FAAN Innuagurates Three New Carousels at Lagos Airport

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria in a bid to conform with global trends and International best practices, yesterday, November 15, 2016 commissioned 3 numbers ultra-modern carousels and conveyor belts at the D-Arrivals of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

 The commissioning of these facilities will reduce delays and fast track departure formalities of arriving passengers. This facility is one of many projects embarked by the Federal government to facilitate passengers’ facilitation at the airports to keep pace with the growing traffic which has been on the increase since the commencement of the remodeling project, and the immense growth of the country as the fastest growing economy in Africa.

The timing of this world class facility is in consonance with the Authority’s readiness to thrill her esteem airport users with a fascinating travel experience especially with the approaching festive season usually associated with increased inbound passengers and luggage.

 The Authority assures all airport users of improved quality services in line with global best practices as we are not unmindful of the need to provide world class facilities inspite of the economic challenges facing the country.

 The carousels were commissioned by Engr. Ephraim Nwodo, General Manager, Mechanical on behalf of the Authority. Present at the event were the Chief of Staff to the Managing Director, Mahmuda Zakari, SSA to the MD, Mrs. Sola Awe, Airport Manager, Nehemiah Auta, Joke Olatuji, International Terminal Manager, other top management staff, airline officials and service providers.

UI Produces 4.022 Post Graduates

The Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka on Wednesday said the Institution is promoting national transformation in Nigeria.

Professor Olayinka stated this while speaking at the continuation of the 2016 convocation ceremonies of the University during which 4,022 candidates bagged higher degrees and post graduate diplomas in various programmes held at the International Conference Centre.

The Vice Chancellor noted that in doing this, the University is committed to continuous development of teaching, learning and research programmes that would provide the required skills for internalizing the development process and to serve as catalyst for the political, social and economic development of the nation.

“At this juncture, I wish to reiterate that the vision of the University is tied to the pursuit of the national goals of development through knowledge creation and dissemination, with a view of promoting national transformation” he said.

Professor Olayinka added that “the realization of this vision is reflected in our commitment to the continuous development of teaching, learning and research programmes that would provide the required skills for internalizing the development process and to serve as catalyst for the political, social and economic development of the nation”.

Speaking further, Professor Olayinka disclosed that of the 12, 301 that applied for admission into the Postgraduate School during the 2015/2016 academic session, only 6, 520 qualified candidates were offered admission for various programmes

According to the Vice Chancellor, the high number of applicants into various programmes of the Institution “is an eloquent testimony to the fact that both the new and existing postgraduate programmes of the university are popular and acceptable”.

He however gave the breakdown of the graduands as 442 candidates in Ph.D, one candidate bagged M.D while 30 candidates completed their MPhil, MPH 93 candidates, 2,940 Academic Masters, 407 Professional Masters and 109 Postgraduate Diploma Degrees.

“A total of 4,022 candidates will be receiving their respective higher degrees and postgraduate diplomas.
A breakdown of the 4, 022 graduands includes: Ph.D 442, M.D 1, MPhil 30, MPH 93, Academic Masters 2,940, Professional Masters 407 and Postgraduate Diploma 109”

Strike, ASUU is on Rescue Mission says Chairman

Chairman of the University of Ibadan Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr Deji Omole on Wednesday said the union is on rescue mission with its on going warning strike.

Dr Omole stated this while speaking on the warning strike in the university which he said has achieved more than ninety percent success on the first day.

According to him, ASUU is “out to save this nation and we are on crusade to save public education because we know that without education no meaningful development can take place”

The ASUU Chairman pointed out that unless public education in the country get the much deserved attention from government the future of Nigeria is not assured.

‘This government is almost two years in office and if a government does not take education seriously, I don’t know what it will take seriously.  What we need to get out of the woods of recession is for education to get the deserved attention” he said.

The ASUU Chairman lamented that it was unfortunate that the National Assembly just woke up to the news of the strike a day to commencement when they were the ones who did not make sufficient budgetary allocation for education in the 2016 budget.

“We want a total commitment to education that will liberate the nation. We are talking about the life of the nation. Any nation that wants to grow must take education seriously. We are on strike because we are fearful of the future of Nigeria in the absence of quality education”.

He added that the union “had agreements in 2009 and signed an MoU in 2013 and these have not been implemented” adding that “they have also systematically reduced our salaries for 12 months in university of Ibadan”.

“The same lawmakers made budget that can accommodate the purchase of exotic cars but not on public education for the children of the masses. The public should sympathize that we have shown enough understanding with government”.

At the University campus, students at the Faculty of Education, examinations could not hold due to the strike as lecturers boycotted lecture rooms in faculties of Education, Arts, Sciences, Technology, Agriculture and the Social Sciences while students were seen in their various halls discussing the strike.

Ekiti Speaker condemns Thursday armed robbery in Otun *Seeks more policemen for state

Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Right Honourable (Pastor) Kola Oluwawole, has condemned the robbery of two banks in Outn-Ekiti, in Moba Local Government Area of the state, on Thursday, in which five persons were reportedly killed, pleading with authorities to make more policemen available in the state.


According to a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Stephen Gbadamosi, on Friday, Oluwawole, who commiserated with the families of the victims of the robbery and the Oore of Moba, Oba Adedapo Popoola
James, prayed that God would console the people of Otun-Ekiti and the
entire Moba kingdom.


The Speaker, who is also an indigene of the local government, also appealed to the authorities of the Nigeria Police Force to consider making more men of the force available to the state, stating that the
current government would not take security of lives and property of its people with levity.


“The incident is sad. We do not take the security of the lives and property of our people with levity. But this is regrettable and condemnable. I commiserate with the families of those that lost their
lives in this ugly incident.


“I commiserate with our father, the Oore of Moba, Oba Adedapo Popoola, and all indigenes of the towns in the local government. Our monarch’s reign has witnessed peace. We, as a government, will not allow that
peace to be truncated.


“We appeal to the police to make more men and logistics available in the state to be able to nip crime in the bud. They should also make efforts to ensure that the perpetrators of the act do not go scot
free.


“We have resolved that terrorism, robbery and other acts of crime do not thrive in this state. We stand by that resolution. Once again, I express my deepest condolences on the death of the victims. All those
who suffered one loss or the other in that ugly attack will be compensated by God Himself,” he said.
Oluwawole noted that the state government was already reviewing the situation, with a view to putting a stop to any similar occurrence in the future.

What You Need to Know About the New Chief Judge of Nigeria, Justice Samuel Onnoghen

Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen is the new chief justice of Nigeria, following the retirement of Justice Mahmud Mohammed who clocked 70 on Thursday, November 10.

Onnoghen is remarkably the first southerner to be CJN since 1987 when Ayo Irikefe retired.

Walter was born on December 22, 1950 in Biase, Cross Rivers state, Onnoghen will be in office till December 2020, barring any circumstances beyond his control.

He went to Presbyterian Primary School, Okurike, Biase, from 1959 to 1965 and moved to Ghana for his secondary education from 1967 to 1972. He did his A’Level at the Accra Academy in 1972 and studied law at the University of Ghana, Legon, from 1974 to 1977.

He came back to Lagos to enroll in the Nigerian Law School between 1977 and 1978, thereafter worked as pupil state counsel, ministry of justice, in Ikeja, Lagos and Ogun states between 1978 and 1979.

Between 1979 and 1988, he was a partner in the law firm of Effiom Ekong and Company, in Calabar, after which he became principal partner and head of chamber of Walter Onneghen and Associates, Calabar.

Onnoghen crossed from the bar to the bench in 1989 as he was appointed a high court judge by the Cross Rivers state judiciary. He moved on in 1990 to become the chairman, Cross Rivers State Armed Robbery and Fire Arms Tribunal. He was there for three years.

Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen was appointed chairman of the Failed Bank Tribunal, Ibadan zone, in 1998, from where he moved on to become a justice of the court of appeal. In the year 2005, Onnoghen was elevated to the Nigerian Supreme Court as one of the justices.

Original Source: Thecable.ng

Obama Speaks on US Election Result says " We are Americans First "

NOV 10

THE PRESIDENT:

 Good afternoon, everybody. Yesterday, before votes were tallied, I shot a video that some of you may have seen in which I said to the American people: Regardless of which side you were on in the election, regardless of whether your candidate won or lost, the sun would come up in the morning.

And that is one bit of prognosticating that actually came true. The sun is up. And I know everybody had a long night. I did, as well. I had a chance to talk to President-elect Trump last night — about 3:30 in the morning, I think it was — to congratulate him on winning the election. And I had a chance to invite him to come to the White House tomorrow to talk about making sure that there is a successful transition between our presidencies.

Now, it is no secret that the President-elect and I have some pretty significant differences. But remember, eight years ago, President Bush and I had some pretty significant differences. But President Bush’s team could not have been more professional or more gracious in making sure we had a smooth transition so that we could hit the ground running. And one thing you realize quickly in this job is that the presidency, and the vice presidency, is bigger than any of us.

So I have instructed my team to follow the example that President Bush’s team set eight years ago, and work as hard as we can to make sure that this is a successful transition for the President-elect — because we are now all rooting for his success in uniting and leading the country. The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of our democracy. And over the next few months, we are going to show that to the world.

I also had a chance last night to speak with Secretary Clinton, and I just had a chance to hear her remarks. I could not be prouder of her. She has lived an extraordinary life of public service. She was a great First Lady. She was an outstanding senator for the state of New York. And she could not have been a better Secretary of State. I’m proud of her. A lot of Americans look up to her. Her candidacy and nomination was historic and sends a message to our daughters all across the country that they can achieve at the highest levels of politics. And I am absolutely confident that she and President Clinton will continue to do great work for people here in the United States and all around the world.

Now, everybody is sad when their side loses an election. But the day after, we have to remember that we’re actually all on one team. This is an intramural scrimmage. We’re not Democrats first. We’re not Republicans first. We are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country. That’s what I heard in Mr. Trump’s remarks last night. That’s what I heard when I spoke to him directly. And I was heartened by that. That’s what the country needs — a sense of unity; a sense of inclusion,; a respect for our institutions, our way of life, rule of law; and a respect for each other. I hope that he maintains that spirit throughout this transition, and I certainly hope that’s how his presidency has a chance to begin.

I also told my team today to keep their heads up, because the remarkable work that they have done day in, day out — often without a lot of fanfare, often without a lot of attention — work in agencies, work in obscure areas of policy that make government run better and make it more responsive, and make it more efficient, and make it more service-friendly so that it’s actually helping more people — that remarkable work has left the next President with a stronger, better country than the one that existed eight years ago.

So win or lose in this election, that was always our mission. That was our mission from day one. And everyone on my team should be extraordinarily proud of everything that they have done, and so should all the Americans that I’ve had a chance to meet all across this country who do the hard work of building on that progress every single day. Teachers in schools, doctors in the ER clinic, small businesses putting their all into starting something up, making sure they’re treating their employees well. All the important work that’s done by moms and dads and families and congregations in every state. The work of perfecting this union.

So this was a long and hard-fought campaign. A lot of our fellow Americans are exultant today. A lot of Americans are less so. But that’s the nature of campaigns. That’s the nature of democracy. It is hard, and sometimes contentious and noisy, and it’s not always inspiring.

But to the young people who got into politics for the first time, and may be disappointed by the results, I just want you to know, you have to stay encouraged. Don’t get cynical. Don’t ever think you can’t make a difference. As Secretary Clinton said this morning, fighting for what is right is worth it.

Sometimes you lose an argument. Sometimes you lose an election. The path that this country has taken has never been a straight line. We zig and zag, and sometimes we move in ways that some people think is forward and others think is moving back. And that’s okay. I’ve lost elections before. Joe hasn’t. (Laughter.) But you know.

(The Vice President blesses himself.) (Laughter.)

So I’ve been sort of —

THE VICE PRESIDENT: Remember, you beat me badly. (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: That’s the way politics works sometimes. We try really hard to persuade people that we’re right. And then people vote. And then if we lose, we learn from our mistakes, we do some reflection, we lick our wounds, we brush ourselves off, we get back in the arena. We go at it. We try even harder the next time.

The point, though, is, is that we all go forward, with a presumption of good faith in our fellow citizens — because that presumption of good faith is essential to a vibrant and functioning democracy. That’s how this country has moved forward for 240 years. It’s how we’ve pushed boundaries and promoted freedom around the world. That’s how we’ve expanded the rights of our founding to reach all of our citizens. It’s how we have come this far.

And that’s why I’m confident that this incredible journey that we’re on as Americans will go on. And I am looking forward to doing everything that I can to make sure that the next President is successful in that. I have said before, I think of this job as being a relay runner — you take the baton, you run your best race, and hopefully, by the time you hand it off you’re a little further ahead, you’ve made a little progress. And I can say that we’ve done that, and I want to make sure that handoff is well-executed, because ultimately we’re all on the same team.

All right? Thank you very much, everybody. (Applause.)

Source(/www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/11/09/president-obama-speaks-results-election)

APC want to Rig Ondo Election ssys Olusola Oke

Alliance for Democracy (AD) governorship candidate in OndoState Chief #OlusolaOke has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (#APC) was planning to rig the poll.

He alleged that Federal Government was planning to release N7 billion to the APC governorship candidate, Mr. #RotimiAkeredolu, from the N10 billion infrastructural contract slated for Owo community.

The #OlusolaOkeCampaignCommittee, which raised the alarm in Akure, the state capital, said the plan was hatched in the Federal Ministry of Works, #Abuja and that the idea was to award a bogus contract without due process for infrastructure in Owo, where Akeredolu hails from and divert a substantial part of the money towards rigging the election.

This was contained in a release by the Chairman of its Publicity Committee, KolawoleOlabisi. He said: “The APC has been boasting that it would rig the election, even if only one vote was cast for it. The party has been sedentary in its approach to canvassing for votes since the campaign started.

“They have been preaching it and now they have professed it with this dastardly plan perfected and supervised by the top echelons of the Federal Government to use state funds to make good their threat.”

Olabisi said the contract sum was perfected and released without going through due process and that the money has now been earmarked as part of the APC war chest to rig the November 26 election.

He said: “We want to appeal to President MuhammaduBuhari to be aware of what is being done by members of his cabinet in their vaunted ambition to win this election at all cost and immediately arrest the situation. While we have been going round the state, canvassing for votes from the people, they have remained in their offices boasting that they will use federal might to rig the election even if nobody votes for them.

“The APC members in Ondo have been preaching this strange gospel of rigging and we are now amazed by this latest antics to win the election with the award of a strange contract for a whopping N10 billion for Owo community where Akeredolu hails from, with a view to releasing a whopping sum of N7 billion to him to make the rigging plan a reality.

Olabisi added: “The pertinent question to ask now is, why a contract in Owo, which has one of the best road networks in Ondo State? Who approved this contract sum and why did it not go through due process such contracts had to go through?

“We want to assure them that the people of Ondo State are watching them and the consequences of rigging election here await perpetrators. Winning election should not be a do-or-die affair.”

While calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC) and other anti-graft agencies to beam their searchlights on the activities of the Babatunde Fashola-led Federal Ministry of Works, the Oke Campaign Committee reminded them that those who live in glass houses do not throw stones.

Its words: “If we have been probing those who were alleged to have embezzled our treasure-troves and those who doled out monies without following due process, it will be strange that those sitting on the throne of justice now are equally perpetrating the same offence they sit in justice over others; it is such an absurd development.

“We, therefore, call on President Buhari, a noted democrat and a man fabled for

We Need to Build on Awolowo Legacies for Coming Generation__IBR Boss

The Executive Chairman of Metropolitan Broadcasting Service (operators of Impact Business Radio,IBR92.5),Mr. Owolabi Oladejo,has stressed the need to build on the legacies of the first Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo,   for the coming generation.

Mr. Oladejo stated this during a press conference heralding the Impact South West Economic Development Exposé (ISEDE) 2016.

ISEDE 2016 which is being organized by IBR92.5FM in conjunction with Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo Stats (BCOS) and Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI),will take place from November 18 to 25,3016 at the Premier Hotels,Ibadan.

The business mogul who maintained that the legacies of the late sage must be sustained,  stressed that," If we can't add to them ,we must maintain the status quo".

The media proprietor who recalled that Southwest was the bedrock of development regretted that the story is not the same, however emphasized that no efforts should be spared to take the region out of the woods.

Saying it is time to start asking questions:"What can we do to ensure that the region is not depending on other regions? Is it possible to have another (Adeola) Odutola (first president of the Manufacturers' Association of Nigeria); leading lights in journalism and banking. This is a challenge. Enough of the debate on what Abuja will give us.We can't rely on government to develop our economy. We need to encourage entrepreneurial development ".

Speaking on the aim of the economic exposé,Mr. Oladejo disclosed that it would focus on the acronym FACT which means,Fashion,Agriculture, Construction and Technology. Adding that,"The  strategies will be: show them,tell them,link them and reward them".

Continuing,Oladejo said:"We thought the way to do it is to go to those whose activities are centred on commerce and industries. We want to  showcase what  companies around here have. What are the things that we can leverage on and career process people can work on? We want to link people and businesses .I can be of help in growing your business . We will bring policymakers to those utilizing the policies,and supplies to demands.

"We'll draw attention to some of these things. Brand exposure is key. We want to draw them out. Let them come and showcase these ventures. If they are there but nobody knows,there is a big problem. If we can showcase what we have, we can do better. There is a huge market here".

According the IBR boss,parts of the symposia include Southwest Impact Maker Awards where those who have/had contributed to the development of the region will be honoured. Specifically,he told journalists that Chief Awolowo who used his talents to reposition the region would be honoured.

The President,Ibadan Chamber of Commerce and Industry(ICCI),Mrs. Mrs. Margaret Amusan- Ogunnaike urged all and sundry to contribute to the vision and project.

On his part,the Project Director,Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State(BCOS),Mr. Yanju Adegbite who lauded Mr. Owolabi for his vision and ideas,called on all to go back to the days of Awolowo.

Also speaking,the Director General,Development Agenda for Western Nigeria ( DAWN) Commission,Dipo Famakin ,represented by Mr. Seye Oyeleye lamented the negligence of basic parameters of development.

" We need to work hard. We can't continue like. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) has the potential to take the youth out of unemployment", he added .
  
 

Exxon Mobil Discovers New Large Crude Oil Reserve in Nigeria

US Crude oil and gas group ExxonMobil says it has discovered up to one billion barrels of oil in an offshore field in Nigeria, signaling a boost to the country’s crude reserves AFP reports

The company said in a statement on its website on Thursday that the Owowo field had “a potential recoverable resource of between 500 million and one billion barrels of oil.”

The Owowo field, which lies about 62 miles (100 kilometres) southeast of Bonny oil terminal in the Niger Delta, is expected to boost Nigeria’s efforts to raise oil reserves from 36 billion barrels to 40 billion barrels in the coming years.

Stephen Greenlee, president of ExxonMobil Exploration Company, welcomed the development, saying the company “will work with our partners and the government on future development plans.”

The Owowo field, which lies about 62 miles (100 kilometres) southeast of Bonny oil terminal in the Niger Delta, is expected to boost Nigeria’s efforts to raise oil reserves from 36 billion barrels to 40 billion barrels in the coming years.

The original target of hitting 40 billion barrels in 2010 could not be met due to a lack of new investment in exploration.

The delay in the passage of a key Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) eight years after it was sent to parliament has stalled new investments in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector as oil majors are wary about the direction of the industry.

Oil majors have also been divesting from the country’s downstream operations — marketing and the retail market.

Last week, ExxonMobil agreed to sell its 60-percent stake in its Nigerian marketing and retail arm to NIPCO Investments, a local firm.

The two companies have signed an agreement for the deal, which is subject to regulatory approvals.

Nigeria, which depends on oil sales for 70 percent of its government revenue, is struggling to fight its way out of a recession as a result of the globally low price of crude and renewed unrest in the Niger delta since the start of the year

Why i visited Segun Oni- Governor Fayose

Gov Ayo Fayose and Ex Governor
Segun Oni during his visit to Oni's
 house in Ifaki

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, on Sunday paid a surprise visit to former governor Segun Oni at his Ifaki Ekiti country home.

Fayose, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, said it was a courtesy visit.

The statement quoted the governor as saying, “leadership comes first, Ekiti comes first and leadership is about sacrifice to make for the purpose of unity. That is exactly what I am doing.

“There is a difference between leadership and politics. To me, Ekiti comes first, every leader willing to make Ekiti first, I will visit him. I am the governor of the state and everybody is my subject. My visit to Segun Oni has nothing to do with politics. When it comes to how to move Ekiti forward, we must firstly remove our political garment.”

Oni who warmly received the governor said that he was overwhelmed with the visit which he claimed was brotherly.

“It is a brotherly visit, I am happy for that. It is a welcome development and good for Ekiti State. We are both leaders of the state.”

Buhari Mourns Col. Abu Ali, others , Says Their Sacrifices Will Never go in Vain

President Muhammadu Buhari says the sacrifices of fallen officers and men in the war against terrorism in Nigeria would never go in vain, and that their memories would be eternally etched in the hearts and minds of fellow citizens for whose sake they laid down their lives.

Reacting to the death Colonel Abu Ali, one of Nigeria’s finest and bravest soldiers in recent history, President Buhari said in a condolence statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, that he was rudely shocked by the news of the officer’s death along with other gallant soldiers during an encounter with the Boko Haram bandits in Borno State.

According to the President, “a courageous commander does not only give orders, but also joins his men to fight the battle, no matter the risks or the obvious danger.”

He explained that the late Colonel Abu Ali “was an extraordinary officer who inspired respect and adoration among those he commanded”, adding that “one of the greatest attributes of a war hero is the ability to help your troops overcome fear in the face of danger. ”

President Buhari the late Colonel Ali and his other fallen colleagues had brought glory to the army and the country for laying down their lives for the sake of others.

In his passionate condolence to the families of the victims and the Nigerian Army, the President also noted that their heroic sacrifices were “so immeasurable that no words can do justice to their patriotism and remarkable courage.”

President Buhari, who personally called late Colonel Ali’s father, Brigadier-Gen. Abu Ali (Ryder) to console the family , reassured them that the death of her husband and others in battle would never go in vain. “He was a gallant soldier, never to be forgotten. He has brought a good name to the family,” said the President.

He then called on members of the armed forces not to let the tragic incident to dampen their morale and spirit, adding that under no circumstances should the Boko Haram terrorists be allowed to destroy the will of our troops.

He said “evil should not be given any chance to defeat good and humanity”, and that “members of our armed forces should remain formidably united in the war against terrorism.”

Meanwhile, the President has appointed a high powered delegation to be led by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, that includes the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Mohammed Bello and the Minister of State Solid Minerals Development, Baba Buhari to represent him at the funeral of Colonel Abu Ali and others today Monday November 7, 2016.

Senator Buhari Empowers People in Saki

The kind heated chairman Senate committee on ICT and Cybercrime Senator Abdulfatai Buhari on Saturday shocked a group of people living with disability in Saki Area of Oyo state with a donation of Five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000.00)

Buhari an, APC chieftains from Oyo North Senatorial districts also support victims of inferno in Kinini community with N250,000.00  (Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and a promise  of facilitating more relief materials through National Emergency Management Authority NEMA.

 The Senator who also holds a town hall meeting with people of Saki West local government are of the state  also handed over empowerment materials worth over N5 million naira to the people.

It would recalled that Senator Buhari disburses empowerment materials worth N150 Million to his constituency  in june 2016

Apart from the major empowerment Sen Buhari has also been supporting various community development programm and individual financially

Nursing mother, children others died in boat mishap,auto crash in Niger state

 No fewer than thirteen people died on saturday in a boat mishap and auto crash  which occur in Katcha and Mokwa council areas of Niger State

In the first incidence, seven persons including four women and three children were drowned Saturday morning when the boat in which they were travelling in along River Gbako in Katcha local government area of Niger State capsized midstream.

Eye witness account said the ill fated boat was conveying about ten passengers, all of them females from a neighbouring village of Balsa to a nearby coastal village on a mission to trash paddy rice on a rice field as labourers.

But midway through, the boat approached strong tidal waves. And strenuous efforts by the driver to paddle the boat out of the troubled water only resulted in futility as the overpowering current surged gravely against them.

One of the local fishermen recounted that the boat was rowing against the tidal waves when suddenly the driver lost his steam, stopped midway in the current and the boat broke, sank with all its human cargo midstream.

Only three of the passengers on board the boat were rescued alive by local fishermen and divers who were within close range from where the boat sank.

Even the owner of the farm where the victims were heading to, to trash his rice, Malam Yabagi, lost three members of his family, (one of his wives, a daughter and granddaughter) in the unfortunate incident.

That incident occurred at the Gbako river, a coastal border area with neighbouring Katcha and Lavun local government areas of Niger state.

In a related tragic development, six people have died when two Petrol Tankers collided in a ghastly accident along Mokwa-Jebba road same day.

The resultant impact from the head on collision sparked off an inferno which caused death and loss of property worth several millions of naira.

The surging flames from the conflagrations spread to some vehicles plying the road or stationed by the roadside.

The incidence resulted in long traffic gridlocks on the ever busy Mokwa – Jebba road causing untold hardship to travellers and other road users.

According to an eye witness to the accident, the accident was caused by two Petrol Tankers travelling on the same direction. One of the drivers of the vehicles attempted to overtake the one in front but in the process lost control and suffered brake failure.

And as he approached the failed portions of the road, he tried to slow down but to no avail even as the second vehicle made spirited attempt to avoid ramming into the rear of the vehicle overtaking his own.

The first vehicle in the process, ran against it lane and collided with a stationary tanker loaded with fuel before it again veered off to the sideview of a popular Guest House and hit the wall of the building.

One Abdulmalik Hussaini who spoke to our correspondent on phone from the scene of the accident, said the fuel Tanker with the failed breaks veered off the road, hit another Tanker loaded with fuel that was parked by the road side causing loud explosion and huge fire.

The occupants of the Tanker perished in the inferno while many residents, including some staff of the guest house were injured. Two of them were critically injured as a result.

Director General, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Malam Ahmed Ibrahim Inga confirmed the incidents. He disclosed that about 12 shops around the scene of the tanker accident were completely razed.

Malam Inga who also spoke about the boat mishap, lamented over the loss of lives in the mishap. He attributed the incident to the strong tidal waves that is still very strong despite the end of the rains.

culled from New Nigeria Newspaper

Col ,Mohammed Alli's Death is a Monumental Loss to Nigeria- Yahaya Bello

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has condoled with the family of Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom Brigadier General Abu-Ali (Rtd) over the death of his son Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali.

In a condolence message issued by the Chief Press Secetary to the Governor, Petra Akinti Onyegbule on sunday in Lokoja. Alhaji Bello described his death as unfortunate and  “a momunental loss to Kogi State and Nigeria”

Governor Bello said the late Lt. Colonel “was a gallant officer who served the nation with his all and paid the supreme price by laying down his life for the peace of the country. He maintained that the late Lt. Col. will be remembered for his sacrifice and  commitment to the cause of the Nigerian Army to rid the Country of insurgency which has been a source of concern to every one.

“Kogi State and indeed Nigerians will never forget your gallantry as you led a team of the Nigerian Army to recapture Baga from the control of terrorists and your death while in active service, gallant soldier” Governor Bello said of Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Ali.

Governor Bello extended his condolences to the Etsu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom over this devastating loss. Allah giveth and He taketh, from Him we came and to Him we will return. May Allah give you the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.

He prayed Almighty Allah grant late Lt. Col. Muhammed Abu Aljannah Firdaus.

OPC Leader Gani Adams Laments Olaniwun Ajayi's Death says it is an Exit of a Rare timber in the Forest

The  National Leader of Oodun Peoples Congress Otunba Gani Adams has described the death of late Afenifere Leader  Chief Olaniwun Ajayi as the exit of a rare timber in the forest.

Otunba Gani Adams,mourning the death of the late nationalist. Said “Baba Olaniwun was  a prodigy of immeasurable value both to the Yoruba race and the stability of Nigeria as a nation.

“He was a man who had a cosmopolitan outlook of Nigeria’s politics in relation to the unity of the Yoruba within a true federal structure.

“His death is not only a calamity to the nation and particularly the Yoruba race, but a deficit in generational connection and past historical heritage.

“Baba was a paragon of Yoruba unity, Yoruba harmony, Yoruba growth.

“He usually tells us the immeasurable efforts and commitment of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to the unity and growth of the Yoruba race.
“He was passionate and wholeheartedly committed to the unity and growth of the Yoruba race.

“He was an unrepentant advocate of true federalism.

“Baba was a motivator and moderator of the whole Yoruba Delegate at the last National Conference, where he stabilised and guided our various deliberations, which ensured us having the best submission.”
Adams thanked God for granting Ajayi such a purposeful and achievements-filled life.

He said: “Baba lived a full life of service to his family, race, nation and humanity.

“But it is sad that the worthy and rare timbers are falling.
“May his soul rest in peace.”

President Buhari mourns late Afenifere Leader Olaniwun Ajayi

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday extended his condolences to the family of Ajayi and the  Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on the death of one of its oldest surviving members, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, at 91.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President also commiserated with the government and people of Ogun State on the death of their
“illustrious son, author, legal practitioner, elder statesman and nationalist.”

Buhari recalled Ajayi’s inspirational and dedicated work to entrench and strengthen democracy in Nigeria through his passionate engagements in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition and the Patriots.

The statement read, “Guided by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s principle, the President believes that the late revered Yoruba leader effectively combined his sharp commentary on the state of affairs in Nigeria with uncommon patriotism while working tenaciously to further unity, development and prosperity in the nation.

“President Buhari urges all who mourn Pa Ajayi to emulate his lifelong commitment to dialogue, democracy and development, which are key ingredients for national growth.
“He prays that God will comfort Pa Ajayi’s family and grant the soul of the departed eternal rest.”

Olaniwun Ajayi ; We lost a Rare Leader- Afenifere

Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere on Friday confirmed the death of its oldest surviving member, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, at the age of 91.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, entitled: “We lost a rare leader”, said he dedicated 70 years of his life to the service of the late sage and nationalist, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The statement reads: Afenifere mourns the passing away of its oldest surviving member, Sir Olaniwun Ajayi who transited to higher glory in the early hours of Friday at the age of 91.

“We received his passage with mixed feelings, we are joyful that in a country with life expectancy of 53, Papa made it to 91, ageing graciously and in good health till the last 24 hours of life when he had to be hospitalised for some health complications.

“We are however sad that his exit has robbed the group of the wealth of experience of a philosopher, prolific writer and memory bag that is irreplaceable.

“One remarkable trait of his life was his consistency in the Awolowo political family where he put almost 70 years of dedicated service as a lieutenant of the sage and one of his worthy successors after his transition.

“Pa Ajayi had a sense of history and lived his life deliberately  to make impact on his environment. Either in Afenifere, the National Democratic Coalition, The Patriots and the Methodist Church where he was a Knight, he left his indelible footprints on the sands of time.

“The last days of his life were spent in worries over the state of affairs in Yoruba-land in particular and in Nigeria at large. He was not just lamenting but he was taking practical steps to find verb for our noun in the syntax of human experience. It is hoped that all those involved in such intervention would keep those efforts on as a memorial for this worthy son of Odudiuwa.

“The great man of sound intellect may not have much good news for Awo as they meet in yonder but the seeds he planted in the last moments of his life must grow to trees that would bear the fruits of freedom.

“While waiting for burial arrangements from the family for the good man of sartorial elegance, it  is a promise that we shall pay his shade the right due. Our heartfelt condolences to the good family he has left behind and it is our prayer that the Lord will take his place in their lives. Adieu, Papa. Goodnight to a worthy leader.”

EFCC Arraigns Pastor for N22.4 M Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Pastor Nimi West and his company, Nimak & Company Nigeria Limited before Justice U.N. Agumoh of the Federal High Court Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a 4-count charge of obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of Twenty-Two Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N22,400,000.00).

West is alleged to have received the said amount from one Emmanuel Dike at different times in 2013 as payment for a bungalow at D/Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 However, the complainant later discovered that the property had been sold to another person while his efforts to recover his money did not succeed.

West pleaded not guilty to the charge when read to him.

One of the counts reads: “That Nimi West ‘m’ on or about the 13th day of September in Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud deceitfully obtained the sum of Four Million, Four Hundred Thousand Naira (N4, 400,000.00) from one Architect Emmanuel Dike, a Nigerian citizen, under false pretence that you were going to sell a property in Port Harcourt to him, a pretext which you knew to be false and you fraudulently made it, with the intent that he may believed it, and he believed it and acted upon it as genuine, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable by section 1(3) of the same Act”.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, C.A.Okoli applied for a date for the commencement of trial while the defence counsel C.B.Osita made an oral application for bail of the accused to enable him attend to his health.

Justice Agumoh granted the accused bail in the sum of One Million Naira and two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to 17th and 18th of January, 2017 for trial while the accused person is to be remanded in prison custody until he perfects his bail conditions.

Ooni Mourns Olaniwun Ajayi,Says Was a Pan Africanist er Excellence

The ooni of lfe, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has described Sir Olanihun Ajayi as his unforgettable pillar of support, exemplary Pan – Africanist with unapologetic patriotism in the course of Yoruba emancipation, unity and progress.

The spiritual leader of the Yoruba race made this known on Friday in a condolence statement released by his Director of Media and Public Affairs Comrade Moses Olafare saying that apart from being a dependable leader of Remo people of Ogun State, Sir Olanihun Ajayi had spent great part of his life as a pillar behind the throne of Oduduwa in Ile–Ife and a committed Yoruba patriot whose ideology of progressivism remained incorruptible till his glorious passage.

"I commiserate with the family of our beloved Papa Olanihun Ajayi, I commiserate with Remo people, I commiserate with the people and government of Ogun State, I commiserate with the Yoruba race, I commiserate with the Nigerians and I also commiserate with the entire continent of Africa over the death of this exemplary leader who until his death remained a fantastic family man, a dependable Remo leader an exemplary cultural and political ambassador of Yoruba race, a Nigerian Nationalist per excellence with an undying spirit of pan – Africanism. 

His moral support for my reign since I mounted this sacred throne of Oduduwa will definitely remain indelible. His numerous selfless contributions either as a commissioner in charge of health and education in the old Western Nigeria or as an unapologetically committed Yoruba leader of thought who did not at anytime trade away his ideology of progressivism with which he took part in the struggles for the freedom, unity and progress of not just our region but also Nigeria and the continent of Africa at large.

May his soul rest in the perfect peace of the Almighty Olodumare". Ooni Ogunwusi said.