₦airaland Forum

Namibian national carrier, Air Namibia, recently marked its inaugural entry to Nigeria with flight from Windhoek, capital of the southern African nation, to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

The airline which started with four times a week flights said successful opening of the Lagos route was the actualisation of long term plan to connect many countries in West Africa to southern Africa and other parts of the continent.

Welcoming the airline to Lagos, the High Commissioner of Namibia to Nigeria, Dr. Peingeondjabi Titus Shipoh, expressed excitement to see the country’s national airline berth in Lagos.


“It is an honour to welcome you to the inaugural flight of Air Namibia to Lagos from Windhoek City in Namibia,” he said.

Shipoh, said Nigeria and Namibia share a long history of solidarity and cooperation, dating back to the years of struggle for the decolonisation of Southern Africa, disclosing that Nigeria played a strong pivotal role in campaigning for Namibia’s decolonisation.
“Today the political struggle is on and we continue to enjoy peace and stability; however, the fight for economic emancipation of Africa remains to be won. Africa is now the new economic frontier. Africa needs to deepen intra-Africa trade to facilitate integration and derive tangible benefits from globalization,” he said.

The envoy said the role of transport and logistics sector has become extremely important for the African continent.

“I am applauding Air Namibia for taking advantage of the opening of African skies. This is an opening of new and more dynamic chapter in furthering and consolidating relationship between Nigeria and Namibia.

“This route will enable cooperation in all sectors; facilitate entry of Namibian investors to this strategic market. Air Namibia’s venture into the ECOWAS market is to establish a win-win cooperation to exploit available business opportunities, add value to the natural resources that both our countries are endowed with,” Shipoh said.

The General Manager, APG, the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air Namibia, Chike Ohiagu said there has been positive response to the flight of the airline to Nigeria with huge requests for Air Namibia’ flight tickets.

“On behalf of APG Nigeria, GSA to Air Namibia we want to thank everyone that graced this occasion. There is deluge of requests. It is a good sign that Air Namibia has come here to stay.

“Our duty is to sell tickets and make money for Air Namibia. In the next two weeks, there would be a forum where travel agents will be invited and we talk about Air Namibia and the product we have and the projections for the next few years,” Ohiagu said.
The Nigerian High Commission in the Republic of Namibia who was represented by Uwem Johnson said that there is huge potential market for the airline in Nigeria and expressed the hope that in few months the airline would have daily flight from Windhoek to Lagos.
Spokesman of Air Namibia, Paul Nakawa who represented the management of the airline said it was a dream come true that Air Namibia now operates to Lagos.

“We are happy to come to Nigeria. We are here to stay. Namibia is open to Nigeria and we have a lot of things to offer. The first departure of Air Namibia to Accra from Lagos Nigeria on the 29 of June, 2018 is a special occasion and calls for celebration. This is a major milestone for our airline as we journey forward.

“The creation of Air Namibia has gone a long way in connecting Southern Africa and West Africa. This comes as another option, given the fact that there are other players already in the market. Our objective is to create inter African trade and integration. We launched five routes in a space of three years,” Nakawa said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/air-namibia-begins-flight-to-nigeria.html

Customs officials in Kaduna state have intercepted a tanker stacked with various brands of foreign parboiled rice numbering over 1,000 bags.

This arrest comes months after the Federal Government announced of plans to close land borders due to massive smuggling of rice into the country.

The Comptroller of Customs Federal Operation Unit zone ‘B’ Kaduna, Usman Dakingari told journalists on Wednesday that since this announcement, rice smugglers have devised new methods to beat Customs surveillance.

Therefore, the smugglers stacked thousands of bags of 50kg bag rice in petrol tankers to give the impression that what they are carrying are petroleum products.He noted that the smugglers were arrested after intelligence information and regular surveillance by customs officials in Kaduna State.

Dakingari revealed further that the smugglers have also devised the method of mixing bags of rice inside bags containing grain, adding that this is to give the impression that the bags contain only maize.

The Customs comptroller vowed that he and his men are determined to rid the zone of smugglers. He adviced those who engaged in smuggling to desist from the illegal act or be prepared to face the wrath of the law.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/photos-customs-impounds-over-1000-bags.html

Nigerian singer Kechi Okwuchi is set to release her debut album titled “Don’t You Dare”.

Okwuchi, is one of the two survivors in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash on Dec. 10, 2005 that claimed 107 lives, 60 of which were her schoolmates from Loyola Jesuit College.

She made the “Big announcement” on her official twitter account while urging fans to anticipate the release. @kechi “Debut single ‘Don’t You Dare’ dropping next Friday, July 13. 10 day countdown begins now”.

Kechi took part in the twelfth season of the famous America’s Got Talent hunt show in 2017, finishing off as a finalist.

The music sensation has gone on to graduate from the University of St Thomas, Texas, United States of America.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/sosoliso-plane-crash-survivor-turns.html

StarTimes Nigeria is partnering with Hopes Alive Initiative (HAI), a Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan, to empower the less privileged in the society.

During a Give-Back Concert held recently in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes Nigeria, Justin Zhang, said CSR is a core value at StarTimes Nigeria and the company will continue to focus on helping children because they are the most vulnerable in the society.

HAI in collaboration with StarTimes said it seeks to empower the less privileged in the society as a way of creating a sustainable social value for communities and individuals.

The Ooni urged well-meaning Nigerians to care for the less privileged children, to enable more orphans benefit and sustain a decent living.

“I have made up my mind to celebrate the less privileged. I want them to meet with world leaders and successful people in the society so that they can feel what a regular person in the society feels. Believe me; these kids have raw, untapped, amazing and unique talents,” the Ooni stated.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/startimes-joins-ooni-of-ife-to-empower.html

Dr Oby Ezekwesili, the Senior Economic Advisor, Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative (AEDPI) says internet has become the greatest tool for citizens’ participation in good governance.

Ezekwesili, former Education Minister, said this at the Nigeria Internet Governance Forum 2018 with the theme: “Internet; An Enabler for Good Governance’’ in Abuja on Tuesday.

She was speaking on the topic: “Internet as an Enabler of Accountability and Transparency’’.

According to her, governance exists to improve the quality of life and ensure safety and security, using the instrumentality of strong policies with strong and dynamic institutions to promote growth and development.


“Without quality governance, it is impossible for a country to develop; the internet is an equaliser and a means of improving capacity.

“It is a tool to use to create the bases for wider participation, engage voices, demand for accountability and define how quickly we get to good governance.

“As growth and development happens societies become stable and prosperous, the prosperity of society further thrives because as society grows, the citizens grow and this creates a basis for social cohesion.’’

She said the internet had destroyed the barrier of geography and distance that made communication and participation in governance impossible.

She explained that people could be in the remotest areas in Nigeria and still be able to interact with the people in the Diaspora.

“The internet has come to disrupt the monopoly of bad governance, and so the main issue is going to be getting the citizens to a place of information literacy.


“Just getting the citizens to a place you have a right to know, you not only have a right to know, you have a voice to demand and the power to determine the quality of governance that is given to you.’’

She, therefore, urged youths to focus on knowledge-based technology to improve their society instead of commercial-oriented schemes to enrich themselves which would not result in good governance.

Mr Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Officer of Paradigm Initiative an NGO said that Nigeria would never move forward economically or otherwise if it kept talking down on the youth instead of providing opportunities for them.

“Nigeria can do a lot better as far as the internet is concerned; when we talk of internet governance, one of the key elements is digital rights.

“We need to make sure that every young person who is a citizen of this country is pushed toward being creative so that instead of arresting people for the things they tweet, we can focus on the opportunities the internet presents,’’ he said. (NAN)

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/internet-greatest-tool-for-citizens.html

The Police Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, ACP Jimoh Moshood, has said the killing of seven officers in Abuja has shown the need for the Special Anti-robbery Squad (SARS).


The officers were killed in Galadimawa area of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday night.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Moshood said efforts were in place to arrest those who killed the officers in the line of duty.


He added that the force would not leave any stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to book.


“The killing of the policemen goes a long way to prove that the call for the disbandment of the SARS is not justified,” he said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/why-sars-will-not-be-disbanded-acp.html

Nigeria Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has urged all government structures to put away all political differences and to make the security and welfare of Nigerians a top priority.

The Senate president decried the incessant bloodshed in the country. He emphasized that it is never pleasant to lose even one Nigerian life.

“The security and welfare of the people is primary purpose of government. This is what the Constitution we all swore to uphold says. At no time whether in the past or in the present is it okay to lose even one Nigerian life,” Saraki tweeted

“We MUST all put aside our political, personal, and ideological differences and work together to stop the bloodshed.”

Saraki had earlier condemned the incessant killing of citizens in different parts of the country, especially the recent wanton destruction of lives in Plateau State.

It would be recalled that the Police Command in Plateau on June 24, 2018 confirmed the killing of 86 people in attacks on Razat, Ruku, Nyarr, Kura and Gana-Ropp villages of Gashish District in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

He pledged to ensure peace nationwide by equipping law enforcement agents to effectively tackle the prevailing insecurity in the country.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/we-must-do-away-with-our-differences-to.html

Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who has been missing since September 14 last year when Nigerian troops were said to have invaded his home.

There were reports that on the day of the military invasion, 28 persons were killed while over 48 persons were arrested and taken away to an unknown destination. Nothing has been heard from Nnamdi Kanu since then


However, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani Kayode in a recent Twitter post on Monday revealed that IPOB leader is being kept on a Nigerian naval warship far off the coast of Bayelsa.

The PDP chieftain noted also that President Buhari intends to keep him there until 2019 and then drop him in the Atantic ocean after “winning” the February election .

See tweet below:

Intelligence reports suggest that my friend and brother Nnamdi Kanu is being kept on a Nigerian naval warship far off the coast of Bayelsa and that Buhari intends to keep him there until 2019 and then drop him in the Atantic ocean after "winning" the February election…

Read more details at http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/tension-as-femi-fani-kayode-reveals.html

The Federal University, Lokoja, said on Monday said it has expelled 13 students over examination leakage.

Many of the expelled students were final year students of Department of Economics.

Making the clarifications over allegations of unjust expulsion by one of the affected students, Lydia Lawal, a 400 -level student of the Department of Economics, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Angela Freeman Miri, said Lawal and other students were expelled over leakage of examination papers in 2017.

She said the institution’s disciplinary panel would decide the fate of employees that were allegedly involved in the scandal.


The VC said: “I can say in the affirmative that these students were expelled from the school before the second convocation in 2017 over alleged exam leakage.

“Those involved were final year students in the Economics Department. They were suspended and due process was thereafter followed.

“We set up a disciplinary committee and the examination misconduct panel and the matter was sent to the Senate.

“At the second to fourth Senate meeting, two weeks ago, the Senate sat on the matter and took the decision. It was on that basis that the Senate took its decision and expulsion letters handed to the affected students.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/ful-expel-13-students-over-examination.html

Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadri, has appealed to the Federal Government to relax the tough conditions attached to disbursement of the Textile Intervention Fund.

Ajayi Kadri, made the plea in an interview in Lagos on Sunday. He said that the appeal became necessary due to the bureaucracy and strict conditions surrounding the allocation of the fund, saying that there was need to revitalise the textile industry.

“The textile industry had suffered a lot of bashing, especially as a result of smuggling and other infratructure deficiencies.

“At the moment, we do not have more than five textile industries working and they are functioning at low capacity.

The government had responded in terms of policy initiatives; the primary of which is the Textile Fund anchored by the Central Bank of Nigeria.


Ajayi-Kadri said that manufacturers were finding it difficult to benefit from the fund due to some bottlenecks and strict conditions attached to it.

“As a result, we have been in contact and consultations with the CBN on some of these conditions.

“Our appeal is for the Federal Government to step in and make things a lot easier so that the end point of revitalisation is not lost,’’ he said.

The MAN boss also urged the government to continue its effort at ensuring provision of basic infrastructure to reduce the cost of production by manufacturers.

He suggested inter-ministerial and inter-departmental cooperation for quick actualisation of the proposed anti- smuggling task force to combat smuggling of textiles.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/man-seeks-review-of-conditions-attached.html

The United States Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) says it has documented at least 19,890 deaths in Nigeria since June 2015, just after President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office on May 29, 2015. This is as the United Kingdom-based Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) disclosed that Fulani militias killed 1,061 people in about 106 attacks on communities in central Nigeria in the first quarter of 2018. CSW said 11 other attacks on communities in the southern parts of the country by the militia claimed a further 21 lives.


In a related development, the UK House of Lords on Thursday expressed worry about the inability of the Buhari government to end killings in Nigeria, warning that ethno-religious violence in the country may escalate to the Rwanda type genocide if the federal government remained complacent about it. The concern followed a debate on the recent killing of about 200 people in Plateau State by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The CFR, an independent body of experts dedicated to providing advice on policy options facing countries, put the cumulative deaths in Nigeria from May 2011 to May 2018 at 53,595. This statistics was obtained by Akelicious from a section of the organisation’s website, Nigeria Security Tracker (NST). According to the think tank, the NST tracks violence that is both causal and symptomatic of weakness of Nigeria’s political institutions and citizen alienation. It said the data was based on weekly surveys of Nigerian and international media and that they included violent incidents related to political, economic, and social grievances directed at the state or other affiliated groups (or conversely the state employing violence to respond to those incidents.)

CFR added, “Different groups in Nigeria resort to violence. The militant Islamist movement Boko Haram is active in northern Nigeria. Violence among ethnic groups, farmers, and herdsmen sometimes acquires religious overtones. A new generation of Niger Delta militants threatens war against the state. Government soldiers kill civilians indiscriminately. Police are notorious for extrajudicial murder.”

In the CSW’s latest report, equally obtained by Akelicious, the organisation said, “During the first quarter of 2018 CSW documented 1,061 deaths in 106 attacks by the Fulani militia on communities in Adamawa, Benue, southern Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states, with an additional 17 lives lost in attacks in the south of the country. CSW also documented seven instances of violence targeting Fulani herders or communities in which 61 people lost their lives; two of these attacks occurred in the south of the country. The recent deaths in Plateau State bring the number of casualties recorded so far in herder militia attacks in central Nigeria in the second quarter of 2018 to 440.”

The organisation said the figures were obtained by its offices in the United Kingdom and in Nigeria using organisational records, a timeline issued by the Office of the President of the Nigerian Senate, #MiddlebeltMassacres in Twitter, news sources, and the United States-based Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker. It further noted that there was more to the violence going on in Nigeria – often referred to as “farmer-herder clashes” – than meets the eye.

The report added, “However, attacks by herder militia are currently occurring with such frequency, organisation and asymmetry that the characterisation as ‘clashes’ no longer suffices. Armed with sophisticated weaponry, including AK-47s and on at least one occasion, rocket launchers, the herder militia is believed to have killed more men, women and children in 2015, 2016 and 2017 than Boko Haram, in what local observers increasingly describe as a campaign of ethno-religious cleansing.”

CSW also said it had documented over 400 deaths in 46 attacks during the second quarter of 2018. In one of the most recent, at least 200 people were reported to have died in coordinated attacks on around 50 communities in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area in Plateau State, which began on June 22 and lasted until June 24, the report said.

The majority of victims of the Barkin Ladi attacks were said to be women and children. The CSW report noted that 120 people were killed as they returned from the funeral of an elderly member of the Church of Christ In Nations (COCIN).

Speaking on the violence, CSW’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, accused the Nigerian government of refusing to fish out the perpetrators of the violence. Thomas called for the formulation of a holistic security strategy to address the violence and other threats to national security as a matter of urgency.

“CSW extends its deepest condolences to all who have lost loved ones in the weekend of attacks in Plateau State. It is worrying that the authorities appear more focused on controlling victim communities than on tracing, disarming and arresting the perpetrators of this violence. We urge the state and federal governments to prioritise the protection and rehabilitation of vulnerable communities, and to refrain from victimising them further,” Thomas said.

He added, “The number of attacks and casualties is staggering, and illustrates the appallingly high price communities in central Nigeria are paying for the absence of an effective official response to a force that not only constitutes a threat to national security, but also to national unity. We urge the government to guarantee the safety, protection and right to life of all Nigerians, regardless of creed or ethnicity.”

Meanwhile, in an impassioned debate in the UK parliament on Thursday following the murder of about 200 people in Plateau State by alleged herdsmen, the House of Lords warned the Nigerian and British governments that remaining complacent about the violent attacks could plunge Nigeria into the type of genocide that happened in Rwanda. In the parliament’s Hansard obtained by Akelicious, the debate which held between 2:16pm and 3:02pm, saw various UK lawmakers expressing concerns about what they described as “ethno-religious cleansing” going on in Nigeria and the inability of Buhari to stop the carnage and hold perpetrators of the violence to account. They noted that the violence, if not de-escalated, would have far-reaching effect on the 2019 general elections.

During the debate, the lawmakers adduced reasons for the worsening violence in the country. Baroness Berridge alleged that the violence visited on farmers in the North and Middle Belt were a part of Jihadist movement. Berridge said, however, that the solution to the problem was in Nigerians’ hands, suggesting that the citizens should use the 2019 elections to demand an end to the violence.

“The 2019 presidential and parliamentary elections in Nigeria provide the best opportunity for Nigerians themselves to demand their government deal with this crisis… I hope Nigerians, especially Nigerian Christians, will realise that much more of the solution is in their hands than they perhaps realise,” Berridge said in her contribution to the debate.

Another member of the House of Lords, Baroness Cox, who said she had visited Nigeria “many times and seen the tragedies of death and destruction in Bauchi, Kano and Plateau states”, noted that there were concerns that “the Fulani militants are now so well armed that they are possibly fighting a proxy war for Boko Haram” with the shared agenda of driving Christians out of their homelands in the North and Middle Belt.

Cox said, “There is real fear that these developments are part of a strategy by Islamist fundamentalists to drive Christians out of their traditional homelands in northern and central-belt regions of Nigeria. I urge Her Majesty’s Government to respond appropriately to the very real possibility of religious cleansing.”

In her own contribution to the debate, Baroness Goldie said the violence could worsen and become politicised ahead of the 2019 elections, preventing elections from holding in some states.

“As Nigeria prepares for elections in 2019 there is a real risk that, without serious effort being made to stem the violence and address the root causes, the conflict between herders and farmers will worsen and become increasingly politicised, threatening peaceful solutions and elections in some states. It is imperative that there is a de-escalation of violence across all affected states,” Goldie stated.

She commended Buhari’s commitment to fighting extremism, but said, “The Nigerian government has not asked for assistance from the Commonwealth or from other countries.”

Another lawmaker, Baroness Stroud, asserted that the story of worsening violence in Nigeria was indicative of successive Nigerian governments’ failure “to manage the country’s wealth, and of a deeply ingrained culture of corruption”.

Lord Alton, who led the short debate, had warned that the Rwandan genocide could repeat itself in Nigeria, saying, “This alone should serve as a wake-up call. Are we to watch one of Africa’s greatest countries go the way of Sudan? Will we be indifferent as radical forces sweep across the Sahel, seeking to replace diversity and difference with a monochrome ideology that will be imposed with violence on those who refuse to comply? We must not wait for genocide to happen, as it did in Rwanda. Ominously, history could very easily be repeated.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/07/nigeria-has-recorded-nearly-20000.html

The Chief Executive Officer of Neche Investment Ltd, Hillary Obinech Akandu has donated equipment worth US10,000 Dollars to the Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation ahead of the second Lagos Laser Run tour billed for July 7th 2018 in Lagos.Making the donation, Mr Akandu said he was encouraged by the giant strides attained by the young federation under the leadership of Dr Jonathan Nnaji. “Within three years, the Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation has been able to organise a lot of local competitions which culminated in culminated in the hosting of the Youth Olympic qualifiers in Lagos, late last year,” he said, adding that the young federation needs the support of all well-meaning Nigerians. Akandu who is also President of Ultimate Friends Recreation and Sports Club donated laser guns and targets, including office equipment. Receiving the equipment at his office at the secretariat of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, President of Nigeria Modern Pentathlon Federation, Dr Jonathan Nnaji said he was humbled by the gesture and promised that the federation would use the equipment to improve the training of athletes. “We are pleased that the modest efforts we have made so far have not gone unnoticed,” adding that the federation would welcome such donations from prospective donors. He expressed delight that the equipment would make the hosting of the 2018 edition of the Lagos Laser Run a lot much easier.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/akandu-donates-10000-equipment-to.html

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) wants the National Assembly to hasten the amendment of royalty rates for oil gotten from deep offshore sources.

Responding to the publication of Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) accrued to the country between the third quarter of 2015 and third quarter of 2017, which was released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the corporation’s Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Bello Rabiu, told TheGuardian that amendments to the deep offshore and inland basin production sharing contracts act of 1993 are welcome and needed.

He also proposed some needed changes to the National Assembly.

“It is our opinion that the proposal to increase the royalty rate for terrains beyond 1000 metres, from zero per cent to three per cent, is commendable but it is necessary to also make corresponding adjustments in other categories," Rabiu said, adding that the incentives in PSC’s have outleaved their usefulness.

“It is our opinion that these incentives have outlived their usefulness and are now impediments to the Federal Government’s revenue collection efforts. The use of such incentives can be terminated by an amendment of section 4 of the Act."

According to the report from CBN, the government received N495.39 billion as PPT/royalties in third quarter of 2015. During the first quarter of 2016, the government earned lower at N314.04 billion. The next quarter saw a further drop in revenue to N212.78 billion. In the third quarter of 2016, there was an increased to N392.38 billion. and another decrease to N273.13 billion in Q4 2016.

The year 2017, which was the beginning of the OPEC plus alliance saw revenues rise to N325.38 billion in the first quarter. There was a slight lessening in Q2 to N320.49 billion. The third quarter of Q2 rose to Q3 2015 heights at N489.41 billion. CBN said N103.46 billion was put into the 13 per cent Derivation Fund for distribution among the oil producing states.

In all, the government made N3.211 trillion from PPT/royalties in the quarters under review.

NNPC says it has received permission to review the terms of the production sharing contracts, which regulate the drilling of oil offshore. Rabiu called on the National Assembly to seek relevant input from the Federal Inland Revenue Service, to determine the most suitable opinions regarding the methodology for the computation of taxes in view of the proposed royalty regime.

Rabiu also wants the Minister of Petroleum Tesources to be able to fix royalty rates according to specified economic indicators.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nnpc-wants-review-of-deep-offshore.html

New Benfica right-back Tyronne Ebuehi is reportedly unhappy with Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr for restriction to one match in the 2018 World Cup in Russia despite his form, a source has told our correspondent.

Ebuehi, who has a Nigerian father and a Dutch mother, pledged his international future to Nigeria in 2017 after rejecting Rohr’s invite to play in the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo on December 11, 2016.


The 22-year-old Dutch-born, who is capable of playing at left-back or right-back, was a constant threat down the right channel as he burst into the final third when he came in for Brian Idowu in the 2-0 defeat of Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22.

Many Nigerian fans were left fuming after Rohr ended the team’s 2-1 defeat by two-time world champions Argentina at the Saint Petersburg Stadium on Tuesday – to tumble out of the tournament – with Ebuehi idling away on the reserve bench.

Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi ran Saint Petersburg-born left-back Idowu ragged – and eventually scored a splendid goal through the Amkar Perm star’s position after taking down a cracking pass from the deep by Ever Banega before beating Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho from a tight angle to open the scoring for Argentina.

But the 64-year-old German coach defended his decision, insisting Idowu deserved to end the encounter.

“Idowu was very solid in the team. He’s much better defensively and did very well against Messi. He has experience and can play on both sides of the flanks,” the former Bordeaux defence ace told reporters,

“Ebuehi is a fantastic player offensively. He played well against Iceland but he is still very young and still learning. He will definitely improve defensively and become a very important player for the team in the future.”

Our correspondent learnt Ebuehi allegedly boiled with anger as the Eagles, who were in pole position to go through, continued to make mistakes trying to defend deep and then hit the desperate Argies on the counterattack, instead of taking the game to them.

Ebuehi, who joined Portuguese giants Benfica from Dutch club ADO Den Haag in May, was visibly angry as he stormed out of the dressing room into the Mixed Zone where he snubbed the journalists who requested interviews with him after the match.


Sources also claimed that some of the players were not happy with Rohr’s instructions to launch attacks when the match was tied at 1-1 in the dying minutes, which was enough for them to go through as they were tired.

La Albiceleste manager Jorge Sampaoli seized initiative by replacing veteran holding midfielder Enzo Perez with in-demand Boca Junior forward Cristian Pavon in the 62nd minute, and throwing out sloppy PSG winger Angle Di Maria for rugged Independiente midfielder Maximiliano Meza in the 73rd minute before sending on Sergio Aguero for Nicolas Tagliafico in the 81st minute as they probed for the winner to save his team from an embarrassing exit from Russia.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/ebuehi-other-players-unhappy-with-rohr.html

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is in the 2019 presidential race to put the country back on track of rapid development and prosperity. Akiti stated this during inauguration of his Ghana based two newly formed diaspora supporting groups, the Atiku Ambassadors in Diaspora and Atiku Solidarity Movement in Diaspora in Lagos. He assured the group that he would not disappoint their expectations in delivering good governance that Nigerians, both home and abroad, have been yearning for, since after independence. Atiku stated that plight of every Nigerian over present situation of the country, needed to be given required attention. The former vice, who was represented by chairman, Lagos-West Senatorial District, People Democratic Party (PDP), Ajagbe Adejumo, raised concerned over the country which he claimed was in critical need knowledgeable, embracing and determined leadership that would take rightful place in the comity of nations. He indicated that leaders in the country had invested much hope and gave more cooperation to have that dreamed country, than any other in history was consumed in petty divisive antics. The former vice prescient, who commended the diaspora support for his presidential race, decried that Nigerians were in threshold, with much distrust, anger and hunger across the land, despite the nation’s huge human and material potentials, and that doing nothing and continue on ill the path till nation goes up in flames of hate, could be dangerous for future of Nigeria. “Effort against taking up of arms, in a violent revolution that may not solve our problems but needlessly lead to the loss of many promising lives, must be avoided and it is through your support and that of other Nigerians could that be achieved.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/im-in-presidential-race-to-put-nigeria.html?m=1

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have the requisite experience and capacity to adequately manage the affairs of the country.

Speaking in an interview with journalists after an interaction meeting with the Forum of PDP Former State Houses of Assembly Presiding Officials, Tuesday in Abuja, Atiku said: “I think the people of Nigeria need to sit down and evaluate APC and PDP. There is nothing about APC.’’


On why he met with the forum, the former vice-president described members of the forum as a force to be reckoned with based on the number of its members and their experience.

The PDP presidential aspirant also described the recent killings in Plateau State as unfortunate, stressing that there was need to adopt measures including community dialogue to address the lingering crisis.

“I just listened to a former deputy speaker, a lady for that matter, and she made two points; hard and soft powers in resolving the crisis. I like that idea.

“It is not every security breach you can use hard power on. You need to establish dialogue between leadership of various communities that lived together over the years.

“So the issue of using mere crude and hard power is not the only solution. There is also the need to use soft power on the issue of peaceful coexistence between communities,” he said.

Also speaking to journalists after meeting with the forum, a former Minister of Special Duties, and PDP presidential aspirant, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, condemned the Jos crisis where many lives were lost.

He attributed the killing to the failure of the APC-led federal government and lack of failure among various security agencies.

“If you recall, few months ago the national security agency had appeared before the senate and disclosed that the greatest problem that the Nigeria security agencies have today is that the agencies work at cross purposes.

“There is no cooperation, there is no synergy. If critical security agencies are not sharing information or working together, then how do you expect them to come up with tight security architecture that will safeguard the lives and properties of Nigeria? And that is what is happening.’’

Turaki, however, expressed confidence that the PDP had all it takes to reclaim the leadership of Nigeria in 2019 and return the country to the path of prosperity.

He said: “PDP has men and women of impeccable integrity, men and women that are known to be bridge builders that have the needed education and experience.

“That is why we say PDP is different from every other political parties in the country.’’

The Chairman of the forum, Mr Inuwa Garba, speaking on the interaction said the purpose was for the forum to be properly guided on which of the presidential aspirants to be voted for during the parties primary.

Garba said the forum wanted the best for the party and the country.

He also pledged that the processes leading to the primaries would not divide members of the forum and that of PDP.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/apc-lacks-capacity-experience-says-atiku.html

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 443 persons for alleged drugs related offences in Katsina State between January and June this year.

The state NDLEA Commander, Hajiya Maryam Sani, made the disclosure at a news conference in Katsina on Tuesday.

She said the conference was part of activities to commemorate the 2018 United Nations (UN) day against drug abuse and trafficking.

Sani said that the command had seized 336.4043 kilograms of illicit drugs and 2,553.06 liters of cough syrup with codeine from the suspects.

““It is disheartening to note that the command arrested 21 women among the suspects.

“”In addition, 21 students of institutions of higher learning were arrested with 128 bottles of cough syrup with codeine,” she said.

The commander added that 23 drug suspects had been sentenced to various jail terms, while 110 cases were at various stages of trial at the Federal High Court, Katsina.

Sani said that the command was faced with problem of lack of operational vehicles and enough manpower to cover the state.

The commander also noted that the rate of trading in cough syrup with codeine had reduced drastically due to intensified enforcement of ban on the product by the agency’s operatives.

“We learned that consumers buy a bottle of cough syrup with codeine at over N2,000, while the traders have turned mobile carrying it in vehicles moving from one place to another,” she said.

She urged parents, religious organisations and other stakeholders to support the agency in its effort to preventing youths from engaging in drugs abuse and trafficking.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/ndlea-seizes-2553-liters-of-codeine.html

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has arrested a polytechnic rector over alleged forgery of a doctorate degree certificate.

Spokesperson of the commission, Mrs Rasheedat Okoduwa, said this in a statement on Monday,

Okoduwa identified the suspect as Olaolu Olugbenga, Rector of Igbajo Polytechnic, Igbajo, Osun, who was also a former Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor of Oduduwa University in Ogun.

She said that preliminary investigations conducted by ICPC operatives on a petition revealed that Olugbenga was actually working with a suspected fake PhD certificate purportedly from the University of Ibadan.

During interrogation at the Ibadan office of the commission where he is being held, the suspect insisted in his statement that the certificate was genuine, according to Okoduwa.

She said that the action, if proved, violates Section 465 of the Criminal Code and Section 25 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 respectively.

“Further action in accordance with the laws will be taken at the conclusion of investigation,’’ she said.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/rector-arrested-for-allegedly-forging.html

The newly-elected National Chairman and Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole and Mai Mala Buni, respectively have taken their oath of office.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, administered the oaths of office and that of allegiance on both officers.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/comrade-oshiomhole-sworn-in-as-apc.html

Nigeria is set to partner foreign consultants, comprising legal practitioners and other experts in Switzerland on a voluntary offshore asset repatriation scheme.

This is coming barely one week to the expiration of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) which was extended to June 30 by President Muhammadu Buhari after the initial grace period lapsed.

Mr Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Justice, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bern, Switzerland on the sideline of a meeting held at the Nigerian Embassy.

Malami said that under the scheme, experts would collaborate with the Swiss Government to target funds that have not been identified in ongoing investigations.

It would be recalled that since 2015, $322 million looted funds have been repatriated from Switzerland.

According to Malami, Switzerland has been chosen as the pilot nation for the scheme, given the existing partnership on asset repatriation between both countries.

“The success of the scheme in Switzerland will determine the inclusion of other nations,’’ the minister said.

He said Nigeria government was also involved in other international repatriation processes, noting the recent tripartite meeting held in the UK between Nigeria, US and the State of Jersey on asset recovery.

Speaking on the utilisation of the repatriated funds, Malami said that the monies were being channelled into various projects, closely monitored by the World Bank and the Swiss Civil Society Organisations.

“In a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Repatriation, signed between Nigeria and Switzerland, there are check mechanisms imbedded in the agreement.

“These checks and balances will see to the effective and transparent utilisation of the monies repatriated.’’

“These include monitoring by the world bank, the participation of the Swiss civil society and agreement of targeted projects, especially those related to social investments such as school feeding, entrepreneurial and skill acquisition programmes of the Federal government,’’ Malami said

He pledged the government’s continued commitment to preventing corruption; legislation, enforcement and recovery strategies in the campaign against corruption.

The minister noted that the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and electronic salary payment scheme (IPPIS) were among measures being applied to block leakages and loopholes in fostering corruption.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/after-vaids-fg-to-begin-voluntary-asset.html

India has arguably the lowest Internet data rates in the world, as low as 10 Indian Rupees (about 6 U.S. cents) per one GB (gigabyte) per day.

This is due to intense competition among telecom service providers.

The competition was triggered by a provider “Reliance Jio” which launched ‘4G’ broadband services a year ago offering the lowest prices. Soon other service providers followed suit and slashed their data rates to match and survive in the competition.

Prior to Reliance Jio’s “4G” revolution, Indians had to bear with the “2G” and “3G” services at a much higher cost.

Till a year ago, a subscriber using Internet data round-the-clock had to shell out around 1500 Indian Rupees (about 23 U.S. dollars) per month for nearly one GB data per day, which, thanks to Reliance Jio, has come down to the cost of 500 Indian Rupees (about 8 U.S. dollars) for three months, including voice calls, per one GB data per day.

According to estimates, presently there are nearly 500 million Internet users in India. Access to the Internet is one of the major parameters that can directly impact gross domestic product (GDP) growth. For every 10 percent increase in Internet penetration for a country like India, GDP is conservatively projected to grow between 1.0 and 1.8 percent.

A report released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in December 2017 suggested that Reliance Jio, Airtel, Vodafone, Idea Cellular and BSNL together constituted 93.80 percent of market share of the total broadband subscribers.

Reliance Jio then had the maximum number of subscribers at 160.09 million, followed by Airtel at 71.09 million. As per TRAI data released in April 2018, in terms of market share, Reliance Jio enjoys the highest of it at 45.18 percent, whereas Airtel has a market share of 20.47 percent. Vodafone, Idea Cellular and BSNL have market shares of 14.17 percent, 9.82 percent and 5.36 percent, respectively.

India is presently the second largest telecom market in terms of subscribers base in the world, only after China. The country’s telecom industry contributes directly to 2.2 million employment and indirectly to 1.8 million jobs. Also, it contributes 6.5 percent to India’s GDP, and is the highest contributor in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the last two decades, at 1307 billion Indian Rupees (about 19.6 billion U.S. dollars).

There would be 900 million smartphone subscribers by 2023 and smartphone traffic is expected to grow 11 times to 14 exabytes (EB) in another five years, says the latest annual report by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

A report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said that the number of Internet users stood at 481 million in December 2017, an increase of 11.34 percent over December 2016, said the report titled “Internet in India 2017”.

Urban India with an estimated population of 455 million already has 295 million using the internet. Rural India, with an estimated population of 918 million as per 2011 census, has only 186 million internet users, leaving out potential 732 million users in rural India.

COAI director general Rajan Mathews says the cheap Internet data rates has proved to be a boon for the consumers, but all the service providing companies have been losing money because of intense competition amongst themselves.

He further adds that the price war of Internet data among telecom service providers has also led to a boom in the smartphone market. Smartphones have become quite affordable and even the poorest of the poor can afford to buy.

About the possibilities of Internet data rates rising in the near future in oligopoly-like conditions, Mathews says “I don’t think there will be a price hike in Internet data in India, because if it happens, the service providers know well that the customer base will shrink.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/india-offers-worlds-lowest-internet.html

A total of 6,800 All Progressives Congress (APC) delegates from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are in Abuja to elect the party’s new national officers.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the delegates are expected to elect new officers into the APC National Working Committee (NWC) whose tenure expires on June 25.

President Muhammadu Buhari at the party’s National Executive Commitee (NEC) meeting in February, had insisted that the party should hold national convention to elect new NWC members at the expiration of the existing one led by Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

This followed a proposal for a one-year tenure extension made by the party’s NEC in an earlier meeting, a development the president said was not in line with the party’s Constitution.

Meanwhile, various state delegates were seen in different traditional attire, while musicians and traditional dancers took turns to entertain the crowd as they waited for the arrival of Buhari and other party chieftains.

Presiding officers were also seen watching over ballot boxes for the election, while security operatives remained alert.

A medical booth was stationed at strategic positions to handle any emergency medical situation.

The Abuja Eagle Square remained a no go area for non-delegates as invited guests followed tight security checks.

The VIP box had been reserved for the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, APC outgoing National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

Oshiomhole is the party’s sole chairmanship aspirant following the withdrawal of three others from the race

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/6800-delegates-converge-on-abuja-for.html

The National Open University of Nigeria(NOUN) on Saturday matriculated no fewer than 100 members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) in Abuja.

The exercise was part of the 17th matriculation ceremony of NOUN which took place in 78 study centres across the county.

No fewer than 16,033 new students participated nationwide.

In his welcome address, Prof. Abdalla Adamu, NOUN’s Vice-Chancellor, said that the institution was the only Open and Distance Learning (ODL) university in Nigeria.

Represented by Prof. Hakeem Tijani, Director, NURTW Special Study Centre, Garki, Abuja, Adamu said that NOUN had the mandate to take university education to every nook and cranny of Nigeria.

“Our faithfulness to this mandate is the reason why you are participating in this matriculation ceremony at your various study centres.

“University education, all over the world, offers students who have subscribed to it the opportunity for self-development and for participation in life of his community.

“As an institution, we have put in place structures that will enable you to become the best you can be after your education.

“For example, we have subjected all our academic programmes to the National Universities Commission(NUC) for accreditation; I am proud to announce that all the programmes so submitted came out successfully,’’ he said.

Tijani told newsmen at the sidelines that the NURTW Special Centre, which started in 2013, had witnessed exponential enrolment of students.

He said that the institution, under Adamu, was very serious about human capacity development.

According to him, in total, 945 students are matriculating from the NURTW study centre.

He said that the centre had produced graduates, adding that some of them had enrolled for postgraduate programmes in the institution.

On his part Comrade Kefas Dogonyaro , Director Information Services, NURTW, said that the study centre was part of giving back to the society.

“That is our corporate social responsibility as a union; we deemed it right to pick that study centre; provide it with facilities that will make learning very conducive.

“We informed our members across the country that they should endeavour to improve themselves through distance education coupled with their driving skills; so that we can attain the global best practices in driving.

“Our members across the country have keyed into the programme, the study has picked up to a great height and we are proud of it.

“From our statistics, we have over 100 members matriculating today; our job is to carry passengers across the country; so we asked them to update their knowledge which they are doing across the country.

Alhaji Najeem Yasin, NURTW’s National President was represented at the event by Comrade Franklin Ucheagha, Principal Assistant General Secretary, NURTW.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/noun-matriculates-100-nurtw-members-in.html

As the 2019 general elections draws closer, the Plateau State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on the State Government, elders and stakeholders in Jos and its environs to intensify efforts in ensuring that all members of the Sara-Suka gang are apprehended to stop it from spreading to other parts of the metropolis.


The call was made by CAN Chairman of the State, Rev Dr Soja Bewarang, in Jos, the State Capital.

Bewarang said, “It is with strong dismay that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Plateau State received the shocking news of attacks on motorists, pedestrians and vehicles by a gang called Sara-Suka in Jos North on Monday 18th June, 2018, at a time the state is enjoying the remaining Eid-el Fitr break declared by the Federal Government to enable Muslims in Nigeria celebrate the end of Ramadan.


“CAN commiserates with those that sustained injuries in the attack, and those whose vehicles were smashed, and also commend the Plateau State Government for its swift intervention, the Nigerian Police for apprehending 33 members of the gang and the Plateau State House of Assembly, for setting up a committee to investigate the unfortunate incident.

“CAN is seriously concerned that the so much efforts being deployed by the Plateau State Government for the restoration of peace in the state, could be further jeopardized if thugs are raised and allowed to be bred in the form of Sara-Suka.

According to him, “We knew Sara-Suka to be a group of political thugs raised and bred in Bauchi State by a previous administration in that state for the purpose of winning elections, and has caused a great havoc to the state before its disbandment.


“We later heard that the group resurfaced in Jos, Plateau State capital. And having been dealt with by the security, we thought it was gone, but we were proven wrong by its recent nefarious activities exhibited on Monday.

“We are calling on the State Government, elders and stakeholders in Jos and its environs to intensify efforts to ensure that all members of the group are apprehended to stop it from spreading to other parts of the metropolis especially now that we are drawing closer to 2019 general elections, in order not to allow anyone defranchize the citizen from exercising their civil rights of voting people of their choice, plunge the state in needless bloodbath and wanton destruction of properties and the return of the callous mutual distrust and religious badblood which had bedivelled the state for long.

The Chairman also called on politicians in the State to play clean politics and to avoid raising thugs to terrorise the citizens as a means of winning elections.

In the same vein, CAN condemned the recent skirmish in Bassa Local Government between farmers and herders.

“We appeal to the state Government to redouble its efforts in restoring peace in Bassa by setting up a panel of inquiry to look deeply into the recurring problems leading to crises in some parts of the local government.

“We wish to suggest also that there should be regular meetings between elders, stakeholders, leaders of communities and government for updates on the security situations and for enhancing peace in Bassa”, CAN stressed.


CAN calls on all citizens of the state to work towards enthroning an enduring peace in the state by complementing the efforts of government, saying government alone, cannot bring the desired peace.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/2019-can-calls-for-arrest-of-sara-suka.html

The partnership between Edo state government and some members of the organised private sector in various areas of human endeavour has started to yield positive results as the American Tower Company (ATC) Nigeria recently handed over a Digital Skills Village Project it built in Benin City to the Edo state government.

The Digital Skills Village Project sited at Igbesamwan Street, Benin City, was built by ATC Nigeria as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to provide computer training to youths in the area.


Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Governor Godwin Obaseki assured that training would commence immediately at the Digital Skills Village pointing out that trainees are on ground for the take off.

Obaseki, who was represented by the Head of Employer Engagement and Partnership on Skill Development Program, Governor’s Office, Mr Eseosa Egharevba, said the project was an integral part of the state Innovative Project by the governor.

He also stated that the government was focusing on digital skill acquisition of the youths as it’s imperative in today’s human capital development.

“This is an innovation, an integral part of Edo Innovative Project. We already have students that will start to train• There is no way a state will develop without focusing on this integral sector”.

While thanking ATC Nigeria for the gesture and for being a responsible corporate citizen, the governor assured that the facility will be protected from vandalism.

Obaseki further assured that the state government would continue to partner the ATC and Local Government Councils for the maintenance of the facilities in other locations like Ekpoma and Irrua where replicas of the project are domiciled.

“I thank the entire ATC Nigeria for this project. We will ensure there is dedicated security patrol to secure the project area and we will also partner with ATC Nigeria to ensure supervision and monitoring of the project.

“We will ensure we partner with local authority in various Local Government Councils to ensure these facilities are used for the purpose it is established for,” the governor said.

Obaseki disclosed that there are legislations in place to ensure continuity and that the project will out live the present administration.

The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of PEES Electrical Ltd, the contracting firm that handled the project for ATC Nigeria, Mr Peter Balogun,stated that the Digital Skills Village Project was designed to complement the state’s ICT hub which was commissioned in Benin City by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo during his visit to Edo State.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/edo-partners-private-sector-to-build.html

The management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, has lifted the suspension on two of the students suspended last year.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Eyitope Ogunbodede, made this pronouncement during a meeting conveyed by the Dean of Students Affairs, Isiaka Aransi, alongside other principal officers of the institution.

Recall that Omole Ibukun, a final year student of Civil Engineering and Oluwalade Babatunde, a 300 level student of English were suspended after their involvement in the power outage protest in October.

He also ordered the reactivation of the online E-portal of other four students; Kazeem Olalekan, Oyedeji Samson, Gbenga Oloniniran, and Afolabi Samuel.

Also, at the meeting were members of the Association of Campus Journalists.

“I have no interest in the victimisation of any student. I love a vibrant union but it should be done in a right manner,” the VC said.


He further highlighted that the university is not interested in jailing the students.

“We will like to establish that the university is not in anyway interested in the victimisation of students and we never charged any of our students to court. It was done by the state. We want our students to be of good character for smooth running of activities.”

Mr. Ogunbodede however, reiterated the promise to lift the ban on union activities.

When asked about the other former union executives who fought over fund last year, Tosin Jacob and Adedayo Emmanuel, the VC said they have been placed on a two-semester suspension.

“We cannot compromise the suspension of those who brought national disgrace to the school.”

However, reacting to this development, one of the reinstated student, Omole Ibukun, said, “it is not yet a victory until we are rid of victimisation and repression on Nigerian campuses, especially in OAU.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/obafemi-awolowo-university-reinstates.html

President Muhammadu Buhari was on Thursday moved to tears by the devastation caused by the fire incident that gutted no fewer than 750 shops in the central market in Azare, Bauchi state.

Buhari, who visited the state, said he was in Azare to see things for himself and assess the damages suffered by traders in the area.

He said, “I am here to personally sympathise with traders in Azare in the aftermath of the unfortunate fire incident in the market last week,” he said.

The President noted that the fire incident was a natural disaster, and expressed federal government’s sympathy for the victims.
He assured that the federal government will critically look into the matter through NEMA with a view to assisting the victims.
“Federal Government is committed to economic development and the market fire disaster is a great setback to our genuine commitment to economic recovery,” Buhari added.
Buhari had visited the scene of the fire disaster to personally ascertain the level of damages done to the market.
Speaking earlier, Governor Abubakar and Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruk respectively described President Buhari’s visit as timely.
According to them, the president’s visit demonstrates his concern to citizenry of the state especially victims of fire disaster in Azare market.
” We crave the indulgence of President Buhari to redouble federal government’s efforts to get rid of criminals along Azare -Potiskum road as activities of armed robbers is now a serious concern,” said the Emir.
It would be recalled that President Buhari had during his last visit stated that Bauchi state remains his second home, against the backdrop of the mammoth support he enjoyed from the state in the 2015 election that brought him to power.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/buhari-weeps-in-bauchi-over-azare.html

Following the incessant clashes between the police and the military, especially in Lagos State, the Nigerian Army yesterday called for inter-service synergy, noting that it is a panacea for curbing crime.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon, made this call during a courtesy visit on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, in Ikeja.

The GOC, who frowned at the inter rivalry between the police and the military, blamed the authority at the helm of affairs of both services.
He said the reason for his visit was to chart a new course for peace to reign between policemen and soldiers.


To start with, he said he has been preaching to his men against quarreling or fighting with any policeman in public because it was against the constitution of the Nigerian army.

He said: “The Nigerian army is ready to close ranks with the police as far as security is concerned in Lagos. I have gone round and heard a lot of issue and problems that exist in various parts of the state such as militancy, cultism, armed robbery, piracy, activities of pipeline vandals and so many other threats.

“I must however, commend the CP and his lieutenants for what they are doing since he took over. I have seen the way and manner peace has reigned in the state through your community policing drive.

“There is however need for synergy. I have gone round my units and have been preaching one sermon which is synergy and cooperation with the police and other services including those at the border.

“I am here today to foster that synergy. I want us to take this inter- service cooperation to another level like it is in Niger Delta where I come from.

“Between January and now, you can notice the disgraceful and unbecoming issue cropping up between security agencies in Lagos.

“The CP, other senior police officers and I are to be held responsible for this inter-service rivalry.”

He added: “If a soldier continues to see police as his enemy and a fight ensues in the process, it is not the soldier or rank and file policeman that should be held responsible but the CP and me.

“This is because we have not fostered a situation where such inter-service rivalry will be eliminated.

“ From today, based on this understanding, partnership and what is happening here today, I want to believe there won’t be any situation where police and soldiers will be seen fighting.”

He, therefore, urged senior police officers present to take the message back to their units and commands.

To solidify the move, the GOC said joint trainings, route match, show of force should be held between both sides regularly to pass the message of inter-service synergy.

In his response, the CP, who described the GOC’s visit as apt, said the synergy between the security agencies in Lagos was next to none, pointing out that some breakthroughs recorded by the command had been in joint collaboration with the military in particular.

Giving instances, he mentioned the role played by the military in tackling the menace of the Badoo ritual gang in Ikorodu and its environs.

He said: “We may have different roles but we are working for the same government and have same mandate of ensuring that peace reigns.

“It is also our duty to control our men. Unfortunately, as human beings, there might be misunderstandings, but we must quickly rise above that so the situation does not escalate.”

He assured the general that the command under his watch would not only strengthen the synergy but would build a platform where subsequent CPs would toe the line.

Residents of Ekwuru community, 100 Foot Road between Okpuno-Uzodike and Okpuno-Egbu, Nnewi, Anambra State are living in perpetual fear over a dreaded erosion site that has already destroyed more than fifty buildings in the area.


Palace Secretary of Uruagu community leader under whose domain the problem is raging, Prince Obi Nwabufo told our reporter that the ecological problem has been there for the past 30 years with the erosion eating the site slowly but steadily until now that it has swallowed series of buildings and some lives lost.


“Most of our people have lost their residential houses, farmlands and other belongings to the erosion menace. That you were told over 50 buildings have been destroyed by the erosion is not an exaggeration counting from when the problem started. It is more than that. The erosion has been there for over 30 years and despite several appeals made to the government nothing has been done about it. It has been all promises. All the buildings around there are all gone and many are still under threat. Government should do something about it and urgently, too before we become internally displaced since it is advancing to sack us. We are begging,” Prince Nwabufo said.


One of the elders of the community, Innocent Azubuike said he returned from the North East of Nigeria to start life afresh after his livelihood had been devastated by the Boko Haram insurgents only to discover that all his farm lands had been washed away by the erosion.


Newson9ja learnt that a culvert was built around the site during President Ibrahim Babangida’s military regime which was the government presence that could be found around the erosion site since it started. And obviously the erosion is fast moving towards the popular multibillionaire Nkwo Nnewi motorcycles market. The market is only a f



ew metres away from the site. A couple of residential buildings were seen helplessly standing around the edges of the erosion site which may not survive another round of rainy season.


A school proprietor, Mr Ibenezim Stephen whose school is almost consumed by the erosion menace explained that it was during President Babangida’s administration through the then Finance Minister, Chief Chu Okongwu that the erosion was controlled by an engineering company.

“After the attempt to control it that time, people started excavating sand, iron and other scraps at the site and that continued without being checked. We have complained to local, State and Federal governments about what is happening there, yet non of them has come to our rescue while the erosion continues to eat deep down the site,” he complained.


Mr Stephen noted that the community members had before it got out of their control spent a lot of money trying to fight it, planting giant bamboo trees, all to no avail. He said that each time it rained people living around the site would be afraid of the unknown.


“Not quite long ago, two brothers going to market fell into the erosion gully and died. There was a case of another pregnant woman who fell into the site with her bike and died. We are not talking about the number of buildings already destroyed and the occupants displaced and devastated. The erosion has already caused a lot of havoc,” he recounted.


Mr Stephen appealed to the Federal Ministry of Works and Anambra State Ministry of Environment to come and at least verify the cry of the community members before it becomes too late.

more photos at http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/photos-30yrs-erosion-menace-swallows.html[b][/b]

The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), has launched a new campaign that would, expectedly, herald a significant boost in available safe and quality blood for patients.

NBTS, in conjunction with Trauma Care International Foundation (TCIF), said they have concluded plans for advocacy campaign for voluntary blood donation in multiple locations in Nigeria next weekend.


The agencies were worried that insignificant 10 percent of blood donors are voluntary donors, while family replacement and commercial donations account for 30 and 60 percent respectively.

They were optimistic that the new campaign will expose Nigerians to health benefits of periodic voluntary blood donation, and most importantly for the survival of others.

Senior Executive Officer of TCIF, Dr. Olajumoke Akisanya, at a press conference in Abuja, on Tuesday, neutralized the fear that regular blood donation expose donors to diseases that could, perhaps, lead to untimely death.

“On the contrary, regular blood donors, aside other health benefits, enjoy longevity and good health because of the regular exit and replacement of Red Blood Cells after every 120 days,” she said.


Meanwhile, NBTS National Coordinator, Dr. Oluwatoyin Smith, who was represented by Dr. Olusola Idowu, said the objective of campaign was to get minimum of10, 000 persons that would regularly donate safe and quality blood voluntarily, for use in hospitals.

She reiterated that 1.8 million units of blood was required annually in Nigeria to meet the blood need of patients in hospitals.

“But records at the National blood data is discouraging. The implication is that patients lack timely access to blood transfusion in cases of emergency. That result in untimely death.

“She was optimistic that the campaign will convince Nigerians to freely donate blood for patients.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/nbts-begins-campaign-for-improved-blood.html

Hope rose for improved power supply in the country Tuesday as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) said electricity generation and supply have rebounded to 3, 876.9MW after losing 1,087.6 MW to poor gas supply to six of the nation’s thermal stations last Sunday.

The TCN had reported the huge generation loss, which brought generation down to 2,909 MW and threatened to throw the nation into darkness, alluding rupture to the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) pipeline transporting gas to the thermal stations as the cause of the disruption.


The challenge led to the shutdown of Ihovbor, Azura, Omotosho, Geregu, Olorunsogo, and Sapele power plants.

But TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, stated in a statement to THISDAY in Abuja Tuesday that gas supply to the Gencos was gradually building up, adding that within a day or two, electricity generation and supply would be restored to normalcy.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) hereby states that there is significant improvement in gas supply to power generating plants. NNPC has restored the ruptured pipeline and gas is gradually building up in most generating stations and in a day or two days it is expected that gas and power supply would be back to normal,” said Mbah.

She further stated: “An indication that gas supply has improved is the increase in power generation into the national grid. As reported by the NCC (National Control Centre), supply has risen to 3,876.9MW as at 17.00hrs on Monday, June 18, 2018.”

While commending stakeholders in the power sector for what she said was a quick response to the drop in power generation and supply, Mbah noted that as soon as the gas build-up was completed, all the affected generating stations will resume normal generation into the grid.

“TCN wishes to use this opportunity to commend NNPC, especially NGC (Nigerian Gas Company) for the quick intervention and also appreciates the Ministry of Power, Gencos, Discos and electricity customers for their cooperation during the crises period,” Mbah, stated.

According to her, the TCN would through the implementation of its Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme (TREP), build new substations as well as upgrade existing ones and transmission lines all over the country.

She said: “This is expected to further stabilise the grid and also put necessary flexibility and redundancy in line with N-1 capacity. TCN will continue to count on all Nigerians for support and understanding as it continues to expand the nation’s grid.”

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/hope-rises-for-better-power-supply-as.html

Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, yesterday said he would not waste the state’s scarce resources on building fanciful projects like flyovers at the expense of the people’s real needs in health, education and access roads.

Addressing civil servants and heads of government agencies led by Head of Service, Dr. Buhari Kware Bello, who paid him a visit during the Sallah celebration, Tambuwal said the state’s needs were different from other states, particularly those constructing bridges and flyovers.

His words: “Our needs are completely different from state to state and our priorities are not the same. I will not use Sokoto money to construct flyovers or bridges. These are not the priorities of the state. Our priorities are tailored toward the needs of our people.


“What we need in Sokoto, particularly for our people in the rural areas are not bridges and flyovers, which are projects in billions, but what they need are smaller projects like basic health clinics, cottage hospital and industries, feeder roads, school infrastructure and scholarships to encourage more learning.”

He argued that the costs of providing these needs run into billions and that was why the state government was focusing on the particular areas because it desires to change all negative indices of development in education, health and other sectors associated with the state in the past.

He, however, lamented that with his administration’s efforts to increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base, its IGR was still less than N700 million monthly. Whereas Lagos generates over N15 billion monthly, while Rivers generates revenues in billions.

“We cannot compare ourselves with them, but when you look at what comes to the state from the federation account, it hardly meets our needs because we have a huge wage bill and the little from our IGR cannot foot projects that cost billions.

“We know some states around us that concentrate on huge projects, but we are reminding those comparing us with them that this administration will embark on projects and policies designed to meet the needs of the people and change the negative narration about the state. Education, for instance, would be pursued with vigour.

He explained that efforts have been intensified in the past three years to spread small-scale projects to the rural areas in health, education, construction of feeder roads and award of scholarships, which he noted, run into billions and were still outstanding.

Speaking, Bello commended Tambuwal for making payment of workers’ salaries and allowances a priority and pledged the workers support in the successful execution of the state programmes.

http://www.akelicious.net/2018/06/we-wont-waste-states-scarce-resources.html