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*Federal Ministry of Works and Housing*                                              Press Release   *Nigeria / Cameron Border Bridge Will Facilitate International Trade- Fashola.*   The completed border bridge at Mfum community between Nigeria  and Cameroun and the Ikom bridge will facilitate international trade between the two countries when inaugurated.   The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing ,Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola,  SAN  made the remark while inspecting the two -lane bridge over the Cross River at the Cameroun and the Nigeria new Border at Ekok /Mfum and the new Ikom Bridge  in Cross River State.   “This is the A-4 Axis coming from Calabar to Maiduguri through Ogoja to Katsina-Ala. So you will expect more volume of trade. And it is no accident that Cross River State bears its name.  It is actually the River that named the state. That River opens to the sea and the Gulf of Guinea.  And so high impact on international trade is expected”, he said.    Fashola also said , &q

 APPOINTMENT OF IG: NO DIG’S AND AIG’S RETIRED- DINGYADI The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi has pointed out no Deputy Inspector General’s (DIG’s) and Assistant Inspector General’s (AIG’s) of police were retired after the appointment of the present Inspector General of Police. This is the first in the recent history of the Police which had facilitated the availability of additional manpower to prosecute the fight against insecurity in the country. He made this known during the decoration of 24 newly promoted Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector General held at the International Peace Centre Conference room in Abuja. The Minister stated that the government deliberately took this position to have many hands in the force. With this action, the Police Force has retained experienced and professionals that would contribute toward sustaining the relative peace of the country. Dingyadi said that the criteria for the appointment of the new AIG’s were pu

 *STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE*   *20M YOUNG NIGERIANS TO BENEFIT IN FG, UNICEF EXPANDED EDUCATION SCHEME* *VP says, initiative will impact future job growth*   An initiative between the Buhari administration and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), offering expanded education, training and employment, targeting 20 million Nigerians from ages of 10-24 years, between now and 2030 will positively impact the country’s future job growth enabling programmes, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. Prof. Osinbajo disclosed this Monday in a pre-recorded message delivered at the official launch of the Generation Unlimited (GenU) programme in Nigeria, a global multi-sector partnership that was initially launched in September 2018, in collaboration with over 200 partners. The programme has impacted more than 100 million young people globally through innovations and programmes in more than 40 countries across six continents. In line with its job creation agend

An accident victim, Mr. Ismaila Asumo Bakare, has commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for employing him into the State Government, through the Lagos State Health Service Commission. Bakare gave the commendation on Friday while receiving his Letter of Appointment from the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC), Dr. (Mrs) Atinuke Onayiga. He said the Governor's action was really a surprise to him as he never thought that he would ever be offered any manner of appointment by the State government, especially when he did not know anybody that could help him secure one. According to him, he did not only receive an offer of employment, but he was also adequately catered for medically after the accident. Applauding the Chairman, Health Service Commission, Dr. (Mrs) Atinuke Onayiga as well as the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ademuyiwa Benjamin Eniayewun for their accommodating nature, Bakare said they showed love and care during his ordeal. In his

Cybercrime: Court Sends Unilorin, KWASU, Kwara Poly Students to Jail The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 secured the conviction one Abubakar Abdulbashit Opeyemi, a final year Student of the University of Ilorin and two other undergraduate students charged with offences bordering on love scam and internet fraud. They two other convicts are Alimi Abiodun and Idowu Rasaq Olarewaju, who are students of the Kwara State University, KWASU, Molete and Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, respectively. Justice Mahmood Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin convicted and sentenced the three undergraduates to various jail terms after the court found them guilty of various offences preferred against them by the EFCC.  The three convicts, who were arraigned on separate charges pleaded guilty to the charge preferred against them.  In his judgment on the cases today, Justice Abdulgafar while relying on the plea of g

Excerpts from 280th MPC press briefing CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, announces immediate stoppage of Forex sale to licensed Bureaux de Change (BDCs) CBN suspends issuance of new licenses for operation of Bureau de Change (BDC) CBN directs Deposit Money Banks to sell forex directly to customers with minimal documentation for invisibles InfraCorp unveiling still on course for Q3 of 2021 - Emefiele Emefiele assures of support to youth to develop their entrepreneurial skills Emefiele reiterates that the strategic health of the Nigerian banking industry remains strong #CBN #MPC July 2021 MPC meeting votes unanimously to retain MPR at 11.5% #CBN #MPC retains CRR at 27.50 per cent and liquidity ratio at 30 per cent #CBN #MPC maintains Asymmetric Window of +100 and -700 basis points around the MPR. One more photo below.

 PRESS RELEASE ONU: AFRICAN YOUTHS SHOULD EMBRACE STEM The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said that African youths must be encouraged to study subjects bordering on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM) for their respective countries to achieve sustainable and meaningful development. The Minister said this in Abuja, at his investiture as the Patron for the upcoming Sahel Military games. Dr. Onu who was made the patron of the Sahel Military games which is to be held in Nigeria said that the games would help integrate African armies and foster peace in the Sahel region. He further advocated for African nations to invest more in Scientific Research and Development. Dr. Onu said that for African countries to stem the tide of illegal migration through the Mediterranean Sea, they must be self sufficient and indigenously develop technologies.    Earlier the Minister of state for Science and Technology, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi, said the Ministry has ded

PRESS RELEASE The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) to help counter the false narratives by secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who portray Nigeria in a bad light. The Minister made the call in Abuja on Tuesday when he received members of NIDO, UK Chapter, on a courtesy visit. “As an organized and well connected group, I implore NIDO to leverage its contacts in government circles, parliamentary groups and global think tanks in world capitals to help change the narrative and sweep the carpet off the feet of secessionist groups, insurgents and anarchists who are bent on pushing false narratives to portray Nigeria in bad light. ''I have no doubt that you will take this call seriously and do everything in your power to change the narrative for the better,” he said. Alhaji Mohammed said the Buhari Administration considers Nigerians in Diaspora as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian proje

The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN has asserted that the launch of Q-Soft Denovo Court Recording System (CRS) will in no doubt enhance Delivery of Justice in Nigeria by reducing delay tactics by lawyers, improve court output, reduce travelling of court witnesses and reduce cost deployment. The HAGF made the assertion at the launch of Q-Soft Denovo Court Recording System (CRS) in his Conference room on Monday 26th July, 2021. He explained that the Q-Soft Denovo Court Recording System (CRS), a technology based audio-visual recording and reporting technology is aimed at improving the speed and accuracy of court proceedings. According to him, “a major challenge to the Nigerian Court system and processes was taking of notes manually which has led to slow dispensation of justice. This phenomenon has further engendered a plethora of issues such as backlog of cases, loss of investment and dwindling confidence of Nigerians in the judic

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE   WHY THE JUDICIARY MUST EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY – OSINBAJO   *At NBA Lagos Law week, VP suggests hybrid approach to legal education   *Adds: Innovation is a matter of urgency for the legal profession   *Calls for deterrent costs against dilatory tactics   The Nigerian judiciary must embrace technology and innovation, not only for the evolution of the profession and national development but also to ensure that the country’s justice delivery mechanism is run on a system of enforceable, discernible laws and efficient institutions, according to Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.   Prof. Osinbajo stated this in a pre-recorded speech on Monday as guest speaker at the 2021 Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Lagos Branch, themed ‘Disruption, Innovation and The Bar’.   Speaking on how the country’s justice delivery system can support critical investments in today’s very dynamic economy, the VP noted that “questions also need be asked about the readiness of our pr

PICTURES: GOV. BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU, DEPUTY GOV HAMZAT AT THE SWEARING IN CEREMONY OF NEWLY ELECTED LOCAL GOVT CHAIRMEN AND VICE CHAIRMEN AT LAGOS HOUSE, ALAUSA, IKEJA, ON TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 PIX 1: Cross section of the newly elected Local Government Chairmen taking Oath of Office presided by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 PIX 2: Cross section of the newly elected Local Government Chairmen taking Oath of Office presided by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 PIX 3: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (middle) presenting Oath of Office to Hon. Omolola Essien (right) as Chairman of Lagos Mainland LG while the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat watches during the swearing in ceremony of the newly elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday,

Lagos State Ministry of Finance has announced a 15% discount on all Land Use Charge (LUC) bills paid within 30 days after receipt of the Bill.  According to a statement signed by the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, the discount for early payment of the LUC bill within the stipulated period in the Demand Notice is not inclusive of payment of accumulated fines arising from late payment by property owners. Olowo disclosed that the idea of a 15 % discount was designed to encourage early payment of the LUC by property owners in the State as stipulated in the law.  While noting that the payment of LUC bills made after 30 days and 45 days of receipt of bill attract no discount, the Commissioner averred that payment between 45 and 75 days after receipt of the bill will attract 10% surcharge in the fees payable.  He said all payments made between 75 and 105 days after receipt of the LUC Bill will attract a 20% increase in the charge payable, adding that payments made between 10

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over his inability to secure the country from criminals, which makes the blood of innocent lives to flow in the country, IgbereTV has learned. Gumi added that the same advice he gave the erstwhile president, Goodluck Jonathan, would be given to his “own brother” who appeared to be less democratic even than Jonathan. The Islamic scholar made these revelations as he addressed a Muslim gathering as seen in a video by SaharaReporters on Tuesday. Gumi said, “During the Jonathan era when blood was flowing, I criticised him because he was not doing enough. Why I blamed Jonathan with blood in his hands was because Boko Haram were putting bombs everywhere and the government was not doing enough. “Because they killed under your regime, you’re responsible for that matter, if you have done your best, I can say Allah can forgive you, but if you are relaxed, no Allah cannot forgive you. “So, the same thing now; the bl

Two Arraigned for Canadian Visa Scam in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC today July 26, 2021, arraigned the duo of Mary Aweh and Olaleye Samuel Oluwadamilare before Justice M.T. Tukur of Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna on a six-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud.  The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel, Jamil Musa to ask the court to fix a date for commencement of the hearing. The defence counsel, A.L Damsaka however urged the court to grant his clients bail.   The judge granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N2 million each and a surety in like sum. The sureties must be of good character and possess evidence of tax payment for the past three years.   They were remanded at the Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail terms.  The defendants, as promoters of Victoria Travels Resorts Ltd, allegedly obtained the said sum from Tochukwu Casmir As

 Court Jails Five Oil Thieves in Port Harcourt A total of five oil thieves have been convicted and sentenced to different jail terms by three Judges of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.   The convicts are:  Noel Akpan; Digie Global Marine Services; MT Europort, MV Sea Rich and Obinna Onyeneho Kenneth.  They were all convicted for illegal dealing in petroleum products.   While Noel Akpan, Digie Global Marine Services and a vessel, MT Europoort were convicted and sentenced to two years imprisonment each by Justice S. Pam on July 22, 2021, Justice P. M. Ayuba convicted and sentenced a Vessel, MV Sea Rich to three years imprisonment on July 16, 2021 while Justice E.A. Obile convicted and sentenced  Obinna Onyeneho Kenneth to three years imprisonment on June 30,  2021. The trio of Akpan, Global Marine Services and Europort were originally arraigned by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on June 6, 2017 and plead

The Chief of Army Staff(COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has urged officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army (NA) to extensively deploy simulation technologies for capacity building and force multiplication in aid to ongoing military operations across the country. He gave the  charge  today, Monday 26 July 2021, while declaring open a 5 day Simulation Excercise codenamed EX  LION HEART at the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria, Giri, Abuja.  The COAS represented by the Director of Courses , Department of Training(Army), Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose said the exercise is in line with his vision for the Nigerian Army, which is to have " *A Professional Nigerian Army Ready to Accomplish Assigned Missions within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”*   He commended the Centre for collaborating with relevant organisations and agencies with wealth of experience in simulation technology to fast track its development. The COAS appreciated the support of MASA Group and Bo

  Governors elected on the platform of the PDP met in Bauchi, Bauchi State on 26th July 2021. The meeting deliberated once again on the state of the nation, reviewed the deteriorating state of our democracy, the economic and security situation in the country, the state of the PDP as the main opposition platform in Nigeria, and arrived at the following decisions.   1.  On the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Governors identified with the need for a free, fair and credible elections in the country and called on the National Assembly to entrench Electronic transmission of results of elections in the nation’s electoral jurisprudence.   2.  The meeting requested Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the only body empowered by the Constitution to conduct elections, to deploy appropriate technologies necessary to ensure that the votes of every Nigerian is counted and made to count. The meeting further called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), especially, the Univers

*Pastor Tunde Bakare Dares President  Buhari: Its Fire On The Mountain* The Serving Overseer, Citadel Global Community Church, (formerly called The Latter Rain Assembly), Lagos, Pastor Tunde Bakare, on Sunday, dared an official of the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to come after him if the government was offended by his recent pronouncements, which he said had become unsettling to some people. Bakare, who said this during his sermon at the CGCC, equally faulted the recent clampdown on the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, contending that the Federal Government had jettisoned the search for justice and replaced same with intimidation and brutality. The cleric was the running mate to Buhari when the President contested the presidential election on the platform of the now defunct Congress for Progressive Change in 2011 and lost. Bakare stated, “I dare you t

Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Ijero local government area of Ekiti state, Babatunde Babade, 45, has been arrested along with two others; Ilesanmi Shola, 35, and Babajide Johnson, 45, for trafficking illicit drug. The transport union leader was caught with 52.5kilograms of skunk in Akure, the Ondo state capital following intelligence that he was conveying bags of the banned drug in his 1997 model blue Mazda car with registration number: Ekiti JER194 AE from Akure to Ekiti state. Babade, popularly called BB, was taken into custody along with others soon after his arrest at about 2pm on Sunday 18th July, 2021 for interrogation. In his statement, he admitted he owns the vehicle used for conveying the drug. He further stated that the car was earlier intercepted by some security agents who detained the two other suspects, his car and eight bags containing cannabis sativa while his brother who drove the vehicle fled. He however claimed that following his