₦airaland Forum

The Association of Indigenous Students of Kogi state on Friday, has appealed the state governor, Yahaya Bello to either pay the agreed bursary incentives or refund the N650 used to register for the scholarship scheme.

Recall a portal was launched by Kogi state government last year where Kogi state students nationwide applied for a bursary incentives at N650 per student as application fee.

However, it is over a year since students applied for the bursary but the Kogi state government never find it worthy to consider the payment of the bursary to the students who have taken to the social media to express their grievances over what they describe as negligence on the part of the former to meet the needs of the students.

According to reports, several government functionaries like the Chief of staff, Mr. Edward Onoja promised in last June that the bursary will be paid in July but nothing has been done in this regard.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogi-students-to-gov-bello-give-us-our-bursary-or-return-our-n650

Why some northern cities banned okada riders from plying through the highways, Lagos now haven to hundreds of thousands, causing sorrows and pains to many families and increasing the rate of crime in recent time due to their activities.

It is also believed by many that the operation of okada riders particularly at Mile 2 and Badagry area of Lagos has really been alarming and demands urgent attention from the government to make life easier for the residents who have become victims to this anomaly.

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL2UWX7be_Y

Relief for all #SexForGrades victims as Former Southwest Coordinator, National Association of Nigerian Students, Sunday Ashefon launched the ‘name and shame method’ as a viable weapon to expose lecturers sexually assaulting students.

According to the student leader, ‘NANS Sexual Harassment Register’, an online register, had been opened for students who had been assaulted sexually either for marks or cash by both male and female lecturers.

The NANS presidential aspirant and student of Ekiti State University, who made the link, https:///2OBwzFx, available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, on Saturday, described “Name and Shame as a viable weapon to expose any lecturer whose name was repeatedly mentioned by students of the same university”.

The former NANS Southwest coordinator, who is leading the campaign, according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Pelumi Fasogbon, has vowed to publish a graphical result of the poll when he eventually becomes the NANS president.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/relief-as-nans-leader-launches-name-and-shame-method-to-curb-sexf

The Association of Indigenous Students of Kogi state on Friday, has appealed the state governor, Yahaya Bello to either pay the agreed bursary incentives or refund the N650 used to register for the scholarship scheme.

Recall a portal was launched by Kogi state government last year where Kogi state students nationwide applied for a bursary incentives at N650 per student as application fee.

However, it is over a year since students applied for the bursary but the Kogi state government never find it worthy to consider the payment of the bursary to the students who have taken to the social media to express their grievances over what they describe as negligence on the part of the former to meet the needs of the students.

According to reports, several government functionaries like the Chief of staff, Mr. Edward Onoja promised in last June that the bursary will be paid in July but nothing has been done in this regard.

Similarly, one Mr. Levels Pumping who is the Special Senior Adviser to Kogi state governor on students affairs also promised that the students' bursary incentives will be paid before the end of last month (September) but failed to keep to the side of the bargain.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogi-students-to-gov-bello-give-us-our-bursary-or-return-our-n650

The Lagos State House of Assembly has threatened to issue a warrant of arrest on the former governor of the state, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, and four others who served in his administration as commissioners.

This decision followed two preliminary reports presented on Thursday by two ad-hoc committees set up by the House to investigate the 820 buses purchased by Mr Ambode and to appraise the 2019 mid-year budget.
The former commissioners involved are Mr Kazeem Adeniji (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice), Olusegun Banjo (Commissioner for Budget), Akinyemi Ashade (Commissioner for Finance), and Wale Oluwo (Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources).

Presenting the preliminary report of a nine-man ad-hoc committee to probe the purchase of the 820 buses, the committee chairman, Fatai Mojeed, said that it was discovered that due process was not followed.

He added that the former governor used the refund of the Paris Club for the purchase of the busses without the approval of the House.

He (Ambode) did not inform the House before commencing the purchase of the buses. Over N48 billion was spent on the purchase of the busses and N22 Billion was spent on import duties.

“520 of the buses are still at the seaport,” Mojeed told his colleagues during plenary.

He said the Accountant General of the State told the committee that she depended on the approval of Mr Ambode for the purchase of the busses and no payment voucher was made available to the committee.

The lawmaker also explained that they demanded the budget instrument used for the purchase, but there was no budgetary provision for it.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/breaking-plot-to-arrest-ambode-thickens-lagos-assembly-to-sign-ar

Commissions project in grand-style...

A member of the National Youth Service Corps, Moses Stephen Teru, on Thursday handed over classroom facilities to his host community in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River.

Teru who used the little resources available coupled with his skill to produce desks, tables, benches and shelves for the comfort of over 80 pupils in two public schools, St. Georges Primary school and community Secondary school, Old Netim Akamkpa.

The corps member, a graduate of Zoology from the University of Jos, got a lot of praises for his philanthropy by meeting the need of the moment.

He told VANGUARD he got massive support from the host community to execute the project.

“I actually didn’t need much money. The community has abundant forest reserve. Trees good for timber. So, they sponsored the sawing while I took over from there.”

At the commissioning ceremony of the project on Thursday, The State Coordinator, NYSC Cross River state, Mr. Eddy Megwa, The Clan Head of Old Netim who was represented by NtufamRaphael Mbe, The Head Teacher of St. Georges Primary school, Old Netim, Chief Cletus Ibuni, was present as well as other officials of the NYSC.

“We appreciate the activities of this corper for this project,” said the NYSC state coordinator, adding that, “In the production of this kind of work, there is no government that can pay him. So, NYSC family, NYSC Cross River is proud, and he (Stephen Teru) is a distinguished corps member that we are very proud of.”

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/photos-corps-member-who-uses-carpentry-skills-to-produce-transfor

Corps member, Matthew Teru while handing over his Community Development Service (CDS) project for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Thursday, says he dreams of beating Dangote's record in the coming years if only he continues making impact.

Teru, a graduate of Zoology from the University of Jos, gave classroom facilities to two community schools in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River where he was posted for his primary assignment.

While speaking with VANGUARD on phone, the corps member made known his plans to build a formidable business across states in Nigeria.

"I would like to further my education but most importantly, I dream of building my business to at least six states across Nigeria."

When asked if he could beat Dangote’s record as the richest man in the nearest future, he said: "(Laughs)… it’s good to be rich because affluence makes it easier to reach out to more souls, and in turn, helps to transform the society at large. However, it’s not competition.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/i-want-to-beat-dangote-s-record-in-the-nearest-future-says-corps-

9th October, 2019

My fellow Nigerians,

This open letter is necessitated by the issues of urgent national importance connected with the just concluded First phase of my project “School Visitation” aimed at knowing the standard of educational sector of the government-owned schools in my Local Government Area (Igalamela/Odolu). Also, the aim of this letter is to communicate and share my thoughts, and try to be a voice for my people who may be thinking of something to say but, for some reasons, may not be able to say it or not have the platform to say it; using this platform to be a voice for the people of IGALAMELA ODOLU, most especially the youths who can’t speak for themselves.

My people, I wasn’t born with a talent of political correctness so, I like you to give me the permission of being blunt in my wordings. First, on my two days tour around my LGA, where I visited 19 schools (The names of the school will be listed out in the last paragraph of this piece), I want to register my displeasure with the state of government schools in IGALAMELA ODOLU Local government. In all the government schools, I saw a lot till my tears buds peppered me. I’m a product of government school too. I was never for once made to learn in such an environment. I stand to be corrected anywhere and under any authority that the state of government schools in IGALAMELA/ODOLU local government to be precised is extremely appalling and worth shouting out about. For instances, in some schools, they had just two teachers in the whole school; one of them is the head teacher and also the teacher who handles primary 4-6 all in just a classroom. Is it the state of the buildings or teaching amenities they lack? Where doesn’t the tale get worst? The buildings are old and highly dilapidated, no library, no laboratories, limited classrooms, collapsing roofs, grass infected compounds, no play grounds for the kids etc.

I was moved in LGEA primary school, Ujeji to a down pour of hot tears when a student caught my attention. A little orphan in primary four who hasn’t had the privilege to wear a uniform ever because his acclaimed guardian couldn’t assembly N1500 in four years. What baffled me is that he topped his class from primary One till now. The head teacher gifts him with notebooks because she refused to give up on him. Right there, I asked how much could get him a uniform with socks and sandals, I made it available for him.

Dear Nigerians, let me remind you, these children are supposed to be the future professional accountants, Medical doctors, Lawyers, Journalist, Pilot, and bankers etc. These are one out of many stories that swept into my ears. My gifts weren’t enough! Thes children need more than just exercise books, pen, a copy of NINA’S DIARY and my kind hug. The worst pains you can feel is the pains of your tears falling inward; this is the pains of the teachers I met in the various 19 schools I visited.

I write this, not as a journalist, a snide or a government’s watchdog but as an indigenous daughter of Igalamela/Odolu who has seen THE FUTURES OF MY LAND gradually vanishing away. I beseech you all by the mercies of God almighty to come to our aid. We are tired of waiting for the government of Kogi to help us while we watch on, as the leaders of tomorrow find it hard to find their real identities as leaders. I implore the NGOs, brands, quiet and known philanthropist in and around the world, UBE, ECOWAS, UN, Missionary bodies and well-meaning Nigerians to help me in my quest for the children to see the bigger future. As little as N1000, a primary student can wear uniforms. A cement block goes for N180 per 1. We can give them more classes to learn in. Not forgetting the fountain of knowledge; more teachers. Help me rebroadcast till it reaches the right consumers. I do believe if you want to see everlasting growth, train children.

Here are the names of the 19 schools as stated above: LGEA primary school, Opada LGEA primary school, Ujeji LGEA primary school, Ojokuta LGEA primary school, Ofeagugu LGEA primary school, Emachi LGEA primary school, Ajaka R.C.M school, UBE/JSS(RCM) Ajaka COMM, Secondary school, Ajaka UBE/JSS Ogbogba LGEA primary school, Ogbogba COMM, Secondary school, Ogbogba G.S.S.C, Ajaka LGEA primary Ibochi COMM, Secondary School, Ogbogbo LGEA primary school, Ogbogbo COMM, Secondary school Oforachi LGEA primary school, and Oforachi LGEA primary, Ugbatugba.

God bless You!
God bless Nigeria!

Your Sincerely,
Idakwo Ajanigo Juliet
MISS IGALAMELA 18/19
idakwojuliet@gmail.com

At the Kogi west PDP stakeholders meeting in kabba today to harmonise activities towards the polls and reconcile major rancor in the state amongst party members.

In his words, Senator Dino Melaye in his charismatic manner made a charging remark with reassured party members of a possible working relationship marching towards the campaign in the state.

“Today I am not DG of the Campaign, but I will work harder than the DG of the PDP Campaign to ensure our victory over Yahaya Bello” – Sen. Dino Melaye said.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogi-2019-i-will-work-harder-than-the-pdp-campaign-dg-to-remove-y

The National Youth Service Corps(NYSC) has established a South-West Area Office in Osun.

Mr Adewale Adegoke, the NYSC Coordinator in Osun, disclosed this while addressing a news conference on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Adegoke said the area office would be in charge of all the six states in the SouthWest Zone and would be saddled with the responsibility of monitoring the mobilisation of corps members.

He said the large number of corps members being turned out on a yearly basis necessitated the establishment of the area office.

Adegoke also warned corps members against absconding from the one year mandatory service, saying the action was against Section 3 (1b) of NYSC Act.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/just-in-nysc-opens-south-west-office-in-osun

It's been four months since the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo visited Apapa port with many Lagosians still anticipating to see the end to the gridlock that's become a major setback to the nation's economy.

According to some quarters, the coming of His Excellency to the area has since brought a bit relief to the residents and motorists who ply through the road on daily basis, not until recently where there seems to be a 'change of hand' as the situation is now becoming unbearable for road users especially workers who more often than not get to their places of work late.

I could vividly recall my encounter on the road recently where I had to trek many miles as a result of the bike I boarded that was struck in the gridlock. It was really an eyesore!

Many people stood still in the gridlock for hours as there was no way for free flow of both pedestrians and road users because of the heavy duty vehicles that were parked on both sides of the road.

Going by this backdrop, it's expedient to remind the authorities concerned to fasten their seat belts as delay might rather be dangerous, considering the haphazard effects of this issue at stake on the masses who now rely on the power of the pen to get their voice heard.

Inasmuch as we urge the government to do the needful, we should also ensure that we play our part as patriotic citizens of Nigeria by following the directives of the security operatives so as to have a free flow of vehicles in the affected areas.

Timi Dakolo, popular Nigerian singer, has reacted to the footage exposing Boniface Igbeneghu, a lecturer with the University of Lagos for sexual harassment.

Dakolo condemned Igbeneghu for praying before sexually harassing the undercover agent posing as admission seeker.

A documentary by BBC exposed Igbeneghu for demanding sex from an undercover journalist posing as an admission seeker.

Recall that Igbeneghu is a former sub-dean of Faculty of Art and head pastor of local Foursquare Gospel Church.

The church had seen suspended the alleged randy Pastor and distanced itself from Igbeneghu.

In the video, a lecturer with UNILAG and pastor, Boniface Igbeneghu was secretly filmed demanding sex from an admission seeker.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/boniface-igbeneghu-which-god-was-foursquare-pastor-praying-to-dur

Gunmen have abducted no fewer than eight persons in Pegi village located in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The abduction took place Monday night.

The gunmen, said to have dressed in military camouflage, fired shots at two vehicles, a Toyota and Nissan Frontier.

It was gathered that occupants were wounded.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/just-in-gunmen-storm-abuja-kidnap-eight-people-in-kuje

The Kogi State gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Barr. Natasha Akpoti has expressed optimism that she will contest and win the November 16 gubernatorial election in the State, and will become Nigeria's first female governor in the history of the state and Nigeria at large.

She made this assertion while addressing a large crowd of supporters who paid her a courtesy call on Sunday to reiterate their support and conviction in her candidacy.

"I warmly welcome you all and want to use this opportunity to appreciate the immense support I have enjoyed from you so far and your continued belief in my candidacy. I want to assure you that with your solid support and votes, my resolve to lead Kogi state to unprecedented progress and become the first female governor since the creation of the state in 1991 is unwavering.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogidecides2019-i-will-be-the-first-female-gov-in-nigeria-natasha

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) standard flag bearer for the Kogi 2019 governorship election, Wada Musa on Saturday, was spotted sharing tears of joy as he received massive crowd during one of his campaigns in the state.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on anonymity said the people came out in large numbers to welcome the PDP candidate who they all see as their rescuer from the long suffering in the state.

Recall Nairaland posted on Friday that Wada stormed Kogi in anticipation for the November 16 gubernatorial election that will decide the fate of the state for the next four years.

The People's Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the November 16 election, Musa Wada on Friday was spotted with mammoth crowd at his Local Government Area, Dekina.

Wada who started his governorship campaign from Itobe plying through to some other areas in Kogi East where he hailed from, was able to canvass massive support from the people of Kogi ahead of the forthcoming election in the state.

See photos below:
http://community.vanguardngr.com/profiles/blogs/photos-massive-turnout-as-pdp-guber-candidate-wada-storms-kogi

President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ambassador Oladele Nihi has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently consider the conferment of Nigeria's National Honours of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) on Stephen Teru, the youth corps member who volunteered his skill to produce desks, tables, benches and shelves for the comfort of over 80 students and pupils.

The leader of the apex Youth body in Nigeria also asked the Federal Government to assist Teru in the furniture business so as to encourage him further use his skill to produce more furnitures for public schools in rural areas in Nigeria.

"Stephen Teru is one of many Nigerian Youths we should not just be proud of but encourage. He has been magnanimous enough to use the little he has to bailout a whole community school. It is indeed a no-mean feat. Nigerian Youths are on daily basis breaking records both at the continental levels and the world at large with little or no support from government.

"This is why we are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency consider Teru for the National Honours Award.This will no doubt encourage other Youth Corp Members to serve faithfully, diligently and use their skills and creativity to contribute to the country particularly the rural areas where they are posted to serve," the youth ambassador said.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/4565467:Topic:2878429

It was a sad news for the people of Ogbomoso on Thursday as Alagba, a giant female land tortoise believed to have lived in the palace of the king of Ogbomoso for 344 years died.

The death of Alagba has been making rounds over the social media for the past few hours while some persons still find the story unbelievable.

It's against this background VANGUARD gathered some documented facts as provided by the Private Secretary to Oba Oyewumi, Toyin Ajamu on the origin of Alagba.

Here are some notable things to know about the oldest tortoise in Africa, Alagba:

Origin

Alagba was born in the year 1675 in the old Oyo town, which is now being referred to as Ogbomoso.

In deference to its age, it is called Alagba, which means ”the elderly one” in Yoruba.

In Ogbomoso, where the legendary tortoise lumbers about in the palatial grounds of the king, it is almost a sacrilege to refer to Alagba as a mere tortoise. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.

See full story: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/12-things-to-know-about-the-oldest-tortoise-in-africa-alagb

It was a sad news for the people of Ogbomoso on Thursday as Alagba, a giant female land tortoise believed to have lived in the palace of the king of Ogbomoso for 344 years died.

The death of Alagba has been making rounds over the social media for the past few hours while some persons still find the story unbelievable.

It's against this backdrop VANGUARD gathered some documented facts as provided by the Private Secretary to Oba Oyewumi, Toyin Ajamu on the origin of Alagba.

Here are some notable things to know about the oldest tortoise in Africa, Alagba:

Origin

Alagba was born in the year 1675 in the old Oyo town, which is now being referred to as Ogbomoso.

In deference to its age, it is called Alagba, which means ”the elderly one” in Yoruba.

In Ogbomoso, where the legendary tortoise lumbers about in the palatial grounds of the king, it is almost a sacrilege to refer to Alagba as a mere tortoise. The tortoise played host to many monarchs in Ogbomoso in the past.

See full story: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/12-things-to-know-about-the-oldest-tortoise-in-africa-alagb

A significant percentage of Nigerians, who responded to Vanguard opinion poll on Monday, have described the 59th Independence of Nigeria as not worthy of celebration as a result of the present economic situation among other setbacks in the country.

The VANGUARD, had in the poll posted on its Facebook page on Monday at 3pm asked, “Nigeria @ 59: What do you think Nigerians should be celebrating?”

Following the reactions gathered from a total of 2, 000 respondents, 1, 200 representing 60 per cent of the total number of respondents said the 59th Independence of Nigeria does not worth celebrating. Based on the information gathered, most of the reasons given centred on the economy, security of lives and properties of Nigerians among other crises that have jeopardised the tranquility of the country in recent times.

On the other hand, a total of 250 respondents representing 20.8 per cent were not decisive as they voted ‘can’t say’ while the other 18. 2 per cent were of the affirmative.

Similarly, on a field survey conducted by Vanguard on Monday, 70 per cent of 50 respondents said that the 59th Independence does not worth celebrating while 30 per cent on the other hand affirmed to the above poll.

The respondents called on the Federal government to make the economy of the country its top priority, adding that prices of food items are now on the high side with little or no money to purchase them.

In his reaction, Mr. Chigozie Abu said: “I think the celebration does not really worth it. People are suffering here and there, unemployment is on the high side and we keep repeating this cycle year in, year out. As you can see, we have a large percentage of graduates on the streets looking for work to do but the sad news is that there is no even any job one can get let alone of getting a suitable employment. My message to Federal government on this day is to create more job opportunities for the teeming youths and ensure the economy work again.”

Collaborating with the above view, CountryMan said: “I’m a Biafran and I don’t see any reason to celebrate Nigeria because I have lost my faith in the country as result of the failure of our leaders who more often than not are self-centred and anti-people. The only thing we need now is a referendum via dialogue and that’s when things we get better.”

Another respondent who identified himself as Adelekan Kehinde said: “Hmm… my reaction is that, this independence should really favour us. So, my prayer is that as we celebrate this year Independence, we should experience good thing all around. Amen. “

Following the reactions gathered on Facebook, most of the respondents were of the opinion that the government should step up towards ensuring a better Nigeria where development will be visible in all facets of its economy.

A user who goes by the name Christian Igbokwe said: “The Nigeria state should be ashamed of their leaders, and disunity amongst the ethnic groups and individuals, none adherence of the people and the leaders to the rule of law, nepotism, corruption, lawlessness, Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen, flaunting of court order, fake leaders, lies and deception, stealing, kidnapping etc. In fact, Nigeria has nothing to celebrate as long as I am concerned, with these evils before every other nations of the world why...?” he asked.

On her part, Sinatranero D*** said: “What should you celebrate, that Nigeria today looks very much like an extensive psychiatric asylum with Aso rock as it's intensive care unit and Bubu as the chief medical director. Well, there is nothing worth celebrating if you may ask me. We should start doing things right as a nation and see things getting better us as people with distinct backgrounds.”

On the contrary opinion, Joseph Idemudia said: “I think Nigeria should be celebrating twenty years of uninterrupted democracy. Although, our democracy is still crawling, we are hopeful that we shall get right some day. For the past twenty years, we have not heard Marshal Music on our radio and TV channels with the statement: "My fellow countrymen". I think this is worth celebrating.”

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/nigeriaat59-celebration-not-worth-it-nigerians

Elder statesman, Gen Alani Akinrinade, retd, who is 80 today, in this article, VANGUARD gathered some vital information surrounding his birth, career in the Nigeria Military Force and stewardship to Nigeria as a nation.

Akinrinade was born on 3 October 1939 at Yakoyo near Ile Ife, Osun State old Oyo State. He attended Offa Grammar School for his secondary education (1954–1958).

He worked at the Ministry of Agriculture in the Western Region, Ibadan (1959–1960). Joining the army.

He began officer cadet training at the Royal Nigeria Military Forces Training College, Kaduna in April 1960.

He went to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom (August 1960).

He was commissioned as second lieutenant in the Infantry Corps on 20 December 1962.

Later, he took the Infantry Officer Career/Airborne Course in the USA (August 1965 - July 1966).

Akinrinade attended Staff College Camberley (January - December 1971) and attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom (January - December 1978).

He rose steadily through the ranks. He was promoted lieutenant on 29 March 1963, captain on 29 Mar 1965, major on 10 June 1967, lieutenant colonel on 11 May 1968, colonel on 1 October 1972, brigadier general on 1 October 1974 and major general on 1 January 1976.

He held various infantry appointments, becoming commander of the Ibadan Garrison (1970–1971) and GOC of 1 Infantry Division (1975–1979).

He was a member of the Supreme Military Council during the military regime of General Murtala Muhammed and Olusegun Obasanjo (1975–1979).

He was promoted to lieutenant general on 2 October 1979 and appointed Chief of Army Staff, and then became Chief of Defence Staff in 1980, during the civilian administration of Shehu Shagari.

He voluntarily retired from service with effect from 2 October 1981.

After retirement, Akinrinade engaged in large-scale farming and was chairman of Niger Feeds and Agriculture Operations (1982–1985).

In 1976 when Dimka killed the Head of State, Gen Murtala Mohammed, Akinrinade made a statement that foiled the coup. He was credited to have said that what was happening in Lagos didn’t affect other parts of Nigeria.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/20-things-you-don-t-know-about-akinrinade

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has finally released its official timetable for the 2019 Batch C mobilisation.

See the photo below:

Armed men have abducted six schoolgirls and two teachers after raiding a private secondary school in Kaduna State, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The attackers stormed Engravers College, a mixed-gender school in Sabo, Chikun Local Government Area, at about 12:10 a.m., the school’s bursar, Elvis Allah-Yaro, told newsmen.

A mother told newsmen her 16-year-old senior secondary school two student was amongst those abducted at the college.

“Security personnel have started investigation and search for the girls and the two staff members that were kidnapped,” Mr Allah-Yaro said by telephone Thursday afternoon. He added that the Kaduna State commissioner in charge of security had arrived the scene and coordinating rescue efforts with security.

The school official confirmed six students and two staff members abducted.

A spokesperson for the police in Kaduna, Yakubu Abubakar Sabo, could not immediately give comments about the development, telling newsmen he would revert after making findings.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/breaking-gunmen-storm-kaduna-school-abduct-six-schoolgirls-two-te

Veteran actress, Rita Daniels is due to release her latest flick, ‘The Enemy I Know’ in the cinemas across the country from October 11, 2019. According to the mother of fast-rising actress, Regina Daniels, the movie thriller is the first of its kind, produced to give Nigerian movie lovers a value for money.

‘The Enemy I Know,’ is about a billionaire, Anthony Adewale, who died under suspicious circumstance. Every member of his family scramble for his wealth after his death. Who is the enemy within?

Commenting on it, she said, “The movie will be hitting the cinemas on October 11, 2019. It has a very strong societal message. It is about the happenings in our every day life “.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/10/regina-daniels-mum-sets-cinemas-on-fire-with-her-new-movie/

The trial of Senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Senator Dino Melaye over certain criminal charges continues on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo Abuja.

Senator Melaye is facing six-count criminal charges before Justice Sylvester Orji. The charges, findings revealed included attempted suicide, attempt to escape from police custody, damage to police property, mischiefs and threat to public servants.

Justice Orji had at the last sitting adjourned to October 3 and 10 for the embattled senator to present his witnesses and close his case.

But there has been an unconfirmed report that Senator Melaye has been making overtures to certain governors on the platform of the All Progressives Congress who have the ears of President Muhammadu Buhari to seek soft landing for him by ensuring that the charges against him were quashed.

A party source further argued that it was on the basis of the alleged deal that the senator representing Kogi west rebuffed moves by the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party who wanted him to assume the position of Director-General of the Wada Campaign Organisation ahead of the November 16 governorship election.

Senator Melaye who was incidentally one of the aspirants for the PDP ticket lost out to Engineer Musa Wada.

The latter won the ticket having polled a total of 748 votes to defeat his closed opponent Ibrahim Abubakar, who polled 710 votes.

Senator Melaye came a distant fourth in the result declared by the election committee headed by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri.

The senator representing Kogi west gave no reason for declining to accept the assignment of the Director-General of the Kogi State Governorship Campaign Council.

In a message he released on his twitter handle, he only wrote: “Let me state categorically that I have turned down the position of the Director-General of the Kogi State Governorship Campaign Council.

“I wish PDP all the best. When the truth is a casualty, there is chaos.”

A source close to Senator Melaye, however, dismissed insinuation of overtures to either President Buhari or the incumbent governor and APC candidate in the forthcoming election, Governor Yahaya Bello.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/attempted-suicide-dino-melaye-s-trial-continues-thursday

Following the celebration of the 59th Independence of Nigeria on Tuesday, the Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello says Kogi has been faring well under his watch while listing out various projects embarked upon within the last four years of his administration.

Speaking on his achievements, Bello said that his administration had delivered electricity to over 200 communities across the state.especially in the Eastern flank and the Lokoja/Koto Kar axis of Kogi West.

He added that he had also inaugurated the Project Light Up Kogi East (PLUKE) for accelerated electrification of at least another 200 communities in Kogi East.

”We have also taken tremendous strides in the provision of physical and engineering infrastructure and utilities of all types, such as major link and township road networks, electricity projects, rural water schemes, primary and secondary healthcare centres, specialist health programmes and empowerment initiatives for youths, women and other sections of our populace.

”The second largest rice mill in Northern Nigeria is ready for commissioning at Ejiba in Yagba East of Kogi West.

”It is supported with about 800 hectares of cultivated rice and will provide between 3000 to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs. It will also serve as an off-taker for many of our farmers,” he said.

He further noted the state in 2019, ranked the 7th top performer among all the states and FCT in basic education according to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

”We have renovated, or constructed from scratch, over 375 basic education schools across the state.

”Our secondary schools and Tertiary institutions have enjoyed serious attention from the administration, both in the provision of enhanced learning materials and physical infrastructure.

”As a result, several Tertiary institutions were able to receive accreditation for critical courses which have been outstanding for years,” Bello said.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/kogi-has-been-faring-well-under-my-watch-gov-bello-boasts-of-achi

Do you think Nigeria's 59th Independence really worth celebrating?

It's been 59 years since Nigeria gained her independence after some concerted efforts put together by the nationalists such as the likes of Late Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli, Nnamdi Azikwe et al. who at the expense of their lives fought for the freedom we are enjoying today.

The story of Nigeria has an interesting beginning with a lot of lessons to learn from.

Nigeria got her independence on October 1 1960 at a time when the nation was on the verge of opting out of the indirect rule system adopted by the British Colony.

The nation since its inception has been experiencing one form of transition to another with an inference spectacular to the dichotomous views surrounding its political standing among countries in the world.

With its rich political background, Nigeria has what it takes to become not just the giant of Africa but also a reference point to the rest of the world in terms of the vast knowledge of some of her political gladiators.

Based on the foregoing, it is expedient we reflect on some of the pitfalls of Nigeria in the past years of her history as a nation.

First and foremost, there is no any government in the world that's 100% perfect in its activities and international relations with other allied countries. Thus, Nigeria cannot be envisaged at this point to be 100% right in its policy implementation or goal planning. At such, we can only be better by building our political system around the legacies of our past heroes, which I believe can be improved upon.

As part of its pitfalls, Nigeria's democracy has been overtime faulted on grounds of irregularities, which most time arises from political violence generated by some greedy politicians who more often than not use youths as political tools to get what they want particularly during elections.

We cannot pretend that all is well if we keep rejecting the right way of getting things done particularly in the 21st century where things are done within a speed of light. Nigerians are longing to see a country where election will be conducted free and fair, violent free and credibly without any external force interfering with the polity. This can be achievable if only we all leave our sentiments aside and stand for the continuity of our democracy.

Read more at: http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/nigeria-59-divided-nation-disintegrated-voices

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says Inspector Michael Olubode is already facing internal disciplinary procedure for inappropriately dressed while on duty.

Recall Vanguard had earlier reported on Friday, 27th Sept. 2019 that Mr. Michael Olubode, who was spotted posing in a shabby outfit while on duty has stirred a lot of backlashes among Nigerians.

Following this, the NPF has taken pragmatic measures to tackle indiscipline among its members as no act of indiscipline would be henceforth tolerated among the force.

The agency on Monday, announced on its verified Twitter handle (@PoliceNG) that Mr. Michael Olubode is already facing internal disciplinary procedure for his gross misconduct.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/photo-inappropriately-dressed-sars-officer-under-internal-discipl

Google celebrated its 21st birthday with a special Doodle on Friday.

The search engine was founded on September 27, 1998 by two PhD students, Sergey Brin and Lawrence (Larry) Page, in their dormitories at California’s Stanford University and was originally called “BackRub”. It was later renamed “Google”.

Friday’s Google Doodle portrays a photograph of the search engine on a box computer and is dated September 27, 1998.

Brin and Page had published a paper about launching a prototype of a “large-scale search engine” with a goal to “organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful”.

The PhD students named their algorithm “Google” as it recalled the word ‘googol’, which is a mathematical term meaning ‘10 raised to the power of 100’. At this time, the World Wide Web was still in its infancy.

http://community.vanguardngr.com/forum/topics/google-celebrates-its-21st-birthday-with-special-doodle-sated-wit

According to the APC governors' forum, there is no rift as alleged by the opposition party but to some quarters, there are more sides to the coin. Do you think there could be a political stunt unknown to the public or probably the presidency is just being political?

Your dressing communicates faster than your speech. It is your identity and must be done in a polite and courteous manner. This said officer is a national disgrace that must be thoroughly interrogated medically to know if he's actually under the influence of drug or something. A normal human in his right senses wouldn't have dressed in such an awkward and shabby manner.