₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Army University, at it’s kick off, will admit 75 percent civilians and only 25 percent military and paramilitary officers, an official has said.

The chairman of the school’s Implementation committee, Major-General Mathias Efeovbokhan (rtd) who led the committee on a visit to the Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau on Monday, revealed that the University had a different goal from that of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).



“This university will become solution centre,” he said. “It will groom graduates with distinctive expertise.”

Efrovbokhan said the university will be the first green university in Africa and will be research driven.

He futher informed that the university which will be sited in Biu, southern part of Borno state will have the most clever minds as it’s students and will be totally void of student unionism and ASUU.

He guaranteed maximum security for all students and members of university community irrespective of the spate of Boko Haram attacks in the area.

The committee called for the support of the minister in fast tracking the approval of the university by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

In response, Dambazau promised that the ministry will assist in getting the approval for the university.

He expressed satisfaction on the research foundations the school intends laying noting that the para military staffs of the ministry would enjoy such benefits from the university.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/19/nigerian-army-university-admit-75-civilians/

The Presidency has given a plausible reason for the planned visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to Rivers State, saying there is civil unrest in the state.

Spokesperson to the President, Mr Femi Adesina reacted to Governor Wike’s claim in an interview over the weekend where the Governor had stated that there was no cogent reason surrounding the President’s visit.



Adesina said that the President intends to console the families affected by the killings in the state when he eventually visits.

“If he (Wike) doesn’t understand, the rest of the country understands. We understand, other Nigerians understand. Even people in Rivers state understand because on New Year/New Year Day, a minimum of 24 people were killed in Omoku.

“So, is that not a crisis? And can you count the number of people that have been beheaded in Rivers state in recent times?“People will be killed and heads will be cut off and the assailants will go away with the heads. So, can anybody say that there is no security issue in that kind of place?“It’s left to the governor. He’s the chief security officer. If he says there’s no security crisis in his state, good luck to him.”

Quizzed on the outcome, should Wike decide not to welcome the visit, Adesina said: “I’m sure he will be formally informed of date. So, if he now says he doesn’t want the visit, it’s left to him and the federal government to decide the next step.

“But the president is visiting so that he can condole with people who lost their loved ones, 24 people minimum, were killed in Omoku.

“So, those people are the reason. Those people and the many beheaded; relations of those beheaded and their heads taken away, are the reason why the president is visiting the state.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/18/presidency-gives-reason-rivers-visit-says-state-troubled/

INEC Administrative Secretary Secretary in Kwara, Mr Paul Atser, made this known in a statement in Ilorin on Friday.

“It has come to the notice of Independent National Electoral Commission, Kwara State that some unscrupulous persons are carrying out illegal registration of voters in Offa Local Government area,” Atser said.



According to him, the perpetrators of the illegal registration were using Corel Draw application to change the particulars in a scanned INEC PVC.

The INEC official said one suspect was arrested and undergoing interrogation by the police.

“The general public is advised to be watchful and ensure that they go to only INEC designated registration centers to be captured for the PVC,” Atser added.

He said a list of all designated centers were available at the INEC State office as well as INEC offices in the 16 local government councils in Kwara.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/17/inec-uncovers-illegal-registration-centre-kwara/

The 110 schoolgirls abducted in Dapchi by Boko Haram insurgents will soon regain their freedom as the military is closing in on them.

Defence minister Mansur Dan-Ali gave the assurance on Saturday during a television programme.



“It can be earlier; maybe a week, it can be two weeks, but we are on it, and I’m telling you with all sense of sincerity that we are closing in on them,” he told reporters.

The insurgents invaded the Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC), Dapchi, in Yobe State on February 19, and abducted the students.

The minister revealed that all necessary efforts were being made to ensure that the girls return safely as soon as possible.

“We have dispatched all the surveillance devices we have in terms of air, human resource, intelligence, and other forces that needed to be in place by all possible means and we have made sure that all that’s needed is being done to see that these girls are being found, wherever they are.”

Dan-Ali was also confident that the girls would return in the shortest time owing to the intelligence at the government’s disposal, though he cannot say the exact time when it would be.

President Muhammadu Buhari had said the life of every citizen matters to his administration.

He has visited Government Girls Science and Technical College (GGSTC) in Dapchi, Yobe State and held a meeting with parents and teachers.

The President also met with community leaders at Dapchi.

Buhari was received by the state governor, Mr Ibrahim Gaidam, and other top government officials.

He assured that the Federal Government will not rest until all the Chibok and Dapchi schoolgirls in the Boko Haram custody are released and reunited with their families.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/18/fg-dapchi-school-girls-will-return-soon/

Barcelona captain Andres Iniesta revealed he has an offer to move to China and will make a decision on his future before the end of April.
The 33-year-old came through the youth system at Barca, has made over 400 appearances for the club and signed a “lifetime contract” with the club in October.

But after a 3-0 win over Chelsea on Wednesday secured the team’s place in the Champions League quarter-finals, Iniesta admitted his future may lie elsewhere.



“Before April 30 I have to make the decision whether I’m still in Barcelona or I’m going to China. I have to assess what is best for me and for the club,” he said.

“It is a decision that I will communicate to the club first and then you will find out. I will make a decision before April 30.

“It will be the most honest for me and for the club.”

Iniesta has been linked with Tianjin Quanjian, although the Chinese Super League club declared the rumours “false” this week and threatened legal action to stamp them out.

Iniesta has won the Champions League four times and La Liga eight times during a period of sustained success for Barcelona.

Coach Ernesto Valverde said: “It’s a very personal decision, he has to decide.

“I’m not thinking of a Barcelona without Andres Iniesta because right now we have a Barcelona with Andres Iniesta.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/15/barcelona-captain-iniesta-considering-move-china/

Six people were killed and 14 others injured when a Senegalese military helicopter crashed late Wednesday, according to a government statement giving an updated toll from the incident in the south of the country.
The helicopter, which went down in a mangrove forest in the coastal area of Missirah, was carrying 20 people, including four crew, army spokesman Colonel Abdou Ndiaye told AFP earlier.

According to a statement released by the government, rescue workers said six people died at the scene.



“The other 14 passengers were wounded, three seriously,” it said, adding that the injured were being transferred to a regional hospital in Kaolack.

Authorities have launched an enquiry into the incident to determine the cause of the crash, the statement said.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/15/six-dead-14-injured-senegal-military-helicopter-crash/

Home WORLD EU chief urges Trump to ‘make trade, not war’
WORLD
EU chief urges Trump to ‘make trade, not war’
By JournalNg - March 14, 201840



EU Council President Donald Tusk has urged the U.S. to resume trade talks amid a looming trade conflict between the two trading blocs.

“Make trade, not war, Mr President,” Tusk said on Wednesday, addressing U.S. President Donald Trump following talks in the Finnish capital of Helsinki with Prime Minister, Juha Sipila.



On March 8, Trump declared global tariffs of 25 per cent on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminium with exemptions for Canada and Mexico and potential flexibility for others, triggering a wave of international condemnation and stoking fears of a trade war.

The U.S. president defended the decision on Wednesday, tweeting: “We cannot keep a blind eye to the rampant unfair trade practices against our country!”

Tusk said the U.S. president’s proposal “is a bad sign for transatlantic relations” and underlined the need to “go back to EU-U.S. trade talks now.”

The EU has mentioned it could introduce counter-tariffs on U.S. products including bourbon, Harley Davidson motorcycles and Levi’s jeans.

“When the president complains of too many tariffs between the EU and the U.S., I can understand him. We are not happy either,” Tusk said.

Tusk reminded of historic ties between Europe and the U.S., and noted that Trump has said “real friends will be excluded from the proposed measures.’’

“I would like to stress today that the free world has survived the most difficult decades only thanks to the fact that Europeans and Americans have been real friends, so let us cherish this friendship, not challenge it,” he added.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/14/eu-chief-urges-trump-make-trade-not-war/

Stephen Hawking, renowned British scientist known for his breakthrough ideas in space research and theoretical physics has died at the age of 76.
Hawking’s children Lucy, Robert and Tim announced his death in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today. He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years,”



The famous astrophysicist had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating neurological condition, for over half a century.

He was diagnosed with the slow-progressing disease at the age of 21, Hawking was given a mere two years to live. But beating all the odds, he built a remarkable career as a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, popularizing science with his best-selling book, ‘A Brief History of Time.’

Hawking believed in the colonization of Mars, arguing that the Earth is “becoming too small for us” and will soon be unable to sustain human life. He said people will eventually master space travel beyond the Solar System, and even this generation could manage to send a probe to Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system to Earth.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/14/british-physicist-stephen-hawking-dead/

President Muhammadu Buhari arrived Maiduguri on Wednesday as part of the nationwide visit to embattled areas in the country.

The President is scheduled to visit Yobe to meet and console the families of 110 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram insurgents at Government Girls Science and Technical School, Dapchi, on February 19.



The presidential jet touched down at Maiduguri International Airport at about 11.01 am.

The President was welcomed by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno, Chief of Defence Staff, General Obayomi Olonishakin; National Security Adviser, Retired Major General Babagana Monguno and other service chiefs and ministers.

The President alongside other prominent cabinet members were to visit Yobe later in the day in a chopper.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/14/president-buhari-arrives-maiduguri/

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has said that US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson’s visit to Nigeria might have been linked to his sack.

Recall that Tillerson was fired by US President, Donald Trump 12 hours after the bilateral acquaintance between Buhari and Tillerson in Ask rock, Abuja, Nigeria.



Fani-Kayode in a tweet insinuated that President Muhammad Buhari has an infectious ill-luck.

He said: “If it is not that Buhari has chronic bad luck how is it that within 12 hours of seeing him in Abuja, Rex Tillerson, the American Sec. of State,was removed from office by @realDonaldTrump and replaced with George Pompeio of the CIA?Congrats George!My advice?Steer clear of Buhari!”

The tweet has sinced sparked reactions from Nigerians, some described it as hate speech from the former minister.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/14/tillersons-visit-buhari-caused-sack-fani-kayode/

A black day for Nollywood screen diva Mary Uranta who lost her father, Primate Dr. Albert Magnus Uranta to the cold hands of death.

She wrote an emotional king James Bible style message to bemoan the demise of her beloved Dad on her instagram page.



“Incline thine ear oh lord unto our prayers, wherein we humbly pray thee to show thy mercy upon the soul of thy humble servant, whom thou hast commanded to pass out of this world. Place him in the region of peace and light, bid him a partaker with thy saints in the bossom of Abraham. RIP, Primate (Dr) Albert Magnus Uranta i love you daddy.” she wrote.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/nollywood-actress-mary-urantas-father-dead/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sacked Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (Rtd) as Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for Niger Delta militants.

Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo who is currently Director of Research and Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs replaced Boroh as coordinator.



The development was confirmed by Femi Adesina, Media aide to Buhari.

“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Professor Charles Quaker Dokubo as the new Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants”, it read.

“He replaces Brigadier-General Paul Boroh (Rtd).

“Prof Dokubo is currently Director of Research and Studies at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. He holds a PhD in Strategic Studies from the University of Bradford, United Kingdom, and hails from Abonema, Akuku-Toru Local Government of Rivers State.

“Meanwhile, the President directs the National Security Adviser (NSA) to carry out a full investigation Amnestye activities of the Amnesty Programme from 2015 to date, especially allegations of financial impropriety and other acts that are allegedly detrimental to the objectives of the Presidential Amnesty

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/buhari-fires-boroh-amnesty-boss/

The Police Command in Enugu State has arrested a fleeing murder suspect, Chigozie Ugwu, after he stabbed one, Nwoye Arua to death at Amegu-Ejona village in Orba community of Udenu Local Government Area.
The command’s Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement in Enugu that the suspect was caught by police operatives of Udenu Division following a massive and co-ordinated manhunt.

Amaraizu said the incident occurred on March 11 at about 10.30 p.m. after which the suspect ran away.



“It was gathered that on that fateful day, Chigozie Ugwu, had allegedly stabbed his victim identified as Nwoye Arua of about 35 years with a knife over a yet-to-be-established reason and escaped to avoid being arrested.

“It was further gathered that following the report, a massive manhunt against the fleeing suspect was intensified by police operatives having rushed the victim promptly to Nwosai Foundation Hospital for medical attention,’’ he said.

The police spokesman said the suspect was arrested the following day just as the victim was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty at Nwosai Foundation Hospital.

He said that the deceased’s body had been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.

He said the suspect had been helping police operatives of the homicide section of the command’s Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department in their full-scale investigations into the matter.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/police-arrest-murder-suspect-run-enugu/

An FCT High Court, Maitama on Tuesday ordered the police to pay N3 million to one Kingsley Efobi, for violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty.

Efobi had on May 10, 2017, filed a suit against the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, for violating his fundamental right.



Justice Jude Okeke, delivering judgment in the suit filed by Efobi, held that there was no basis for the court to disbelieve the evidence of the applicant, which was not contradicted by the respondents.

He held that in order to ensure that the applicant was protected from further violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty, in facts of this matter, the court would be minded in line with the provision of 46 (1) of the Constitution.

“Accordingly, an order of perpetual injunction is granted, restraining the respondents, their agents or servants from harassing the applicant on account of the subject matter of this suit.

“The respondents jointly and severally are ordered to pay to the applicant a sum of N2 million damages for breaking his right to personal liberty.

“N1million for violating his right not to be subjected to inhuman treatment,’’ the judge held.

Okeke also ordered that the respondents jointly and severally return to the applicant a sum of N16,500 being the money extorted from him by the officers of the respondent.

He also ordered that the respondent pay the applicant N50,000 for emerging successfully from the suit.

Okeke held that the order by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad to the applicant, to remove his sandals, sit on a bare floor, seized his handset was a violation of his right to dignity of his person, even his arrest, and detention.

Efobi noted that he was forced to write an undertaking for the payment of the debts he owed.

“There is no evidence by the respondents showing that they arrested and detained the applicant upon a reasonable suspicion of having committed a criminal offence.

“It is unconstitutional and, therefore, unlawful,’’ the judge said.

Okeke said that the applicant and two others were traders at Wuse Modern Market and deal in the bedspread and allied materials.

The applicant noted that the bedspread dealers bought in large quantities on debt from one Madam Normal, who supplied them from Aba.

It was the dealer who reported the applicant to the police sometimes in May 2015, for debts he owed her.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/court-fines-police-n3m-violation-fundamental-right/

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday adjourned until May 22, the alleged falsification of shipping document to clear goods valued at N2.4 billion against Innosson Nig. Ltd.
The Federal Government through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had filed a four-count of forgery against the defendant and four others.

The defendants were Innosson Nig. Ltd, Innocent Chukwuma, Charles Chukwu, Maximian Chukwura, Mitsui Osk Lines ‘C’ and Sunny Anajekwu.



They allegedly conspired and committed the offence on October 10, 013 at Apapa Wharf.

When the case was called up, one of the accused, Maximian Chukwura was present in court.

The court then informed parties of a letter from counsel representing the third to sixth accused, Mr Macharty Ubadugha, requesting for an adjournment on the grounds that he was before an Appellate Court.

In his response, the prosecutor, Mr Julius Ajakaye, informed the court that he was only served with a notice of pendency of an application for stay of proceedings in the suit.

He told the court that he had not been served with the notice of appeal nor the motion for stay of proceedings.

In his reaction, Counsel to Innosson, Mr George Uwechue (SAN), informed the court that he would ensure the service of the notice of appeal as well as the motion on the prosecution.

Justice Ayokunle Faji consequently, adjourned the case until May 22, for determination of the pending motion on notice.

In the charge, the prosecution had alleged that the defendant falsified shipping documents, which they deposited with Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. as collateral for the sum of N2.4 billion.

The loan facility was alleged to have been granted Innosson Nig. Ltd.

The shipping document was also alleged to have been falsely presented as genuine and with intent to defraud, in order to clear goods worth N2.4 billion.

According to the charge, the offence contravened the provisions of sections 1(2) (c), and 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offence Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation 2004.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/13/court-adjourns-innosons-alleged-forgery-case-till-may-22/

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Monday has warned individuals that are not part of the examinations to keep off the designated centers for the exercise.

Mr Philip Ayuba, Niger State Corps Commandant, in an interview with the press in Minna said the warning became necessary to ensure the success of the examinations.



He said that though reports emanating from the various Computer Based Test (CBT) centres in the state indicates that the process was going on without hassles, it was still important to warn unauthorised persons from going to the centres.

“All prospective candidates are advised to stay away from the centres when it is not their turn for the examination.

“They are also advised not to come into the examination hall with all prohibited items like handsets, camera, earpiece, and any other electronic device,’’ Ayuba said.

He said personnel sent to the different centers had been instructed to maintain strict surveillance and enforce maximum adherence to the rules and regulations involved in the examination.

He thanked the students that had written the examinations, for the tranquil and ordely composure they displayed while they wrote.

“We are fully ready and on top of the situation to provide a peaceful atmosphere for a hitch-free conduct of the examination in the 12 centres across the state,’’ he assured.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/12/nscdc-cautions-loitering-around-jamb-exam-centers/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on leaders to work closely together to tackle the incessant violent clashes between farmers and herdsmen across the country.
Obasanjo made the call in Makurdi on Saturday when he visited the graves and laid a wreath at the graveyard of the 73 victims of herdsmen attack.

He said the continued violence and insurgency required collaboration and collective urgent attention, stressing that tackling security challenges must begin from the roots to secure a permanent solution.



According to him, until the issue is addressed from the roots more and more people will be buried as victims.

”If the issue is tackled right from the roots there will be no room for assumptions. We must collectively find solutions,” he said.

Obasanjo said that he laid the wreath to sufficiently express his sorrow, empathy and sympathy to the families that lost their loved ones, the governor and people of the state and Nigerians.

He disclosed that he had attended the Zero Hunger meeting said Gov. Samuel Ortom could not attend because of the incessant attacks on his subjects by herdsmen.

The former president said that he was shocked to hear that after the mass burial of 73 persons, 83 more persons were killed.

He regretted that the investment and development cannot take place in a chaotic atmosphere because investors would be unwilling to invest in such places.

Obasanjo called for an end to the incessant attacks on farmers by the herdsmen while appealing the governor not to give up because “there would surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/10/end-herdsmen-farmers-clashes-obasanjo/

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos reduced his side’s squad down to 10 men for five minutes during their victory over Eibar on Saturday as the defender had to respond to an emergency call of nature.

Ramos exited the pitch and went to the rest room in the 73rd minute at the Ipurua Municipal Stadium, with the match at a vulnerable scoreline of 1-1.



Ramos had been the reason for Eibar’s equalizer early in the second half, granting Ivan Ramis access to heading the ball into the net from a corner.

However, as Ramos wrapped up his rest room business and juggled back to the field Ronaldo smashed the net with a sharp header giving Madrid a 2-1 victory.

After the match, Zidane said: “Sergio went to the bathroom for a minute and then returned, nothing more.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/10/ramos-exits-real-madrids-match-use-toilet/

Home SPORTS FA fines guardiola £20,000
SPORTS
FA fines guardiola £20,000
By JournalNg - March 9, 201840



Manchester City coach, Pep Guardiola, has been fined £20,000 and cautioned not to repeat the conduct in future after admitting an FA charge for displaying a political message.

Guardiola has continued to wear a yellow ribbon in support of convicted politicians in his native Catalonia, but the dress code went against the FA’s kit and advertising regulations.



Guardiola says he’ll comply with the FA regulations prohibiting him from putting the ribbon during matches.

FA chief, Martin Glenn, has already apologized for his comments about the ribbon.

“Mr Glenn has apologised, so okay. But the first impression when I heard that is that it was because he didn’t understand what the yellow ribbon means. It’s simple like that.

“He make a comment that is so far away [from what the yellow ribbon means]. It’s not about independence or not independence.

“It’s about four people who are in jail when they didn’t do anything to be in jail. It’s simple. I think now he will understand because he didn’t understand the reality of the situation.

“Many times I have spoken myself and after I regret what I said, but I am sure now that is not going to happen [with Glenn].

“There are FA rules, they have them and they apply them. I accept the decision because I have to. That doesn’t mean they are right or wrong. It doesn’t mean I agree or don’t agree.

“I said from the beginning if the FA said I shouldn’t wear the ribbon, I accept it. The yellow ribbon is always going to be there. There are still people in prison in an unfair way,” Guardiola said.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/09/fa-fines-guardiola-20000/

Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) and Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), on Monday suspended their 14 days strike notice to the Federal Government owing to the government’s assurance to pay the outstanding N650 billion debts to the marketers.

DAPPMAN Chairman​​​​​​​​ and Executive Secretary​​​​​, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Olufemi Adewole respectively made this disclosure in a statement.



The statement reads; “Consequently, DAPPMAN/MOMAN hereby suspend the issued 14 days ultimatum and use this medium to plead with all our staff under the various umbrella Unions; NARTO, PENGASSAN, NUPENG/PTD to please bear with us whilst this approval for appropriation by the NASS is being deliberated on and processed, which we believe will not exceed two weeks in view of the adverse implications of any delays.

All marketers are to ensure there is no disruption in the supply and distribution of PMS nationwide.

“Following the 14 day ultimatum to commence staff disengagement given to the Federal Government (FGN) by Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) in the light of over N650 billion (Six Hundred and Fifty Billion Naira) owed by FGN to petroleum marketers, a series of constructive engagements and meetings were held with NNPC, Ministry of Labour, the Presidency and DAPPMAN/MOMAN.
“Marketers have been reassured about the FGN’s commitment to make payment as evidenced by the request for approval for appropriation of same to the National Assembly.

“It is our hope that this approval will be given promptly and these long overdue payments made subsequently.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/oil-workers-suspend-strike-fg-promises-payment-n650b/

The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has assured that the administration will build a better future for the country using innovations in science and technology.

Osinbajo, who gave the assurance at the Science and Technology Expo 2018 in Abuja on Monday, announced that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved a science and technology roadmap 2017 to 2030 to drive the initiative.



According to him, the Federal Government plans to strengthen the technology and innovation ecosystem by supporting the development of innovation hubs in partnership with the private sector.

“This is well on course; we have recently completed a competitive selection process for the private sector entities which will implement and manage the hubs.

“Each of these hubs will focus on solving the market challenges peculiar to the region of the country in which it is located.
“Perhaps more importantly is that we are collaborating with the Bank of Industry with a civic hub, a private hub, and other private sector entities to run a presidential technology innovation challenge in all Nigerian universities, public and private and some polytechnics in April.’’

He said that each university winner would be invited to an awards event to be hosted by Buhari at the presidential villa

Osinbanjo said that the administration would also create technology hubs in universities in the six geo-political zones.

He said there was the need to celebrate the achievements on Nigerians at home and abroad in the science and technology sphere as well as the creativity of the nation’s military.

He recalled the Air Force had demonstrated the drive to innovate by launching the very advanced Un-manned Arial Vehicles (UAV) to add to an earlier production of a revolutionary version diaphragms used in fighter gets.

“They are now in the process of commercialising the products and we are told that several countries have already expressed an interest in buying the diaphragms from the Nigerian Air Force,’’ he said.
He recalled the fifth executive order signed by Buhari aimed at boosting programmes that had science, engineering and technology components.

He said that the order outlawed the use of foreign contents where the local counterparts were available and urged ministries, departments and agencies to align with the order to achieve its lofty objectives.

He said science and tech remained a major input in the economic growth plan aimed at moving the country away from a resource-based to knowledge-based model.

The vice president commended those who emerged the best from all the 774 local government areas of the country in the young Nigerian scientists’ competition.

He consequently announced that the first three winners had been granted full scholarships up to Phd level in any science-related discipline of their choice in Nigerian universities.

“The future of our country belongs to young people; it is our duty to create the enabling environment for them to be nurtured and grow to the fullest potential,’’ he said.

He commended the ministry of Science and Technology for initiating the technology and innovation expo, adding that Nigerians had always demonstrated remarkable ingenuity and inventiveness at home and abroad.

According to him, with the right environment and support there is no limit to how far Nigerians can go, especially in innovation, science and technology.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/prepared-build-better-future-using-science-technology-vp-osinbajo/

The United States government has spoken about the forthcoming 2019 polls in Nigeria.

The US said the 2019 general elections was it’s priority and avowed to work towards ensuring that the transition is peaceful and successful.



Rex Tillerson, America’s Secretary of State, said this while doing a background briefing on his scheduled trip to Africa from Tuesday.

Tillerson said the United States projects Nigeria as the third most populous country in the world by 2050, and as such is concerned about the convoluted political issues, ethnic and tribal feuds and security issues it is presently battling with.

He said, “As we look at the 2019 elections, obviously Nigeria, though it’s not this year – it’s going to be next year – that really is a major priority focus, because that’s going to be the third most populous country in the world by 2050.

“It has really very complex political issues and ethnic and tribal issues and security issues. And that’s an area that we really are focusing on how to do a peaceful transition, a democratic transition, but more important is how to hold governments accountable to the people.”

Tillerson visits Africa for the first time on Tuesday.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/us-speaks-nigerias-2019-elections/

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola yesterday predicted that Lagos will become the third largest economy in Africa by the end of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s tenure.

He said given the governor’s stellar performance, the state would move up from its current fifth position.



Otedola canvassed support for Ambode’s second term so as to continue with the good work, which he said is a continuation of “the foundation laid by his good predecessors.”

Otedola, who hails from Epe, is the son of the aborted Third Republic Governor of the state, the late Chief Michael Otedola, who was in charge between 1992 and 1993.
In a statement yesterday, entitled ‘Ambode has done overwhelmingly well’ Otedola, said:

“As a Lagosian and OMO Ibile, I wish to expressly commend and appreciate The great good work our amiable Governor Ambode is doing in our dear Lagos – Nigeria’s no one State. I have watched and followed keenly, in the last three years of the brilliant transformation projects across the State. No doubt, Ambode is building on the foundations laid by his good predecessors. He is building roads and bridges, schools and hospitals, water treatment plants, sewage and storm water drainages, solid wastes management plants and mass transportation infrastructure.

“He has recently gotten approved the electricity power infrastructure for Lagos, which when fully executed, will make Lagos State almost energy independent in Nigeria. You are all aware of the newly-acquired mass transit buses that are going to be natural gas-powered in order for us in Lagos to be the first to comply with the global climate agenda of DE Carbonisations. Clean and Smart Lagos will take us into the modern global village and make us the number four economy in Africa.

“Our visionary governor is also spearheading the modernisation of the Lagos State bureaucracy in order to get all the processes re-engineered for higher and best performances. A good government is a reflection of an efficient and responsive bureaucracy. It is the catalytic driver for private sector growth. A bad and weak bureaucracy will produce nothing for the people. We are lucky to have an able governor like Ambode at the helm of our affairs.

“He is a knowledge-driven leader, hard working, with passion for our great state.

“My endorsement and recommendations for him to have a second term is performance based and not just the usual conventional charade of second term endorsement in Nigeria. I am sure that all my respected compatriots, friends and followers will agree with me that Governor Ambode should please continue with his good job till 2023.
“Ambode, please Carry Go, the 2019 election and continue with your passionate work for Lagos State transformation.

“Thank you for being a true servant leader and with your eyes on the ball, surely Lagos State will become number three economy in Africa.”


Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/lagosll-become-africas-third-largest-economy-otedola/

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has asked candidates of the 2018 UTME to start printing their examination notification slip from Tuesday, March 6.

The board’s Head of Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, gave the information in Lagos on Sunday.



He informed that all arrangements had been put in place to successfully carry out the exams scheduled to hold from March 9 to March 17.

“With have successfully conducted the Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, February 26, and based on that, we can confidently say, we are good to go.

“The mock UTME was to expose the candidates to the process as well as test the level of preparedness of the various centres.

“Candidates can now go ahead and print their examination notification slips from Tuesday.

“These candidates must ensure that these slips are printed before Friday, March 9 in order to farmiliarise themselves with the examination schedules as no form of excuse for missing the examination will be entertained.

“We want to warn that the board will not reschedule any examination for anybody and so any candidate that fails to adhere strictly to the examination schedule as stated in their slips should have himself or herself to blame,” he told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

NAN reports that over 1.6 million candidates are set to write the examination in 602 centres across the country. (NAN)

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/05/jamb-tells-candidates-print-notification-slip-tuesday-6th-march/

Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to cheer on China’s Xi Jinping for paving the way to a limitless tenure, while delivering a lighthearted address at a Florida fundraising event.

Trump seemed to jokingly muse over making such power consolidation moves himself, according to audio from the closed-door event at his Mar-a-Lago resort published by news outlet CNN.



“He’s now president for life,” the 71-year-old US president said, eliciting chuckles from the crowd of Republican donors. “And look, he was able to do that. I think it’s great.”

He garnered even more laughs when he quipped: “Maybe we’ll have to give that a shot some day.”

Though the US leader’s comments struck a jocular tone, many on Twitter voiced concern over the prospect of an indefinite Trump presidency.
“Whether this was a joke or not, talking about being President for life like Xi Jinping is the most unAmerican sentiment expressed by an American President,” said Democrat Ro Khanna, a California congressman.

“George Washington would roll over in his grave.”

China’s legislature will hold an annual session starting Monday that will grant Xi a second five-year stint as president — and also likely scrap the constitution’s limits on holding the office, clearing the way for him to rule for life.

The possibility has sparked public outcry, prompting Chinese censors to furiously stamp out dissenting voices on social media.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/04/not-trump-jokes-xis-lifetime-presidency/

The Federal Government has said physically challenged persons interested in the 2016 National Housing Programme (NHP) will benefit from the scheme as soon as it is completed in six months.

Zonal Director, North Central, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Julius Olurinola, disclosed this during an inspection of 72 units housing project, at the weekend in Abuja.



He said every Nigerian is eligible to purchase the flats at a cost to be unveiled by the ministry.

Speaking at the phase one of the project site in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Olurinola who is the ministry’s Director of Engineering, said the project implementation which already commenced in 33 states including the Federal Capital Territory have created both direct and indirect jobs across the chain.

He said the three apartment houses have 72 units of flats to be occupied by interested individuals at an affordable cost, adding that the project is a reality of campaign promises of the present administration.
The FCT Condominium Type A Project is a block building consisting of 4 units of 1 bedroom, 16 units of 2 bedroom and 4 units of 3 bedroom with a parking space available to occupy 50 cars.

The Project Manager, Mr. Liu Chao, said the needed infrastructures for the project such as access road, water, power among others are 95 per cent completed while the building is 40 per cent completed.

He said about 200 workers have been engaged apart from suppliers and food vendors, who on daily basis provides meal for the workers.

Chao, representing the contracting firm, City International Dimension assured that the project will be delivered in six months.

Ministry Project Team Leader, Architect Toyin Faturoti added that, “Ramp was constructed mainly for the physically challenged and there is high rail for protection of the occupants. There are 2 bedroom flats and 3 bedroom flats where each bedroom has its toilets and kitchen good enough to make them comfortable.

“The doors of the physically challenged are wider and the kitchen bigger, while the building allows every strata of the society to live together under a roof.”
In his remarks, the contractor in charge of potable water, Mr. Adeleke Seyi said the property was provided with water treatment facility good enough to serve the occupants all year round.

He said a 75, 000 cubic meter lower tank has been provided as well as 45, 000 upper tank which is being pumped by 7.5 horse power vertical power machine after the treatment.

One of the workers, Ukaba Joseph, lauded the federal government for the project stressing that it has empowered him and served as a reliable source of livelihood.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/03/physically-challenged-persons-will-benefit-n217m-housing-project-fg/

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) command, on Friday paraded two suspected drug traffickers in possession of hard drugs valued at over N50 million.

Speaking to Reporters on the arrest, the Makia NDLEA Commander, Mr. Ambrose Umoru, said that the suspected drug traffickers were apprehended on February 17 by anti-narcotic agents attached to the airport.



He explained that the suspects were apprehended during routine inward screening of passengers onboard Ethiopian Airlines flight number ET 941.

According to him, one of the suspects, Nweke Emmanuel, (49) who hails from Ire in Idenmili South Local Government Area of Anambra state, was in possession of 2.180kg of ingested heroine which was detected during the screening exercise. .

Ambrose Umoru said, ”the suspect is a businessman and barber who is based in Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo, traveled to Bujumbura, Burundi where he ingested a total of 127 wraps of heroin.”

He identified the second suspect as Miss Olunwabusola Gloria Dumebi, (32), from Ibusa in Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta State, a stylist by profession, who was billed to board same flight with the first suspect, noting that 3kg of a whitish powdery substance suspected to be cocaine was also discovered in her possession.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/03/ndlea-arrests-two-drug-traffickers-narcotics/

The rejuvenation of El Prat Airport in Barcelona have been halted considering it’s dire air traffic consequences above Star footballer, Lionel Messi’s home in the coastal town of Castelldefels.

The viable reasons which were environmental and financial factors as to why an additional runway would be sited close to the sea were trashed.



However, the president of Spanish low-cost airline, Vueling, saw the situation from a different angle.

“You cannot pass over where Messi lives,” Javier Sanchez-Prieto said during a talk at Barcelona’s ESADE university.

“This doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.”Vueling, based at El Prat de Llobregat, has hubs in Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport.

Messi reportedly bought his neighbours’ house last year, to diminish noises around his home.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/03/planes-barred-flying-lionel-messis-barcelona-home/

The rejuvenation of El Prat Airport in Barcelona have been halted considering it’s dire air traffic consequences above Star footballer, Lionel Messi’s home in the coastal town of Castelldefels.

The viable reasons which were environmental and financial factors as to why an additional runway would be sited close to the sea were trashed.



However, the president of Spanish low-cost airline, Vueling, saw the situation from a different angle.

“You cannot pass over where Messi lives,” Javier Sanchez-Prieto said during a talk at Barcelona’s ESADE university.

“This doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.”Vueling, based at El Prat de Llobregat, has hubs in Barcelona-El Prat Airport and Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport.

Messi reportedly bought his neighbours’ house last year, to diminish noises around his home.

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has said that nothing is permanent in life after his boys were whipped again by Manchester City in the Premier League.

It was the the third time in the season that Guardiola’s elite squad have trashed the gunners the spanking style and in what seemed like a signature number of goals, they repeated the 3-0 humiliation metted out to the gunners just last Sunday in the Carabao Cup final.



Ice cold temperatures and heartbreaking reminsce saw fans exit the stadium while the match still had about 10 minutes to it’s final whistle.

The lines around the pitch were painted blue ahead of kick-off in an event the anticipated snow shower decides to saturates the field.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Wenger said, “I am confident that nothing is permanent in life.

“It is down to how you respond and the focus and effort you show to turn things around.

“Do you want the fans to be happy when you are 3-0 down? I am surprised you are surprised.

“It was combination of the weather conditions and the fact we had a big disappointment on Sunday.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/02/nothing-permanent-life-wenger/

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its allegation of double registration against Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State still stands.



“The allegation of double registration has not been swept under the carpet; we cannot prosecute Bello now because he enjoys immunity as a sitting governor.

“He has committed an offence and we shall prosecute him when he is out office,” INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Kogi, Prof. James Apam, said in Lokoja on Thursday.
He said that the recent issuance of a temporary voter card to the governor did not mean that the issue of double registration had been swept under the carpet.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that INEC had, on February 26, issued a temporary voter card to the governor after applying for the transfer of his permanent card from Abuja to Okene.

INEC last year declared the second registration done by Bello, on May 23 at the Government House, Lokoja as illegal and contrary to the Electoral Act.

The electoral body, through one of its National Electoral Commissioners, Mr. Emmanuel Shoyebi, said that the registration, which was done outside the designated registration centre, also amounted to double registration which is a criminal offence.

Shoyebi said that Bello did his first registration at Wuse Zone 11 in Abuja, on January 30, 2011.

For their involvement in the double registration saga, a senior official of INEC was compulsorily retired from service while two others were summarily dismissed last month.

Apam, however, explained that a temporary voter card was issued to the governor based on legal advice, saying that the governor would surely face the consequences of his crime at the appropriate time.

He said that INEC’s legal advisers had advised the electoral body not to deny Bello his right to vote and be voted for since he could not be tried at the moment.
On the ongoing Continued Voters Registration, Apam said that INEC had registered 176,866 new voters in Kogi between April 2017 and February, 2018.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the new registrants comprised of 90,553 male voters and 86,313 female voters.

During the period, he said that the organisation had transferred 7,169 permanent voter cards and replaced 9,400 lost or defaced cards.

Similarly, INEC said it distributed 57,148 permanent cards to their owners within the same period, while 202,289 voter cards were still uncollected.

Apam restated INEC’s readiness to conduct free and acceptable elections in 2019, urging all stakeholders to help in achieving that.

Meanwhile, INEC has said it has received 108 applications from associations seeking to register as political parties and participate in the 2019 general elections.

Out of these applications, only nine had successfully gone through to the final stage, the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said on Thursday at the Social Media Week 2018 in Lagos.

“The windows will soon close for associations to register as political parties,” Yakubu said.

The INEC chairman, who addressed the theme, ‘Citizens, government and technology,’ via teleconferencing, stated that parties that registered six months to the elections would not be eligible to participate in the general elections.

To discourage vote buying, Yakubu said the commission would increase sensitisation, enforcement and improve polling unit administration by restructuring the ballot boxes in a way that would not allow voters to reveal the identities of the candidates they voted for.

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/02/well-prosecute-bello-double-registration-inec/

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has said that nothing is permanent in life after his boys were whipped again by Manchester City in the Premier League.

It was the the third time in the season that Guardiola’s elite squad have trashed the gunners the spanking style and in what seemed like a signature number of goals, they repeated the 3-0 humiliation metted out to the gunners just last Sunday in the Carabao Cup final.



Ice cold temperatures and heartbreaking reminsce saw fans exit the stadium while the match still had about 10 minutes to it’s final whistle.

The lines around the pitch were painted blue ahead of kick-off in an event the anticipated snow shower decides to saturates the field.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Wenger said, “I am confident that nothing is permanent in life.

“It is down to how you respond and the focus and effort you show to turn things around.

“Do you want the fans to be happy when you are 3-0 down? I am surprised you are surprised.

“It was combination of the weather conditions and the fact we had a big disappointment on Sunday.”

Source: journalng.com

https://journalng.com/2018/03/02/nothing-permanent-life-wenger/