I therefore implored all Nigerians to abide by the approved guidelines and protocols. There is hope for us all if we take individual and collective responsibility.<br /> <br /> “Government is determined to turn this COVID-19 challenge into a motivation to action by building a nationwide public healthcare system that will help us overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for any future outbreak.<br /> <br /> “Already, we have begun to look inward and I charge our inventors, researchers and scientists to come up with solutions to cure COVID-19,’’ he said.<br /> <br /> The president noted that the pandemic had affected the global economy and all known socio-economic systems as well as brought grief and pains to families that had lost their loved ones<br /> <br /> Buhari, however, announced that his administration had put in place various measures to cushion the negative effects of the pandemic on Nigerians and the nation economy.<br /> <br /> According to him, the impact of the pandemic has disrupted the nation economic system.<br /> <br /> “And to ensure it functions while still addressing the spread, the federal government put in place a number of various non pharmaceutical measures to slow down the spread of the virus in addition to a progressive re-opening of the economy.<br /> <br /> “As part of the strategies to create jobs in reducing the effects of COVID-19 on our youths, I directed the employment of 774,000 of Nigerians.<br /> <br /> “These youths would be engaged in sufficient public work programmes aimed at cushioning the effects of economic downturn.<br /> <br /> “Each of the 774 Local Government Areas of the country will be allotted 1,000 slots.<br /> <br /> “I am pleased to report that this programme has commenced,’’ he revealed.

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COVID-19: Wizkid berates pastors over failure to heal coronavirus patients

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPo266SdFKyyw3r32rwQKK6lrMXosGpw86aBlvZ-IzbWcHngVhA3z-0_MxYbGkCYE1OCmK1o7Y2GhWdDqpTIuSWyYrTp45anCcdGTjvQLWjewXngzw4_mOrGnOu417rVC9LSDkqGqtWs/s1600/5169BD7E-4974-46F4-BCE8-1F1073C5BD3A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1068" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPo266SdFKyyw3r32rwQKK6lrMXosGpw86aBlvZ-IzbWcHngVhA3z-0_MxYbGkCYE1OCmK1o7Y2GhWdDqpTIuSWyYrTp45anCcdGTjvQLWjewXngzw4_mOrGnOu417rVC9LSDkqGqtWs/s400/5169BD7E-4974-46F4-BCE8-1F1073C5BD3A.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Nigerian pop star, Wizkid has berated Nigerian pastors over their inability to heal coronavirus patients.</b><br /> <br /> Wizkid said he has never heard about any pastor who was courageous enough to go into isolation centres to heal COVID-19 patients.<br /> <br /> In a tweet on his verified Twitter handle, Wizkid wrote: “I have not seen any Naija pastor go to isolation centres to heal anybody from COVID-19.”<br /> <br /> Recall that Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries had urged the Federal government to allow pastors entrance into isolation centers to pray for COVID-19 patients.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> However, as at Thursday night, Nigeria recorded 14,554.<br /> <br /> This followed the confirmation of 681 cases by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

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JUNE 12: Edwin Clark writes open letter to Buhari on alleged injustices to South South

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpSC30kpLDNLuB6p5IcYF_agwNTjL0gHQYYOhUPt3_2AHiA0dfjOdr1rdLTr62imV4JAbWBZ0qntG7s02GNnNA0EcDGBcMpFV2nsxGLjN0HLIorzpOF8OswacIBaRM84D6URGoI3HADM/s1600/CLARK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="1024" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpSC30kpLDNLuB6p5IcYF_agwNTjL0gHQYYOhUPt3_2AHiA0dfjOdr1rdLTr62imV4JAbWBZ0qntG7s02GNnNA0EcDGBcMpFV2nsxGLjN0HLIorzpOF8OswacIBaRM84D6URGoI3HADM/s400/CLARK.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>LET US CALL A SPADE, A SPADE!</b><br /> <br /> OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR<br /> President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria<br /> By Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON<br /> <br /> Mr. President,<br /> <br /> LET US CALL A SPADE, A SPADE!<br /> <br /> Let me, begin by, expressing earnest gratitude and appreciation to Mr. President, for congratulating me, both on my 92nd and 93rd Birthday anniversaries. I deeply cherish the thoughtful gesture, and the kind remarks. As Mr. President, rightly stated in the two congratulatory messages, I have rendered over 70 years of my life to the service of this country, starting from the age of 19. And it pleased the Almighty God to keep me up to this age, and in sound health. Accordingly, as long as, I live, I will continue to work for the good of this country, in any way, I find it possible.<br /> <br /> It is in that light, and in view of recent worrisome developments, that I am writing this letter to Mr. President on Democracy Day. The message herein, is a message of truth; encapsulating my thoughts, as well as, the feelings, dissentions, and remonstrations, of the people of the South South Geopolitical Zone, that I have been continuously inundated with.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> I have to state it, unequivocally, the way it is, for the sake of posterity, and in the interest of peace, unity, and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.<br /> <br /> And the truth, Mr. President, is that the South South Geopolitical Zone have not been treated fairly, by your administration, despite our contribution to the economy of the country. Let us call a spade, a spade!<br /> <br /> For reasons unknown to me, we have continued to witness discriminative, and unjust actions, against people of South South Extraction, under presidency, in the last five years.<br /> <br /> Why is it that people, particularly from the South South Zone, are being treated as if they are not Nigerians, as if they are foreigners, or as if they are second class Citizens, in their own country.<br /> <br /> Situations, whereby, people due confirmation for their positions, are being removed, and replaced with people from particular parts of the country, is not right.<br /> <br /> And the situations are getting too many. We are all Nigerians; we are entitled to be appointed to any position. If our people are not qualified, it is a different matter.<br /> <br /> Discrimination is a danger to any society, particularly, a plural society like ours.<br /> <br /> The recent events in the United States of America, over the ill-treatment meted to Afro-Americans; and the “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations across America, and around the world, should be a lesson to Nigeria; no nation is an island to itself.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, about two weeks ago, Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), former Military Governor of Kaduna State, wrote a similar letter to you. The gentleman, pertinently and rightly, drew your attention to the imbalances in your appointments, and warned of the dire consequences, to the nation when he said “I regret that there are no kind or gentle words to tell you that your skewed appointments into the office of the Federal Government, favouring some and frustrating others, shall bring ruin and destruction to the nation”.<br /> <br /> Colonel Umar’s perspective is very correct. But, instead of giving conscientious considerations to the issues raised by the retired Colonel, what we saw, were unguarded utterances against him, by some of your aides, and partisan loyalists. That was very sad and unfortunate.<br /> <br /> Today, it seems, the only qualifications for appointment in the federal civil service or public service, under your administration, are religion or ethnicity.<br /> <br /> Let me highlight, a few of the recent puzzling, and embarrassing, actions of Mr. President, which many have termed, targeted exclusion of the South South from TOP MANAGEMENT POSITIONS in critical sectors of the nation’s Public and Civil Service.<br /> <br /> Replacement of Acting Director General of Security and Exchange Commission, SEC<br /> <br /> Mrs. Mary Uduk, acted as Director-General of the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), for over two years, but Mr. President did not deem it fit to confirm her as substantive Director General of SEC. It will be recalled that this lady, from Akwa Ibom State, was appointed as acting Director General of the Security and Exchange Commission, by the former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, following staff reshuffling in the agency, in March 2018.<br /> <br /> In view of her track record of service, many in the sector, had expected that she would be confirmed as substantive Director General of the apex stock regulatory body. But, Mr. President, thought otherwise, and instead, replaced her with Lamido Yuguda, a retired staff of Central Bank of Nigeria, somebody from the North, who was a Commissioner working under her in the Commission.<br /> <br /> This is a very glaring instance, of the discrimination and unfair treatment against the people of the South South, we have been talking about.<br /> <br /> This woman has been part of the system; she has been at SEC for over thirty years. Why should she be treated that way? Was she found wanting in the discharge of her duties and responsibilities as Acting Director General?<br /> <br /> Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)<br /> <br /> Again, is the case of Mrs. Azuka Azinge. Mrs. Azinge who had worked at the CAC for about 10 years was appointed acting Registrar-General of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for about 2 years. Rather than confirming her appointment, charges were brought against her before the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), that she maintains a domiciliary account, and that she was paid salaries and allowances which she was not entitled to, in an acting capacity, despite the fact the payments were approved by the Board of the Commission.<br /> <br /> In a manner unknown to extant laws, the Code of Conduct Tribunal “ordered the Minister for Trade & Industries to appoint a replacement for Mrs. Azinge”. In compliance to this “order” a letter dated 7th January, 2020, issued by the Minister of Trade & Industries, to Alhaji Garba Abubakar, from Bauchi State, who was a principal Manager and former Special Adviser to the former Registrar-General, appointing him the Registrar-General of the Commission. The whole essence of the case was to ridicule Mrs. Azinge, a South-Southerner from Delta State, and get her out of office, for a Northerner to take over.<br /> <br /> Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA<br /> <br /> Another worrisome appointment by Mr. President is that of the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.<br /> <br /> Dr. Dakuku Peterside from Rivers State was appointed DG of the Agency, in 2016, his term expired this year, he was not re-appointed.<br /> <br /> Unknown to, and without the input of the Minister of Transportation, under whose charge the Agency operates, Mr. President, appointed a Northerner, Bashir Jamoh, from Kaduna State, who was an executive director at the Agency, to replace Dr. Dakuku Peterside. Mr. Bashir Jamoh, is reportedly, a father-in-law to one of your aides.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, also from Kaduna State, was reappointed for another four years. The two agencies, NPA and NIMASA, are parastatals under the same Federal Ministry of Transportation. Hadiza Bala Usman of NPA, from Kaduna State, was reappointed for another four years, whereas, Dakuku Peterside from Rivers State, was not re-appointed. Worst still, replaced with a Northerner. What could be the logic behind this?<br /> <br /> Predictably, just a few days ago, Mr. President, renewed the appointment of the Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Umar Garba Danbatta, which was done expressly, without any hullabaloo. Apparently, because he is from the Northern part of the Country.<br /> <br /> It is consequential, Mr. President, to further highlight that, we are yet to see a situation where Northerners have been removed and replaced with Southerners, like it was done in the case of NIMASA, and several other Agenencies.<br /> <br /> These situations give credence to suggestions of a Northernizing agenda of the Nation’s public service, by your administration; sacrificing merit, competency, sector experience, and geographical spread, at the altar of nepotism.<br /> <br /> The Situation in the Petroleum Industry<br /> <br /> Let me remind Mr. President, of what played out at the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, of the Ministry of Petroleum, last year. The man who was Director there, Mordecai Baba Ladan, from the North, attained the retirement age of 60 years in June, 2017, but he was retained till December, 2019. When he eventually left, consistent with the tendencies of your administration, Sarki Auwalu, also from the North, was appointed to that position. I was made to understand that, Mr. Auwalu, who was an Assistant Director, was appointed Director of the key regulatory Department, ahead of eight Deputy Directors.<br /> <br /> While, in the same petroleum industry, Roland O. Ewubare, who is from the South South, was moved from NAPIMS as Managing Director last year, another person from South South was not appointed to replace him. Rather, a Northerner was used to replace him, perhaps, because NAPIMS, like DPR, is said to be one of the strategic subsidiaries of the NNPC.<br /> <br /> Interestingly, on the other hand, when Roland O. Ewubare, was earlier, moved from Integrated Data Services Limited, he was replaced with someone from South South, in the person of Diepriye Tariah. I understand, Mr. Tariah, recently, disengaged from the service, and another South South person has been appointed to replace him.<br /> <br /> So it seems to me, there are positions in NNPC, reserved for people from the South South, and there are some other positions reserved for people from the Northern zone. Why the discrimination, and seeming snobbery?<br /> <br /> Space, and time, will not allow me, to exhaust the appalling injustices against the South South people, in the Oil and Gas industry alone.<br /> <br /> Mr. President will recall that I have written several Letters, both open and otherwise, to you on these issues.<br /> <br /> While our resources are being managed, and subjugated, mainly by people from other parts of the country, the people of the oil producing communities of the Niger Delta, who bear the brunt of degradation, arising from the oil and gas exploratory activities, receive mere soupçons, and are rendered spectators of the oil business.<br /> <br /> Recently, the House of Representatives passed a Motion that the unusual deaths of humans and fishes in Bayelsa and Rivers States, possibly caused by oil pollution, should be investigated. These situations cannot be allowed to continue.<br /> <br /> Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation<br /> <br /> Mr. President may wish to recall, the instance of the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, who happens to also come the South South, from Cross River State. A woman, who after several years in the Civil Service of the government of the federation, rose to become Permanent Secretary, and served meritoriously, in two or three ministries before, Mr. President, appointed her Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in October, 2015.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, while we do not condone corruption, the way that woman was treated, leaves a lot to be desired.<br /> <br /> This lady worked for four years, as Head of the Federal Civil Service, and she was loyal and committed to the presidency. Throughout that period of time, nobody said anything about her. Until, I understand, she had cause to disagree with the late Chief of Staff in the presidency, Mr. Abba Kyari. It was then, that they realized she was corrupt.<br /> <br /> When she decided to resign on her own, Mr. President, said no; that she should remain in office. Only to be later humiliated, and disgraced, and now being prosecuted on all sorts of charges. Why? Because she comes from the South South, which is, regarded as a disadvantaged Minority area, where its people can be exploited, ridiculed and maltreated, by anybody. She had nobody to protect her; so, as usual, they treated her in such a shabby manner. I repeat that, I am not supporting corruption, if there is any malfeasance on her part, she should be tried.<br /> <br /> The Case of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria<br /> <br /> That brings to mind, the way the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, he too from Cross River State, was treated as well. I recall, how we appealed, when Mr. President hesitated to confirm his appointment after his recommendation by the NJC. Until the Acting President at the time, forwarded the letter for his confirmation to the Senate.<br /> <br /> One had expected his confirmation would have ended the hatred against the jurist but for obvious political and other reasons, and perhaps, having regard to Mr. President’s reelection stratagem in 2019, this man was allowed to be harassed, humiliated, dehumanized, and disgraced, by less qualified, and far junior benchers, like the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, to the extent that, the office of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, was undignified.<br /> <br /> And Mr. President, unprecedentedly, without deference to the Constitutional provisions on the appointment of Chief Justice of Nigeria, appointed an Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria; a person who was later queried by the Nigerian Judiciary Council (NJC).<br /> <br /> And for no known reasons, the NJC, made up of senior jurists, surprisingly, without making any attempt to rectifying the situation, confirmed the unconstitutional appointment made by Mr. President.<br /> <br /> As a Lawyer of over 50 years standing, I was ashamed that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) could not live up to expectation. I do not know what they are afraid of.<br /> <br /> Mr. President, why is this being done to people who have faithfully served this nation, in their various positions. What is going on?<br /> <br /> The 16-Point Demand of the Niger Delta region<br /> <br /> The 16-Point Demand of the Niger Delta region drawn up after our intervention as leaders of the region with the Niger Delta Avengers, for which, I led a 100 – Member Delegation including First Class Traditional Rulers of the region, and which had in attendance Governors of the region, to Mr. President on the 1st of November, 2016, is yet to be attended to.<br /> <br /> The Presidential Amnesty Program has now become everybody’s affair in Nigeria. These situations are unacceptable.<br /> <br /> The construction of the East-West Road has been abandoned. Recent news reports show the deplorable nature of the road. Motorists and travellers are stock and stranded in the Bayelsa axis, an unmanageable gridlock of trucks and other vehicles has formed stretching to several kilometers. A journey of between 15 and 20 minutes, now last for hours un-end. Same is happening at the Akwa-Ibom/Cross River axis. The East-West Road is undoubtedly the haulage route of the nation’s economy; yet it is a project not qualified as a priority project for the monies recovered from Gen. Sani Abacha to be spent on.<br /> <br /> My adjuration, therefore, to the people of the South South, is that they should esteem themselves as Bona fide Nigerians, and be courageous, in fighting for their undeniable rights. Nobody owns this country more than they do; rather Nigeria stands to lose, if there is crunch in our Region because of this injustices, unfairness, neglect, and continued marginalization.<br /> <br /> Conclusion<br /> <br /> Today is June 12, which Mr. President declared, Democracy Day, last year, in place of May 29, and the essence of this day, that is freedom and equality, epitomizes the crux of this letter.<br /> <br /> Therefore, as we remember, the heroic courage and sacrifices of MKO Abiola, and all those who have stood in defense of TRUTH, FREEDOM, and DEMOCRACY, may I implore, Mr. President, to discard the togs of nepotism and injustice. And don the noble vestments of inclusiveness, equity, fairness, and justice, for the betterment of Nigeria, our dear country as in the days when the politically motivated Kano State voted against their son Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and voted massively for Alhaji Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), from Souh-West.<br /> <br /> That was the height of Nigerian democracy.<br /> <br /> I pray that as we celebrate Democracy Day today, we go back to that era where Nigeria was Nigeria; not now when religion and ethnicity decides who is popular and who is better qualified to be voted for.<br /> <br /> I am an old man now, I have just celebrated my 93rd birthday, but it would be unthinkable for me, to keep quiet in the face of such injustice, oppression, and marginalization, unfair and unjust treatment, being practiced against my people. I can say, without doubt, we have never had it this so bad.<br /> <br /> I do not know when it will please the Almighty God to call me home. But, let me sound this note of warning, THINGS CANNOT CONTINUE THIS WAY!<br /> <br /> Thank you, Mr. President.<br /> <br /> Chief (Dr.) E. K. Clark, OFR, CON<br /> Leader, South-South, former Minister of Information, Senator of the 2nd Republic<br /> June 12, 2020

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I’ve lost close staff, family, friends to coronavirus – Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp-Ua0T_kjuzxDIMoJqfGXlt4HKHCnnm55qJUSK5Zu93aubBdDkzipyyU4Q3f4L2IcZ-i_iDDW4TbEl-ZiGTA8ORisx93hsv_XOcv0BIN9EfBh1h23DEVxyqW7MjXShMhaa7N_JvknJE/s1600/Buhari-Abba-Kyari.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBp-Ua0T_kjuzxDIMoJqfGXlt4HKHCnnm55qJUSK5Zu93aubBdDkzipyyU4Q3f4L2IcZ-i_iDDW4TbEl-ZiGTA8ORisx93hsv_XOcv0BIN9EfBh1h23DEVxyqW7MjXShMhaa7N_JvknJE/s400/Buhari-Abba-Kyari.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday said he has lost a couple of close people to the ravaging coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic.</b><br /> <br /> The president lost his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari to complications from the virus in April. Other close family members back in his hometown Daura, Katsina State also died from the virus.<br /> <br /> The president also condoled with Nigerians who have lost close relatives and friends to the virus. He also praised front line health workers who are risking everything including their lives to fight the pandemic.<br /> <br /> He said this in a televised Democracy Day address to Nigerians.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it.<br /> <br /> “We are celebrating this year’s Democracy Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicts our nation and the whole world.<br /> <br /> “It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures we introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.<br /> <br /> “The dedication of our health and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your service to the nation.”

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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_P0J7frWM_By2KsxiM86ITWwppLzoJw2PgiiVPH9FUP9TKTiXxstIKbKHJXNpmueGRsXaGpRq_bA8qmOu6P0D-WynSi4KDye5i9HT6VCo1PRxVFTETe0Mxu9pRhJNTt5YcN-wjSAYCSA/s400/BUHARI+TIRED++vex+reading+office+new.jpg" width="400" /></div> <br /> President Muhammadu Buhari, says he is upset with the recent cases of rape in the country.<br /> <br /> The President stated this during his 2020 Democracy Day Speech on Friday.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “I am particularly upset with the recent cases of rape in the country,” he said, noting that the Nigeria Police Force will bring the perpetrators of the “heinous crime” to justice.<br /> <br /> He continued, “We are celebrating this year’s Democracy Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicts our nation and the whole world.<br /> <br /> “It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures we introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.<br /> <br /> “The dedication of our health and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your service to the nation.”

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We are investigating several former governors for corruption - EFCC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-upWp7huBlTUh29iqFU1wddotBoAB2WPAzJOtdAtAVmdeUxOunQXC-O5lFcL6vC0UH9hb5eu9xF5a1td06vpL9eR7Iy-pxHGdLxsT7yi4uzhqxckhuLswgZM_Hh3pLPWfPw-VOXg-fXHb/s1600/EFCC-logo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="545" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-upWp7huBlTUh29iqFU1wddotBoAB2WPAzJOtdAtAVmdeUxOunQXC-O5lFcL6vC0UH9hb5eu9xF5a1td06vpL9eR7Iy-pxHGdLxsT7yi4uzhqxckhuLswgZM_Hh3pLPWfPw-VOXg-fXHb/s640/EFCC-logo3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu has said the anti-graft agency is investigating serving and former state governors for corruption.</b><br /> <br /> According to him, suspects who connived with the governors were being invited for questioning.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Magu, however, did not disclose the identities of those under probe, saying such would jeopardise investigations.<br /> <br /> Speaking at a press conference marking the 2020 Democracy Day in Abuja on Thursday, Magu said the agency had recovered assets in excess of N980bn in the last five years.<br /> <br /> He also disclosed that the commission within the same period recovered a large array of non-monetary assets that include real estate, private jets, oil vessels, filling stations, schools, hotels, trucks, cars, jewellery, shopping malls and electronics.<br /> <br /> He noted, “We are on course in all the cases we are prosecuting, our scorecard in the area of conviction is 2,240 in the last five years and we covered assets in excess of N980bn, with quite a large array of non-monetary assets. We are also investigating serving and former governors and questioning those conniving with them.”<br /> <br /> On the case of former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Kalu, Magu said the EFCC would go back to court.<br /> <br /> The Commissioner of Police added that the investigation by the United Kingdom police into activities of a former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke was taking too long, adding that the EFCC had placed her on a watch list and on red alert by the Interpol system.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the Lagos zonal office of the EFCC said on Thursday that secured 257 convictions and recovered the sums of N14, 099,952,688.22, $5, 723, 042 and €31,500 in the last one year.<br /> <br /> The anti-graft agency added that it arrested 1,444 suspects with over 300 of them, including Internet personality, Ismaila Mustapha, alias Mompha, “and his conspirator, Hamza Khoudeih,” arraigned in court.<br /> <br /> A statement on Thursday by the zone’s Head of Public Affairs, Ayo Oyewole, quoted the Lagos Zonal Head of the EFCC, Muhammed Rabo, to have given the figures.<br /> <br /> Rabo said, “In fact, we are prepared, more than ever before, for a more robust collaboration with the FBI this year,” he said.

Latest-News We are investigating several former governors for corruption - EFCC

The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibrahim Magu has said the anti-graft agency is investigating serving ...

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Abacha survived eight coup attempts – Al-Mustapha

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR3fXMorMcqiZgkWqzm1NWK43g-F9E9qlsQrOU_IJ_zdhNnE_Y0HJdSPbR37oZ7K0WYJ4p_i-0Z32wfaLqq_zJpYeo7IWyKjmsulIXPMaafdvXPj9vCoWble5554GV53IRa14uHh0PCKF/s1600/Al-Mustapha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR3fXMorMcqiZgkWqzm1NWK43g-F9E9qlsQrOU_IJ_zdhNnE_Y0HJdSPbR37oZ7K0WYJ4p_i-0Z32wfaLqq_zJpYeo7IWyKjmsulIXPMaafdvXPj9vCoWble5554GV53IRa14uHh0PCKF/s400/Al-Mustapha.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, said there were eight attempts to topple the maximum ruler before he died.<br /> <br /> Abacha died on June 8, 1998, aged 54.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> While speaking in an interview on the Hausa Service of the <i>British Broadcasting Corporation</i>, monitored in Kaduna on Thursday, Al-Mustapha said Nigerians only knew of three coup attempts that his boss survived.<br /> <br /> “Let me tell you something about Abacha, eight coups were staged to topple him before he died.<br /> <br /> “Nigerians knew of only three coup attempts against Abacha, but there were eight coup attempts. He died when they were plotting the 8th,” Al-Mustapha said.<br /> <br /> The former CSO said Nigerians should not vilify the late Abacha but queried those who allegedly stole billions of naira after his demise.<br /> <br /> He said, “I am surprised by the way Abacha is being blackmailed. I am surprised because when he assumed leadership, Nigeria had less than $2bn in the foreign reserve.<br /> <br /> “But within four years and eight months, he raised it to over $9bn. After his death, all the billions vanished in nine months.<br /> <br /> “The person that raised Nigeria’s image and enhanced security is now the subject of insult. But those who shared the money he left are still alive and untouchable.”<br /> <br /> He also said the billions stashed in foreign banks during the Abacha regime was not a unilateral decision.<br /> <br /> According to him, the decision was reached after a meeting of stakeholders, including monarchs from all over the country.<br /> <br /> The former CSO said, “I have said it that there was a period Nigeria was to be sanctioned. So there were plans to keep money overseas so that Nigeria and Nigerians would not suffer when the sanction was imposed on the country.<br /> <br /> “We gathered emirs and chiefs from the South and from the North, together with VIPs of that time; those in government and those not in government. We met at a place called Camp Bassey Officers’ Mess in the Brigade of Guards. It was there we deliberated on the threat to sanction Nigeria. Many decisions were made.”

Latest-News Abacha survived eight coup attempts – Al-Mustapha

Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to late Gen. Sani Abacha, said there were eight attempts to topple the maximum ru...

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Day of Judgment for Rauf Aregbesola

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvKD-LnoTr_FGronIU6V9VMBnNl2Wdfows7RvsZkTF57n8pzXRkKBm9qWw4IQEXIIn0JzG4gMQnjFtAQuKUbYGPD_M5T7o_vhs4zXEVD_XdtOOpzBQbGbbVDBbFDHFrfU4UkEHysN7w1Z/s1600/Governor-Rauf-Aregbesola+osun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="503" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvKD-LnoTr_FGronIU6V9VMBnNl2Wdfows7RvsZkTF57n8pzXRkKBm9qWw4IQEXIIn0JzG4gMQnjFtAQuKUbYGPD_M5T7o_vhs4zXEVD_XdtOOpzBQbGbbVDBbFDHFrfU4UkEHysN7w1Z/s640/Governor-Rauf-Aregbesola+osun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Wednesday June 10, 2020, was ‘judgment day’ for Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.<br /> <br /> Incidentally, the day had broken with stories of denials of rift between him and his political mentor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former two-term Governor of Lagos State, and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC).<br /> <br /> The APC had outlawed all party sub-groups in Lagos, where Aregbesola had his political foundations, and still maintains a stranglehold, despite having been a two-term Governor in Osun State.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> <br /> The buzz was that the Minister was possibly eyeing the Presidency in 2023, a diadem also reportedly coveted by his mentor, so the rug had to be pulled off under his feet early enough. Frost followed. Cold War, said the rumour mills.<br /> <br /> Strident denials came from the Tinubu and Aregbesola camps. And it was mere distraction for the Minister, as he had a huge assignment ahead of him on that same Wednesday. It was his turn to brief the Federal Executive Council, headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, on his stewardship, since assuming office in August last year.<br /> <br /> Called Ministerial Performance Report, it was something instituted last year to receive regular feedbacks from Ministers, to judge whether they were complying with the spirit and letters of the mandates handed over to them when they were sworn in 10 months ago. It is something like a peer review session, in which the President, the Vice President, and all members of the Federal cabinet would listen, dissect, interrogate, applaud or bash the Minister reporting, depending on performance.<br /> <br /> It is usually like judgment day, in which a man gives account of his works, and he either hears, “well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Master,” or he is told; “depart from me, you worker of iniquity.”<br /> <br /> The Ministry of Interior exists to foster and ensure the maintenance of internal security, public safety and citizenship integrity, for the promotion of good governance of the nation.<br /> <br /> There are four main agencies and a Board under the supervision of the Ministry. They are: Nigerian Correctional Service (formerly Prisons Service), Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board.<br /> <br /> Now, it is very easy for citizens to live their lives, and not be mindful of these agencies. They just take them for granted, reckoning that they must just be there. But after listening to the performance report of the Minister, one comes to grasp with the reality that they do make a lot of difference in the lives of the citizenry. Without them being efficiently there, lives would be a lot worse. Nasty, brutish and short.<br /> <br /> Do you know that the Ministry of Interior is vested with ensuring timely processing of permits for those coming to the country to establish businesses? Possibly not. Do you also know that the Ministry processes expatriate quota in line with the Executive Order on Ease of Doing Business? It equally is vested with easing of tourist visa, biometric visa at all entry points into the country, and many others.<br /> <br /> So, how well has the Ministry fared in 10 months? The Cabinet listened, as Aregbesola reeled out the achievements, agency after agency.<br /> <br /> When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Which was why the Minister took the key officers of all the agencies to a resort in Ilesa, Osun State, early in the year. The purpose was a Strategy Retreat aimed at aligning mandate delivery.<br /> <br /> Within five months last year, the Federal Fire Service responded to 2,615 fire calls, saved 724 lives and assets worth N1.629 trillion across the country. We take things like this for granted, don’t we? May we never see the fury of fire, as it ravenously devours everything in sight with its furious tongues.<br /> <br /> At least 3,000 Custodial Centres are under construction and in various stages of completion in the six geo-political zones of the country. It would assuage the problem of congestion to a large extent.<br /> <br /> Custodial Farm Centres have been reactivated round the country for large scale agricultural production in piggery, fishing, cattle rearing and poultry. Tractors and harvesters have been procured to facilitate the work, and contribute to food security in the country. Trust President Buhari, any opportunity to feed Nigerians, he utilises.<br /> <br /> There’s rehabilitation program, aimed at reducing the rate of recidivism (that’s big vocabulary, which means going to jail again and again) by engaging inmates in both vocational and entrepreneurial initiatives.<br /> <br /> About 1,000 inmates were enrolled for the 2020 WAEC/NECO examinations, while the number of study centres of the National Open University of Nigeria have been increased to 10 across Custodial Centres.<br /> <br /> The Border Management Strategy (BMS) has begun, and is being implemented at all international airports in the country. Management Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) is now deployed at all air borders. Very easy to fish out anyone with criminal records from anywhere in the world, attempting to enter the country.<br /> <br /> Nigerian passports can now be applied for online, while there’s also Visa-On-Arrival with biometric features at all air borders.<br /> <br /> At the social end, the statutory marriage process has been automated to make things easier. Young people must marry, mustn’t they?<br /> <br /> The Federal Fire Service is now present in all states of the country, with 28 newly procured fire engines deployed.<br /> <br /> Six new fire service training schools have been established across the geo-political zones to cater for human capital development needs.<br /> <br /> Over 5,000 officers of the Civil Defence have been deployed to protect IDP camps, and re-occupy liberated towns and villages in the North-East.<br /> <br /> The Ministry has trained and deployed over 1,500 personnel as Agro-Rangers in Yobe and Adamawa states, to protect farmers and their farms. This will eventually go round the country as required.<br /> And many more.<br /> <br /> Minister Aregbesola took questions, made explanations, gave clarifications, and it was obvious that council members were satisfied.<br /> <br /> No wonder when the meeting was over, his well starched white Agbada billowed in the wind, as he left the Presidential Villa.<br /> <i><br /> *Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Buhari</i>

Latest-News Day of Judgment for Rauf Aregbesola

Wednesday June 10, 2020, was ‘judgment day’ for Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Incidentally, the day had broken with sto...

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Trump may not leave office if he loses – Biden

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="780" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOY3sqXk2BAX8Ogg-PQRzDniKkhs3eREiX2el-19ciVmnnE8qyLBOfFPDqG9JZtIiiqnodhK-jbVTWt-_B1BUJ7bvSrONg9jHBSsv2zyo_iBN6OxmxnFVdbtsJQVyoIpwKK_k2yebAcaT/s640/joe+biden+trump.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> Joe Biden expressed fear that President Donald Trump will try to “steal” November’s election or not leave office if he loses, prompting the White House on Thursday to slam the Democrat’s comments as conspiracy theories.<br /> <br /> “My single greatest concern” is that “this president’s going to try and steal this election,” Biden said.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> His remarks on The Daily Show that aired late Wednesday came during a discussion of voter suppression, a spotlight issue this week following chaotic elections in some states including Georgia, where problem-plagued voting machines and hours-long lines frustrated voters.<br /> <br /> “This is a guy who said all mail-in ballots are fraudulent,” the 77-year-old former vice president said of Trump.<br /> <br /> Asked by host Trevor Noah whether he ever considered that Trump might not leave office even he were not re-elected, Biden said that he has, but stated he believed the military, if needed, would assure a peaceful transition of power.<br /> <br /> “I’m absolutely convinced they will escort him from the White House with great dispatch,” Biden said.<br /> <br /> White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany dismissed Biden’s remarks as “a ridiculous proposition.”<br /> <br /> “Leave it to Democrats to go out there and grandstand and level these conspiracy theories,” she told Fox News.<br /> <br /> Trump has repeatedly tweeted ominous statements in recent weeks about voting, including a May 24 claim, without evidence, that “Democrats are trying to Rig the 2020 Election, plain and simple.”<br /> <br /> A tweet two days later, in which Trump said there was “NO WAY” that mail-in ballots would be “anything less than substantially fraudulent,” earned the president his first-ever fact check by Twitter, which labeled the post misleading.<br /> <br /> Trump’s repeated calls to prohibit voting by mail, even during a pandemic with Americans concerned about exposing themselves unnecessarily to the coronavirus, have fuelled concerns by Democrats.<br /> <br /> Biden said several states were taking steps to make it harder for people to vote, and that as a result he will dispatch monitors “to every district of the country to patrol” against voter disenfranchisement.<br /> <br /> AFP

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Joe Biden expressed fear that President Donald Trump will try to “steal” November’s election or not leave office if he loses, prompting th...

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We are in very difficult time with COVID-19 - Buhari

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="600" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYudzbtLmdz3ol-ownAYBwsBTWEacH0ly4dcF1y59w8GilmHWQ2BF26YkLzI9BA-Y48CDbXC1KLK0qCDAVINcVdgieslsV-vRq4hCIeP1OyA5QwPTA9AzOzoiDnGGndNOStDrubHB9dsPi/s640/BUhari-600x336.jpg" width="640" /></div> <br /> <b>President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians are facing a “very difficult” time with the coronavirus pandemic.</b><br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said this in his a televised Democracy Day address on Friday.<br /> <br /> He said, “It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it.<br /> <br /> “We are celebrating this year’s Democracy Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicts our nation and the whole world.<br /> <br /> “It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures we introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.<br /> <br /> “The dedication of our health and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your service to the nation.”

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President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigerians are facing a “very difficult” time with the coronavirus pandemic. He said this in his a telev...

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La Liga returns with seville derby

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVUG86ExaiVYV0jekiCWGbDPf2Y5YDErks8mJtQ8oKql604xT-eB80q3qT1Bi-vTFiz90JSa1S1KMxwOayLcoylSzoFEGjo8322wEv0mYEnHUusbn3JPkESb_DGtIRnYgNw9ySq-2ttU/s1600/1B1BBCF2-3474-401C-9CE3-4F9B60611A99.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVUG86ExaiVYV0jekiCWGbDPf2Y5YDErks8mJtQ8oKql604xT-eB80q3qT1Bi-vTFiz90JSa1S1KMxwOayLcoylSzoFEGjo8322wEv0mYEnHUusbn3JPkESb_DGtIRnYgNw9ySq-2ttU/s400/1B1BBCF2-3474-401C-9CE3-4F9B60611A99.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Sevilla captain Jesús Navas admitted he’s ready for the return to La Liga action today against cross-city rivals Real Betis while speaking in an interview with Marca.</b><br /> <br /> “Betis have a great team with some key players. We have to be ready and focused for what will be a tricky game,” he said. “It’s lovely that we are the captains [Navas and Joaquin] and that we still have that hunger.<br /> <br /> “Personally, I’m doing very well, and Joaquin has also done great things this season. Let’s hope we can both have a good game.<br /> <br /> “We’ve played against each other plenty over the years. He’s a great team-mate, although I’m focusing on Sevilla and hoping we can dedicate a win to our fans.”<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The Spanish league resumes more than three months after it was suspended because of the pandemic, becoming the second top league to restart in Europe. The Bundesliga was first. The Premier League and the Italian league should be next in the coming weeks.

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Sevilla captain Jesús Navas admitted he’s ready for the return to La Liga action today against cross-city rivals Real Betis while speaking...

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104 COVID-19 cases in Ogun from a single company

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Edo, Ondo guber: We’ll not declare winner if – INEC Chairman, Yakubu

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Aba communities drag Nigerian Breweries to court over alleged pollution, demand N8b (VIDEO)

Latest-News Aba communities drag Nigerian Breweries to court over alleged pollution, demand N8b (VIDEO)

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“Fame brought me hate, my life has been threatened” – BBN’s Joe Abdallah

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfChmYzNqGr1wzy7LQpKh9mcgVtjJ6YB47wqFpumqd-ZNLi1ABy0s-XeW-y_nsxxMdR5MXnN0B8hstHVlawJcrgXZyboK0BzLnPu-thBeecrCOI6V89sqy8sU2-YoXb_QE1GRhhJjOXM/s1600/AFD7907C-8B84-4A80-B7C8-3A55E2AD2BE8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfChmYzNqGr1wzy7LQpKh9mcgVtjJ6YB47wqFpumqd-ZNLi1ABy0s-XeW-y_nsxxMdR5MXnN0B8hstHVlawJcrgXZyboK0BzLnPu-thBeecrCOI6V89sqy8sU2-YoXb_QE1GRhhJjOXM/s400/AFD7907C-8B84-4A80-B7C8-3A55E2AD2BE8.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Joe Abdallah has spoken on what fame brought into his life.</b><br /> <br /> Joe, in his recent post, wrote that his life has been threatened and that his fame has attracted lots of hate and love. The 26-year-old self-proclaimed ‘trouble maker’ also feared for his moustache.<br /> <br /> He wrote; ”My life has been threatened by humans over trivialities. My fame and personality attracted so much love and so much hate.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> ”Threats to cut off my moustache is also on the queue. You cant stop my growth, even hair will definitely grow back.

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100m Nigerians have no identity—NIMC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLdxTHkEzf8f5joV8CI2pIewy3EZ6BfsSc37C3rcH4q6akbmW4_1usOxkQsBIeZD7DLtfeAwJyxckNvtp86zqMcE3JRVC9nxUjpl_tNhcwbTmbOAEX2ZR0jALs4LWcXtDDik7Obl-1RE/s1600/DB649144-9A53-4A26-B6CC-F12C88075BF7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="403" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLdxTHkEzf8f5joV8CI2pIewy3EZ6BfsSc37C3rcH4q6akbmW4_1usOxkQsBIeZD7DLtfeAwJyxckNvtp86zqMcE3JRVC9nxUjpl_tNhcwbTmbOAEX2ZR0jALs4LWcXtDDik7Obl-1RE/s400/DB649144-9A53-4A26-B6CC-F12C88075BF7.png" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said over 100 million Nigerians have no identity.</b><br /> <br /> The agency’s Director-General, Mr Aliyu Aziz, stated this on Wednesday during a zoom meeting.<br /> <br /> The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aziz spoke on the topic: Strategic Roadmap for ID Development.<br /> <br /> He said: “Over 100 million Nigerians have no identity (ID). These include the poorest and the most vulnerable groups, such as the marginalised – women and girls, the less-educated people, migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, people with disabilities and people living in rural and remote areas.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> “The estimated population of Nigeria stands at 200 million. Only about 38 per cent of the population has any form of ID.”<br /> <br /> Aziz said the commission had enrolled and issued 41.5 million unique identifiers, known as National Identification Numbers (NIN), since the commencement of identity registration and enrolment in 2012. According to him, the commission registers all Nigerian citizens physically present and those outside Nigeria as well as legal residents.<br /> <br /> “From 2012 till date, only 41.5 million citizens and legal residents have been enrolled into the National Identity Database (NIDB) and issued unique NIN, an average of 5.2 million enrolments per annum. “At this rate, it will take a long time to enrol the remainder of the people currently living in the country. By that time, about 292 million more people would have been added.<br /> <br /> “Hence, there is the need for a strategy to enrol the backlog within the shortest possible time. And that is the reason for the idea of strategic roadmap and the birth of the ecosystem approach,” he said.

Latest-News 100m Nigerians have no identity—NIMC

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said over 100 million Nigerians have no identity. The agency’s Director-General, ...

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I’ll be back soon, Ikpeazu speaks from isolation centre

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBPns_VspsVYyE7UCeK_85VbYIQlI1KM1ObjgfPaBPq-M0NbPYZCJFnXJAB8b-iOBuZu7iMfrVym5_6h5qoMysTJSWpldKicvF1qemDlDxmZQ2pL4kqHSgJk7mJti8-5WokSdmNzOsUg/s1600/6D2AAB3F-C31D-45B3-846E-8DDE221ED1C4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="480" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBPns_VspsVYyE7UCeK_85VbYIQlI1KM1ObjgfPaBPq-M0NbPYZCJFnXJAB8b-iOBuZu7iMfrVym5_6h5qoMysTJSWpldKicvF1qemDlDxmZQ2pL4kqHSgJk7mJti8-5WokSdmNzOsUg/s400/6D2AAB3F-C31D-45B3-846E-8DDE221ED1C4.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> ‌<b>Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on Wednesday said he would be back soon from the isolation centre after testing positive to coronavirus.</b><br /> <br /> The governor was said to have gave the assurance during a telephone call to his Special Assistant (Media and Communication), Enyinnaya Apollos.<br /> <br /> Appolos in his post of Facebook wrote, “At exactly 5:18pm, Wednesday, June 10, 2020, he (Ikpeazu) said to me, ‘Nna, I’m very fine. Unu jide stage, meaning, you people should hold the stage), very soon I will be back. I’m doing fine.”<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, a group, Unubiko Foundation, has encouraged Ikpeazu to keep up faith as he will be cured of the virus.<br /> <br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> The body in a statement by its Project Director, Dr. Benjamin Isani, also urged Abia State residents to adhere to the hygiene and protective towards preventing the spread of coronavirus.<br /> <br /> Isani also encouraged Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to keep up faith as he would definitely be cured of the virus.<br /> <br /> It said, “Contracting the coronavirus is not a death sentence, therefore, there is no reason for anyone in the state to be in panic mode as we have had governors and other Nigerians who have beaten Covid-19 and we are assured that Governor Ikpeazu will emerge stronger to continue to offer service to God’s own State.<br /> <br /> “It is imperative that our people in Abia to step up in their observance of the protocols established by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control in keeping safe and maintaining high level of hygiene.”

Latest-News I’ll be back soon, Ikpeazu speaks from isolation centre

‌ Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State on Wednesday said he would be back soon from the isolation centre after testing positive to corona...

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COVID-19 threatening 13 million jobs in Nigeria – UN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhTt4VOfR-1PY510irOC0nJk-YJqLcyFplrsTizI60W9GzSZ3VsPQIsCS_nR2PQ4STm2z1FFA2sInu2tB2kjJUx_i2EFyKKnyUxQdiV0h7PDQdySOoFN2ekpJt3WKYnurmw2xrb2pRjc/s1600/46E541F0-FDF9-4CA5-B54E-B719A0061699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhTt4VOfR-1PY510irOC0nJk-YJqLcyFplrsTizI60W9GzSZ3VsPQIsCS_nR2PQ4STm2z1FFA2sInu2tB2kjJUx_i2EFyKKnyUxQdiV0h7PDQdySOoFN2ekpJt3WKYnurmw2xrb2pRjc/s400/46E541F0-FDF9-4CA5-B54E-B719A0061699.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>The COVID-19 pandemic may lead to the loss of 13 million jobs in Nigeria, the World Food Programme of the United Nations declared on Wednesday.</b><br /> <br /> According to the agency, Nigeria needs urgent financial intervention to boost its economy, as millions of citizens across the country are currently suffering the harsh economic impact of the virus.<br /> <br /> WFP’s Senior Spokesperson, Elisabeth Byrs, said in a statement from her agency that more than $182m was needed to sustain life-saving aid to Africa’s most populous country over the next six months.<br /> <br /> She explained that over 3.8 million citizens, particularly those in the informal sector, could lose their jobs, adding that the figure could rise to 13 million if the restriction on movements persist for long.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> Byrs was quoted as saying, “We are concerned by conflict-affected communities in North-East Nigeria who already face extreme hunger and who are especially vulnerable. They are on life-support and need assistance to survive.”<br /> <br /> The WFP official, however, stated that her organisation was distributing two months worth of food and nutrition assistance in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps and among vulnerable communities.<br /> <br /> She also stated that three million vulnerable individuals in Abuja, Kano and Lagos would also receive assistance from the WFP.<br /> <br /> “We are actually scaling up our operations in the North-East to serve more people in response to the new challenges of more food insecurity posed by COVID-19,” Byrs stated.<br /> <br /> The WFP noted that job losses would further increase hunger, which was why it was supporting vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.

Latest-News COVID-19 threatening 13 million jobs in Nigeria – UN

The COVID-19 pandemic may lead to the loss of 13 million jobs in Nigeria, the World Food Programme of the United Nations declared on Wedne...

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COVID-19: Ekiti churches, mosques remain closed, Fayemi insists

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrML3RoMPiqCDW31iweXIuu3inw5dXH-xjNaSzuZXW4o4ZN2WsfDBwmR8NylzSdtB24DzNjPlKJbiWfMHGaYUFlQd3bMQ7eqhKUBwotXwEcoAQHQA_3e-LgZ6yvnFrlCIKZjfRppNsV8/s1600/8D499BC9-9B17-4148-BB68-FF0E5698A6B7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrML3RoMPiqCDW31iweXIuu3inw5dXH-xjNaSzuZXW4o4ZN2WsfDBwmR8NylzSdtB24DzNjPlKJbiWfMHGaYUFlQd3bMQ7eqhKUBwotXwEcoAQHQA_3e-LgZ6yvnFrlCIKZjfRppNsV8/s400/8D499BC9-9B17-4148-BB68-FF0E5698A6B7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <b>Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has maintained that religious centres and event centres in the state remained shut.</b><br /> <br /> The Federal Government on June 1 lifted the ban on mosques and churches in the country after some weeks of closure as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.<br /> <br /> The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda, had said a committee set up by the state government would work out modalities for the reopening of the places of worship.<br /> <br /> But in an update on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Muyiwa Olumilua, said in a statement that the ban on mosques, churches, and other public places in the state is still effective.<br /> <a name='more' id="more"></a><br /> <br /> He said, “The attention of the Government of Ekiti State has been drawn to the apparent disregard by some residents for the Executive Order 7 directive, banning public gatherings larger than 20 persons, be it social, political, or religious events in the state.<br /> <br /> “Members of the public are urged to take note that though movement and business activities are allowed from Monday to Friday, the ban on large gatherings is still in force in the state.<br /> <br /> “Dusk to dawn curfew, inter-state travel, and the ban on social events like birthday parties, religious gatherings (in churches and mosques), festivals, political party meetings or rallies, as well as any other gathering of more than 20 persons, have not been lifted in Ekiti State.<br /> <br /> “Residents are also advised to take personal responsibility for their protection while going about their daily duties, by observing preventive measures of washing of hands frequently with soap under running water, wearing face masks, and maintaining social distancing.”<br /> <br /> The commissioner noted that defaulters would be prosecuted, as the state government is committed to curtailing the spread of the virus in the state.

Latest-News COVID-19: Ekiti churches, mosques remain closed, Fayemi insists

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has maintained that religious centres and event centres in the state remained shut. The Federal Go...

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