TrueTalk

Yobe school attack : Govt. working with security forces to account for girls

2018-02-27T05:45:00.001-08:00

The Federal and Yobe state government say it is working with security agencies to ensure that all the girls from the Government Girls Science and Technical College Dapchi, are safe.

Out of the 926 students in the school, more than 50 are still unaccounted for.

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the military and others security agencies to take control of the school.

He also ordered a delegation led by the Defense Minister to visit the school to get first hand information.

Meanwhile, Director of Press to Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, Abdullahi Bego says the Yobe State Government has been receiving information about some of the girls who escaped.

It says there are no credible information yet as to whether any of the schoolgirls were taken hostage by the terrorists.

Fire razes ultra-modern IDP camp in Plateau State

2018-02-27T05:41:00.000-08:00

The newly constructed ultra modern Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau has been razed by fire.

The camp was constructed by the Presidential Committee on Flood, Relief and Rehabilitation, which

it will be recalled that JAMB announced to the public that the 2018 UTME mock examination will hold on February 26th 2018.

came into being after the 2012 flood disaster that ravaged 24 states in the country.

The director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Plateau Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed the inferno while speaking with the Newsmen in Jos on Thursday.

Bintan Wuyep said the disaster occurred on Tuesday but said SEMA had been unable to assess the level of damage due to paucity of funds.

Describing the incident as "a big loss to Plateau and Nigeria as a whole, he said the camp was meant to to show Displaced Persons that might be affected in future disasters in any part of the state."

Schools Shut In Ebonyi Over Lassa Fever Outbreak

2018-01-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

The state government said the directive is part of a measure to curb the spread of disease in the state.

Health Commissioner Umuzuruike Daniel also confirmed the death of four victims by telephone interview on Thursday.

Three of them were well-done by health workers who were undergoing treatment. He said: "We have four person in our facilities in Ebonyi state and one in Irua in Edo."

He added: "We have tracked down and set out where they are released, including Ogbe Hausa, Abakaliki and Afikpo and we are working closely to ensure that we look for new cases and monitor them.

Daniel explained that the deceased included one patient, two doctors and one nurse and 139 confirmed cases had been monitored.

According to him, the country has started to raise awareness and educate people on how to prevent the spread of the disease.

The commissioner also added that in order to contain the outbreak, schools closed today will be re-opened once the situation is properly addressed

Court Upholds Proscription Of IPOB

2018-01-18T15:25:00.000-08:00

The Acting Chief of judge who justice Abdul Kafarati on Thursday, considered that the application was duly submitted to the Tribunal by the Attorney General as an experimental motion.

He also ruled that the right to a fair hearing and to freedom of association has not been abused, since everything required for such an application is duly authorized by the President.

Justice, Kfaratti, demands that secessionist groups pay the Attorney General a fine of N500.

IPOB lawyer Ifeanyi Ejiofor believes the ruling will be challenged in the Court of Appeal.

The federal government has opened a meeting room after the dispute between the Nepalese army and the IPOB members led by Mr. Nnamdi Kanu has claimed that it is a terrorist organization.

The UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, has appointed retired Lt.-Gen.

2018-01-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

Chikadibia Obiakor of Nigeria to lead a special investigation into the killing of some Burundian refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Mr Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General in New York announced this in a statement issued in New York .

No fewer than 35 Burundian refugees were killed and more than 100 others wounded by security forces in eastern DRC Sept. 15, 2017 at Kamanyola, South Kivu. The special investigation will look into the challenges facing the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO ) in discharging its mandate to protect civilians and provide recommendations on improving the performance of its troops.

Obiakor has had a long and distinguished career in the Nigerian Army and was the Force Commander of the UN Mission in Liberia from 2006 to 2008. He also served as Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations at UN Headquarters in New York from 2008 to 2010.

The refugees were killed in Kamanyola area in South Kivu province's Walungu territory after they allegedly rioted and the Congolese army made an attempt to control the situation. Reports said no fewer than 18 Burundian refugees were killed on the spot and the others died the following day from the refuges were protesting the the DRC officials to extradite two other refugees arrested for allegedly making weapons. There are over 400,000 Burundian refugees in DRC who fled after violence erupted in their country in April 2015 when incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza refused to leave power after serving two The opposition in Burundi had gone on a rampage, attacking police and army yet also killing supporters of Nkurunziza. Thousands of Burundian refugees had fled to countries, including DRC, Tanzania, Rwanda and Uganda. Out of 40,000 Burundian asylum-seekers, 28,000 who fled hostili ties in their country were identified by the DR C's National Commission for Refugees in Kamanyola. NAN

NiMet Predicts Hazy, Misty Fog, Light Showers on Wednesday

2018-01-09T22:12:00.003-08:00

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted hazy conditions over the central States of the county on Wednesday.

NiMet's Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Tuesday also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 28 to 37 and 12 to 20 degrees Celsius respectively.

The agency predicted that the southern States would encounter mist / fog morning with partly cloudy to cloudy conditions over most parts later into the day.

It also predicted light showers over Yenagoa, Port-Harcourt, Calabar and Eket axis with day and night temperatures in the range of 32 to 37 and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius respectively.

According to NiMet, Northern States will experience dust haze conditions throughout the forecast period with day and night temperatures in the range of 31 to 37 and 14 to 23 degrees Celsius respectively.

Fresh dust has been raised over the source region in the Republic of Chad.

However, dust haze conditions are expected over the extreme northern cities while hazy conditions are likely over the central cities.

"The inland cities are anticipated to experience partly cloudy to sunny conditions while light showers are probable over parts of the southeast coast within the next 24 hours," NiMet predicted. (NAN)

Kaduna teachers defy El-Rufai, begin indefinite strike

2018-01-09T22:10:00.002-08:00

Students of public primary and secondary schools in Kaduna State had to turn back when they got to school today and found there were no teachers.

The teachers started an indefinite strike over job security and welfare.

This in defiance of Governor Nasir El-Rufai's warning that whoever joined the strike will be sacked.

One of the reasons for the strike is last year's dismissal of 22,000 teachers who did not pass a competency test set by the state government.

The Nigerian Union of Teachers says the dismissals were carried out in disregard to civil service rules and regulations.

The union also wants government to pay the leave transport grant arrears of thousands of teachers and the salary arrears of more than 15,000 others

Assassination of HRH Etum Numana and Wife

2018-01-01T15:39:00.003-08:00

Kaduna State Government has received with sadness report of the killing of the Etum Numana, His Royal Highness, Gambo Makama. Security agencies have confirmed that the Etum Numana was killed along with his wife at their residence in the early hours of 1st January 2018 by yet unknown assassins.

The late Etum Numana was a peacemaker who was committed to peace and development in his chiefdom. The government commiserates with the immediate family of the royal father and his wife, the people of Numana Chiefdom and the entire Sanga Local Government.

The government condemns this double murder as a calculated threat to peace, and a most unfortunate attempt to intrude into a new year a pattern of criminality that needlessly threatens the right of citizens to security, life and liberty.

All those with useful information are enjoined to forward to the relevant security agencies and the information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Government has directed the security agencies to investigate this criminal incident and bring the assailants to justice. We urge the people of Numana Chiefdom to remain calm and to support the security agencies as they investigate this latest threat to the hard-won peace in the area.The security agencies have also taken necessary measures to assign more personnel to the area to keep the peace.

Wike On One Billion Dollars Insurgency Fund

2017-12-31T19:40:00.000-08:00

Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike says the one billion dollars approved by the Nigeria governor’s forum to fight insurgency in the North East is illegal.

Fielding questions from state house correspondents after a meeting with president Muhammadu Buhari on Friday at the Aso Rock Villa, woke admitted that it is also necessary to fight the Book haram insurgency.

Speaking on the recently concluded PDP elective convention in Abuja, Wine maintained that those suggesting that he influenced the outcome are enemies of the party.

He noted that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is now in a vantage position to wrestle power prom the ruling All Progressive Congress in 2019.

No Recession In Cross River, Says Governor Ayade

2017-12-31T19:37:00.000-08:00

Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade says despite the harsh economic situation in the country, there is no recession in the state as he meets most of the basic expectations of his people.

Ayade stated this during the 2017 Carnival Calabar tagged Africa Biggest Street Party where thousand of spectators were seen on the street doing businesses while still dancing.

He said Cross River is a role model for other states in Nigeria ,hoping that with the plans he has for the state, there is better hope in 2018.

Calabar Bikers Carnival

2017-12-31T19:32:00.000-08:00

It was thrills and frills as Governor Ben Ayade led over 250 power bikers, including former Governor Donald Duke in an acrobatic display of state of the art exotic power bikes in Calabar.

Thousand of spectators who laid siege on the 12-kilometer carnival route to witness the acrobatic and colorful display of the second edition of the newly introduced event said the biker show has shown improvement in the annual Carnival.

Governor Ayade while explaining why he introduced the biker show said Rich people have taken Calabar to be their home during Xmas Period.

Some of the spectators who described Calabar as home said beyond merrymaking the Carnival parade was an exercise that improves health create bonds among people.

NIMASA to Acquire more Vessels to Boost Maritime Security

2017-12-31T19:26:00.003-08:00

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is set to acquire strategic maritime safety and security assets,including vessels.

This is in line with the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja.

According to a statement in Lagos on Saturday by the Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Isichei Osamgbi, the move is also in line with the total spectrum of maritime security strategy.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, also announced the establishment of a Command and Control Centre as part of the maritime security strategic initiative.

“The four components of the initiative are situational awareness, response capability, law enforcement and local partnerships and regional cooperation; which are the fulcrum upon which tackling maritime crime will be built on,”

Peterside said that the implementation of NIMASA’s maritime strategy, in collaboration with the agency’s partners, was a panacea to piracy and maritime crime within Nigerian territorial waters.

He gave an assurance that NIMASA would continue to collaborate with the military, especially the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force, among other partners, to make Nigerian waterways safe and secure.

“We are not unmindful of the peculiar environment of Niger Delta which poses its own challenge in tackling maritime crime, especially kidnapping of crew and illegal bunkering that leads to pollution.

“We will continue to work with the Nigerian Navy and regional organisations to strengthen our regional approach to tackling maritime crime,” he said.

The director-general said that NIMASA would not relax in its quest to see the early passage of the Anti-Piracy Bill, the draft of which the Federal Executive Council recently approved for legislative action.

Peterside explained that eradicating maritime crime and piracy would be a priority for the agency and its partners in 2018.

He said that the agency focused on working with all relevant stakeholders, using its laid-out strategy to phase out maritime crime in Nigeria’s domain. (NAN)

Dust Haze, Sunny Weather Expected on Monday – NiMet

2017-12-31T19:22:00.002-08:00

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has predicted dust haze weather condition with horizontal visibility range of about two to five kilometres over the Central States of the country on Monday.

NiMet's Weather Outlook by its Central Forecast Office in Abuja on Saturday, also predicted day and night temperatures in the range of 17 to 34 and 10 to 20 degrees Celsius respectively.

The agency predicted that the southern States would experience sunny and hazy condition over the in cities cities with day and night temperatures in the range of 31 to 35 and 19 to 24 degrees Celsius were.

It also predicted that the coastal cities were expected to experience mist condition in the morning hours with chances of partly cloudy sky in the afternoon and evening period.

According to NiMet, northern states will experience dust haze condition in visibility of one to three kilometres is expected with localized visibility of less than 1000 m during the forecast period.

"The region will also have day and night temperatures in the range of 28 to 31 and 12 to 17 degrees Celsius respectively.

Deterioration in visibility is expected over the northern and central cities due to fresh dust that was raised over the source region while sunny and hazy condition is likely over the inland states.

"" The coastal cities are expected to experience mist conditions in the morning hours with chances of partly cloudy sky in the afternoon and evening hours, '' NiMet predicted. (NAN)

The Dead Also Made Buhari's List of Appointees

2017-12-31T19:15:00.001-08:00

The list of appointees into the various boards as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari is filled with errors.

Rev Christopher Utov * as a Member of Nigerian Institute of Social & Economic Research. Rev Utov, the proprietor of Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko passed away on the 17 March 2017

2. * Chief Donald Ugbaja * as a Member of the Consumer Protection Council. The Chief Ugbaja, a former DIG of Police died on 29/11/17

3. * Senator Francis Okpozo * as Chairman of the Nigerian Press Council. Senator Okpozo, a Senator in the Second Republic, died on Dec 16, 2016.
President Buhari even issued a statement mourning his death.

Nigerians Enjoy Christmas Despite Fuel Scarcity

2017-12-26T15:56:00.003-08:00

Millions of Christian faithfuls celebrate Christmas despite fuel scarcity in Nigeria on Monday.

They defied the restive week to throw up parties in remembrance of the birth of Jesus Christ across the country.

While many filling stations refused to open on Monday, those who sold fuel had short queue of motorists.

Recreation centers and amusement parks were filled with picnickers. Shopping malls were filled up as Nigerians enjoyed the Christmas holidays.

Governor Dickson presents N295b 2018 budget to Bayelsa Assembly

2017-12-24T17:43:00.000-08:00

Governor of Bayelsa State estimated budget of 295 billion Naira in 2018 for state legislature.

The Engineering and Infrastructure Department receives the largest share of the budget.

22 billion Naira were reserved for the massive investment by the African universities, the Niger Delta University, the Ijaw National Academy of Sciences and the constituency demonstration secondary schools.

Other departments and state-owned economic sectors also recorded "stable development and prosperity" in the 2018 budget report.

The Dixon administration is embarking on ambitious infrastructure policy in Bayelsa State - a rhythm that has been around for almost six years.

Nigerians queue for hours to buy petrol

2017-12-24T17:34:00.000-08:00

Any gas station going to Nigeria today is either completely empty or locked or long line up.

Motorists and people who fuel their cars and generators now use gasoline on a few car sites.

In some gas stations in Lagos, the price rose to 180 Naira, the black market rose 300 Naira.

Only a few NNPC branded stations are sold with the approved 145 Nina pump.

But the federal government said there is no plan to increase official prices.

And now NNPC says the top six marketers are now loading fuel in the warehouse for 24 hours to end the fuel shortage.

More than 110,000 people get fee train rides in Osun

2017-12-24T17:25:00.000-08:00

More than one hundred and ten thousand people benefited from free train services of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state.

Coordinating Director in the ministry of cooperatives, commerce and investment, Abimbola Osho stated this while beneficiaries of the free train service who came from Lagos for Christmas celebration.

Osho described Aregbesola's gesture as a promise kept and powered people to pay their taxes as a means of reciprocating the gesture.

The free train service will return passengers to Lagos on Tuesday and bring another set of beneficiaries for the new year celebration on next Saturday.

fish farmers seek inclusiveness in govt. policies

2017-12-24T17:16:00.000-08:00

Farmers called on the federal and state governments to always involve farmers in any policy decision

This is about them and will take a positive investment.

They announced the plan in the federal government's main lender program and paid out funds to Ifo farmers in Ogun.

They also called on commercial banks to be interested in the plan because it would never design it.

They point out that farmers get together and they can only get funding from the central bank through commercial or microfinance banks.

Some of them also promised that loans should be withdrawn in less than six months.

NNPC says it has increased fuel supply

2017-12-21T16:47:00.000-08:00

The Department of Petroleum Resources has blamed the ongoing fuel scarcity on panic buying by members of the public.

It has also sealed up a major filling station in Lekki area of Lagos state over alleged hoarding and molestation of its school while on enforcement visit.

Energy correspondent, Tolulope Ogunjobi who was with the DPR team for the monitoring exercise, reports that

Nigerians are not happy with the prolonged scarcity of petrol and it's negative effects on their daily activities.

The product has been unavailable across the country for some weeks, a development that has seen the product selling for as high as N5oo per liter.

Officials of the DPR have also been playing their role in monitoring activities at depot and retail outlets across the country.

Two weeks ago, in one of its visits, there was a face off between the DPR team and the management of the retail outlet, this according to the head of downstream is unacceptable.

After establishing this position, the regulators confirmed that 58,650 liters of petrol was in the facility and ordered the immediate sale under strict monitoring and afterwards sealed up the facility.

Though motorists still had to spend hours to get petrol, they appreciate the efforts made by the regulators in monitoring the sale of the product.

It is clear that there is a supply gap in the petroleum supply value chain that needs to be filled, regulators need to create an enabling environment for private players to participate in the importation of petroleum product into the country.

LAUTECH students gradually return to Campus after eight months

2017-12-21T16:44:00.002-08:00

The Vice Chancellor of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH Ogbomoso, Professor Adeniyi Gbadegesin said the institution must not face any crises that will affect the academic calendar in the next few years.

Professor Gbadegesin stated this during the swearing in of new executives of LAUTECH Alumni Association.

The Vice Chancellor who sought efforts of all stakeholders during almost two years of the university's closure encouraged the alumni to contribute their quota for the uplift of the institution.

He said governors of the two owner states are more committed than before to guarantee the institution regain its lost glory.

Illegal oil deals : Appeal court upholds imprisonment of 14 foreigners

2017-12-20T14:37:00.003-08:00

The Court of Appeal, in Lagos has upheld the two year’s imprisonment imposed by the Federal High Court in Lagos on 14 foreign nationals.

They were convicted for illegally dealing in more than one million metric tons of petroleum product in 2015.

The convicts, identified as citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Philippine and Japan,

were convicted alongside their vessel, MT Anukt Emerald, and two companies – Monjasa DMCC, and Glencore Energy UK Ltd.

Justice Ibrahim Buba convicted the foreigners on five counts and sentenced them to two years’ imprisonment in 2016 each starting from when they were arrested by the Nigerian Navy.

The judge, gave them the fine option of paying 5 million naira instead of going to jail

Ogun Governor Amosun inaugurates vocational institute in Abeokuta

2017-12-20T14:34:00.001-08:00

As part of its efforts to reorient its technology and vocational education in Ogun State, Governor Amoson, Mr. Ibikunle opened the National Institute of Technology in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.

The institute consists of six workshops and four laboratories and is owned by the state government in cooperation with Samsung Heavy Industries of Korea.

While emphasizing some of the Institute's strengths, Governor Amoson said that in order to promote national education and economic development, a fortress for learning was provided.

The governor also took this opportunity to explain more about the new Ogun State Polytechnic Institute, Ipokia's interim certification and the agency's future.

BREAKING: Eni, Shell To Stand Trial In Italy Over Nigerian Bribery Scandal

2017-12-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

Italian giant Eni and peer oil company Shell will stand trial over allegations of bribery and corruption in Italy over the acquisition of Nigerian offshore oil block in 2011.

A judge in Milan ordered Eni, Shell Company and Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi and his former Paolo Scaroni and other key figures on March 5 Trial proceedings started trial.

The two companies bought OPL245 for $ 1.3bn in 2011, an offshore oil block estimated at 9bn barrels of crude oil.

The Italian company said in a statement on Wednesday: "Eni's board of directors has reiterated that the company is not involved in corruption-related activities.

"Eni said she is full of confidence in the judicial process and the trial will determine and confirm the correctness and completeness of her conduct."

In particular, it insisted that "CEO Claudio DiSallel did not participate in so-called illegal practices."

Both companies, accused of corruption in Nigeria's dealings, reportedly received pocket bribes from Goodluck Jonathan, the former Nigerian president, and his oil minister.

Both sides have repeatedly stated that they have obtained lucrative plots under the laws of Nigeria.

Buhari Swears-In 7 New Permanent Secretaries

2017-12-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday swore-in the remaining seven permanent Secretaries out of the 22 appointed earlier in the year.

The inauguration preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and had the cabinet members and serving permanent secretaries as well as some guests of the new officials in attendance.

The President did not deliver any inauguration address after the signing of the inauguration register as the FEC meeting progressed afterwards.

Those sworn in are: Mr Mustapha Suleiman (Kano); Mr Adekunle Adeyemi (Oyo); Mrs Comfort Ekaro (Rivers) Mr Adebayo Akpata (Ekiti).

Others are Dr Abdulkadir Muazu (Kaduna); Mr Marcelinus Osuji (Imo) and Mr Bitrus Nabasu (Plateau).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 15 of the newly appointed permanent Secretaries had taken their oath of office in August. (NAN)