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Here Comes Africa's Richest Man Now. South African Billionaire, Johann Rupert Is Now Africa's Richest Man , According To Forbes. According to Forbes Magazine, South African Billionaire Johann Rupert has ousted Nigerian Billionaire, Aliko Dangote to becomes Africa's Richest man. Rupert net worth is currently pegged at $12 billion according to Forbes' Real-Time Global Billionaire Ranking, Dangote trails behind him with a net worth of $10.8 billion as at Friday  

Ohanaeze Calls For Tinubu’s Intervention As Governor Sanwo-Olu Demolishes Alaba International Market In Lagos The Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's demolition spree in the Alaba International Market. The Governor Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government on Friday started the process of removing what it described as distressed buildings in the Alaba International Market in the Ojo Local Government Area of the state. It was gathered that the enforcement team of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), and the Lagos State Task Force embarked on the joint exercise. The team reportedly went round to re-seal several buildings that had been marked with previous multiple quit seal notices by LASBCA, saying that the measure was to prevent disaster.  

Gunmen Abduct Prominent Chief Imam In Ondo State An Islamic leader in Ondo State, Alhaji Ibrahim Bodunde Oyinlade has been kidnapped. Oyinlade is the Chief Imam of Uso community, a town in Owo Local Government Area. According to Sunshine Truth, the Islamic cleric was abducted at Asolo Farm Camp, Uso at around 3:00pm on Saturday. A family member confirmed that the kidnappers had contacted the family but yet to demand for ransom as at the time of filing in this report.  

 FOUR DEAD, MANY INJURED IN OYO ROAD CRASH No fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries, in a road accident which occurred on the Ibadan-Oyo Expressway in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State on Saturday. According to reports, the driver of the 18-passenger white Toyota Hummer bus with number plate Lagos JJJ 941 XA, took off at the popular Akinyele market in Akinyele Local Government, Ibadan, before he suffered a tyre burst and lost control. The Atiba Unit Commander of Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), DCC Bayode Olugbesan noted that the accident was caused by overspeeding and overloading. He said twenty people were involved in the accident but only four were confirmed dead by doctors after taking them to State Hospital, Oyo. “All the victims are male and their destination is North, the cause of the crash was overspeeding and overloading, the bus was supposed to carry 14 passengers but was loaded with 20 passengers...

With at least 78 dead and hundreds more feared missing after the sinking of a rusty trawler off Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula Wednesday, questions are being asked if more could have been done to prevent the tragedy. This is what we know so far: – What survivors and critics say – There are mounting questions as to whether the Greek coastguard should have intervened earlier to escort the ageing trawler, clearly packed with people, to safety. Government spokesman Ilias Siakantaris said there were unconfirmed reports that up to 750 people had been on the boat. Relatives and activists have told AFP that there were at least 125 Syrians were on board. But the coastguard spokesman suggested the boat might have capsized earlier if they had attempted to intervene. “You cannot divert a boat with so many people on board by force unless there is cooperation,” he said. Greece’s leftist former prime minister Alexis Tsipras said — after talking to survivors at the western port of Kalamata — that the ...

 Look out for the crescent of Dhul-Hijjah, Sultan directs Muslims Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto on Saturday directed Muslims to look out for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH from Sunday. Abubakar, the President General Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) gave the directive in a statement signed by Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto. Dhul-Hijjah is the 12th and the last month in the Islamic calendar in which Muslims perform annual pilgrimage (Hajj) and celebrate Eid-el-Kabir festival. The statement said, “This is to inform the Muslim Ummah that, Sunday 18th June, which is equivalent to 29th day of Dhul-Qadah shall be the day to look for the new moon of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH. “Muslims are therefore requested to start looking for the new moon on Sunday and report its sighting to the nearest District or village Head for onward communication to the Sultan,” The statement prayed Allah to help all...

Tinubu’s advisory council recommends sale of assets to settle Nigeria’s debt obligations  ... it also recommended that the government move to a well-functioning, market-oriented power sector. President Bola Tinubu’s Policy Advisory Council has proposed the sale of Nigeria’s assets to settle existing federal government debt obligations. The advisory council, put together by Mr Tinubu to support the delivery of sustainable and inclusive economic growth, consists of Tokunbo Abiru (chair), Yemi Cardoso, Sumaila Zubairu and Doris Anite, with KPMG listed as the consultant. The council called on Tinubu’s administration to set a policy directive that all proceeds from the sale of assets must be used to settle the existing federal government’s debt obligations. Other fiscal recommendations, according to the council, include listing the shares of strategic and profitable Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) subsidiaries, leveraging blockchain to create and provide access t...

 Customs Confiscates Cannabis Sativa, Others Worth Over N64m in Kebbi, Hands Over to NDLEA In line with the effort to eradicate the menace of drug abuse in Nigeria, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Kebbi Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo handed over seized 104 parcels of cannabis sativa, 359 sacks of diazepam and 70 Packs of Tramadol to the Kebbi State Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sule Usman. Comptroller Oramalugo while addressing newsmen on Friday in Kebbi state stated that the illicit goods (104 Parcels of cannabis sativa and 5mg of 99 Diazepam tablets) were intercepted along the Kamba-Kyangakwai border. According to him, after receiving an intelligence report, his men swung into action to launch a ‘stop and search’ operation within the border. “It was during this process, my men found a white vehicle carrying 104 parcels of cannabis sativa concealed in a laptop, 99 5mg packs of Diazepam and over 70 packs of 22mg of tramadol with d...

South Africa’s Ramaphosa tells Putin ‘war’ must end South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is in Russia as part of a peace-seeking delegation, on Saturday told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin that the conflict in Ukraine had to stop. “This war must be settled… through negotiations and through diplomatic means,” said Ramaphosa. He added that his delegation, consisting of seven African leaders, “would like this war to be ended. “This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world,” Ramaphosa said ahead of formal talks with the Russian president. On Friday, the delegation held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. “We have come to listen to you and through you to hear the voice of the Russian people,” said Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who currently heads the African Union. “We wanted to encourage you to enter into negotiations with Ukraine,” he said. African countries have been divided ov...

US imposes visa restrictions on Uganda government officials over anti-LGBTQ law The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan government officials over an anti-LGBTQ law, passed by the country’s parliament, that has been condemned by many countries and the United Nations.  Recall that the law, which was enacted in May, carries the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” an offence that includes transmitting HIV through gay sex. The law also imposes a life sentence for same-sex intercourse and a 20-year sentence for the promotion of homosexuality.  Firms including media and non-governmental organizations that knowingly promote LGBTQ activity will also incur harsh fines, the law says. The law drew immediate rebukes from the Western and put some of the billions of dollars in foreign aid the country receives each year in jeopardy. After the law was passed, U.S. President Joe Biden threatened aid cuts and other sanctions, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken s...

  DSS uncovers planned campaign of calumny against FG over Emefiele's suspension and investigation The DSS says it has identified persons and groups planning to stage campaigns of calumny against it and the Federal Government over the suspension and subsequent investigation of Godwin Emefiele.  A statement by the spokesperson of the service Dr Peter Afunanya says the groups intend to gather at different points in Abuja and Lagos with placards depicting the Service and the Federal Government in bad light as well as calling for the immediate release of Emefiele. The Service warned those behind this plot to desist forthwith. Meanwhile the service says it has granted  the family of Emefiele, medical officials and appropriate persons access to him, right from the day he was taken in and obtained a court order to do so. Read the full message below.

 Two Children, Man, Woman Found Dëäd In London Flat The bodies of four people, including a three-year-old boy and a girl aged 11, were on Friday discovered at a flat in London. According to Dailymail on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police were called to the address in Hounslow on Friday about concerns for occupants of a house in Staines Road, Bedfont, in the west of the English capital. Officers were said to have forced their way in and discovered the bodies of a man and woman in their 30s, an 11-year-old girl, and a three-year-old boy. Although investigations are ongoing to determine formal identification and notify next of kin, Metropolitan Police stated that they believe to be aware of the identities of all four people, who are presumed to be related. Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, local policing commander in West London, said, "Our investigation is at a very early stage, and based on our initial enquiries, we are not currently seeking anybody else in connection with the incid...

Five Convicted for Internet Fraud in Anambra The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Command, on Thursday, June 15, 2023 secured the conviction of five internet fraudsters before Justice F. Riman of the Federal High Court, Akwa, Anambra State. The convicts,  Henry Chukwu, Samuel Chizitere, Harrison Chukwuka Agu, Chukwunonso Paul Nwoso and Abah Nnamdi Emmanuel were prosecuted on one count separate charges of impersonation. The charge against  Chukwu reads; “that you, Henry Chukwu sometime in 2023, in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, impersonated Jerry Isaac, a foreign national from United States of America by means of your phone via a fake Facebook account, with intent to gain advantage for yourself from unsuspecting foreign nationals and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 22(2) (b) (i) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc.) Act. 2015 and punishable under section 22(2) (b) of the same Act”. The charge...

Property Agent Jailed for Selling Land with Forged Documents in Kaduna The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured a conviction of one Abubakar Munkailu, a property agent, before  Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna on a one count charge bordering on forgery. The defendant pleaded guilty  to the charge. Consequently, the prosecution counsel, N. Salele urged the court to convict him accordingly. Justice  Khobo convicted and sentenced him to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of N100,000. He has since restituted the complainant. Munkaila, a property agent at Danbushiya, Chikun Local Government Area ran into trouble when he sold four plots of land located at Millennium City, Kaduna valued at N 4,175,000, which did not belong to him , with forged documents. One more photo below. 

ONWARD PAPER MILL's  founder has died. Chief M.A. Obagun, the founder of Onward Paper Mill, has died at the age of 91. He will be buried later today at his home town Poka in Epe according to Muslim rites. If you attended school in Nigeria around the 80s and 90s, I am sure you used one of his exercise books with the following acronyms. ONWARD BIG EXERCISE BOOK. ONWARD:  O - Ole N - Ni W - Wale A - Aji R - Ruler D - Dada BIG: B - Baba I - Iya G - Gani EXERCISE: E - Ede X - Xtimes E - Ede R - Remi C - Coni I - Iya S - Segun E - Elere BOOK: B - Boolu O - Odabo O - Odabo K - Kayode May the gentle soul of the Industrialist rest in peace.  

 Tinubu’s Victory: AIT Broadcaster Ijeoma Osamor Testifies For Peter Obi June 17, 2023      Tinubu’s Victory: AIT Broadcaster Ijeoma Osamor Testifies For Peter Obi Ms Ijeoma Osamor, a broadcast journalist with DAAR Communications Plc, testified on Friday at the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC). Osamor, who anchors the programme “Democracy Today” on Africa Independent Television (AIT) was subpoenaed as the 7th witness (PW 7) for Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP). Obi and LP are petitioners in the petition marked CA/PEPC/03/2023 challenging the election that brought President Bola Tinubu into power. Respondents are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the All Progressives Congress (APC). Osamor, while being cross-examined by APC counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko, avowed that INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said the results of the Feb. 25 presidential election would be transmitted l...

LASG TO DEMOLISH 17 DISTRESSED STRUCTURES IN ALABA MARKET … Says Affected Building Owners Disregarded Govt Notices Since 2016 Lagos State Government has said that it will mobilise its demolition gang to pulldown about 17 distressed buildings being used for commercial purposes within Alaba International Market in the Ojo area of the State. The General Manager of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki revealed this on Friday after an assessment visit to the distressed buildings marked for demolition where final warnings and vacation notices were given to the occupants of the affected buildings. The marked inscriptions from LASBCA seen on different parts of the buildings that were looking physically distressed had vacation notices as far back as 2016, 2020, 2022 and several others issued to this year, 2023. Oki, who decried the rate of harassment meted out to officials of the agency at different times in the past, said that seven years’ notification was enough for...

Boko Haram founders told me poverty, unemployment caused insurgency – Obasanjo Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday said in the early days of Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East, he was told by the founders of the terrorist group that poverty and unemployment drove them into the crime. He however warned that the country’s over 20 million out-of-school children were a breeding ground for more ‘Boko Haram members of the future’ if not urgently tackled. He stated these at the launch of a book titled, ‘Pillars of Statecraft: Nation-building in a changing world’ authored by his daughter, Dr Kofo Obasanjo-Blackshire, at an event in Lagos. Responding to a question by a member of the audience on why government policies had become more political than people-centered in recent times, he said part of the country’s major problems was looking for scapegoats for its problems. He stated further, “During the early days of Boko Haram, when the man who started the movement was said to have b...

SAN lauds sister for serving 12 years in Anambra House By Juliana Nwachukwu A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Onyechi Ikpeazu, has lauded his sister, Beverly Ikpeazu Nkemdiche, who represented Onitsha South II constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, for serving her constituents for three consecutive times (12 years). Making the commendation during a Thanks-giving service of her sister held in the family residence on Oguta road, Onitsha, the SAN said that her sister served meritoriously during her 12 years as a lawmaker. "My sister served meritoriously, not only elected but she was re-elected thrice, that led to the period of 12 years; representation is not a matter of one person going once and another person going. For you to be a ranking member, you have to be consistently re-elected, so that you will get the leadership position in the House, and it can affect people who you represent their constituencies. "We should snap out the issue of you have to go once,...

💂‍♂️The King has taken the Salute at Trooping the Colour for the first time as Sovereign.   His Majesty was saluted as Colonel in Chief of the seven regiments of the Household Division in this spectacular ceremony which has marked the Monarch’s official birthday since 1748.    The King attended his first Trooping the Colour in 1951, aged three, and first rode in the parade on horseback as Colonel of the Welsh Guards in 1975.   The Prince of Wales, The Princess Royal and The Duke of Edinburgh also rode in the parade, with The Duke of Edinburgh attending as Colonel of the London Guards for the first time. He has been Royal Colonel of the London Regiment (which became the London Guards last year) since 2011.    The Queen, The Princess of Wales, The Duchess of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family viewed the parade, joined by huge crowds in central London.    More photos below.   

Tribunal:  Stop arm-twisting court, CSOs warn LP, PDP A coalition of civil society organisations, under the aegis of the Nigerian Youth Network for Good Governance and Sustainable Democracy, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party and the Labour Party of employing underhand tactics to arm-twist the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal. In a statement released on Saturday, the coalition said the LP and PDP’s supporters’ disparaging remarks about the outcome of the election despite being at the tribunal have turned the process into a spectacle.  

Ladies should have at least N10m before getting married – BBNaija’s Doyin Former Brother Naija reality star, Doyinsola David, simply known as Doyin, has said that ladies should have at least N5 million to 10 million before getting married. She stated this while answering a question from her colleague, Chizzy who was a guest on the latest episode of her podcast, Doyin’s Corner. Chizzy asked: “How much do you think a lady should have in her bank account before getting married?” Doyin replied: “I think a lot of people are going to find it ridiculous. But I think you should have between N5-10 million. “Love is not enough at the end. Money is very very important.” Chizzy added that people shouldn’t get married if they are poor. He said, “No matter how we want to paint it, money should be involved. Very important. “If you don’t have money, don’t get married. Let me put it out there. Quote me anywhere. If you don’t have money, don’t get married. Please, leave that girl alone. She should go an...

JUBILATIONS AS COAS COMMISSIONS  SPECIAL INTERVENTION WATER PROJECT FOR GOMBE COMMUNITIES The town of Gadam in Kwami local government area of Gombe State was on Thursday 15 June 2023 filled with joy when the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya commissioned a water project donated by the Nigerian Army ending perennial scarce water supply to communities in Kwame Local Government Area of Gombe state.  Commissioning the water project, the COAS noted that the NA has in recent times embarked on elaborate Quick Impact Projects in several communities with a view to providing the desired succor for the people and to further strengthen the Armys' relationship with the citizens. He further noted that, the project was part of the Chief of Army Staff's Special Intervention Civil-Military Cooperation project aimed at complementing already existing basic services, amenities and infrastructure of the state.  The COAS, represented at the event by the Commander Armo...