Big Brother Naija is back! This is not necessarily the reunion or a new season, instead, we get to relive all our favourite moments from the show.

Five months after the most anticipated BBNaija finale ever, MultiChoice is bringing back highlights from our favourite show, and we couldn’t be more excited! Last night the first two episodes of the highlights aired, and it was amazing. Here is how it all went down.

Fresh off being quarantined in hotels where many of the housemates fought personal demons, the
contestants were acquainted with themselves, and some friendships were formed. And Nengi Won The First HOH Contest

After defeating other housemates with the highest points, Nengi and Neo had to go head to head until the tie was broken and Nengi emerged as the first Head of House, it was a lovely sight to behold again. Nengi chose Wathoni as her deputy head of house and they both got exclusive access to the HOH lounge. Then came the first major task, Nengi had to decide on who does what around the house. For some unknown reason, everyone wanted to work in the kitchen??.

Brighto’s friends

The best part about last night’s highlight was that we got to see some long forgotten scenes, like Brighto and Ka3na bonding. Who would have imagined? Their conversation was cute, with Ka3na speaking on her life before the house and her audition process.

Another friendship bond we missed was Brighto and Neo. We caught them after lights out gisting in hushed tones which got them into trouble with Big Brother for audio infringement. After the initial introductions and opening merriments, the housemates got work. First up was the workout session. Remember Praise? He was the one leading the workout session back then. Always ready to flex a muscle. Many BBNaija fans will remember when Lucy also had us in our feelings while
sharing her story, we almost cried again??

Lilo and Eric
Do you ever wonder how Lilo and Eric got things off? Well, we saw it all last night. It all started with some hugs here, a couple of giggles there and then loads of longing-filled looks. Wonder why those two never pursued their romance outside the house.

The First Diary Session

The first diary session was more like a get-to-know meeting. Big Brother called each housemate
individually for their first diary session, and many of the housemates couldn’t hide their excitement at being on the show. Who else remembers when Nengi told Biggie that she used the time spent in the hotel room to improve her relationship with God, reading her Bible quite extensively? E shock you abi?

Relive all the drama as the BBNaija Lockdown Highlights continues tonight on Africa Magic Urban (DStv channel 153) and Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 & GOtv channel 2) from 10 pm till 11 pm daily. To not miss a moment of the drama, visit www.dstvafrica.com or www.gotvafrica.com and download MyDStv or MyGOtv Apps to pay your subscription or switch your package. You can also download the

DStv app on your iOS and android devices to livestream the show on multiple devices.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/heres-your-chance-to-relive-the-best-bbnaija-lockdown-moments/

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has reacted to the arrest of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s former media aide, Salihu Tanko Yakasai ‘Dawisu’.

Recall that Salihu was arrested and subsequently sacked by the Kano state government after he called for President Muhammadu Buhari’s resignation over insecurity.

The Alliance for Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) led by the Senior Advocate of Nigeria who demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Tanko-Yankasai from “illegal custody”, recalled how leaders of the APC including Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Tinibu, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and Alhaji Lai Mohammed repeatedly asked former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign between 2013-2014.

Falana wondered why Salihu would be arrested after many civil society, chieftains of the APC and both chambers of the National Assembly have called for Buhari’s resignation or impeachment over insecurity.

The statement read;

“On Friday, February 27, 2021, Mr. Salisu Tanko-Yankassai, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state called on President Mohammadu Buhari to either guarantee the security of the Nigerian people or resign from office. Even though Mr. Tanko-Yankassai was legitimately exercising his freedom of expression enshrined in section 39 of the Constitution he was sacked by Governor Ganduje and arrested by the State Security Service. ASCAB has confirmed that Mr. Tanko- Yankassai is being held incommunicado in an undisclosed detention facility.

“Having regard to the fact that civil rights advocates, retired military officers and political party leaders including chieftains of the All Progressive Congress have repeatedly asked President Buhari to call it quits due to the worsening insecurity in the country there is no justification whatsoever for the arrest and detention of Mr. Tanko- Yankassai.

“In both chambers of the national assembly, there have been strident calls by legislators for President Buhari’s resignation or impeachment on the ground that criminal gangs have taken over the monopoly of violence in the country. Since such concerned citizens were never arrested the ongoing harassment of Mr. Tanko- Yankassai is high-handed, discriminatory, and illegal.

“It is on record that the APC and its leaders including General Mohammadu Buhari; National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinibu; Malam Nasir El-rufai and Alhaji Lai Mohammed repeatedly called for former President Goodluck Jonathan’s resignation between 2013 and 2014. Yet they were never subjected to any form of intimidation for exercising their freedom of expression at the material time. Since the call for President Buhari’s resignation is likely to continue to be made by other concerned individuals and groups over the virtual collapse of the security architecture of the neocolonial State it is pertinent to draw the attention of the State Security Service to the case of Arthur Nwankwo v The State 1985 6 NCLR 228 where the Court of Appeal charged the Nigerian people to engage in relentless criticism of democratically elected governments. In particular, Olajide Olatawura JCA (as he then was of blessed memory) had this to say:

“‘The decision of the founding fathers of the present Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech which must include freedom to criticise should be praised and any attempt to derogate from it except as provided by the constitution must be resisted. Those in public office should not be intolerant of criticism in respect of their office so as to ensure that they are accountable to the people. They should not be made to feel that they live in an ivory tower and therefore belong to a different class. They must develop thick skins and where possible, plug their ears with wool if they feel too sensitive or irascible.’

“In view of the foregoing, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Tanko-Yankassai from illegal custody. However, if the State Security Service has evidence that the political detainee has committed any criminal offence known to law he should be transferred to the Police for proper investigation and possible prosecution without any delay.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/femi-falana-reacts-to-the-arrest-of-salihu-tanko-yakasai-dawisu/

The Minister of Communications, Isa Pantami has again countered rumours of 5G being the root cause of COVID-19.

Appearing before the senate committee on communications yesterday February 25, Pantami stated that there is no link between 5G and COVID-19.

He added that while the only issue being raised is usually about radiation, people don’t realise that the radiation of 4G is more harmful than that of 5G.

Pantami said;

“There is no link between 5G and COVID-19.

“There is no relationship between 5G and any disease, the only issue being raised usually is about radiation but people don’t realise that the radiation of 4G is more harmful than that of 5G.

“The radiation of microwave oven at home is more harmful than that of the 5G.”

The minister further said that if there are medical and security concerns linked to 5G, he would have been a victim because he has tested the technology.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/minister-of-communications-debunks-rumour-of-5g-being-the-cause-of-covid-19/

The office of the national security adviser (NSA) has expressed its fear with the deployment of 5th Generation (5G) technology Nigeria.

Bala Fakandu, director of communications in NSA who appeared before the senate committee on communications on Thursday February 25, said they are concerned about the deliberate vulnerabilities and backdoors within the 5G network equipment, which according to him might expose Nigeria to “eavesdropping, tracking, cyber-attacks, military and industrial espionage and other malicious activities by foreign actors.”

Fakandu also asked the ministry of communications and digital economy to carry them along in the formulation of the policy that would guide the use of 5G in the country.

He said;

“We are concerned about the deliberate vulnerabilities and backdoors within the 5G network equipment.

“That is one of the key concerns we have and this will make the infrastructure highly susceptible to eavesdropping, tracking, cyber-attacks, military and industrial espionage and other malicious activities by foreign actors.

“We understand these are things that will be put in place particularly in the policy the minister has talked about.

“I need to emphasise it so that the stakeholders in the telecommunications industry will understand where we are coming from because the national security concerns is the concern of the office of the national security adviser and of the president as well.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/nsa-expresses-fear-of-5g-in-nigeria/

US authorities have listed ways it will recover $10.7 million ordered to be restituted by the convict, Obinwanne Okeke.

Recall that on February 16, Okeke was sentenced to 10 years in jail by an Eastern District Court of Virginia following his guilty plea to multi-year wire fraud in June last year. He was also ordered to undergo three years of “supervised release” after serving his complete jail term.

Upon completing his jail sentence, the Forbes celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur will be presented before a duly-authorised immigration official of the Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement “for deportation review”. The official will determine whether to immediately deport him or make him undergo the three years “supervised release” in the U.S.

Premium Times has now obtained a ‘Restitution Order’ and ‘Consent Order of Forfeiture’ jointly signed by the judge, the Acting U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, Raj Parekh, Mr Okeke, and his defence lawyer, John Iweanoge.

The U.S. authorities are empowered to enforce the monetary judgment by taking over assets, credit, or monetary claims Mr Okeke may have in the country. The restitution is due in full and payable immediately from assets known and unknown and including assets identified in the Presentence Report.

The assets include his “white gold emerald cut engagement ring with small accent diamonds”. The other forfeited assets are ”two cars back home in Nigeria”, and N280,555,010 translating into about $700,000 which the Nigerian government had seized from him.

Mr Okeke was also urged “to participate in the Bureau of Prisons’ Inmate Financial Responsibility Programme” to enable him to comply with the provisions of the financial plan” and to meet his “financial obligation” in accordance with the law. He is also expected to make periodic payments during his three years of supervised release.

The court ordered that beginning from 60 days of his release from prison and transiting into the supervised release phase, the convict will pay either $1,000 or 25 per cent of his net earnings, whichever is greater.

The restitution order read in part:

“If restitution is not paid in full immediately, the defendant shall pay to the Clerk at least $1,000 per month or 25 per cent of net income, whichever is greater, beginning 60 days after release from any period of confinement, or 60 days after sentencing if no confinement is imposed.

“All payments shall be made to the Clerk of Court, United States District Court, 2400 West Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607.”

The restituted funds will be distributed to companies which fell victim to Okeke’s fraudulent activities. They are Unatrac Holdings LLC in Washington DC, which was duped $5,429,166.54; Orient Insurance PJSC, duped $ 5million, and QBE European Operations which lost $250,000 to the fraudsters.

The court ordered that the Clerk of Court “shall distribute the funds to Unatrac first and to the remaining victims on a pro-rata basis.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/us-authorities-lists-ways-it-will-recover-10-7-million-from-obinwanne-okeke/

US authorities have listed ways it will recover $10.7 million ordered to be restituted by the convict, Obinwanne Okeke.

Recall that on February 16, Okeke was sentenced to 10 years in jail by an Eastern District Court of Virginia following his guilty plea to multi-year wire fraud in June last year. He was also ordered to undergo three years of “supervised release” after serving his complete jail term.

Upon completing his jail sentence, the Forbes celebrated Nigerian entrepreneur will be presented before a duly-authorised immigration official of the Department of Homeland Security Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement “for deportation review”. The official will determine whether to immediately deport him or make him undergo the three years “supervised release” in the U.S.

Premium Times has now obtained a ‘Restitution Order’ and ‘Consent Order of Forfeiture’ jointly signed by the judge, the Acting U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, Raj Parekh, Mr Okeke, and his defence lawyer, John Iweanoge.

The U.S. authorities are empowered to enforce the monetary judgment by taking over assets, credit, or monetary claims Mr Okeke may have in the country. The restitution is due in full and payable immediately from assets known and unknown and including assets identified in the Presentence Report.

The assets include his “white gold emerald cut engagement ring with small accent diamonds”. The other forfeited assets are ”two cars back home in Nigeria”, and N280,555,010 translating into about $700,000 which the Nigerian government had seized from him.

Mr Okeke was also urged “to participate in the Bureau of Prisons’ Inmate Financial Responsibility Programme” to enable him to comply with the provisions of the financial plan” and to meet his “financial obligation” in accordance with the law. He is also expected to make periodic payments during his three years of supervised release.

The court ordered that beginning from 60 days of his release from prison and transiting into the supervised release phase, the convict will pay either $1,000 or 25 per cent of his net earnings, whichever is greater.

The restitution order read in part:

“If restitution is not paid in full immediately, the defendant shall pay to the Clerk at least $1,000 per month or 25 per cent of net income, whichever is greater, beginning 60 days after release from any period of confinement, or 60 days after sentencing if no confinement is imposed.

“All payments shall be made to the Clerk of Court, United States District Court, 2400 West Avenue, Newport News, Virginia 23607.”

The restituted funds will be distributed to companies which fell victim to Okeke’s fraudulent activities. They are Unatrac Holdings LLC in Washington DC, which was duped $5,429,166.54; Orient Insurance PJSC, duped $ 5million, and QBE European Operations which lost $250,000 to the fraudsters.

The court ordered that the Clerk of Court “shall distribute the funds to Unatrac first and to the remaining victims on a pro-rata basis.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/us-authorities-lists-ways-it-will-recover-10-7-million-from-obinwanne-okeke/

Pope Francis has appointed a new personal doctor weeks after the previous one who died from Covid-19.

The 84-year-old pontiff picked professor Roberto Bernabei, an expert in health care for the elderly, as his physician, the Vatican said in a statement on Wednesday, February 24.

Bernabei, 69, leads the geriatrics and rehabilitative medicine department at Rome’s Gemelli, the Catholic hospital where popes are traditionally treated. The last papal doctor, Fabrizio Soccorsi, died aged 78 on January 9 of Covid-19-related pulmonary complications, following a hospitalisation for cancer.

Pope Francis appoints Prof. Roberto Bernabei as new doctor after previous one died from Covid-19

Francis is believed to be in relative good health, despite having had part of his lung removed when he was a young man after developing pleurisy.

Last month, he cancelled several events due to a chronic nerve condition that causes hip pain and makes him walk with a slight limp.

The pope later received the coronavirus vaccine alongside his predecessor, former pope Benedict XVI.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/pope-francis-appoints-new-personal-doctor-after-death-of-previous-one/

The Niger State government says it is negotiating directly with the abductors of 27 students of the Government Science College, Kagara, their teachers and family members, for their release.

The Secretary to the State Government, Ahmed Matane, made this known during an interview with Thisday. Bandits dressed in Military uniforms stormed the school on February 17, killing one student and abducting 27 others.

During the interview, the SSG said there is no time fixed for the abductees to be released because negotiation is still ongoing with the bandits who abducted them.

“If anyone tells you he knows when the schoolboys will be released that person is lying; it may be today or tomorrow; nobody can say; we are still negotiating.”he said

Matane added that during the negotiations, the bandits presented their demands directly to the state government. According to him, the alleged high-handedness of men of the local vigilante was one of the reasons the bandits gave for taking up arms.

“They said that the vigilante members were killing their people and that government should stop this,” Matane said, adding that the bandits also complained of their neglect in the execution of the agricultural programmes of the government.

He also said the bandits complained about the destruction of their houses and the killing of their cattle through aerial bombardments by the military, saying that they complained that they had lost their means of livelihood.

He denied reports that a popular Islamic cleric, was involved in the negotiation. According to Matane, Gumi only prepared the platform for the negotiation but is in no way involved in it.

”Gumi only prepared the platform for the negotiation. He is not involved in the negotiation.”he said

Source: https://irukkanews.com/we-are-negotiating-with-abductors-of-kagara-students-teachers-niger-state-govt/

Erica Nlewedim, Nigerian actress and BBNaija reality TV star, took to Twitter to confirm why she is a complete package.

Erica told her esteemed followers on the social network that she was the complete package, and she gave her reasons why. According to her, It’s not easy to be beautiful, hardworking, smart, kind, have a good heart, and a good relationship with God.

Erica stated she has all these in the bag, and for this fact, she is the complete package.

She wrote:

“Sometimes you wake up and be proud of yourself, it’s not easy to be beautiful, hardworking, smart, have a good heart, be kind, and have a great relationship with God all at the same time. I am the complete package!”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/im-a-complete-package-erica-nlewedim/

Multiple award-winning Nigerian record producer, businessman, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist Michael Collins Ajereh, better known as Don Jazzy, is set to make his Nollywood debut in the next series of ‘Introducing The Kujus’.

In a statement on Wednesday, the movie producers announced that the Mavin Records CEO will play the lead role in the forthcoming project.

“The next #ITKmovie is going to have @DONJAZZY as a lead actor. E shock you? The skits are just for warm ups. Our movie will be his #Nollywood debut. We know you think you’re ready but you are Npt. Sha expect us sha, abi @DONJAZZY ki le ni mo so? (In @IamDrSID’s voice. Set loading,” it wrote.

Reacting to the tweet, Don Jazzy quoted the tweet and wrote; “You already know. Emi Denzel Mofe Damijo #Itkmovie.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/don-jazzy-makes-nollywood-debut-in-introducing-the-kujus/

Mason Greenwood has committed his long-term future to Manchester United by signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2025.

The 19-year-old English striker, who made his first-team debut in March 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has already made 82 appearances for the club and has netted 21 times.

After signing another four years with the option of a further 12 months, Greenwood said: ‘When you join the club at seven years old, you just dream of playing for the first-team one day. I’ve worked so hard to reach this level and the last two years have been amazing.

‘There is so much that I want to achieve in the game and I know that this is the perfect environment to play my football.

‘With the support from the manager, his coaching staff and so many great players to learn from; I know that I am developing every single day. There is a lot more to come from myself and this team and I am so committed to working hard week in, week out to help the group achieve success.

‘I want to repay the club for the support that everyone has given me over the years and show everyone just what I am capable of.’

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer added: ‘Mason is a fantastic talent and yet another fine example of the type of player that our Academy produces.

‘He has made great progress this season, showing real maturity and adaptability to his game, which has seen him develop into one of the best young players in the country.

‘Whilst it is easy for people outside of the club to forget that Mason is just 19, it is our job as coaches to ensure he reaches his phenomenal potential and every step we take is to help him along that path.

‘Mason is naturally gifted and has a brilliant attitude; we know how important he is going to be for Manchester United over the coming seasons.’

Greenwood, who has been at the club since the age of seven is the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in European competition, after scoring against Astana in September 2019 at 17 years, 353 days.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/mason-greenwood-signs-four-year-contract-with-manchester-united/

American rapper, Cardi B had told women that if their men give them flowers only on Valentine’s day, they should give the men grass in return.

Well, some men felt Cardi B was advising people wrongly while not following her own advice. They told her she gifted her man, Offset, a Lamborghini yet is asking women not to spend so much on their men. She has now responded.

She tweeted: “Ok so due to my Vday tweet men came on my twitter roasting me sayin “but you bought your man a lambo but remember…I got 550K ring on my left hand ,400k ring on my right ,Thousands of dollars In Birkins ,soo much jewelry, a lambo truck and rollsRoyce truck ..so we even in gifts.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/men-calls-out-cardi-b-over-valentine-day-message-she-responds/

The newly appointed Director Army Public Relations Brigadier-General Mohammed Yerima, has assumed office with a promise to partner and cooperate with the media.

Yerima, who made this known when he took over from his predecessor, said the Nigerian army under the leadership of Major-General Ibrahim Attahiru, is open for constructive engagements and criticisms from the media that will help troops in the fight against insurgency . He said such constructive engagements were capable of boosting the morale of troops on the frontline to crush the Boko Haram group, Bandits, kidnappers and others criminals terrorizing the peace of the country.

“As you all know, nothing boosts the morale of our fighting troops more than the solidarity of all Nigerians, especially media reports that ginger their zeal and fighting spirit and sacrifice to the nation.”

While reminding Nigerians that crushing terrorist was a victory for all, Yerima said;

“We shall be open to constructive engagements and criticisms that will support the military operations against the enemies of the country.

“The Nigerian Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, values your partnership and cooperation.”

Speaking to journalist shortly after taking over office, Yerima said: “It feels really good to be back in another relationship with this very vibrant constituency that I have come to love and cherish. So, I whole heartedly welcome all of to this maiden interaction with you in my capacity as the Director, Army Public Relations.

“As you all know, we have come a long way, in terms of our professional relationship and patriotic duty to our fatherland.

“The better part of my career in the military have been devoted to this very important relationship with the media and I have always cherished the idea of working with you to give our people the right information about the military and its operations.

“We did it together in my previous assignments but more nostalgic was my warm and cordial relationship with you during my time as the Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters.

“I still recall how helpful and friendly you were with me during those times and I have also not forgotten few lessons I learned in the course of that relationship. Thank you once again for your friendship and cooperation.

“Now, providence and call of duty have once again brought us together and I am genuinely happy to work with the Nigerian media.

“As we all know, the Nigerian media, the vibrant fourth estate of the realm, is an indispensable partner with military in the protection and preservation of Nigerian project.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that through the patriotic discharge of our different constitutional obligations, our country remains secured, peaceful and progressive.

“I have no doubt in my mind that the Nigerian media is very patriotic and that they understand that it behooves on all Nigerians, even more on the media, to contribute their own quota to ensure that we defeat the enemies of Nigerian state who are intent on destroying the country via insecurity.

“As you all know, nothing boosts the morale of our fighting troops more than the solidarity of all Nigerians, especially media reports that ginger their zeal and fighting spirit and sacrifice to the nation.

“So, I urge you to be very mindful of that and to always remember that their victory is the victory of all Nigerians.

We shall be open to constructive engagements and criticisms that will support the military operations against the enemies of the country.

“The Nigerian Army under the current Chief of Army Staff, Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, values your partnership and cooperation. The COAS, who was once in this position, is ever so determined to sustain the enduring relationship with the media through trust, respect and mutual understanding.

“On my own part as the spokesman of the Nigerian Army, I assure you that my doors will be open at all times in order to respond to your enquiries.

“My team and I will do all we can to make your job of informing Nigerians much easier. I am just a phone call or text.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/new-army-spokesman-assumes-office-call-for-media-support-to-end-terrorism/

Vice President of Nigeria, Yemi Osinbajo, on Tuesday said Nigeria must remain a united country because “we are stronger together than apart.”

He said the cries of justice, fairness and equity by communities must be attended to within the same union.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, the Vice President spoke in his hometown, Ikenne, Ogun State, where he validated his membership of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The statement was titled “We must and we will attend to cries of communities for justice -Osinbajo.”

Osinbajo spoke at a time there are increasing agitations from ethnic groups for the break-up of the country. But the Vice President said Nigerians must resist such attempts to destroy the country’s unity.

“We must resist any attempt to destroy the unity of this country. Our people have lived and worked together for decades, even centuries.

“While we must attend to the cries of communities, and the cries of our people for justice, equity and fairness, we can do so within this same union. Ultimately we are stronger together than apart,” the statement quoted Osinbajo as saying.

On the security challenges being witnessed across the country, Osinbajo said the present regime was placing emphasis on technology for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

He expressed the hope that the recent appointment of new service chiefs will lead to fresh strategies to tackle insurgency in the North East as well as banditry and kidnapping in other parts of the country.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Niger State Governor, Sani Beĺlo; Senator Lawan Shuaibu and a former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, among others attended the event.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/osibanjo-rules-out-break-up-says-nigeria-must-remain-one/

It was reported that Stella Oduah Ogiemwonyi, former aviation minister, was scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday, but the judge, Inyang Ekwo, had to adjourn the case because the ex-minister was absent.

Ms Oduah was in February 2014 removed as the aviation minister by then President Goodluck Jonathan following scandals she was involved in. The former minister who later got involved in the campaigns for Mr Jonathan’s failed 2015 re-election bid, is currently the senator representing Abia North in the National Assembly.

The EFCC recently charged her alongside eight others with fraud offences in the case marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/316/20. According to NAN, the anti-corruption agency alleged that Mrs Oduah misappropriated public funds while serving as a minister.

EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Hassan Liman, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in trying to defend Ms Oduah’s absence from Tuesday’s proceedings, confirmed to the court that the senator had not been served with the court processes. The lawyer, therefore, urged the judge to adjourn the case to enable the anti-graft agency to serve the legislator.

“My lord, the matter has been set out today (Tuesday) for arraignment but I have been informed by the commission that the first defendant (Oduah) is yet to be served.

“In view of that my lord, may I humbly apply for a very short date,” he said.

Responding, the judge, Mr Ekwo, said it was the duty of the prosecution to produce defendants in court. He then adjourned the matter till February 22 for defendants to take their plea.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/former-aviation-minister-to-be-arraigned-over-alleged-fraud/

US president, Joe Biden has threatened to sanction countries that are yet to make laws to accommodate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI) people.

The Democrat issued a presidential memorandum aimed at expanding the protection of the rights of LGBTQI people worldwide.

Biden’s memo reads, “When foreign governments move to restrict the rights of LGBTQI+ persons or fail to enforce legal protections in place, thereby contributing to a climate of intolerance, agencies engaged abroad shall consider appropriate responses, including using the full range of diplomatic and assistance tools and, as appropriate, financial sanctions, visa restrictions, and other actions.

“All human beings should be treated with respect and dignity and should be able to live without fear no matter who they are or whom they love.

“The United States belongs at the forefront of this struggle – speaking out and standing strong for our most dearly held values.”

The memo directs US agencies working in foreign countries to work harder to combat the criminalisation by foreign governments of LGBTQ status or conduct and directs the State Department to include anti-LGBTQ violence, discrimination, and laws in its annual human rights report.

It also calls for increased efforts to ensure that LGBTQ asylum seekers have equal access to protection, expanded training for US federal personnel, and potential increased use of priority referrals to expedite resettlement of vulnerable people.

It also instructs agencies to consider appropriate responses, including the full range of diplomatic tools, and potentially financial sanctions and visa restrictions, when foreign governments restrict the rights of LGBTQ people.

Biden first announced the push during a recent speech at the State Department, vowing to rebuild US credibility worldwide.

“To further repair our moral leadership, I’m also issuing a presidential memo to agencies to reinvigorate our leadership on the LGBTQI issues and do it internationally,” he said.

Nigeria is categorized as a homophobic country due to its anti-gay laws which have been heavily criticised by global rights groups.

The anti-gay laws in Nigeria, a leading ant-LGBTQI country in Africa, prescribes between 10 and 14 years in prison for anyone caught flouting the law either by cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners, public show of same-sex relationship, registration, operation or participation in gay clubs, societies and organisation, amongst others.

In January 2014, ex- Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan signed the Same-Sex-Marriage (Prohibition) Act despite pressure from former US President, Barrack Obama.

The anti-gay laws in Nigeria, a leading ant-LGBTQI country in Africa, prescribes between 10 and 14 years in prison for anyone caught flouting the law either by cohabitation between same-sex sexual partners, public show of same-sex relationship, registration, operation or participation in gay clubs, societies and organisation, amongst others.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/president-biden-threatens-to-sanction-countries-yet-to-make-law-on-lgbtqi/

Nigerian Police Force on Monday denied that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu paid N2 billion for tenure extension.

The force described the development as untrue, unfounded, defamatory and libelous, following a report published by an online media.

Reacting to the story, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba in a statement issued in Abuja and made available to reporters said the extension of service of the IGP was strictly the prerogative of the President Muhammadu Buhari and: “was never paid for as maliciously reported in the publication”.

Mba assured that the IGP is not distracted by the report, adding that he is committed to delivering on its mandate, especially the task of neutralizing current and emerging internal security threats. The statement reads:

“The Police High Command has described as untrue, unfounded, defamatory and libellous, the publication by Sahara Reporters, dated February 07, 2021, which alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni paid over 2 Billion Naira for the tenure extension.

“The insinuations also by Sahara Reporters that the IGP did not “celebrate” his extension smacks of ignorance and a pathetic misplacement of priority. The extension does not call for merry-making or celebration but a time for more work, rededication to duty and selfless service to the nation.

“The IGP, while assuring the nation of an unwavering commitment by the Force under his leadership, to improved service delivery, safety and security of the citizenry, enjoins members of the public to disregard and discountenance the publication by Sahara Reporters as evidently untrue and unfounded. The IGP is undistracted and the Force remains motivated and committed to delivering on its mandate, especially the task of neutralizing current and emerging internal security threats.

“Meanwhile, the IGP has directed his legal team to commence legal actions against the online publisher.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/police-igp-never-paid-n2-billion-for-tenure-extension/

Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike said the next President of the country will spend his tenure
fixing the ethnic, religious and socio-economic problems created by the All Progressives Congress government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Wike noted that since the APC administration assumed office in 2015, religious intolerance and ethnic division have deepened while security has been politicized. Kelvin Ebiri, the Special Assistant to Wike on Media quoted the Governor as saying this during the official presentation of letter of his nomination as “2020 Extra Ordinary Personality of the Year Award” to him by the management of Silverbird Group at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.

Wike, according to the statement added that despite the glaring insecurity, religious and ethnic division in the country, officials of the federal government have continued to live in denial that Nigeria is now more united and secure than ever. The Rivers State governor claimed that whoever becomes President in 2023 will spend his entire reign trying to resolve the various socio-economic crisis caused by the present administration.

Governor Wike expressed his appreciation on behalf of the government and people of the State to the management of Silverbird for the recognition. He slammed the Nigerian Media for failing in their responsibility to hold the present administration accountable for failure to provide much desired good governance.

“The problem in Nigeria which I have always said is that the press, the media is part of our headache. The media have lost their voice. I remember when Goodluck Jonathan was the President, it was as if the media want to pull down the whole of Nigeria.”

He attributed the seeming inability of the military to end insurgency in the North East and other part of the country to the involvement of sacked Service Chiefs, particularly former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai in politics.

“You were witnesses to how under Buratai, the army was exposed to politics, which has never happened in the history of this country. Army began to carry ballot boxes. I have never seen that. Before we used to talk about Police, now it’s no longer the Police.

“Professionalism is no longer there and that is why it is difficult to fight insecurity. Instead of them to concentrate and map out strategy, what they are interested is Rivers State. Who would we send there to make sure the election is rigged. The former Chief of Army Staff will even call INEC to cancel Rivers State election because of his interest. I have never seen this kind of thing in my life.”

The governor said it was regrettable the former Chief of Army Staff failed to condemn his personnel who invaded INEC office in Port Harcourt a day after the Rivers State governorship election in 2019 in an attempt to subvert the wishes of the people, instead, he chose to shield them from prosecution.

“If there is a country that really means well for its citizens, the former GOC in Rivers State would have been dismissed from the Army, but because he was sent by his so called leaders, they have to protect him. That is the country that we are in, and that is why we think the media should come up and tell the world some of these stories.”

The Governor noted that the inability of the media to scrutinise those in authority is partly responsible for lack of accountability by those in office. For instance, he stated that the President had promised to fight corruption and bring to book who he accused of killing the economy. But, ironically those he accused of killing the economy are now members of his political party, who are now free from prosecution.

Silverbird Creative Development General Manager, Jacob Akinyemi Johnson, said the award is to let the governor know that he is doing a fantastic job for the people of Rivers State and it has not gone unnoticed. He explained that Governor Wike was nominated as the Silverbird Extra Ordinary Personality of the Year 2020 because of the projects he has embarked upon and his fearlessness.

“Your boldness made you the first prominent Nigerian to raise the alarm over the atrocities of the now disbanded SARS. And you also spoke against the politicisation of security. Now your forthrightness in telling the truth to power including the presidency when you think things are going wrong, is worthy of emulation. You did not hesitate to commend when necessary also. And on political issues, you are not afraid to tell even your own party, the PDP the whole truth when necessary.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/wike-attacks-buhari-says-successor-will-spend-entire-tenure-clearing-his-mess/

Owners of hotels located along Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Lagos have lamented on the embarrassment the officers of Makinde Police Station, Mafoluku Oshodi Local Government Area are causing to Nigeria with their extortion of guests, including foreigners who are coming into the Country.

According to the association's Public Relations Officer, Seyi Adigun, the officers usually hang at the foot of the bridge linking Oshodi with Murtala Muhammed International Airport road where they would stop and searching motorists going to Airport road.

According to him, most of the time after checking their booths and car documents without seeing
anything incriminating, they would tell the motorists to bring out their cell phones for them to check. He said that the police men do this to both Nigerians and even foreigners, adding that this is giving the country a very bad image in the comity of nations.

Speaking further, he said that on Tuesday February 2, two brothers whose mother died in London were on the way to the International Airport when the police men flagged down the taxi boarded and after searching the car without seeing anything incriminating, the youths were asked to surrender their cell phone and on seeing the money in their account, they were taken to Makinde Police station where they were forced to transfer the sum of four hundred thousand (N400.000.00) using a POS located opposite the station.

According to him, the owner of the POS, a woman appeared to be an accomplice of the police men because the money was transferred to an account that was presented by her after which the youths were then told to go. He also narrated another incident of when the police men forcefully collected two thousand dollars from a foreigner who was on his first visit to Nigeria.

His words, “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the Acting Inspector General Police to come to our rescue. The men of the Makinde Police Station are causing a huge embarrassment to our country. Every day our guests both Nigerians and non-Nigerians are telling us gory tales of how the men of Makinde Police station are cocking and pointing guns while extorting money from them at the foot of Oshodi – Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road Link bridge. A lot of the foreigners are coming to Nigeria for the first time and these police men are not giving them good impression of Nigeria. It is also this type of extortion that led to the #EndSARS Protest. So, the earlier action is taking on this police men, the better.”

Source: http://irukkanews.com/hotel-owners-along-international-airport-laments-on-police-extortion-of-international-guests/

Chukwuemeka Ani, Nollywood actor has released a video from his sick bed, asking Nigerians for financial assistance.

The actor, who has starred in many traditional Nigerian movies, said from his hospital bed that the bills are too much and he can no longer foot it alone.

Chukwuemeka Ani said he’s been on admission at the hospital since Dec 7 and a surgery was carried out but his condition got worse after the surgery.

He thanked those who have helped him so far and those intending to help.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/actor-chukwuemeka-ani-asks-nigerians-for-assistance-from-sick-bed-video/

Senator Rochas Okorocha, a former governor of Imo state has floated a new political party to be called “New Nigeria Movement”.

Okorocha, who is a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), made this known in Abuja at a round table meeting with his ‘political structure’ cut across the 36 states of the federation. At the meeting, he emphasized the need for a change in the political system in the country, describing the APC as a failure. He called on his supporters to remain intact and steadfast, as according to him, “a new Nigeria Nation will be born through NNM party’ which he hopes will pave way for his presidential ambition in the 2023 general elections.

A communique issued to journalists after the meeting named Professor Obiareri (a fmr Commissioner for Information in Imo state) as co-ordinator of the new party in Imo State.

“The pioneer members are drawn from the 36 states of the federation, united with desire to pave a way for a political direction for equity, trust, unity and mutual co-oexistence.

“NNM is made up of experienced leaders of conscience and democratic ideologies to drive a new popular political intervention that will urgently save Nigeria from the precipice of political anarchy and civil strife” the communique read in part.

It also stated that the group has merged with the Action Alliance Party AA and a faction of the APC. Those present at the meeting include;; former governorship candidates, Federal House of Rep members, supporters and co-ordinators of the new political party.

In weeks to come Rochas Okorocha will be perfecting plans for his official decamping from APC to NNM to further his presidential ambition.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/2023-okorocha-to-run-for-president-floats-new-political-party/

On Wednesday, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said it will resist attempts to make the Igbo victims of circumstances or violence in Nigeria.

It noted with agony the recent disturbances in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State which resulted in loss of lives and properties as well as caused immense hardship to the citizens of Orlu Senatorial Zone and others. The apex Igbo organisation, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alex Ogbonnia, said:

“The present administration of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is determined to prevent our people from being
victims of Nigeria’s circumstances and history of violence which they did not create nor can they alone control. Ndigbo, as the President General said, are builders and not nation wreckers/destroyers.”

The group, therefore, called on Orlu people to remain calm.

“We want to appreciate the quick response of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and all the Imo State security apparatus, who, with the cooperation of Federal Government authorities, contained and controlled this tragic event from escalating. The Imo state government’s quick action and decision on a dusk to dawn curfew and withdrawal of the army brought about relative peace to Orlu Zone and its environs.

“We must recall that the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, in his maiden press conference in
Enugu on 20th day of January 2021, categorically stated that Ndigbo are not at war with Nigeria and had nothing pending before any institutional authority that demands a separate existence from Nigeria.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo advises the people of Orlu Zone to remain calm and law abiding. And for those of us who misinterpret our tragic history, the Late Chukwuemeka Odumegbu Ojukwu’s statement that ‘the bone shall rise’ did not mean ‘conflict, violence and war’ but, indeed, means that Ndigbo should continue with their history of being creative and constructive in their engagements with the rest of Nigeria.

“There is absolutely no cause, no goal, no national objectives that Ndigbo can achieve or is worthy of further loss of lives of our youths and others both in Igboland and beyond. Ohanaeze Ndigbo feels strongly that we should and we must continue our struggle for justice, equity and fairness with emphasis on options that are more likely to achieve those objectives without making our people experience the kind of wanton destructions and loss of lives that Igboland has experienced in the past, the group said.In another development, Ohanaeze congratulated the newly appointed service chiefs.

But, however, decried the continued exclusion of South East the the nation’s security council.
President General of Ohanaeze, George Obiozor stated:

“We, particularly, thank Mr. President for the appointment of Major General Lucky Irabor a tested General and a gentleman. However, Mr. President, one way of ensuring compliance with federal character provision of the Nigerian constitution is to

observe the distribution of important and vital offices of the Federal Government in accordance with the zonal structure.

“Mr. President, particularly, in the area of the security architecture of the country, the South East zone which was conspicuously absent in your first term has now again not been included so far in your recent appointment of service chiefs. Ohanaeze Ndigbo hopes and believes that Mr. President in continuation of appointments in this sector would consider the South East zone.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/ohanaeze-breaks-silence-on-orlu-mayhem-warns-against-making-igbo-victims-in-nigeria/

Bobrisky has declared himself the richest Prostitute in Nigeria.

The cross dresser took to Twitter to make the announcement while showing off jewelry he bought for a whopping N12m. The Internet sensation took to his verified Instagram page, to give a detailed break down of the cost of all the expensive accessories and clothing he donned to the outing.

“Now let do dis calculations together. Let add up everything am wearing in dis video.

1) my hair 6 bundles bone straight 40 inches with a frontal (1,000,000)

2) my earring 18 Carat gold from @houseofamearypearl 800,000

3) my 18 carat gold cord 350,000

4) my Rolex 8,000,000

5) I’m wearing 3 cartel gold bangles each cost 300k total are 900,000

6) my bangle cos 1.4million

7) I’m repping @sophiecouture_official gown 25,000

Total 12,475,000 wow

“Richest ashewo in Nigeria, put some respect on her name. I forgot to add my two gold ring o !” He tweeted.

This is coming after the popular male barbie, Bobrisky showed off a whopping credit alert of 20 million naira credit from his supposed sugar daddy.

The crossdresser who recently joined the bandwagon of advising ladies to be morally lax seems to be proving that his methods work with his latest paycheck.

Sharing a snapshot of the N20m on Instagram, Bobrisky hailed an aphrodisiac brand whom he claims her product unlocked the fortune.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/im-the-richest-prostitute-in-nigeria-bobrisky/

On Tuesday, January 26, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) advised the new service chiefs to brace up to the challenges of the nation.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja urged the service chiefs to note that their appointment at this time demanded a huge sense of commitment.

Ologbondiyan added that the appointment also demanded responsibility and determination to secure the nation and restore peace, order and national cohesiveness in Nigeria polity. Ologbondiyan urged the new service chiefs to take urgent steps to restore professionalism and boost the morale of nation’s troops. He also urged them to ensure the services did not fall into the indolence, corruption, recklessness, abuse of process and partisanship.

“The new commanders must note that Nigerians are looking up to them as professionals to remove terrorists, bandits and other outlaws ravaging our nation from our landscape,” he said.

Ologbondiyan, however, said that the PDP demanded an immediate inquest into the tenure of the last service chiefs to unravel the circumstances behind the security lapses.

“Our party insists that such must be the sure step toward sanitising the security architecture as well as lifting the morale of those in the front lines risking their lives for the security of our nation,” he said.

In his reaction, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chief Ralph Nwosu, expressed hope that the new appointments would boost the morale of security personnel. Nwosu said that the President exercised his right to appoint or remove service chiefs.

“All the same, I believe that this will help the morale of our military personnel. Nigeria has superbly trained and schooled officers but politicians are causing disaffection in the system.

“This explains the woes in the country. I pray that the new team will be broadminded and mindful in the decisions that they make,”he said. Nwosu urged Nigerians to work together to rescue the country.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/pdp-tasks-new-service-chiefs-on-security/

A former Theatre Commander of operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, who was removed by the Nigerian Army High Command for failing to stop Boko Haram in 2017, has been elevated to the position of Chief of Army Staff by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

The BBC had reported in 2017 how the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt.Gen Tukur Buratai, had given Attahiru 40 days to capture Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, dead or alive. Attahiru’s failure to live up to expectations saw him being removed without any posting.

However, none of the officers who later took up Attahiru’s office have been able to capture Shekau till date. Attahiru’s tenure as theatre commander was characterised by several failures and a spike in terrorist attacks.

In May 2017, Attahiru took over the theatre command from Major General Lucky Irabor who is now the Chief of Defence Staff. However, suicide bombings and attacks on military formations increased drastically. In June, barely a month after he took over, Boko Haram insurgents attacked Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

The month after, a group of geologists and technologists from the University of Maiduguri were ambushed by Boko Haram insurgents at Magumeri area of Borno state. About 12 soldiers who escorted the academics were reportedly killed.

Some members of staff of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation on the team were also killed in the brutal ambush.

Boko Haram, using four female suicide bombers, attacked Muna Gari, a suburb of Maiduguri, killing about 14 persons.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/general-removed-for-failing-to-stop-boko-haram-promoted-army-chief/

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked all service Chiefs and has reappointed new staff see the tweet made .

"I have accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service. I thank them all for their overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to Nigeria, and wish them well in their future endeavours."

All Service Chief Staff has been replaced as stated by the president, see the tweet below.

"I have also appointed new Service Chiefs, to replace the retired officers:

Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff

Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff

Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff

Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff."

President Muhammadu Buhari has sacked all service Chiefs and has reappointed new staff see the tweet made .

"I have accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service. I thank them all for their overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to Nigeria, and wish them well in their future endeavours."


All Service Chief Staff has been replaced as stated by the president, see the tweet below.

I have also appointed new Service Chiefs, to replace the retired officers:

Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff

Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff

Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff

Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service. This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina in Abuja Tuesday.

According to the statement:

“Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

“President Buhari thanks the outgoing Service Chiefs for what he calls their “overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country,” wishing them well in their future endeavours.

“The new Service Chiefs are Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A. Z. Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

“The President congratulates the new Service Chiefs, and urges them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.”

Source: https://irukkanews.com/president-buhari-accepts-resignation-of-service-chiefs/

The new variant of the COVID-19 currently causing panic and concern in the United Kingdom and the European Union has been identified in Nigeria by scientists at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), at the Redeemers University in Ede, Osun State.

The new variant, detected in the UK in September and dubbed “lineage B.1.1.7” has triggered the current exponential spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the larger path of the United Kingdom, leading to a travel ban on the UK by some countries and a stay-at-home tier-4 level restriction in the affected paths of the country.

Now, scientists at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Ede, in South West Nigeria, said Monday, through a publication in Virological, a website for the global Genomics community, that they found the same variant “lineage B.1.1.7” existing in Osun State Nigeria since August 3rd when the first sample was collected.

Another sample, also from Osun State, collected in October, correspondingly showed the presence of this new variant.

According to Christian Happi, Professor of molecular biology and genomics who is also the Director at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), “the B.1.1.7 lineage we found in Nigeria, predating the one described in the UK, has also been observed to rise rapidly in the UK over the past four weeks, indicating the plausible increased spread of the virus by specific non-synonymous mutations in the spike protein.”

Although Nigeria has in December recorded a rise in the number of cases and an increase in deaths, Mr Happi told PREMIUM TIMES in an interview that he cannot credit the new variant for this rise as it was last seen in October and at the time, there was no surge in the number of cases.

“We however haven’t observed such rapid rise of the lineage in Nigeria and do not have sufficient evidence to indicate that the B.1.1.7 lineage is contributing to increased transmission of the virus in Nigeria,” he said.

Should this be a case for panic and worry for Nigerians? Mr. Happi’s team made a case for caution, warning that although the new variant might not be responsible for the rise in cases, that could change when new samples are sequenced.

“At the moment, only about 1% of the genomes from Nigeria belong to the new SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) and one of them predates the first description in the UK. However, this might change in the next few weeks when we sequence more samples from the recently reported surge of covid-19 in Nigeria” they announced, noting that, “other reported mutations such as the N501Y, A570D, and the HV 69 – 70 deletion in the spike protein have not been detected in our genomes yet, this could also be associated with the non-increase of the lineage in Nigeria currently.”

“In as much as the full effect of this mutation isn’t known yet and it is still being studied, the importance of a robust genomic surveillance system cannot be overemphasized as we can identify and report changes in the genomes of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 that are of public health interest,” the report said.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/uk-covid-19-variant-now-in-nigeria-ptf/

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has assured that his government would transform Badagry Local Government Area of the state into an industrial hub. Sanwo-Olu remarked that this “is in line with administration’s infrastructure drive.

His remark is contained in a statement issued by Mr Adesina Odunuga, Spokesman of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure. Odunuga quoted the governor as making the remarks during the inauguration of the reconstructed 5.5 kilometres Hospital Road in the council area.

Sanwo-Olu said that the road project was important to boost tourism potentials and industrial growth in the area.

“Our plan is to harness Badagry’s tourism and growth potentials through the provision of this 5.5km-long road.

“We have planned the execution and the completion of this road in two phases.

“Once the road is completed, there will be corresponding economic benefits in form of new clusters of industries, commercial growth and general ease of transporting goods,’’ he said.

The governor explained that the road would be reconstructed as a dual carriage-way to connect Idale, Povita, Topo and Ajido communities to Lagos-Badagry Expressway via Joseph Dosu Road.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, appealed for residents’ patience and cooperation as construction work begins.

“As a government, we are aware of the challenges that come with road construction.

“But let’s endure the challenges in order to enjoy the expected outcome of this project in the nearest future,’’ Adeyoye said.

She promised adequate funding for timely completion of the project.

While briefing the governor on the project, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Olujimi Hotonu enumerated its connectivity to several tourist sites in the council.

“The road strategically services the Badagry Marina where several tourism centres such as Agiya Tree Monument, First Storey Building and Early Missionary Cemetery in Nigeria including Slave Trade Relics /Point of No Return, Heritage Museum, Eko Theatre, Badagry VIP Chalets and a host of others are located,’’ he said.

Source: https://irukkanews.com/sanwo-olu-pledges-to-transform-badagry-to-industrial-hub/