The All Progressives Congress (APC) has charged Nigerians to continue to challenge corruption and its related vices, and not to allow politicians who institutionalised it to take over governance again.

Mr Yekini Nabena, the APC acting National Publicity Secretary gave the charge in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

“We must continue to challenge corruption and its related vices, this is in line with the change agenda the APC promised Nigerians, this is a promise we are committed to keep.

“While we alert Nigerians to the plot of some politicians to buy votes and deploy other illegal means to subvert the people’s will during coming elections, we urge relevant agencies to be proactively involved in tracking of election financing.

“The same people who criminally diverted public monies to fund their political activities as brazenly displayed during past administrations, must be prevented from doing same in coming elections,” he said.

Nabena noted that under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration, the scale of recoveries from corrupt elements in the past three years by the country’s anti-graft agencies was testament that the administration’s extensive anti corruption drive was yielding results.

He added that compared to the past, the successful prosecution of many corrupt persons, the hugely successful whistle blowing policy and voluntary return of corruptly acquired funds and assets had shown that it was no longer business as usual.

The APC spokesman further said that it also showed that corruption was increasingly becoming unacceptable in the country.

“Corruption can no longer define how we do things as a country, there is a new realisation among well meaning Nigerians that if we do not kill corruption it will kill us.

“We share the submission of a former United States Vice President, Joe Biden; corruption is a cancer; a cancer that eats away at a citizen’s faith in democracy, diminishes the instinct for innovation and creativity.

“It wastes the talent of entire generations, it scares away investments and jobs,” the APC spokesman said.

He noted that the media space had recently been awash with a campaign of calumny against Federal Government’s anti corruption efforts by the same opposition partisans and their proxies that ruined the country with their institutionalised corruption.

He added that this, was however, expected as corruption would naturally fight back.

Nabena said that sadly, ahead of 2019 elections, those that insitutionalised corrupt in the country had resurfaced to canvass votes of Nigerians for various elective positions, ostensibly to resume “their stealing”.

He stressed that Nigerians were neither gullible nor stupid, adding that they had not forgotten the yoke they bore under the corrupt Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regimes and deserve no more of it.

He recalled that under the PDP administration, public funds that could had improved the education, healthcare sectors and provided infrastructure to develop the economic and social life of Nigerians were sadly in the pockets of “thieves”.

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-elections-apc-charges-nigerians-to-continue-challenging-corruption-2/

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The National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) says no fewer than 300 Corps members have withdrawn their applications for relocation to serve outside Anambra.

Mr Kehinde Aremu, Coordinator of NYSC in the state said this during the cultural carnival held for 2018 Batch B Stream Two Corps members at the Umunya Temporary Orientation Camp, Oyi Council Area on Sunday.

Aremu, who said the scheme had received about 600 of such applications, attributed it to fears the corps members have about the state before coming to camp.

He said the withdrawal of the transfer applications was due to the interaction which the NYSC created between the corps members with community leaders and local government administrators.

He said the process of acculturation had been so effective that they were now relaxed and ready to contribute their quota to the development of the communities where they would be posted for primary assignment.

The coordinator said the corps members were able to study, understand and display the rich and diverse cultural groups in Nigeria excellently within such a short time of being together.

“The bonding is great both among the corps members and between the corps members and the communities.

“Local government officials have been coming to talk to them and also entertain them, traditional rulers have also been coming and at this event we have a good number of them from Anambra and Enugu.

“Before now, I had not less that 600 applications for relocation from Anambra but at this moment, more than 300 of them have withdrawn their requests because we have been able to connect them with the people.

“Their fears were unfounded, they had a wrong idea of the Anambra environment but now they know better,” he said.

In his remark, Igwe Chris Onyekwuluje, the Traditional Ruler of Umunya said the larger Nigerian society had a lot to learn from what the NYSC was doing.

Onyekwuluje gave his blessing to the corps members and urged them to respect the culture of the people they were posted to serve while assuring them of the best of hospitality where ever they found themselves in the state.

“I am impressed with what I have seen here, the beautiful representation of the cultural endowment of this country by these Corps members really overwhelmed me.

“I thank the coordinator, he has done well, the good number of traditional rulers here says a lot and I must say that this is the best way to keep Nigeria together. Leaders of this country should understand and appreciate the people they are leading and their ways of life.

“NYSC is a good example of how to manage this country. For the corps members I welcome them to Anambra and assure them of the best hospitality,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there were cultural parade by the various platoons depicting major cultural groups in Nigeria, dance, drama and other competitions.

The camp was for Corps members deployed to serve in Anambra and Enugu states.


http://www.metronaija.ng/nysc-300-members-withdraw-relocation-from-anambra-2/

The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi; arrived Eleme LGA ; received PDP decampees into APC

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-amaechi-welcomes-thousands-of-pdp-members-to-apc-in-eleme-rivers/

The Ambassador of Nigeria in Doha, Qatar, Abdullahi Wase, is dead.

Wase’s death was disclosed in a statement by the Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tope Elias-Fatile, On Saturday

Fatile said Wase, a non-career ambassador from Plateau State, died on Friday night after battling an undisclosed illness.

“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, received the news of his death with shock and prayed that God grant his family and the nation the fortitude to bear the great loss.”

The late envoy would be buried in Doha at 7.00pm (local time) today.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigerian-ambassador-to-qatar-abdullahi-wase-is-dead-2/

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Kaduna state Governor Nasir El Rufai together with the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, and other Senior Government Officials performed the Friday Congregational Prayer at the Police College Mosque, Constitution Road, Kaduna.

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Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the official commissioning of the new office complex of Omoluabi Holdings and the Mega Filling Station of Osicol Petroleum (a subsidiary of Omoluabi Holdings Limited).

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Former Ondo state Governor Segun Mimiko arrives Labour Party National Secretariat in Abuja to make a historical declaration


http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-mimiko-arrives-labour-party-to-pick-nomination-form/

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Governor Yahaya Bello visited the Kotonkarfi IDP Camp One for victims of flooding, where he was presented with two new born babies; one was born during the boat ride out of the danger zone, the other was born in the camp. He donated money to the victims & promised more support.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-governor-yahaya-bello-visits-kotonkarfi-idp-camp/

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Former Governor of Kano Malam Ibrahim Shekarau CON, with his APC Membership Card collected today Sun, 9/9/18 at his Giginyu Ward, Nasarawa Local Government, Kano State. APC Change.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-shekarau-receives-his-apc-membership-card/

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, on Saturday said the state had the lowest index of unemployment in Nigeria because of the youth engagement programmes he had instituted since coming to power in 2010.

Aregbesola made the assertion while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, after a fitness walk organised for the newly absorbed 20, 000 youths into the state’s Youths Empowerment Scheme (O-YES).

“What you are witnessing today, the O-YES scheme, started in 2010/2011; 100 days after our inauguration and we are still running it.

“Because we are not just a conventional administration like the previous governments, we have designed and empowered our young ones to cater to all needs of the people.
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“It is clear that no government has the capacity to employ all youths but we have, through the O-YES scheme, created opportunities that will engage and take them out of vices,” he said.

“Two-third of youths in the O-YES are either in one employment or the other or self-employed.

“This explains the results of all surveys, political, social, undertaken nationwide which throws up the fact that Osun has the highest index of happiness.

“We have the lowest unemployment rate in Nigeria, as well as the 7th largest economy in the country.”

Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the flag bearer of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Osun 2018 governorship election who took part in the walk, said O-YES was a laudable scheme which, he noted, would be kept and improved upon if he was elected governor.
READ ALSO North West takes on the role of Kim Kardashian's unofficial photographer and she's doing a good job

He said: “The scheme has taken cumulatively, 80, 000 youths off the streets and provided them with a platform to do something productive.

“The state is very peaceful because the youth are engaged and because they have something to do, they are not vulnerable.

“The government is encouraging youths through the scheme to embrace hard work, to shun vices and also remove vulnerability.”

The Head of the O-YES programme, Mr Enibukun Oyewole, lauded the government for setting up the scheme which, he said,0 had transformed the lives of lots of youths.
READ ALSO Ekweremadu vs EFCC: Deputy Senate President denies owning 'hidden properties'

Oyewole said a lot of the O-YES cadets had been sent abroad for training in various skills acquisition, noting that N3.6 billion was expended on the scheme annually.

He said the success of the programme attracted the attention of the World Bank had which studied it.

Oyewole said the World Bank certified O-YES as a viable and sustainable solution to the problem of youth unemployment in Nigeria and consequently recommended it to the Federal Government and other states in the country.

http://www.metronaija.ng/osun-has-lowest-index-of-unemployment-in-nigeria-says-aregbesola/

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has assured that there is enough fuel in the country and that there is no need for panic buying of petroleum products by motorists and the public.

The corporation disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, It’s spokesman, in Abuja, on Friday.
READ ALSO Davido Reveals His 2 Girls Would Finish His 30 Billion

This, followed reports of an ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over a purported intervention by an arm of the security agencies in what the union viewed as purely labour matters involving a company and its workers in Delta State.

He added that the corporation’s Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru and his Management team, were engaging the parties involved, saying the parties are close to resolving the issues.
Ughamadu in the statement advised motorists and other consumers of petroleum products not to engage in panic buying as the NNPC Management was close to reaching an amicable resolution of the challenge.
NNPC assured that the corporation had adequate storage of petroleum products across the country and advised that they should not entertain any fear of petroleum shortages.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nnpc-allays-fear-over-fuel-scarcity/

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Gunmen have killed five persons at a mining site in Gana-Ropp village of Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

DSP Terna Tyopev, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in the state, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos.

“On Tuesday at about 12:30.p.m, we received distress call from Da Gyang Pam, the village head of Gana-Ropp village in Barkin Ladi, saying that there had been sporadic gunshots at a mining site around the area.

” A team of policemen led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Barkin Ladi Division was dispatched to the scene of crime.

“On arrival, it was discovered that five persons were shot by gunmen who fled the scene before the arrival of policemen

” Our men immediately moved those with gunshots to the General Hospital in the locality but were confirmed dead by the doctor on on duty, “Tyopev said.

He said that the dead bodies had been released to the families of the victims for burial.

He said investigation was ongoing to arrest those behind the dastardly act.

The police spokesman called on members of the public with useful information on the killings to make it available to the security agencies for prompt action

http://www.metronaija.ng/gunmen-kill-5-at-plateau-mining-site-2/

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Gombe State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Wednesday said it arrested a suspect for peddling fake dollars in Gombe.

Mr Buhari Sa’ad, Public Relations Officer of the command, said, at a press briefing in Gombe, the arrest was based on credible information from the members of the public.

Sa’ad said the suspect, Augustine Samuel, was arrested with 30 pieces of fake 100 dollar notes.

He said the incessant racketeering and issuance of fake dollars was of great concern, and that the command had re-strategised to stop the disturbing trend.

“Today, 46-year-old suspect who specialises in defrauding members of the public of their hard earned money by issuing them fake dollar notes in exchange for genuine naira bills has been arrested.

“The suspect was arrested based on credible information from the members of the public. The incessant racketeering and issuance of fake currency has been of great concern to the command.

“This criminal act is worrisome because of its consequences and untold hardship rendered on victims in the state. However, our strategy to end this crime is yielding expected results,” he said.

Sa’ad said investigation was on-going, and that the suspect would soon be charged to the court.

The NSCDC Gombe command PRO appealed to the public to continue to cooperate with security personnel, while warning criminals in the state to have a re-think

http://www.metronaija.ng/man-arrested-for-peddling-fake-dollars-in-gombe/

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President Muhammadu Buhari says Nigeria’s partnership with China through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has resulted in the execution of vital infrastructure projects across the country, valued at over $5 billion.

The President disclosed this in Beijing, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

He added that the president’s disclosure was at the FOCAC Round Table meeting, attended by African leaders and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

He quoted Buhari as have listed specific projects executed through the Chinese support under FOCAC in the last three years to include areas of infrastructure and human capacity development.

According to the president, the Chinese support to Nigeria has also impressively addressed significant challenges in the areas of power, transport, agriculture and humanitarian assistance.

He said: “For Nigeria, our partnership with China through the FOCAC platform, has resulted in the construction of the first urban rail system in West Africa. This $500 million project in Abuja was commissioned in July this year.’’

The President also cited the construction and operation of the first rail system in Africa that used modern Chinese standards and technology.

“This 180-km rail line that connects Abuja and Kaduna was commissioned two years ago at a cost of $500 million.

“Today, the rail line is functioning efficiently with no issues – indeed, a sign that Chinese technology is world class,” he noted.

President Buhari said that, ”Nigeria is leveraging Chinese funding to execute $3.4 billion worth of projects at various stages of completion.

These he said include the upgrading of airport terminals, the Lagos – Kano rail line, the Zungeru hydroelectric power project and fibre cables for our internet infrastructure.

”Furthermore, less than 3 months ago, Nigeria signed an additional $1billion loan from China for additional rolling stock for the newly constructed rail lines as well as road rehabilitation and water supply projects”.

The Nigerian leader said that the aforementioned projects had demonstrated the high level of consistency and commitment China had shown in boosting its relations with African countries under the umbrella of FOCAC.

”I am optimistic that this Summit will offer new opportunities that would build on these past achievements.

”Nigeria will continue to support the FOCAC initiative and also seek to key into the Belt and Road Initiative. “

This according is as an additional Chinese mechanism to build further cooperation in our quest for infrastructural and economic development.

Buhari dispelled insinuations about the so-called death trap by Chinese government on developing countries, insisting that Nigeria would be able to re-pay the loans.

”These vital infrastructure projects synchronise perfectly with our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

“Some of the debts incurred are self-liquidating. Our country is able to re-pay loans as and when due in keeping with our policy of fiscal prudence and sound housekeeping.”

The President applauded China for its overall commitment to the ideals of FOCAC.

He acknowledged that since the launch of the Forum in 2000, China and Africa had strived to implement the declarations and follow-up action plans for the benefit of both parties.

He also commended President Jinping, his Government and the people for successfully hosting the Beijing Summit aimed at further strengthening China-Africa partnership.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigeria-china-partnership-yields-over-5bn-in-projects-buhari/

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The Joint Union of Plateau State-owned Tertiary Institutions (JUPTI) has embarked on an indefinite strike which commenced 12 midnight Sunday (yesterday).

According to the union, it became necessary for its members to embark on the strike following the elapse of a seven-day ultimatum given to the state government to pay all outstanding and withheld salaries on or before 31 August, 2018, without a response from the government.
The union through its chairman, Paul Dakogol also explained in a statement, that during the strike, all academic and administrative activities would be suspended until the demands of the unions were met.

“No staff shall receive any directive from any quarter except from JUPTI,” the statement added.

When we visited the Plateau State Polytechnic, Jos campus (PlaPoly), our correspondent observed that the school was under lock.
It was also observed that the main gate of the institution was under key as hundreds of students were seen grumbling outside.

http://www.metronaija.ng/plateau-owned-tertiary-institutions-begin-indefinite-strike/

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One of the students, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, urged the government to meet the unions’ demands in order to enable the students continue with their studies.

Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo acknowledges cheers during his visit to Osun state.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-visits-osun-state/

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Adamawa Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday adopted the Indirect Primaries for the election of its candidates for the 2019 General Elections.

A communiqué issued at the end of the State Executive Committee (SEC) meeting of the party in Yola said indirect primary was the best option for the state.

It said that the SEC consulted widely and resolved to adopt the indirect primaries for the Governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly Primaries for the elections.

Motion for the adoption of the party decision at the meeting was moved by Mr Ahmed Gulak and seconded by former Adamawa House of Assembly Speaker and Acting Governor, Mr James Barka.

Addressing the SEC members, the State Party Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Bilal represented by his deputy, Mr Samaila Tadawus said the decision to choose the option was in line with Article 12.8 of the party constitution.

Bilal said it was also in compliance with the directive of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to all states to decide on the mode of conducting their primaries.

In his remarks, Gov. Muhammadu Bindow represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr Martins Babale said he was also in support of indirect primaries and urged party members to join hands and ensure free and fair primaries.


Also speaking at the meeting, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustafa said the most important thing was that whatever decision taken should be in line with the party constitution which provided for direct, indirect or consensus.

Mustafa who called for free and fair contest, urged members of the party to always show maturity in their conduct as members of the ruling party.

“We should always conduct ourselves in the most decent manners,” he said.

Sen. Binta Masi and Rep. Ibrahim Dasin who spoke on behalf of members of the National Assemblyfrom the state also endorsed the indirect primaries and cited some challenges including insecurity in some areas of the state.


Similarly, the Adamawa House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, Deputy Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Tsamdu and the House Majority Leader, Mr Hassan Barguma who spoke on behalf of APC members in the assembly also endorsed indirect primaries.

“Another reason why we don’t support direct primaries is that the state has no authentic party member register, while we learnt that there are about two million fake party membership cards in circulation,” Mijinyawa said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-adamawa-apc-adopts-indirect-primaries/

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Authorities on Sunday confirmed 15 deaths due to what an official suspected to be cases of gastroenteritis in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The Transition Committee Chairman of the council, Alhaji Yusuf Radda, made this known to newsmen through his Information Officer, Mannir Idris in Charanchi.

He said that the areas affected by the outbreak were Charanchi town, Malali and Banye villages.

Radda said that about 24 persons have so far been hospitalised and were currently receiving medical treatment at the Charanchi Comprehensive Healthcare Centre.

He said the council had already sent team of medical experts to render services to the victims.

‘’We quickly responded to the situation by providing necessary drugs for treatment of the affected persons.

‘’We are calling for urgent intervention from the state government to curtail spread of the disease,’’ he said.

He also urged people in the areas to continue to embrace both personal and environmental hygiene as part of measures prevent diseases outbreak.

http://www.metronaija.ng/15-die-from-gastroenteritis-outbreak-in-katsina/

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More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-rita-dominic-at-2018-amvca/

Nollywood veteran, Rita Dominic stuns at the red carpet of the biggest television and film award ceremony in Africa, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018 (AMVCA 2018).

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-rita-dominic-at-2018-amvca/

Popular OAP and actress, Oreka Godis got alot of people talking with her amazing outfit to the biggest television and film award ceremony in Africa, the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018 (AMVCA 2018).

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-oreka-godis-at-2018-amvca/

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President Buhari receives in official visit German Chancellor, Angela Merkel in State House on 31st Aug 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-receives-german-chancellor-angela-merkel/

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has reacted to allegation by the Not Too Young To Run Movement that he unfairly ‘usurped’ the platform of the group to declare his presidential ambition.

Saraki had in an address he read at a dialogue with youths and young aspirants in Abuja organised by the Movement on Thursday declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2019 general election.

But in a statement issued after the event, the group condemned the Senate President for using its platform to advance his presidential ambition.

“The movement wishes to express its disappointment with Senator Saraki for usurping a platform designed for young aspirants to dialogue with party leadership, to advance his political ambition.

“We strongly condemn this act by the President of the Senate and dissociate ourselves from this political move. “As noted earlier, the movement reaffirms its identity as a non-partisan citizen-led movement dedicated to the defense of democracy, political inclusion and transformative leadership.

“The movement restates its commitment to sustain its engagement with political parties to ensure youth candidacy and democratic primaries by the parties.”

But Saraki in a statement titled ‘Our Response To The Not Too Young To Run Statement’ signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) on Friday said that though the leadership of Not Too Young To Run had no prior knowledge of the content his remarks, his declaration and intention were ‘made in good faith to young PDP aspirants, partly as a symbolic act of encouragement.’

The statement reads: “It has been brought to our attention that the Not Too Young to Run group have issued a statement in relation to the announcement made by the President of the Senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, whilst addressing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members and aspirants of the group.

“The occasion was first in a series of Dialogues organised by the Not Too Young To Run along Party lines. The first one is for young PDP aspirants. The subsequent ones are designed for the APC and other parties.

“It is true that the Not Too Young To Run leadership had no prior knowledge of the content of the Senate President’s remarks.

“However, the announcement by the Senate President that he intends to throw his hat into the ring to contest for the Presidency was made in good faith to young PDP aspirants, partly as a symbolic act of encouragement.

“It was not the intent of the Senate President to put the group or its leadership in an invidious position. The Senate President appreciates the contribution of the group to the development of our democracy and will continue to work closely with young people across the country in order to make Nigeria a better place for all.”

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-saraki-replies-not-too-young-to-run/

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Federal, states and local governments on Thursday shared N714.8 billion revenue generated in July, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The figure indicated a decline of N107.1 billion when compared to what was generated in June.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, while briefing newsmen in Abuja on the outcome of the monthly Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting, highlighted several factors that impacted negatively on the month’s income.

“Crude oil exports sales volume was 3.74 million barrels showing an increase of 0.17 million barrels when compared with the previous month sales of 3.57 million barrels.

“Despite the improved revenue, production was negatively affected in the period by shut-ins and shut-down at various terminals for repairs and maintenance of ageing facilities.

“The value Added Tax (VAT), import duty, Companies Income Tax (CIT) and Oil Royalty decreased, while Petroleum Profit Tax recorded an increase,” she said.

Adeosun, giving a breakdown of the revenue generated, said that N376.14 billion was generated as mineral revenue, while N221.8 billion came from non-mineral resources.

To this end, the minister said that Federal Government received N269.8 billion, states N136.85 billion and local government N105.5 billion.

She said that N44.96 billion was also shared among the oil producing states, representing 13 per cent of the oil revenue generated in the month of July.

Adeosun said the equivalent of N25 million was transferred into the Excess Crude Account (ECA), adding that the balance in the ECA account was 2.31 billion dollars.

The minister also gave an update on the review of the revenue reporting template between the NNPC and the FAAC as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.

She announced that the reporting template would be ready before the next FAAC meeting in September.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the review of the revenue reporting template between the NNPC and the FAAC as a lasting solution for the frequent disagreements between the two parties over revenue collections.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fg-states-lgs-share-n714-8-billion-for-july/

President Muhammadu Buhari at the Women Political Aspirants Advocacy Summit in Abuja on 30th Aug 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-at-women-political-aspirants-advocacy-summit/

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The Bank of Agriculture (BoA) on Wednesday disclosed that the Federal Government has saved about 800 million dollars by encouraging local production of rice in the country.

Prince Niyi Akenzua, the Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, BoA, said at a media briefing in Lagos ahead of the “Meet the Farmers Conference” (MTFC) 2018 scheduled for Oct. 10 in the nation’s commercial hub.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference, which is organised by Crenov8 Consulting, is aimed at exposing African farmers to the opportunities in agro-export, especially to Dubai and other Middle-East countries.

Akenzua commended the initiative of the government to diversify the economy with special focus on agriculture, urging Nigerians to key into the programmes because of their all-round benefits.

He said the government restructured the BoA in 2016 to enable it render critical assistance to the agricultural sector in terms of food security and increased export of agro-products to boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The Central Bank of Nigeria facilitated a N250 billion intervention fund for the BoA which is being disbursed through the Anchor Borrower’s Programme.

“In 2017, we disbursed about N100 billion to farmers and we have also disbursed about N50 billion so far in 2018,” Akenzua said.

He said rice production had increased to a level that people could ever imagined and that the government was targeting early 2019 to fully stop importation of rice.

Akenzua said emphasis was being placed on standardising and packaging of agricultural products from Nigeria to make them acceptable to the export market.

Earlier, Mrs Bola Oyedele , a representative of Crenov8 Consulting, said Dubai imported over 100 billion dollars worth of food in 2017 from Africa and it is expected to rise to about 400 billion dollars in the next eight years.

Oyedele urged Nigeria and other African countries to tap into the huge opportunities that exist to export various agricultural products such as cocoa, rice, gum arabic, palm oil, wheat, maize among others to Dubai particularly and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

She said participants at the conference will be exposed to a wide range of topics such as agro commodity trading in Dubai and GCC, import and exports requirements, laws and policies, financing, shipping and insurance among others.


http://www.metronaija.ng/rice-production-saves-nigeria-800m-in-2-years-boa/

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The police in Gombe state have recovered the sum of $4,000 (about N1.3million) from a 19 year old boy following his arrest in Pindiga town of Akko Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest of the suspect, Idris Abubakar, was confirmed in a press statement issued in Gombe on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mary Malum.

According to the statement, other things recovered from the teenager are N21, 000 cash, three bundles of wrappers and two pairs of canvas shoes.

Others were a pair of rubber palm shoes, one MP3 player, one Infinix Note mobile phone and 17 pieces of chocolate.

The command said that certain individuals who noticed the unusual spending pattern of the suspect alerted the Pindiga Divisional Police Headquarters on 19th of August.

During interrogations, the suspect was said to have confessed to stealing the foreign currency notes from his unnamed Lebanese boss in Kano, who employed him as a domestic staff.

The Command stated that the suspect had been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Kano Command, scene of the crime, for further prosecution.

Also, one Babangida Mohammed, 38, was allegedly arrested for siphoning fuel from a fuel reservoir within the vicinity of an electricity transformer at Pindiga Township.

http://www.metronaija.ng/police-recover-4000-from-boy-in-gombe/

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola and Governor-Elect, Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi during a courtesy visit to the Minister to discuss issues relating to infrastructure of Ekiti State.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-fayemi-visits-fashola/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

While the presidency is still waiting on the intelligence agencies for confirmation, the parents of parents of Leah Sharibu, the only Christian girl still being held captive by Boko Haram insurgents among those abducted at the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe State, have confirmed that the voice in an audio message widely circulated on Monday was indeed that of their daughter.

The audio message was published yesterday by “The Cable” newspaper with her recent picture in which she is wearing a brown hijab and sitting on a mat.

In the audio, the girl spoke in Hausa which was traslated thus: “I am Leah Sharibu, the girl that was abducted in GGSS Dapchi. I am calling on the government and people of goodwill to intervene to get me out of my current situation.

“I also plead to the members of the public to help my mother, my father, my younger brother and relatives. Kindly help me out of my predicament. I am begging you to treat me with compassion. I am calling on the government, particularly the President, to pity me and get me out of this serious situation. Thank you.”

The Yobe State correspodent of The Nation newspaper said the parents of Leah to confirm the veracity of the voice during a phone call to them.

“I can confirm to you that the voice that spoke is that of my daughter Leah. It is her voice, no doubt. I am happy that I can hear my daughter speak. This has given me hope that she is alive. I am also happy to see her recent picture displayed,” the reporter quoted the father as saying.
“My request is the same with my daughter’s. The government should play their part now by intensifying efforts to secure her freedom.,” Sharibu said.

“The mother’s hope never died, though it has now doubled. She will however become happier the day her daughter is freed.

The reporter also quoted the monther, Mrs Sharibuas calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to take all the actions necessary to free her daughter, while also calling on her daughter’s abductors to unconditionally free her.

The Presidency had yesterday said that President Buhari would not rest until the release of Leah.
Leah Sharibu was held back by the terrorists for refusing to renounce her faith.

But, in a tweet on Monday, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said “We are aware of the audio in circulation concerning the unfortunate situation of our daughter, Leah Sharibu. In dealing with terrorists, nothing is too trivial.

“The secret service is analysing the voice. Our reaction will follow the outcome of the investigation.

“For President Buhari, nothing will be spared in bringing all our girls home. He will not rest until all of them are freed,” he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/leah-sharibus-parents-confirm-it-was-daughter-speaking-in-audio-clip/

cc: lalasticlala mynd44

More at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-aregbesola-and-2face-at-dinner-of-vice-chancellors-of-nigerian-universities/