₦airaland Forum

Mr Dibal Yakadi, Commissioner of Police, Niger, confirmed on Monday that one person was killed and 13 suspects were arrested in a clash between the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) members and students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

Yakadi, who confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, attributed the clash to the refusal of a union member to drop off the students he carried from Minna at the Poly Junction instead of the Etsu Yahaya Motor Park, Bida.

According to the police chief, the vehicle was driven by one Baba Mohammed from Minna to Bida.
“As a result, a fight ensued and a student sustained bruises while the driver sustained injuries on the neck.”
The commissioner of police said the students mobilised in large number and went to Estu Yahaya Park to attack the union members, during which seven motorcycles were burnt.

“A lecturer in the institution, Danlami Mohammed, Johnson Ouoha and Habib Mohammed were wounded.
“Consequently, the youth in the town went on rampage, attacking off campus students and innocent visitors in houses and hotels around the institution,” Yakadi said.

He said that 13 suspects were arrested and being interrogated in connection with the fracas.
“Ten students are currently on admission at the General Hospital Bida, while one person was confirmed dead,” the police commissioner said.
He said that the command had deployed 40 mobile policemen and 20 conventional police from Minna, to beef up security at Bida.
Meanwhile, Dr Abubakar Dzukogi, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Bida, confirmed that a student was killed during the attack.
Dzukogi said peace had now returned to the institution, adding that the authorities would investigate the matter, while those found wanting would be dealt with accordingly.

http://www.metronaija.ng/students-nurtw-clash-1-dies-13-arrested-in-bida/

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Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim is one stunning woman.

The beautiful actress and her sister were all shades of stunning as they stepped out for the 2018 AMVCA last night which was held at Eko Hotels.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-juliet-ibrahim-and-her-sister-slay-for-the-2018-amvca/

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Abbas Umar Masanawa as Managing Director of the Nigeria Security Printing And Minting Company, (NSPMC).

The president also approved the appointments of Abubakar Sule Minjibir, Chris Orewa and Tunji Kazeem as Executive Directors in the company.

This is sequel to the recommendation by the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, in a memo dated Aug. 28 to the President which was approved.

Emefiele in the memo, confirmed that the tenure of the current Managing Director, Mr Joseph Ugboh and Executive Director (Finance), Abbas Masanawa, had ended in August.

He noted that the affected directors took over as executive management members of the company in 2014.

According to him, the Nigeria security printing and minting company is wholly owned subsidiary of the CBN with sole responsibility to produce Nigeria’s currency and a range of other important security documents.

He explained that prior to its takeover in Aug. 2014 by the CBN, the NSPMC was unfortunately a loss making entity.

“Upon the takeover, the company returned to profitability with profit before taxes of N611 million, N4.6 billionn and N12.1 billion during financial years ended 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively,’’ he said.

He maintained that with these results, the management had displayed strong dexterity to turn around moribund institutions.

He, therefore, opined that “by the existing organisational structure and to attain its full potentials, the NSPMC should be managed by a team comprising managing director and four executive directors.’’

Abbas Masanawa, a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, obtained his postgraduate degree in Business Administration from University of Maiduguri in 2000.

He worked briefly with FSB Bank before joining Zenith Bank where he worked for about 17 years.

He rose to the position of Deputy General Manager before his appointment in 2014 as the Special Assistant and Chief Liaison to the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria in Sept. 2014.

Masanawa has undergone various courses on Leadership, Organisational Management, Strategic Thinking and Finance in Harvard Business School, USA; London Business School UK, SAID Business School Oxford, among others.

Mr Tunji Kazeem holds a B. A. Economics and Accounting from Rutgers University, New Jersey, USA and Masters Business Administration with specialisation in Investment Management from Columbia Business School, New York.

Kazeem has a deep knowledge of revenue model and balance sheet of financial institutions and inherent risks from his varied experience that spanned over two decades and had worked as a Senior Risk Manager with LMC Group, New York.

Chris Orewa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration and had worked as an industrial engineer in England as well as a Quality Assurance for Ford Motor in Canada and Auditor, Unilever Canada.

He has over 30 years’ experience at managerial level and his career cuts across many disciplines of quality assurance, production and engineering.

Minjibir obtained a B. SC. Degree in Chemistry from Bayero University, Kano, and acquired postgraduate degrees in Business Administration with emphasis on Financial Management.

He is a Harvard trained General Management Executive and a fellow of Institute of Management Consultant.


http://www.metronaija.ng/buhari-approves-appointments-of-md-eds-for-nspmc-2/

Alternative act, Adekunle Gold performed his hit songs at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2018 (AMVCA 2018).

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-adekunle-gold-performs-at-2018-amvca/

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Chief Orji Kalu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Abia said he is determined to bring the Southeast geo-political zone into the mainstream of the nation’s politics.

“I am currently working hard day and night to ensure that APC wins the governorship and National Assembly positions in all the states in the zone.

“My ambition is to make sure that I bring the South-east to sit where other Nigerians are sitting and we must achieve it in 2019’’ Kalu said while reiterating his earlier position that APC would have a landslide victory in the zone in 2019.

He said APC would score at least, 75 per cent votes in Abia and 51 per cent in the other states in the zone.

He also predicted that the 2019 general elections would be violence-free across the country.

Kalu made the prediction on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia, the Abia Capital.

He said: “There was no violence in 2015 in spite the general fear and predictions before the polls, so there will be no violence in 2019.

“The elections will be peaceful here in Abia and across the whole Federation.”

He said that the ruling-APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari would stop at nothing to ensure hitch-free election.

“The elections will not be marred by violence. APC-led government will leave no stone unturned to protect the nation democracy.’’

He said that the pressure of electioneering usually heated up the polity and described the development as natural and often precedent to general elections anywhere in the world.

According to the ex-governor, such heat being experienced should not be mistaken as a sign of imminent violence.

“Even in the U.S., the polity is presently heating up ahead of the midterm elections coming up on Nov. 6,’’ he said.

Kalu, who is a senatorial aspirant for Abia North, took exception to the recent destruction of billboards and posters belonging to political office seekers in the area.

He blamed the act on desperate politicians and their thugs, saying that people should not make politics a do-or-die affair.

“People should see politics as a game, if you win, you rejoice but if you lose you take it in the spirit of sportsmanship. It should not be a do-or-die affair.’’

On the recent defections across different party lines by some prominent politicians in the country, Kalu said that the actions were intended to satisfy personal interest and “not in the interest of the people.’’

“Those politicians that are defecting are doing so for their selfish interest because they felt that they would not get the ticket from their former parties.’’

He attributed the trend to the lack of ideology among the nation’s political class, saying that politicians should learn to play politics of ideology.

“You saw that when I left the Peoples Democratic Party I did not return rather, I joined APC because it meets my expectations and that is where all Nigerians of note are sitting.’’

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-im-working-to-ensure-apc-wins-everywhere-in-south-east-kalu/

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it will adopt the direct primary election to pick its candidate for the 2019 presidential election.

Gov. Simeon Lalong of Plateau made this known while briefing the media at the end of the party’s 6th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhamnadu Buhari is APC preferred presidential candidate as he has been endorsed by different organs of the party for a second term.

Lalong explained that the Constitution of the party “provides for either direct, indirect or consensus, but for the presidential election, we all agreed that we will adopt direct primaries.

“Also, a recommendation was made by the National Working Committee (NWC) that states should adopt the indirect mode, but there may be situations that this might be difficult in the states, looking at their peculiarities.

”But the general option is that we go in for indirect option but any state that has a problem and will want to deviate is at liberty to write, following the normal process, with a resolution from the State Executive to the National Executive,” he said.

Lalong said that the NEC meeting also discussed the mode and guidelines for the 2019 general election, funding and the necessity for unity within the party following recent defections by some members.

He, however, added that rather than affect the party negatively, the gale of defections had strengthened it more.

The governor disclosed that the party’s NWC had been mandated to look into issues of electoral sequence that was raised after deliberations in line with the Electoral Act.

He also stated that a standing committee had been set up to look at the party’s funding for the coming elections, and stated that automatic ticket for party members was not discussed at the meeting.

“We didn’t discuss the issue of automatic ticket, but we discussed that yes, patriotic and loyal party members should be rewarded but not necessarily with automatic ticket,” he said.

Lalong said that meeting also looked at the issue of N21 million Expression of Interest and Nomination Form fee for governorship aspirants in the party as proposed by the NWC.

He said the cost was debated and was left to the party’s NWC to consider the views expressed and come up with “a reasonable figure”

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-apc-to-adopt-direct-primary-to-pick-presidential-candidate/

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President Buhari and Britian prime minister, Theresa May witnessing signing of Bilateral agreement on Nigerian Trade Development by Minister of State Budget & National Planning, Hajia Zainab Ahmed and British Minister of State for Trade Policy in State House on 29th Aug 2018.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-and-theresa-may-witness-bilateral-agreement-signing/

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said it had killed three Boko Haram insurgents when it dislodged an ambush staged by the terrorists in Gulumba-Gana Area in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno.

Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director of Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri.
Nwachukwu said the insurgents staged an ambush but were repelled and neutralised by troops of 81 Division Task Force Battalion deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole.
“Shortly before the ambush, the troops who were on a fighting patrol had uncovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) buried in the ground by the terrorists along the road.
“While the troops carried out counter IED actions to disarm the explosives, the insurgents sprang from the ambush but met with fierce resistance by the troops, who swiftly countered the ambush, killing three of the insurgents,while others fled with gunshot wounds,”he said.
He explained that the troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles; one Light Machine Gun and an empty magazine from the terrorists.
Nwachukwu said one of the troops who unfortunately sustained injury during the encounter was receiving medical attention in a medical facility.
In a separate operation, Nwachukwu said that the troops of 3 Battalion, had successfully staged an ambush against Boko Haram insurgents traversing a crossing point behind Ngala town, Borno on Tuesday.
He said the troops neutralised one Boko Haram insurgent and recovered one AK 47 rifle and seven rounds of 7.62 MM ammunition during the ambush.
“Following the escape of some insurgents with gunshot wounds during encounters with troops, members of the public are enjoined to report persons seen with gunshot wounds seeking medical attention, to security agencies,”he said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/army-kill-3-boko-haram-insurgents-in-borno/

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A pilgrim from Niger was on Wednesday feared dead in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, after mistakenly falling into the pit of an elevator under repair.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the deceased stepped on the system without knowing it was under repair and immediately sunk inside the pit.

Rescue workers were immediately mobilized to the site by the National Medical Team of NAHCON.

According to the Medical team Leader, Dr Ibrahim Kana, “following the tragedy that occurred this morning in house no three of Niger Sate, men of the National Medical Team were there for the rescue”.

He said the CCTV footage of the incident was being reviewed to get full details.

This brings to seven, the number of Nigerian pilgrims that have died since the arrival of the first batch on July. 21.

http://www.metronaija.ng/hajj-2018-nigerian-pilgrim-dies-in-elevator-pit/

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The Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, on Tuesday, kicked off its campaign for the Sept. 22 governorship election at the party secretariat, Osogbo, the state capital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign started with official presentation of the party’s governorship candidate, Sen. Ademola Adeleke and his deputy, Mr Albert Adeogun, to the party faithful.

Adeleke, while addressing his supporters and unveiling his manifesto, said the PDP was on a mission to transform the state to one that would work for all.

He said that his six-point agenda for the state included economic rejuvenation, agriculture revolution, restructure of the education system and improved workers’ welfare and condition of service.

Also listed were improved health care delivery and improved road and water infrastructure.

He said that his manifesto was not “mere election promises” but programmes evaluated that were morally right, just, equitable and deserved by people of the state.

Mr Soji Adagunodo, the Osun PDP Chairman, in his address, said that the party had resolved to provide a better, credible, sustainable and people-friendly alternative set of programmes.

Adagunodo said the party would initiate policies to restore the state to the path of economic prosperity, social emancipation and general wellbeing of all and sundry.

He said the party would focus on candidate’s six-point agenda, adding that the party was building a coalition of well-meaning leaders and citizens of the state to ensure victory.

Adagunodo equally welcomed some leaders and members of political parties and groups, who defected from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Accord Party and the Peoples’ Democratic Movement (PDM) to the PDP.

The chairman handed the party flag to the new entrants.

http://www.metronaija.ng/osun-2018-pdp-kicks-off-campaign/

Mr Bode Ayorinde, a member of the House of Representatives representing Owo/Ose constituency in Ondo State, said he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of impunity in the party.

Ayorinde addressed newsmen shortly after he obtained a PDP nomination form at the state party secretariat in Akure on Tuesday.

Recall that the lawmaker was among the House of Representatives members that defected to the opposition party on July 24.

The lawmaker, who is currently serving his first term in the lower chamber of the National Assembly, said the APC had disappointed many democrats during the last congress.

“This can not be the change we voted for; I campaigned vigorously for change, but I am highly disappointed.

“I have joined the PDP to strengthen the party, strengthen democracy and development in the country,” he said.

The Ondo State PDP Chairman, Mr Clement Faboyede, who welcomed Ayorinde, assured the lawmaker of a level playing field for all members of the party.

http://www.metronaija.ng/why-i-left-apc-rep-ayorinde/

In contrast to simple geographical restructuring of the country, prudent management of national resources and providing for the people properly, are better ideas for Nigeria’s development challenges, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

Prof. Osinbajo who stated this while fielding questions from a cross-section of Nigerians at a town hall meeting in Minnesota, the United States of America on Sunday, spoke on a wide range of issues covering the economy, anti-corruption, health, agriculture among others.

According to the Vice President, “the problem with our country is not a matter of restructuring and we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into the argument that our problems stem from some geographical restructuring. It is about managing resources properly and providing for the people properly, that is what it is all about.”

“I served for eight years as Attorney General in Lagos State and one of the chief issues that we fought for in Lagos state was what you call fiscal federalism. We felt that there was a need for the states to be stronger, for states to more or less determine their fortunes.

“So, for example, we went to court to contest the idea that every state should control, to a certain extent, its own resources (the so-called resource control debate). We were in court at that time up to the Supreme Court and the court ruled that oil-producing states should continue to get 13% derivation.

“While we were at the Supreme Court only the oil-producing states and Lagos were interested in resource control, everybody else was not interested in resource control for obvious reasons. Now, that is the way the argument has always gone, those who have the resources want to take all of it, while those who do not have want to share from others.”

Continuing, Prof. Osinbajo said, “My view is that we must create the environment that allows for people to realise themselves economically because that truly is what the challenge is with our country.”

The Vice President added that Buhari-led Federal Government has put in place an economic structure that is able to function properly despite previous challenges, particularly corruption that led to a slowdown in the economy.

On the impact of corruption on the economy and the solution adopted by the Buhari administration, Prof. Osinbajo noted that “Unless we are able to deal with the fundamental questions especially around corruption, our economic circumstance will keep going one step forward, two steps backwards”.

According to him, “When you talk about corruption in Nigeria, the truth is stranger than fiction. It is the kind of thing that would cripple an economy anywhere because you simply don’t have the resources for the graft and the greed of the numbers of people who want to steal the resources.

“All that we have been able to deal with is grand corruption. When we started the TSA, the whole point was to aggregate all of the funds of government that were in private banks. So we put all of the money in the central bank so that we could at least see the movement of money and by doing so, we were able to save 50% of the corruption that was going on then.”

He assured Nigerians in the US that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari could be trusted, noting that “we can say for sure that the President is not going to sign off money and just bring it out to share.”

Relying on OPEC statistics on oil revenues accruable to Nigeria under successive administrations between 1990 and 2014, the Vice President said not much had been done in terms of infrastructure development despite the huge oil revenues realized by the country.

According to him, “Under the IBB / Abacha administrations (1990 – 1998) Nigeria realized$199.8 billion; under the Obasanjo / Yar’Adua governments (1999 – 2009), the country got $401.1 billion; and during the Jonathan administration (2010 – 2014), Nigeria got $381.9 billion from oil revenues.”

“The question that we must all ask is that what exactly happened to resources? The question that I asked is that where is the infrastructure.

“One of the critical things that we must bear in mind and see is that this government despite earning $94 billion, up until 2017, we are spending more on infrastructure and capital than any previous government, so we are spending N1.5 trillion on capital, that is the highest we have spent since 1990,” he added.

Responding to concerns on how government is utilizing recovered funds, the Vice President disclosed that the Buhari administration is committed to a transparent use of the funds in providing infrastructure.

He said: “What we are doing with the proceeds of corruption is by making it a line in the budget so that it can be accounted for properly; it is not a special fund somewhere that is just being used in any way, but as a single line in the budget for infrastructure which is our major spend.”

In the area of agriculture, Prof. Osinbajo said, the target was to attain self-sufficiency in the production of rice, tomato etc.

According to him, “We are doing a lot of work in agriculture. Take rice, for instance, we are doing a lot in rice production and we have increased local production such that we are no longer spending $5 million daily on rice import.

“Today, we are doing 11 million metric tons of paddy rice and are now importing only 2 per cent of what we used to import.”

On Nigeria’s rise on the World Bank’s ease of doing business index, Prof. Osinbajo said though the challenges are daunting, the government was committed to going beyond the 24 places it moved up to in the last rankings.

The Vice President added that reforming Nigeria’s port system was top on the agenda of government as
efforts were underway to improve the turnaround time for cargo clearance at the ports.

According to him, “If you look at the port issue, for example, we must be able to clear our port system; people must be able to import and export their goods in hours not weeks and months.

“So, we have to work our port system and one of the things we have been able to do is what we call the National Trading Platform or the single window. We are getting to the point where we are going to launch the national trading platform where the whole port system is integrated into one.”

On improving the health budget at both the state and federal levels, the Vice President said the focus is on trying to do National Health Insurance because funding health care through budgeting has proved to be practically impossible.

According to him, “We simply do not have the resources, the states and Federal Government cannot do enough. So, the National Health Insurance is a very basic part of it and we are currently working now with the World Bank and with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a proper National Health Insurance Scheme.”

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., Mr Sylvanus Adiewere Nsofor led other Nigerians within and outside the state of Minnesota to the meeting held in Minneapolis.

http://www.metronaija.ng/nigerias-problems-not-a-matter-of-restructuring-says-osinbajo-2/

His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, 51st Ooni of Ife attends the 90th birthday of The Olubadan of Ibadaland, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-ooni-of-ife-at-olubadan-of-ibadans-90th-birthday-party/

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THE numerical strength of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), on Monday, increased by 6,000 with the defection of members of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun East senatorial district, to the party.

The defectors led by a former Youth Ambassador of Nigeria to the United Nations, Mr. Abayomi Mighty, said their reasons for defection into ADC was because of the party’s ideology of integrity and togetherness.

Mighty who was a strong member of AD before his defection said the opportunities provided for the youths was another reason why they had to join ADC.

Speaking during the ceremony held at the Ijebu Ode campaign office of Deji Ashiru, a senatorial aspirant of ADC, Mighty, said ADC remained a party to beat in the forthcoming election.

While receiving the defectors, the chairman of ADC in Ogun East Senatorial District, Ladi Odujinrin, urged the new members to mobilise more members for the party from the grassroots ahead of the elections.

He assured the new members of the party’s resolve to produce the next governor of the state, adding that the party is opened to individuals and group of people that desire good governance.

http://www.metronaija.ng/6000-apc-ad-pdp-members-join-adc-in-ogun/

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Hundreds of workers under of the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) of the Lagos State Government on Monday, staged a protest at the office of Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

The workers, who chanted solidarity songs and displayed banners with different inscriptions said that they are being owed salaries for July and Aug. 2018.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that inscribed on some of the placards carried by the protesting workers were: “Visionscape and Environment and others, “Don’t make life difficult for us’’, “Accumulation of salary.“

“We don’t want deduction of salary’’,“Don’t politicise our lives’’, “Governor should know sweepers are also voters,’’ among others.

The workers complained that there were discrepancies in their salaries, adding that they had not been given identity cards and employment letters.

One of the protesters, Mrs Salau Ologun, said that their employer was making life difficult for them.

She accused the government of being insensitive to their plight, adding that they could not continue to suffer in silence.

Addressing the protesters, the Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Environment, Mr Abiodun Bamgboye, told the protesters that their July and August salaries were ready.

Bamgboye said that government took the project from the company that was handling it and had been trying to put things in order, adding that, that was why things had not taken proper shape.

“We were able to clear the salaries from January to June. It is true we owe July and August but we have got approval for the payment.

“We are trying to audit the staff and the accounts and ensure that we are not paying ghost workers.

“There are some anomalies in the system.

“Your normal salary is N18, 500 per month. Whoever collects less than that should lodge a complaint and attach his or her payment slip, if the person has been reporting for work regularly.

“We don’t want to send your money through intermediaries, which is why we pay you through banks,’’ he said.

The permanent secretary assured the workers that their identity cards, letters of employment, and other conditions of engagement would soon be ready.

On the staff that lost her life, Bamgboye said that the ministry rose to the occasion as soon as the person was hit by a vehicle, adding that she was taken to the Lagos General Hospital, where she was rejected.

He also said that the victim was later taken to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), but was told that there was no space.

The permanent secretary said that the victim died before they got to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).

“We will visit the family of the deceased and do the necessary things. We have provided safety devices for you, but some drivers are drunk while some are careless.

“We have insured your lives and our government is ready to compensate the family of whoever loses his or her life on the job.’’ (NAN)

http://www.metronaija.ng/cleaner-lagos-workers-protest-unpaid-salaries/

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The Lagos State Police Command on Monday said it had arrested 57 persons suspected to be involved in homosexual activities in the Egbeda area of the state.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, confirmed the arrest to newsmen during a news conference.

He said that the suspects were picked up on Sunday at 2 a.m. while they were performing gay-initiation for newly recruited members, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

“Intelligence gathered revealed that some youths will be initiated into a Gay/Homosexual Club between 1 a.m and 2 a.m., at Kelly Ann Hotel/ Event Centre, located at No. 3-7, Adenrele St., Egbeda, an action contrary to Section 1 (1) of Same Sex Marriage, Act 2014.

“Consequent upon this, some operatives from the Shasha and Idimu Police Stations stormed the venue and met no less than 80 young men.

“They were taking different types of drinks including banned substances like Tramadol, Shisha laced with substances suspected to be Marijuana.

“As soon as they sighted the police, they ran into different directions but the team arrested 57 of them,” he said.

The CP said that investigation into the case was ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court soon.

However, some of the suspects who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the press conference, denied the allegations.

They said that they were at the hotel to attend a wedding and a birthday party.

One of the suspects, James Obialu, said that he was a dancer and had come to the party to perform before he was arrested.

“I am not a gay, I am a dancer and I was there to perform before I was arrested. I am a responsible citizen and I work at the Alimosho General Hospital as a counsellor for those living with HIV,” he said.

Another suspect, Samuel Olarotimi, 22, and also a graduate of Mass Communication from the Yaba College of Technology, said that there were other females in the hotel who were not arrested.

“I was there for a birthday party which started late. About eight ladies were at the bar with us while some other ladies were dressing up in their rooms.

“I don’t know why the police refused to arrest the other females but brought us here as alleged homosexuals, “ he said.

One of them, Bob China, said that he accompanied his friend, a caterer, to deliver food at the party but was arrested while waiting outside the hotel.

http://www.metronaija.ng/lagos-police-arrests-57-suspected-homosexuals/

More photos at http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-from-tony-o-elumelus-mothers-90th-birthday-party/

Images from the 90th birthday party of Tony Elumelu’s mother Susan Elumelu.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-from-tony-o-elumelus-mothers-90th-birthday-party/

L

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on his 90th birthday anniversary, 26th August, 2018.

In a statement released on his behalf by Mr. Femi Adesina, his spokesperson, the congratulated the royal father for a life well lived as he turns a nonagenarian, extending warm greetings to his family, friends and entire domain who continue to enjoy the grace and wisdom of fatherhood and exceptional leadership.

The President also affirmed that Olubadan brought a rich background of business acumen to the throne of his fathers, and has successfully translated the wisdom of investments into leadership by encouraging both the young and old to start and own businesses.

President Buhari extoled Olubadan’s sense of patriotism and loyalty to the country, and his regular mobilisation of members of his community for civic duties, especially on issues that directly impact on good governance and the development of Nigeria.

The President therefore prays that the almighty God will grant the royal father longer life, and good health to reign on the throne of his fathers.

http://www.metronaija.ng/president-buhari-showers-praises-on-olubadan-on-90th-birthday/

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that it has not released the timetable for State, National Assembly, Governorship and Presidential primaries, as it is being reported in a section of the media.

Mr Yekini Nabena, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja while reacting to the development.
“The party is yet to announce its official timetable for the listed primaries,” the APC spokesman said.

He described the timetable circulating in the social media and published in a particular newspaper as fake, saying that it should be disregarded by the general public.

http://www.metronaija.ng/2019-apc-disowns-publicised-timetable-for-primaries-2/

Senate president, Bukola Saraki at the Grand Durbar in Ilorin

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-saraki-at-the-grand-durbar-in-ilorin/

The Federal Government has appealed to Churches and other religious organisations to use their platforms to propagate the achievements of the President Muhammadu Buhari led Administration.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, made the appeal at his country home, Oro, near Ilorin, Kwara, when he paid a Sallah visit to the Parish Priest of St Andrews Catholic Church, Rev. Fr. Joseph Awoyale.

He also urged the Churches to use their platform to correct the erroneous conception being circulated by naysayers that Farmerrs/Herdsmen were religious and ethnic induced.

Mohammed said the clashes were neither religious nor ethnic but resulted from the heightened contest for increasingly-scarce natural resources like land and water, due to demographic, environmental and other reasons.

On the progress made by the government, the minister said, “without any form of contradiction, no administration in the history of this country has achieved so much in so little a time and with so little resources in the area of infrastructure.

“However, most of our detractors realising that they cannot fault us on this never talk about the projects rather they are inventing fake news to de-market the administration.

“Also, governors that have not performed will like to heap the blame on the Federal Government.

“But I challenge any of them to match what they have done in the area of infrastructure compare to the Federal Government intervention projects in the state.

“Be rest assured that this administration is committed to infrastructural renewal of this country and we are leaving no stone unturned,” he said.

The minister said that the administration was working to undo the 20 years of damage by the previous governments.

“If a government comes in three years and able to revive, complete and make provision for abandoned infrastructure, it is only fair for the people to appreciate.

“Admit that the government has responsibility to provide infrastructure, we also expect some degree of honesty from the people and community.

We want informed criticism of this administration and we believe that the Church is a better place because you control and influence many souls.

We are not asking anybody to do us an undue favour.

“Where we have performed, people should appreciate and accept it and if they don’t want to, they should stop spreading false information about this government.

The minister stated further that the killings in some parts of the country, which were purely criminal and unacceptable, have been latched upon by many to divide the two religions.

“Thank God the killings have now gone down drastically, thanks to the efforts of the security forces.

“Today, the rhetoric coming out of religious organisations are divisive, incendiary and provocative. They are not healthy for peaceful co-existence and should be stopped forthwith.

“Thank God that those who sought to give the clashes between farmers and herders in Benue and Taraba, among others, a religious coloration have failed. The clashes are neither religious nor ethnic,” he said

The minister congratulated the Parish Priest and the church for attaining the centenary of Catholicism in Oro town.

He said: “A hundred years in the life of any person or organisation is no mean feat, hence it is always worthy of celebration.

“We have been invited to this celebration, which comes up in Oct 29 to Nov. 1 2018, and we will play our part in the celebration.

He said the Catholic Church in Oro was a shining example of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence for, several years, making its premises available, free of charge, for the annual Ramadan lecture, which he organised.

“Now, I am sure that, against the background of the acrimony and mutual suspicion that many religious leaders are promoting today, many cannot believe that a church will throw its gates open to a Muslim.

“But that’s what this Catholic church did for many years Ramadan lecture held annually attended by chiefs of the town, 80 per cent of whom are Christians

“The lesson from this is that the religious disharmony that is being propagated today by some religious leaders is avoidable, and that adherents of the two major religions do not have to be enemies,” he said.

Responding, the parish priest, who said he is partly Muslim and partly Christian by parentage, appreciated the minister for the visit.

He commended the Buhari administration for reconstructing the Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa road which he said was hitherto a death trap.

“We thank the administration for that and we hope and pray that they will do more for us it term of roads. I must say to you that we need those roads to be able to connect to villages and towns.

“I tell people that a performing administration does not need to campaign. your programmes and achievements will campaign for you.

Is it the N-POWER? A lot of people are benefitting from that, is it the roads? many are benefitting. We will just
continue to encourage you to continue to work for a better Nigeria.

Awoyale also hailed the government’s town hall meetings, which he said were bringing government closer to the people.


http://www.metronaija.ng/propagate-our-achievements-fg-urges-churches-2/

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The Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has suspended six of its students indefinitely over their alleged involvement in cultism. A statement signed by the registrar of the university, Margaret Omisule, identified the affected students as Onyekwusi Praise and Udeh John from the department of arts and social science education; Oladoye Oluwatobi, Ayeyi Damilola and Davis Jesulayomi of English department; and Ojo Abiodun, a student of microbiology.



The university management had on August 20th received a tipoff that two of their students were against their will, initiated into cultism outside the school campus. The police was invited and 12 of the students were arrested. After police investigations, six of the students were said to have confessed to being members of different secret cult groups.

“After the investigation of the suspected students by the police, the university received a detailed report of the Police findings on the case on August 20, 2018, wherein it was confirmed that six (6) of the arrested students of the university had admitted their membership of proscribed groups. In view of the university’s zero tolerance for cultism and in accordance with relevant statutes, the students have been suspended pending investigations by the appropriate students’ disciplinary committee. As it is the collective responsibility of all the stakeholders to protect the university from persons with criminal intentions, members of the community are advised to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious activities.” the statement read

Recall that in July 1999, a fatal cult clash within the school campus, shook the entire nation after six students were killed.

http://www.metronaija.ng/oau-suspends-six-students-for-alleged-cultism/

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Gov. Ayodele Fayose said on Tuesday said that all the ongoing capital projects will be completed and inaugurated before vacating office on Oct. 16.

The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the governor, made the promise while speaking at 2018 edition of the Annual Udiroko Festival in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

The governor said he had resolved to complete all ongoing projects in consonance with his promise while being sworn-in for a second term in office not to abandon any project embarked upon.

According to him, his critics who were allegedly saying he embarked on employment of new hands into the state public service at the tail end of his tenure should also have asked him not to continue with projects he started.

He listed the capital projects so far completed and ongoing to include the One-Kilometre overhead bridge in Ado Ekiti, the new state High Court complex, the new Governor’s office and the new Ministry of Finance complex.

He listed others to include the new Ultra-Modern Kings Market in Ado Ekiti and the Amphi Theatre, the Banquet Hall at the Ewi’s palace and the dualization of virtually all the 16 Local Goverment Headquarters among others.

NAN reports that he had, at about 3:00p.m arrived the venue into the waiting hands of cheering crowd of residents singing his praises.

Fayose said there was no known law in the country that says a sitting governor must stop performing the functions attached to his office once his party his preparing to wind down or have election decided agaist it.

He told the gathering that the about 200- lock up shops at the new Kings market would be shared to willing traders before the end of the week.

He pledged that those traders initially displaced as a result of the fire incident that razed the old market would be given preferential treatment.

The governor appreciated the people of Ado Ekiti for standing by his party during the last governorship poll, regretting, however, that certain forces allegedly did not allow their votes to count.

He assured them that the ruling party in the state led him would use all normal and legal means to reclaim the stolen mandate.

In his response, the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe thanked the governor for what he termed as “sudden turn around” of the state capital, saying close to 80 per cent of the projects carried out by Fayose during his second term in office were concentrated in Ado Ekiti, thereby making his reign memorable.

Also speaking, legal luminary and founder of Afe Babalola Universiyy, Chief Afe Babalola, who is also a leading son of the ancient city, expressed delight at the volume of the people that trooped out to celebrate the festival.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Chairman , National Caretaker Committee of the Ado Ekiti Progressive Union, Chief Bayo Ogunmodimu said the Udiroko Festival marked the begininig of another traditional year for the sons and daughters of Ado Ekiti.

He said that it was also being used as a rallying point and unifying factor for all age groups and all local associations and clubs in the town.

He thanked the state government for the modern strucures erected in the palace and wished the outgoing governor well in his future endeavours.

http://www.metronaija.ng/fayose-project-office-complete/

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President Buhari pictured slaughtering his Sallah rams to mark the Eid el-Kabir ritual.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-buhari-slaughters-his-sallah-rams/

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated their Muslim counterparts across the country, as they celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir.

CAN’s president, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, gave the congratulatory message in a statement signed by his media aide, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, on Monday in Abuja.

He urged all Muslims faithful in the country to remember the sacrificial lifestyle of Abraham as they celebrate.

Ayokunle said that they should know that no sacrifice is too great to promote peace, harmony, love, unity, forgiveness and accommodation in their relationships with those who are non-Muslims.

“God must have reasons for allowing both Christianity, Islam to co-exist in the nation.

“We appeal to the adherents of the two religions to embrace peace and love.

“Once this is done, most of the ongoing killings in Nigeria will become history; after all Christians and Muslims traced their sources to Father Abraham.

“If we are both his children, what joy do we derive in killing ourselves? Abraham was a man of peace and faith, it is high time we followed his footsteps,” he said.

He expressed sadness with some northern state governments who would literally declare war and hatred on Christians, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

“For example, most of them have it as a policy not to give Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) to churches with a view to denying them places of worship, when the 1999 Constitution (as Amended) allows freedom of worship and association.

“This is not so in the Christian dominated states in the South. This policy must be discarded to promote peace and unity,” he said.

He said that as the 2019 elections draw near, politicians should stop vote buying, violence, blood-letting and other evils associated with campaign and election.

He advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make sure all eligible voters are allowed to register, with no hidden agenda.

“It is regrettable to note that many of our politicians are not aspiring to serve, but to amass wealth at our expense and this is why election has become a do-or-die affair.

“If a political party fulfil what was promised, violence force and intimidation will not be needed to retain the seat.

“May God deliver our country from whatever bondage we are in and may the peace and unity of this country become the watchword of our leaders at all levels,” he added .

http://www.metronaija.ng/can-muslims-sallah/

Nominees for the Africa Music Awards have been unveiled. The nominees include top Nigerian acts – Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Simi, Olamide, amongst others.

AFRIMA 2018 which is set to hold in on the 1st of September, is in its fifth year. This year’s edition saw over 8,000 entries from across Africa with 79 songs making it to the regional nominees’ list.

See the full nominees’ list below –

Best Female Artist in Central Africa
Amanda Malela – DRC – Kumama
Anabela Aya – Angola – I Love You Bue
Blanche Baily – Cameroon – BonBon
Bruna Tatiana – Angola – Amo Te
Charlotte Dipanda – Cameroon – Sista
Daphne – Cameroon – Jusqu’à La Gare
Iyenga – DRC – Sorry
Shura – Cameroon – Allez Dire

Best Male Artist in Central Africa

Afrotonix – Chad – DYD
Belamy Paluku – DRC – Blood Brothers
Dadju – DRC – Bob Marley
Fally Ipupa – DRC – Mannequin
Gaz Mawete – DRC – Paulina
Locko – Cameroon – Je Serai La
Magasco – Cameroon – Sokoto
Maitre Gims – DRC – La Meme

Best Female Artist in Eastern Africa

Betty G – Ethiopia – Mengedegna
Irene namatovu – Uganda – Nsambila nyuma nga Janzi
Maua Sama – Tanzania – Nakuelewa
Petra – Kenya – I Got That
Rash – Kenya – Nitachange
Sandra Nankoma – Uganda – Kaddugala
Sheebah Sasha Vybz – Uganda – Mummy Yo
Vibe – Rwanda – Neza

Best Male Artist in Eastern Africa

Bebe Cool – Uganda – Freedom
Diamond Platnumz – Tanzania – A Boy from Tandale
Harmonize – Tanzania – Kwangwaru
Kagwe Mungai – Kenya – Till the End
Khaligraph Jones – Kenya – Rider
Nyashinski – Kenya – Bebi Bebi
Rayvanny – Tanzania – Makulusa
Yamiu Mola – Ethiopia – Wegegta

Best Female Artist in Northern Africa

Kenza – Algeria – Maliket Saba
Lyna Mahyem – Algeria – Boucan
Lyna Mahyem – Algeria – Bye Bye
Maryam Saleh, Maurice Louca, Tamer Abu Ghazaleh – Egypt – Ekaa Maksour
N-S feat Kafon – Tunisia – Daloula
Souhia Ben Lachhab – Algeria – Lik Manwalich

Best Male Artist in Northern Africa

Abu – Egypt – 3 Daqat
Balti – Tunisia – Ya Lili
DJ Moh Green – Algeria – Por Favor
Hamza El Fadly – Morocco – Ya Mraya
Lartiste – Morocco – Mafiosa
Muslim – Morocco – Mama
Saad Lamjarred – Morocco – Casablanca
Sofiane – Algeria – Arafricain

Best Female Artist in Southern Africa

Ammara Brown – Zimbabwe – Akiliz
Babes Woduno – South Africa – Ganda Ganda
Lily – Malawi – Bad at Love
Mandisa Mamba – Swaziland – Party
Nadia Nakai – South Africa – Money Calling
Rouge – South Africa – Dololo
Ruby the Pigeon – Namibia – Rorisang
Shekhinah – South Africa – Please Mr

Best Male Artist in Southern Africa

Cassper Nyovest – South Africa – Ksazobalit
EXQ – Zimbabwe – Pahukama
Jah Prayzah – Zimbabwe – Nziyo Yerudo
Kwesta – South Africa – Spirit
Nasty C – South Africa – Jungle
Roberto – Zambia – Contolola
Shane Eagle – South Africa – Let it Flow
Sibusiso Mashiloane – South Africa – Niza

Best Female Artist in Western Africa

Angelique Kidjo – Benin – Once in a Lifetime
Aya Nakamura – Mali – Oumou Sangare
Becca – Ghana – Number One
Efya – Ghana – Mame
Josey – Cote d’Ivoire – Jour J-O
Simi – Nigeria – Joromi
Tiwa Savage – Nigeria – Ma Lo
Viviane Chidid – Senegal – Marriage Force

Best Male Artist in Western Africa

Davido – Nigeria – Fia
DJ Spinall – Nigeria Nowo
Djodje – Cape Verde – Be Mine
King Promise – Ghana – CCTV
Kuami Eugene – Ghana – Angela
Kwesi Arthur – Ghana – Grind Day
MHD – Guinea – Bella
Olamide – Nigeria – Wo!
Starboy – Nigeria – Soco


http://www.metronaija.ng/afrima-2018-nomination-list/

Ictures) Rotary Club of Agege District 9110 Nigeria honoured Nigerian Fuji pop artise, Small Doctor with Inspirational Award in Agege, Lagos today.

http://www.metronaija.ng/rotary-club-honours-small-doctor/

Nollywood actress Anita Joseph has shared her thoughts on female stars and their inability to stay married.

Read excerpts from her interview with Sunnewsonline below;
Do you agree with the stereotype that female stars hardly stay married or in committed relationships?

Civilisation has its disadvantages and this is one of them. As women work, they have become independent and will not take any form of abuse from a man. It used to be that every mum had a business or was just a stay-at-home mum taking care of the kids; but now the status quo has changed. Women now work and can make the decision to leave if they are not being treated right, not minding where the upkeep is coming from, as they can provide for themselves and their children.
Would you then say it is the fear of becoming old maids, without a man to call their own that compelled some actresses to opt for single motherhood?

I won’t really be able to assume and generalise on this one, but I know it is a matter of choice. In all we do, we should choose the right thing and be happy. If having a baby makes them happy, that’s all good. Our career is hectic and busy, so sometimes one forgets the priorities. It is always good to remember that and create a balance.
Or is it that actresses don’t get it right when it comes to marriage?

No, it is not that actresses don’t get it right in marriage. Marriage is between two people, and if it breaks up, it is not the fault of the woman alone. It takes two to tango.
What are your no-go areas when it comes to relationships; can you forgive a cheating husband?

To me, a man that cheats is saying, ‘I prefer someone else’ so what is the point? I will forgive but forgiveness is not reconciliation. If he is not satisfied with me, Anita, then he belongs to someone else.
Is it an option to leave a marriage that is not working?

It is not a spur of the moment thing. It happens like that because of our job. Being busy while in a relationship, you think you know the person, but he turns out to be someone who you don’t recognise, and you run for cover. It is a natural phenomenon. But I would advise couples to look before leaping.

http://www.metronaija.ng/why-female-celebrities-find-it-hard-to-stay-married-anita-joseph/

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The police in Akwa Ibom have rescued Mr Otobong Ukpong, an employee of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) kidnapped on June 5 on his way to work, a minor and seven others.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, said in Uyo on Saturday that the police with other security agencies about noon flushed out some hoodlums terrorising Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun local government areas (LGAs) and rescued nine kidnap victims.

“Today, I am delighted to inform you that at about 12 p.m. my men of “Operation Purge” saddled with responsibility of flushing out the hoodlums terrorising Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun LGAs achieved a great breakthrough.

“They rescued nine kidnapped victims one of whom is the staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr Otobong Sylvester Ukpong, 34 years old, from Iwukem in Etim Ekpo kidnapped on June 5, 2018,” the commissioner said.

He identified the other victims as Eno Udo ‘M’ 50 years, Eno Okon ‘F’ 37 years, Uduak Fred ‘F’ 45 years, Charity Peter’F’ 54 years.

Others are Bessy Okpon ‘F’ 55 years, Esther Okpon ‘F’ 35 years, Victoria Udo ‘F’ 50 years and Imaobong ‘F’ 14 years.

The commissioner said on Thursday the police also rescued an unknown lady who was still in comma, adding that the rescue operation led to the death of one gallant policeman, Sgt. Shedrach Stephen.

He said that during the operation, the police also recovered from the hoodlums bullet proof vests, police and military uniforms, live ammunition, cartridges and charms.

Ogumjemilusi said that the command was committed to sustain the tempo in crime fighting and protection of lives and property in Akwa Ibom.

“Let me again assure the good people of Etim Ekpo and Ukanafun LGAs of our commitment to restore peace and security to their communities and every other community in Akwa Ibom,” he said.

He commended the government and people of Akwa Ibom for their support to the police and other security agencies toward reducing crime to the barest minimum.

The INEC worker, Ukpong, said he was kept in the bush and fed once a day by his abductors.

He thanked God, the security agencies and the people for their prayers throughout the period of his incarceration.

http://www.metronaija.ng/police-resue-kidnapped-victims-akwa-ibom/

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Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara with other dignitaries in a group photograph with teenagers shortly after the 2018 Annual Teens Career Conference, organized by RCCG (Everlasting Arms Parish, Garki, Abuja), earlier today.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-dogara-attends-rccg-teens-career-conference/

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