₦airaland Forum

DSS WITHDRAW OPERATIVES FROM SARAKI, DOGARA
The Department of State Services (DSS) have in a peculiar move recalled 50 per cent of its operatives attached to the Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara.
This is according to an exclusive report from the news agency, TheCable.
The recall was sudden and comes with the crucial meeting between the Presidency and a delegation of nPDP members which is being led by Dogara. Saraki was also a member of the now-defunct nPDP before crossing lines to team up with the APC for the 2015 elections.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/dss-withdraw-operatives-from-saraki-dogara/




SARAKI: POLICE WANT TO NAIL ME BY ALL MEANS
Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has urged Nigerians to disregard the allegation by the police linking him with the April 5 multiple robberies in Offa, Kwara state.
Saraki, in a statement by his media adviser, Yusuph Olaniyonu, described the allegation as baseless and another ploy by the Police to implicate him by all means.
“Let it be known that there is no way I could have been associated with armed robbery against my people,” Saraki said.
Read more……… https://newsbreakers.ng/saraki-police-want-to-nail-me-by-all-means/



POLICE INVITE SARAKI OVER OFFA BANK ROBBERY, ARREST KWARA CHIEF OF STAFF
The police on Sunday said they have invited Senate President, Bukola Saraki over the April 5 multiple bank robberies in Offa Kwara state, during which 33 persons, including nine policemen, were killed.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Police spokesman, Jimoh Moshood also announced the arrest of Mr. Yusuf Abdulwahab, the chief of staff to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and Alabi Olalekan, his Personal Assistant, Political, as investigations over the gruesome robbery deepened.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/police-invite-saraki-over-offa-bank-robbery-arrest-kwara-chief-of-staff/




APC LOSES OYO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY BYE-ELECTION TO PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has won the bye-election into the Oyo State House of Assembly, beating the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the second place.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the seat of Ibarapa East became vacant following the death of the former speaker of the State Assembly, Michael Adeyemo.
Adebo Ogundoyin of the PDP was declared the winner.
Read more……….. https://newsbreakers.ng/apc-loses-oyo-house-of-assembly-bye-election-to-pdp/





LAGOS POLICE VOW TO GO AFTER ‘UNLAWFUL’ OKADA RIDERS JUNE 15
The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday said it would start arresting unlawful commercial motorcycle operators, aka Okada riders, from June 15, the Punch reports.
Rising from a meeting between the Lagos State Police Command and commercial motorcycle unions, the state Commissioner of Police, Edgal Imohimi, said the decision was made following the May 30 attack on the Ibeshe Police Post, during which a police patrol vehicle was burnt.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/lagos-police-vow-to-go-after-unlawful-okada-riders-june-15/

SALARY DEDUCTIONS: ASUP GIVE BAUCHI GOVT SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM
The Academic Staff Union of the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi chapter, has given the state government a seven-day ultimatum over what it described as “Salaries irregularities”
The ultimatum was contained in a press statement issued and signed by the chapter Chairman, Comrade Bala Mohammed Yakubu.
The statement also called for the immediate sack of the state’s Head of Civil Service.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/salary-deductions-asup-give-bauchi-govt-seven-day-ultimatum/




UNILAG TO INVESTIGATE STUDENT’S SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIM
Authorities of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have announced their readiness to thoroughly investigate the sexual harassment allegation against one of the lecturers of the institution.
This was made known in a statement released by the Communication Unit, Corporate Affairs Directorate, UNILAG.
According to the statement, the management urged its stakeholders to remain calm saying the truth of the matter will soon be uncovered.
Read more………. https://newsbreakers.ng/unilag-to-investigate-students-sexual-harassment-claim/




NYSC AT 45: CORPS MEMBERS ON FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH IN LAGOS
To mark the 45th anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), corps members serving in Lagos State on Thursday joined the traders at Ipodo market I Ikeja to conduct a free medical outreach as well as the cleaning of the State Low-Cost Market in Ikeja.

The corps members were led by its Lagos State Coordinator, Prince Mohammed Momoh and other NYSC officials at the Ikeja Local Government Council.
The local government council arrived at 11 am to join in the routine sanitation.
Read more………… https://newsbreakers.ng/nysc-at-45-corps-members-on-free-medical-outreach/



SURGERY DON CHARGES NIGERIANS TO CREATE ENVIRONMENT FOR INNOVATIVE DISCOVERY
A Professor of Surgery, Paediatrics and Obstetrics at Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, United State, Oluyinka Olutoye, has charged Nigerians to create an environment for innovative discovery.
He made the call while speaking at the 11th Annual Professor T.A.I. Grillo’s Memorial Lecture organised by College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, at Oduduwa Hall, on Thursday, in Ile-Ife.
Olutoye spoke on ‘Progress through Innovation & Discovery: Advances in Surgery Before Birth’.
Read more……… https://newsbreakers.ng/surgery-don-charges-nigerians-to-create-environment-for-innovative-discovery/




KWARA POLYTECHNIC ENGAGE 180 SECURITY OPERATIVES
The management of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin has disclosed its engagement with about 180 security operatives to check security challenges in the school and ensure academic stability guaranteed.
This was made known by the rector of the institution, Moshood Elelu, on Thursday during the iftar lecture organised by the Polytechnic which is one of the events of the Ramadan season.
According to him, the operatives include those from the nation’s military service, police, Department of security service (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the local vigilante group.
Read more………… https://newsbreakers.ng/kwara-polytechnic-engage-180-security-operatives/

SUPER EAGLES DEPART NIGERIA FOR LONDON, TO PLAY ENGLAND FRIENDLY
Nigeria’s Super Eagles left Nigeria on Wednesday afternoon to the United Kingdom, in preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 14 in Russia.
Nigeria will play with England on Saturday, June 2 and then leave for Austria before embarking on the journey to Russia, where they will face Croatia on June 16.
According to NFF.com, Skipper Mikel John Obi was joined on the chartered flight from Abuja to London on Wednesday by deputy skipper Ogenyi Onazi, defender Kenneth Omeruo, pacy winger Ahmed Musa and 21 other players.
Read more………… https://newsbreakers.ng/super-eagles-depart-nigeria-for-london-to-play-england-friendly/



MOHAMED SALAH NOT ‘ANGRY’ WITH SERGIO RAMOS
Mohamed Salah is not “angry” with Sergio Ramos over the tackle that has put his World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
Salah was injured after a tangle with Ramos in the Champions League final at the weekend.
The pair locked arms as they fell to the ground, with Salah taking the brunt of the weight on his shoulder.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/mohamed-salah-not-angry-with-sergio-ramos/



ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI WANTS TO LEAVE BAYERN – AGENT
The agent of Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski – a reported transfer target for Real Madrid – has said his client wishes to leave the club.
The Poland international joined the Bavarians from Borussia Dortmund in 2014 and has since netted 151 goals in 195 appearances, winning four successive league titles.
“Robert feels that he needs a change and a new challenge in his career,” Pini Zahavi, the striker’s agent, is cited in quotes carried by Associated Press.
Read more………. https://newsbreakers.ng/robert-lewandowski-wants-to-leave-bayern-agent/



ENGLAND’S JORDAN PICKFORD: I’M READY TO TAKE WORLD CUP SHOOTOUT PENALTY
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has said he is ready to take a crucial penalty in a World Cup shootout for England and revealed that the players have had mock shootouts, with players walking from the halfway line to re-create the matchday process.
Everton’s Pickford said he was as prepared to try his luck from the spot as he was to make a match-winning save.
“If I need to step up, I’ll take one. I’ve got no issue with that,” the 24-year-old said at St George’s Park.
Read more……… https://newsbreakers.ng/englands-jordan-pickford-im-ready-to-take-world-cup-shootout-penalty/

Four Libyan leaders agreed on Tuesday to hold elections on December 10 after a peace conference in Paris aimed at unifying the war-torn North African country.

The four men, who represent most but not all of Libya’s rival factions, also agreed to “accept the results of elections, and ensure appropriate funds and strong security arrangements are in place”.

The commitment to holding parliamentary and presidential polls this year came after four hours of talks in Paris where the leaders faced pressure to agree on a political roadmap to end seven years of conflict.
Read more.......https://newsbreakers.ng/libyan-leaders-back-december-10-polls-at-paris-summit/



ZIMBABWE TO HOLD NATIONAL ELECTION ON JULY 30
Zimbabwe will hold nationwide polls to elect the president and members of parliament’s lower house on July 30, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said in an official publication on Wednesday.

The elections will be a major test for Mnangagwa who succeeded veteran former president Robert Mugabe as head of state following a brief military takeover in November that led to the 94-year-old’s departure.

“Monday, the 30th day of July 2018 (is) the day of the election to the office of President, the election of members of the National Assembly and election of councillors,” said the Zimbabwe Government Gazette.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/zimbabwe-to-hold-national-election-on-july-30/



BUHARI: I WOULDN’T HAVE BECOME PRESIDENT WITHOUT INEC CARD READERS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said his success at the 2015 general elections was due to the card reader technology deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said it would have been nearly impossible for him to become president because merely instituting litigations before the law court to challenge electoral flaws will only end up as a waste of time as there is usually no evidence to back up such litigations.

The president said this when he broke his fast in the company of top members of the judiciary at the Presidential Villa, Abuja Tuesday night.
Read more.......https://newsbreakers.ng/buhari-i-wouldnt-have-become-president-without-inec-card-readers/



WE SHOULDN’T HAVE POST-BUDGET FIGHT WITH BUHARI –REPS
The House of Representatives said on Sunday that the National Assembly did not expect a post-budget dispute with President Muhammadu Buhari over the 2018 budget.

The Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Mr. Chris Azubuogu, told The PUNCH exclusively that the reason was that the N9.12tn document was a product of mutual understanding between the two sides.

The Senate and the House had passed the budget on May 16 and followed it up by transmitting it to Buhari on Friday last week.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/we-shouldnt-have-post-budget-fight-with-buhari-reps/



THE POOR, DISADVANTAGED WILL NOT STOP SUPPORTING BUHARI, SAYS PRESIDENCY
The Presidency has said that the support for the Buhari/Osinbajo led government, especially among the poor and disadvantaged is unlikely to wane in spite of negative attacks and criticisms from the opposition.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, stated this in a write-up titled; `The Real Price of Change the Change’’ campaign (2)’ issued in Abuja on Sunday.

Shehu revealed that recent internal polling on the popularity rate of the Buhari administration had indicated that the government had been consolidating its support and acceptance among majority of Nigerians.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/the-poor-disadvantaged-will-not-stop-supporting-buhari-says-presidency/

AFRIMA 2018: ANNUAL MUSIC AWARD OPENS FOR ENTRIES
It’s about that time of the year again when music is celebrated in Africa at the biggest music award, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

Following the recent unveiling of calendar of activities for the 2018 edition of the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Accra, Ghana, which included a courtesy visit to the President of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo by officials of African Union, International Committee of AFRIMA and African music stars, entry submissions for the annual continental music awards opens today, Friday, May 25 in commemoration of Africa Day.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/afrima-2018-annual-music-award-opens-for-entries/




KIZZ DANIEL’S NAME CHANGE DOESN’T ABSOLVE HIM FROM COURT CASE – G-WORLDWIDE
Popular singer, Daniel Anidugbe, formerly known as Kiss Daniel, has changed his name to Kizz Daniel.

The singer made this known in an Instagram post during the week. He had put up a picture of the new name with the caption, “Moving forward. Call me Kizz Daniel.”

Shortly after Daniel made the post, several blogs reported that with the move, the singer was now free of all obligations to his former label, G-Worldwide Entertainment.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/kizz-daniels-name-change-doesnt-absolve-him-from-court-case-g-worldwide/



UBA PROMOTES HERITAGE WITH AFRICA DAY CELEBRATION
In line with its commitment to promote the African Culture and deepen its African footprints, United Bank for Africa (UBA) has joined the world to celebrate this year’s Africa Day.

The celebration which went on concurrently across all of its subsidiaries in Africa as well as in London, Paris and New York, had the underlying theme: ‘The Colours of Africa: Celebrating our Diversity.’ Staff members were dressed in colourful African attire displaying the cultural diversity of the United Bank for Africa.

There were dance troupes across the continent organised by UBA subsidiaries, where staff, clients and the public were entertained with African drums and cultural dancers.
Read more.......https://newsbreakers.ng/uba-promotes-heritage-with-africa-day-celebration/



BBNAIJA’S ALEX LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Alex Asogwa, third runner-up of the just concluded Big Brother Naija reality show (BBNaija `Double Wahala’) known for her dancing and writing skills, has launched her YouTube channel; “Alex Unusual Empire.’’

Alex, 22, who is determined to keep her fans entertained, has also released a teaser on the channel.

In the video, the ex-housemate and Television personality preaches positivity., saying: “Peace and positivity is my priority”
Read more.......https://newsbreakers.ng/bbnaijas-alex-launches-youtube-channel/




WEINSTEIN TURNS HIMSELF IN TO NEW YORK POLICE STATION
Fallen Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein turned himself in to New York police on Friday to face sex crime charges, nearly eight months after his career imploded in a blaze of assault accusations and triggered the global #MeToo movement.

The former powerbroker — once the toast of Hollywood, whose films won scores of Oscars — is likely to be charged with raping one woman and forcing another into performing MouthAction, US media have reported.

The 66-year-old former studio boss walked into the downtown Manhattan police station shortly before 7:30 am (1130 GMT) wearing a pale button-down shirt, a blue sweater and a dark blazer before a mob of television cameras.
Read more.......https://newsbreakers.ng/weinstein-turns-himself-in-to-new-york-police-station/

UNITY BANK PROMOTES CAREER DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Unity Bank Plc has partnered with Young Professionals Breakfast Roundtable to mentor youths in career development.
Speaking at the 2018 edition of the youth programme in Lagos, Unity Bank’s CEO Mrs. Tomi Somefun, who was among the over 50 Chief Executives of companies and ventures that facilitated the programme, enjoined participants to see “pursuit for greatness as a process rather than a one-off-event”.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/unity-bank-promotes-career-development-for-young-professionals/




35 STOCKS FALL, INVESTORS LOSE N154BN IN ONE DAY
The losses recorded by 35 stocks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange at the end of trading on Thursday wiped out a total of N154bn in investors’ wealth.
The NSE All-Share Index fell by 1.06 per cent to close at 39,723.85 basis points on from 40,150.55bps on Wednesday, while the market capitalisation of listed equities dropped to N14.389tn from N14.543tn on Wednesday.
The stock market has been falling since Thursday last week, as bearish sentiments lingered.
Read more……… https://newsbreakers.ng/35-stocks-fall-investors-lose-n154bn-in-one-day/




MANUFACTURERS HOPE ON NIGERIA-CHINA CURRENCY SWAP TO REDUCE COSTS
Manufacturers have expressed the hope that the proposed currency swap between Nigeria and China will go a long way in reducing their cost of doing business.

Specifically, textile manufacturers are optimistic that importing raw materials from China with the Chinese Yuan instead of the dollars would cut cost by over 50 per cent.
Expressing this optimism to our correspondent in a telephone interview on Wednesday, a leading textile manufacturer and Chairman, Gas Users Group, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Dr. Michael Adebayo, said that the currency swap might be one of the best decisions that the government had taken that would be of benefit to the manufacturing sector.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/manufacturers-hope-on-nigeria-china-currency-swap-to-reduce-costs/



NDIC WARNS OF LOOMING BANK FAILURE
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has said another bank failure is imminent in the country on the back of weak corporate governance culture and weak internal control.
The Managing Director, NDIC, Alhaji Umaru Ibrahim, stated this on Thursday at the FITC Thought Leadership Discussion Series in Lagos where he was represented by the corporation’s Executive Director, Operations, Aghatise Erediauwa.
He said, “Banks usually have a cycle of between seven to 10 years. If we have not had bank failure in 15 years, then they are bound to happen soon. Presently, we are worried that the cycle is almost complete.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/ndic-warns-of-looming-bank-failure/




INVESTORS LOSE N100 BILLION IN THREE TRADING DAYS
The dominance of the bears remains unabated in the equity sector of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), following continued price losses by virtually all the blue-chip stocks as investors’ wealth depreciated by N100 billion in three trading days.
Specifically, the market capitalisation of listed equities, which stood at N14,643 trillion at the reopening of trading on Monday, lost N100 billion or 0.7 per cent to close at N14,543 yesterday.
Also, the All-Share Index, which measures the performance of listed equities, dropped by 274.52 points to 40,150.55 from 40.425.07 at which it opened for trading on Monday. Yesterday, market breadth closed negative, with 15 gainers against 28 losers, a downturn occasioned by losses in medium and large capitalised stocks, among which are UAC of Nigeria, Chemical and Allied Products, Flour Mills Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries and Dangote Flour.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/investors-lose-n100-billion-in-three-trading-days/

AMBODE GIVES SCHOLARSHIP TO LASU BEST GRADUATING STUDENT
The Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode at the 22nd convocation of the Lagos State University (LASU) on Wednesday, granted scholarship and N5 million cash reward to the overall best graduating student, Ogunsanya Fuhad Adetoro.
Adetoro of the Department of Business Administration graduated with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.78.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/ambode-gives-scholarship-to-lasu-best-graduating-student/


NASARAWA STATE GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN 10 PRIVATE SCHOOLS
The Nasarawa State Government has closed down 10 private schools for operating illegally in Lafia, the state capital.
Mr Omaku Zakari, the Area Inspector, Lafia Area Inspectorate Office of the State Ministry of Education disclosed this in an interview with our reporter on Wednesday in Lafia.
According to him, the affected schools were either substandard, not registered or failed to renew their registration with the Ministry of Education.
Read more……… https://newsbreakers.ng/nasarawa-state-government-shuts-down-10-private-schools/




KWARA GOVT CAUTIONS PRINCIPALS AGAINST ASKING STUDENTS TO BRING BLOCK TO SCHOOL
Appalled by the recent rumour of some Principals in public schools asking students to bring concrete blocks to school, the Kwara State Government has warned Principals to desist from all acts capable of truncating the laudable efforts by the present administration in the state in its bid to give quality education to children of the state.
Alhaja Mariam Garba, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education gave this warning during a meeting held at St. Anthony Secondary School with principals of public schools.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/kwara-govt-cautions-principals-against-asking-students-to-bring-block-to-school/



UNICAL SUSPENDS LECTURER FOR ALLEGEDLY ISSUING FAKE CERTIFICATES TO STUDENTS
The management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has indefinitely suspended Dr Eyo Mensah, a lecturer at the Department of linguistics, over alleged certificate forgery.
The lecturer’s suspension was announced in a letter signed by the Registrar of the institution; Mr Moses Abang titled “indefinite suspension from the services of the University of Calabar dated 15th May 2018”.
Read more……… https://newsbreakers.ng/unical-suspends-lecturer-for-allegedly-issuing-fake-certificates-to-students/




LASU VC PLEDGES FAIRNESS, TRANSPARENCY TO STAKEHOLDERS
The Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, on Monday said his administration would continue to be fair, transparent and accountable to members of the university community.
Fagbohun made this known at the Coconut Breaking Festival of the 22nd Convocation ceremony scheduled to hold on Wednesday and Thursday.
He said; “You may not get all that you want from the management but do not resort to destroying the system.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/lasu-vc-pledges-fairness-transparency-to-stakeholders/

MEGHAN MARKLE, PRINCE HARRY MAKE FIRST OFFICIAL APPEARANCE AS NEWLYWEDS
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle makes their first appearance as a married couple three days after tying the knot to celebrate the birthday of Prince Charles.
The newlyweds were pictured at a Buckingham Palace garden party for Prince Charles’ 70th birthday party. Markle, 36, wore a dusty pink dress by the British brand Goat and a matching Philip Treacy dome hat.
At the event, Harry gave a short speech about his father in which he said that the prince’s “enthusiasm and energy are truly infectious.”
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/meghan-markle-prince-harry-make-first-official-appearance-as-newlyweds/


GRANDMA WURA GOES ON STAGE FOR CHILDREN’S DAY
Ahead of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, Proud African Roots presents Story-Theatre with Grandma Wura, an adventure of African tales, music and dance performed on stage.
It is a three-day event with nine shows in celebration of Children’s Day holding from May 25 to 27 at the Terra Kulture Arena, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This year’s promises to be most thrilling with the story of ‘Ebi-Bulu’, a musical theatre which story is created by Proud African Roots and written by Charles Nwaokolo. It is directed by Israel Memoriame Wekpe and produced by Bola Edwards.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/grandma-wura-goes-on-stage-for-childrens-day/


BARACK AND MICHELLE OBAMA SIGN NEW DEAL WITH NETFLIX
Barack and Michelle Obama have entered into a multi-year agreement with Netflix to produce films and series for the streaming platform.
The former US president and first lady will develop ideas for potential shows on service including, “scripted series, unscripted series, docu-series, documentaries and features”.
This was made known by Netflix on via social media.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/barack-and-michelle-obama-sign-new-deal-with-netflix/


AKPORORO, OKON LAGOS TO STAR IN NEW COMEDY MOVIE, “BOSS OF ALL BOSSES”
The new comedy movie, “Boss of all bosses” has been tipped by movie echelons to dominate the Box office in 2018.
The rib cracking movie laden with visual opulence and high cinematic standard will be released in cinemas across Nigeria from 15th June 2018.
According to Emeka Kachikwu, the film’s producer, “Boss of All Bosses” stands out from the plethora of comical movies that have graced the silver screen.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/akpororo-okon-lagos-to-star-in-new-comedy-movie-boss-of-all-bosses/


NNENNA PREPARES SPECTACULAR CHILDREN’S DAY SHOW
This year’s Nnenna & Friends Independence Day Celebration promises to be grand and unforgettable as the rave of the moment in the music industry, Small Doctor alongside Comedian Jimboi have been slated to entertain the kids.
The event is scheduled to hold on the 27th of May 2018, which happens to be the children’s day at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/nnenna-prepares-spectacular-childrens-day-show/


JANET JACKSON BECOMES FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO RECEIVE BILLBOARD ICON AWARD
Janet Jackson, the queen of the “Rhythm Nation”, made history on Sunday night by becoming the first black woman to receive Billboard Music’s Icon Award.

This honour comes just days after the 25th anniversary of her seminal album “Janet”, along with an appearance on the cover of Billboard Magazine.
First given to Neil Diamond in 2011, the Icon Award is Billboard’s highest honour and recognises artists’ contributions to the industry. But in her acceptance speech, Jackson took a moment to recognize the contributions of the many women who have said #MeToo and spoken out against sexual harassment and abuse.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/janet-jackson-becomes-first-black-woman-to-receive-billboard-icon-award/

NNPC LOSES N546B TO FAILURE OF REFORMS IN THREE YEARS
Failure by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to reform the oil and gas sector has pushed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)’s revenue loss to over N546 billion.
The trend does not only represent the loss of potential revenue for the government but also constitutes a major challenge for the 2018 budget expectations and implementation.
In 2015, the corporation lost N267.14billion. The following year, it was set back by N197 billion. And in 2017, data from its financial statements showed N82 billion in operational losses.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/nnpc-loses-n546b-to-failure-of-reforms-in-three-years/


NNPC REDUCES LOSS BY 77.1% AS REFINERIES PERFORM POORLY
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) reduced its group operational loss by 77.1 per cent, cutting it down by N5.3bn within a period of one month.
Its refineries, however, performed poorly during the review period, as their combined capacity utilisation plunged from 26.99 per cent in December 2017 to 10.89 per cent in January 2018, according to the latest NNPC monthly oil and gas report released in Abuja.
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/nnpc-reduces-loss-by-77-1-as-refineries-perform-poorly/




LEADWAY ASSURANCE PAYS N27BN CLAIMS
Leadway Assurance Company Limited said its claims expenses rose by 19 per cent to N27bn in the 2017 financial period from N23bn in 2016.
The Chairman of the company, Gen. Martin Agwai, disclosed this during the company’s annual general meeting in Lagos.
“Claims expense increased by 19 per cent from N23bn in 2016 to N27bn in 2017 with annuity pay out of N14.7bn, accounting for the largest proportion of this amount, followed by over N9bn claims paid in general insurance,” he said.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/leadway-assurance-pays-n27bn-claims/




NAIRA DEVALUATION UNLIKELY BEFORE ELECTIONS — ANALYSTS
Analysts at FBNQuest Capital Limited have said that the monetary authorities are unlikely to devalue the naira or unify the exchange rates before the 2019 elections.
The analysts, in their Economic Outlook for the second quarter of this year released on Thursday, noted that since the start of the latest oil price weakness, there had been three devaluations – in November 2014, February 2015 and June 2016.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/naira-devaluation-unlikely-before-elections-analysts/



BUHARI WILL RECEIVE PASSED 2018 BUDGET THIS WEEK – REPS
The House of Representatives has said that a clean copy of the 2018 budget will be on the table of President Muhammadu Buhari within one week from the date of passage.
The National Assembly passed the N9.12tn budget on Wednesday last week after the Appropriation Bill had spent more than six months at the legislature.
The final figure was raised by over N508bn from the initial estimates of N8.612tn that the President laid before lawmakers on November 7, 2017.
Read more……….https://newsbreakers.ng/buhari-will-receive-passed-2018-budget-this-week-reps/

I WAS UNDER A SPELL, SAYS MAN WHO STABBED GIRLFRIEND
The 24-year-old suspect who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend to death in Ondo State for calling him a ‘lazy youth’, Saliu Ladayo, has blamed the devil for his actions, saying he was under a spell when he killed the 19-year-old Confidence Nwama at Oshinle area of Akure metropolis.
Ladayo said this at the weekend when he paraded by the Ondo State police command, alongside other suspects, which included a three-man gang that beheaded a commercial motorcycle rider, popularly known as Okada rider.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/i-was-under-a-spell-says-man-who-stabbed-girlfriend/



RESIDENTS SEEK HELP AS GANGS OVER-RUN MUSHIN, ITIRE, SURULERE AREAS
Residents of Ajose, Alfa Nda, Akanro, Dosunmu and Lawanson streets of Mushin, Idi-Araba and some areas in Surulere, living under the terror of street gangs and robbers, have sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) plea to the Lagos State police command and the state government over the dreadful activities of the rampaging armed gangs in the area.
It’s like nothing they can describe in real life; yet it is happening before their eyes, as youths in their numbers invade streets in broad-daylight, breaking shops, smashing doors, shattering show-glasses and looting wares with aplomb. The mob destroys everything in sight, including car screens, without any form of provocation.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/residents-seek-help-as-gangs-over-run-mushin-itire-surulere-areas/


FIVE MEN ALLEGEDLY RAPE, VIDEOTAPE TEENAGERS IN ONDO
Five persons have been arrested by men of the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly raping two female teenagers in the Odoside area of Ondo town, Ondo State.
The state police command spokesperson, Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the development to our correspondent on Sunday, alleged that the suspects tortured and raped the victims after which they allegedly recorded the scene in a video which they posted on the Internet.
The police identified the suspects as Bode Akinsiku, Olabanji Femi, Abiodun Ayodele, Fadairo Wahab and Adedayo Adebayo.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/five-men-allegedly-rape-videotape-teenagers-in-ondo/



LASTMA, 7UP OFFICIALS CLASH AS AMBODE IS STUCK IN TRAFFIC
Chaos broke out on Saturday at the 7UP end of the Mobolaji Johnson Avenue in Alausa, Ikeja, as officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reportedly clashed with some workers of the Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc.
PUNCH Metro learnt that in the fight, two LASTMA officials were injured and taken in an ambulance to a hospital.
Three workers of the bottling company were also reportedly arrested.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/lastma-7up-officials-clash-as-ambode-is-stuck-in-traffic/



N200M PROPERTY LOST IN KATSINA RAINSTORM – SEMA
The Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has said N200m worth of property was damaged in the Thursday rainstorm which also claimed no fewer than six lives in the state.
SEMA Executive Secretary, Dr Aminu Waziri, stated this on Sunday in Katsina.
He listed areas that were affected to include Kukah Gashua, Modoji, Shinkafi, Ambassador, the army and air force barracks, Makera and Kambarawa.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/n200m-property-lost-in-katsina-rainstorm-sema/

COURT STRIKES OUT EFCC SUIT AGAINST FUNAAB EX-VC, OGUNLEWE
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta on Thursday dismissed a fraud suit filed against three former principal officers of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) — Pro-Chancellor, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe; past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olusola Oyewole; and Bursar, Mr Moses Ilesanmi — by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling was delivered by Justice Olatokunbo Majekodunmi.
The court also discharges and acquitted the three of the fraud allegations brought against them by the anti-graft agency.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/court-strikes-out-efcc-suit-against-funaab-ex-vc-ogunlewe/



AJAYI CROWTHER VARSITY STUDENT INVENTS WASTE RECYCLING MACHINE, “ECO-E”
David Oluwtobiloba Adeyemi, a 400 level student of Microbiology at Ajayi Crowther University is being congratulated on a fantastic invention called Eco-e Multipurpose cleaner which is used to recycle kitchen waste and fruits.
Speaking about his innovation, Adeyemi said: “I am excited to be able to contribute my quota to the development of Nigeria with this innovation. I am a strong believer and advocate of the greatness of the Nigerian youths.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/ajayi-crowther-varsity-student-invents-waste-recycling-machine-eco-e/


FG ALLEGEDLY ABANDONS 19 NIGERIAN POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN RUSSIA
About 19 Nigerian postgraduate students who were granted scholarship by the presidential amnesty programme have accused the Federal Government of abandoning them in Russia.
According to reports, the students are in their final year at the People’s Friendship University of Russia.
The students said the coordinator of the Presidential amnesty programme; Paul Boroh stopped sending funds to them in June 2016.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-allegedly-abandons-19-nigerian-postgraduate-students-in-russia/



TASUED STUDENTS PROTEST OVER DEATH OF COLLEAGUE
Students of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, went on a rampage to protest the death of their female colleague who was crushed by a truck on the Benin-Ore Lagos Expressway.
The victim identified as Kofoworola Tobiat Kuku was said to have been knocked down by a truck driver, who escaped from the scene. It was learnt that the victim was on her way to school on a commercial motorcycle when the sad incident occurred.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/tasued-students-protest-over-death-of-colleague/



ALAKIJA SEEKS CONVERSION OF YABATECH TO A UNIVERSITY
The founder of Rose of Sharon Foundation and Africa’s richest woman, Dr. (Mrs.) Folorunsho Alakija has declared that the 70-year-old Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) is due for an upgrade to university status.
Alakija made this known during a courtesy visit by Yabatech management to her office at Victoria Island.
She noted that Yabatech is the premium tertiary institution in Nigeria which has been in existence for a long time adding, “the college is ripe to become a university.”
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/alakija-seeks-conversion-of-yabatech-to-a-university/

SHARAPOVA DELIGHT AT POPPING THE QUESTION TO NADAL
Russian star Maria Sharapova giggled with delight as she revealed how she plucked up the courage to pop the question and got to practise with Rafael Nadal at the Italian Open.
The two former world number ones hit balls together on the red clay of the Foro Italico where they are both multiple winners.
“I saw he was practising on the court right before me,” explained Sharapova, after advancing to the second round on Tuesday past Australian Ashleigh Barty.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/sharapova-delight-at-popping-the-question-to-nadal/



WITH WORLD CUP LOOMING, NEYMAR ADMITS HE’S SCARED
As Neymar, the world’s most expensive player battles to be fit for Brazil’s World Cup campaign, he is aware of the pressure.
“Nobody is as scared as me,” he said on Tuesday.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker has not played since February but knows that soccer-mad Brazil hopes he is fit to lead their team to glory in the World Cup.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/with-world-cup-looming-neymar-admits-hes-scared/



JACK WILSHERE REACTS ON INSTAGRAM AFTER BEING OMITTED FROM ENGLAND’S WC SQUAD
Gareth Southgate is set to announce his 23-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup today, but it’s already becoming clear who will and who won’t feature.

Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere haven’t made the cut, with Manchester City’s Fabian Delph due to travel instead of the Arsenal man.
And it’s now been revealed by the Daily Mail that Liverpool youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold will be named in the squad.
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/jack-wilshere-reacts-on-instagram-after-being-omitted-from-englands-wc-squad/



EMRE CAN INCLUDED IN LIVERPOOL SQUAD FOR CAMP AHEAD OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Emre Can has travelled with the Liverpool squad to their warm weather training camp in Marabella.
The Germany international has rejoined his team-mates after a spell of treatment on a back injury back in his homeland.
The club’s medical staff will begin to assess the midfielder with the hope he can play some part in Kiev, though training fully in Spain will be key to his chances, report the Liverpool Echo.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/emre-can-included-in-liverpool-squad-for-camp-ahead-of-champions-league-final/



SWANSEA SET TO SIGN LIVERPOOL’S YAN DHANDA
Swansea are expected to sign Yan Dhanda from Liverpool this Friday.According to reports, the midfielder was offered a new deal at Anfield but he chose to turn it down because of fierce competition in his position.
The 19-year-old is very highly rated by the academy staff at Liverpool and the fans will be very disappointed to see him leave on a free transfer.
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/swansea-set-to-sign-liverpools-yan-dhanda/

DAVIDO, TIWA SAVAGE GET NOMINATED FOR BET AWARD
Popular Nigerian music superstars, Davido and Tiwa Savage have been nominated for the 2018 BET awards in the Best International Act category.
The 2018 BET award is scheduled to hold on Sunday, June 25, 2018, at the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, California, United States.
The organizers have rolled out the list of nominations for the respective categories and the one that sticks out is the category for Best International Act, Music which sees the two Nigerian superstars against a strong lineup of artists across the world.
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/davido-tiwa-savage-get-nominated-for-bet-award/




PAN-ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY PARTNER AFRINOLLY ON SHORT COURSES FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
The School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, in partnership with Afrinolly Limited, have come together to create three short courses targeted at aspiring creative digital media content producers.
According to available information, these intensive hands-on and practical courses will run for 96 hours over a three month period. The programme oûers both full-time and part-time options, while the classes will hold at both the Afrinolly Creative Hub and Pan-Atlantic University Main Campus at Ibeju-Lekki.
Read more….https://newsbreakers.ng/pan-atlantic-university-afrinolly-team-up-for-short-courses-for-creative-entrepreneurs/



AFRICA IS FAMOUS FOR NOLLYWOOD, SAYS FOREIGNER AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
For most foreigners who have heard about the exploit of Nollywood as the second largest producer of home video in the world, it was an opportunity to know how the film industry evolved from the pre-colonial era to what today, has become the leading motion picture industry in Africa.
A documentary produced by Golden Effects for the Lagos Tourism tells it all in six minutes, to visitors at the Lagos State Pavilion, at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/africa-is-famous-for-nollywood-says-foreigner/



CANNES FILM FESTIVAL SIGN CHARTER TO BRIDGE GENDER INEQUALITY
The Cannes film festival signed a charter Monday vowing to push for parity between men and women by 2020.
The world’s top festival also promised to be more transparent in its selection process after facing years of criticism over the lack of women directors in its main competition.
The pledge was drawn up by the French gender-parity group 50/50 by 2020, which brought in other groups including Time’s Up.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/cannes-film-festival-sign-charter-to-bridge-wage-gap-in-film-industry/



MR EAZI SIGNS LICENSING DEAL WITH COLUMBIA RECORDS UK
Ace Nigerian Musician, Mr. Eazi has announced the signing of a licensing deal with international platform Columbia records UK.
The singer announced the deal via an Instagram post.
The post reads; “Yesterday in my New Vehicle! As CEO of my Label #BankuMusic, I signed a licensing deal with @ColumbiaUK .
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/life-is-eazi-mr-eazi-signs-licensing-deal-with-columbia-records-uk/

DAVIDO, TIWA SAVAGE GET NOMINATED FOR BET AWARD
Popular Nigerian music superstars, Davido and Tiwa Savage have been nominated for the 2018 BET awards in the Best International Act category.
The 2018 BET award is scheduled to hold on Sunday, June 25, 2018, at the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, California, United States.
The organizers have rolled out the list of nominations for the respective categories and the one that sticks out is the category for Best International Act, Music which sees the two Nigerian superstars against a strong lineup of artists across the world.
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/davido-tiwa-savage-get-nominated-for-bet-award/




PAN-ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY PARTNER AFRINOLLY ON SHORT COURSES FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
The School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, in partnership with Afrinolly Limited, have come together to create three short courses targeted at aspiring creative digital media content producers.
According to available information, these intensive hands-on and practical courses will run for 96 hours over a three month period. The programme oûers both full-time and part-time options, while the classes will hold at both the Afrinolly Creative Hub and Pan-Atlantic University Main Campus at Ibeju-Lekki.
Read more….https://newsbreakers.ng/pan-atlantic-university-afrinolly-team-up-for-short-courses-for-creative-entrepreneurs/



AFRICA IS FAMOUS FOR NOLLYWOOD, SAYS FOREIGNER AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
For most foreigners who have heard about the exploit of Nollywood as the second largest producer of home video in the world, it was an opportunity to know how the film industry evolved from the pre-colonial era to what today, has become the leading motion picture industry in Africa.
A documentary produced by Golden Effects for the Lagos Tourism tells it all in six minutes, to visitors at the Lagos State Pavilion, at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/africa-is-famous-for-nollywood-says-foreigner/



CANNES FILM FESTIVAL SIGN CHARTER TO BRIDGE GENDER INEQUALITY
The Cannes film festival signed a charter Monday vowing to push for parity between men and women by 2020.
The world’s top festival also promised to be more transparent in its selection process after facing years of criticism over the lack of women directors in its main competition.
The pledge was drawn up by the French gender-parity group 50/50 by 2020, which brought in other groups including Time’s Up.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/cannes-film-festival-sign-charter-to-bridge-wage-gap-in-film-industry/



MR EAZI SIGNS LICENSING DEAL WITH COLUMBIA RECORDS UK
Ace Nigerian Musician, Mr. Eazi has announced the signing of a licensing deal with international platform Columbia records UK.
The singer announced the deal via an Instagram post.
The post reads; “Yesterday in my New Vehicle! As CEO of my Label #BankuMusic, I signed a licensing deal with @ColumbiaUK .
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/life-is-eazi-mr-eazi-signs-licensing-deal-with-columbia-records-uk/

LASPOTECH EXPELS 201 STUDENTS OVER CULTISM, MALPRACTICES
The Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu, on Friday said it had expelled 201 students for cultism and examination malpractices between 2015 and 2018.
Mr Samuel Sogunro, the institution’s Rector made this known in his report to the 8th Congregation of the Polytechnic.
He said 183 students were expelled for cultism while 19 were sent packing for exam malpractices
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/laspotech-expels-201-students-over-cultism-malpractices/



TWO NIGERIANS BATTER FELLOW STUDENT OVER WHO HAS THE RICHEST FATHER
Two wealthy Nigerians who battered a fellow student with a shisha pipe in an argument over who had the richest father have been spared jail.
Mailonline reports that Elvis Ilonze, 20, who has had his Mercedes car covered in fur, attacked his childhood friend, Prince Nnaji, in the flat they shared in Brighton, East Sussex.
Nnaji tried to escape from the flat but Ilonze, along with his friend, Daniel Oluyemi, 24, chased him and beat him up with a wine bottle on April 7 last year about 10 pm.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/two-nigerians-batter-fellow-student-over-who-has-the-richest-father/



NIGERIAN GRADUATES WITH FIRST CLASS IN MEDICINE FROM SAUDI ARABIA VARSITY
The Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on May 5, 2018, honoured a female Nigerian student, Ummukhulthum Abubakar Sadiq, as one of its best graduating students.
Sadiq was conferred with Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and given a prize as one of the best graduating students, Daily Trust reports.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/nigerian-graduates-with-first-class/



EXAM MALPRACTICE: WAEC THREATEN TO CANCEL RESULT OF CANDIDATES CAUGHT WITH PHONE
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has said candidates who come into the examination hall with mobile phones or any other electronic gadgets will have their entire results cancelled.
This was made known by the Council’s Head of National Office, Olu Adenipekun at the commencement of registration for the second series of the West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) for private candidates.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/exam-malpratice-waec-threaten-to-cancel-result-of-candidate-caught-with-phone/



FUTA STUDENTS WIN MICROSOFT’S IMAGINE CUP NIGERIA FINALS
Two engineering students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Taofeek Olalekan Afeez and Alayande Abdulwaheed Abiola, have emerged winners of this year’s Microsoft Imagine Cup national finals in Nigeria.
The undergraduates of Physics Electronics & Electrical Electronics who jointly formed Team TREP invented an Internet of Things (IoT) solution called Real Drip – a device that reduces the risk of blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.
Read more………https://newsbreakers.ng/futa-students-win-microsofts-imagine-cup-nigeria-finals/



FAKE DEGREE: FG INSIST ON BLACKLISTING CERTIFICATES FROM BENIN REPUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday, said that the Nigerian government will not take lightly its stance on blacklisting 52 non-accredited universities in the Benin Republic.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa disclosed this when Gbemileke Ogunronbi, President, National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, Benin Republic Chapter paid her a visit in Abuja as contained in a statement by her Media Aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
Read more……..https://newsbreakers.ng/fake-degree-fg-insist-on-blacklisting-certificate-from-benin-republic-universities/

RISKS IN NIGERIA, CHINA $2.5B CURRENCY SWAP DEAL
For the country to achieve full benefits from the recent currency swap deal, it must develop competitive advantage in the production of certain exportable goods that China currently imports, the Head, Research, FSDH Merchant Bank, Ayodele Akinwunmi has said. Although the deal, generally believed will improve foreign exchange stability, and aid external reserves management to some extent also has some downside risks.The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), recently signed a bilateral currency swap agreement with the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) worth about $2.5billion. In local currencies, the swap is worth 15billion Renminbi (RMB) or N720billion.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/risks-in-nigeria-china-2-5b-currency-swap-deal/



FIRST BANK INTRODUCES CONTACTLESS NAIRA MASTERCARD
First Bank of Nigeria Limited, has announced the introduction of the Contactless Naira MasterCard, added to its array of debit cards, to promote convenience, ease of transactions and the security of funds. First Bank assured that its debit cards are accepted nationwide and globally and can be used to withdraw cash, and access value-added services including bills payment, airtime recharge, flight, and hotel booking and many more.The First Bank Contactless Naira MasterCard enables quick pin-less purchases and is a fast secure way for customers to shop locally and globally. The contactless card can be used for making payments in the London transport network such as buses, tubes, trams, Dock and Light Railway (DLR), and the London Overground as well as in Grocery shops, supermarkets and Gas stations within London metropolis.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/firstbank-introduces-contactless-naira-mastercard/



CURRENCY SWAP DEAL WITH CHINA’LL SUPPORT NAIRA — ECOBANK
The $2.5bn bilateral currency swap deal between Nigeria and China is likely to reduce further the strong demand for the United States dollar and support the naira, analysts at Ecobank Capital have said.

The Central Bank of Nigeria early this month signed the deal with the People’s Bank of China, making Nigeria, the third country in Africa (after South Africa and Egypt) to sign such a deal with China.

The agreement will allow the two countries to swap a total of 15 billion renminbi for N720bn, or vice versa, in the next three years. The deal can be extended by mutual consent.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/currency-swap-deal-with-chinall-support-naira-ecobank/



APC TENSION: THIS IS THE NORMAL ORDER OF THINGS, SAYS OSINBAJO
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says he does not think there’s a “major problem” in the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying tension in a group is the normal order of things.

He described the APC as a strong party that is committed to offering hope to the electorate. He also assured that the issues in the party will be resolved soon.

Laolu Akande, the vice-president’s spokesman, quoted him to have said this while fielding questions from journalists after the inauguration of President Maada Bio of Sierra Leone on Saturday.
Read more....https://newsbreakers.ng/apc-tension-this-is-the-normal-order-of-things-says-osinbajo/



FUTA STUDENTS WIN MICROSOFT’S IMAGINE CUP NIGERIA FINALS
Two engineering students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Taofeek Olalekan Afeez and Alayande Abdulwaheed Abiola, have emerged winners of this year’s Microsoft Imagine Cup national finals in Nigeria.

The undergraduates of Physics Electronics & Electrical Electronics who jointly formed Team TREP invented an Internet of Things (IoT) solution called Real Drip – a device that reduces the risk of blood clot or deep vein thrombosis.

Read more.......https://newsbreakers.ng/futa-students-win-microsofts-imagine-cup-nigeria-finals/

MAN ALLEGEDLY KILLS 82-YEAR-OLD MOTHER, REMOVES EYES, HEART
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 52-year-old man, Christopher Okadigbo, for allegedly killing his 82-year-old mother, Roseline Okadigbo.
Also arrested was a suspected accomplice, Ameke Udolu.
The first son of the deceased, Mr. Innocent Okadigbo, told our correspondent that he had a “strong suspicion” that his younger brother’s motive was to use their mother for ritual.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/man-allegedly-kills-82-year-old-mother-removes-eyes-heart/


WANTED CULTIST ARRESTED DURING POLICE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IN RIVERS
One of the suspected cultists in Etche Local government area who is on the wanted list of the Rivers State government has been arrested in Port Harcourt.
The suspect, a middle-aged man was arrested at the Civic Centre, venue of the ongoing police recruitment in Port Harcourt.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/wanted-cultist-arrested-during-police-recruitment-exercise-in-rivers/


MURDER: COURT REMANDS LAWYER, DISMISSES PLEA TO CANCEL BURIAL
A Yaba Chief Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, yesterday remanded a 48-year-old female lawyer, Udeme Otike-Odibi, in prison custody for allegedly stabbing her husband, Sym Otike-Odibi, to death with a knife.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Kikelomo Ayeye, ordered that the accused be remanded in Kirikiri Prison, pending the conclusion of investigation.
Ayeye said that Udeme would remain in prison pending advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and formal arraignment before a Lagos High Court if the need be.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/murder-court-remands-lawyer-dismisses-plea-to-cancel-burial/


10 FEARED DEAD AS CROSS RIVER, AKWA IBOM COMMUNITIES CLASH
At least 10 persons have been reportedly killed in a renewed communal clash between the people of Ikot Offiong in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State and Oku Iboku in Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom State.
The renewed clash started on Sunday over a piece of land suspected to have oil deposit.
Addressing newsmen on Wednesday, Chief Stephen Nya, an elder statesman in Ikot Offiong said, “The crisis is driven by the quest of Oku Iboku people to own Okposong Rivers because they want the forest reserve located on that stretch, along with the oil deposits.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/10-feared-dead-as-cross-river-akwa-ibom-communities-clash/



FG TRAINS 200 PRINCIPALS ON DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION IN SCHOOLS
The Federal Ministry of Education says 200 schools principals in Kebbi have been trained on drug abuse prevention in their schools, to stem the tide of drug abuse among students.
The Director of Education Support Service Department in the ministry, Mrs Justina Ibe, said on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi during the training that the menace of drug abuse among students has become alarming.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-trains-200-principals-on-drug-abuse-prevention-in-schools/

Girl-Child Enrolment On The Increase, Impressive In Katsina — Unicef
Chief of Education, United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Nigeria, Terry Durnnian, has expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of girl-child enrollment in schools across Katsina State in 2018.
Durnnian made this remark during a media briefing in Kastina on Wednesday. He lauded the role played by the relevant stakeholders who mobilized and went out to talk to parents in the area to enrol their girl –child in schools.
He said; “I am happy to see changes at school level; I had the opportunity to visit some schools where I had discussions with community members, parents and interacted with children and teachers.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/girl-child-enrolment-on-the-increase-impressive-in-katsina-unicef/



LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR AMBODE ADVOCATE FOR TRUE FEDERALISM
The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has urged Nigerians and governments to look beyond prejudice and hatred.
He said this as a guest lecturer at the University of Lagos Convocation Lecture titled; Inclusion: Path to a new nation.
As a panacea, Ambode urged Nigerians to jettison ethnic pettiness and religious bigotry and entrench true federalism.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/lagos-state-governor-ambode-advocate-for-true-federalism/


UNIVERSITY STUDENT STRIPS IN CLASS TO PROTEST OPPRESSIVE BELIEF
A Cornell University senior delivered her honours thesis after stripping down to her bra and underwear in front of her teacher and classmates. At least two dozen of whom also undressed – in a bid to “stand against oppressive beliefs and discrimination,” Campus Reform reported Tuesday.
Letitia Chai stripped down to her underwear to present her thesis at the Ivy League school in a bid to fight oppressive beliefs after claiming her professor questioned the shorts she was wearing.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/university-student-strips-in-class-to-protest-oppressive-belief/



KATSINA POLYTECHNIC TO COMMENCE DEGREE PROGRAMMES IN FOUR COURSES
The Katsina Polytechnic says it will soon commence degree programmes in four courses in affiliation with the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna in Niger state.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Ibrahim Kurfi, disclosed this while receiving a panel from FUT Minna who paid him a visit in Kastina on Wednesday.
He listed the programmes as B.Sc. Technical education, B.Sc. Biology, B.Sc. Mathematics and B.Sc. Chemistry.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/katsina-poly-to-commence-degree-programmes-in-four-courses/

TWO TEENAGERS KILLED IN FAILED BORNO SUICIDE ATTACK
Two female suicide bombers were killed on Wednesday morning while attempting to attack a mosque in Borno State, North-east Nigeria.
The Borno state Commissioner of Police, Mr Damian Chukwu, confirmed this in a statement personally signed by him.
He revealed the attackers tried to gain entry into the Alhaji Bunu Mosque during the morning prayers in Jiddari Polo general area on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/two-teenagers-killed-in-failed-borno-suicide-attack/



DEATH TOLL RISES TO 71 IN KADUNA MILITIA, BANDIT CLASH
The death toll from a bloody clash between armed bandits and militiamen over the weekend in Kaduna, northern Nigeria has risen to 71, a traditional ruler told AFP on Tuesday.
More bodies were recovered after bandits overran a local militia protecting the village of Gwaska in Kaduna state on Saturday, putting the spotlight on the increasing violence in West Africa’s largest economy ahead of presidential polls next year.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/death-toll-rises-to-71-in-kaduna-militia-bandit-clash/



LABOURER BAGS THREE MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR THEFT
A Kuje Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced a 24-year-old labourer, Dan-Azumi Amadu, to three months imprisonment for stealing a gate.
The judge, Asmau Akanbi, said the court had no option than to sentence the accused since he admitted committing the offence.
Akanbi said that the sentence would serve as a deterrent to those with similar intentions, adding that cases of theft were becoming rampant in the area.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/labourer-bags-three-months-imprisonment-for-theft/



POLICE APPREHEND ROBBERS, PIPELINE VANDALS IN LAGOS
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five pipeline vandals accused of vandalising NNPC pipeline at Ekoro area of Abule-Egba.
According to the state Commissioner of Police, CP Edgal Imohimi, the suspects were arrested based on information received and analysed by the intelligence arm of the command.
The CP said that the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Ops Decoy Team was dispatched to the scene to prevent economic sabotage and possible outbreak of fire.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/police-apprehend-robbers-pipeline-vandals-in-lagos/



LADY IN CUSTODY FOR ALLEGED MURDER OF SOUTH AFRICAN BOYFRIEND IN HOTEL
Detectives from the homicide unit of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Panti, Yaba, Lagos State, have arrested a lady, Gift Mike, 26, for allegedly killing her South African boyfriend, Daniel Grant, 50, in a Lagos hotel.Police said her arrest was sequel to some discoveries made by the team of investigators following the man’s death. Although the man was found hanging on the ceiling of the hotel room, police investigation later revealed that the deceased might have been killed and hung on the ceiling to make it appear like a suicide.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, while parading the suspect yesterday at the command headquarters, said the incident occurred on May 5, 2018. He said on the day of the incident, the deceased had checked into the hotel in company of the suspect, who happens to be her boyfriend.
Read more…….. https://newsbreakers.ng/lady-in-custody-for-alleged-murder-of-south-african-boyfriend-in-hotel/

UNN: Stakeholders Proffer Strategies To Fight Corruption
A new strategy on how the fight against corruption and other sharp practices could be achieved in the country was at the forefront at the just concluded International Conference of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where a stakeholders lamented that the different legal frameworks put in place by the government have failed to yield the desired results.
According to them, the latest rating of the country by the Transparency International indicated that Nigeria has not fared better in the global corruption index, and this is coming despite spirited efforts and various legislation introduced by the Federal Government, as well as activities of the anti-graft agencies saddled with the responsibility of fighting the menace.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/unn-stakeholders-proffer-strategies-to-fight-corruption/


FG Grants Unilag Licence To Operate Television Station
The Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, has granted an operating licence to the University of Lagos to operate a television station on campus.
This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ogundipe on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, during the pre-convocation press conference held at its senate chambers.
While praising the Presidency, Ogundipe stated that the initiative will also help in grooming exemplary mass communication students.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-grants-unilag-licence-to-operate-tv-station/



FUT Minna Orders Withdrawal Of 20 Students
A total of 20 students from various faculties were asked to withdraw from the Federal University of Technology, Minna due to poor performance.
The Senate approved the withdrawal letter during its 442nd meeting.
The newsletter stated that the withdrawal of two of the students was voluntarily due to their absence from the University for two consecutive sessions without official permission while 18 others were withdrawn due to poor academic performance.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/fut-minna-orders-withdrawal-of-20-students/



NANTAP Boss Tells States, Private Sector To Invest In Theatres
Mr Israel Eboh, President, National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has called on state governments and private investors to invest in the building of theatres across the country.
Eboh said in Lagos that this would create employment opportunities, add value to communities and enlighten the people on some of the Nigerian cultures.
He said that the association did not have the financial strength to build theatres in all council areas but its members could manage them professionally and provide contents for them.
Read more……https://newsbreakers.ng/nantap-boss-tells-states-private-sector-to-invest-in-theatres/


FG Will Start Scheme To Support Power Distributors – Fashola
The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has said the Federal Government will start supporting electricity distribution companies by the end of this year as part of efforts to achieve incremental power supply in the country.
Fashola stated this on Monday in Lagos during the inauguration of the new 2x60MVA, 132/33KV transmission substation at Odogunyan in Ikorodu.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-will-start-scheme-to-support-power-distributors-fashola/

PUNDIT ACCUSES LIVERPOOL FRONT THREE OF BECOMING ‘SELFISH’
Former footballer and Match of the Day 2 pundit, Jermaine Jenas has accused Liverpool’s prolific front three of becoming “selfish”.
Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have plundered 89 goals between them this season, but Jenas has bizarrely claimed that they haven’t played for each other in the past two matches.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/pundit-accuses-liverpool-front-three-of-becoming-selfish/

NO DATE FOR CRISTIANO RONALDO’S RETURN FROM INJURY – ZIDANE
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has refused to put a time frame on Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence.
The top-scoring forward was substituted at half-time in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Barcelona when he injured his ankle.
Ronaldo, scored his 25th goal of the season and 42nd in all competitions, when he cancelled out Luis Suarez’s opener but picked up a knock in the process.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/no-date-for-cristiano-ronaldos-return-from-injury-zidane/


NEYMAR ATTENDS PSG TRAINING TO STEP UP RECOVERY FROM METATARSAL INJURY
Neymar attended Paris Saint-Germain’s training session at the Camp des Loges on Saturday as he nears a return from a broken bone in his right foot.
The Brazil international had been recuperating in his native Brazil since undergoing surgery on a fractured fifth metatarsal and returned to Paris on Friday to complete the final stage of his rehabilitation.
He was not present as PSG were held to a 2-2 draw away at Amiens on Friday but was at training on Saturday to finally reunite with his teammates and get back to work.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/neymar-attends-psg-training-to-step-up-recovery-from-metatarsal-injury/


MAN UNITED BOSS JOSE MOURINHO MUST LEARN FROM FERGUSON AND DROP ‘TOUGH LOVE’ APPROACH
Sir Alex Ferguson was often described as a bully and a tyrant during his time in charge of Manchester United, but you would have to go a long way to find one of his players supporting those accusations.
Ferguson was tough and demanding and there are countless examples of his players being on the wrong end of his temper — David Beckham and the flying boot being one of the most memorable — but once out of the dressing room, the finger-pointing stopped and a protective blanket was thrown around each and every one of his men.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/man-united-boss-jose-mourinho-must-learn-from-ferguson-and-drop-tough-love-approach/



FOUR THOUGHTS ON ENYIMBA’S WIN VS. DJOLIBA
Enyimba made a solid start to their CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign following a 2-0 win at home against Djoliba.
Second half goals from Isiaka Oladuntoye and Stanley Dimgba downed the Malians, and for the better part coach Paul Aigbogun will be happy with his troops’ outing.
Here, then, are four thoughts on Enyimba’s opening group game…
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/four-thoughts-on-enyimbas-win-vs-djoliba/

2019: ATIKU REACTS TO INEC’S CALL FOR DEBATES
Former vice-president, Atiku Abubakar, has reacted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s call for debates among candidates running for political offices in 2019.
INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this while delivering a speech titled, ‘The role of the media in the Nigerian electoral process,’ at the 69th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria in Lagos on Wednesday.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-atiku-reacts-to-inecs-call-for-debates/

DINO MELAYE MARKED FOR DEATH, DOKUBO ALLEGES
Asari Dokubo, an ex-militant leader has alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari has marked Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye for death.
Dokubo in a video he posted on his Facebook account claimed that Buhari arranged with the police to push the lawmaker out of a moving van.
Read more….https://newsbreakers.ng/dino-melaye-marked-for-death-dokubo-alleges/


2019: INEC VISITS PARTY OFFICES TO ASCERTAIN REAL POLITICAL PARTIES
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the era had passed when the commission was hoodwinked about parties’ presence, offices and general organisation.
This is as the commission toured party offices in Anambra state to ascertain the real political parties that had a presence in the state.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-inec-visits-party-offices-to-ascertain-real-political-parties/


2FACE URGE NIGERIAN YOUTHS TO GET THEIR PVCS
Popular Nigerian pop singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2face, has called on Nigerian youths to register for their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) ahead of 2019 general elections.
The music star made the call at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Campus Outreach program on Youth Votes Count at the University of Abuja, on Thursday.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/2face-urge-nigerian-youths-to-get-their-pvcs/


2019: BUHARI’S INTEGRITY ALONE CAN’T MOVE NIGERIA FORWARD – SENATOR SHEHU SANI
The Senator representing Kaduna Central at the National Assembly, Shehu Sani has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s integrity alone cannot move Nigeria forward.
Sani, who is a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, speaking at a Symposium organised by the Magodo Associates, held at the Are Babalola Auditorium, University of Lagos, said there was a need for the emergence of a new political party, peopled mainly by the intellectuals.
Read more….https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-buharis-integrity-alone-cant-move-nigeria-forward-senator-shehu-sani/

UNILAG Produces First Class Graduates In Chinese Language
As part of the preparations for the 49th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has announced that four first-class graduates of Chinese language will take part in the ceremony.
Ogundipe made this known while addressing newsmen at a conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
According to him, the four Chinese language graduates are among the 245 students who finished with first class honours.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/unilag-produces-first-class-graduates-in-chinese-language/



Police Anti-Cultism Squad Kills UCTH Worker
The Anti-Cultism Unit of the Cross River State Police Command has allegedly killed a worker at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Mr. Nakanda Edet.
The incident was said to have happened on Tuesday on the hospital’s premises during a reception organised by the institution’s management after the May Day celebration.
While a hospital source said Edet was strangled for alleged cult-related activities, the police claimed he was wanted in a murder case and died while being chased for arrest.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/police-anti-cultism-squad-kills-ucth-worker/


Varsity Appoints Sen. Wamakko As Bot Member
Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, in Kwara State, has appointed Sen. Aliyu Wamakko as member of its Board of Trustees (BOT).
A statement signed by Wamakko’s media aide, Malam Bashir Mani, in Sokoto, on Wednesday, said the appointment was for four years.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/varsity-appoints-sen-wamakko-as-bot-member/


Ambode To Deliver UNILAG’S 49th Convocation Lecture As Varsity Turns Out 245 1st Class Graduates
Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the Executive Governor of Lagos State will, on Tuesday May 7th, 2018 deliver the 49th convocation lecture at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, disclosed this at a pre-convocation press briefing held at the hallowed Chamber of the University.
Governor Ambode, an alumnus of the 56-year-old institution is expected to speak on the lecture titled: “Inclusion: The Path To a New Nation”.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/ambode-to-deliver-unilags-49th-convocation-lecture-as-varsity-turns-out-245-1st-class-graduates/


Tax Officials Storm Oau, Seal Institution Over Alleged N1.8bn Default
Officials of the Osun State Internal Revenue Service (OIRS) on Wednesday stormed the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, for its failure to remit over N 1.844,770,939.45 to the agency.
The Revenue Task Force, led by one Mr Oladipo Babatunde, arrived the campus at about 7:00 in morning.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/tax-officials-storm-oau-seal-institution-over-alleged-n1-8bn-default/

MASKED SECURITY MEN TAKE OVER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Masked security men, bearing guns have been stationed at the National Assembly, raising tension at the complex.
Daily Trust reports that at the main entrance of the Senate chamber where the mace was stolen two weeks ago, a masked security man bearing AK- 47 was sighted this morning.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/masked-security-men-stationed-at-national-assembly-today/


VP OSINBAJO’S 2018 NATIONAL MAY DAY CELEBRATION SPEECH
Let me begin by wishing all of us gathered here, mainly our two federations of Trade Unions – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), a happy celebration of May Day in solidarity with organized labour the world over. I salute and pay tribute to all Nigerian workers and working families. It is on your hard work, innovation, resilience and patriotism that our nation is building the structures for true greatness.
I must also seize this opportunity to acknowledge the historical contributions of Nigerian working people and organized labour to the political, economic, social and cultural development of our nation.
Read more….https://newsbreakers.ng/vp-osinbajos-delivers-speech-to-commemorate-workers-day/



SALKIDA: I REGRET TURNING DOWN REQUEST TO INTERVIEW SHEKAU
Ahmad Salkida, a journalist known to have access to the leadership of Boko Haram sect, says his only regret in reporting the insurgency, is that he turned down several requests to interview Abubakar Shekau, leader of the sect.
Salkida said this while replying to series of questions asked him on Twitter.
Read more…….https://newsbreakers.ng/salkida-i-regret-turning-down-request-to-interview-shekau/


EKITI APC PRIMARY: I WON’T STEP DOWN, BAMIDELE SAYS
Mr Opeyemi Bamidele has vowed not to step down for anyone ahead of Saturday’s governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti.
Bamidele, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Information, made the vow while addressing delegates for the primaries in Ado-Ekiti.
He described as “laughable” the rumour making the rounds that he had stepped down.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/ekiti-apc-primary-i-wont-step-down-bamidele-says/


LAWAN: BUHARI’S IMPEACHMENT BID LAID TO REST AS US CONFIRM $496M PAYMENT
Ahmed Lawan, Senate majority leader, says Donald Trump’s confirmation that the US has received $496m from Nigeria for fighter jets has put the issue of impeaching President Muhammadu Buhari to rest.
Some members of the house of representatives had called for the impeachment of the president for approving the release of $496 million without consulting the national assembly.
Read more…..https://newsbreakers.ng/lawan-buharis-impeachment-bid-laid-to-rest-us-confirmed-496m-payment/

EKITI APC PRIMARY: I WON’T STEP DOWN, BAMIDELE SAYS
Mr Opeyemi Bamidele has vowed not to step down for anyone ahead of Saturday’s governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti.
Bamidele, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Information, made the vow while addressing delegates for the primaries in Ado-Ekiti.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/ekiti-apc-primary-i-wont-step-down-bamidele-says/


LAWAN: BUHARI’S IMPEACHMENT BID LAID TO REST AS US CONFIRM $496M PAYMENT
Ahmed Lawan, Senate majority leader, says Donald Trump’s confirmation that the US has received $496m from Nigeria for fighter jets has put the issue of impeaching President Muhammadu Buhari to rest.
Some members of the house of representatives had called for the impeachment of the president for approving the release of $496 million without consulting the national assembly.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/lawan-buharis-impeachment-bid-laid-to-rest-us-confirmed-496m-payment/


TAX OFFICIALS STORM OAU, SEAL INSTITUTION OVER ALLEGED N1.8BN DEFAULT
Officials of the Osun State Internal Revenue Service (OIRS) on Wednesday stormed the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, for its failure to remit over N 1.844,770,939.45 to the agency.
The Revenue Task Force, led by one Mr Oladipo Babatunde, arrived the campus at about 7:00 in morning.
They sealed the Senate chamber and the administrative building before proceeding to seal the main gate, leaving the pedestrian gate unlocked.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/tax-officials-storm-oau-seal-institution-over-alleged-n1-8bn-default/

AGN INITIATE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FOR ACTORS
The insurance penetration in Nigeria received a boost last weekend as the Universal Insurance Plc’s Group Accident Insurance policy was unveiled by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) weekend.
The Group Accident Policy is designed to provide medical expenses while in the hospital as a result of accidents resulting in permanent disability or death of a member of the AGN. The group has about 150, 000 members spread across the country in its register, the largest professional interest group in Africa.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/agn-initiate-insurance-products-for-actors/



SAUDI ARAMCO APPOINTS FIRST WOMAN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Saudi national oil giant Aramco said Sunday that five new members had been appointed to its board of directors, including the first woman in the firm’s history.
Lynn Laverty Elsenhans, 60, is the former head of US oil company Sunoco Inc. and has been director of oil services company Baker Hughes since July last year.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/saudi-aramco-appoints-first-woman-to-board-of-directors/



SHAREHOLDERS APPLAUD ACCESS BANK’S INVOLVEMENT IN ETISALAT
Shareholders of Access Bank Plc have commended the lender and other consortium of banks for their involvement in the $1.72 billion Etisalat loan facility, which saved the company from total collapse.

Speaking at the 29th yearly general meeting in Lagos, last week, the shareholders noted that the bank’s decision to restore a business that was on the verge of collapse is a good step in the right direction.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/shareholders-applaud-access-banks-involvement-in-etisalat/


MANY LONDON HOMES SOLD FOR LESS THAN ASKING PRICE
It was a buyer’s market in Britain in March as a record number of homes were sold for less than the asking price, new research from estate agents shows.
Some 86 per cent of properties, almost nine in 10, sold for less than the asking price, according to the data from the National Association of Estate Agents, the highest level seen since records began in 2013.
Read more…… https://newsbreakers.ng/many-london-homes-sold-for-less-than-asking-price/



GIVE STATE TAX AGENCIES AUTONOMY, FOWLER TELLS GOVERNORS
The Chairman, Joint Tax Board and Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mr. Tunde Fowler, has called on state governors to empower state internal revenue services by making them autonomous.
Fowler made the call at the 137th meeting of the JTB in Ilorin, according to a statement signed and made available on Sunday by the Director of Communications and Servicom, FIRS, Wahab Gbadamosi.
Read more……. https://newsbreakers.ng/give-state-tax-agencies-autonomy-fowler-tells-governors/

Legbegbe Crooner Signs Artist Deal With Sony Music Africa
Nigerian music sensation, Okafor Uchenna Victor, better known as Mr Real, the artiste behind the commercially successful ‘Legbegbe’, has signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment Africa.
The entertainment company made this known in a statement released on Wednesday.
According to Sony Entertainment, the nature of the partnership is an artist development deal.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/music-sensation-mr-real-reportedly-signs-deal-with-sony-music-africa/



DBANJ LAUNCHES SCRIPT WRITING PLATFORM FOR ACTORS
Music star, Oladapo Oyebanji, a.k.a Dbanj, on Wednesday said that a platform for Nigerian talented actors to showcase their scripts for sponsorship would be launched May 1.
He disclosed this during the 2018 Nigerian Entertainment Conference with the theme “Understanding Emerging Markets, Trends and Opportunities” in Lagos.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/dbanj-launches-script-writing-platform-for-actors/



Bbnaija: I Will Go For Anger Management Classes, Cee-C Promises Fans
Big Brother Naija finalist and the drama queen of the house, Cynthia Nwadiora, popularly known as Cee-C, has said that she would be going to see a counsellor immediately after her media tour.
Cee-C disclosed this during a question-and-answer session between finalists and their fans organised by Payporte.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/bbnaija-i-will-go-for-anger-management-classes-cee-c-promises-fans/



Kunle Afolayan To Release New ‘Epic’ Television Series
Award-winning Nigerian director and actor, Kunle Afolayan on Wednesday revealed that he was working on a television series set to be released in 2019.
Afolayan made this known while speaking to newsmen in Lagos.
He said that the television series would be an epic Yoruba drama capturing 16th-century tradition of the ethnic group.
Read more…. https://newsbreakers.ng/kunle-afolayan-to-release-new-television-series/




Ramsey Nouah Raises Alarm Over Impersonation
Veteran Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah has raised alarm over an impostor who has been misleading unsuspecting members of the public.
Nouah, who is considered to be one of the most sought-after actors in Nigeria, revealed that the attack was so subtle in the last five months that his colleagues in the movie industry did not notice.
Read more….. https://newsbreakers.ng/ramsey-nouah-raises-alarm-over-impersonation/

AKWA IBOM GOVT MARKS BUHARI’S CAMPAIGN OFFICE FOR DEMOLITION
The Akwa Ibom State Government has marked for demolition the campaign office of President Muhammadu Buhari in Uyo, the state capital, triggering political tension in the state.
This is coming barely three days after the building was opened.
The four-storeyed edifice on Wellington Bassey Way, not far from the Government House, is christened, “Hilltop Mansion” by the National Committee of Buhari’s Support Groups, NCBSG, which vowed to win the state in both the presidential and governorship polls.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/akwa-ibom-govt-marks-buharis-campaign-office-for-demolition/


FG USING EFCC TO HARASS JONATHAN, FAMILY -IJAW YOUTH GROUP
The Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, has condemned what it tagged as the unprovoked and unwarranted intimidation and harassment of former President Goodluck Jonathan and his family by the current government.
In a statement by its National President, Roland Pereotubo, the youth body also accused the government of “using the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as a front to harass the former president and his family.”
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-using-efcc-to-harass-jonathan-family/



2019: 200 IGBO MONARCHS ENDORSE BUHARI
No fewer than 200 Igbo traditional rulers from Imo State have endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election bid.
The decision is contained in a communique reached in a meeting, which took place at Okigwe Local Government Area in the state.
However, the monarchs asked the President to support the Igbo to produce the next president of Nigeria in 2023.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/2019-200-igbo-monarchs-endorse-buhari/



APC CLARIFIES POSITION AS BUHARI ENDORSES OSHIOMOLE FOR CHAIRMAN
The National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s endorsement of former Edo Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, for the position of National Chairman would not prevent others from contesting.
Abdullahi, who spoke with newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, at the end of a closed-door meeting between the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and Governors elected on its platform, said that the race was still open.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/apc-statesmen-speak-as-buhari-endorses-oshiomole-for-chairman/



YOU’RE A WORTHY SON OF IJESALAND, ILESA RESIDENTS TELL AREGBESOLA
By November 27th this year, the tenure of the governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will join the league of former governors in the country as he has just a little above two hundred days as the state helmsman.
In line with the released INEC timetable scheduling the governorship election for September 22nd, 2018, the ruling party in the state, All Progressives Congress APC has commenced a state-wide political mobilization, sensitization and consultation for all her members in the thirty LGAs.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/osun-2018-youre-a-worthy-son-of-ijesaland-ilesa-residents-tell-aregbesola/

WHY CONTRACT PERFORMANCE IS POOR IN NIGERIA – EXPERTS
Poor monitoring, corruption, inconsistent government policies and political interference among others have been identified as some of the reasons why contract objectives are sometimes not achieved in Nigeria.

Experts in the supply chain management sector said that some top contracts failed because agencies change requirements or scope after the contracts are awarded, adding that poor communication exists between the agency and the contractor.
Read more....https://newsbreakers.ng/why-contract-performance-is-poor-in-nigeria-by-experts/



US OIL FLOODS EUROPE, THREATENS NIGERIA’S EXPORTS
Nigeria’s crude oil exports are under pressure as the United States is flooding Europe with a record amount of crude as efforts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries to balance the oil market bear fruit.

Russia paired with OPEC last year in cutting oil output jointly by 1.8 million barrels per day, a deal they say has largely rebalanced the market and one that has helped elevate global oil benchmark, Brent crude, close to four-year highs.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/us-oil-floods-europe-threatens-nigerias-exports/


NIGERIANS LIVING ABROAD SENT $22BN HOME IN 2017 —WORLD BANK
Nigerians living abroad sent home $22bn in 2017, a 16.4 per cent increase from the amount they repatriated in 2016, a World Bank report revealed on Monday.

Payments from immigrants back to their home countries rebounded to reach the new record in 2017 but the costs of transferring funds also increased, the World Bank said on Monday.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/nigerians-living-abroad-sent-22bn-home-in-2017-world-bank/


NIGERIA NOT READY FOR POST-OIL ECONOMY, SAY FASHOLA, OTHERS
Nigeria has not shown enough readiness to commence the journey into a post-oil economy, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said.

His view was also shared by the Executive Secretary, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, Aliyu Gusau, and a former Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Funsho Kupolokun.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/nigeria-not-ready-for-post-oil-economy-say-fashola-others/

50 STUDENTS OF EDO COLLEGE OF AGRIC BEGIN TRAINING AT OKOMU OIL
Sequel to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State’s directive that students from the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi be posted to agricultural institutions in the state, about 50 of them have commenced a 3-month internship at the facility of Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc.

Graham Hefer, the Managing Director of Okomu Oil disclosed this in a chat with journalists.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/50-students-of-college-of-agric-iguoriakhi-begin-training-at-okomu-oil/


ASUU TASKS FG ON UNEMPLOYED NIGERIAN GRADUATES
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed its displeasure over 16 million unemployed Nigerian graduates and about 12 million children that are out of school.

This was made known by Dr. Deji Omole, the ASUU chairman on Sunday.

According to the chairman, “it has become imperative for the Minister to be reminded that the future of the children of the masses must not be used to play politics with the declaration and wondered why in the last week of April, plan to declare an emergency in the sector had not been perfected.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/ASUU-tasks-fg-on-unemployed-nigerian-graduates/



BAYELSA POLY STUDENT DROWNED WHILE LEARNING TO SWIM – RECTOR
The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State, Dr. Seiyaboh Idah, on Monday said a late student of the institution, Stephen Adekunle, drowned while learning to swim.

Adekunle, a student of Public Administration at the institution, had on Sunday, April 15, 2018, drowned in a river close to the institution.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/poly-student-drowned-while-learning-to-swim-rector/


NYSC COORDINATOR ADMONISHES CORPS’ MEMBERS ON HARDWORK, TOLERANCE
The Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Osun State, Mr. Emmanuel Attah has urged Corps members currently mobilised for the one-year mandatory service to be tolerant, hardworking and contribute to the development of the country.

Attah made this call during the swearing in of the Batch ‘A’ corps members deployed in Osun State on Monday.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/nysc-co-ordinator-amonishes-corp-members-on-tolerance/


NYSC WANTS PAYMENT FOR CORPS MEMBERS IN ONDO STATE
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu and the Ondo State Government to reconsider payment of state allowance to corps members serving in the state.

Mrs. Grace Akpabio, the NYSC Coordinator in the state made this request at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2018 Batch A stream one corps members at Ikare Akoko orientation camp.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/nysc-wants-payment-for-corps-members-in-ondo-state/

FIRST SOVEREIGN SUKUK ATTRACTS OVER N5BN IN 2017, SAYS COMMITTEE
The Technical Committee on Non-interest capital market has said the first sovereign Sukuk attracted over N5b into the market from 1,600 retail investors in 2017.

It also said the next level of engagements was to work with supra-national entities (such as IFC, AfDB), state governments, institutions, such as Federal Mortgage Bank to include Sukuk options in their capital investment plans.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/first-sovereign-sukuk-attracts-over-n5bn-in-2017-says-committee/



FG TARGETING SEVEN PER CENT GROWTH BY 2020 – UDO UDOMA
The Federal Government is targeting an ambitious seven per cent economic growth by 2020, against a mere 0.8 per cent achieved in 2017, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma Udo Udoma has said.

Udoma, who spoke to journalists in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the Spring meetings of the IMF/World Bank Group, said: “Our target is seven per cent in 2020 and that will make me comfortable; above seven per cent will make me even much more comfortable. And that is why we are working so hard.”
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/fg-targeting-seven-per-cent-growth-by-2020-udo-udoma/


IMF WORRIED ABOUT NIGERIA’S ABILITY TO SERVICE EXTERNAL LOANS
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over Nigeria’s ability to service its external loans estimated at over $18.9billion, given its mono-product economy status and low revenue base.

IMF Director, African Department, Abebe Aemro Selassie, while answering questions on rising debts in sub-Sahara African countries during a press conference on the sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Group meetings in Washington D.C., said notwithstanding the fact that Nigeria’s debt-to-GDP ratio is still okay relative to the average, there are still concerns about its ability to repay the loans.
Read more......https://newsbreakers.ng/imf-worried-about-nigerias-ability-to-service-external-loans/


BANKS FACE LOWER PROFITS ON NEW CBN DISCLOSURE RULE
A new accounting rule mandating banks to make further disclosures of their assets, including loan portfolio, will make Nigerian lenders report lower profits, it has been learnt.

As the banks begin to roll out their first quarter financial reports this week, a decline in profits is expected following the introduction of the new accounting regime by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/banks-face-lower-profits-on-new-cbn-disclosure-rule/


TATA TO PRODUCE 40% OF TRUCKS IN NIGERIA
ata Africa Services Nigeria Limited says it plans to manufacture 40 per cent of its trucks being sold in the country locally from next year, Punch reports.

It also hinted about establishing a production centre for vehicle components in Nigeria as part of its contribution to the development of the nation’s automotive industry.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/tata-to-produce-40-of-trucks-in-nigeria/

‘NIGERIAN YOUTH ARE WORKING AND NOT JUST SITTING DOWN’ – YOUTH GROUP
OPEN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUHARI:
NIGERIAN YOUTH ARE WORKING AND NOT JUST SITTING DOWN
Dear President Muhammadu Buhari,

We have received the news of a statement credited to you during your session at the Commonwealth and it has generated a lot of reactions amongst Nigerians and particularly the youth.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/open-letter-to-president-buhari-nigerian-youth-are-working-and-not-just-sitting-down/



EBONYI DECLARES FRIDAY AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR VOTER’S CARD REGISTRATION
The Ebonyi Government has declared Friday, April 20, work-free day to enable civil servants in the state register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Hygenius Nwokwu, via a statement issued on Thursday in Abakaliki, said Umahi declared the work-free day in exercise of powers conferred on him by the Public Holiday Act.

According to Nwokwu, the governor “declared one day work-free day to avail all civil servants in the state opportunity to participate in the important exercise’’.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/ebonyi-declares-friday-as-public-holiday-for-voters-card-registration/


BUHARI: MANY NIGERIAN YOUTHS ARE LAZY, RELY ON OIL WEALTH FOR FREE THINGS
President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday told the Commonwealth Business Forum that many Nigerian youths are uneducated and just want to sit down doing nothing; banking on the notion that Nigerian is an oil-rich nation.

Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster, the president said that Nigeria has a very young population, most of whom were uneducated but wanted everything offered them on a silver platter.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/buhari-many-nigerian-youths-are-lazy-rely-on-oil-wealth-for-free-things/


BIAFRA PROTESTERS STORM WESTMINSTER AS BUHARI MEETS THE QUEEN
Some Biafra protesters on Thursday demonstrated at the Pall Mall Street, Westminster, about 650 metres from Buckingham Palace as President Muhammadu Buhari met British Prime minister Theresa May, Queen Elizabeth II, and other heads of state.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/biafra-protesters-storm-westminster-as-buhari-meets-the-queen/


OMO-AGEGE DENIES INVADING SENATE WITH THUGS
Ovie Omo-Agege, the senator who allegedly led unidentified persons to the upper legislative chamber to seize the mace, says he has left the custody of the police.

He was arrested when he returned to the Senate after accompanying the suspected thugs to an unknown destination.

Omo-Agege sat with his colleagues who reconvened the session after a “spare mace” was provided.
Read more.....https://newsbreakers.ng/omo-agege-denies-invading-senate-with-thugs/