DG, Hon. Agboola Ajayi, Emir of Kano, HRH, Muhammadu Sanusi II, former President, Republic of Malawi, Joyce Banda were among diginitaries that graced the 5th Memorial Lecture in honour of late Dr. Olusegun Agagu at Civic Centre Ozumba, Lagos.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-emir-of-kano-former-malawi-president-at-olusegun-agagus-lecture/

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Gov. Shettima paid assessment visits to ongoing construction of mega schools along the Pompomari bye pass, and at the former Rural Electrification Board (REB) to ascertain the progress and the level of work so far.

The Governor afterwards in the spirit of Eid, distributed food items to Mbororo nomadic cattle-herders whom most allowed their children enrolled into schools through a personal special scholarship scheme introduced by him.

Recall that Governor Kashim Shettima sometimes ago volunteered to personally sponsor the education of children of nomadic cattle-herders who were displaced from their communities in Northern Borno by the activities of Boko Haram.

The nomadic cattle-herders lost their source of livelihoods as thousands of their cows were rustled away by the insurgents. This however forced many of them to relocate with their families to Maiduguri, where they are currently taking up shelter and also engaged in minor jobs such as "Maiguards" to earn a living.

But Governor Shettima felt it will be unfair for children of the nomadic cattle-herders to grow up uneducated like their parents as they will also end up as herdsmen or watchmen, in addition to constituting security threat in future.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-shettima-inspects-mega-schools-construction/

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rs Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, says the Federal Government is planning an upward review of the two per cent recruitment slot, allocated to the physically-challenged applicants in the country.

Oyo-Ita, who said this while addressing the Association of Physically-Challenged Applicants, in Abuja on Thursday, noted that the review was long overdue.

She said that the review would be done by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the Federal Civil Service Commission.

Oyo-Ita said that there would be more interaction with the officials of the association, to ensure that the review was done, and they were well-employed and given good life.
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“It is something that we have been working on with the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) in the last two years.

“Government works in line with policies and regulations, and this two per cent was arrived at by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and have been in practice for more than 20 years now,’’ Oyo-Ita said.

The head of service appealed to the state governments to increase their recruitment allocation for the physically-challenged, so that they can be employed, and the federal civil service would not be over bloated.

“I want to appeal to the state governments not to continue pushing their responsibilities on the shoulder of the Federal Government; these disabled are Nigerians, but they also come from states.
READ ALSO Senate Summons President Buhari Over Benue Killings

“We believe that the state and Federal Governments should work in unity to address the plight of the disabled; the situation where state governments totally abdicated their responsibility to the federal is really a cause for concern.

“Right now, state governments are not recruiting; everybody is looking at the Federal Government even the private sector are not recruiting.

“And at the same time, people complain that federal civil service is over-bloated; federal service will not be over bloated if state and private sector are playing their own part,’’ she said.

Earlier, Mr Godstime Onyegbulam, President, Association of Physically-Challenged Applicants, demanded 30 per cent increase in recruitment slots, stating that they were the most marginalised when it comes to employment.

Onyegbulam said that they were also disenfranchised in recruitment process because of the online registration, thus appealing to be exempted from the online process.
READ ALSO PHOTOS: Actress Ronke Oshodi-Oke Slams Her Colleagues Who Flaunt Cars And Houses

“We want 30 per cent of the recruitment slot allocation because we spend more money in attaining education because of our disability; we cannot do any other thing apart from working with the government.

“We are being discriminated when it comes to military and paramilitary jobs; but the able-bodied people can work everywhere and anywhere, even menial jobs; but we cannot do that.

“This is the main reason we should be considered first before any person in recruitment, because we don’t find it easy at all,’’ he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fg-plans-to-review-recruitment-percentage-for-persons-living-with-disabilities/

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he Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Wednesday forecast prospects of thunderstorms and rainfall activities in most parts of the country on Thursday.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja envisaged localised thunderstorms over the north central cities, including Jos, Makurdi, Minna, Lafia, Lokoja and Abuja in the morning.

According to NiMET, there will be thunderstorms over the high grounds areas and cloudy skies in other parts in the afternoon and evening with day and night temperatures of 28 to 30 and 20 to 22 degrees Celsius, respectively.
READ ALSO 2019: Jonathan says PDP’s primary election will be free, fair

The agency weather forecast also expect many northern States to experience partly cloudy to cloudy conditions with chances of thunderstorm over southern Borno in the morning and localised thunderstorms over the entire northeast.

The forecast also expect partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over northwestern cities in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures of 30 to 31 and 21 to 22 degrees Celsius, respectively.
READ ALSO Soldier Killed While Trying To Rescue Kidnapped Oil Tycoon In Kogi

According to NiMet, Thunderstorms and rains are anticipated over some southern cities like Shaki, Enugu, Ikom, Umuahia, Awka, down to the coastal cities in the morning hours.

“Later in the day, there are prospects of moderate rain over most inland and coastal cities, with day and night temperatures of 28 to 31 and 20 to 23 degrees Celsius, respectively,” NiMet said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/thunderstorms-rains-to-prevail-over-most-parts-of-nigeria-on-thursday-nimet/

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Senator Godswill Akpabio continues his senatorial campaign in Eket Senatorial district.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akpabio-campaigns-in-eket/

Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has initiated a stand alone - solar for households in Aboto, Ilaje LGA. Already, over 70% of houses in Aboto now have light while 60% of houses in Igbobini covered under the state's Small Home Power Utility (SHoPU) scheme.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akeredolu-initiates-sola-for-homes-in-ondo/

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The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says a total of 14,417 pilgrims have so far been transported back to Nigeria from Saudi Arabia.

The NAHCON Control Centre in Makka said on Monday that a FLYNAS flight XY7330 departed Jeddah for Lagos at 16:16hours with 232 Pilgrims comprising: 102- Osun, 129- Edo, an Armed Forces and two officials.

The commission said in Makka that FLYNAS flight XY7032 departed Jeddah for Kebbi at 13:59hours with 418 Pilgrims and two officials.

According to NAHCON, a total of 14, 417 pilgrims have been transported back to Nigeria in 48 flightts.

http://www.metronaija.ng/14417-pilgrims-back-in-nigeria-nahcon-2/

Senate President Bukola Saraki has returned his expression of interest and nomination forms that he completed to vie for the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-saraki-submits-nomination-forms/

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar was in Jigawa today and it was a very impressive turnout of PDP stakeholders and delegates.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-atiku-meets-pdp-stakeholders-and-delegates-in-jigawa/

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he trial of a former Governor of Abia, Orji Uzo Kalu, over an alleged N3.2 billion fraud was stalled again at a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, due to Kalu’s absence in court because of medical tourism.

Kalu and a former Abia Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogo, as well as Kalu’s company, Slok Nig. Ltd. were charged by the EFCC for stealing the sum, belonging to the Abia Government.

The EFCC had on Oct. 31, 2016, preferred a 34-count charge bordering on fraud against Kalu and the others.

Kalu, who is now a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, had however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently, granted bail.

At the resumed trial on Monday, Kalu’s Counsel, Mr Gordy Uche (SAN), apologised to court for the absence of the first accused, saying that Kalu was currently in Germany for surgery.

Uche told the court that Kalu’s medical appointment, slated earlier for Aug. 2, for which the court had granted permission, was unable to proceed as the accused could not get a flight to Germany on time.
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He explained that Kalu’s surgery was reschedule to Sept. 10.

“My lord, attached to our letter for an adjournment are the correspondences between the operating surgeon and the first accused, his phone number and his name.

“The circumstance is a very unfortunate one as it was the defence that applied to the Court of Appeal for a special fiat to enable my lord conclude this case.

“In the 11 years of trial, the first accused has always been present and punctual. We compassionately plead for this short adjournment to enable him do the surgery and recover,” Uche said.

But the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), objected to the application for an adjournment, arguing that the time the court granted the first accused to travel for his operation had elapsed.

“My lord, this is a mockery of the entire proceeding and it is deliberate. The first accused has jumped his bail and I urge my lord to revoke his bail,” Jacobs said.
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However, Justice Mohammed Idris in his ruling, held that the six-week adjournment granted on July 31 to the first accused was granted as a result of his continuous presence in the trial.

He, however, noted that the e-mail addresses of the correspondences were blanked out, showing that the appointment with the operating surgeon had not been fixed as at the time of the adjournment.

“The entire scenario appears ridiculous. The conduct of Orji since the dismissal of the No-case submission on July 31 is very irresponsible. Justice said and done is for all parties.

“No one, no matter how highly placed, is above the law. This court will apply the rule of law in full force. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

“His absence cannot be explained, hence, this application has failed,” Idris held.

He, however, adjourned the case until Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 for definite trial.

The EFCC had said in its charge that Kalu and the others had committed the offences from August 2001 to October 2005.
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The commission accused Kalu of using his company, Slok Nig. Ltd., to retain in the account of First Inland Bank, now First City Monument Bank, the sum of N200 million.

It said that the sum formed part of funds illegally derived from the coffers of the Abia State Government, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

The commission also said that the accused retained in different bank accounts, about N2.5 billion, belonging to the Abia State Government.

It said that the accused diverted about N3.2 billion from the coffers of the Abia Government.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Sections 15(6), 16, and 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2005.

It also contravenes the provisions of the Money Laundering Act of 1995 as amended by the Amendment Act No.9 of 2002 and Section 477 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation, 1990.

http://www.metronaija.ng/orji-kalu-fraud-court-case/

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The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a 60-year-old Ifa chief priestess and her two sons in connection with some kidnap cases in the state.

The spokesman for the command, CSP Chike Oti, made the development known in a statement in Lagos on Sunday.

Oti said that the suspects were arrested on Saturday at their home at No.15, Irepodun Street, Egan, Igando, a Lagos suburb.

He said that the woman was said to be a chief priestess and custodian of an Ifa shrine.

She was alleged to be aiding her sons, aged 26 and 32, who allegedly lure their victims with charms to their home.

Oti described the suspects as “deadly bunch of kidnappers”.

He said that they used the social media to lure their victims and put them in captivity until they paid ransoms for their release.

“The trio met their waterloo when one Bridget Obazee came to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igando Police Station, CSP Taiwo Kasumu, on Sept. 7 and complained that her brother, Osahon, was missing.

“The complainant told the DPO that the kidnappers were threatening to kill Osahon if they (family) failed to pay a N1.5 million ransom.

“She added that they warned her not to involve the police, otherwise her brother would be killed.”

Oti said that the DPO quickly contacted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal, who deployed men from the Intelligence Unit of the command to reinforce the DPO’s team.

He said that the team immediately set out in search of the suspects.

“The same day, at about 11a.m., through discreet investigation, the team arrested the woman and her sons, Akeem Bashiru and Ojo Solomon,” he said.

He said that besides Osahon, the police also rescued two other victims in the home of the suspects, which doubled as their hideout.

He gave the names of the other victims as Adugbagbe Akindele of No.7 Peace Crescent Salolo, Meiran, Lagos and one Ekwegbalu Augustine, who was lured from Anambra with the promise for a job in an oil company.

Oti said, “the victims have been held for weeks, pending the payment of ransom by their families.”

He said that those rescued had been re-united with their relations.

He said that during interrogation, Solomon confessed that he lured the victims with the promise of getting them employment.

“He further confessed that he lured some victims for a gay relationship and that their mother empowered him and his brother spiritually,” Oti said.

He said that the mother used charms to intimidate and instil fear in victims.

Oti hailed residents of Lagos State for assisting the command with useful information and urged them not to relent.

http://www.metronaija.ng/kidnapping-police-arrest-60-yr-old-ifa-priestess-2-sons/

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Kebbi chapter of Nigerian Fruit Sellers Association, says its members have lost N25 million worth of fruits due to recurring flood at its main market in Birnin Kebbi.

The association’s Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Abubakar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday that the absence of proper drainage had led to recurring flooding of the market annually.

‘‘We have no where else to go, it’s the only market we have, we just watch in agony as flood destroy our fruits and the loss has reached as much as N25 million.

‘‘You can see water all over the market yourself as if human beings are not living in the market,’’ he said.

Abubakar appealed to the state government to re-build the market to make it safer and conducive for business, and earn more in revenue generation.

The chairman also urged the state government to provide support to members of the association to cushion their losses.

‘‘We are appealing to the government to support us with soft loan to boost our business.

‘‘Farmers, traders, and different types of business associations have been getting support from the state government, but we were never considered to benefit from such support,’’ he stressed.

According to Abubakar, the association has over 20,000 members in all the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.

‘‘We also employ over 3,000 unemployed youths who are helping to transport our goods and sell in major towns across the state.

‘‘Imagine the burden of the numbers of unemployed youths we can help government to reduce, if we have support and empowerment,’’ he said.


http://www.metronaija.ng/flood-washes-away-n25m-fruits-in-kebbi-2/

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Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola and APC candidate in the coming Osun state Governorship election observe Jummat Service at the Alekuwodo Central Mosque.

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Kaduna state Governor Nasir El Rufai and Abubakar Atiku attended the Wedding Fatiha of Halima Abubakar Malam & Dahiru Muh’d Jada at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Ungwar Sarki, Kaduna.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-governor-el-rufai-and-atiku-attend-wedding/

FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday assured residents of the territory that there was no likelihood of earthquake within the territory and the country, after the earth tremor in Mpappe and its environs on Thursday.

Residents in the Federal Capital Territory were alarmed by the sudden shake of the earth in the the affected areas which was their first experience in many years.

The tremor instilled some fear in the residents, resulting in confusion about the cause of the terrific happening around them.

Tremor is an involuntary movement.

The Director-General of the Agency, Mr Abass Idris, had said there no cause for alarm, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja while reacting to distress calls by residents of the FCT.

According to him, the earth-shaking around Mpape and some parts of Maitama district does not imply that the FCT and indeed the country is under the threat of earth quake, saying that the agency is in firm control of the situation.
READ ALSO APC senators insist Saraki, Dogara must step down

“We are urging all residents to calm down and be rest assured that the abnormal situation would soon stop.”

According to him, the possible cause of the incident may be due to earth tumor which he explained, is a “sign of seismic movement within the earth that was caused by a sudden break along a fault line.

“This sudden release of energy makes the ground to shake which may be caused by stress in underground rocks and may be due to rock blasting and mining activities in the area.

“When personnel of the agency interacted with residents of Mpape and its environs, they gathered that this was not the first time the shaking has occurred but has happened five years ago”.

The D-G appealed to the residents of the affected area to remain calm as the agency was doing all within its powers to bring the situation under control within the shortest time.
READ ALSO PHOTOS: Fulani Herdsmen Butcher A Farmer In Benue

He, however, said that there was need for residents to relocate to a safer zone if living in a building during the tremor.

He urged the residents to vacate their houses and take cover under desks or tables and hold tight until the shake is over.

He also said that residents should stay away from windows and objects that were likely to fall and also find a clear spot away from buildings, trees and power lines.

“ If you are in the car, slow down and drive to a clear place, stay in the car until the shaking stops.”

A resident in Maitama, Mr Victor Okoye who experienced the tremor, told NAN that he initially thought it was a blast from one of the quarry sites in Mpape which sometime happened but found out that it was not what he initially assumed.
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“ When I came outside my house, I discovered it was indeed a shaking and a lot began to run through my mind as I thought the end of the world was here.”

Another resident in Mpape, Mrs Alice Adetola, expressed shock over the incident, adding that the experience terrified her children.

“ I held on to my children and began to pray to God for mercy. I even began to think towards relocating if we make it through the night.”

Also, Mr John Eson said the prompt response of FEMA to the area had assured residents that the situation was under control.

According to him, personnel of the agency have been on ground since the incident, carrying out investigations, survey and research.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fct-tremor-no-possibility-of-earthquake-fema/

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President Buhari welcomed by Governors as he returns to Abuja after his 6-day visit to Beijing China on 6th Sep 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-buhari-arrives-nigeria/

The Presidency says President Muhammadu Buhari is truly uncompromising, but only when it comes to looting the common patrimony of Nigerians, and squandering their riches.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, stated this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday while reacting to an allegation leveled against Buhari by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

Abubakar, was quoted by a foreign news medium as accusing President Buhari of being “very uncompromising, also power drunk; (and) who will not be ready to leave power without a fight.’’

But Adesina said: “Rather than use the name of President Buhari to buoy his bid to get the presidential ticket of a party, whose flag has been flying at half-mast since it got roundly trounced at the polls in 2015, the former Vice President needs be told that the President is truly uncompromising, but only when it comes to looting the common patrimony of Nigerians, and squandering their riches.

“President Buhari is uncompromising in the quest to restore probity and accountability to public office.

“He is uncompromising in cleaning the rot Nigeria was consigned into pre-2015, thus the war against corruption is being fought without fear or favour.

“The President is equally resolute in the determination to ensure that Nigeria is no longer a mono-economy, depending only on oil.

“Yes, President Buhari is single-minded in effecting change in every area of Nigerian life. So, Alhaji Abubakar is right, if that was what he meant by the President being “uncompromising.’’

The presidential aide said it was also wrong for the former vice-president to accuse President Buhari of being power drunk and not ready to leave power without a fight.

According to him, President Buhari, though a retired military general, has demonstrated in many ways that he is a committed democrat, and has no apologies about that.

“But power drunk? No! And being a man “who will not be ready to leave power without a fight?” Never! Not President Buhari, who has demonstrated in many ways that he is a committed democrat, though also a retired military general. He has no apologies about that,’’ he said.

Adesina noted that President Buhari through a sterling military career, had served Nigeria with his `heart and might’, before venturing into partisan politics.

He further observed that the President had wielded power with decency to serve the people, rather than for personal ends.

“If there’s one person not intoxicated by power, it is President Buhari, and scores of millions of Nigerians know this.

“That is why they will invest him with power again next year, knowing that he won’t misuse or misapply what has been entrusted to him.

“Former VP Abubakar may want to borrow a leaf from the decorous language employed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, in answering his recent press statement on the restructuring debate.

“That is the hallmark of statesmen, and not crying wolf where none exists, which is what the allegation of being uncompromising and power drunk truly is.

“President Buhari is actuated by service to country, and nothing else. So, there couldn’t be anything like “not ready to leave power without a fight.”

According to Adesina, the insinuation of a fight is the mindset of a man who is either undemocratic, or has seen defeat staring him, and his party, in the face.

He, therefore, assured the former Vice President that there would be no ‘fight’ over power in Nigeria, and “Not under President Buhari’s watch.

“The people don’t want a fight. It is some political leaders we must beseech to eschew pugnacity, and mind their language.’’

http://www.metronaija.ng/presidency-replies-atiku-says-buhari-uncompromising-against-looting/

President Buhari holds a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ganduje-welcomes-osinbajo-to-kano/

Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo welcomed into Kano by Governor Umar Ganduje and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ganduje-welcomes-osinbajo-to-kano/

The Delta Police Command has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Father Christopher Ogaga, a Catholic Priest in Aragba, Oviri-Okpe, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta, Mr Muhammad Mustafa, confirmed the priest’s kidnapped to newsmen on Monday in Warri.

Mustafa said that operatives of the command had begun a search to ensure the safe release of the victim.

“Yes, we are already searching for the kidnappers; he was kidnapped two days ago,” the police chief said.

Meanwhile, a source said that Ogaga was allegedly kidnapped by gunmen around Arava-Oviri-Orere-Okpe Road on his way to Warri on Saturday.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, said the victim, who is also the Principal of St. Peters Clavers College, Aghalokpe, left Aghalopke, Sapele at about 9:00p.m.

The source said the kidnapped priest was going for the Sunday morning mass at the Parish Priest of Mother of Redeemer Catholic Church, Airport Junction, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta.

“Ogaga was driving alone on his way to Warri when he was kidnapped.

“He left the house and was heading to Warri through Arava-Oviri-Orere-Okpe Road; that is the route he usually take to Warri.

“He usually travelled to Warri alone every Sunday. We were supposed to go with him that Saturday,” the source said.

The source, however, said that the kidnappers were demanding for a ransom of N15 million to secure the release of the cleric.

http://www.metronaija.ng/gunmen-kidnap-another-catholic-priest-in-delta/

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Former Big brother naija housemates, Tobi and Soma as they grace the biggest television and film award ceremony in Africa, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018 (AMVCA 2018).

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Former Big brother naija housemates, Efe, Bisola Aiyeola, Ifu Ennada and Anto looking stunner as they grace the biggest television and film award ceremony in Africa, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018 (AMVCA 2018).

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ex-bbnaija-housemates-bisola-ifu-ennada-and-anto-at-2018-amvca/

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Popular Television host, Ebuka pictured in his all white suit at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards in Lagos today.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ebuka-2018-amvca/

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The Federal Government says it has developed a 6.7-billion-dollar robust plan of action for the reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement of Northeast devastated by Boko Haram activities.

Nigeria’s Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, said this at a side event tagged ‘Strengthening the Humanitarian and Development Partnership in the Lake Chad Region’, at the UN headquarters.

The Nigerian envoy said that the comprehensive socio-economic Plan, known as ‘Buhari Plan’ aimed to advance the humanitarian and development nexus in the country.

Bande said Nigeria was spearheading the event based on the need to promote across board collaboration and cooperation among countries of the Lake Chad region, the donors and a whole range of humanitarian and development partners.

“At our national level, the $6.7 billion Buhari Plan of Action for the comprehensive Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement of the North Eastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad represents an ambitious humanitarian cum development initiative on the part of a national government.

“It is to demonstrate its total and unshakable commitment to the socio-economic development of the entire area.

“It is unmistakably true that beyond the current challenges lie numerous prospects for harnessing the capacity of the people and natural endowment of the area to facilitate integrated regional socio-economic development.

“Therefore, the occasion of this side event and its subsequent follow up actions would present opportunity for enhancing the objectives of several initiatives on the Lake Chad such as the All Lake Chad Governors Forum which held its inaugural meeting in Maiduguri, Nigeria in May.

“Also, the Berlin Conference on the Lake Chad has been slated for the first week of September 2018 and would build substantially on the outcomes of the February 2017 Oslo Donors Conference on the Lake Chad.

“I would like to take this opportunity to call on all stakeholders to redouble efforts and commitment towards making the coming Berlin Conference on the Lake Chad of Sept. 3 to 4, 2018 a watershed.

“This is in our collective resolve to further mobilise resources and demonstrate implicit commitment to plans that will ensure moving quickly beyond the immediate humanitarian need to concrete sustainable developmental projects capable of substantially elevating the lives of the majority of people in the region.”

The Nigerian envoy stressed the need for collaboration and cooperation among countries of the Lake Chad, the donors as well as humanitarian and development partners.

According to him, collaboration between the humanitarian and development agencies has gained traction at the UN in recent times such that the involvement of national governments is needed to make it work.

He said the protracted humanitarian and development challenges in the Lake Chad region had place enormous responsibilities on all to remain engaged in discussion aimed at scaling up national, regional and global responses to the crisis.

These responses need to be bolstered by strengthened coordination at the UN level to ensure a more synergised delivery of assistance, the Nigerian envoy emphasised.

“Let me emphasise that the recharge of the Lake Chad Basin, capacity building, and restoration of livelihood, through facilitation of occupational opportunities, job creation, skill acquisition and others are central to finding lasting solution to the problem in the region.

“To realise all these would entail our collective commitment to a broad range of actions, facilitated by strong international cooperation and partnership, involving the UN agencies and development partners, like the World Bank and African Development Bank among others,” Bande said.

Magagi Louan, Minister of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management of the Republic of Niger, said the political leadership from the region were working together to ensure comprehensive response to the crisis in the Lake Chad.

Louan said several mechanisms to address the problem included the institutionalisation of joint security architecture such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and promotion of collaborative social-economic projects under the auspices of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Also commenting, Alifei Moustapha, Permanent Representative of Chad to the UN, disclosed that Chadian Government had set up a new coordination mechanism across the ministries to identify local requirements and develop flexible coherent responses to address the Lake Chad problem.

On his part, Michel Monthe, the Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the UN, stated that his country would finance resilience and socio-economic projects and called for response to humanitarian needs while simultaneously reducing risk and vulnerability.

The event, sponsored by Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, Chad, UN Development Programme and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, also featured presentations by UN Humanitarian Coordinators for the four countries.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigeria-reaffirms-6-7bn-northeast-rehabilitation-plan-2/

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President Muhammadu Buhari will be departing Nigeria for China on Friday, August 31, to participate in the 7th Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled to hold September 3 – 4, 2018 in Beijing.

The President’s first engagement in the country will be an interactive session with the Nigerian Community in China at the Nigerian Embassy.

According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President will deliver his remarks as the current chair of ECOWAS at the “High-level Dialogue between Chinese and African leaders, business representatives and African entrepreneurs”.

The Nigerian President is scheduled to join President Jinping and other African leaders for the opening and roundtable sessions of the 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit under the theme: “Towards an even Stronger China-Africa Community with a Shared Future.”

After the FOCAC Summit, President Buhari will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang to discuss infrastructure financing for strategic projects in Nigeria and the upgrading of Nigeria-China relations “from a strategic partnership to comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Buhari will also use the occasion of his audience with the Chinese leadership to assess the progress made so far in Chinese interventions in Nigeria’s key priority infrastructure projects, particularly on-going projects in the railway and power sectors.

“It is noteworthy that since the last FOCAC VI Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa in December 2015 – the first attended by the Nigerian leader – and his successful State visit to China in April 2016, the current administration has pushed forward practical cooperation with China in the areas of infrastructure construction, trade, investments, finance, power, agriculture, education cooperation, among others.

“It would be recalled that President Buhari has consistently acknowledged Chinese support for infrastructure development in Nigeria.

“In January 2018 while receiving the Board of Directors of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, the President said:

President Buhari commended the Chinese government for its support to the country, especially in infrastructural projects.

‘‘We send our gratitude to the Chinese for all their support to Nigeria. Since independence, no country has helped our country on infrastructural development like the Chinese. In some projects, the Chinese help us with 85 per cent payment, and soft loans that span 20 years. No country has done that for us.’’

He will be accompanied to Beijing by his wife, Aisha, who is scheduled to participate in a Spouses’ Programme on China-Africa at the Great Hall of the People, under the theme, ‘‘Joining Hands for a Future of AIDS.’’

Also on the President’s entourage are:

Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar of Bauchi State
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State
Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa State
Governor Rochas Anayo Okorocha of Imo States

The Senators are:

Senator Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa State
Senator George Akume of Benue State
Senator Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State
Senator Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State

The Minsiters are:

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama
Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola
Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah
Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma
Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu
Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu
Minister of State, Aviation, Hadi Sirika

Others are:

The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno;
The Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar;
The Group Managing Director, NNPC, Maikanti Baru.

http://www.metronaija.ng/list-of-4-governors-4-senators-9-ministers-to-follow-buhari-to-china/

Ahead of the 2019 elections, indications emerged on Friday that the Minister of the Transport, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi may have endorsed oil and gas businessman, Mr. Tonye Dele Cole who is also the founder of the Sahara Energy group as the flagbearer of All Progressives Congress, APC, for Rivers gubernatorial election.

Amaechi, who is generally regarded as the leader of APC in Rivers has not publicly made any statement on the issue.

However, his very close ally and the Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, who was the Rivers’ APC governorship candidate in 2015 and his running mate, Asita O. Asita took stakeholders in Rivers politics by suprise when they issued a statement supporting the choice of Cole as party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2019 election on Friday.

Peterside, who made his support for Amaechi’s choice official in a statement he personally signed, called on APC members to rally behind Mr. Cole, whom he called “my friend and brother in Christ”, for the sake of the party and the ordinary people of Rivers State.
In the statement which he captioned, “Unity to Triumph”, Peterside, recalled his earlier commitment to stand by whatever decision Amaechi would make in the overall interest of the party and Rivers state.

“I reiterated my position yesterday in the leadership meeting. I thus stand by the decision on TDC (Tonye Dele Cole)”, Peterside said.
The NIMASA DG, who was believed to be a frontline contender until the announcement, said that APC and its members in Rivers Stat had toiled to build the party, a process which involved loss of lives: “We have toiled from 2013 to date (a period of five years ) and have made sacrifices and lost lives in course of enthroning the kind of government we want in Rivers State; a government that will guarantee peace , unity and prosperity. In course of the struggle we bonded as one, indivisible family under God.”

Peterside, who noted that Amaechi’s decision on Cole had met “mixed reactions” which he said was expected, however, noted that the greater good of APC and Rivers State should be paramount.

“To those who believe in the vision I shared in the past 5 years, the leadership I gave at various times and the path of loyalty to the cause I have chosen over time, I urge you all to stand by the Leader, the party and the ordinary people of Rivers state in support of TDC.
“I personally pledge my loyalty to the Leader (who is to me family) and the decision he has made. I enjoin all my supporters to queue behind our leader CRA(Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi) and ensure total victory for our party.”

However, APC in Rivers State through its Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone, said the party is unaware of such endorsement by Amaechi to pick somebody neutral to the political bickering that has led to two parallel secretariats of the party in the state.
Mr. Finebone said that party’s constitution does not give room for “adoption” and governorship aspirants would have to contest in the forthcoming primaries.

“The process for choosing candidates, whether Presidential, Governorship and State Assembly as ratified by National Working Committee, NWC, does not recognize adoption. If people are are speculating who the leader (Amaechi) would support, he has always made it clear that he would support somebody. But whoever he would support has not been made known “.
Asita O. Asita in his reaction, said the choice of Tonye Dele Cole, a Kalabari, from the riverine area of the state and a big player in oil and gas industry was in line with the desire of APC to shift power from the upland to the riverine part of the state.
Dr Peter Odili, Celestine Omehia, Chibuike Amaechi and Nyesom Wike will complete 20 years domination of the upland’s occupation of Rivers Government’s House by 2019, he noted.

However, Senator Magnus Abe, who represents Rivers South East, Senatorial district from Ogoniland who had also declared his ambition to contest for the 2019 gubernatorial ticket of APC has argued that since the state was created 57years ago, no Ogoni has been Governor, Deputy Governor, Speaker of the State Assembly or the Chief Judge of the state.
Abe and his supporters created a parallel APC secretariat by Waterlines Junction on Port-Harcourt /Aba Expressway about a kilometer away from the secretariat of the other members loyal to Amaechi.

Below is Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside’s full statement.
UNITY TO TRIUMPH – DAP
Dear Compatriots,
Yesterday our leader, Rt. Hon C R Amaechi, whom we all subscribe to his leadership made a decision of whom we should back for the office of the Governor of Rivers State in 2019. The lot fell on my friend and brother in Christ, Tonye Dele Cole.
2. I made a commitment to the group earlier to stand by whatever decision the leader makes in the overall interest of the party and rivers state. I reiterated my position yesterday in the leadership meeting. I thus stand by the decision on TDC.
3. We have toiled from 2013 to date (a period of five years) and have made sacrifices and lost lives in course of enthroning the kind of government we want in Rivers State; a government that will guarantee peace , unity and prosperity. In course of the struggle we bonded as one indivisible family under God.
4. The decision by the Leader has been meet with mixed reactions, which is expected. My appeal is that we allow the greater interest of APC and Rivers State to prevail.
5. To those who believe in the vision I shared in the past 5 years, the leadership I gave at various times and the path of loyalty to the cause I have chosen over time, I urge you all to stand by the Leader, the party and the ordinary people of Rivers state in support of TDC. I personally pledge my loyalty to the Leader (who is to me family) and the decision he has made. I enjoin all my supporters to queue behind our leader CRA and ensure total victory for our party.
6. I pray for unity among the members of APC and VICTORY in the 2019 election.
Dakuku Peterside PhD

http://www.metronaija.ng/rivers-2019-amaechi-endorses-oil-mogul-tonye-cole-as-apc-guber-candidate-2/

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The CBN said MTN did the repatriation after illegally converting shareholders’ loan of $399, 594,146 to preference shares.

As part of the sanctions, four banks, Stanbic IBTC Nigeria, Citibank Nigeria and Diamond Bank Plc, were fined by the CBN.

Standard Chartered Bank would pay a fine of N2.47 billion, Stanbic IBTC, N1.88 billion, Citibank Nigeria, N1.26 billion and Diamond bank, N250 million.

Mr Funso Aina, Public Relations Manager, Corporate Affairs/Corporate Relations MTN denied the claims by the CBN

“MTN Nigeria received a letter on Aug 29 from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) alleging that Certificate of Capital Important (CCIs) issued in respect of the conversion of shareholders’ loans in MTN Nigeria to preference shares in 2007 had been improperly issued.

`As a consequence they claim that historic dividends repatriated by MTN Nigeria between 2007 and 2015 amounting to $8.1 billion need to be refunded to the CBN.

“MTN Nigeria strongly refutes these allegations and claims.

“No dividends have been declared or paid by MTN Nigeria other than pursuant to CCIs issued by our bankers and with the approval of the CBN as required by law,” he said.

Aina said that the issues surrounding the CCIs had already been the subject of a thorough enquiry by the Senate of Nigeria.

He added that in September 2016 the Senate mandated the Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions to carry out a holistic investigation on compliance with the Foreign exchange (monitoring and miscellaneous) Act by MTN Nigeria & Others.

He said that in its report issued in November 2017, the findings evidenced that MTN Nigeria did not collude to contravene the foreign exchange laws and there were no negative recommendations made against MTN Nigeria.

“MTN Nigeria, as a law-abiding citizen of Nigeria, is committed to good governance and to abide by the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The re-emergence of these issues is regrettable as it damages investor confidence and, by extension, inhibits the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.

“We will engage with the relevant authorities and vigorously defend our position on this matter and provide further information when available.

CBN’s spokesperson, Isaac Okorafor, said the apex bank has written MTN Nigeria demanding a refund of the $8.13 billion, repatriated.

The Bank resolved to sanction the commercial banks following investigations in March 2018, which confirmed allegations of remittance of foreign exchange with irregular Certificates of Capital Importation (CCIs) issued on behalf of some offshore investors of MTN Nigeria.

http://www.metronaija.ng/mtn-nigeria-denies-cbn-claims-on-illegal-repatriation-of-8-1b-2/

Alhaji Ibrahim Mera, son to the late emir of Argungu, has declared intention to run for governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general election.

Mera, a retired Deputy Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service and brother to the current Emir of Argungu, Dr Samaila Mera, declared his intention on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi at the state APC secretariat.

Mera will likely battle for the party’s endorsement with the governor of the state, Atiku Bagudu, who is serving his first term in office.

“My desire to contest the seat was born out of the love I have for my state and its people.

“After I served my country excellently and diligently in the Nigerian Custom Service, I deem it patriotic to come home and contribute my quota to the development of Kebbi state and its people,” he said.

However, Alhaji Ali Bature, the state Financial Secretary of APC, who spoke on behalf of the state Chairman, Alhaji Bala Kangiwa, told the aspirant that the party had since endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and Gov. Bagudu.

“We have never seen you in any of our party’s programmes for three years now, but as a member of our party, you have the right to contest for any position you want in our party,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mera, son to the 32nd Emir of Argungu, late Muhammadu Mera, holds the traditional title of Ciroman Kabi.

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-emirs-joins-kebbi-governorship-race-2/

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President Muhammadu Buhari's right hand man, Abba Kyari is seen wearing a wrist watch worth N17.6 million.

He was pictured wearing a Patel Philippe Wrist Watch valued at N17,625,000 (£37,000).

It should be recalled that President Buhari’s wife, Aisha wore a Cartier Baignoire Folle 18-Carat White Gold Diamond Ladies Watch that cost £34,500 to her husband’s inauguration on Friday, May 29 2015.

http://www.metronaija.ng/chief-of-staff-abba-kyari-spotted-wearing-37000-n17-6m-patel-philippe-wrist-watch/

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Lagos state Governor Ambode received British Prime Minister Theresa May in Lagos today.

http://www.metronaija.ng/more-photos-of-governor-ambode-and-theresa-may-in-lagos/

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on Wednesday blamed the scarcity of local rice in Nigerian markets to disconnect between integrated rice millers and the supply chain.

Mrs Fatimah Aliyu, a Deputy Director, Rice Value Chain in the ministry, stated this in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

Aliyu spoke at the 2nd National Congress, Policy Dialogue and Inauguration of the Board of Trustees of Rice Assured Advocacy Forum (RAAF), facilitated by John A. Kufuor Foundation (JAKF).

She said though there was huge market for the local rice, integrated millers were reluctant to push out their products for fear of price competition with imported rice.

Aliyu was responding to complaints by representatives of some rice millers who claimed that most Nigerians preferred imported rice to local rice because of its cheap price.

The millers blamed the high price of local rice on production cost, resulting from poor power supply, high transport fare and smuggling of foreign rice.

“There is market for Nigerian rice. There are people willing to pay the high price for it because of its high nutritional value, but they cannot get it to buy.

“There is that market disconnect that has to be looked into,’’ Aliyu said.

She urged stakeholders in the rice value chain under the RAAF’s platform to brainstorm on the issue and come out with suggestions on how to tackle the problem.

“We are open to all those suggestions because it is part of policy advocacy.

“Once you, the stakeholders, give us those suggestions, government is going to look at them because the situation is also a problem to government.

“Integrated millers have invested so much in the business, and even government has also invested so much in it. So, it is of importance that integrated millers succeed,’’ she said.

The first National Deputy President of RAAF, Alhaji Rafau Lawal, called for a policy to encourage consumption of Nigerian rice as is done in Tanzania and other countries.

Lawal said that one of the policy measures being looked at was the branding of Nigerian shops for local rice.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that RAAF is a national dialogue platform, aimed at harmonising rice value chain actors in Nigeria to advocate for better policies in the sector.

It was set up during the first phase of the Competitive African Rice Initiative (CARI), between June 2014 and June 2018.

The platforms are currently operating in 17 states in the country.

http://www.metronaija.ng/why-local-rice-is-scarce-min-of-agric-2/

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