The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has arrested 8 Boko Haram kingpins who fled Borno.

A statement signed by NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Okeh, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, said the Corps had also arrested over 100 suspected vandals of critical infrastructure within the same period.

Okeh said the vandals were being prosecuted.

He said the successes were achieved from January to date.


Okeh said the Commandant-General of the corps, Abdullahi Gana, disclosed this when he received participants of course 40/2018 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Kuru, at the corps’ headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was led by AVM Humphrey Okpala.
Gana explained that the successes recorded by the NSCDC were as a result of the collaborative efforts of the Civilian Joint Task Force which he said had proved to be one of the useful tools for community policing.
He said the corps was not in rivalry with sister agencies.
“Rather, the Corps cherishes and always works in synergy with other agencies in combating crimes in the country.
“This synergy has worked out positively in the North-East where the corps’ personnel arrested Boko Haram members and handed them over to the Army.
“In states like Taraba, Plateau and Jigawa, armed robbers and rapists were arrested recently, and were handed over to the Police,” he said.
AVM Okpala told the NSCDC boss that the visit was to find out the corps’ position on the ongoing research directed by President Buhari on the need to strengthen the nation’s internal security framework and community policing.
“The institute was mandated to carry out the research in order to come up with strategy to tackle burning issues through interaction with stakeholders with a view to reporting back to the President accordingly,” he said.
Okpala congratulated the Corps for its new edifice and achievements recorded.
He also thanked the commandant-general for enlightening the delegate on the corps’ operations and achievements.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nscdc-arrests-suspected-boko-haram.html

The Nigerian community in South Africa has again been thrown into mourning, following the latest extra-judicial killing of a Nigerian in that country.

The killing of Mr ThankGod Okoro, 30, from Ogbaku in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, is the latest in what has been described as recurring pre-meditated murders of young Nigerians in South Africa.

Records show that no fewer than 117 Nigerians have been killed in South Africa since February, 2016.

Unofficial estimates put the number of Nigerians residing in South Africa at about 800,000 majority of whom are young people.
The Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Mr Habib Miller, who is based in Pretoria, confirmed the killing of Okoro in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Friday
He said that Okoro was allegedly shot in the head by a South African police officer.
“The union is not happy with the latest murder of ThankGod Okoro on April 9 by a member of the South African Police Flying Squad at Hamburg, Florida West Rand in Johannesburg.
“The officer, who shot Okoro claimed that the young man attempted to stab him during a stop-and-search operation.
Miller said that the Acting President of the Nigeria Union, Mr Joshua Ogade, and the head of the union’s legal team, Mr Omoreige Ogboro, had visited the area Okoro was killed to gather information on the incident.
“Our team has gone to the Florida Police Station to ensure that due process is followed in an attempt to seek justice on the killing.
“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been notified of the killing of Mr Okoro,”
Miller said that the police in Florida State had commenced investigation to unravel the circumstances that led to the killing of the Nigerian.
The spokesman said, however, that the union learnt from investigators that the trigger-happy police officer had boasted few weeks before the incident that he would kill Okoro.
He pleaded with the South African authorities to wade into the matter to discourage wanton killing of Nigerians by policemen in the former apartheid enclave.
“Anyone suspected or found on the wrong side of the law should be arrested and tried at the appropriate court rather than killing Nigerians extra-judiciously,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/photo-south-african-police-officer.html

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday called on parents and communities to step up monitoring of youths against drug abuse.

The agency said in Lagos that most youths who abused drugs would deny doing so.

The NDLEA Assistant Director, Drug Abuse Preventive Education (DAPE), Mrs Stella Ngwoke, made the assertion in Surulere during a community awareness campaign on drug abuse and misuse.

The campaign was organised by the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists.

Ngwoke spoke on “The Role of NDLEA in Combating Drug Abuse in the Country’’.
She described illicit drugs as any substances that could transformed the central nervous system and affect the person’s behaviour or thought.
“Parents need to face the challenges their children are experiencing as regards drug abuse by checking their activities.
“Denial of drug abuse by their children is a problem that must also be faced by parents if they want this menace to be eradicated easily.
“Parents should not be too tired to listen and pay attention to their needs because once they lose faith in you, they can never confide in you,’’ the official said.
Ngwoke said that drug abuse posed a serious problem for the victim, the family an the entire society.
According to her, a person that abuses drugs should not be taken as a criminal but s sick person.
She said that drug abuse brought misery to the family, adding that the victim would be more predisposed to contacting the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and some other illnesses.
The NDLEA official added that drug abuse could lead to crime.
“The NDLEA, in combating drug abuse, has introduced two strategies: the supply reduction – which has to do with reducing drugs in the society, and the demand reduction.”
Ngwoke said that the agency was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Education to infuse drug education in the curriculum of secondary schools.
M John Bamikole, Principal Officer, Narcotics Substance Directorate, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), also tasked parents to properly monitor their children’s activities.

“When last did you go to your children’s room to check the content of their bags?’’
‘`Farm parties exist where people put things in the vent of their air conditioners, which spread drugs that affect people,” he said.
Bamikole urged youths at the event to go to streets and other places where smokers and drug abusers usually lurked to educate them on the consequences of their actions.
“There is need for people to wake up to their responsibilities and be their brothers’ keepers so that the menace will be eradicated completely,’’ he said.
The NAFDAC official listed weight gain or loss, constant deep sleep, deteriorating physical appearance, unusual smell and impaired coordination as some signs of drug abuse.
The Chairman, Obele Odan Community Development Area in Surulere, Mr Yusuf Osagie, called for proper enforcement of the law against illicit drugs peddling.
“Drug abuse is not desirable in any society, and should be discouraged; it can lead to fragmentation in the family, and also death.
“Parents should pay attention to what their children are doing and know the kind of friends they keep,’’ Osagie advised.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/drug-abuse-when-last-did-you-check-your.html

A former Deputy Governor Financial System Stability at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Presidential aspirant in the 2019 elections, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, has said President Muhammadu Buhari has the right to seek a second term if he so wishes.

Moghalu said that like millions of Nigerians, however, Nigerians deserve a very different kind of effective and inclusive leadership that can unite the country and reverse the poverty that has made our country the poverty capital of the world with the highest numbers of absolutely poor people of any country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/buhari-has-right-to-seek-re-election.html

Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has revealed why people of the South-East should support President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election bid.

The SGF said supporting Buhari’s second term bid was the “shortest way” to Igbo presidency.

Mustapha said this while receiving a delegation of the Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

According to the SGF, with Buhari’s declaration, the APC needed to open its doors to others.

He said, “Preach it to the other south-east states that the shortest way to Igbo presidency is to support Buhari in 2019.

“This is the time to open your arms and your doors to even those that are perceived as enemies, you must have a large heart to receive them.
“That is why Mr President himself specifically directed the party to consider the provisions of waiver as provided for in our constitution. Why is he saying that? It is because in this game there are no permanent enemies or friends.
“The dynamics of politics can change and people that you perceive today are not with you, will be with you tomorrow. So, your ability to receive them with grace will determine whether they will feel welcome or isolated.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/how-buhari-will-help-igbos-become.html

The Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse has called on local government authorities in Benue to work with traditional institutions in massive mobilisation of eligible voters to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

The monarch made the call in statement, signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Freddie Adamgbe and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makurdi.

He said it was imperative for eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (James Ayatse) to avoid being disenfranchised.
Ayatse said it was important for local government authorities to work closely with traditional rulers to encourage eligible voters obtain their PVCs and national identity cards.
The Tor Tiv urged other traditional rulers in Benue to be neutral and non-partisan during the 2019 general elections.
The monarch said and endowment fund for the Tiv nation, to be known as `Ayatutu Ka Se Foundation’, would be established for the development of the area.
He therefore urged all Tiv people to donate to the foundation, which would be registered soon.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/tor-tiv-tasks-subjects-on-pvcs-national.html

The management of University of Ibadan (UI) said yesterday that it was concluding arrangement to facilitate Senate/Parents Management Consultative Forum with workers, students, parents and guardians.

It said this was to discuss the rationale behind the slight adjustment in accommodation fees.

The meeting, slated for tomorrow, is to among others, douse tension over the decision.


The Senate had recommended increment in hostel fee from N14, 000 to N30,000 for main campus and N40,000 for College of Medicine with effect from 2017/2018 academic session.

Noting the stifled funding from the Federal Government to cater for utilities, the management said it spent about N100 million yearly to augment what was collected in running the hostels, adding that this was no longer sustainable.

The Nation learnt that while students at present paid N14,000 per bed space, the partial economic rate per bed space, according to a 2012 survey conducted by the institution, was put at N59,650 per session.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Idowu Olayinka had said the institution was at a crossroads because managing the hostel based on the old rate was not sustainable, adding that only 30 per cent of the students were accommodated on campus, as the opportunity for hostel accommodation was optional.

The Senate also approved increment in fees for laboratory and studio arts (N5,000); maintenance fees; fees for professional health training (non-clinical (N75,000) and clinical N100,000); pharmacy practice experience levy (N5,000); science laboratory levy (N7,500); Faculty of Agriculture (N5,000 to N7,500); renewable natural resources upward review of the practical year levy (N15,000 to N17,500) for those in practical year; while other students are to pay the old levy.

Other items which attract upward review include access fee for undergraduates (from N2,000 to N2,500) for improved Internet access on campus.


However, fees payable by students in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Law, Sciences and Technology have not been adjusted.

Prof. Olayinka said: “The university is at a point where it is difficult to continue to subside the running of halls of residence and carry out academic functions without a slight adjustment in accommodation charges and in some fees payable by students in some faculties.

“We urge the public to note that it is only the increase in accommodation fees that cuts across students who desire to stay in the halls of residence. Residency in the hall is optional and only about 30 per cent of our students can find accommodation in the halls of residence.

“It is also important to note that the Federal Government, years ago, had stopped providing funds for the running of the halls. As a result, the university spends about N100 million over what is collected as accommodation fees for the running of the halls.

“The university is no longer in a capacity to continue to provide this subvention. It has been very objective in adjusting other fees. For instance, fees were only adjusted for students in the Faculties of Arts, Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources and Pharmacy. Even in these faculties, the fees are limited to categories of students requiring academic service for which an increase has been approved.

“Let us give two examples. For instance, only 400 level students in the Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources are to pay additional N2,500. These are students in their practical year. Other students in the faculties are not to pay these fees. In the Faculty of Arts also, only 200 and 300 level students in six departments are to pay the studio maintenance fees. Students in departments without studios are exempted from these fees.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/ui-to-meet-parents-guardians-students.html

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of ridiculing Nigeria’s seat of power.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan on Sunday, the opposition party took a swipe at the ruling party over the recent visit of some northern Christian leaders to President Muhammadu Buhari.

President Buhari had met with the clergymen on Thursday last week in Abuja, where he denied the allegations that he is religiously biased as the leader of Africa’s most populous nation.

The PDP, however, alleged that the visit was “stage-managed” to endorse the President and accused the Presidency of procuring individuals who “masqueraded as religious leaders”.

“It is heartrending that because of the desperation of one man, the integrity of Nigeria’s seat of power has again been ridiculed as the world watched religious bodies and groups in the country disowning the procured band,” the party claimed.

The opposition noted that the alleged hiring of supposed Arewa pastors was another attempt to orchestrate fake endorsements ahead of the 2019 elections.
It described the development as signs of desperation and nervousness of a “sinking leadership” that was trying to save its face, having been purportedly rejected by the people.
The PDP further accused the APC and present government of having a taste for falsehood and deception, alleging that it has resorted to cheaper ways and means of gaining any endorsements from reputable local and international figures.
It recalled that the opposition had alerted Nigerians of the alleged plots by the Federal Government to engage in orchestrated endorsements as well as issuing of false performance indices.
The party accused some individuals of coordinating the project which it claimed billions of naira has been earmarked for.
It added that the individuals were also responsible for the purported renting of crowds conveyed in buses, trucks, and trailers, to fill the space during President Buhari’s visits to various states of the federation.
The PDP maintained that the Presidency has lost the support of Nigerians, noting that there would be no need for “mundane gimmicks” if the APC had performed to the least expectations of the people.
It further challenged all credible groups in the country to be at alert and resist any attempt to induce them to compromise their integrity, as well as guard against plots to use money to infiltrate and divide their ranks.
The opposition asked the APC and Presidency to admit that their time is up while it would not relent in its resolve to rescue the nation in 2019.

Full report at http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/pdp-accuses-apc-of-ridiculing-nigerias.html

The life of Mrs. Patience Stephen, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, took a downward plunge 18 years ago, when she developed vesico vagina fistula (VVF). Not only did her husband abandon her, other family members also deserted her because of her worsening health condition.

Fortunately, Mother Luck smiled on her, as she was successfully repaired and treated.“It started after I had my first child,” she narrated. “During this period, I was stigmatised because of the offensive odour my body was emitting, as a result of steady leakage of urine.

“But today, I thank God for the opportunity and the sponsorship that got me healed. I am better and stronger now. I would want to advise other women with the same condition to visit hospital for repair, since it is free.”


Another fistula client, 27-year-old Mrs. Lucas Oluwaseyi from Osun State said she went into prolonged labour. But rather than go to a hospital, she went to her church, where her problem became more complicated. So, she was taken to Mother and Child Hospital in Ondo State, where she was operated on. Sadly, the baby did not survive and she also developed fistula.

She explained that it was her brother, who encouraged her to go for fistula repair, which was successful. She said: “During my predicament, all my friends abandoned me, and even my husband-to-be, who impregnated me ran away. I was helpless until this opportunity came.

“From my experience, I would advise pregnant women to register at the hospital for proper antenatal care. They should avoid going to wrong places for medical attention, such as the church. Those who have fistula should come here because the repair and treatments are free.”These two testimonies were obtained during Media Roundtable Discussion on Fistula Intervention/Fistula Repair Programme at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC) Ilesa, Osun State, organised by Fistula Care Plus Project, implemented by Engender Health and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), held in Ilesa Osun State.

Country Project Manager, Fistula Care Plus, Chief Iyeme Efem, said his organisation is supporting 12 states and have 13 facilities in the states, which include OAUTHC Osun State, Adeoyo Maternal Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo State, Sobi Specialist Hospital Ilorin Kwara State, VVF Centre in Kebbi State, Maryam Abacha Women and Children Hospital Sokoto, Women and Children Hospital Gusau Zamfara, National Obstetric Fistula Centre Katsina, Laure Fistula Care Hospital Kano, VVF Centre Kaduna, VVF Centre Zaria, VVF Centre Bauchi, National Obstetric Fistula Centre Abakiliki Ebonyi, Ogoja General Hospital Cross Rivers State and the newly opened VVF Centre Damaturu, Yobe State.

Efem said: “USAID research in 2012 showed that 200,000 women live with fistula, while 12,000 new cases occur every year. USAID does 200,000 repairs yearly. This means we have 400, 000 to 500, 000 cases every year and it does not catch up with 12, 000 new cases. The research shows additional 700,000 cases entering into backlogs. Looking at it from that perspective, it shows we have not done enough and we have a long way to go.

“The only way we can say we have prevented fistula is if we prevent the occurrences and reduce the incidents to zero, but we do not have the structure in place. Which is why one of the strategies we are introducing is having teaching hospitals undertake fistula repairs. This will help to reduce occurrences to zero. But you know teaching hospitals charge fees. So, we were able to negotiate with the minister of health, who liaised with the teaching hospitals, by sending memo to them to stop fees. Some of the hospitals have begun to comply, but some are not.

“The strategy is that, every teaching hospital should do at least 15 repairs in a month. If we have 44 teaching hospitals undertaking 15 repairs, this means we have 660 repairs from each of them in a month. Multiply this by 10 months, and you have 6,600 repairs. So, in a year, we will have about 700,990 repairs by teaching hospitals alone.

“If we add this to what Fistula Care Plus is doing, which is 200, 000 repairs yearly, we have 9,990 repairs plus 3,000 by other programmes, making 12,000 repairs in all. With this, we will completely zero the incidents of fistula cases in Nigeria.”

Head of Obstetric and Gynaecology, OAUTHC, Prof. Ernest Orji, said treatment and repair of fistula had been in existence in the hospital, though it was under missionary control. But the challenge then was that many of the women who developed the condition were indigent, and they found it difficult to afford treatment.

“This was the trend, until Engender Health came in. And ever since, there has been a lot of improvement in terms of health workers’ training and provision of consumables,” he said. “They have been very helpful. Now, we have dedicated surgeons among us, unlike before when all our consultants are surgeons. OAUTHC Ilesa has been dedicated for fistula repair among others branches of the hospital in the Southwest.”

He explained that in the whole of Southwest, awareness creation about fistula repair and treatments in the hospital have been ongoing. So, new clients are being admitted on a daily basis.

Orji said: “The awareness has been on radio and television jingles, social media and WhatsApp, among others. More women are coming for repair, especially now that it is free. We partner with market women, community leaders and traditional rulers to ensure that the information reach people at the grassroots. We also work with social workers in Osun State to ensure more awareness and improvement.”

In terms of manpower, he said the hospital is ready to serve clients even better, as they recruit gynaecologists regularly, as well as train their health workers.

“We also organise skill acquisition for women after the repair, as many of them are poor and unable to feed and care for themselves. I would want government to employ more doctors and nurses for the hospital,” he said.


He explained that private organisations, families and individuals have been donating to the hospital, which has helped in the development and maintenance of the facility, adding that there is a fistula centre under construction in the hospital.

He said: “By time we complete the centre, we will employ more doctors, nurses and other health workers to ensure adequate improvement in the hospital setting. We also advise philanthropists to donate more resources to enable us take care of our clients.

“We advise pregnant women to book early for antenatal, as well as deliver in hospitals with qualified personnel. They should come for delivery early and not when labour has become complicated. What we do is to save the women’s lives and we advise them to stay away from sex for at least three months after a successful repair and wait for two years before getting pregnant.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/200000-women-living-with-fistula-in.html

The group managing director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, disclosed the corporation has hardly record any incident of pipeline vandalism or security breach along its System 2B pipeline network that cuts across Osun State. According to him, NNPC has over the years enjoyed tremendous support from Osun State as a neighboring state that hosts the corporation’s System 2B pipeline segments connecting Mosimi Depot with Ibadan, Ore and Ilorin depots. A statement issued by NNPC spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu said Dr. Baru, disclosed this while receiving Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, Thursday. “I am happy to inform you that over the years, we hardly record any incident of pipeline vandalism or security breach along our System 2B pipeline network that cuts across Osun State. This is attributable to the efforts of the State Government and the law-abiding people of the state,” Baru was quoted to have said. Meanwhile, the corporation is said to be in serious discussions with the Osun State Government on collaboration over establishing a state-of-the-art retail filling station as part of efforts to expand its network of retail stations nationwide. According to the GMD, Osun State government has completed a modern 26 nozzle retail station and is planning to lease it out to the corporation. “Our strategy for the NNPC Retail is to capture as much of the downstream retail market in the country as possible. A state like Osun is very central to our expansion drive. Having looked at the possibilities, we are committed to taking the discussions further.” “We have reached an advanced stage in our discussions. Next week, we are expected to further discussions on commercial terms of offer with the state Government’s team,” Baru stated. He explained that the partnership would not only expand the downstream fuel distribution and retail in the state, it would also ensure adequate products availability as well as improve commercial return on investment. Responding, Governor Aregbesola said he was in the NNPC to commend the corporation for its interest in driving development in Osun State. “We are here to discuss collaboration on fuel distribution and possible opportunities where NNPC can invest in my state. We are progressing with the talks on the mega station and we are satisfied with the discussions so far,” Governor Aregbesola stated. He said in order to assist the NNPC to ensure smooth distribution of petroleum products across the state, he has set up a taskforce on fuel distribution, working with the NNPC Depot in Ibadan and the marketers in the state. “We have mandated them to do everything possible to assist the NNPC achieve its aim of ensuring smooth distribution of petroleum products across the state” he added. In another development, NNPC said no fewer than 160 firms of professional estate surveyors and valuers participated in the bid to provide the Corporation with valuation and land acquisition services. The group general manager (GGM), Supply Chain Management, Mr. Shehu Liman, was said to have disclosed this during a public bid opening exercise conducted by the corporation in furtherance of its commitment to transparency in its procurement process. The Corporation said in a statement that representatives of some of the bidding firms who witnessed the exercise expressed satisfaction, describing NNPC as a transparent company.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/baru-commend-osun-state-for-securing.html

Telecom operators, yesterday, blamed intermittent interruptions on network on vandalism of base stations, destruction of optic fibre, high forex and shutting of base stations by government agencies. The President of Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr Olusola Teniola, made the attribution in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. “There is a situation in the industry whereby the equipment to bring into the country to increase capacity is either delayed by government, or at the port, we are not given the right payment in time. “Secondly, forex is high but the equipment price has not reduced, making it very difficult to sustain investment in increasing our network coverage and capacity. ”Vandalism, theft and sabotage of our base stations’ equipment, and base stations being shut down by different agencies, demanding one tax after another, do not help operators. “We have incidents of optic fibre destruction, which impact on traffic to be carried to and from one location or city to another. “There is need for security operatives to ensure that telecommunications equipment, which is a critical national infrastructure, is protected,” the ATCON president said. Furthermore, he urged the Federal Government to ease burden on service providers by expediting action on issuance of relevant right of way permits for operators. According to Teniola, if all the issues affecting operators are resolved, quality of service will improve. The ATCON president said that interruption during festive periods resulted from heavy traffic associated with such periods. He said that some operators still use equipment bought 10 years ago, calling on the government to encourage the operators by investing in telecom equipment. “During festive periods, it seems that intermittent interruption is more because most of the calls are originating from Lagos to people that are living in the villages, and the network capacity is not strong. “There has not been any form of investment in equipment that will cater for additional traffic on the network since the past 10 years, and this is not good for the industry. “We need government to encourage us to bring in the needed equipment by investing in them and making forex available for operators,” he said

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/telecom-operators-give-reasons-for_38.html

The planned visit of former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, to Ekiti State has been rejected by the Ayo Fayose-led State Government.

The government advised the former governor to, “take his advocacy for peace to other parts of the country where security of lives and properties of Nigerians is under threat, not Ekiti State that even the Police adjudged as the most peaceful State in the country.”



Kalu, who is acting as the Chairman, Advisory Board for the National Movement for Re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, has embarked on a tour of the South West purportedly to advocate for peace, fairness and unity of the country with a view to rallying support for the President’s second term bid in 2019.
However, Ekiti State Government, in a statement issued on Saturday, by the Special Assistant to the governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said that, “There is no threat to peace and unity of Nigeria from Ekiti State for anyone, including Orji Kalu to address. Therefore, he should not expect to be welcomed to any palace in Ekiti State.”
The government urged traditional rulers in the State to ignore the former Abia State governor, saying; “it is an insult on the collective sensibilities of Ekiti people, whose only benefit from the government of President Buhari is hardship occasioned by the government’s cluelessness for anyone to hide under advocacy for peace to canvass support for the President.”
The government said it was unspeakable that because of his EFCC case, Orji Kalu saddled himself with the task of doing image laundering for a President whose government is inflicting sufferings on Nigerians.

The statement reads further; “If he has sold his own conscience to the agenda of selling an already rejected product to Nigerians, we in Ekiti State have not, and we are telling him categorically that such advocacy is not welcome in our State.
“He should rather take his peace and unity advocacy to his own State, where he is already rejected and other States where Nigerians are being killed on daily basis by armed bandits.
“It is also ridiculous that instead of joining Nigerians to tell the President the truth about the state of affairs in the country, Kalu is castigating Nigerians that have summoned courage to speak out against the President through letters and public comments.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/dont-come-to-ekiti-to-campaign-for.html

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), has been urged to devise mechanisms for tackling institutional corruption at the conception stage. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha gave the advice on Thursday, in his Office when he received in audience, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu and his management team. In a statement by the director media in the office of the SGF, Lawrence Ojabo, he urged the commission to use advocacy campaigns to change the mind-sets of individuals, who worked in organizations and regarded corrupt tendencies and practices as their preferred way of guaranteeing a secured post-service life. He expressed the hope that the completion and movement of the commission to their new head office complex in Abuja would ensure better management of their investigation resources and personnel, and also, provide a more enabling environment for them to carry out their very daunting and challenging responsibilities. He commended the officials for carrying out their duties with courage and patriotism, at great risks to their lives, noting that corruption in the country had become a hydra-headed monster because it had become very pervasive and culturally entrenched. He noted that dealing with a problem that had become a culture required a lot of resolve on the part of the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He thanked the officials for wholeheartedly embracing President Muhammadu Buhari’s mandate to kill corruption before it could kill the country. He recalled that dismantling corruption in the country was the repeated pledge of Mr. President during his electioneering campaign. The Mr. Ibrahim Magu had earlier briefed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on the near completion of their new Headquarters Office in Abuja, and invited him to visit the complex.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/efcc-must-be-ruthless-on-corruption-sgf.html

The Social Rehabilitation Centre, Minna, has advised the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to restrategise, in tracking down Indian hemp (Cannabis Sativa) farmers and vendors in the country.

Mrs Mariam‎ Ibrahim, the Chief Nursing Officer of the Centre, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of

Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Friday.

Ibrahim said that cough syrup and Indian hemp were among the highly abused drugs in the state by the youths.

“It is becoming a huge social and health menace among youths in the state‎. The burden is not only on the person affected but hugely on their relatives and the society at large.‎
“You see, we keep on having pressure on our limited capacity because our facility can only keep 40 inmates at a time.
“We have the capacity to keep only 20 inmates in the first instance ‎for observation for 60 days, and another 60 days is for the rehabilitation of the patients,’’ she said.
According to her, the centre declined over 500 admission requests of substance-abused patients in 2017 because it did not have enough facility to keep and cater for them.
“Our huge challenge is that we are constrained to admit female patients as a result of dearth of infrastructure.
“We cannot be tempted to put males and females in the same room.
“If we dare try it, the consequence will be rape. We cannot try it no matter the pressure from parents and guardians,” she said.
‎‎Ibrahim said one of the major causes of substance abuse in children and wards was peer group influence.
She called on parents‎ to keep tab on their children to know who their friends were and where they usually went.
“I also want to emphasise here that once you see your ward carrying rubber container of any brand of soft drink‎ seize it from him or her if is becoming a habit.
“What is usually inside is a substance and not the soft drink; the soft drink container is actually a camouflage to deceive gullible parents,’’ she said.
Ibrahim advised every stakeholder ‎to rise up to the challenge and save the youths by giving information that would curb the menace.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/ndlea-tasked-on-measures-to-curb-drug.html

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted partly cloudy to cloudy weather conditions over the Central States of the country on Friday morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms over Lafia, Makurdi and Obudu.

NiMet’s Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Thursday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 32 to 41 and 20 to 30 degrees Celsius respectively.

It said that increased cloudiness was expected to prevail over most part of the cities with prospects of isolated thunderstorms over Abuja, Bida and Lokoja later in the day.

The agency predicted that the southern states would experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies over the entire region during the morning hours.

It also predicted chances of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours with day and night temperatures in the range of 31 to 36 and 21 to 26 degrees Celsius respectively.

According to NiMet, Northern states will experience dust haze conditions throughout the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the range of 38 to 42 and 19 to 27 degrees Celsius respectively.

“Dust haze conditions are expected over the north while partly cloudy to cloudy skies are anticipated over central cities down to the inland cities.

“There are possibilities of isolated thunderstorms over the southern states and some parts of the central cities within the next 24 hours,” NiMet predicts.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nimet-predicts-cloudy-dust-haze-weather.html

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday joined the All Progressives Congress family in congratulating a party stalwart and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, on his 65th birthday.

Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, affirmed that Nigeria had benefitted a lot from Oshiomhole’s robust and responsive leadership style.

The president expressed belief that as the former governor “grows older, his invaluable wisdom will be most useful for the growth of the nation.”
He felicitated with the foremost labour leader, his family, friends and colleagues “On the milestone, which has been lined with awards and recognitions for courageous and selfless service to humanity, the nation and his community as a former leader of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and a governor.”
President Buhari further prayed that the almighty God grants Oshiomhole longer life and good health to keep serving the nation he loves so much.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/nigeria-needs-your-wisdom-buhari-tells.html

As members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) begin a rescheduled meeting in Abuja today, a large number of stakeholders in the financial sector see no reason for any monetary policy easing at the end of the two-day meeting.

The committee could not meet in January because it could not for a quorum while the Senate failed to approve the nominations of two Deputy Governors and other nominees by President Mohammadu Buhari.

However, the nominees were approved a little over a week ago and as a result, the CBN fixed today and tomorrow for the meeting in Abuja to take decision on the path and the direction the monetary policy will follow in the next two months.


At its last meeting in November 2017, the MPC maintained the MPR at 14 per cent, with the asymmetric corridor at +200 and -500 basis points around the MPR; retained the CRR at 22.50 per cent and Liquidity Ratio (LR) at 30 per cent.

Ayodeji Ebo, Managing Director of Afrinvest Securities Limited, said the call for monetary policy easing may be too early in the year.


His words: “In my view and that of Afrinvest as a company, I expect that the MPC will keep its rates at current level.”

He said this is hinged on the fact that the yield on fixed income investment is almost at the same level with inflation rate and also due to the decision of the US Fed, which just increased rates.

“The Fed’s rate increase reduces the country risk premium and this may not be suitable enough for rate easing in Nigeria. At least for this meeting, members will retain rate,” Ebo added.

Cyril Ampka, an Abuja-based economist, also corroborated Ebo’s position on the need to keep the rates as they were in November.

“If you look at the membership of the current committee you will agree with me that they are novice in monetary policy decision making and they may not want to rock the boat by calling for a shift in decision from the one in November.

“The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, gave the hint in January that the MPC will not tamper with the rates now when he said the committee may start cutting interest rates in the first half of the year as inflation eases.


“With this evidence, I don’t think the MPC will adjust any rate by the end of its meeting on Wednesday.”

Analysts at FBNQuest and United Capital also declared that there would be no change in policy rate in the near term, citing current improvements in key economic variables in spite of instability in the global economy as reason for their assumptions.

They say the decision to tweak policy rates will depend on stability in the global and domestic economy, adding that though the prospect of economic recovery is strengthening in the local economy, conditions in the global market remain largely volatile

Specifically, United Capital research analysts are of the view that events in the global market point to further tightening rather than easing policy rate in the interim.

“We do not foresee any swift policy shift in the monetary policy space in the short to medium term, given that conditions in the global and domestic market environment, which informed a hawkish stance in the first place, remain fragile and unstable,” they noted.

For FBNQuest analysts, they do not see any shift in policy stance now since confidence has returned to both the money and capital markets after the committee had experienced an 18-month’s despair, thanks to the investors’ and exporters’ foreign exchange window.

“We again see no change in stance. The committee has emerged from about 18 months’ despair with growing confidence. The trigger, of course, has been the investors’ and exporters’ fx window (NAFEX), which is evident from a reading of members’ personal statements from their meeting in late May,” they said.
READ ALSO: Trader, 44, Allegedly Steals Underwear, Other Items From Neighbour

Since then the CBN has maintained a hawkish policy stance targeted at stoking FX market liquidity amid global economic uncertainties arising from US trade protectionism; unstable commodity prices, policy normalization and steady appreciation of the USD. This has been the mainstay of naira stability in the domestic market.

The FBNQuest analysts point to the fact that the committee and the CBN can see that gross official reserves have stabilized despite the step-up in foreign exchange interventions, that manufacturers have greater access to imported raw materials, and that the retail segment can buy forex to meet its demand for invisible payments, and so would do nothing in the short-term to change rates.

“NAFEX may not yet have attracted the major players in the offshore portfolio community but the committee will surely urge patience. We may well see the catch-phrase ‘fine tuning’ in the communiqué,” the EBNQuest analysts said.

The United Capital analysts noted that with MPR at 14.0 percent relative to a 12-month average inflation rate 17.6 percent, effective rates at the fixed income market have been tracking the weekly OMO auction rates of 18.0 -18.5 percent by the apex bank with average yield at the fixed income space steadying at 17.5 percent since Q3-16 compared to 12.5 percent in Q2-16.

“Consequently, the timing of an adjustment in MPR and the conduct of the CBN at the weekly OMO auction have become the most monitored variables in the fixed income market. This is because any adjustment in rates for forwards or reduction in OMO is expected to trigger a swift repricing of debt securities across tenors,” they pointed out.

However, analysts at FSDH Research have contrary views as they believe that the short-term outlook of the Nigerian economy favours monetary policy easing in order to stimulate credit creation and economic growth.“The easing may be in the form of an adjustment to the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) or an adjustment to the Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR)”, they said.

Looking at the developments in the international market; FSDH analysts are of the opinion that the economic outlook in the major advanced countries is strong in the short-term to medium-term, necessitating monetary policy normalisation.

“The outlook of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate remains strong; the unemployment rate is low in most regions and should remain low in the short-term, while inflation rate is trending up.

“The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the United States (U.S) Federal Reserve (The Fed) increased the Federal Funds Rate (Fed Rate) at its March 2018 meeting. The Fed increased the Fed Rate to 1.50 per cent – 1.75 per cent from 1.25 -1.50 per cent. FSDH Research expects that the FOMC will increase the Fed Rate to 2.25 – 2.50 per cent by year end.

“The increase in the interest rate should lead to increase in the yields on the fixed income securities in the advanced markets, with the attendant possible increase in capital flights from the emerging markets”, they said.

They added that though the GDP growth rate in Nigeria improved further in Q4 2017 at 1.92 per cent from 1.40 per cent in the third quarter of 2017, the recovery is still very fragile. Thus additional monetary policies are required to stimulate a broad-based growth. FSDH Research’s analysis of the growth patterns in 2017 shows that two sectors: Agriculture and Mining and Quarrying were the major drivers of growth.

“They were the two sectors out of the six largest sectors of the Nigerian economy that recorded growth in 2017. Other leading sectors, which are Trade, Information and Communication, Manufacturing, and Real Estate all contracted. Thus, there is the need for monetary policy easing,” FSDH analysts concluded.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/stakeholders-see-no-rate-easing-as-mpc.html

Reno Omokri, a spokesperson for former President Goodluck Jonathan, has launched a blistering attack on the Nigerian government and the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, over two lists of alleged looters released by the administration.

Mr. Mohammed had on Sunday circulated a statement containing a list of individuals undergoing trials for alleged corruption.
He had earlier on March 30 released a first list of members of the past administration he said looted the Nigerian treasury while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power.

The government released the lists in response to a challenge by the spokesperson of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, who tackled Vice President Yemi Osinbajo for saying the PDP administration massively looted the treasury during its 16 years in power.

Mr. Ologbondiyan described Mr. Osinbajo as not being courageous enough name those he claimed stole public funds.

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, then picked up the challenge. He addressed journalists in Lagos, first on Friday, and later on Sunday during which he released two separate lists.
But in a statement emailed to PREMIUM TIMES on Monday morning, Mr. Omokri criticised the government for failing to include names of members of the ruling All Progressives Congress accused of or being tried for corruption.

In the statement entitled “The Real Looters List That Buhari and Lai Mohammed Do Not Want You To Know About,” the former president’s spokesperson named 10 members of the APC he said should have been added to Mr. Mohammed’s list.

SEE FULL LIST BELOW.

READ MR OMOKRI’S FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

A few days ago, the fallacious minister of information, the rightly named Lai Mohammed, whose first name rhymes with his life’s calling, released a so called ‘looters list’ with six names of alleged looters.

After he was ridiculed by civil society, the opposition and the international community, Mr. Lai Mohammed hurriedly put out a statement tagging his list a ‘teaser’.

When that lie refused to fly, the notorious fibber, Lai Mohammed, released yet another list yesterday, April 1, 2018.

Coincidentally, April 1 is April Fools day and it was befitting that Lai released his list on that day because only a fool will believe the list he put together.

His list did not contain even one member of the All Progressive Congress. If the list proves anything, it is that President Buhari, Lai Mohammed and their All Progressive Congress are not fighting corruption. Instead they are fighting corruption.

I have taken the pains to produce a ‘teaser’ looters list of APC members who are collectively alleged to have looted over $2 billion (when you convert the dollar value of what they allegedly looted at the time they allegedly looted it).

I challenge President Buhari and Lai Mohammed to explain why these men did not feature on their list and why they continue to remain in this APC government where they wield immense powers and influence, even over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that is meant to prosecute them.

I further challenge President Buhari and Lai Mohammed to explain to Nigerians why they failed to reveal to Nigerians that President Buhari himself is a MAJOR beneficiary of the funds that the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki, received from the treasury for the security of Nigerians.

I assure Nigerians that Sambo Dasuki is not in jail for a crime he committed in 2015. He is rather being persecuted for a ‘crime’ he committed in 1985.

Please find below the teaser list of looters.

Note that this is just a teaser. Depending on the reaction of the Buhari-led government, more names will be released.

Looters List

Rotimi Amaechi: Indicted by the Justice George Omeregi led Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry of looting ₦97 billion along with co indictees including a former army general.

Saminu Turaki: Alleged to have looted ₦36 billion. First charged before Justice Sabi’u Yahuza of the Federal High Court in Dutse, Jigawa State. Currently facing trial before justice Nnamdi Dimgba at the FCT High Court.

Timipre Sylva: A well known financier and supporter of the APC administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. Alleged to have looted ₦19.7 billion. Was facing trial before Justice A. Y. Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja. However, two days after President Buhari was sworn in, the new APC government WITHDREW the charges preferred against Sylva on June 1, 2015 and on October 3, 2018, the EFCC returned to Sylva, 48 houses seized from him during the administration of former president, Goodluck Jonathan in 2013 to him.

Murtala Nyako: Alleged to have looted ₦29 billion. Currently facing trial before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja

Senator Danjuma Goje: Alleged to have looted ₦25 billion. Currently facing trial before the Federal High Court, sitting in Jos, Plateau State.

Senator Abdullahi Adamu: Alleged to have looted ₦15 billion with the help of 18 co accused. Charged on March 3, 2010. The case continues to linger in court.

Orji Kalu: Alleged to have looted ₦3.2 billion. Currently facing trial before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Kayode Fayemi: Indicted by the Ekiti Judicial Commission of Inquiry headed by former Ekiti State chief judge and the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Ademola Ajakaiye, of sundry financial malfeasance totaling over ₦2 billion.

Senator Joshua Dariye: Alleged to have looted ₦1.2 billion. Currently facing trial before Justice Adebukola Banjoko at an FCT High Court.

Babachir Lawal: former Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Allegedly gave a ₦200 million contract to his own company from monies meant to look after Internally Displaced Persons. Has been sacked after protest by the opposition and civil society. Has still not been charged. Was allowed to be replaced by his own cousin.

By the omission of these names, the Buhari led Federal Government has vindicated Transparency International.

According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, Nigeria is more corrupt today under Buhari than at any other time since Transparency International started keeping records!


We have moved 12 places backward from 136 to 148. Yet this administration has the guts to accuse a government under whom Nigeria made her best ever progress on the Corruption Perception Index of corruption? We moved from 144 to 136 in 2014 under President Jonathan because that government fought corruption in court and not through the media.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/reno-omokri-attacks-fgreleases-list-of.html

On Saturday, March 31, singer Flavour decided to give back to the society by organizing a free concert in Enugu. The show which has the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Flavour’s adopted Liberian son Semah, Techno, Phyno, Zoro and a host of others who performed to the delight of their teeming fans. As interesting as the show could have been, a lady known simply Naturize on Instagram has raised an alarm that over 20 ladies were abused during the free show. She alleged that after committing the crime, the offenders were protected from the police which make the matter worse.

She went on to call on artistes not to put up free shows again as some people uses the opportunity to commit crime.

To make worsen the case, while Naturize was complaining about the immodest act of the guys, they told her this is not the first time such a case will happen as the same thing took place during Phynofest in 2017.

He went on to feature the boy named Semah G. Weifur in his music video titled Most High. Since then, many have shared their hopes that both Flavour and Semah will work again in future. It appears Flavour heard their cries as recent photos and video confirm that the dread locked singer visited Semah’s school in Liberia.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/04/20-ladies-allegedly-assaulted-at.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr-V94zAq80

Immediate past Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan has endorsed Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for second term, and urged political office holders to unflinchingly support the Governor to succeed.

Uduaghan spoke on Saturday at a grand reception organised in honour of Hon. Joan Mrakpor, member representing Aniocha/Oshimili in the Federal House of Representatives at Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha North local government area of Delta State

Uduaghan “Dr Okowa will be the Governor of Delta State from 2015 to 2023,” he said, adding, “our Governor, don’t listen to the stories you hear, you know the way people talk, don’t worry, no shaking, we are here for you.” He emphasised, “Delta Is a PDP state, it will remain a PDP state; Deltans ensure you go and get your permanent voters cards, it will enable you prepare for the 2019 elections.” “I want to urge political office holders not to give the Governor stress, add value to the Governor’s activities, don’t give him stress,” he stated. Dr Uduaghan who was the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised, “every representative should please, do your best to add value to your community, it is important that you do so.” Governor Okowa at the event, commended Hon. Mrakpor for attracting development to her people.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/2019-uduaghan-endorses-okowa-for-second.html

President-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief John Nnia Nwodo on Friday urged Nigerians to use this Easter period to intensify their prayers for peace in the country.

He said that “the country is clearly under siege from all corners” and stressed that the period of Easter provides good opportunity for citizens to pray more to God to send succour to alleviate their sufferings.

The Ohanaeze leader stressed that Nigerians should not allow the prevailing hardship in the country affect their spirit of love, brotherliness and peaceful co existence.
Nwodo, in a statement signed by him, urged Nigerians to cultivate the spirit of oneness and also re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of love, patriotism and unity for the desired national development.
“Nigerians Christians must allow the solemnness of the last 40 days of fasting and prayers to influence their thoughts and actions in relating with one another,” he noted.
Nwodo urged Nigerians to use this period to think deeply at the state of the nation with a view to finding a lasting solution to the country’s challenges.

“Restructuring this country is perhaps the sincere and pragmatic way to address the nation’s socio political and economic challenges and time is ripe for political leaders to embrace it,” he said.
The Ohanaeze president-general reiterated his call during the Christmas and New year festivities on Ndigbo to always think home and not to allow the hardship occasioned of the last two years affect them in thinking about their homeland.
He stated that the deliberate exorbitant tax in some states in the country is targeted at Ndigbo to cut their savings and discourage their “Aku rue uno” policy but he urged them not to be dissuaded because nowhere is their wealth more secure than home.
Nwodo also urged Ndigbo to show more than passing interest in the socio-political development in the country by ensuring that all eligible voters collect their voter cards and be ready to use it effectively to pick leaders that would fight for their interests.

The Ohanaeze leader wished all Nigerians a happy Easter celebration and prayed for enduring peace in the country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/nigeria-under-seige-from-all-corners.html

After confirmation by the Senate House of Assembly, Aisha Ahmad and Edward Adamu have assumed duty as substantive deputy governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) alongside three members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Ahmad and Adamu assumed duty on Wednesday, March 28 after being screened and confirmed by the Senate Committee on Banking and Finance, last week..

Also, the trio of Adeola Adenikinju, Robert Asogwa and Aliyu Sanusi on Wednesday formally commenced their tenure as members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank.CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele congratulated the new Deputy Governors and members of the MPC on their respective appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari and subsequent confirmation by the Senate.

Emefiele, flanked by Adebayo Adelabu and Joseph Okwu Nnanna, the Deputy Governors in charge of Operations and Financial System Stability (FSS), respectively, expressed gladness that the bank now has a full complement of deputy governors to enable it to operate optimally as well as the required quorum to enable the MPC to hold its statutory meetings for formulating monetary and credit policy.
He, therefore, charged the deputy governors and MPC members to bring their experience to bear in the discharge of their new responsibilities, stressing that much was expected of them. He urged them to
Ahmad, Adamu and the three new MPC members subsequently subscribed to their oaths of office, administered by the acting director, corporate secretariat at the CBN, Alice Karau.
Thereafter, the Director, Monetary Policy Department (MPD), Moses Tule, read out the Charter of the MPC to new members before they retired into their maiden MPC retreat preparatory to the first MPC meeting for 2018 scheduled to hold on Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 4, 2018.The Senate on Thursday, March 22 confirmed the appointment of Ahmad and Adamu as substantive Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) along with three members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/newly-confirmed-cbn-dgs-mpc-members.html

The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Ibrahim Idris, has ordered massive deployment of personnel throughout the country for crime prevention and control during the Easter celebration.

A statement by the Force spokesman, Jimoh Moshood in Abuja on Thursday, said Mr Idris had directed Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of zonal commands and commissioners of police nationwide to be on ground throughout the celebration to supervise and implement the security arrangements.

Mr Moshood said the deployment would cover places of worship, recreation centres, venues of celebration, other public places and private facilities.

He noted that “consistent surveillance, intelligence gathering and continuous raid of criminal hideouts, black spots, flash and vulnerable points are already ongoing and will be sustained throughout the period.

“Vehicular and foot patrols and adequate visibility policing will also be embarked upon to guarantee safety of lives and property throughout the period.”

The spokesman implored the public to cooperate with the police highway patrol teams, the Special Anti Robbery Squads and other police units deployed to prevent crime on highways and major roads across the country.

He said the personnel were under instructions to be civil, polite but firm in ensuring the security and safety of travellers and other road users throughout the country.

He reiterated the assurance of the Nigeria Police Force`s renewed commitment to ensure adequate safety of lives and property during the Easter period and beyond.

“The I-G, while wishing Christians across the country a happy Easter celebration, enjoins them to extol the virtues of Jesus Christ by propagating peace and love, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political inclination,” the spokesman added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/easter-igp-idris-orders-massive.html

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose on Tuesday lauded his counterpart in Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode for his innovative projects across the landscape of the State but urged him to replicate same in terms of leading the economic growth and development of the south west.

Fayose, who spoke at the opening session of a two-day summit of the Western Nigeria Governors Forum held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said though Ambode had done commendably well in championing south west integration, he must, however, do more for the comfort and well-being of the Yoruba nation.

“As much as we want restructuring; we want true federalism; I am committed to it but talking about Nigeria, the west has potentials; we have the capacity to develop this country and with Lagos on the driver’s seat, we can save the whole of this country.

“The states of the south west are looking up to Governor Ambode. As Governor of Ekiti, I barely get allocation that pays my salary but when we look at Lagos being in the south west, we are consoled and Lagos can make the whole of the south west comfortable but we will continue to come to Lagos if you don’t do something about it.

“We need Governor Ambode to lead south west growth and if we are able to achieve this, in another ten years, the issue will no longer be restructuring because people will begin to look at what is happening in the west,” Fayose said.

Fayose, who is the only Governor of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the region, said credit must also be given to the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his contribution to the growth and economic integration of the south west.

He particularly described Tinubu as a manufacturer that produces quality products, who in turn, are making giant strides for the benefit of the people.

According to Fayose, “When you see a product, you can tell of its manufacturer. I salute Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and I will keep acknowledging him. I am never a pretender; I have been very consistent and I will keep on saying it irrespective of political affiliation.

“Asiwaju Tinubu laid the foundation; nobody can deny it. I am never a member of APC and I will never be but the truth must be said at all times. The environment where we are today tells it all. I am particularly proud of his product – Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State.”

Fayose specifically eulogized Governor Ambode’s attitude, character, person and above all, commendable achievements in office so far, saying some of the innovative transformation already implemented in Lagos by the present administration were being replicated in Ekiti.

He said: “The little Governor Ambode has done within this timeframe is so encouraging. I told the Governor one day when I was building my bridge in Ekiti that I was passing through some of his projects in Lagos and I added what I saw to my own; some of them I copied in the night.

“When your brother is doing well, celebrate him. The problem in Nigeria is that evil is celebrated more than truth. I am openly acknowledging you and that is me. I don’t care, when I am with you, I celebrate you openly.

“There are some lights I saw on the bridge in Lagos; I went there in the night, I studied everything and as we speak, someone is on his way out of the country to get them for me to use for our projects.”

On his part, Governor Ambode said there was no better time for states in the region to pull together to fathom ways of tackling social and economic challenges facing the people individually and collectively.

He particularly emphasized the need for comprehensive, sustainable and collective food security plan, as well as collaborative efforts on issues of security, economy and well-being of the people, among others.

According to him, “Increased collaboration in agricultural activities is critical to sustaining the teeming population of Western Nigeria. Lagos State alone is over 23 million people and on record, 85 people migrate into Lagos from other parts of Nigeria on hourly basis.

“The drive towards food security is therefore not only to ensure that Lagosians have enough to eat, but that the people of the entire Western Nigeria have enough to eat and export to other States and outside Nigeria.

“The whole essence of food security of Western Nigeria is thus focused on our States maximizing their comparative advantages to guarantee increased food, jobs creation and the welfare of our people,” Governor Ambode said.

Besides, Governor Ambode thanked Governors in the region for providing land to enable Lagos activate the 32 Ton per Hour Rice Mill recently being pursued, saying apart from being the largest of its kind in Nigeria for now, the mill would generate over 200,000 jobs across Western Nigeria and produce most of the rice need of the region and beyond.

He also described the admittance of Lagos State into the Odua Investment family as a significant mileage in the quest for economic integration of the Western Nigeria, just as he expressed hope that the development would help in catalyzing a momentous growth in the economic activities of the region through, but not limited to the instrumentality of Odua Investment Group.

Aside Governors Ambode and Fayose, the summit with the theme: “Consolidating the Legacy of Regional Integration,” was attended by Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), while Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun) was represented by his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga.

In their respective submissions, the Governors underscored the strategic role of Lagos to the development of the south West, and called for concerted efforts to collaborate for the progress of the region.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/ambode-should-lead-growth-development.html

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Ntufam Mba Ekpezu Ukweni, has alleged that the Nigeria Military had become trivialized, sectionalized and that promotions were now done on ethnic basis.

Speaking said on Tuesday, the SAN regretted that the “Nigeria military as it is today is not what we observed at as Independence. Nigeria military has been trivialized, sectionalized and you see promotion being done on ethnic basis.



“If the military want to treat T. Y. Danjuma’s statement with kid groves, it means that they are not serious about the security of this country; we are all here in Nigeria and we know what is going on and all of us know that even the police are not policing us.”
He added that “self-defence is the 1st law of nature; so the military should not think that Nigerians should not protect themselves if they are doing nothing.
“I am not generalizing; there are serious minded officers in the military but generally speaking, they must accept the fact that Nigeria military as it is today, is not what we observed at the Independence
“So, nobody should doubt the fact that certain people will be posted to certain areas, purposely to assist in doing certain things; if the military authority wants to take Danjuma’s statement and treat it with kid gloves, it means they are not serious and Nigerians have to look inward for alternative.

“There is nothing that has no alternative; if the military is not protecting us, Nigerians have to resort to other methods of protecting themselves.”
“We have a case of the Fulani herdsmen which has reached down south, and a deputy commissioner of police in the state CID did not hide her feeling about the fact that Buhari is a Fulani man and the commissioner of Police is also a Fulani man. She will do everything to protect a Fulani man.
“What about the one they killed somebody in Itighidi, was it not a DPO who insisted that the community must give a land to herdsmen before something is done, so is that not collusion?
“Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma’s statement must be taken very seriously and investigated and if the military want to be taken seriously, they have to investigate what he said and re-assess themselves in order to regain the confidence people have in them,” he said.

On the lopsided appointment of service chiefs, the SAN said “that is a clear indication that there is collusion, if every service chief in the country is Fulani man, is that not an indication of collusion?
“I have said it before that the corruption that this government is fighting should not only be about stealing; many lopsided appointments, promotion of persons that are not due for promotion, where there are people who merit promotion but not given, is also corruption.
“Corruption has many faces, so if the government is not ruling properly and it is doing thing in a lopsided manner, it is an aspect of corruption.”
“In a multi ethnic country as Nigeria, all the service chiefs are from one tribe, not even North and when Danjuma raised alarm, they tried to clamp down on him, how can they do that, that is my position,” he stated.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/danjumas-comments-military-trivialized.html

Lassa Fever: Nigerian govt should take more responsibility in fighting disease – Experts

The Nigerian government has been urged to show more commitment in the fight against Lassa fever.

Lassa fever is a hemorrhagic disease which has been ravaging the country since it was first discovered in 1969 in a town in Borno State.

This year’s outbreak, however, happens to be the worst the country has ever experienced, with 394 confirmed cases of the disease and 95 deaths.

Speaking on Monday at a high level panel discussion organised in Abuja by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on the state of Lassa fever in Nigeria, Oyewale Tomori, a professor of Virology, said it is sad that Nigeria is yet to find a lasting solution to Lassa fever 49 years after it was first discovered.

Mr Tomori said Nigeria has been taking same action on the disease without combating it.

He said until Nigeria takes ownership of the disease and finds a lasting solution, there will be no breakthrough because the disease has come to stay.

Corruption, Mr Tomori said, has been a major factor hindering progress in the health sector and fight against many diseases ravaging the country.

He lamented that the country was meant to have two Lassa fever specialised facilities, one in Irrua, Edo State and the other in Maiduguri, Borno State. Unfortunately, only one is existing despite money being released for both, he said.

“The Irrua Specialist Centre in Edo was not the only facility meant to specialise in treating Lassa fever cases. Money was released for two centres, Irrua and another to be established in Maiduguri. The one in Maiduguri is nowhere to be found. Patients are not meant to be referred from the North to Irrua. It is wrong,” he said.

Mr Tomori also said Nigeria needs to stop depending on foreign donors and partners who have been championing the nation’s health campaigns.







“We need to do more, what the senators are getting is enough to do many things in the health sector. It is not that we don’t have the resources, we do. It is corruption and good governance we should be talking about. If the government takes responsibility we won’t be here discussing Lassa fever.

“Nigeria has an ability of making its experts novice. If something is not done about it, the situation will be worse,” he added.

Though NCDC said this year’s Lassa fever outbreak is slowing down, three states Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi were tagged hotspots.

Elsie Ilori, Incident Manager, National Lassa Fever Emergency Operation Centre at NCDC, said the country was prepared for outbreak but not of this magnitude.

She said the magnitude of this year’s outbreak took the country unaware.

Ms Ilori said NCDC and the development partners are having a head way in containing the disease.

She however lamented lack of responses from most state government in tackling disease outbreak.

She said one of the reasons why the country witnessed an outbreak of such magnitude was because most states did nothing to respond to the situation in spite of the alerts.

“There is no way we can say we were not expecting an outbreak of Lassa fever. It has become seasonal. We already developed guidelines, have supplies and medicine to combat the outbreak but most states are not informing us of their situation. NCDC had to move into Kogi and Plateau states based on our data collection. They did not inform us they have problems,” she said.

Ms Ilori said states need to start participating in emergency disease control and response and not always wait for the federal government for interventions.

“There is a lot of pressure on the Federal Government. States should start taking responsibility for their citizens. We have been doing contact tracing because we have WHO and development partners on ground.

“Most of the states are not involved and this is a huge issue. We need to follow up a contact for 21 days. If we don’t and the contact comes down with the disease, it can continue spreading,” she added.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/lassa-fever-nigerian-govt-should-take.html

The Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia, Ambassador Bello Kazaure Husseini, has presented his Letter of Credence to the President of the Republic of Fiji, Major General Jioji Konusi Konrote (retd).

The development in the Nigerian High Commission in Australia was made available to Daily Sun in Abuja by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tope Adeleye Elias-Fatile.

The Nigerian High Commission in Canberra, Australia, has concurrent accreditation to New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Vanautu.

The presentation, according to Elias-Fatile, was made at the Fijian Government House in Suva.

“The occasion was memorable, colourful and splendid, with inspection of Guard of Honour.

“Also, official reception in my honour was extended to me and my entourage by the President. Thereafter, a gift of Lali (a traditional wooden hollow gong drum) was presented to me by the Fijian leader,” Husseini said.

Fiji, a country in the South Pacific, is an archipelago of more than 300 islands. It is famous for its rugged landscapes, palm-lined beaches and coral reefs with clear lagoons.

Fijian major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, contain most of the population, with Viti Levu being home to the capital, Suva, a port city with British colonial architecture.

With about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand’s North Island, Fiji’s closest neighbours are Vanuatu to the west, New Caledonia to the southwest, New Zealand’s Kermadec Islands to the southeast, Tongato the east, the Samoas and France’s Wallis and Futuna to the northeast, and Tuvalu to the north.

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public to shun consumption of fruits ripened with calcium carbide.

The agency gave the warning on Monday in Abuja in a statement signed by its management, saying that dangerous effects of carbide-ripened fruits include cancer and other illnesses.

According to the management, consuming such fruits can also cause heart, kidney and liver failure.

“NAFDAC hereby warns farmers and the general public against the dangers of using calcium carbide for ripening fruits such as banana, mango, plantain, orange and cashew,” the management said.

On how to identify carbide-ripened fruits, the management said that “naturally ripened fruits usually have brown or black spots while those artificially ripened have traces of powdery substances and peel off quickly’’.

The Agency further warned that “ripening fruits and vegetables with calcium carbide is a criminal offence’’, adding that henceforth, perpetrators would be prosecuted.

It advised the public to “report suspected cases to the nearest NAFDAC office or call 09094262773, 09094262772 and 08133630600’’.

The agency reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the health of Nigerians.

NAFDAC, established in 1993, is mandated to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, detergents, medical devices and packaged water.

Moji Adeyeye, founder of Drugs for AIDS and HIV Patients, a non-profit organisation, is the Director-General of the agency.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/03/nafdac-warns-against-eating-fruits.html