Author: Francis Francis

Delta Government on Wednesday said it would seek public-private-partnership in the development of its three new universities. The Chairman of the Project Management Committee for the universities, Professor Patrick Muoboghare, disclosed this while presenting the Committee’s report to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa at Government House, Asaba. Muoboghare, who is the immediate past Commissioner for Higher Education in the state, said that the Committee which was inaugurated on April 7, 2021 sat for 32 days, concluding its work on June 4, 2021. He stated that the 329-page report and the Executive Summary touched on such areas as pension, nature of the universities…

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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN has approved the commencement of promotion exercise for over 3000 Teachers in the State Teaching Service. The State Head of Service, Pastor Adeniran Adeyemo who made this known on Tuesday while flagging off the year 2021 promotion exercise for the qualified Teachers at the headquarters of the State Teaching Service Commission in Akure commended Governor Akeredolu for magnanimously approving the exercise in demonstration of his avowed commitment to prioritizing the welfare of the state workforce. The Head of Service charged the officers to cooperate with the management of the Commission by attending…

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arrested Abayomi Kamaldeen Alaka (a.k.a Awise), leader of a deadly syndicate of juju scammers that operates from a shrine at Ashipa Town, near Abeokuta Ogun State. Awise’s arrest followed a petition by a victim, Bright Juliet who lost N250m to the syndicate after she was tricked to provide money for sacrifices and invocations to heal her of an ailment. She was introduced to Alaka by Akinola Bukola Augustina (a.ka. Iya Osun) whom she met on Facebook in the course of her search for solutions to her health challenge. What drew her to…

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Popular Nollywood actress cum producer, Ani Amatosero has aired her view about adults, particularly those who are above 30 that still ask their parents for money. In a post on Instagram, the producer described such action as a shame. She wrote in a post: “At 30 and above it’s a shame if you ask your parents for money. Look at covid, at 19 the mumu has travelled round the world.”

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The incumbent administration of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu will upgrade the Haliru Abdu Stadium Birnin Kebbi to meet the required standard for the staging of national and international sports competitions. This was announced by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu while playing host to an international football player, an indigene of the state, Zaidu Muhammad Sanusi Jega who visited him at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, this Tuesday. Bagudu acknowledged that FIFA has begun building a medium-capacity stadium near Birnin Kebbi, which would serve towards the development of soccer and other sporting activities. He also expressed happiness about the existence of a…

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Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to fully operationalize the National Health Act to curb the high rate of maternal and neonatal mortality in the country. Okowa made the call at the inauguration of Asaba Specialist Hospital, which was performed by his Adamawa counterpart, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, in Asaba. He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for operationalising the National Health Act but remarked that it was being implemented in part contrary to the full content and letters of the Act as passed by the National Assembly. According to him, when fully operationalised, half of…

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President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday charged that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Train 7 be delivered on time so that the Train 8 project can commence. The President gave the charge at the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Bonny Island, Rivers State, He   urged the Board of Directors, management and staff of NLNG, the host communities, the Rivers State Government and other Agencies of the Federal Government to continue to collaborate to ensure completion and eventual commissioning of the Train 7 project “safely and on time.” ”As we flag off the Train 7 project today, I look forward…

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President Muhammadu Buhari has emphasized the need for countries in the West African sub-region and those in the Sahel, rocked by security challenges, to team up to confront the menace. The President spoke Tuesday at State House, Abuja, while receiving the new Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr Mahamat Saleh Annadif, a Chadian. Buhari said “You are our neighbour. You have vast experience on matters affecting the Sahel, having served for five years in Mali. I hope you will get the countries to work together to confront the issues affecting them.” Describing…

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will have no place in the post-Buhari Nigeria, “given the resolution by Nigerians to return the nation to the path of peace, unity and economic prosperity, which can never be attained if a party like APC is allowed to govern beyond 2023”. In a statement by its national publicity secretary, the PDP noted that President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to “launder the APC to remain in power after his tenure amounts to an effort in futility as Nigerians are no longer ready to put up with the wickedness…

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Following the report of the alleged Fulani Jihadists’ invasion of Asaba and Agbor, the Delta State Police Command has assured residents of their safety and security. A statement by DSP Bright Edafe, Ag. Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command said “The attention of the Command has been drawn to a recent publication making rounds purportedly published by the fulani’s of Usman dan fodio leadership tagged “FULANI JIHADIST WARNINGS” and pasted in various locations round Asaba and Agbor to be precise. “The command under the watch of CP Ari Muhammed Ali, FCIA, psc+ who is ever committed in its responsibility of…

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has averred that Bendel Insurance Football Club will not continue with the league until Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) takes appropriate action against Remo Football Club. Recall that fans of Remo Football Club had allegedly attacked players of Insurance in the aftermath of a football match both clubs had about a week ago. In a statement on Sunday, Obaseki said “This weekend, I visited injured Bendel Insurance Football Club players, at the Central Hospital, Benin City. Accompanying me, were, my deputy, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu and my chief of staff, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha. “I am…

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Delta Governor, Senator (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday said only truth, justice, equity and fairness to all zones of the country could guarantee a united Nigeria. Okowa stated this at the thanksgiving service of the second anniversary of the 7th Assembly of Delta State House of Assembly held at Living Faith Church, Asaba. He said that he believed in the unity of the country but that leaders must act in the interest of diversity in the nation. According to Okowa, only such acts of justice and fairness to all the zones can encourage Nigerians to believe in the unity of…

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President of the Nigerian Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan has revealed that the national assembly has reached an advanced stage in the constitution review exercise. In a statement on his Facebook page, Lawan said “Our Committees at the Senate and House of Representatives are collating the views and submissions by Nigerians from across the country”. He said the final report is now being expected and “we hope to debate the recommendations and take a vote on them before we proceed on our annual vacation in July”. The president added that “We are also set to pass the Electoral Act amendment Bill…

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Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has averred that there are no plans to repeal the anti-open grazing law despite President Muhammadu Buhari’s stand against it. He made the remark during his media briefing to make this year’s Democracy Day on Saturday. The governor stated that the law will be amended to provide stiffer sanctions for offenders. “The law (Anti-Open grazing law) is legitimate to provide a win win situation. But these people have a hidden agenda. The anti-open grazing law will not be repealed,” the Governor insisted. Ortom added that Benue State was not gazetted for grazing routes or reserves.…

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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has urged the people of the state to refrain from actions and utterances that can hurt the unity of the country. In a statement by Richard Olatunde, his chief press secretary, Akeredolu said the nation cannot afford to undermine the huge sacrifices it has made to come this far, having nurtured Democracy since the dawn of May 29, 1999, with dedication and commitment to the growth of the nation and development of her people. “We toed a fitful path to today’s democracy. Our sacrifices and experiences have proven that this democracy is for…

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The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has appealed to the Chinese government to help in the “development of Nigeria youths”. Prince Secondus who made the appeal while welcoming the new Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. CUI Jianchun to the party’s Wadata Plaza headquarters on Friday said that China has done well in the engagement of their youths and Nigeria has a lot to learn from them. He said that PDP places much premium on the Nigeria youths ‘because the future of the country rests squarely in their hands and expressed regret that the ruling…

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President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja says the contentious issue of restructuring, true federalism or devolution of powers remains a constitutional matter, with which only the National Assembly can deal, reiterating his position on devolving more power to the people. A statement by Femi Adesina said Buhari made the remark when he received members of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by Co-Chairmen, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar and President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Supo Ayokunle, at the State House. At the meeting, the President said: “On the contentious…

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Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has assured that his administration is determined to reduce the infrastructural deficit in the state and lift the people out of poverty. He gave the assurance on Friday at the commissioning of the 6.539km road network in Ijapo area of the state. The Governor also reiterated his commitment to timely completion of all ongoing projects across the state. He explained that “the total length of the roads under this project is 6.539km. Besides, the road has standard drains of 600mm x 600mm on both sides of the road. The surface is paved with…

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President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Balarabe Shehu Ilelah as the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, announced the appointment in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday. Mohammed said Ilelah’s appointment is for a tenure of five years in the first instance. TNC gathered that Ilelah, who ran for Bauchi South Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019, has lived in the Soviet Union for years with his wife and children before moving to China. A graduate of Bayero University Kano, Balarabe Ilelah had worked with NTA…

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Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday urged the Federal Government to re-direct fuel subsidy funds to healthcare and education services to touch the lives of poor Nigerians, saying that continued subsidy on oil amounted to supporting the rich at the expense of the poor. Okowa made the call when he received the National Executive Committee of Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) led by its President, Dr Minnie Oseji, at Government House, Asaba. He said that the best way to attend to the very low people in the society was through their health and education needs, and reiterated…

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Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday said that Southern Governors’ Forum’s call for national dialogue was to discuss various issues and challenges currently confronting the country. Speaking when he received the National Coordinator and members of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (CIISM) led by Dr Mustapha Olayinka, at Government House, Asaba, Okowa noted that there were many agitations for secession due to perceived injustice in the polity. He explained that the proposed national dialogue would discuss and resolve the agitations in the interest of the unity of the country. According to him, there are too…

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The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 14 as public holiday to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. The minister congratulated Nigerians on the occasion and urged all citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a United and prosperous Nation. A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore quoted Aregbesola as saying that “any form of agitation that threatens the unity of the country should be shunned for the good of all.” Aregbesola stated that the space…

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President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Lagos reiterated that his directive to security agencies, to shoot any person or persons found illegally wielding AK-47s and other assault weapons, remains in place. The President also vowed that his administration will act firmly and decisively ‘‘against any and all persons fomenting or carrying out attacks on our Police Force and other security personnel.’’ The President spoke at the handing over of security equipment by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the Lagos State Police Command during his one-day official visit to the State. Buhari warned that ‘‘a nation that turns its…

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President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday revealed his position on some issues rocking the nation. In an interview on Arise TV which was monitored by The News Chronicle, the president made some iconic remarks that cut across some of the present issues militating against the African giant. Below are some important quotes from the interview: 1. “If you allow hunger, the government is going to be in trouble and we don’t want to be in trouble. We are already in enough trouble.” 2. “These positions have to be earned. There are people who have been there for 10 to 15 years.”…

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday visited the family of the late Prophet T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), in Ikotun area of the state, where he described the death of the clergyman as big loss to his immediate family, the State, people of Ejigbo-Ikotun axis and members of his Ministry around the world. The State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, who represented the governor during the condolence visit, also presented a letter officially signed by the governor to the family and the church. The Governor expressed sympathy with the church and the…

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The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has dissolved the State Executive Council. According to Punch, this dissolution is with immediate effect. The report said those affected include the Secretary to the State Government, Sabi’u Baba; the governor’s Chief of Staff, Ladan Salihu, 21 Commissioners, and Special Advisers. It would be recalled that in May, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State also sacked the 25 commissioners in the state, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff Government House, Senior Political Adviser, and others. Okowa stated that the move was to give room for fresh blood to strengthen the administration’s…

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A Nigerian lady identified as Elvira Jordan has reeled out several reasons a man should give his ‘woman’ money. In a post on Facebook titled “GIVE YOUR WOMAN MONEY,” Elvira argued that the following are reasons a man should spend on his babe. She wrote: If your woman is fine and you like it, please dash her money. If your woman can cook well and it makes you happy, abeg give her money. If your woman has one kind of shape that mesmerizes your character, biko dash her some money there. If your woman gave you beautiful kids that make…

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…visits families of victims, says state will empower local security, vigilante groups Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, declared that he would do everything within his powers to safeguard the lives of residents of the state, noting that the government would do everything possible to prevent a recurrence of violent attacks on Igangan and other communities in the state. Makinde made this declaration in Igangan, Ibarapa North Local Government, where he visited the families of last weekend’s attacks, stating that the state would empower local security guards and vigilantes in addition to other measures taken to ensure that insecurity…

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and 176 concerned Nigerians have filed a lawsuit against the government of President Muhammadu Buhari over “the unlawful suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, criminalization of Nigerians and other people using Twitter, and the escalating repression of human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in the country.” Following the deletion of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed last week announced the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria. The government has also threatened to arrest and prosecute anyone using Twitter in the country,…

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The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has ordered all broadcasting stations in Nigeria to suspend the use of the popular microblogging platform, Twitter. According to Premium Times, the directive was contained in a statement issued by its Director-General, Armstrong Idachaba, on Monday. The DG said television and radio stations are advised to de-install Twitter handles and “desist from using Twitter as a source (UGC) of information gathering for News and programmes presentation especially Phone-in.” This is coming after the federal government’s ban on Twitter activities in Nigeria. It would be recalled that Nigeria’s information minister, Lai Mohammed, had announced a ban…

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