Speaker of House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila paid a condolence visit to Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong to mourn Senator Ignatius Longjan (Representing Plateau South) who passed away.

https://www.welproperties.site/2020/02/photo-femi-gbajabiamila-visits-plateau.html

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48 hours after his last visit, Vice President, Prof Osinbajo is being welcomed at the Kaduna International Airport by Governor Elrufai for the Passing Out Parade of Cadets of 65 Regular Course - Army and 66 Regular Course - Navy and Airforce.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-el-rufai-welcomes-osinbajo-at-kaduna-airport-this-morning/

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PDP National Convention Planning Committee had a successful meeting with party leaders and Presidential Aspirants last night in Port Harcourt. We are ready for a credible election that will be free, fair and just.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-pdp-leaders-meet-presidential-aspirants-in-port-harcourt/

APC Lagos governorship candidate, Jide Sanwoolu arrived Abuja last night for the APC National Convention and was overwhelmed by the reception accorded to him by Lagosians resident in Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-jide-sanwoolu-arrives-apc-national-convention/

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigeria’s Teachers that his heart is with them over the issue of unpaid salaries, assuring that unpaid salaries would soon become an issue of the past.

The President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja on Friday, said Buhari gave the assurance in a message to this year’s World Teachers’ Day.

The President disclosed that he was aware that in some states and local councils of the federation, teachers were being owed salaries of several months.
READ ALSO Duchess Kate Middleton makes Official Return from Maternity Leave at Wildlife Garden

He revealed that it was specifically to mitigate the situation of unpaid teachers and pensioners that his administration doled out billions of naira as bailout funds to various states.

“Sadly, the issue of unpaid salaries remains,’’ he lamented.

Buhari, however, assured that the Federal Government would continue to work with the state governments to ensure that “all salary arrears are not just cleared, but that unpaid salaries become an issue of the past.’’
READ ALSO PHOTOS: NULGE Chairman Assassinated By Gunmen In Bayelsa

The President used the opportunity of this year’s World Teachers’ Day to express his appreciation to all Nigeria’s teachers, “the usually unsung heroes of our country whose skill and commitment daily mould the minds of our country’s youth, our leaders of today and tomorrow.’’

While highlighting some of the measures put in place by his administration to improve education and better the welfare of teachers, Buhari regretted as “grave and unfortunate” that the country’s teachers were often treated unfairly despite their essential services.
READ ALSO PHOTOS: Gov. Aregbesola attends #Eid at Osogbo Central Praying Ground.

According to him, Teachers are the most important segment of workers in the country, invaluable for the essential work they do towards building the country’s future.

He said: “Teaching is a noble profession, wielding a strong influence by inspiring and educating our children. The values they inculcate stay with them for a lifetime.’’

http://www.metronaija.ng/unpaid-salaries-my-heart-is-with-you-buhari-tells-teachers/

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Kaduna state Governor Nasir El Rufai attended the special Friday Congregational Prayer in commemoration of Nigeria’s 58th Independence Day Anniversary at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-el-rufai-at-independence-congregational-prayer/

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The Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu Campaign Organization (BOSCO) met with all 377 councillors in the State and they endorsed Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-apc-candidatesanwo-olu-meets-377-councillors-in-lagos/

The Chairman of Kiru Local Government in Kano State, Alhaji Nasiru Muazu has confirmed the abduction of his son, Babangida, by gunmen on Wednesday night.

Muazu confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kano.

He said that Babangida, aged 28 and father of two, was kidnapped around 12 midnight at his residence in Kiru.
READ ALSO Nigeria’s problems not a matter of restructuring, says Osinbajo

The chairman however declined to give further details, but said the matter had since been reported to the state police command.

“The police have already swung into action with a view to rescuing the victim, “ Muazu said.

NAN learnt that the armed hoodlums, who stormed the residence of Babangida around 12 midnight and whisked him away, are demanding for the payment of N50 million ransom before releasing him.
READ ALSO JUST IN!!! Buhari Illegally Moved N14bn – Igbere TV

Efforts to get reaction from the police command was unsuccessful as the phone line of its spokesman, SP Magaji Majiya, was not going through as at the time of filing this report

https://www.metronaija.ng/gunmen-kidnap-lg-chairmans-son-in-kano/

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LASEMA Response Unit on a rescue/recovery operation after an oil tanker fell at Shaginsha, Lagos.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-oil-tanker-falls-at-shaginsha-lagos/

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Kano State Government has approved N100 million as direct financial assistance to victims of flood disaster which ravaged 15 local government areas of the state.

The state commissioner for Information, Malam Mohammed Garba disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Thursday.

‎Garba said the state government found it necessary to give immediate direct support to flood victims in the eight affected local government areas of the state in view of the magnitude of the disaster.

He , however, called on the federal government for special intervention to further alleviate the sufferings of the affected communities.

Garba said the state government was still compiling reports of the areas hit by the disaster to ascertain the extent of damage caused by the disaster.

The commissioner also condoled on behalf of the state government with families who lost their loved ones in the disaster.

He then cautioned the public, particularly those living in flood prone areas against building structures on the waterways as it was one the major causes of flooding.

Garba also called for a collaboration with relevant stakeholders to give the necessary support to the state government in managing the disaster.

NAN recalls that 31 people lost their lives and no fewer than 10,000 houses were destroyed by flood in 15 local government areas of the state.

NAN also recalls that no fewer than 5, 000 hectares of rice farms were also destroyed in addition to other food and cash crops worth millions of Naira were by the flood.

The affected local government areas include; Dawakin Kudu, Shanono, Warawa, Wudil, Gabasawa, Gaya, Garko, Rimin Gado and Bunkure, among others.

http://www.metronaija.ng/kano-approves-n100m-for-flood-victims/

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Miss Tolulope Ogunremi, a 300 level student at University of Southampton, UK on Wednesday donated 350 Mathematics textbooks worth N500,000 to students of Ajara Community High School, Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ogunremi is studying Mathematics and Computer Science at the UK university.

Ogunremi stated that she would also be in touch with the students on regular basis to monitor their progress in Mathematics each term.

“I am pleased to announce that after review of the assessments at the end of 2018/19 session, top 5 in JSS 2 and top 5 in JSS 3 will have their tuition fees until the end of SS 3 paid by my humble self.

“I am here today because I felt the need to empower students by providing relevant resources. Better knowledge of Mathematics will never be a waste.

“I hope that the donation of these textbooks will inspire you all to forge ahead,” she said.

She said that she was passionate about empowering young people of African descent to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Ogunremi said that she would also launch Project Hezi soon, aimed at improving the state of education in Nigeria.

Mr Taiwo Ogunremi, the father of the donor, said that his daughter was inspired after she visited Nigeria and saw the need to help the children hawking during school hours.

He said that his daughter later indicated her decision to raise funds to assist in returning them to schools with whatever she can do.

Mrs Ibironke Fatoki, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, commended the donor for the gesture, urging other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such.

Mrs Adebola Adeleye, Principal, Ajara Community High School, Ibadan and Samuel Augustine, a student, commended Ogunremi’s philanthropic gesture.

Adeleye stated that the importance of excellence in Mathematics could not be over emphasised, saying it was a prerequisite for all science and social science studies in universities.

“I commend Miss Tolulope Ogunremi for the help she has extended to the students in this sub-rural area who have, hitherto, not been able to purchase mathematics textbooks.

“I promise that the books will be put to judicious use and we pray that Miss Ogunremi and her family shall be amply rewarded by God,” she said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/20-year-old-donates-n500000-textbooks-to-oyo-students-2/

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President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, not to invite Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state, before Saturday.

The police had asked Adeleke to immediately appear at the force headquarters in Abuja over alleged examination malpractice.

But a presidential source told reporters on Wednesday that Buhari had ordered the IGP not to go ahead with the invitation until the governorship election is over.

Adeleke is one of the four strong contenders in Saturday’s exercise.

Earlier, Jimoh Moshood, force public relations officer, said Adeleke would be charged to court over examination malpractice, criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and breach of duty.

Moshood said Adeleke connived with four persons identified as Sikiru Adeleke, Aregbesola Mufutau (principal of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Egbedore LGA, Osun), Gbadamosi Thomas Ojo (school official responsible for the registration of candidates for NECO), and Dare Olutope (school teacher who facilitated the crime).

He had asked them to report to the special investigation panel at the force headquarters in Abuja.

http://www.metronaija.ng/buhari-orders-igp-not-to-invite-adeleke-before-election/

EXCO members of the NURTW came on a courtesy visit to Oyo state Governor Senator Ajimobi to formally announce the passing of their departed chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde. May his kind and peaceful soul Rest In Peace.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-nurtw-officials-visit-ajimobi/

Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu commissioned and distributed multi - million naira worth of medical and laboratory equipment to health facilities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-akeredolu-commissions-multi-million-naira-medical-and-laboratory-equipments/

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Mr Clement Akanni, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), representing Ila State Constituency in Osun House of Assembly, on Thursday, announced his defection from the ruling APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

While explaining the reason behind his defection at the palace of Orangun of Ila, Akanni said he was forced out of the party by those he considered as political adversaries.

He complained about his community being sidelined in government policies and programmes, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN.

He also stated that whenever he tried to positively influence government policies to favour his constituents, he always face resistance from people within his party.

He said he cannot remain in APC again because he can’t use the party to champion the course of his people and it is best to move to another political party that would give him the needed support.

Similarly, Mr Peter Babalola, the Chairman of Osun Local Government Service Commission, and a chieftain of APC in the state, reportedly resigned his position from the Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

Babalola, who was one of the aspirants that contested for the APC governorship ticket, in which Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola eventually emerged winner, explained in a letter addressed to Gov. Aregbesola that he resigned to pursue other endeavours.

http://www.metronaija.ng/osun-2018-apc-lawmaker-defects-to-pdp/

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The Kaduna State Police Command said on Thursday that its men killed two suspected killers of IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Sabon Birni Village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Acting Commissioner of Police, DCP Ahmad Kontagora, disclosed this at a news conference in Kaduna.

Kontagora said the police, since the incident, had embarked on intensive manhunt of the perpetrators and other cases of crime within the command to arrest and bringing all the culprits to book.

“The successes recorded in the fight against crime and criminality in Kaduna command during the few weeks under review shows that on Aug. 16, the IGP Special Tactical Squad (STS) alongside operatives from Operation Yaki, acted on intelligence and raided an armed robbers/kidnappers hide out on Sabon Birni village.

“After a fierce gun duel with the bandits, two suspected armed bandits were fatally injured and rushed to Barau Dikko Hospital Kaduna for treatment but were confirmed dead on arrival,” he said.

He said arms recovered from the suspects included one AK 47 Riffle, and five live ammunition from the scene.

“Investigations reveal that the suspects belong to the gang of criminals terrorising Birnin Gwari axis and are responsible for the killing of one Inspector Felix Yohanna attached to FSARS last year.

“He was killed at Walawa forest and the four IGP IRT personnel died in an ambush at Jankasa.”

He said that the command`s Anti Kidnapping and FSARS squads as well as the SIB had also recorded additional successes in arresting suspected criminals and made recoveries of exhibits during the period.

“They include seven suspected kidnappers, eight suspected armed robbers, four suspected notorious fraudsters and three suspected shop breakers.

“We recovered three AK 47 Riffles, three magazines with 20 rounds of ammunition, two motor vehicles mainly Golf Wagon with registration Number ES 904 FST and a Toyota Corolla with number plate RBC 04 MQ, all blue in colour.

He said the suspects had made useful statements and were still undergoing investigation and would be charged to court on completion of investigation.

The commissioner assured members of the public that the command would not relent on its efforts in fighting all forms of crime and criminality in Kaduna State.

He appealed to the public to continue to assist the police and other security agencies with useful information about the activities of persons likely to constitute danger to the society, to ensure effective crime prevention and control.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IGP, IRT operatives where ambushed on Aug. 11 at Jankasa village of Rigasa in Igabi Local Government Area.

http://www.metronaija.ng/kaduna-police-kill-2-suspected-killers-of-igp-men/

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Popular singer Slimcase is a year older.

The Shepeteri crooner has released new photos of himself to celebrate his day penning a short birthday message to himself alongside.

He wrote;

HBD saintsamiganja!! U made mama proud Sit on ur throne and enjoy the moment while it last #Olorunkosuentii ��

http://www.metronaija.ng/slimcase-releases-photos-as-he-turns-a-year-older/

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Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has elected retired Permanent Secretary and University Don, Dr. Mathew Achigbe as its Chairman.

Achigbe emerged during a rescheduled state Congress which held today at the Nkonib brothers club house, Ikot Ansa, Calabar.

It will be recalled that the National Working Committee of the APC ordered fresh state congress in the state due crisis that led to the party producing two factional executives from different congresses.

Former Acting Chairman of the party, Sir John Ochalla emerged the deputy State Chairman while the Secretary, Bishop Victor Ebong was relected Secretary.

http://www.metronaija.ng/achigbe-emerges-new-criver-apc-chairman/

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Lai Mohammed visits Saint Andrews Catholic Church in his Oro hometown as part of his Eid El Kabir celebration

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-lai-mohammed-visits-saint-andrews-catholic-church/

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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association has dissociated itself from call by one Garus Gololo, its member in Makurdi to Senate President Bukola Saraki to resign or be forced out in an interview he granted to Punch Newspaper.

Baba Uthman Ngelzarma, National Secretary, MACBAN described the statement as un unfortunate in a statement issued on Wednesday morning.

The statement reads in part: “I will categorically state that Garos Gololo spoke in his personal capacity and has no mandate to speak on behalf of the association.

“Miyetti Allah is a non partisan association with no interest in the political terrain and we couldn’t meddle into the affairs of political actors thereby compounding our already obvious challenges. I therefore urge all and sundry to disregard this statement.

“This statement is not from MACBAN and should be disregarded in its entirety. We take exception on this statement and Garos Gololo is entirely on his own and will be sanctioned accordingly.

“We cannot afford to add up to the many challenges we are confronted with. I’m therefore appealing to the general public to disregard this statement as it is coming from someone who doesn’t have the mandate of the association to speak on its behalf. Thank You and God bless you all.”

http://www.metronaija.ng/miyetti-allah-disowns-member-over-saraki/

Borno state Governor Shettima has made it clear that he will not impose any candidate as his successor . The governor said it in a tweet from his official account

I Dogo Shettima, cannot choose a Governor for the people of Borno State. Only Allah can choose a Governor for Borno. Whether one likes it or not, Allah has destined who the next Governor of Borno will be"

http://www.metronaija.ng/only-allah-can-choose-a-governor-for-borno-gov-shettima/

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Veteran media personality, Charly Boy's daughter Dewy Oputa shared this loved-up photo with her partner SJ and wrote: 'When you hold me, my emotions makes it clear, Just how much you mean to me, I listen to your heart-beat in rhythm with my own, With every pound that warming sound, Keeps me safe with #love you've shown.'


See full photo below.

http://www.metronaija.ng/dewy-oputa-lesbian-partner-sj/

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2 days after the conclusion of rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building in Abuja, a decomposed body identified as that of Sadiq Abubakar has been recovered from the debris.

The recovery of Abubakar’s body sparked tension among his relatives and friends, who had insisted at the site of the incident on Saturday that more bodies were still trapped under the rubbles.

A decomposed body was sighted at 10:50am when the officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) came to clear the debris at the site of the incident.

The number of the corpses could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report because efforts were ongoing to level the debris and there were indications that many more would be discovered.

The area had been enveloped with offensive odour, with rescue operators seen putting on face masks to curtail the stench oozing from the rubbles. Also, efforts were being made to disinfect the area to avoid outbreak of diseases. See Also
My Brother Called From Under The Collapsed Building, Relative Insists As NEMA Concludes Search
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After the recovery of the body, angry relatives and residents of the trapped victims trooped to the site, raining curses on the officials for allowing their loved ones to die miserably after they hurriedly ended the rescue operation on Saturday morning.

As of the time of filing this story, the officials were desperately trying to evacuate the decomposing bodies. But there is a growing tension among the crowd who have converged on the scene.

On Saturday, residents and sympathisers at the site had insisted that many people were still buried beneath the building; they accused the rescue team of not doing enough, explaining that the debris of the first floor had not been removed and that there were chances that people were still inside.

"I have a brother here and yesterday, we called our brother and we were talking to him underground,” A relative of one of the trapped victims, Bala Mohammed, insisted.

“However, this morning, we called him, but we weren't able to reach him. We saw his shirt, but we did not see the corpse and they said that they have finished. So government did not do anything and our people are under the ground."

http://www.metronaija.ng/decomposed-body-abuja-building-collapse-site/

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There is imminent crisis in the education sector of Edo State, as teachers of primary and secondary schools, under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), have served a 21-day ultimatum on the government to meet all their demands, or they will embark on indefinite strike.

This means students who are currently on vacation may not resume classes with their counterparts in private schools, should the teachers make good their threat.

The Union, in a nine-point communique signed by Messers Pius Okhueleigbe and Moni Mike Modesty- Itua, State Chairman and Acting Secretary respectively, said the ultimatum follows the expiration of a 45-day grace period it allowed for the state government to engage it in mutual resolution of the challenges enumerated in a communique they issued at their executive meeting held last July.

The communique was issued at the end of the SWEC-in-session of the Union’s State Executive Council meeting held last Thursday in Benin-City, and it takes effect from Friday, 17th, August, 2018.

They said the ultimatum to embark on indefinite strike action to press home their demands arises from the failure of the the government to positively resolve all issues in contention with the Union.

Amongst the teachers’ demands are the financial implementation of the 2013 to 2015 primary school teachers promotions as approved by the State government, with the arrears of last January to July inclusive, as well as teachers who were deliberately omitted or denied the promotions by SUBEB.

They also wants the immediate implementation of the approved N25,000 minimum wage to all primary school teachers with all the arrears, which they said was approved by the state government for all workers in the state in May 2016, and the immediate provision of subvention funds to both primary and secondary schools across the state.

The teachers further alleged that they have been using their merger salaries to provide instructional materials like chalk, markers, diaries, registers and others for teaching and learning in schools since 2012.

While decrying the lack of personnel in the public schools, they urged the government to commence the process of recruiting of about 9,000 and 3000 new staff to fill the vacate position in both primary and secondary schools respectively, before the commencement of the next academic session slated for September, even as they want the government to meet all the demands in this month’s payroll.

“At the end of the meeting, SWEC agreed that the Union has unimaginably cooperated with the State government in all positive fronts with a view to moving the education sector to the desired Eldorado, but the government has refused to act in utmost good faith in reciprocating the good gestures of teachers in the state.

“That Edo State Public Primary and Secondary School heads and their teachers are tired of using their meager salaries to provide instructional materials such chalk, markers, diaries, registers and many others for teaching and learning in schools, due to the failure of government to provide subventions to schools since the years 2012 and the recent near zero supply of such items to schools.

“Therefore, government must in the next twenty-one days, put up a very concrete and result-oriented policy/plan to commence the release of subventions to all public primary and secondary schools in the state,” the communique said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/edo-teachers-serve-notice-of-indefinite-strike/

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Mr Yusuf Lasun, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, says he will not leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) inspite of losing the party’s governorship primary in Osun.

Addressing a news conference on Sunday in Osogbo, Lasun alleged that though there was a conspiracy against him in the primary, he would not leave the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)) reports that the Deputy Speaker was among the 17 aspirants that contested the APC governorship primary in the state on July 20.

Lasun came second with 21,000 votes, while Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the Chief of Staff to Gov. Aregbesola won the primary with 127,017 votes.

He said: “Although I was conspired against during the governorship primary, but I will not leave the party.

“I am still attending all the party’s functions to that effect.

“My supporters and I are still members of the APC and we are not intending to leave the party in the nearest future.

“We will do our best to support the party during the Sept. 22 (governorship) election.

“I know in every contest, there will be a winner, whether it is free or not.”

Lasun, who also alleged that the party did not reach out to him after the primary, said “maybe the party felt I don’t have anything to contribute.’’

The deputy speaker also claimed that many politicians in the state had been alienated from the party due to the agitation over the primary.

“We hope the party members will be able to put behind them all that happened during the primary,’’ he said.

Asked whether he had reached out to the winner of the governorship primary by congratulating him, Lasun said he had not.

“I did not congratulate the winner of the primary because when I became the deputy speaker in 2015, the party did not congratulate me.

“And till today, nobody told me what my offence was except that some people were saying that I went against the party’s position.

“But for me, what they were referring to as party position was actually the position of few leaders of the party,’’ Lasun said.

http://www.metronaija.ng/i-will-not-leave-apc-house-of-reps-deputy-speaker-lasun/

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A Staff of FreshFm was at the scene of the demolition this morning weeping uncontrollably. When asked why he was weeping, he said;

‘’I work here. Ayefele has never owed us salaries. It is the only means that I feed my family. If the station is demolished, so many families will suffer, he said as he kept on weeping’’.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photo-freshfm-staff-weeps-how-will-i-take-care-of-my-family-now/

Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu inspects the road construction access way in Iyere-Igbe Road, Owo LGA.

http://www.metronaija.ng/akeredolu-road-iyere-igbe-owo-photos/

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Acting President, Ptof. Osinbajo and Speaker of the House of Representative, Yakubu Dogara attended the Golden Jubilee Birthday Celebration of Dr Paul Enenche at the Lord's Garden, Abuja. Dr Paul Enenche is the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.

http://www.metronaija.ng/photos-osinbajo-dogara-paul-enenches-golden-jubilee-birthday/

More at http://www.metronaija.com/2017/07/photos-gov-ajimobi-and-gov-aregbesola.html

Oyo state Governor Ajimobi and Osun state Governor Rauf Aregbesola inaugurated The Governing Council for LAUTECH, Ogbomoso. See photos below

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/07/photos-gov-ajimobi-and-gov-aregbesola.html

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South West Governors on Monday met in Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State where they expressed their resolve to forge ahead with the regional integration plan, especially in key sectors such as agriculture, security, economy, among others, in the overall benefit of the Yoruba nation.



All the Governors of the States in the region – Mr Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Senator Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) and Mr Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) were present at the meeting conveyed at the instance of Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission.



In a communique issued at the end of the meeting with the theme: “Economic Self-Determination For Western Nigeria: The Export Alternative,” and read by the host Governor, the Governors approved the setting up of a Joint Task Force and action to contain all forms of security threat in the region to guarantee safety of lives, property and prosperity of the people.



The Governors also declared zero tolerance for crime and criminality in the region henceforth.



While declaring that the artificial boundaries, religion and political affiliation would no longer constitute barrier to the region’s development, the Governors also directed DAWN Commission to develop a 25-year Western Nigeria Development Master Plan, while all the States in the regions were encouraged to significantly improve bi-lateral and multi-lateral cooperation to foster regional development.



The Governors also resolved to harness the “competitive advantage of all the States in the region for sustainable regional development,” while DAWN is to develop a revenue optimization strategy for States in the region.



In order to improve the food security of the region, the Governors directed DAWN to convene a regional Agric Summit to be held in Ibadan, while approval as given for the establishment of Western Nigeria Export Development Initiative to drive the export potentials of the region.



The Governors also directed that there should be synergy between DAWN Commission, Oodua Group and other critical stakeholders for a framework to drive the commercial and industrialization competitiveness of the region, while a Committee is to be set up to advance values and ethos as instrument of Yoruba uniqueness to strengthen the region’s identity and unity of purpose.



Speaking earlier, Governor Ambode said the attendance of all the Governors of the region in the meeting was a clear manifestation of commitment to the economic and political integration of the region.



He particularly noted that the success of the integration initiative would not only be of immense benefit to the region, but would go a long way to actualize the growth and development of the country.



“On behalf of the people of Lagos State, I bring you good felicitation in Ogun State, my closest neighbor among the south-western States. I also believe strongly that what we are doing today is a manifestation of the desire of the six Governors to actualize the integration we have been talking about.



“I believe strongly that it is also imperative that the economic integration and political integration of our region is significant to the growth and development of Nigeria and we are happy to be in Ogun State,” Governor Ambode said.



Besides, Governor Ambode commended his counterpart in Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his laudable works in the State.



Governor Ambode had last week visited Oyo and Osun States as part of the plan to actualize the economic integration of the South West.





SIGNED

HABIB ARUNA

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

JULY 24, 2017

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/07/south-west-governors-set-up-joint-task.html

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One person died while more than 100 houses were destroyed when rainstorm swept through 15 villages in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Alhaji Abdullahi Haruna, the Council Chairman told newsmen on Sunday in Illela.

Haruna said seven other persons, including a mother and her three children, sustained various degrees of injuries during the rainstorm which happened on Friday.

He added that six out of the injured persons had been discharged from hospital after treatment.

According to him, the local government council secretariat, schools and other public places are among the buildings destroyed by the storm.

He added that “the strong wind and heavy rain started around 5 p.m. on Friday and lasted for 30 minutes, but the damage it caused was enormous.

“So far, we have been able to identify more than 100 houses destroyed by the rainstorm.

“A committee has been set up to assess the extent of the damage.”

The chairman attributed the extent of the destruction on the use of substandard building materials for building in the area.

He, therefore, directed the Works Department of the local government to ensure that people complied with the standard building regulations forthwith.

He said the council had contacted the State Emergency Management Agency and the National Emergency Management Agency for assistance to the victims.

According to him, responses of the two agencies have been satisfactory.

“On our part, we are waiting for the report of the committee before deciding on what to do for the victims,’’ Abdullahi said.

The Head of Sokoto Zonal Operations of NEMA, Mr Suleiman Muhammad, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the agency had been notified about the disaster.

“The agency will soon dispatch a technical team to assess the situation before deciding on the type of relief materials to donate to the victims,’’ Muhammad said.

http://www.metronaija.com/2017/07/rainstorm-kills-1-destroys-100-houses.html

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