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Ian Squire kidnapper killed - Nigerian army

2018-01-13T16:08:00.000+01:00

©COURTESY OF THE SQUIRE FAMILY Ian Squire was kidnapped in southern Nigeria in October last year

The leader of a Nigerian gang responsible for the death of a British aid worker has been killed, according to the Nigerian army.

A manhunt for gang leader Peregbakumo Oyawerikumo, known as Karowei, had been under way in southern Nigeria since last year.

He coordinated the kidnap of four British missionaries in October.

Three were released but one man, Ian Squire, was shot dead in captivity.

Kidnapping for ransom is common in southern Nigeria though most often those taken are freed after a ransom is paid.

A special military task force said it arrested the gang leader in a village.

As the task force led him back to his camp they were ambushed and in the fighting, Karowei was killed, the army said.©BBC NEWS ONLINE

The BBC's Stephanie Hegarty in Lagos says that until the kidnapping, the gang was relatively unknown. It had a reputation for hassling local women returning from the market and had abducted the wife of a local politician.

Ian Squire, an optician, ran a practice in Shepperton, Surrey and locals told the BBC he travelled to Africa every year to carry out charity work.

He was one of four medical workers who were kidnapped when the gang stormed the rural community of Enekorogha on 13 October 2017.

Mr Squire's friend Paul Allan, who ran a neighbouring business, described him as a "good friend" and a "very straightforward, nice, gentle guy".

Source: BBC NEWS

I’m still in presidential race —Fayose

2018-01-13T15:52:00.000+01:00

Governor Ayodele Fayose

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has maintained that he is still interested in becoming Nigeria’s president in 2019, saying he has not withdrawn from the race despite his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), zoning the presidency to the North.

Governor Fayose spoke with newsmen while meeting with education stakeholders and “education families” in the state which the state’s Ministry of Education said was meant “to celebrate educational feats and achievements recorded in 2017.”

Fayose said he reduced the tempo of his race towards his presidential ambition because of the July 14 governorship election in the state, and explained that his presidential campaign would be rekindled after the election in the state.

“I am still in the presidential race. I am only waiting for the time Ekiti governorship election will hold so I can have the time, though I am making contacts, I am reaching out to the people that matter across the country,” Fayose said.

Addressing the teachers, Fayose charged them not to vote for those he said would sack them when they form government, saying they should support his deputy, Professor Kolapo Olusola, whom he is supporting to succeed him.

He said: “Don’t vote for those that will come here and sack you. When they sacked your colleagues in Kaduna State, an APC leader in Ekiti said it was a step in the right direction and I believe such person is not good for Ekiti teachers.

“Prof Kolapo Olusola is a man of integrity; very hardworking and dependable. He won’t betray you. He will protect your interests and I want you to support him.”

He expressed the hope that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state would field his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, rumoured to be eyeing a return to the office, saying he would still defeat him in the election if he was picked as candidate by the APC.

The governor, while speaking on the anger expressed by aspirants in the PDP over his support for his deputy in the governorship race, he said there would be primary election to be conducted by the national leadership of the PDP, which he said he would have no power to interfere in.

He contended that he had “no role to play, only the NWC will present the delegate lists for them to elect the candidate. So, I won’t interfere despite my support for Professor Kolapo Olusola.

“I have no regret supporting Olusola. If it were those people I had supported, they won’t be abusing me. But they remain our brothers and sisters and we are going to put our house in order at the right time so that we can be on the same page.”

A former Minister of Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye; Senator Biodun Olujimi, Mr Owoseni Ajayi and Ambassador Dare Bejide are the PDP aspirants that addressed newsmen recently and called on the national chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, to call Governor Fayose to order and ensure that a credible primary election is conducted to select the party’s candidate.

INEC commences accreditation, voting in Anambra Central election

2018-01-13T15:50:00.001+01:00

Accreditation and voting in Anambra Central Senatorial election have commenced, the INEC ad-hoc staff and materials have also arrived but little late than as scheduled.

Report of the election across the 7 concerned local governments reveal further that the voters are still waiting, to cast their vote with the belief that the election is conducted in an orderly and peaceful manner.

In Idemili South and North Local Government Areas, INEC ad hoc staff and security men arrived before 9 am while the process is yet to commence on schedule as at the time of filing this report.

The Africa Democratic Congress, ADC agent at Ikezue 11, Ward 3, Unit 6 where materials have just arrived, Mr Azu Ike commended INEC for arriving at the polling unit on time. He said the process had been peaceful and smooth since commencement.

”For now, the process is free and fair and I hope it will continue until the end of the exercises.”

At Aguluzoigbo, Unit 1, Ward 3 in Anaocha Local Government Area, where the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA, Chief Victor Umeh voted at 11:14 am, accreditation and voting also commenced on a peaceful note.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) agent at the polling unit, Ikpor Mr Ikena, who speaking, said the electoral process was still free and fair.

The MMPP agent, Hon Ben Chuks also described the process as smooth.

Nigerian Tribune also reports that the turn out of the electorate was impressive in some of the polling units visited at about 12:05 pm.

Voters in Njikoka Local Government also turned out for accreditation and voting. At Polling unit 2 Ward five, the INEC presiding officer, Mrs Grace Edem, said the card reader machines were working well.

Edem said the electoral process was going on smoothly, adding that no incident of violence had been recorded so far.

The agent of the APGA, Boniface Emeka, and his ADC counterpart, Ike confirmed that the process had been smooth.

Two police officers and one NSCDC officer were seen some metres away monitoring the exercise.

Security was also beefed up on major roads in the affected local government areas where the election was taking place.

The election did not affect, Awka the state capital, and shops, as well as markets, were some traders open for business activities.

The election was called following the sack of Sen Uche Ekwunife by the Appeal Court on the grounds that she was not the duly nominated candidate of the PDP who was representing the district at the Senate.

Although 14 political parties are contesting in the rerun election, the only major contender, Victor Umeh, is the candidate for the APGA in the election

Welcome To 2018 and a Happy New Year

2018-01-01T12:48:00.001+01:00

DmatrixNews Team, wishes the public, our Subscribers Worldwide, a Happy New Year. Together we would ride to the end of the Year.

Fayose condemns FG over persistent fuel scarcity

2017-12-22T22:31:00.001+01:00

Governor Fayose

EKITI State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has again condemned the federal government over what he called “its nonchalant attitude towards ending the fuel scarcity being experienced across the country,” calling for “immediate resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari as the minister of petroleum.”

The governor, who reiterated his position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal government was punishing Nigerians with fuel scarcity so as to achieve its planned increment of petrol pump price from N145 to not less than N185 per litre, added that; “Already, fuel is being sold officially at between N180 and N200 at petrol stations across the country.”

In a release issued on Friday, Governor Fayose’s Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted him as saying that “It is sad that this Buhari’s APC government had to choose this Christmas and New Year period to ground Nigeria with the fuel scarcity that it deliberately orchestrated.”

The governor called for the immediate resignation of President Buhari as the Minister of Petroleum, noting that “it is obvious that the president has failed in all ramifications and he needs to do Nigerians a favour by relinquishing the portfolio of minister of petroleum.”

Governor Fayose said; “Like I said a few days ago, what the federal government is doing is to create scarcity so that Nigerians will be willing to buy at any price, provided the product is made available.

“It was to achieve this planned increment of petrol pump price that they restricted supply of petrol to NNPC alone.”

The governor, who sympathized with Nigerians for the hardship they are being made to go through by the APC government, said; “I warned Nigerians before President Buhari was elected and I am telling Nigerians now that the only option to rescue our country from being brought down completely is to vote out Buhari and his APC in 2019.”

Agge deep sea port, critical to Bayelsa’s development

2017-12-22T22:20:00.000+01:00

Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson

GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has reaffirmed that the Agge Deep Sea Port remains a landmark project, which is of critical importance to the economic fortunes of the state and Nigeria in general.

He stated this on Friday, while presenting a cheque for the sum of 400 hundred million naira to the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, led by its Commander, Brigadier General A.O Adeleke, for the survey of an additional fifteen thousand hectares of land, having already surveyed fifteen thousand hectares for the proposed project.

According to a press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Francis Ottah Agbo, Governor Dickson, who reaffirmed that his government places high premium on security and security-related investments, and the need to build partnerships with the nation’s security services, noted that, security cannot be maintained unless the security forces work in tandem with the government and the people.

“Because of the maritime nature of our state, we have always taken the issue of supporting the security services seriously for in the end unless our waterways are protected and made safe, no amount of investment in the upland makes any meaning without a corresponding effort aimed at supporting the work that are being done in the waterways” he said.

According to the governor, the Agge deep seaport is expected to be an oil and gas hub, not only in Nigeria but in the West African sub-region, explained that the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers is also expected to construct the Forward Operation Base, which should be ready by the first half of next year.

“Because this government understands that no meaningful development can take place without the enabling security atmosphere, we want the development of the Agge deep sea port City to begin with the construction of befitting accommodation and other facilities for the men and women of all military and para-military arms living and working there,” he said.

“Once that happens, you will have the presence of the Customs, Immigration, Marine Police, Army, Navy and others in place, while the construction of the port and other commercial activities is going on”

He explained that, with the presence of the security operatives, the right atmosphere would be created for investors from within and outside Nigeria to come in freely and explore the various opportunities on ground, while calling on potential investors to indicate their interest.

The Bayelsa State Chief Executive also thanked the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Buratai and the Nigerian Corps of Engineers for the show of commitment to ensure the project sees the light of the day.

Responding, Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Brigadier-General A.O Adeleke expressed confidence that the Corps would deliver as expected, describing the Agge deep-sea port project as a laudable venture, which would impact greatly on the people of the area and the state.

Brigadier-General Adeleke also noted that the Army is not only confronting insurgency in some parts of the country but aims to use the Corps of the Army to better the lives of the people and thanked the Bayelsa state government for the collaboration, which he said would help build capacity.

Edo govt commences N20,000 payment of stipends to Libya returnees

2017-12-22T22:18:00.001+01:00

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki

The Edo State Government, on Friday, commenced the payment of N20,000 monthly stipend to four sets of Libya returnees in the state.

Speaking at Idia College, in Benin City, where the returnees converged to receive the stipends, Chairman, Edo State Taskforce Against Human Trafficking, Prof Yinka Omorogbe, said the stipend would be paid for three months.

Prof Omorogbe said “When the first set of returnees arrived the state, the governor promised to pay them monthly stipend. This is the first of the payment and it will be for three months.”

She added that the payment commenced after the state government completed the processing of the data of those captured in the first phase.

Some of the returnees expressed their appreciation to the government for the gesture, noting that the move to rescue and reintegrate them into society was laudable as it afforded them another chance at life.

Other recipients of the stipend appealed to the state government to increase the amount, noting that they were ready to participate in the vocational training programme.

Recall that the state government swiftly swung into action to reintegrate its indigenes in the wake of global outrage against the alarming trend of human trafficking, after a CNN report revealed that Black Africans were being sold into slavery in Libya for $400.

The state had earlier set up the Taskforce Against Human Trafficking to fast-track action against the ugly trend.

The task force has tendered a bill for passage at the State House of Assembly to give some bite to the campaign and set effective punitive measures against those fuelling the illegal trade in the state.

PDP supporters troop out to welcome Secondus in Port Harcourt

2017-12-12T20:42:00.001+01:00

Hundreds of supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party PDP Monday, trooped out to 59, Aba Road, Port Harcourt office of the Rivers State chapter of the party to welcome Chief Uche Secondus who at the weekend emerged the National Chairman of the party at the just concluded elective congress of the PDP.

The supporters comprising men, women and youths across the 23 local government areas of the state were seen jubilation over the outcome of the Congress which produced their kinsman as the leader of the party at the national level.

Speaking to our correspondent, one of the supporters who refused to give his name but said he is a member of the local government executive of the party expressed happiness with the emergence of Secondus saying it was a very positive development for the party both at the national and state levels.

“Voting Secondus as the National Chairman of the PDP at this time is a very wise decision by the party as it would strengthen the party and enable it to provide quality opposition to the Nigerian people”, he stated.

He added; “Secondus has remained a pillar in PDP and he has the capacity to lead the party out of the woods and place on a strong pedestal not only to strongly contest the 2019 election but like he said after his election, sack the APC non-performing administration at the centre”.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Felix Obuah has also stated that with the election of Prince Uche Secondus as the new National Chairman of the party, the PDP is now stronger and better positioned to coast to victory in 2019.

Obuah in a statement congratulating the new National Chairman, described Prince Uche Secondus as eminently qualified for the enormous responsibility having served the Party in various capacities which have prepared him with the requisite experience and skills for the task.

According to the Rivers PDP boss, as a former State Chairman, National Organizing Secretary and Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus knows the areas of strength and challenges of the Party which would be exploited to determine the new policy direction of the Party with a view to strengthening, unifying and making the Party greater than ever.

While urging all the levels of the PDP leadership, members and supporters to rally round the new National Chairman, Bro Obuah appealed to other Party members yet to return to the fold to take advantage of the new national leadership under Prince Uche Secondus to do so and help accomplish the desire of majority of Nigerians to have the PDP back on the saddle of national leadership.

“I make no doubt about the ability and capabilities of our new National Chairman and his executive members not only because of their intimidating experiential credentials but also, are some of the strongest and most dependable democrats of Nigeria’s contemporary politics and will surely bring their wealth of experience to bear in our new PDP National Leadership.

Again, the total trust and confidence reposed in them, I believe, will continue to serve as a source of inspiration to them to make extra efforts in forging a new sense of unity as never had before, among our Party faithful across the country”, Bro Obuah declared.

Congratulating the new National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, and the entire New Exco members for their well deserved victories, Bro Obuah also specially commended and thanked the State Governor, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike for making the State Chapter of the PDP proud and solidly standing behind, and ensuring the victory of Prince Uche Secondus at the National Convention.

While also urging the new National Chairman of the Party, Prince Uche Secondus to continue to work for the good and progress of the Party, Bro Obuah said the Party in Rivers State will continue to pray God to grant him the strength, good health and wisdom to discharge his duties creditably, expressing optimism that victory belongs to the PDP in 2019 General Elections.

Agriculture earns Anambra govt $60million in three and half years - Commissioner

2017-12-12T20:34:00.000+01:00

Anambra State Governor

The Anambra State Government says agriculture has attracted sixty million US dollars to the state within three and half years of the present Administration.

The Commissioner for Agriculture in the State, Mr. Afam Mbanefo made this known to newsmen yesterday, in a workshop, on “using media to sensitise secondary school students on the need to embrace young farmers club in schools”, held in Awka.

Represented by the Public Relations Officer of the ministry, Mr. Mike Afah, Mr. Mbanefo said agriculture was the first pillar of the state government and has enabled the state to export some of its produce to International Communities.

”We have made over $60million through our agricultural revolution started by Governor Willie Obiano led- Government from 2013 till day.

According to the PRO,the state has continued to export agricultural produce and also attracted foreign investors to help boost agriculture in the state. Today, Anambra rice is a choice brand across the country
and beyond”

He described agriculture as the main economic hub of the state.

Declaring the workshop open, the Managing Director of Anambra State Broadcasting Service, Hon. Uche Nworah, said his organization would ensure that secondary school students were sensitized on the need to
embrace young farmers club in schools.

The Director Partnership Coordination Department, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Boniface Azi, urged teachers to step down whatever they learnt to the students.

One of the resource persons on the occasion, Mrs. Franca Maduike, emphasized that young students should take to Agriculture as one of the priorities because of its numerous opportunities.

Mrs. Maduike said one of the objectives of the club was to develop a sense of self-reliance and individual responsibility in a youth.

Speaking after the event, two teachers who participate at the sensitisation, Mrs. Fidelia Amasianya and Miss. Ifeyinwa Okafor said the workshop was timely.

FG may announce single-digit interest rate for manufacturers soon

2017-12-12T20:29:00.001+01:00

Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo

The Federal Government has announced it may announce a single digit interest rate for manufacturers very soon to promote private sector investments in the economy.

Speaking during the commissioning of multi-billion dollars 300-million litres tank farm in Ibefun, Ogun State on Tuesday, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, said the policy was specifically designed to encourage access to loan to the manufacturing sector with a view to boost economic activities.

He said government is already working out the modalities having realised that the manufacturing sector is key to resetting the economy.

He said he has been directed by President Muhammadu Buhari to develop a framework that will provide access to fund to manufacturers at an affordable rate such that the sector will be motivated to boost capacity to trigger economic activities.

He said the government will continue to create an enabling environment for private sector to thrive.

Osinbajo commended the management of Petrolex Oil and Gas Limited, led by Segun Adebutu, for taking such bold initiatives to develop an integrated energy mega city capable of transforming the oil and gas landscape of the country.

He said by its size and scope, the investment will help the country meet its petroleum products need in 2018 and reduce by 20 per cent domestic petrol need by the first quarter of 2019.

Osinbajo said the commissioning is a clear testament of the company’s vision and shows also that Nigeria is ready for business.

He said the facility will not only ease petroleum products supply and distribution but will create jobs and trigger economic activities across the state.

The vice president assured that government will continue to incentivize private investors to encourage more investments across all sectors of the economy.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his short remark, canvassed for a robust public, private sector collaboration.
Obasanjo observed that no private business can thrive without support from the public sector.

On his part, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru, said the investment is a clear testimony of ingenuity of indigenous companies and demonstration of capacity to support government reform drive.

Baru promised to fully support Petrolex to realise its set objectives as the investment will go further to achieve its target of ensuring uninterrupted products distribution.
The GMD also used the occasion to assure the nation that government has no intention to increase the pump price of petrol.

He said the unfounded fear was responsible for hoarding of fuel by marketers resulting in the resurgence of queues at filling stations nationwide.
Henceforth, he said the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to monitor product sales across the country and dispense free of charge products hoarded by marketers.

The Chief Executive Officer of Petrolex, Segun Adebutu, commended the government and other stakeholders for their support to achieve the success being celebrated today. He said the phase 1 commissioned include 300 million litres capacity tank farm, 30 bay product-loading gantry, 4000 truck capacity park, 30000 tonnes vessel, 16 barges and eight tugboats.

Fuel Scarcity hits Osun

2017-12-12T20:26:00.001+01:00

As Nigerians grapple with the resurgence of long queues for petrol in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country, motorists and commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders in Osun State, had a hectic time buying fuel at filling stations in Osogbo, the state capital, and other cities, on Monday.

Findings by the Nigerian Tribune indicated that only few petrol stations in Osogbo were dispensing fuel to private cars owners and commercial buses, as there were long queues of motorists, waiting patiently to buy the essential product.

Though fuel attendants were still dispensing petrol at the rate of N145 per litre, the queues were long as many car owners thronged few fuel stations, selling the products at Ogo Oluwa, Osogbo, on the stretch of Gbongan- Ibadan expressway.

Our correspondent, who monitored the situation discovered that virtually all the fuel stations, along Oke-Fia to Dada Estate areas of the state capital were not selling fuel to motorists as their facilities were under lock and key.

Investigations indicated that some of the petrol marketers, who locked up their filling stations were still having the product, but deliberately refused to sell in anticipation of an official increase in the price of petroleum products.

Some fuel attendants, who spoke to our correspondents, said they were still selling the product at N145 per litre, explaining that the long queues of motorists for petrol may have been informed by the seeming non-availability of the product in some filling stations in Osogbo and few other communities.

One of the attendants, identified as Mr Akeem Bolarinwa told our correspondent that “we have not increased the price we are selling. It is still N145 per litre. I believe that of other stations have fuel, they will sell to the people. They don’t have fuel. But, we still have in our stock and we will continue to sell until we run out of stock”.

SOCCER TRAINING

2017-12-07T23:27:00.001+01:00

Soccer is perhaps the most demanding of all sports.

In the modern game (at any level) soccer training and conditioning is essential.

Few sports are played on as large a playing field, lasting as long and without regular rest periods.

Players cover 8-12km during a match, consisting of 24% walking, 36% jogging, 20% coursing, 11% sprinting, 7% moving backwards and 2% moving whilst in possession of the ball (1).

Soccer players posses excellent endurance with VO2max reported to range between 55 and 70 ml/kg/min in elite performers (2,3). The game is played at an average intensity close to the lactate threshold – approximately 80-90% of maximum heart rate (4,5).

How important is the correct type of endurance training in soccer?

The greater a player’s aerobic capacity, the more ground they cover during a typical game (5,6). Additionally, improved endurance also increases the number of sprints completed in a game (7). By improving the VO2max of youth soccer players by 11% over an 8 week period, a 20% increase in total distance covered during competitive match play was manifested, along with a 23% increase in involvements with the ball and a 100% increase in the number of sprints performed by each player (5).

What about other forms of conditioning?

Strength training now plays a major role in soccer. However, simply lifting weights with the traditional “3 sets of 10 repetitions” approach is not an efficient way to spend training time. Soccer requires a balance of explosive power and muscular endurance. Some players may benefit from increasing their lean mass but even they should focus on converting much of their strength into soccer-specific power.

Strength training for soccer also helps to correct muscle imbalances. Soccer players in particular are prone to developing overly strong quadriceps in relation to their hamstrings and a well-formed strength plan can address this and prevent future injury (8).

READ MORE

Jonathan, Ben Bruce applaud Wizkid over best win at MOBO Awards

2017-12-01T16:34:00.001+01:00

Wizkid

Former President, Goodluck Jonathan and Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, have applauded Nigerian music superstar Ayo Balogun, a.k.a Wizkid, for winning the ‘Best International Act’ at the 2017 MOBO awards.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 22nd edition of the iconic Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards was held on Wednesday night at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.

The ‘Star boy’ defeated American rapper Jay-Z, Drake, SZA, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and other famous international artistes to clinch the highly coveted trophy.

Jonathan in a post on his Facebook wall congratulated Wizkid for making Nigeria proud.

He wrote:“When Nigeria does well, I cannot help but feel well.

“My happiness is tied to the happiness of Nigeria, and when Nigerians break records and take the name of Nigeria to greater heights it exhilarates me.

“Thank you Wizkid for raising Nigeria’s flag high for the positive, not the negative.

“Your emergence as the Best International Act at the #MOBOAwards is a proud moment for Nigeria, and the fact that you emerged over JAY-Z and Drake makes it even more celebratory. WELL DONE.”

Also, Ben Murray- Bruce eulogized Wizkid on his Twitter handle- @ benmurraybruce,describing the feat as ‘one of the proudest moments of his life.’

He wrote: “Dear @wizkidayo, I‘ve been in the entertainment business as an investor since 1980.

“One of my proudest moments for Nigerian music is the day you defeated both Jayz and @Drake, two of the biggest stars in the world, to win the Best international Act at the #MOBOAwards, well done.”

NAN reports that ace singerDavid Adeleke, a.k.a Davido, also won big at the MOBO Awards.

He edged out Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Maleek Berry and others to pitch the “Best African Act” award.

The MOBO Awards, which started in 1996, is held annually in the United Kingdom to recognise artists of any ethnicity or nationality performing black music. (NAN)

Don’t give PDP to a greenhorn - Bode George

2017-12-01T16:24:00.000+01:00

NATIONAL chairmanship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has advised party delegates not to entrust the leadership into the hands of an inexperienced politician.

Speaking after returning his nomination form to the national secretariat of the party in Abuja on Thursday, he said it would be disastrous to allow someone not grounded in the workings of the party to over its control.

The Lagos politician also warned the party to refrain from anything that would cause confusion during the upcoming national convention of the party.

He said the exercise could not afford to be mismanaged or else it would have negative ramifications for the future of the party.

George however dismissed talks of a parallel national convention allegedly being threatened by some renegade members of the party saying that he was not aware of such.

He added: “I don’t know anything about that. I read it like you also read it. We will clearly be better briefed today.

“I want to appeal that we have to be extremely careful in managing the convention. We cannot afford any more crisis.”

He praised the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) under the leadership of Senator Ahmed Makarfi for their effort in managing the affairs of the party.

According to him, “I met a few of them (National Caretaker Committee members) and congratulated them because six people have been managing this massive organization.

“Standard managers should be 18. You can’t compare six heads to 18. To err is human; there will be mistakes.”

Also speaking to reporters after submitting his nomination form, National Publicity Secretary aspirant, Kola Ologbondinyan, said he was in the race to restore the image of the former ruling party which he said had been battered by the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Osinbajo, Ooni, Amosun, others to grace Akarigbo’s installation

2017-12-01T16:17:00.000+01:00

The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’adu Abubakar and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, are to grace the installation of Oba Babatunde Adewale as the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Akarigbo Coronation Committee, Asiwaju Solomon Onafowokan, at a press conference heralding activities outlined for the ceremony, on Friday, at the Akarigbo’s Palace, Sagamu.

Onafowokan explained that the official conferment of the Staff of Office on the new monarch would be performed by Amosun at the Sagamu International Stadium.

Onafowokan said a four day pre -coronation ceremonies had been put in place by the Youth Wing of the Akarigbo Coronation Committee which include a football competition among various Remo constituencies, youth rally/float, marathon race among others.

He said further that maximum security arrangements would be provided at the venue of the ceremony.

Onafowokan explained that the selection process of Oba Adewale was done in a transparent manner devoid of rancour.

He urged sons and daughters of Remoland to troop out in large numbers and participate in all the activities.

Onafowokan said, “The day is going to be a symbolic one. We want the people of Sagamu and our people from other parts of the country to attend the ceremony.

“The Ooni of Ife will be in attendance in company of other traditional rulers from different parts of the world. It is going to be a day of celebration.”

Oba Adewale hails from the Oluyomade lineage of the Torungbuwa Ruling House and defeated 18 other nominees who contested for the same position.

The Akarigbo is a successful legal practitioner and chartered accountant of repute.

Drama As DSS Officers Stop EFCC From Arresting Former Boss

2017-11-22T07:08:00.001+01:00

Drama As DSS Officers Stop EFCC From Arresting Former Boss

BEVERLY HILLS, November 21, (THEWILL) – Officers of the Department of State Security (DSS), on Tuesday morning, resisted officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from arresting a former head of the DSS, Ita Ekpeyong.

The EFCC officials tried to arrest Ekpeyong and sacked boss of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ayo Oke, from their homes on Mamman Nasir Street in the Asokoro district of Abuja but were resisted by armed security agents of the two agencies attached to both men.

This has led to a continued stand off between armed security officers from a combined team of EFCC officials working with police officers and armed operatives of the other two agencies causing a traffic mayhem in the area.

Source:thewillnigeria.com

Madam throws maid from 2nd-floor building in Lagos

2017-11-22T07:05:00.001+01:00

Madam throws maid from 2nd-floor building in Lagos [Video]

A Lagos State-based businesswoman is in serious trouble after she beat up her maid and threw her off the second floor of her building over theft allegation.
The battered young maid (Facebook)

A wicked woman, Mrs. Motunrayo Ayadi, has been arrested by the police in Lagos State after she allegedly threw her 13-year-old housemaid from the second floor of their house over her missing jewelry.

Punch reports that the incident happened at the woman's residence in the Ijeshatedo, Surulere area of the state when Ayadi, after beating the girl identified as Deborah Mathew to stupor, threw her off the building, causing her severe head injuries.

Angry residents who got to know of the incident were said to have surrounded the house and were about to set it ablaze when policemen from the Ijesha Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer [DPO], managed to rescue her.

The suspect was said to have been arrested and detained at the station while the young victim was rushed to a general hospital for medical attention.

The ugly incident, it was gathered, happened when Ayadi accused Mathew of stealing her gold jewelry on Saturday, November 11, 2017, and insisted that the girl must confess to the theft.

It was learned that when Ayadi began beating the girl, she allegedly owned up to stealing the item, saying she kept it in an uncompleted building.

A neighbour who narrated the incident to journalists, said when the woman went to the building where the jewelry was reportedly kept, it was nowhere to be found.

“She said the value of the jewelry was about N500,000. When she couldn’t find it, she became angry and descended on the girl.

She beat her up with an object till she broke her head. That was what residents saw and they became angry. They wanted to burn down her house. The DPO and his team were on patrol when they came across the scene and rescued her from the mob,” the neighbour said.

A Facebook user, Francesca Joseph-Esenwa, who posted a graphic video of the victim, claimed that Ayadi actually threw her from the second floor of her house after beating her mercilessly.

This is what Joseph-Esenwa wrote:

“She was thrown from the second floor by her madam; deep lacerations and contours. Terrible! What can be done please? Just tired of this madness?”

The State Police Public Relations Officer [PPRO], ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole who confirmed the incident, said the young maid was rushed to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja.

“It is a case of assault and wounding. The girl was accused of theft and she was assaulted by the guardian. She fell and sustained injuries.

We took her to LASUTH where she was X-rayed for internal injuries. She is under observation and the matter is under investigation.”

It was also gathered that the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender [OPD] had already waded into the matter and will make sure that Ayadi is prosecuted as the state government has a zero tolerance to child abuse in any form.

Source:pulse.ng

How young man’s situation changed after summoning courage to storm Government House

2017-11-22T07:03:00.000+01:00

How young man’s situation changed after summoning courage to storm Government House (PHOTOS)

The life of an aspiring young man has been turned around for good after he summoned courage to visit the office of Niger State Governor.

Madaki Moses from Tafa LG approached the gates of Niger State Government House, asking for a direction to the Office of the Chief of Staff (CoS), Hon. Mikail Al-Amin Bmitosahi.

According to Niger State Media, the young man who had been standing in front of the Government House Minna, summoned courage and approached the Security Guards, informing that he had been offered admission to study medicine at Near East University in Cyprus on Scholarship.

He told them all expenses relating to the scholarship had been covered except for air fare to Cyprus.

The security guard upon seeing the documents backing the young man's claims and knowing the importance of his desires, allowed him entry and directed him to the office of the Chief of a Staff (CoS) to the Governor where he knew such privileges are offered.

At the office of the CoS, he met one Mohammed Adamu, who is coincidentally the Documentation officer to the CoS, to whom he narrated his mission, showing him the papers.

The Documentation officer asked how long the scholarship had been and the amount raised so far. The young man informed the officer he had secured the scholarship for sometime and that no amount had been raised, as his mother works as a cleaner at the State’s General Hospital, while his father is late. At this point, the young man was already in tears and Adamu could not control himself as joined the young man in tears.

This got the Documentation officer emotional and with tears in his eyes he entered the CoS’s office where, still in tears, he promptly narrated the young one's case.

The CoS consequently summoned the young man and the ending of it all is joy and joy and fulfilment for the boy, as he (the CoS) immediately offered to cover entire travel expenses on the spot. He offered the sum needed for the air fare ticket and an additional sum for miscellaneous expenses relating to the scholarship.

Source:africanspotlight.com

Nnewi Bishop Dies, Resurrects After 3 Days, Archbishop Celebrates

2017-11-22T07:01:00.000+01:00

Nnewi Bishop Dies, Resurrects After 3 Days, Archbishop Celebrates

Bishop Bridget Eagle Okafoagu, wife of the Archbishop of New Covenant of God’s Mission, Akaboukwu in Uruagu, Nnewi who died recently at Nnewi community hospital, Anambra state has resurrected after three days, Orient Daily has learnt.

Testimony of the miraculous feat was shared by Professor Emma David Okafoagu, archbishop of the church who organised a special thanksgiving and ordination service for his resurrected wife penultimate Sunday at Nnewi.

“Today is a great day for me. I am using this occasion to dedicate my second journey in the ministry. My wife coming back to life also means me coming to life and it is for a purpose. We have passed the first phrase of our ministration of over 40 years of active ministry”, Okafoagu declared during the thanksgiving service.

According to him, Bishop Mrs. Okafoagu suddenly fell sick and she was rushed to a private hospital (Ejiofor) in Nnewi. Things took a dramatic twist and she died but instead of making arrangements for her burial, the clergyman decided to seek divine solution after the orthodox medical efforts to save her life failed. The archbishop recalled the dramatic events that led to his wife’s death and subsequent resurrection in an exclusive interview with Orient Daily.

Hear him: “I just came in and saw that she was not feeling well in the parlour and before I and my son could take her into my vehicle to rush her to hospital, we discovered that there was no life in her again. But, I summoned faith and believed that she was not dead and we drove her to hospital and called the consultant doctor to attend to her.

“At the hospital, she was revived and she started vomiting. In the process, she stained my clothes and that of the doctor. After that incident, she gave up again and the doctor called me and said there was no hope in reviving her again. I was watching the doctor as he was talking because he knows me very well. And after saying all those medical terminologies to explain that my wife has gone, he turned round and said, ‘but, archbishop, you can pray and something miraculous can still happen in this case’.

“It was at that point that I decided to call my sons living in Lagos and told them to come back. They took evening flight back to Nnewi and joined a team of my pastors; all of us went into prayers and on the third day, she suddenly turned and started looking around.

“I called the doctor on phone and he said it was not true that she woke up. When the doctor came and saw her awake, he asked her if she knew who he was and she responded, ‘yes, you are doctor Ejiofor’. When the doctor asked her where she had been for the past three days, she replied that she didn’t know where she was”.

When Orient Daily asked him what motivated him to refuse the doctor’s death report on his wife’s death, the clergyman disclosed that reviving dead people was not knew to his ministry. He recalled previous instances where God used him to resurrect people from death.

“I was in that church some years ago and they brought a dead boy of seven years old. I directed that they should not bury the corpse. First of all, I chased the parents and other members of the family that were crying or mourning his death away from the church and went into prayers. After praying for three days, the boy came back to life. That boy is now grown up and is currently a welder in Nnewi.

“There was also the case of a three-year-old boy who died and the parents brought his corpse to our church for final blessing. I refused to accept that he was dead. Again, I went into prayers for three days and the boy eventually resurrected. He is today residing in Abuja.

According to him, “I refused such deaths because in our ministry – New Covenant of God’s Mission – we believe in our church that those who have covenant with God and because of promises of God in Jeremiah 31:31; Jeremiah 33: 1-8; the books of Corinthians and Psalm. I believe that those who are strong in that covenant, that according to the word of God, even if they are dead, they will live again.

Bishop Okafoagu also recalled another incident that happened with his wife 16 years earlier. According to him, “my wife was sick and I took her to the Dr. Dozie Ikedife’s hospital at Nnewi and her sickness became worse and after seven days, the doctor called me and said that he learnt that I resurrect people who are dead; that my wife was dead that I should come and carry her corpse.”

“When I came to carry her, Ikedife insisted that I will pay N150,000 which I refused; and as we were dragging it, one contractor called Enoch saw us and called our traditional ruler, Igwe, Kenneth Orizu III. He resolved the dispute over the payment. I settled him before he allowed me to take her home and decided to take her case to God in prayers. And after about three weeks, she was healed and all her body started functioning well again.

“Our Igwe and Ikedife who witnessed this case are still alive and even came to the recent ceremony of her resurrection”, he adds.

Okafoagu explained further that the miraculous resurrection of his wife was just a small thing compared to other amazing miracles that God had done through him and his ministry in the past forty-five years of his ministry. “I can never give up on things that I know God can do, even when it seems impossible to ordinary people. My God can never give up. God has done many wonders through me during my 45 years of first missionary journey. That is why I have decided to launch my second missionary journey during the thanksgiving service because I believe my God is alive always and is always ready to answer the prayers of those who believe in him.

Narrating what happened to her, Mrs. Okafoagu said: “I breathed my last at Ejiofor Hospital, Nnewi. My husband said the doctor told him that he (the doctor) had done all he could do to get me revived without success. My husband said the death certificate was not acceptable to him even though he said I was about being prepared to be deposited in the morgue.

“My husband said he told the doctor that he had just told him the reality on ground. He began to telephone Heaven with his petition to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost,” she narrated.

She said when she came back to life she was able to recognise people around her as a proof that she was fully back to the land of the living. Asked where she saw herself for the whole of the three days she passed on, Bishop (Mrs.) Okafoagu said she never found herself in any new environment or conscious of anything. She used the opportunity to call for people’s repentance and acceptance of Christ as their Lord and personal saviour.

Bishop Okafoagu was full of gratitude to God “for giving me more years to live on earth.”

Commenting on the miracle, General Bishop Obiora said what happened to Bishop (Mrs.) Okafoagu was a demonstration that Jesus remained the same forever. He said that every believer should work hard to convert more souls for Christ, saying that there was nothing Jesus could not do in the life of those who believe in Him. He called for total repentance of those who had not received Jesus Christ.

Dignitaries who attended the special thanksgiving service included Igwe Kenneth Orizu III, the traditional ruler of Nnewi, Bishop Paul Nwachukwu, Founder, Grace of God Mission, Bishop Innocent Erimujor, Bishop Ossy Dominics (National Evangelical Mission), Bishop Titus Orji, General overseer of the Life of Faith Gospel Assembly, Anambra state and General Bishop Emma Obiorah as well as Prophet Chris Ikechukwu of ‘Die by fire’ Mission.

In his reaction to the miraculous resurrection, Bishop Obiora declared that what transpired in the case of Bishop (Mrs.) Okafoagu was a demonstration that Jesus Christ remained the same forever and is ever ready to come to the aid of those who earnestly seek His help. He stressed that “every believer should work hard to convert more soul for Christ.”

Source:naijaparrot.com

Tiwa Savage pregnant with baby number 2!

2017-11-22T06:58:00.002+01:00

Tiwa Savage pregnant with baby number 2!

Mummy Jam Jam is set to become a mother again as the Mavin Record First Lady is pregnant with Baby number 2!

The mother of one, last week hinted on Social media that she may be pregnant again, and pregnancy cannot stop her, as 2018 will be bloody for her.

She hid the hint in the hashtag she shared on her Instagram page. She wrote; “My first #Afrima … I don’t take it for granted. Thank you to everyone that keep supporting me First of many because believe me 2018 is going to be bloody #AintTakingNoPrisonersNoMore #AintGonnaSlowDown#EvenIfIGetPregnantAgain😜#2018isGonnaBeSAVAGE #KeepUp#

A post shared by Tiwa Savage (@tiwasavage) on Nov 14, 2017 at 6:34am PST

Now, we can confirm that indeed, the singer is already pregnant and she’s expecting her second child, come 2018.

Now, LIB can confirm that Mummy Jam Jam is already pregnant and expecting her second child at some point in 2018.

Tiwa savage welcomed her first child, Jamil in 2015, with her husband, Tunji whom she had a social media scuffle with last year.. They have since reconciled.

Source:
yabaleftonline.ng

Paramedics Break Down Wall Just To Rescue Very Obese Woman

2017-11-22T06:56:00.000+01:00

Paramedics Break Down Wall Just To Rescue Very Obese Woman

Paramedics have had to break down a wall in order to secure the release of a woman, so obese that she could barely walk.

Isabella Amaral is one of the world’s heaviest women who had to be rescued from her house by paramedics who broke down a wall to get her out.

According to Daily Star UK, Isabella Amaral, who now weighs 77 stone, had to be evacuated from a house specially built for her to house her weight.

At only 30-years-old, Isabella has remained bedridden for six months as her weight continues to spiral.

Hospital management director Adrian Chaplet said: “Isabella is permanently treated and monitored, we have her last controls, there is no emergency situation in her health.”

He added that Isabella’s family claim that she can no longer be treated in her home.

The hospital is now planning to fit Isabella with a gastric band to bring her weight down.

But Isabella, from Rosario, Argentina, must lose 31 stone naturally before she can be operated on.

In the meantime, she has been sent home to try and lose the weight.

Isabella also has a lipoma growing in one of her legs, which has made her weight struggle worse.

Her lawyer has hit out at medical authorities for their latest decision.

Marcos Cella said: “They abandoned her again.”

Source:

informationng.com

“Dear Banky and Adesua, stay off social media” — Omotola Jalade tells the newly weds

2017-11-22T06:53:00.001+01:00

“Dear Banky and Adesua, stay off social media” — Omotola Jalade tells the newly weds

Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has taken to social media to write a note to the newly weds, Banky W and Adesua.

The screen diva who did turn up for Banky W and Adesua Etomi’s wedding last weekend, advised them on how to make their marriage last.

She wrote:

“Dear Banky and Adesua, After capetown, everyone leaves…it’s just you two. My darlings if possible, stay off social media a bit. Communicate continuously. Preserve your friendship not just your love. Even as you two have now become one, don’t forget to respect your individuality. We love you and are rooting for your special Love.💍❤💕🌟”

Source:informationng.com

I'm Begging My Hubby Not To Pity Me This Morning --Mercy Johnson

2017-11-22T06:50:00.001+01:00

I'm Begging My Hubby Not To Pity Me This Morning --Mercy Johnson

Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson and her husband, Prince Odi Okojie are always a delight to look at together. They both shared these lovely photos as they worked out this morning in their home.

Prince Odi wrote;

“Keeping Fit and Looking Good is Good Business. Early Morning Workout with my BABE!!!! Have a wonderful week ahead my beautiful people. God bless y’all.”

Mercy wrote;

“Weekend vibes…😅😅😅😅See me begging hubby not to pity me o….just use Man hand tight am….
Good Morning Friends… Have a great week…😍😍😍😍”

Source:
nigeriafilms.com

Obama's daughter, Malia seen smoking a cigarette and kissing mystery guy at first Harvard-Yale game

2017-11-22T06:40:00.000+01:00

Obama's daughter, Malia seen smoking a cigarette and kissing mystery guy at first Harvard-Yale game

The eldest daughter of former US president Barack Obama, Malia, was spotted at her first Harvard-Yale football game last weekend smoking and kissing a mystery guy. Read TMZ’s report below.

Malia Obama’s gonna remember her first Harvard-Yale football game — and so is the guy she made out with during the tailgate party!
Barack and Michelle’s oldest was pregaming with friends Saturday outside the Yale Bowl in New Haven, CT, and wound up kissing a mystery guy who seemed to be pulling for Harvard, too … based on his crimson tee.
The makeout sesh is no big deal — just a freshman doing what freshmen do — but the fact Malia lit up a cigarette might not sit well with mom and pop. Remember, Michelle famously disapproved of Barack smoking.
We’ll say this though … Malia made out a lot better than her team. Harvard got crushed 24-3.

Source:
informationng.com

OMG!! See Human Skulls, Arms Recovered From Militant Leader, Don Wanny’s Mansion

2017-11-22T06:36:00.000+01:00

OMG!! See Human Skulls, Arms Recovered From Militant Leader, Don Wanny’s Mansion

Here are some of the items security operatives discovered from notorious ex-militant Don Wanny’s multi million naira estate at his home town, Aligwu, in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Governor Area of Rivers state.

He was reportedly killed last night with other militants, Nov. 19, 2017 by the Local Security Taskforce during a joint operation in the area.

Various items including human skulls, arms and ammunition, life jackets among other things.

In October last year, he embraced the Rivers State Government amnesty program.

He has been accused of continuing in with crime even after receiving the state pardon.

His death has not been confirmed.

Source:naijaloaded.com.ng