₦airaland Forum

The National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has approved the extension of the tenure of the John Odigie Oyegun led National Working Committee and state executive committees of the party for one year taking effect from June 2018.

Yahaya Bello, the Kogi state governor while addressing newsmen midway into the meeting said the decision was informed in accordance to article 13 of the party which grants the NEC authority to exercise the powers of the National Convention.



He added that the tenure extension was decided in view of the necessity to avoid any controversies in the party ahead of the 2019 general elections and to afford the Asiwaju Tinubu led reconciliation committee ample time to effectively discharge their duties.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/27/oyegun-others-get-one-year-tenure-extension/

Troops deployed to Yelwata under the ongoing Exercise Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) have arrested 10 herdsmen destroying farmland at Tse-Tigir and Tse-Ndugh villages of Benue.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, said the suspects fled into the bush when they sighted the troops.



“While in the act of destroying the farmland, the herdsmen sighted the aggressive troops and fled into the bush.

“The determined troops pursued and arrested them.
“Items recovered from them are five motorcycles, two machetes, assorted charms and N120,000,” he said.

Chukwu said the suspects and the items were handed over to the Police for investigation.

The spokesman said the Army was determined to fish out criminals and recover weapons they use in killing innocent citizens.

He appealed to the people to cooperate with the troops.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/27/troops-apprehends-10-herdsmen-destroying-farmland-benue/

The Nigeria Youth Initiative Forum, a conglomeration of youths in Akwa Ibom, have issued a 30-day ultimatum to ExxonMobil.

The youths are angry over alleged refusal by contracting firms working for ExxonMobil to employ them who are from the catchment area of the multinational.



The ultimatum contained in a letter addressed to the Chairman and Managing Director of ExxonMobil Nigeria threatened to barricade QIT road and the Mobil airstrip should the company ignore the demand.

The letter made available to news agencies yesterday was signed by the forum chairman from Eket, Comrade Sammy Bassey and his secretary, Comrade Godwin Edwards.
Other signatories to the ultimatum are the forum chairmen and secretaries from Esit Eket, Ibeno and Onna local government areas of Akwa Ibom.

The youths alleged that about 400 qualified seafarers and cadet officers from the catchment area had been denied employment by 42 marine and services companies working for ExxonMobil.

They demanded that ExxonMobil should employ qualified indigenes into its marine department as well as direct all marine contractors to source their workforce from seafarers and crewmen from the catchment area.

The forum urged ExxonMobil to commence the immediate rebuilding of Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT) jetty and also start immediate review of ExxonMobil community relations guidelines of 2007.

The youths also requested the multinational to direct its contractor, Bristow Helicopter, to star training youths of the catchment area on helicopter operations after decades of operating in the area.

The forum further alleged that many contracting firms to ExxonMobil had not executed any community development projects in the catchment area since 2007.
The youths then demanded that ExxonMobil should direct its contractors to discharge their corporate social responsibility to the people of the host communities.

The forum frowned upon the attitude of some contracting firms that engage the youths from the catchment area on meagre pay packet considering the current reality in Nigeria.

It lamented that some community liaison officers (CLOs) appointed by labour committee had yet to collect appointment letters from the contracting firms, meaning that they are not accepted.

The forum called for payment of adequate compensation to some of the youths laid off by some contracting firms working for ExxonMobil.

The forum further alleged that the gross neglect and insensitivity of contracting firms working for ExxonMobil had denied job opportunities to over 10, 000 youths in the catchment area.

It noted that the companies working for ExxonMobil had violated of the Akwa Ibom Oil Companies and Vessel law 2007 and the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010.

They further noted that the contracting firms were breaching the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act 2007 and the Merchant Shipping Act 2003 and the Inland and Coastal (Cabotage) Shipping Act 2003 as well as ExxonMobil Community Labour Relations Guideline 2007.

The forum requested ExxonMobil to direct its Public and Government Affairs Department to liaise with the communities and the state government to avoid further breach of the laws of the land.

“It is disheartening and pathetic to note that GREMOORE LTD on the instruction and directive of your Public and Government Affairs Department has blatantly and strictly refused to accommodate and integrate the indigenous contractors in the project,” the forum alleged.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/26/akwa-ibom-youths-disrupt-exxonmobil-non-employment/

Home LOCAL I doubt if Nigeria truly exited recession- Atiku
LOCAL
I doubt if Nigeria truly exited recession- Atiku
By JournalNg - February 25, 201830



Erstwhile Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, is not certain over Nigeria’s exit from economic recession.

He revealed his doubt in his keynote address while recieving the Silverbird’s 2017 man of the year award in Lagos during the weekend.



He said: “Last year, we celebrated the fact that we exited our first recession in 25 years. To me, that celebration was premature.

“After contracting for five consecutive quarters, Nigeria came out of recession in the second quarter of 2017 with a GDP growth rate of 0.55 per cent. In the third quarter, we fared better with 1.40 per cent.

“While this looks somewhat like we exited the recession, the reality is that when you factor in our population growth rate of 2.3 per cent, which is one of the highest in the world, have we really exited a recession? Technically, yes, but in reality, it is doubtful.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/25/doubt-nigeria-truly-exited-recession-atiku/

The Zamfara State Police Command said on Sunday it had killed a notorious kidnapper, arrested eight others and recovered arms.

Its commissioner, Mr Kenneth Embrimson, who displayed the corpse of the said kidnapper, told newsmen in Gusau that he was killed in a gun battle with security operatives.



According to him, the command had received a report that a gang of notorious bandits and kidnappers had stormed Ruwan-Gizo and Yartasha villages in Talata-Mafara Local Government Area, to kidnap one Bilyaminu Abdullahi.

“The Police quickly responded and laid ambush; after an intense gun battle that lasted for more than two hours, the victim, Bilyaminu Abdullahi, was rescued.

“One of the bandits was shot and killed, while another escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Two AK 47 rifles, 75 round of 7.62 MM and two motorcycles were recovered from the kidnappers,’’ he said.

Embrimson further said that a Police patrol team, on Feb. 24, arrested two persons – a suspected armed bandit and kidnapper – at Daraga and Dankurmi areas in Maru Local Government.

“A locally made gun and one round of 7.62 MM of AK 47 rifle were recovered from the suspects,’’ he said.

He said that the Police had earlier arrested five suspected kidnappers at Magarya village in Zurmi Local Government on Feb. 23, while another suspected kidnapper and an armed robber were arrested on Feb. 19.

The duo, he said, were arrested in Kabala and Yangaladima villages in Maradun Vand Maru Local Government.

He said that the command also arrested a suspected gun runner believed to be in charge of collecting ransoms for kidnappers.
“We recovered N2.6 million and 21 pieces of Nigerien currencies from the suspected gun runner,” he said.

Embrimson urged members of the public to cooperate with the security agents to help their quest to rid the society of miscreants.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/25/police-kill-suspected-kidnapper-zamfara-recover-arms/

Troops of the Nigerian Army on patrol have arrested a herdsman with a locally made bullet proof and cutlass at Chegba village in Logo Local Government Area of Benue.

A statement signed by Col. Aliyu Yusuf on Sunday said the suspect had been handed over to the police.



Yusuf also said that troops during the patrol intervened in a violent clash between hunters and herdsmen in Obi Local Government following a distress call.

In related development, Yusuf said troops on patrol named Ayem Akpatuma, Cat Race, also seized a locally made pistol with one live cartridge at Gidan Kiya village, Ibbi Local Government Area of Taraba.

He call on the residents of the areas where the exercise was taking place to continue to cooperate with the troops by providing useful information and to report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/25/troops-arrest-herdsman-bullet-proof-vest/

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) Kano/Jigawa operations, has sealed three filling stations in Jigawa for over-pricing, hoarding and outright diversion of the product.

The DPR team leader Kano/Jigawa operations, Mr Paul Jehzi, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano on Sunday shortly after the clampdown.



He said that one of the affected stations, Garba Mohammed investment Oil Company Ltd in Shuwarin area, was found to have diverted 130, 000 litres of fuel which warranted out right sealing of the premises.

“We discovered that this station had diverted two trucks of petroleum products of 40,000 litres each.

“On coming again we discovered that another 50,000 litres given to the company just yesterday (Saturday) has not been discharged.
As it is 130,000 litres have not been delivered, that means it has been diverted. That is why we had to seal the station and fine them appropriately,” he said

He said that Jahun Petroleum Nigeria Ltd was also found to be selling at N180 per litre with a stock of over 25,900 liters and was automatically closed down.

He added that Tazara Petroleum Ltd around Jahun Round About was also found to have a stock of 11,300 litres but was not selling at all, as such it was promptly sealed.

Jehzi said, “At NNPC filling station, Olusegun Obasanjo Way Dutse, the state capital, the team had to order the sale of 2,000 out of the 3,000 liters reserve of PMS to the public. The fuel was said to have been reserved for government officials.”

He said the team had also ensured instant sale of thousands of litres of fuel to the public at the official price, especially filling stations suspected to be selling above N145 per liter but usually revert to the official price on citing the DPR surveillance team or based on a tip off from their Informants.

“The clamp down exercise by the DPR which was a carried out in collaboration with the Department of States Security Service,will continue until when the filling stations complied with the order, “ he said.
The team leader said the DSS operatives had been dispatched to filling stations suspected to be selling above the approved price of N145 per litre to ensure the sale of the product at the normal rate.

“We give out contact numbers to buyers of PMS at filling stations to quickly call us and security operatives as soon as they notice change in price and the new strategy is really working and helping a lot, ” Jhezi said.

He, however, lamented the shortage of stafof in Kano/Jigawa DPR office, saying that the downstream regulator has only 21 staff including drivers to cover the 71 LGAs in the two states.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/25/dpr-seals-3-filling-stations-jigawa-fraud/

A former Chief of Defence Staff, Alani
Akinrinade, has criticised the federal
government’s way of handling the herdsmen
crisis as well as other security issues affecting
the nation.
Akinriande spoke on Monday during the first
anniversary lecture of the administration of
Ondo state Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.
The ex-army boss also lashed out at the
Independent and National electoral Commission
(INEC) for allegedly registering underage voters.
Premium times reports that Akinrinade, who
spoke on different issues bordering the nation
also called for the creation of state police as a
way out of the perennial security challenges in
the country.
He said: “It was recently when our president
was called out as the patron of his kinsmen,
the herdsmen, that letters of complaints and
its denials between the federal executive, the
police and governors in distress started
circulating that he gave feeble, unclear,
halfhearted order to stop the carnage.”
“Let us allow history to deliver its verdict after
much more have died, but I am certainly tired
and ashamed of being classified as a
barbarian.”
“The last two or so years in our country,
appears to be like a tragic thriller movie in slow
motion, full of abject cruelty of the highest
order of barbarity, edged on by those we
elected or selected to give us leadership in this
country.”
While addressing the issues of underage voters
in the north, Akinriade called on security
agencies to deal with the issue.
He said: “What then happened to our
humongous financial outlay of seven infantry
Army Divisions, a mighty Air Force and a Navy
that supposedly rule our portion of the seas,
hundreds of thousands of policemen and
numerous other gun totting formations, when
mere threat of violence is all that is required to
hold sway over law and order?
“Or are these python dancing? Where are the
men who refuse to do the wrong things? Could
INEC not have withdrawn their services and
closed down all facilities? Collaborators?

source: journaling.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/20/ex-army-chief-lashes-federal-government-insecurity/

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc says it has
issued over three million Near Field
Communication technology-enabled contactless
cards to its teeming customers.
The Bank, in a statement on Monday, said,
“UBA has revolutionised the payments
landscape in Nigeria in 2015, with the
introduction of contactless payment cards
which enable customers pay with ease by
leveraging the NFC technology.”
The NFC technology allows wireless
communication between devices that are a few
centimetres apart.
The NFC payment Card uses microchips/
antenna to transmit data via shortwave radio
frequencies.
Usually, when one NFC-enabled device is close
enough to another NFC device, a connection
can be established and data shared between
them. The card communicates data to the
reader to initiate and complete the transaction
using the NFC technology.
“In addition to the contactless cards, the bank
has issued well over 10 million debit and
prepaid cards, serving both customers and non-
bank customers in its countries of operation,” it
added.
Dr Yinka Adedeji, UBA’s Group Head, Cards,
was quoted as saying, “We are delighted to
reaching this milestone.
“Our customers have found out that with our
contactless cards, they make payments for
everyday essentials and other things that
money can buy the contactless way, and these
cards can be used across all the channels
where you use your regular card; ATM, PoS and
Web”.
UBA’s Group Managing Director, Kennedy
Uzoka, said the bank remained a leader in the
e-banking innovation space, adding that UBA
cards were protected with the best in class
security tools.
He said, “We have driven other initiatives such
as the acceptance of international cards on our
PoS terminals and that UBA PoS are now NFC
enabled.”
“With a customer base in excess of seven
million, UBA has invested heavily in building a
robust and secure digital banking platform that
supports its operations globally through
strategic partnerships with various local and
international organisations."

source: journaling.com

https://journalng.com/2018/02/20/uba-contactless-nfc-enabled-cards-hit-3-million/

Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, has expressed his support behind the call for an Igbo president in 2023. The erstwhile governor who’s a chieftain in the All Progressive Congress APC, said the ascension of an Igbo person into the highly coveted Aso Rock will finally pacify the agitations rising up from the east. While addressing newsmen in Abuja, yesterday, the former governor debunked speculations that the igbos will divide the nation if given the power to rule. In his words; “It is the right thing to do, Nigeria is built on a tripod. When you allow the South East to have the Presidency by 2023, that will be the end of the civil war.The South East has had the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police. So it is only natural for the South East to have the Presidency. “No man has the capacity to divide this country, the country will fight such a man. It is not possible, so the fear in the minds of people that the Igbo are pushing for secession only amounts to imbalance in perception. “Take a look at Lagos State, Igbo have over fifty percent of investment here. Go to Abuja, almost seventy per cent of its investment are owed by Igbo. “So, where are the Igbos going to go outside Nigeria. All these kind of talks are just blackmail . We should stop the blackmail . An Igbo president will bring prosperity to Nigeria , because the Igbo man or woman had the capacity for business and investment in areas outside their homeland. “So, Igbo presidency is a thing the country should do with joy and pride in showcasing an Igbo man as President.”
source: Journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/02/19/igbo-presidency-will-nigeria-orji-kalu/

The management of Benue State University, Makurdi on Friday shut down the institution following student unrest over tuition fees. The action of the students followed the management’s decision to prevent anyone yet to pay tuition fees from sitting examination, which commenced on Monday. The enraged students blocked the Makurdi/ Gboko Expressway, forcing motorists to make use of alternative routes. Some of the students, who expressed anger, said they embarked on the protest to draw the attention of the school’s authorities to the prevailing economic situation in the state. One student, who preferred not to reveal his name, said, “How can they stop us from sitting examination just because we cannot pay school fees? Our parents are yet to be paid for several months by the Benue State Government, so where do they want us to get the fees from?” Another student, James Abah, said that their leaders proposed to the university authorities to allow them take the examination and pay the fees at the time of collecting their certificates but that their request was rejected.
source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/02/17/benue-state-university-shut/

Ace Nigerian comedian Ayo Makun aka ‘AY’, has started the shooting of his new movie ‘Yoruba Demons’ in Abuja on Monday. AY shared the news on his instagram page with a video of the cast and crew members with the caption; “today marks the beginning of another history to be made. Let the shoot begin.” The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that musicians Davido and Falz the Bahd Guy were tagged in the posts but its uncertain at the moment if they will feature in the movie and their roles. The post also tagged seasoned actors Ramsey Nouah; Segun Arinze, Ireti Doyle, Jide Kosoko and Francis Duru. Others are Osas Ighodaro, Damilola Adegbite, Odunlade Adekola, Nancy Isime and Lilian Esoro. This would be AY’s fourth movie since he ventured into motion pictures with his rare comic skills. His “30 days in Atlanta” holds a Guiness World Record for the highest grossing domestic movie across Nollywood, Hollywood and Bollywood. AY’s “Trip to Jamaica” was nothing short of thrilling and same goes for “Accidental Spy”
source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/01/22/comedian-ay-begins-shoot-movie-yoruba-demons/

Google in an attempt to honour Nigerian
football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi
has created a doodle today Tuesday 23rd,
January to celebrate him.
The former Nigerian skipper was born on
January 23rd, 1962 and the former
Anderlech defender would have been 56
today. Doodles are changes made to the
Google logo to celebrate holidays, scientists,
lives of famous artists, anniversaries,
pioneer, great footballers.
FIFA World Cup trophy expected in Abuja on
March 7 and 8 Keshi died on June 7 2016 at
the age of 54 just seven months after losing
his beloved wife Kate to the terminal
disease called cancer.
He won the African Cup of Nations for
Nigeria as a player in 1994 and was the
only Nigerian to have won the same
tournament as a coach. A feat he achieved
in South Africa in 2013. In the same year, he
qualified the Super Eagles for the 2014
World Cup held in Brazil, thereby becoming
the first African coach to qualify two African
countries for the World Cup finals.
Before his success with the Super Eagles in
AFCON, Keshi was in charge of Mali and
Togo, with whom he enjoyed a measure of
success. The Delta state born defender was
the first coach to qualify lowly Togo to for
the 2006 World Cup in Germany but was
unceremoniously sacked before the World
Cup.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/23/google-honours-nigerian-legend-stephen-keshi-doodle/

An 83-year-old woman, Malama Sa’adatu
Isyaku, was killed by a fire in Kwajala village
of Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa
on Saturday.
The spokesman of the Police Command in
Jigawa state, DSP Abdu Jinjiri, confirmed the
incident to the News Agency of Nigeria
(NAN) in Dutse.
He said that the fire started at about 4:50
a.m and was suspected to have been
caused by a burning firewood kept by the
late woman to keep her room warm.
“The Police gathered reports that a burning
firewood was kept inside the room of one
Sa’adatu Isyaku, aged 83yrs of Kwajala
village in Dutse L.G.A.”
“She was said to have put the burning
firewood in the room to keep it warm.”
“Of which, resulted in the fire outbreak that
engulfed the entire house and burnt her to
death.”
Jinjiri explained that her corpse has been
removed and taken to the hospital by the
Police, she was confirmed dead by the
doctor on arrival.
He added that her corpse has been handed
to her relatives for burial.
The police spokesman warned the public
against indiscriminate and careless use of
fire, especially during the harmattan season.
An early morning fire had, on Monday,
destroyed 36 houses, 46 silos and killed 40
goats and sheep in Abanderi village in the
same local government area.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/21/fire-kills-83-year-old-woman-destroys-40-cows-jigawa/

Three persons have been feared dead in a fresh attack on Kikon Village, Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State by armed Fulani terrorists early Sunday morning. The gunmen raided the village on motor- bikes, setting houses and food barns ablaze and looting away cattle belonging to the peasants. According to Channels, the attackers pounced on the village at about 2am and awoke the villagers into scampering for safety in nearby bushes. This is coming after communities in Benue state are still recuperating from deadly attacks by fulani herdsmen leaving scores of people dead. Concerned Northern elders has since called for the intervention of the Federal Government into the killings and tame the blood thirsty herdsmen.
Source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/01/21/herdsmen-kill-three-adamawa-village/

Chairman of Southeast Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, has outrightly condemned the concept of establishing cattle colonies in Nigeria. Ilechukwu, the erstwhile Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, Imo State chapter and General Overseer of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries International, who spoke on behalf of PFN and CAN, said the cattles are properties of individuals not the entire nation. “It will be a gross abuse of office to take over people’s landed property and give to a group of others for their private business,” he said. The issue was the highlight of a 12 list communiqué signed by ilechukwu which was issued at the wrap-up of the CRM Annual Leaders’ Retreat held in Owerri, on Sunday. The communiqué, which was in consonance with the position of CAN on the issue, however stated that the anti-open grazing bill of the Benue State Government is in order as it called on other states to follow suit. In the same vein, it advised all cattle rearers to go into ranching which is an obtainable standard globally. The communique’ condemned severely what it described as “genocidal and ethnic cleansing attacks” on several villages in Benue, Kaduna, Adamawa and Taraba states. Emphatically the communiqué stated that the “barbaric killings” unleashed on Benue state and other states were pepertuated by highly skilled militia endowed with classy ammunitions and having christians at the forefront of their evil agenda. It said, “They are not herdsmen. The herdsmen we have known over the years do not carry sophisticated guns.”
source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/01/21/crm-pfn-can-kick-cattle-colony-establishment/

On Sunday, the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom
Command said that it arrested 235
suspected drug peddlers and seized 334.06
kg of drugs from them in 2017.
Mrs Joy Agumuo, the command’s Public
Relations Officer and Deputy
Superintendent of Narcotics, revealed this
during an interview with the News Agency
of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo.
Mrs Agumuo said that of the 235 arrested,
191 were males while 44 were females.
She claimed that there was a massive
decrease in number of suspects arrested
and quantity of drugs seized, when
compared to the 2016 statistics of 301
suspects and 405.195 kg of drugs.
Agumuo during the reviewed period of
time, 10 of the suspects were convicted and
serving various jail terms.
She said that some of the drug addicts
were counseled by the Drug Demand
Reduction Unit (DDRU), rehabilitated and
reunited with their families.
‘We arrested 235 suspected drug dealers
and users and secured 10 convictions in
Akwa Ibom State during 2017 operation.
She said, ‘The arrested suspects includes
191 males and 44 females. With more than
334.06 kg of banned substances seized
from them within the period.’
According to Agumuo, most of the seizures
made were cannabis sativa (Indian hemp),
heroin, cocaine, diazepam, tramadol and
psychotropic substances.
She expressed dismay over the high
prevalence of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp)
and combined substance users in Uyo, the
state capital.
She advised those who are addicted to hard
drugs to desist from the habit to avoid its
adverse health implications as well as the
long arm of the law.
She attributed the achievements of the
agency during the year to the commitment
of the personnel, good working
relationship and synergy between it and
other security agencies in the state.
Agumuo said; ‘the command worked
tirelessly to limit the supply and abuse of
hard drugs and other psychoactive
substances in the state.
‘The result is the reduction in the number of
suspects and quantity of drugs seized.’
She urged the people to cooperate with the
agency by giving out adequate information
on drug dealers for immediate action.
She assured the people that the agency
would not relent in its effort to comb all
nooks and crannies to rid the state of drug
dealers.
The PRO identified poor funding,
inadequate logistics and office
accommodation as some of the challenges
facing the command.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/21/ndlea-nabs-232-drug-dealers-seizes-334kg-drugs-akwa-ibom/

The Principal of Government Science
Secondary School, and three other officials
have been given a one month suspension
for meting out corporal punishment to
some students.
Mr Tijjani Ahmed, Nassarawa state
Commissioner of Education, confirmed this,
saying that the state government had
banned corporal punishments in public
schools across the 13 L.G.A and 18
developmental areas of the state.
He said that the decision was made after a
video showing some students of GSS,
Nassarawa-Egbon being beaten by teachers
went viral on social media.
He said, “We have formed an investigation
committee to monitor and report to the
ministry in one week to enable the ministry
to take a decisive action.
“Already, three staff members of the school
including the Principal have been given a
one-month suspension over their
involvement in the corporal punishment
pending the report of the committee set up
by the ministry.”
Ahmed also said that the ministry had
written to all public schools informing their
managements of the ban on corporal
punishment.
He further warned teachers meting out
corporal punishment to students to desist
‘as anyone caught would face disciplinary
action.’
The education commissioner stated that
“even if teachers would want to punish
students for any offence, it should be minor
punishment.”
He added that the government would
continue to respond to the challenges
facing the education sector in the state.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/19/school-principal-teachers-suspended-beating-students-nassarawa/

The Nigerian Army has started taking
delivery of some of the vehicles it ordered
from the indigenous Innoson motors. This
was made known by the director, Army
public relations; Brigadier General Sani
Kukasheka Usman via a Facebook post.
The vehicles were specifically configured to
fit into the Operation Lafiya Dole in the
North-east. The army spokesman also
added that the vehicles have been specially
built fit for deployment into Operation
Lafiya Dole theatre of operations in the
North-east. He also shared pictures of the
vehicles already delivered by Innoson
motors.
Media sources gathered that the specific
areas of partnership between the Nigerian
army and the company includes immediate
supply of 100 vehicles, supply of
appropriate gears, engines and chassis
required for prompt modifications and
repairs of armoured fighting vehicles in the
northeast theatre of operations.
It also includes identifying requirements for
production of armoured fighting vehicle in
Nigerian Army Central Workshop in Kaduna
and enhancing capacity of Nigerian army
personnel to actively participate on the
successful implementation of these joint
ventures. Innoson motors had earlier
shared the photos of the vehicles on their
social media platforms.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/15/nigerian-army-takes-delivery-new-vehicles-innoson-motors/

Comrade Michael Tidi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Warri South Local Government, has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for their absence on the campaign train in the state, saying that it is very obvious the party cannot even pretend its desire for victory. He, therefore enjoined party members not to be intimidated by what he described as tactics of the opposing party, he urged them to remain focused and calm saying that their perseverance would be rewarded very soon. Comrade Michael said; It is very clear that the APC isn’t present anywhere in my LGA and the entire state. They don’t even portray the attitude of a party that wants to win. As a more organized party, we will come out victorious in my LGA and the entire state. The PDP, under the leadership of our state governor has done incredibly well, putting all efforts to ensure our victory. I am very relaxed and confident that the grassroots would mandate us to continue with our laudable agenda of the PDP in the state.
Source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/01/03/pdp-apc-cant-deny-campaigning/

US President, Donald Trump, has reiterated that he is “not a racist,” after his “shithole” comment on Africa sparked a wild global outrage and condemnation. Trump who spoke to reporters at his Golf Club in Florida on Sunday said “I’m not a racist. I am the least racist person you have ever interviewed, that I can tell you. Trump had demanded to know why the US should accept immigrants from “Shit hole” countries rather wealthy and sophisticated countries like Norway when legislators brought up the issue of protection for African, Haiti and El Salvador immigrants. The U.S President also maintained his stance on the immigration saga in a tweet stressing his distate for lottery. “I, as President, want people coming into our country who are going to help us become strong and great again, people coming in through a system based on MERIT. No more Lotteries! #AMERICA FIRST,” he tweeted.
Source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/01/15/im-not-racist-donald-trump/

The Libyan government has detained a top Nigerian female human trafficker, Maria Oda, following it’s agreement with the Federal Government.

The woman, also known as Hajiya Aisha in Tripoli, is believed to have trafficked more than 80 women and girls to Libya.

As at yesterday, one of the returnees revealed that many Nigerians are still imprisoned at a Libyan town where people connect Europe through Italy.

One of the 560 returnees from Libya, Mr Paul Eke, said in Port Harcourt yesterday that the Federal Government should do more by evacuating some Nigerians who are still trapped in some interior parts of Libya.

He said, ‘I stayed in Zawe Superata, this place is like an exit point to Italy and so many Nigerians are still being imprisoned there.’ He thanked the federal government for ensuring a smooth return of migrants, adding that it showed the government’s love for its citizens.

Intelligence reports had it that Maria Oda was a “notorious” member of a group recruiting young girls for prostitution, slavery, menial jobs and exodus to Libya, Spain and Italy.

According to a top source, She is expected to be tried in Tripoli.

The source said: “After being trailed for many months, she was arrested. Her profile showed that she is from Akwa Ibom. She is using the fake name Hajiya Aisha.”

She has been running a human trafficking ring for many years and has up to 80 girls under her control. She is presently under detention at the Tajoura Detention Centre inTripoli.

“Three of her victims have been lined up by the Libyan government to stand as witnesses during her trial. Immediately the affected girls complete their testimony, they will be evacuated to Nigeria.”

‘The Federal Government delegation was briefed about the illegal activities of Maria Oda.’

‘I think if the agreement between Libya and the Federal Government is firmed up, the suspect may serve her jail term in a Nigerian prison.’

‘The Federal Government has been working in agreement with Libyan authorities to track down those behind trafficking to the North African country through Niger Republic.’

A member of the government delegation said, ‘We are aware of the arrest of the suspect, we have been told. We are awaiting the outcome of her trial.’

The State Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has said that he is still in the race for the 2019 presidential election regardless of the fact the ticket was zoned to the North by the Peoples Democratic Party. He said he decided to take it slowly on his campaign because of the July 14, 2018 Ekiti governorship poll. He is to repeat a resounding victory against Dr. Kayode Fayemi, if he is picked as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress. Speaking on the protests of some distressed PDP aspirants that Fayose shouldn’t be allowed to meddle with the primary, the governor assured that the state had no role to play in the primary, saying it was the obligation of the Chief Uche Secondus led National Working Committee. The distressed PDP aspirants such as former Minister of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; Senator Biodun Olujimi; Owoseeni Ajayi and Amb Dare Bejide had advised Secondus to prevent Fayose from playing any role in the primary, during a joint press conference on Monday. Fayose said, ‘I am still in the race for presidency. I am only waiting for the Ekiti governership election to hold so i can have the time,” while addressing public primary and secondary school teachers in an interactive session at the Government House in Ado Ekiti. ‘Though I am making contacts and reaching out to prominent men in the country, I do not have a role to play, only the NWC will present the delegates lists for them to elect the candidate. So I won’t obtrude despite my support for Prof Kolapo Olusola. He said, “I don’t regret supporting Olusola. If it were those people I had supported, they won’t be abusing me. But they remain our brothers and sisters and we are going to put our house in order at the right time so that we can be on the same page.” Fayose called on teachers to support Olusola the same way they supported him in the June 21, 2014 governorship election, where he defeated Fayemi. Fayose said, “Don’t vote for people that will come here and sack you. When your colleagues in Kaduna State were sacked, one of the APC leaders here in Ekiti lauded the decision saying it was the right step in the right direction, such a person is not good for Ekiti teachers I believe.”
source: journalng.com
https://journalng.com/2018/01/13/still-presidential-ambitions-gov-fayose/

The fracas unfolded when the Checkport
staff tried to check tags on Davido’s check-
in luggage to verify if they matched with
the reclaimed luggage. But saw quick rain
of abusive words from one of Davido’s aide
who prevented the airport personnel from
checking the tags.
The aide allegedly punched the Checkport
staff in the face after a few minutes of
exchange of words, he also attacked
another Customs personnel who was on
scene of the incident.
This alerted the Airport authorities who
then sent for more reinforcements of
security personnel that eventually took the
aide away to Tango City within the terminal.
Tango City is a place where violent
passengers and touts within the airport are
taken to by security agencies.
However, at the Tango City, the aide
continued his attack on two AVSEC
personnel, one of which was a lady who
was penning down the report while the
other was a Customs official whom he
attacked and slit his wrist in the process,
the airport security officials said.
This led to Davido, who was waiting
outside the terminal waiting for his luggage
to be picked up by his aide, being called up
to the scene of the incident.
Reporters gathered that Davido tried to
ensure the release of his aide upon arrival
at the scene, but his attempts were denied
by the security operatives who insisted on
taking the aide already in custody to the
Criminal Investigation Department (CID),
Panti in Lagos.
As at yesterday (Friday), the 17 seized
luggage of Davido were still at the airport
while efforts were being made to transfer
the unruly aide to CID, Panti.
A source within the source said, ‘Davido
upon his arrival at the Lagos Airport with
about 17 luggage totale . The rule is that
whenever you arrive, you are expected to
release your tags to the Checkport staff for
confirmation and verification, but instead of
complying with the simple rule, the said
aide persisted that the luggages won’t be
checked.
‘Rather than obey the simple civil aviation
rule, he resorted to attacking everybody. He
attacked everybody around. No fewer than
four officials were beaten by the aide in
question with at least two of them bleeding
terribly.’
However, FAAN is yet to comment on the
incident.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/13/davidos-17-luggage-confiscated-lagos-airport-security-attack-personnel/

Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Dangote Industries Limited has
for the seventh time been named Forbes
richest man in Africa.
Dangote retained his position unrivalled
with an upsurge in his net worth from a
$100 million to $12.2 billion Forbes said:
“Dangote is looking beyond cement –his
most valuable asset – and has been
investing in a fertiliser production company
and a large oil refinery. Dangote Fertiliser is
expected to start operations in the second
quarter this year.”
Just recently, Dangote was the only African
to appear in Bloomberg’s world 50 best
persons in the year 2017.
While prominent billionaires in Nigeria
failed to make it to the list, Globacom’s boss,
Mike Adenuga made it to the 5th position in
Africa with a net worth of $5.3 billion and
Africa’s Richest female, Folorunsho Alakija
occupied the 15th spot with a net worth of
$1.6billion she raked up from oil source.
Number two spot came the South African
diamond mining heir Nicky Oppenheimer
with a $7.7 net worth, giving South Africa
the monopoly of highest billionaires in
Africa.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/12/dangote-retains-africas-richest-man-title-seven-times-row/

All Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in the
country have been ordered by the Central
Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to register new
7,608,180 savings accounts to meet the
Central Banks’s financial inclusion target.
All financial institutions in the states and the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were given
various targets.
Although the highest targets were given to
banks in Lagos with 2,293,080, while Abuja
banks are to attract 153,000 savings
account customers.
Mrs. Elizabeth O. Agu, the CBN Abuja Branch
Controller, stated this during the
inauguration of Financial Inclusion States’
Steering Committee (FISSCO).
She said that all DMB and Microfinance
banks in the FCT have received an order by
the apex bank to attract a minimum of
1,500 and 2,500 new savings customers
respectively in 2018.
Mrs. Elizabeth also confirmed that the CBN
has instigated the review of the strategy
document for achieving required levels of
financial inclusion in the country.
She said; “By 2020, the CBN is aiming at
20% adult exclusion from financial
services.”

source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/11/banks-ordered-open-7-6-million-new-accounts-cbn/

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Thursday,
said that a major suspect of the January 1
killings in Omoku, Rivers State, identified as
Desmond Okotubo, has been apprehended.
No fewer than 15 people were killed by a
faceless group in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/
Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers
State.
The suspect, Desmond Okotubo was
arrested in Mpape area of Abuja after the
attack.
Those who were killed had gone to their
various churches for the crossover night
service before they were ambushed by the
attackers. Some of the victims included a
man, his wife and four children.
The suspect, Desmond Okotubo, 32-year-
old, who hails from Egbema in Rivers State
admitted to his involvement in the attack
alongside the late Commander of the group,
Chief Igwedibia, a.k.a “General Don Wanny.”
It was disclosed by the police that six
members of the group were killed in a gun
battle that lasted for hours.
Spokesman of the Police Force, Jimoh
Moshood said, “The IGP Intelligence
Response Team attached to the Joint Police
Special Investigation Team engaged some
of the suspects in their hideouts in Awara
Forest boundary between Imo and Rivers
State, the shootout which lasted for some
hours lead to the death of six of the
suspects while others escaped with varying
degree of bullet wounds to other locations
in Rivers, Delta, Imo and Bayelsa States, they
are currently in hot pursuit by the police
teams.”
The IGP Intelligence Response Team
working on an actionable intelligence
further identified Desmond Okotubo who
escaped on the 3rd January, 2018 to Abuja
after a shootout with the police team in a
location in Imo State. He was trailed to
Mpape in Abuja where he was arrested
after serious resistance on the 9th January,
2018.
The major suspect Desmond Okotubo, a
native of Egbenma from Unelga LGA in
Rivers State, confessed to be one of the
masterminds of the gang and actively
partaked in the killings of innocent people
in Omoku, Rivers State on New Year day.
‘He also gave a detailed information of how
they planned the attacks in Awara Town
Imo State before they carried out the plan.’

source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/11/rivers-state-killings-major-suspect-nabbed-police/

Brigadier General Sani Usman, K. the
spokesperson to the Nigerian army said
members of the terrorist group fleeing
heavy bombardments now hide in dry wells
in communities.
A statement ratified by him warned that any
person caught habouring a Boko Haram
terrorist, BHT in the three states would be
made to face the consequences of his
action.
“This is to warn all residents in the North
East not to harbour the remnants of the
Boko Haram terrorists who are trying to
flee from their waterloo.” “Credible
intelligence has revealed that several of the
criminal Boko Haram terrorists have
resorted to taking refuge in dry wells and
other hideouts in some communities along
their escape routes from the Sambisa forest
in order to evade the sustained
bombardments from air and ground troops
of Operation Laifya Dole.”
“No one should shield these blood thirsty
terrorists.” “Any unpatriotic and
unscrupulous persons especially in the
north-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno
and Yobe found providing safe sanctuaries
or any assistance to the criminals will be
treated as an accomplice and given same
treatment as a terrorist.”
“All are advised to take the patriotic path by
calling the Nigerian army information and
call centre number 193 to report any fleeing
terrorists or report immediately to the
nearest security agency.” “You are warned.
Do not be an accomplice of the terrorists,”
the statement read.

source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/10/nigerian-army-reveals-fleeing-strategy-boko-haram/

Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi,
on Wednesday said that the Itakpe-
Ajaokuta-Warri standard gauge rail lines
would begin commercial activities in
August.
The Minister told pressmen in Abuja that
the ministry is meticulously working hard to
ensure that the rail lines commence
functionality.
The former Rivers Governor said the
ministry is expecting seven coaches to
arrive the country on January 11 for the rail
transport.
He said “the Federal Government hope to
complete the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri, Lagos-
Ibadan, Lagos-Kano, as well as the Lagos-
Port Harcourt standard gauge line before
December”
On the current challenges facing the
ministry, Amaechi said that the Lagos-
Ibadan rail line is having troubles due to
water pipes, sewer pipes and gas pipes
across the rail corridor, which needs to be
eliminated.
He promised to meet with the Lagos State
Government and brainstorm on how the
challenges can be addressed and propell
the progress of the work.
He added that the government has
approved the extension of the rail line up to
Niger Republic to end the transportation
hurdles involved in the importation of
goods.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/10/itakpe-ajaokuta-warri-rail-lines-kick-off-operations-august-amaechi/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on
Wednesday said it was in full support of the
ongoing indefinite strike action by teachers
of government schools in Kaduna State.
This was made known to News Agency of
Nigeria in a statement signed by the party’s
Publicity Secretary, Mr Abraham Catoh.
In the statement, the Kaduna State
Chairman of the PDP Mr Felix Hyat
condemned the state government’s threat
to fire teachers participating in the strike.
He said; “The strike is a legal means for all
civil servants to seek redress on the
injustice presently meted out on them.’’
According to the PDP chairman, the sack of
the teachers showed how hardhearted
and insensitive the government is. He said
the sack will further skyrocket the
employment and poverty rate in the state.
“The incessant sack of civil servants in the
state, if allowed to continue unabated,
would definitely lead to high rate of crime,
social vices and would dampen the morale
of civil servants in the state,” Hyat added.
The PDP chairman also lambasted the
allocation of N1 billion in the state 2018
budget to construct new legislative
quarters by the government after it had
sold off the old ones.
“We condemned this act in its entirety, for it
is another ploy to fleece the resources of
the people of our state of their collective
commonwealth.’’
On security, the state PDP chairman said
Gov. Nasiru El-Rufa’i has exposed his
“ineptitude and lack of capacity to curb the
insecurity challenge bedevilling the state.’’
The PDP leader promised to reinstate all
those sacked unlawfully and maliciously if
the party is elected in 2019.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/10/pdp-supports-kaduna-teachers-strike-accuses-el-rufai-ineptitude/

The Nigerian Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
has recently cautioned the recent alleged
killings by the Fulani herdsmen should not
be politicised. According to him, a political
interpretation of the situation could ignite
unprecedented crises.
He warned that under no condition should
Nigerians allow anyone to create a religious
crisis. The vice president made the
statement at the inter-denominational
church service to mark the 2018 Armed
Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the
National Christian Centre in Abuja on
Sunday, January 7th, 2018.
Osinbanjo recalled that it was the
politicisation of Boko Haram at the early
stage of the group that gave rise to its
heinous activities, and enjoined Nigerians
not to fall into another snare regarding the
problems associated with herdsmen.
His words: “We must recognise that as
dangerous and as deadly and heartless as
these killings are, there is also the danger of
our allowing politics to play a part as this
could lead to what we sometimes say “pour
petrol into an already burning fire.” “We
must not permit the politicisation of this
tragedy.
One of the reasons why for years Boko
Haram thrived, was because of the
politicisation of the insurgency. ” “There
were those who are planning to benefit
politically from the tragedy and they painted
the opposition then as the perpetrator.
” He further stated: “Again, we see some
today who want to benefit politically from
the killing of women and children in
Adamawa, Benue, Jos and several other
places stoking the embers of ethnicity and
religion.”
“By their hate speeches, they want to fix the
criminal acts of the few individuals on who
thrives and hold people and they would
want to create a religious crisis if they are
allowed.”
“Our obligation is to stop them from
playing dangerous politics that could
threaten our unity and stability just as we
continue to enforce the peace in the
troubled areas.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/01/08/herdsmen-killings-political-interpretation-ignite-unprecedented-crises-osinbanjo/