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Showing posts from May, 2016

We will take-up arms to actualize Biafra, MASSOB tells FG

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(Nigeria) Following the killings of over 50 armless members of Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra,MASSOB, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, by soldiers on Monday, who were celebrating the  Biafra Day anniversary, the Biafra pro-groups has threatened to resort to arm struggle to actualise Biafra. This came as  MASSOB accused the Anambra State Governor,Wille Obiano of acts of cowardice, inferiority complex, unsteadiness expressly exhibited by his administration which allowed the security agents to unleash terror on his subjects. MASSOB Leader,Uchenna Madu, in a statement on Monday, also accused Igbo leaders of sabotaging their course while demanding for the release of all detained pro-Biafran agitators. He said,  "We condemn the brutality and the unprovoked killing of non violence Biafran agitators during the annual anniversary of Biafra declaration mostly in Anambra state. The magnanimity of Nigeria soldiers and other security agent

Tension in Ogbe-Ijoh over rumoured Military invasion

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(Nigeria) The Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Governing Council, Delta State, has raised alarm over a rumoured invasion by the military in search of suspected militants. The council in a statement by its president, Alaowei Alex Akemetubo and secretary, Aaron Ebiye while describing the rumour as a calculated ploy to tarnish the image of the community, stated that the Ogbe-Ijoh was not harbouring militants under any guise. They said, "We are scared that this rumoured invasion by the military is a ploy by our neighbouring community who we are having a land dispute with, to invade us just like they did some years back. "The JTF officials station at Ogbe-Ijoh can attest to the peaceful atmosphere of the community as anytime this rumour filters into the community, residents fly in droves over fears of being molested." Exonerating the community from the activities of militants in the region, the council said: "Ogbe-Ijoh is not a base for militants hence there is no need for any attemp

Buhari sets up commission on ease of doing business ---Osinbajo

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(Nigeria) Federal Government has emphasized the need for ease of doing business in the country just as President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the formation of a Presidential Commission on the matter, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

5 MASSOB members, 2 policemen killed in Asaba march

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(Nigeria) No fewer than seven persons have been confirmed dead following protest by members of the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, in Asaba, Delta State on Monday.

Democracy Day: Buhari's aide assures youths of better deals ahead

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‎ (Nigeria) Special Assistant to the President on Youth and Students Affairs, Nasir Adhama has said the next three years of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration promises to be more eventful for the Nigerian youths with innovative programmes and activities.

Implementation of UNEP report in Ogoni in fulfilment of APC promise ---Abe

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(Nigeria) Senator Magnus Abe, All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Rivers South East senatorial district in the yet to be concluded legislative re-run election, has said that the implementation of the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, report in Ogoni land is the fulfilment of APC campaign promise.

Use intelligence, host community to find Avengers, Buhari told

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(Nigeria) President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked to focus more on intelligence gathering and collaboration with host communities in identifying the location of the resurgents Niger Delta Avengers who have been taking credit for blowing up pipelines and grinding oil and gas production of the country to a halt.

Buhari cant stop me from traveling abroad--- Fayose

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(Nigeria) Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has said that the alleged plot by the Federal Government to prevent him from travelling abroad was inherently unconstitutional and dictatorial.

MASSOB, police clash in Asaba

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(Nigeria) A fight broke out between policemen and some people suspected to be members of Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, in Asaba, Delta State on Monday, eyewitnesses said.

New Rivers at One: We’ve stabilised the state economy---Govr Wike

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From Right: Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike presenting his one year score-card to the Chairman of Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council, Amanyanabo of Opobo,   King Dandeson Jaja   and King Edward Asimini William-Dappa Pepple ,   Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom at a Town Hall meeting in Port Harcourt on Monday. (Nigeria) Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike   has said   that   his administration   has stabilised the economy   of   state through   the   strategic release   of   funds via payment   of   salaries   and payment   for   key projects. Governor   Wike   explained   that   he started with the renewal of infrastructure   in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas   because both towns support majority   of   the   population   of   the state.

Police arrest 17 peaceful MASSOB members in Owerri

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(Nigeria) The Imo State police on Monday arrested some 17 peaceful   members of Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, for holding a road show in commemoration of 49th anniversary of Biafra.

Leave Fayemi out of your issues with Ekiti people, APC tells Fayose

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(Nigeria) The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has warned Governor Ayodele Fayose to stop maligning former Governor Kayode Fayemi over inability to pay workers' salaries.

Recovered loot: SERAP starts contempt suit against FG, others

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(Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has initiated contempt proceedings against the Federal Government, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Accountant-General of the Federation “for failing to comply with the judgment ordering publication of the spending of recovered stolen funds since return of democracy in 1999.”

Biafra Day anniversary: Soldiers kill 30 celebrating Ndi Igbo

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(Nigeria) It was yet another day of killing by Nigerian soldiers, who opened fire on celebrating members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and others innocent people of the South East, killing no fewer than 30 of them in Onitsha, Anambra State. The IPOB members and others who were celebrating Biafra Day anniversary were shot at and killed by soldiers of the 312 Artillery Brigade in different parts of the city. The much publicised Biafra Day anniversary organised by IPOB, saw major streets in Onitsha and the Niger Bridge head, blocked, which made most people to remain indoors. All markets in Onitsha were also closed. Most of the killings by soldiers were done at Nkpor, a suburb of Onitsha, where IPOB had chosen to celebrate the Biafra Day. Many more were injured, while police arrested no fewer than 10 persons. It was learned that the celebration turned bloody in the commercial city of Onitsha, according to an eye witnesses, who narrated that no fewer than 30 people,

PDP will return to power in 2019, Delta PDP chair

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(Nigeria) Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Delta State Mr Kingsley Esiso, has said “The main opposition party in the country will in 2019 take back the reins of governance at the centre.”

Rivers APC declares Buhari a Son of Niger Delta

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(Nigeria) The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has declared President Muhammadu Buhari an honourary son of the Niger Delta, saying that he has in only one year in office demonstrated his great love for the region and determination to fast-track its development.

Boroh spreads message of peace, spends Democracy Day in Oproza

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(Nigeria) By Mene Lube While Nigerians were celebrating their Democracy Day, the special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and the Coordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme was busy in the creeks finding a lasting solution to the recent attacks on the nation’s oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region.

Delta APC faction calls for release of Ngofa’s led C'ttee report

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(Nigeria)  A faction of Delta State All Progressive Congress, APC, led by Chief Joseph Okotie-Eboh, yesterday, called on the Oji Ngofa’s led Delta APC Fact Finding Committee and Reconciliation Panel to release its report on its findings over the Delta APC led Prophet Jones Erue and Chief Okotie-Ebor factions.

New Rivers at one: Fulfilling the Ogoni pledge

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(Nigeria) By Simeon Nwakaudu   The campaigns leading to the 2015 general election were thorough and tortuous.   One of the key deciding grounds in Rivers State   was Ogoni   land. The reason is not far-fetched. The   Ogoni Ethnic Nationality forms a major power block   in the state.

God has been kind to me ---Ambode

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(Nigeria) Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Sunday said that God had been kind to him and promised to serve humanity selflessly throughout his lifetime.

President Buhari Democracy Day address to the nation

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(Ngeriai) My compatriots, it is one year today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements.

Nigeria's Buhari to keep Delta amnesty programme

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(Nigeria) Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari promised on Sunday to keep and "re-engineer" a controversial amnesty programme for Niger delta militants designed to stem attacks that have slashed oil exports but set to be scrapped.

UNEP Report implementation will reduce crime,violence---Mohammed

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(Nigeria) The Minister of Environment, Mrs Amina Mohammed, has said that   the implementation of the United Nations Environment Report, UNEP, will reduce crime and violence in Ogoni area of Rivers State.

Ayade promises to make Cross River Africa's industrial hub

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Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade (left) his Deputy, Professor Ivara Esu, immediate past governor of Criss River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr John Gaul Lebo and the state Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Rosemary Archibong, during the 17th Democracy Anniversary thanksgiving service at the St Bernards Cathedral, Marian Hill, Calabar.   (Nigeria) Cross River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, has said that his administration was determined to make the state a construction hub in Africa.

Soldiers shoot policemen in error along Bauchi-Jos road--Army

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(Nigeria) Soldiers deployed to a checkpoint along Bauchi to Jos Road on Saturday shot in error, a bus conveying policemen travelling from Taraba to Kaduna State.

In one year, Buhari/APC ruined Nigeria’s economy ---Fayose

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(Nigeria) Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has lamented that in just one year of the All Progressives Congress, APC, government of President Mohammadu Buhari, the country’s economy was ruined so much that States could no longer pay workers’ salaries, millions of jobs were lost, prices of essential commodities skyrocketed to the extent that Nigerians could no longer afford common tomato to cook and the middle class wiped away completely.

Invest recovered looted funds on health, education ---APC chieftain tells Buhari

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(Nigeria) Alhaji Abdullahi Bafarawa, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress,   APC, in Sokoto State, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to invest the looted funds recovered from corrupt public officers to revitalise health and education sectors.

FG, ex-militants agree to end pipeline attacks in N-Delta

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(Nigeria) The Federal Government and ex-militants have resolved to end the ongoing pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.‎

INEC is destroying the foundation of democracy ---Gov Wike

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From Right : Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and Former Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili during a thanksgiving mass to mark the one year anniversary of Governor Wike at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, CIWA, in Port Harcourt on Sunday.     (Nigeria) Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike has declared that the state is not celebrating democracy   day because   the   Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,   has destroyed   the foundation   of   democracy   by plotting   to allocate legislative   seats in the state.

NBA Presidency: Gadzama’s bid excites Igbo lawyers

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(Nigeria) There was palpable excitement at the meeting of the Otu Oka-Iwu last week as leading Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, presidential aspirant, Chief J-K. Gadzama, SAN, announced his intention to contest the presidency of the umbrella lawyers’ body.

Tompolo again denies involvement in Niger Delta Avengers

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(Nigeria) Former militant leader, Government Ekpempuolo, alias Tompolo, has said that he does not know the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA and asked the militant group responsible for the renewed attacks on oil facilities to embrace dialogue if it was truly fighting for Niger Deltans.

Roadside bomb kills five in outskirts of Biu town

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(Nigeria) The Nigerian military, has said that five persons were killed by an improvised device close to a military checkpoint in the outskirts of Biu town, Borno State on Sunday.

PDP leaders must work together to regain lost glory---Dickson

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(Nigeria) As the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, rebrands itself for the future, Chairman of the National Reconciliation Committee   of the PDP   and Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Seriake Dickson has in strong terms, advised PDP leaders to refrain from court actions as well as making provocative statements.

Cleric urges FG to tackle menace of herdsmen

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(Nigeria) The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, has urged the Federal Government to find lasting solutions to the menace of the Fulani herdsmen.

Troops foil attack on pipelines in Bayelsa communities

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(Nigeria) Troops deployed to the Niger Delta have deployed foiled at attempt by militants to launch an attack on oil pipeline in two Bayelsa State communities, Gulobokri and Eweleso, around Brass area of the state.

MOSOP urges Kabnor, Luawii communities to embrace peace

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(Nigeria) Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, MOSOP, has   called on the people of Kabnyor and Luawii communities of Rivers State to embrace peace and seize further hostilities.

Amnesty boss, Boroh relocates to the Creeks

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(Nigeria)  The Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General Paul Boroh (retd), has relocated to the creeks of the region. This might not be unconnected to the recent activities of the Niger Delta Avengers. According to a source, who simply identified himself as “Andy Spiff” claimed that the Amnesty Boss was sighted having interactions in Rivers, Delta and Edo states on the same day. The source noted: “Over the past couple of days, Gen Boroh has had various meetings with ex agitators and beneficiaries of the amnesty programme in the region. This vigorous touring might be evidence of the Federal Governments readiness to dialogue with the Avengers.” It will be recalled that the Niger Delta Avengers have been targeting oil and gas installations in the region, in a bid to cripple the economy and bring the Buhari led federal government to its knees. How the strategy of the retired General will play o

We will give our best to our constituencies,  Delta Speaker

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(Nigeria) Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Mr Monday Igbuya on Saturday called for more proactive measures by leaders in the country   to sustain the trust of followers in the democratic dispensation. He also applauded the role of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the political and economic development of the state. “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is pragmatic and truthful,” he said. Igbuya who spoke in Sapele said the social and economic conditions in the state gave great cause for cheers, citing progress in roads, public hospitals, agriculture, education and job creation as instances. He not only expressed delight and satisfaction with the high degree of determination so far exhibited by Governor Okowa to move the state forward but praised him for his honesty in the management of the state and his inclusive strategy. “Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is responsible, transparent and accountable. He is managing the resources and ensuring efficient and effective functioning of all political and socio

Again, Avengers bomb Agip, Shell trunk lines

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(Nigeria) Again, Niger Delta militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, early Saturday,  blew up trunk lines belonging to Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC and Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, in Bayelsa State. Claiming responsibility and alerting the world of its latest attack, the group in  a tweet, said: “At About 2.15am on Saturday the @NDAvengers blow up Nembe 1, 2 and 3 Brass to Bonny Trunk Line belonging to Agip and Shell." It will be recalled that Avengers has escalated its attacks in the Niger Delta region despite mass deployment of troops by the Muhammed Buhari administration, which had said it would crush the group like the Boko Haram group fighting in the North East of Nigeria.  

Soldiers invade Tompolo town, beat-up indigenes

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(Nigeria) Nigerian soldiers in the early hours of Saturday invaded the home town of former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, and some members of Niger Delta Avengers, Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area, Delta State, harassing and molesting indigenes of the community. It was learned that the troop invaded Oporoza at  1.52 a.m., harassing and molesting innocent indigenes of the town, who were told to produce Tompolo and members of Niger Delta Avengers. It will be recalled that ordinary people of the town have persistently said that the were not in support of the militant group, which recently resumed attacks on oil installations in the Niger Delta region and should not be made scapegoat by the military which has failed the bring the activities of the militants under control . It was gathered that the soldiers, who came in no fewer than seven gunboats, allegedly beat up residents, including an octogenarian

Oshiomhole appoints Okosun Pro-Chancellor Tayo Akpata Varsity

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(Nigeria) Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has appointed Mr Thomas Okosun as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Tayo Akpata University of Education, Ekiadolor. According to a statement by Mr Peter Okhiria, Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor on Friday in Benin, "Okosun was member of Edo State House of Assembly from 1992 to 1993 and from 1999 to 2003. He was Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2000 during which time he was elected Chairman, Conference of Speakers in Nigeria, in 1999. "The new Pro-Chancellor was also Chairman of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, from 2010 to 2013. A lawyer,  Okosun is married with children,"  the statement added.

Convicted ex-NIMASA DG prays court for bail

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(Nigeria) Convicted former Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Director-General, Mr Raymond Omatseye,  has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, to grant him bail pending the determination of his appeal against his conviction. Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the same court had, on May 20, sentenced him to five years imprisonment and dismissed him from public service for awarding contracts above threshold while in office. Omatseye, who is challenging the verdict, is praying the court to grant him bail pending the determination of his appeal before the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos. He is contending that given the number of years it takes to prosecute appeals, it was likely that he could have finished serving the prison term by the time the appeal was determined. Omatseye is further contending that he is a father of four children, one of whom is very ill and suffers from “severe medical conditions of epilepsy, atypical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy wi

Children's Day: Wike assures Rivers children of brighter  future 

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(Nigeria) Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike has  assured children in the state that his administration  would  continue  to  make investments in education  and social services  with the aim of giving  them a bright future.  In a message to mark this year’s Children's Day, Governor Wike said  his administration  remains committed to the provision  of  a secure environment  for children  to develop  under an atmosphere  of  love, peace and hope across  the state.  He noted that in line with his commitment  to  quality  education  for the children  and youths, his administration  has commenced  the phased rehabilitation  of  prominent secondary  schools  in  all the  three senatorial  districts  of  the  state  with a view to introducing boarding  school system  of education.  The governor added that  his administration  flagged off the construction  of  the  Port Harcourt Pleasure Park to create a facility  for recreation  for Rivers children and the entire family,  the first

Ogoni traditional rulers repeat call for colleague's release

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(Nigeria) The Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, COTRA, has repeated its call on the Nigeria authorities to release abducted traditional ruler and the chief of Yeghe community, Chief Barinaadaa Gbaranee, who was forcefully taken from Bori on May 23, 2016 on his way back to his village. COTRA in a statement on Friday, insisted that contrary to the army's claim, Chief Barinaadaa was not invited by any security agency and failed to honour the invitation. "We maintain that where a chief fails to honor such invitation, the appropriate thing to do is to seek the assistance of the Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, where that fails, the matter should be brought before the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers before further actions can be taken. "We maintain that the abduction of Chief Gbaranee by the army occurred directly opposite the All Saints Anglican Church, Bori. "We view this act as an humiliation and assault on the integrity of the entire Ogoni people

Gov Wike deserves praises for keeping his election promises-----Obuah

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(Nigeria) Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State,  Mr Felix Obuah has said that Governor Nyesom Wike deserves a pat on the back for keeping to his election promises to place the State above self in his administration. The state PDP chairman in a statement in Port Harcourt, said that the track record of achievements of the Wike administration under one year was amazing and shows that given all the necessary support all the losses suffered in the previous years will be recovered before he completes his tenure. Worthy of note, Obuah stressed, are the myriad of road projects constructed and rehabilitated across the state besides other landmarks some of which had been politicized and turned into election campaign projects by previous governments until Wike’s assumption of office on May 29, 2015. Such roads according to the State PDP chairman include the Sakpenwa – Bori – Kono Road, Ogoni that has just been flagged off for dualization by Governor Wike to appreciate the

Edo to spend fresh N3bn on schools

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(Nigeria) Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State says the state government will spend the sum of N3 billion to build more schools in the state, this year, insisting that every Edo child must go to quality schools. Speaking at this year’s International Children’s Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Friday, Governor Oshiomhole said the state government had in the past seven and half years devoted resources to rebuild public schools in order to make them attractive and conducive for teaching and learning. He assured that the state government will “continue to build more schools. Before the end of this year, between now and December, Edo State Government will spend another N3 billion to build more primary schools. I believe that our security and the security of our nation demands that we do not spare any effort in providing you the opportunity you need for quality education. "We will continue to make investments in constructing modern primary schools, moder

Buhari saved Nigeria's economy from collapse ---Minister

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(Nigeria) The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria in 2015 saved the country's economy from imminent collapse due to mismanagement and unbridled corruption. The Minister made the remarks in Kano on Friday during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, shortly before the commencement of the Hausa language town hall meeting in the ancient city. "For the fact that God loves this country, if any other political party had won the election, there would have been no economy to talk about. They wouldn't have the courage or discipline to manage the economy," he said. Alhaji Mohammed said through prudent management of resources and the introduction of creative ideas to block leakages, the President is gradually reviving the economy, and assured Nigerians that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel. "This government, more than any government, has been wo

Children's Day: Saraki seeks implementation of Child's Rights Act

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Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and some of his colleagues spent the whole of Friday celebrating children of various ages, as part of activities to mark the 2016 Children's Day.  The school pupils and secondary school students who arrived the Senate at 9a.m., and took a tour of the Senate Chambers. Saraki later received them in his office and thereafter read to them from a story book Titled: "Ngozi Comes To Town" written by Fatima Akilu and published by Cassava Republic. The Senate President admonished the children to read and take their studies serious so as to grow to become great leaders. He also presented packs of gifts, consisting reading materials to the children. After the reading session, the Senate President and other Senators including Charman Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Monsurat Summonu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND, Senator Binta Garba M

Man, 48, docked in Lagos for raping 9-year-old girl

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( Nigeria) A 48-year-old, Richard Akinsiku, who allegedly lured a minor with biscuit to his apartment before raping her, was on Friday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos. Akinsiku, who lives at No. 2, Fawole Lane in Obanikoro area of Lagos, is facing a charge of rape. According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Osayande Anthonia, the accused committed the offence at about 5p.m., in May 9 at his apartment. She said the accused allegedly enticed the nine-year-old co-tenant’s daughter with biscuit and raped her in his living room. She said the incident was reported at Pedro Police Station, while the accused was immediately apprehended. The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused denied the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Ekpaye Nwachukwu, in his ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety in like sum. She said the surety ‎must produce evidence of tax payment to the state government as pa