Speaker of House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila as expressed sadness over the death of the Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial district, Sen Ignatius Longjan.

https://www.welproperties.site/2020/02/photos-femi-gbajabiamila-signs.html

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Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo inspected the Kaduna ICT Hub where he assessed the facilities and interacts with tech savvy youths.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-inspects-kaduna-ict-hub/

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Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Roy Ilegbodu, revealed the airline’s plan on Friday in Lagos.

Ilegbodu said customers flying Arik Air on Oct. 1 have the opportunity of winning the tickets on board.
READ ALSO See What A Young Man Underwent To Be Initiated Into Eiye Confraternity. Photos

He said there would be raffles to win five one-way economy class tickets on every flight of the day.

According to him, the crew on each flight will conduct a raffle using the seat numbers to draw five winners for the free one-way economy class domestic tickets.

“Arik Air is a wholly Nigerian airline and the independence anniversary of the country is an auspicious occasion to appreciate our customers for their loyalty.
READ ALSO PHOTO:Timaya Holds The Bum Of A Female Statue

“We wish all Nigerians a happy independence anniversary,” Ilegbodu said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said Arik Air, which is one of the oldest commercial airlines in operation in Nigeria, will also be celebrating its 12th anniversary on Oct. 30.

http://www.metronaija.ng/arik-air-celebrates-nigerias-independence-with-250-free-tickets/

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President Buhari in a group photo shortly after meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora at the Sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 27th Sep 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-and-nigerians-in-diaspora-in-new-york/

The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Mr Pally Iriase, has been expelled from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for alleged anti-party activities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the lawmaker who represents Owan Federal Constituency, was expelled by his ward and ratified by the Local Government.

The expulsion letter was signed by Zuberu Shabah and Theophilus Aigboje, Chairman and Secretary respectively, of Owan East Local Government and made available to newsmen in Benin on Monday.

Allegations leveled against Iriase included defection of Ward eight and nine APC executives to the PDP on the orders of Iriase, presenting his Personal Assistant, Hilary Ozogo, to contest under the PDP platform and refusal to attend APC meetings.

In the letter addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Adams Oshiomhole through the Edo Chairman of the party, Mr Anselm Ojezua, the Owan East APC said it ratified the decision of APC members of Ward nine to expel Iriase.

The letter said all laid down rules and procedures as enshrined in article 21 of the APC’s constitution were followed in reaching the conclusion to expel Iriase.

It said the APC in Owan East has since moved on without Iriase and the evidence would show in the forth coming elections.

According to the letter, “I humbly invite Mr. Chairman to kindly note the decision of the Owan East chapter of the APC and grant it the very urgent attention it requires.

“The APC leadership and members in Owan East have already moved forward without Pally Iriase as we are growing in numbers everyday. This will be evident in the results we post in the forthcoming elections.

“Iriase refused to officially inform the APC of his defection because he wants to continue to enjoy the benefit of the office of the Deputy Chief Whip.”

Attempts made to get the lawmaker’s reaction on his expulsion were unsuccessful as his two mobile numbers were switched off.

NAN recalls that Iriase had at the weekend confirmed that there was intense pressure on him to move to PDP, nut added that he remained focus and committed to the APC.

He noted that the rumour about his defection to the opposition may have been informed by his decision not to contest for any political.

According to him, “I have made my direction politically very clear, am not contesting the 2019 general election.

“Am a member of APC, people who do not want to be in APC anymore have defected. It is a personal thing; you don’t do it by surrogate

“Any politician of note that is considered to have electoral value is likely, under the kind of circumstances we find ourselves in Edo state, to be under severe pressure from poachers.

“But what you make of that pressure is the real issue, am calm. From rumour flying around, I remain who I am.”

http://www.metronaija.ng/apc-expels-deputy-chief-whip-of-house-of-representatives/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-and-okorocha-launch-trader-moni-in-owerri/

Vice president, Prof. Osinbajo and Imo state Governor Rochas Okorocha at Relief Market for the official Launch of Trader Moni Program in Owerri, Imo State. 22nd September, 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-and-okorocha-launch-trader-moni-in-owerri/

The Lagos State Government under the present administration, doled out N500 million as grant to 275 Community Development Associations (CDAs) to enable them complete their on-going self-help projects, ranging from Community halls, street light, transformers, police posts etc.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ambode-gives-n500-million-to-275-cdas-in-lagos/

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has withdrawn the operating licence of Skye Bank.

This was disclosed in a statement to journalists Friday by Umar Ibrahim, chairman of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

No reason was immediately given for the revocation of the licence, but the bank has been beset with liquidity problems over the past year.

More to follow…

http://www.metronaija.ng/cbn-revokes-skye-banks-licence/

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Senate President, Bukola Saraki met PDP leaders and delegates from Bauchi State, the Pearl of Tourism.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-saraki-meets-pdp-delegates-in-bauchi/

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has consolidated on its operational performance with a trading surplus of ₦17.16bn in the month of April, 2018.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, who disclosed this in a statement, said this was part of the highlight of the corporation’s Monthly Financial and Operations Report for April, 2018.

The report, the 33rd edition since NNPC commenced the publication of its financial and operations report on a monthly basis as part of efforts to instill a culture of transparency and keep stakeholders and the general public informed of its activities, indicated a ₦5.43bn improvement representing 46.29 per cent on the trading surplus recorded in the previous month of March, 2018.

According to the report released today, in Abuja, the trading surplus was achieved through a combined higher performance by the upstream, midstream (refineries) and downstream sectors as well as a reduction in Corporate Headquarters’ operational expenditure.

“This enhanced performance is attributable to robust revenues from sales of crude oil and petroleum products by NPDC and PPMC as well as the upsurge in refineries’ performance, particularly in the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC)”, the report stated.

On the gas production and supply front, the report indicated that the average daily production for April, 2018, stood at 8,054.46 billion cubic feet (bcf), out of which an average of 835.27 million metric standard cubic feet (mmscf), equivalent of 3,283 megawatts of electricity, was supplied to the power sector daily during the period under review.

“The result when compared with that of April, 2017, implies an increase of 496mw of power generated relative to same period last year”, the report stated.

It further showed that in the period under review, a total of 1.61 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was supplied by NNPC in furtherance of the zero fuel queue policy of the Federal Government.

The NNPC said it recorded a 48.21 per cent reduction in the rate of pipeline vandalism which fell to 166 from 224 vandalized points in the previous month.

According to the report, the Aba-Enugu pipeline segment accounted for 78 vandalized points, representing 84.78 per cent of total vandalized points on the nation’s network of products pipelines.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nnpc-records-%e2%82%a617-16bn-trading-surplus/

The Honourable Speaker of the House of a Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has just submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the National Leadership of the PDP. He was at the Secretariat with hundreds of decampees from APC.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-dogara-submits-nomination-form-at-pdp-headquarters/

Distribution of sensitive election materials at the Central Bank in Osun state ahead of Saturday election.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-distribution-of-election-materials/

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick re-elected NFF President. He scored a total of 34 votes, Maigari 8 votes, Ogunjobi 2 votes, and Okoye 0 votes.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-amaju-pinnick-re-elected-as-nff-president/

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-visits-idp-camp-zungeru-niger/

Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo earlier today visited one of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp in Zungeru, Wushishi Local Government area of Niger state.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-visits-idp-camp-zungeru-niger/

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Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo attends the launching of "Africa Rise & Shine" book by CEO ZenithBank, Mr. Jim Ovia in Lagos. 17th September, 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-at-the-launch-of-jim-ovias-book/

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Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector-General of Police, has sent thousands of policemen, two helicopters, 30 Armoured Personnel Carriers, APCs to the state of Osun to provide secrity for the governorship election holding on Saturday, 22 September. The IGP also deployed eight Commissioners of Police, and 300 patrol vehicles for the poll.

This is contained in a press statement signed by Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Department of Operations has, according to the statement, been deployed to the State and already on ground. He will be assisted by an Assistant Inspector General of Police and Eight ( Commissioners of Police and other senior Officers. Each of the Eight ( Police Area Commands in Osun State will be manned by a Commissioner of Police.

Below is the remaining part of the statement:

The DIG, DOPS will lead, implement and coordinate the security operations, and also supervise the deployment of all Personnel of other Security Agencies under the Inter Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for the election throughout the 3,764 Polling units/voting points in the 332 Wards and the Thirty (30) LGAs of the State.

To ensure adequate security and safety of life and property before, during and after the election, the IGP has graciously approved the deployment of adequate Police personnel to Osun State for the Election. The personnel that were already trained and oriented on election security and electoral act on the responsibilities and functions expected of them, comprises the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Units, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), the Special Protection Unit (SPU), the Anti Bomb Squad (EOD), Conventional Policemen, the Armament Unit, personnel of FCIID, IGP Monitoring, IGP IRT teams, the Sniffer dogs section and the Mounted Troop.

Four (4) unarmed Policemen and two (2) others from other security agencies will be on duty at each voting point throughout the State. The Police Mobile Force (PMF) headed by the very Senior Officer will provide security at the RAC, Super RAC and Collation centres.

Two (2) Police Patrol Surveillance Helicopters, Thirty (30) Armoured Personnel Carriers, Ten (10) Armoured Personnel Vehicles and Three Hundred (300) Police patrol vehicles are already deployed to cover the entire State including difficult terrains. Other security and safety agencies who are members of Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) in the State have also been posted to complement the Nigeria Police Force during the election.

As part of additional measures to guarantee a peaceful and credible election, the IGP will on 17th September, 2018 attend a stakeholders and peace accord meeting with INEC Chairman and the Forty-Eight (48) political parties participating in the election and their flag bearers, INEC officials, election observers and other accredited stakeholders will also be in attendance in Osogbo, Osun State.

Furthermore, Police officers and personnel of other security and safety agencies deployed for the elections are under strict Instructions to be strict, polite and civil but firm in the discharge of their duties and other responsibilities. They are to provide adequate security for the electorates, INEC Officials, movement of election materials, the accredited election observers/Monitors and other individuals and bodies that have statutory roles in the conduct of the election, at the Polling units, Collation Centres and INEC Offices throughout the State before, during and after the election.

VOTE BUYING AND SELLING: The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate, condone, or allow Vote Buying and Selling to take place anywhere in Osun State before and during the election. The Force hereby wishes to warn all political parties and their flag bearers to prevail on their agents, members and supporters not to engage in buying and selling of votes which is in violation of the electoral act. The following phone numbers can be used by any member of the public who noticed any act of Vote Buying and Selling anywhere in the State before and during the election: (i) 08037025670 (ii) 08037160989 (iii) 08033415589 (iv) 08032451594. The Police personnel and that of other security agencies have been trained and briefed not to abdicate their duty, hesitate or contemplate the immediate arrest, detention and hand over to the Police joint team specially setup by the IGP to tackle and deal decisively in accordance with the law anybody or group, agents of political parties or their sponsor(s) who engages or attempt vote buying and selling during the election, inclusive the buyers and the sellers will not be spared.

Special security identification tags will be worn by all security personnel deployed for the election. No personnel of any security agency will be allowed to move to any other location other than where they are deployed throughout the election period.

Security personnel attached to public office holders and politicians, and other VIPs will not be allowed to follow their principals to the polling units or collation centres throughout the election.

Consequently, Security personnel are warned to desist from escorting their Principals and Politicians to polling units and collation centres during the election. Any deviant security detail will be apprehended and dealt with accordingly.

Commissioners of Police and their personnel in States contiguous to Osun State, such as Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Ogun and Kwara States have been directed by the IGP to be on Red-Alert with their personnel. They are to deploy massively within areas neighbouring to Osun State to prevent crimes, hoodlums and miscreants and other unwanted elements or groups from infiltrating from their States to Osun State to disrupt the election.

RESTRICTION OF VEHICULAR MOVEMENT IN AND OUT OF OSUN STATE will be commence from 12-midnight of Friday, 21st September, 2018 till the end of the election and will be strict and total throughout the State. Travellers and other road users are advised to make use of alternative routes. The Highway and major roads from Ibadan, Oyo State to Akure in Ondo State will be closed from 12 Midnight on Friday 21st September, 2018 till the end of the election. Travellers, commuters and other road users can use Lagos – Ore – Benin Highway and Lagos – Ibadan – Ilorin Highway as alternative routes. However, those on essential duties on genuine proven course will be granted passage only.

All the Forty-Eight (48) participating Political parties participating in the election and their leaderships and supporters, Traditional rulers, Community leaders, parents and Guardians are advised to seriously warn their members, supporters, subjects, children and wards to be law abiding and not allowed themselves to be used to cause disturbance of the peace or disruption of the election/electoral process anywhere in the State. The full weight of the law will be applied on any person or group of persons found violating the electoral act or indulging in any criminal conduct capable of causing violence before, during and after the election.

Threat assessments have been carried out by the Police in Osun State and all identified flash points and challenges observed have been addressed. However, the Force will not hesitate to deal decisively in accordance with the electoral act and other enabling laws with any individual(s) or group(s), no matter how highly placed, whose utterances or conduct is contrary to the electoral act or that can incite disturbance of public peace, law and order before, during or after the election.

The electorates and the general public in Osun State who observe any untoward incident or crime can reach the Joint Security Operation Room for the election through the following phone numbers: (i) 08037025670 (ii) 08037160989 (iii) 08033415589 (iv) 08123823981 (v) 08039537995 (vi) 08075872433

The Inspector General of Police is hereby assuring the electorates, the contestants and all law abiding citizens in Osun State of adequate security throughout the election. He deeply appreciates the peaceful behaviour of all the good people of Osun State so far towards the forthcoming Governorship election and therefore, enjoins them to go out and cast their votes without any fear or apprehension. They are also implored to cooperate with Police personnel and that of other Security Agencies in the discharge of their duties.

http://www.metronaija.ng/osun-40000-cops-2-helicopters-30-apcs-10-apvs-deployed-by-igp/

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMATODE) has received N3 billion to respond to the looming flood disasters following a red alert issued on Sept. 7 by the National Hydological Services Agency (NHISA).

Mr Mustapha Maihaja, Director General, NEMA, made this known on Saturday in Abuja during a meeting of NEMA with stakeholders to assess the reports from the fact finding committees after visiting the flood prone states.

According to Maihaja, President Muhammadu Buhari approved N3billion for the first stages of preparedness, response disaster mitigation.

Maihaja said that the agency has immediately swung into action in case there are more worrying indications of a looming flood.

He said that reports from the fact finding committees are worrisome as some states including Niger, Kogi, Delta and Anambra have already started witnessing flooding.

“From the first response, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved up to N3 billion for the first response.
READ ALSO PHOTOS: Buhari Arrives Abuja After London Vacation

“We are here today to assess the already alarming situation, with declaration of red alert done on Sept. 7.

The declaration further culminated to the constitution of six committees that went round twelve States.

“NiMet has reported that from today to the next 72 hours, there would be continuous rain in the North, the Central and the Southern States of Nigeria.

“NHISA has reported also that today, the levels at the measuring stations, at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue at Lokoja is 10.98 meters.

“This confirms that the volume is still increasing and with the threatening in flow at Lagdo Dam, with the level as at yesterday recorded at 21.4 meters when compared to the highest level.

“They will be forced to discharge at 21.6 meters that means we are left at 0.2 meters to get to that level and the continuous inflow makes it more worrisome,’’ Maihaja said.
READ ALSO Facebook’s definition of ‘terrorism’ helps states mute dissent – UN expert

Maihaja said that it was on that note that stakeholders under the coordination of NEMA have activated a National Contingency Plan, a policy document, which gives NEMA the power to establish operational structure.

The director general said that an operational structure has being put in place with a National Emergency Operational Centre domicile at the NEMA headquarters and five Zonal Emergency Operational Centres (EOC).

Maihaja said that EOC A, will be responsible for operations in the following States; Kebbi, Niger and Kwara States.

He said that EOC B will be responsible for operations in Edo and Kogi States, while EOC C will be operational at Amambra and Delta States.

He listed EOC D to be responsible for operations in Benue, Taraba and Adamawa and lastly, EOC E to be responsible for operations in Rivers and Bayelsa.
READ ALSO PHOTO: Former MBGN, Omowunmi Akinnifesi Goes Braless At Davido’s #30billionconcert

Maihaja said that the NEMA situation room was also being activated for collecting data, analyzing the data for information sake to guide the operations of the national EOCs and the Zonal EOCs.

He said that the nation would be given regular information and updates on further developments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari ordered Maihaja to declare a “national disaster’’ in the event that anticipated flooding turns a reality in some parts of the country.

The President’s directive follows a warning from NHISA that Rivers Niger and Benue have almost reached the levels that resulted in the 2012 flooding.


http://www.metronaija.ng/flood-fg-commits-n3bn-to-mitigate-disaster/

Sen.David Mark , has arrived Minna, capital of Niger State to hold a private meeting with the former military President Ibrahim Babangida.

The meeting lasted for two hours at the Hilltop residence of the former military ruler.

NAN reports that Sen.David Mark arrived at about 1.30pm in company of Sen. Zainab Kure, Sen. Tunde Ogbeha and Sen.Suleman Adokwe, current chairman of the Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation.

The 70 year-old Mark, who has been in the senate since 1999, obviously came to discuss his presidential ambition with Babangida, who had hosted several other aspirants. Among them were the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Attahiru Bafarawa, Sule Lamido and Ahmed Makarfi, all contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party platform.

Said one of Mark’s aides who didn’t want his name mentioned: ” Yes my boss is discussing with IBB. First to brief him and seek his prayers and support for the task ahead”.

Sen. Zainab Kure, who is the director general David Mark Presidential Campaign Organisation told NAN that Mark is a good material needed to reposition the country for optimal growth.

“He was a former military Governor, communications Minister and senate president of the Federal Republic. So he possesses all the required political acumen to lead our country “,she said.

Zainab also hoped that the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) would conduct a free, fair and credible election.

” I am appealing to all eligible Nigerians to support the electoral processes to enable the commission discharge its constitutional mandate “, she said.

She said that the task to ensure a peaceful conduct of the 2019 election is the joint responsibility of all stakeholders especially the politicians.

http://www.metronaija.ng/david-mark-visits-ibb-in-minna/

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Sokoto state Governor Tambuwal begin his tour of the country to meet with PDP delegates in Ebonyi State.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-tanbuwal-meets-pdp-delegates-in-ebonyi/

Nine people lost their lives while over 200 houses were destroyed and numerous farm lands washed out by flood in Gombe between May and August, an official has said.

Mrs Lamis Benjamin, Deputy Director, Rescue and Rehabilitation, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), disclosed this to newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.

Benjamin said four out of the nine deaths were recorded in May following a downpour in Gombe town.

She said the remaining five deaths were recorded in Cham community of Balanga Local Government Area of the state in August also after a downpour.

The deputy director also said over 200 houses and numerous farm lands were washed away in Nyuwar, Jesu Cham in Balanga and Komta Ayaba in Biliri Local Government Areas.

According to her, the state government through SEMA acted promptly by providing 1,200 bags of maize as relief material to victims in the two councils.

“For now, 1,200 bags of 100kg of maize were distributed as relief material to the affected persons.

“We are now waiting for the National Emergency Management Agency to come with their relief materials,” she said.

She appealed to wealthy individuals and corporate bodies in the state to assist the needy to ameliorate the plight of the victims.

http://www.metronaija.ng/flood-kills-9-destroys-over-200-houses-in-gombe/

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rof. James Omotosho of the Department of Zoology, University of Ilorin, has said that regular fish consumption could prevent coronary heart problems and other diseases.

Omotosho, who stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during the university’s 174th inaugural lecture entitled, “Fish: their prize and pain.’’

In addition, he said that regular consumption of fish could also solve skin, sexual and bone diseases, because of the presence of the three types of omega−3 fatty acids.

The don said that fish is also good for its anti-arrhythmic, anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties.
READ ALSO Residents In Imo Refuses The Renaming Of Road After Buhari

“The fish feed or nibbles on the affected skin of people, removing the dead skin and avoiding the healthy skin,” he said.

He revealed that the most commonly used fish for treatment of skin diseases is Garra ruta, popularly known as “doctor fish’’.

“They are employed in treating patients suffering from various skin disorders, including psoriasis and eczema,’’ he said.

The lecturer stated that the cod liver oil, which is a supplement derived from liver of cod fish is widely taken to ease the symptoms of arthritis.
READ ALSO Apprehension as driver runs into electric pole in Mende; See photos

He added that fish as foods could improve the development of bones owing to their rich content of Vitamin D.

The professor listed fish like Urotrygon microphthalmum to cure Asthma, while he said the Colomesus psittocus and Sphoeroides testudineus species could reduce breast cancer, backache, warts and rheumatism.

“Studies have shown that science of natural healing using fish derivatives with fusion of herbs and other natural ingredients have been an age long practice in Nigeria.
READ ALSO PHOTOS: Kano People Troop Out To Welcome President Buhari

“Medicinal uses of fish in Nigeria are legion without adequate record, and the list of fishes of medicinal value is by no means exhaustive.

“Electric fish is also used in many other ways such as brain stimulation (Isoye), infertility and stroke,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fish-consumption-can-prevent-heart-problems-other-diseases-zoologist/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akeredolu-attends-town-hall-meeting-in-ondo-south/

Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu attends town hall meeting with people of Ilaje local government area in Ondo South Senatorial District on restoration of electricity is ongoing at the Williams Event Center,Igbokoda.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akeredolu-attends-town-hall-meeting-in-ondo-south/

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Former Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Adejare Bello has tendered his resignation letter as a member of PDP. Sources say he will declare for the APC soon.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-former-osun-speaker-defects-to-apc/

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Prof. Titus Ibekwe, Consultant Surgeon, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, has warned that cell phone addiction causes noise induced hearing loss.

Ibekwe gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sundday in Abuja.

Similarly, he warned that the spill of noise from cell phones could aggravate cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and stroke as well as cancer in later years.

He noted that this adverse effect was common especially among young persons.

Ibekwe, who is also the National Secretary of Otorhinolaryngological Society of Nigeria, noted that often time youths use the gadget to play music using ear piece for a very prolong time.

Otorhinolaryngology is a surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with conditions of the ear, nose and throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

According to him, prolong use of ear piece to listen to music or any other sound from the phone completely obstruct the ear canal and do not allow escape of any of those sounds.

NAN reports that ear canal is a tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear.
The ENT expert who described the practice as very common and fashionable among the youth, emphasised that some even go to bed with ear piece for as long as six to seven hours, or while working.
He condemned such addiction, describing it as unhealthy.

“If you must listen to music or other sound you should use the ear phone within a short period which is safer than the smaller ones which pin into the eye canal,” Ibekwe advised.

“It is a common and fashionable practice among youths, we realised that some of them wear ear piece while sleeping or doing some work for as long as six to seven hours, even some wear it while crossing the express road

“This can lead to noise induced hearing loss and the problem with this type of hearing loss is that rehabilitation and treatment is almost not available. It is very difficult to manage.

“There are lots of proven or established cases of noise induced hearing loss due to addiction of cell phones.

“Most at times we find out in the patient that hearing loss is the particular ear they often use in answering calls like the left side,” he noted.

The consultant lamented that many children and youths were so obsessed with cell phones thereby using it to play games, watch films or other entertainment for hours rather than utilising the recreational aspect embedded in it.

Ibekwe, who likened such addiction to any other addictions like drugs, smoking of cigarettes, Indian hemp or other substances, decried that a lot of adolescents were so addicted to the extent of dependency.

He added that each time they are unable to grab the phone to play game or access other entertainment package their entire system would be in crisis.

The ENT consultant surgeon further noted that some parents are so addicted to the extent that they save, curdle and care for it than they care for their children.

He advised that in as much as cell phone has been proven to be very necessary and useful to augment life in its entirety like shortening time of communication and enhances businesses, among others, everything should be in moderation.

Ibekwe called for concerted efforts of parents and government, among other stakeholders, to ensure moderation and proper usage of cell phones to forestall inherent dangers associated with prolong usage.

Besides, he underscored the need for parents to take up the responsibility of monitoring and discouraging their wards from getting addicted to cell phones.

According to him, parents must ensure a lot of regulations in their homes to prevent children access to cell phones to the extent of addiction.

He explained that exposure to prolong noise from cell phones could worsen hypertension and stroke.

According to him, those that are predisposed to hypertension and stroke should guard against such exposure.

“There is an established pathway in the system that noise has proven to aggravate toward what is called the neuroendocrine partway.

“Noise can stimulate the neuroendocrine system leading to excessive release of cortisol and cathecolamines which aggravates cardiovascular diseases.

“Cathecolamines are hormones that increase noise pressure. It aggravate it secretion in the body.

“So, those that are predisposed to hypertension and stroke are worst of over too exposure to noise,” Ibekwe said.

The expert also identified another adverse effect of cell phone addiction as possible formation of cancer at later years, but described this as unestablished.

According to him, there are speculations of radiation coming from cell phone possibly in later years as having some adverse effects on the users.

“Radiation can predispose the possible formation of cancer and malignancies.

“Though this is not established but very strong and seriously been looked into because the level of radiation that comes from these cell phones are very amazing if you assess and impact on it,’’ he said.

Furthermore, the consultant surgeon advised adults using cell phones to do it in moderation.

Ibekwe enjoined them to often time as possible put their phones on speaker when answering calls to prevent putting them closer to the head or ear.

According to him, such practice will prevent the risk of possible formation of cancer in future.

He also advised that the tool should be kept away from having contact with our body as much as possible and ensure they are switched off at night due to radiation emanating from it.

“We need to switch off our cell phones at night because of radiation that they generate by so doing at least eight hours in the night is completely off.

“We should also ensure we remove them from our beds,” the ENT consultant surgeon advised.

Meanwhile, Ibekwe has appealed to the Federal Government to ensure outright ban of smart phones usage among underage children to safeguard their future.

He noted that though it is impossible for government to ban adults from cell phones usage but have every right to protect children.

He noted that a lot of children that are exposed or addicted to cell phones were ignorant of the inherent dangers unlike adults.

Ibekwe specifically noted that young ones are found of taking risk, describing them as been driven by passion and emotions in whatever they do.

According to him, if proactive step is not taking considering the current trend by banning their usage of cell phones their future will be jeopardised as exposure to such tools could make or mar their lives.

He specifically noted that some primary school children often times carry smart phones given to them by parents to school, describing it as an avoidable distraction from their core purpose of schooling.

According to him, the concerned parents will often time claim that such tools are meant for communication in case of any emergency and eventualities, among other excuses, thereby risking the consequence of such usage.

He noted that such could expose the children to crime and other social vices.

The expert further urged concerned parents to desist from such practice in order to ensure a better future for their children and wards.

http://www.metronaija.ng/cell-phone-addiction-causes-hearing-loss-cancer-others-ent-consultant/

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Ekiti State governor-elect, Dr. Kayode Fayemi said he has left incumbent Governor Ayo Fayose to God to judge after leaving office.

He said he would accept whatever liability and assets left behind by the outgoing government, saying he believed government is a continuum, and that he was coming to office to simply make a difference.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that Fayemi spoke while receiving the report of the Transition Committee constituted to interface with the outgoing administration to facilitate smooth change of government.

He said he was leaving the outgoing governor and his regime to God over the alleged mismanagement of state funds and resources.

He promised to make a drastic change in the life of the people the moment he is sworn to office on October 16.

NAN reports that the governor-elect was reacting to the latest debt figure released by the Debt Management Office (DMO) which revealed that the debt profile increased from N18 billion during Fayemi’s era to N117 billion, under Fayose’s watch.
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The committee had told Fayemi that the humongous debt was outside arrears of salaries, pensions, gratuities and money owed retirees and contractors by the Fayose administration.

Fayemi also suggested the enactment of a law to be known as Transition Act that would stipulate the duties of an outgoing administration and an incoming administration to pave the way for seamless transfer of power.

This he said had become imperative, given the uncooperative attitude and difficulties the committee faced in meeting with officials of the outgoing government as well its refusal to allow his own committee obtain information from it.

According to Fayemi, if such law were in place, it would have been difficult for an outgoing government to refuse to cooperate with his transition committee.

He said such laws are already operating in countries like Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and the western world.
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“The chairman (of the committee) talks about liabilities, that is what government is all about, assets and liabilities, government is a continuum

“We are not unmindful of the fact that there will be debts but we are focused on our agenda to make a difference in the lives of our people

“So for us, we leave whatever that is done by the outgoing government to God and God will handle that in the best way possible

“We want to focus on making the difference in the life of our people, so our people remain our priority

“We hope some reason will prevail between now and inauguration day for the outgoing government to come up with the information this committee

has been asking for since it was inaugurated.”he said

The governor-elect, who promised to hit the ground running after taking the oath of office on October 16, also charged aspirants to national and state legislatures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) to familiarise themselves with the contents of the report.
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Earlier while submitting his reports to Fayemi, its chairman, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi said the outgoing government agents refused to cooperate with the committee.

He however said the sub-committees of the Transition Committee was able to meet with 76 interest groups outside of government, including labour unions, interest groups, civil society bodies, development partners who assisted with information of what is going on in the outgoing administration.

“The report we are submitting to you represents the voice of the peoplethat voted you (Fayemi),and it contains what they want in the short term, medium term and in the long term”, he said..

http://www.metronaija.ng/fayemi-invokes-gods-judgement-on-fayose/

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The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Hydrological Services Agencies (NHISA) have warned that 12 states across the country would soon experience flooding due to torrential rain falls.

The two agencies gave the warning on Friday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held with relevant stakeholders in Abuja.

Mr Clem Nze, Director, Engineering Hydrology, NHISA, listed the states to include: Kogi, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Edo, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states, from the River Niger axis.

He also listed Taraba, Benue and Adamawa as states to be affected from the River Benue axis.

The expert also warned that the flood might be eminent, noting that all the indices that played out before the 2012 flooding had already manifested.

He said that the decision to raise the alarm was to ensure preparedness among stakeholders and residents of flood-prone communities.

Nze revealed that as at Friday, the height of River Niger in Lokoja was at 10.1 meters as against the 9.74 meters in 2012, adding that the continued to rise on hourly basis.

The director said that that the water levels were increasing due to the opening of the Shiroro, Kanji and Jebba Dams.

“As at today, our hydro-logical measuring station downstream the confluence in Lokoja recorded a stage height of 10.1m and a discharge value of 21, 326 cubic metre per second.

“As against lower values of 9. 74m and 19,762 cubic meters per second recorded on the corresponding date of 2012 when the flood occurred.

“From the foregoing, it could be said that all the indices that caused the 2012 river flooding have manifested, except spillage of water from the Lagdo Dam,“ he said.

“It would be noted that it was on Sept. 29, 2012 that the maximum flood level of 12 .840m and the corresponding discharge of 31,692 cubic meters per second were recorded at our station in Lokoja, downstream the confluence.

“By the 2018 Seasonal Rainfall Prediction released earlier in the year, Sept. 28 is the earliest cessation date of rainfall in Sokoto and Katsina while December is the earliest cessation date for the southern coastal cities.

“The implication of this is that, the northern part of the country should be expecting more rains in the next three weeks.’’
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Earlier, Mr Mustapha Maihaja, Director-General, NEMA said that the emergency meeting was called following the update on the flood situation received from NHISA and described the development as alarming and urgent.

He said that the meeting would also review the situation with a view to classifying the possible dangers, assess preparedness at individual and collective levels.

Maihaja said that this was to ensure that every relevant agency was ready for any eventuality, if the water level keeps increasing.

“This is a serious meeting; we must put heads together to first classify the situation, whether it is still yellow or red.

“If it is red, surely we should act and part of the acting is the suggestion to set up a committee of five groups of three personnel from various sector to visit the front line states.

“It is for them to meet with the officials, go down to the villages that are really critically under threat and use all avenues to enlighten them.

“To invigorate our enlightenment campaign electronically and physically to ensure that everybody is well informed as required by the law.

“ Secondly, we access our preparedness, informing our stakeholders so that wherever there is any equipment that is required, it is ready for deployment, should anything happens,’’ Maihaja said.

He called on state governments to provide alternative accommodation for those in the flood affected areas so that they do not camp in schools, especially as the schools are now in session.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that stakeholders from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Ministries of Environment, Water Resources, Education, Health and Agriculture attended the meeting.

Other stakeholders present include representatives from the Defence Headquarters, Federal Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), relevant UN agencies and other international organisations.

The stakeholders affirmed their preparedness to swing into action in the case of any flood disaster in any part of the country. (NAN)

https://www.metronaija.ng/12-states-to-experience-flooding-nema-nhisa-warn/

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has given the military 24 hours ultimatum to vacate the premises of an oil and gas firm to avert a nationwide strike.

At a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, NUPENG President, Mr Williams Akporeha, called on the Chief of Army Staff to withdraw soldiers from the premises of Sterling Energy Exploration Company (SEEPCO) and its drilling arm, British Oil and Gas Ltd located in Warri, Delta.

“NUPENG as an organization has written to the Chief of Army Staff that soldiers be removed from the work site, that what we have on ground is not a terrorist situation but an industrial relations matter.

“Our prayers right now is that those soldiers that are there be redeployed within the next 24 hours or else we shall have no option but to embark on a nationwide industrial action,’’ Akporeha said.

He also called on the Delta State Governor to wade into the matter, adding that the union had directed its members in Warri to immediately shut down over intimidation by their employer and harassment by the military.
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Akporeha disclosed that over 2,000 of its members had been sacked by the oil and gas companies for active unionism, describing the action as oppressive and a height of high handedness on the part of the firms.

He said the firm had seven land rigs drilling in Kwale, Warri but that only two of them belonged to the union, adding that efforts by the other five groups to be unionised was resisted by the multinational corporation.

Akporeha said the union in an attempt to resolve the matter, issued a press statement but was shocked that soldiers were brought in forcing members to renounce their membership of the union in order to keep their jobs.

He alleged that the firm owned by Indians, forced workers with the help of the military into accepting working conditions that were not in line with labour laws of Nigeria.
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He urged Nigerians to rise up against the practice as no Nigerian could do same in any other country.

“When the union decided to question why the company decided to continue to resist the rights of workers to unionize, what we saw was deployment of military troops to hound and evacuate those workers that agreed to be part of the union.

“We feel that there are some processes that are no more fashionable in a democratic and a decent society than bringing soldiers to intimate harmless workers who are asking for their rights and especially just mere rights to identify with a union.

“As we speak, soldiers are distributing new employment forms of none identification with union to members if they must remain on the job.

“We have directed our members in Delta State to withdraw their services in protest of this unfortunate situation and we using this opportunity to also ask the governor of the state to immediately intervene to avoid turning his state into a dance floor for industrial crisis,” he said.
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Akporeha said that if the management of the oil and gas firms were not called to order, the union will embark on full scale nationwide strike, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.F

The NUPENG president noted that negotiations with the management of the companies failed because they came up with “a fraudulent, unacceptable idea” that they were ready to remit check off dues of workers to the union without allowing the workers to unionise.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nupeng-begins-strike-in-warri-gives-military-ultimatum/

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun with Wang Xiaotoa, Director-General, International Development Agency at the signing of the $328m concessional loan agreement with China for the NICTIB II project

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-adeosun-and-director-general-international-development-agency-sign-328m-loan-agreement/

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