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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CELEBRATES HIS LONGSTANDING ALLY, CHIEF BISI AKANDE, AT 85 With a heart full of joy and gratitude to God, President Bola Tinubu celebrates his long-time confidant, Chief Bisi Akande, as he marks his 85th birthday on January 16, 2024. Chief Akande, CFR, was the governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003 and the first interim National Chairman of the All Progressives' Congress (APC). President Tinubu extols Baba's defining principles of integrity, loyalty, truth, and justice, recalling his exemplary leadership odyssey and selfless service to Nigeria. "Baba was a principal actor in the founding of our great party, the All Progressives' Congress. He has always been a progressive; always noble and disciplined in thoughts and actions, as well as given to rational and enlightened ideals. He is a cherished friend and confidant, ever so generous with his wise counsel. I celebrate him," the President says. President Tinubu wishes Ba...

Policemen not permitted to search citizens’ phones – Lagos CP The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fayoade Adegoke, has said that no police officer is permitted to search the phones of any Nigerian. He noted that the Police Force had a cyber section responsible for that, adding that if a police officer suspected anything, they would take the person to the station so the phone could be searched. A Sunday statement by the management of Melody FM, 107.7FM, signed by Kunle Babarinde, noted the CP said this when he visited the radio station at Iyana-Ipaja on Wednesday. He commended the radio station for its efforts to provide the public with information. Kayode reaffirmed that bail was unrestricted while urging the public to expose corrupt police officers. “If you feel you have been cheated by a policeman or a policeman engaged in corruption, kindly report the policeman to his DPO. If the DPO is not forthcoming, report to the Area Commander. I believe your case will be solved but if you ...

2024 UTME: JAMB approves free registration for people with disabilities The Joint Admission and Matriculations Board has said Persons Living With Disability who wish to sit for the 2024/2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination can register at no cost. The JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this while rolling out the registration process for interested candidates across the country. While announcing that registration for the 2024 matriculation examination will commence on Monday, (today), Oloyede said JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of Persons Living With Disability as a form of support. . “To support the PLWD, JAMB will issue free application documents to all categories of Persons Living with Disabilities in the advertisement for the 2024 UTME/DE,” he said. Oloyede who disclosed that measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth exercise for all candidates, said audio books will now be provided for all blind candidates. The registrar said ...

Shettima departs Nigeria to attend World Economic Forum in Switzerland The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has departed Abuja for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Vice President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, saying the trip was at the instance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. At the 2024 forum, Shettima will “join other political and business leaders across the world at the annual Forum to discuss global socio-economic and development issues.” Apart from the plenary session, Shettima is expected to launch the Private Sector Action Plan for African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) at a special session to be co-chaired by him. “He is also billed to hold high-level discussions with the Managing Director of IFC, Makhtar Diop and the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Pham Minh Chinh, among others. “Also on the sidelines of the annual meeting, Sen. shettima will chair a roundtable dialogue on Nigeria’s economic path. He wi...

Shehu Sani lambasts Buhari, says 63,111 persons killed between 2015-2023 Former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has attacked former President Muhammadu Buhari, accusing his government of unprecedented rate of insecurity during his administration. The lawmaker stated this on his X handle on Sunday. Sani, who represented Southern Kaduna, accused northern stakeholders of keeping mute despite the high rate of killings during Buhari’s government. The former senator further stated that northerners who have suddenly found their voice kept quiet between 2015 to 2023 because the former president is a northerner. by TaboolaSponsored LinksYou May Like Those with High Sugar Level please read it - before they delete it Gluco Pro The activist put the total number of casualties within eight years of Buhari’s government at 63,111. His post reads, “Many of them kept quiet and condoned the bloodshed and kidnappings in the North for eight years. “They called us all sorts of names in their efforts at defend...

Mentally unstable man allegedly machetes worshipper in church during deliverance A mentally unstable man brought for deliverance in a church in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, has allegedly macheted a worshipper during deliverance service. The man was alleged to have picked up a cutlass from the church altar and given the worshiper a deep cut. The victim was rushed to a hospital, where he was said to be responding to treatment. A source who revealed the story said, “The man of God claimed he could heal the mad man and started praying. “As the prayers were ongoing, the insane man, during a struggle with the pastor and other members of the church picked up a cutlass from the altar and wounded one of the worshippers. “The suspected unsound mind has been taken to the hospital for psychiatric evaluation and medication.” Police authorities confirmed this in a press release by the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, saying: “Preliminary ...

“I defile minors because no confidence to approach mature ladies’ – Suspect A suspected rapist, Abubakar Yakubu, who allegedly defiled two minors in Limawa area of Minna, Niger State capital, has disclosed that he committed the act due to lack of confidence to approach mature ladies. The suspect, aged 30, of Limawa area of Minna assaulted little girls within the ages of six and eight years Parading the suspect at the Niger State Police headquarters in Minna, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Damamman said the suspect lures his victims with a token of fifty or hundred Naira. According to him, “On 2/1/2024 at about 1700hrs, based on information received, the Crack Squad arrested one Abubakar Yakubu, 30yrs, of Limawa area of Minna, suspected of assaulting minor girls within the community sexually”. He explained that, “during preliminary investigation, the suspect narrated that he was a tricycle rider and that he had been having carnal knowledge of two minor girls withi...

What Bandits Told Us Before We Found Nabeeha’s Corpse – Uncle Sherifdeen Al-Kadriyar, one of the uncles of the murdered victim of last week kidnap in Abuja, has narrated how the family was informed of Nabeeha’s death. Daily Trust had reported how Nabeeha, her father, alongside sisters were abducted in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Tuesday night. An uncle of the deceased, Alhaji Abdulfatai, who led policemen to rescue the abductees, was gunned down by the bandits. Also, two among the three injured policemen hit by bullets during the fire exchange reportedly died. Speaking with Daily Trust, Nabeeha’s uncle, who has been involved in rescue efforts, said the bandits were infuriated when they told them they had raised half of the N60 million ransom. According to him, “On Friday which was the day the deadline they gave us lapsed, they called and we tried to plead and negotiate with them that we were only able to raise close to N30 million. After back and f...

Evacuation of gully erosion victims begins in Aba Abia State government has commenced the evacuation of victims of gully erosion at Ovom street in Aba North Local Government Area. The residents, whose houses and shops were swallowed by the wide-deep gully, are being relocated to new accommodation built for them by the State government. Permanent Secretary of the State’s ministry of environment, Joy Maduka, who visited the site on Friday, lamented that the menace destroyed many houses and business centres, with many lives put in danger. She noted that conducive accommodation has been provided for the displaced residents, saying that their evacuation would enable the State government to begin work on the gully site. She directed the residents to move out immediately to avoid suffering more destruction. According to the Permanent Secretary, a deadline was given to the landlords and tenants at a meeting to vacate the endangered areas to enable the State government carry out the recovery wo...

 Corruption fight: Tinubu has restored hope in Nigerian project – Metuh   One time national publicity Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Olisa Metuh has hailed President Bola Tinubu, for his anti-corruption fight, noting that in seven months he has renewed confidence in the Nigerian project, especially in observing best democratic practices. In a statement he personally signed, Metuh noted that in the past eight years (May 2015 to May 2023), “a vast majority of Nigerians lost hope and faith in the Nigerian project giving the deep damage done to the psyche of citizens, the economy, national unity and the practice of democracy in our country.”   He said: “However, in the last seven months, under the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, there is renewed confidence in the Nigerian project, especially in observing best democratic practices. This government definitely appears to have regard for the liberty and freedom of individuals as well as for t...

149 days in kidnappers’ den:Bring back our children alive, parents of NYSC 7 beg FG Distraught parents of seven Akwa Ibom prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members kidnapped in Zamfara State are losing hope on the fate of their children still in kidnappers’ den over four months after they were abducted. Recall that on August 17 2023, an 11-seater Akwa Ibom State Transport Company (AKTC) en route to Sokoto from Uyo was intercepted by bandits on the Zamfara State Highway who abducted eight of the passengers and the bus driver while others escaped. The passengers were mainly fresh graduates from Akwa Ibom State posted to Sokoto for the compulsory one-year NYSC programme. Two of the eight passengers, one male and a female, were later released by the abductors, leaving six and the bus driver in their bondage. 149 days later, the victims remain in captivity.

SHETTIMA, SANWO-OLU CALL FOR PRAYER FOR NATION, LEADERS The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu have enjoined Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders, for peace and stability of the nation. They both made the call today at the 6th Maolud Nabiyy Celebration of the Jam’iyyat Ansariddeen (Attijaniyya) held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Lagos. The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understands the burden of trust handed to him by Nigerians and the event provides an opportunity for all to reflect and pray for him as well as for all leaders in the country to lead the country to the promised land. He added that the President is guided by his promise to protect the rights and freedom of all the citizens regardless of their beliefs in the diverse nation, saying “It is our duties to ensure that every Nigerian can practice their religion freely without fear or discrim...

USE ONLY AUTHORISED BANK ACCOUNT TO PAY FOR TRANSPORT SERVICES - LAMATA The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has advised all commuters in the State to only use authorised Bank Accounts to pay for transport services. A statement signed by the Consultant, Corporate Communication of LAMATA, Mr. Kolawole Ojelabi noted that the Agency is aware of a viral video in which a group of ladies claimed that an official asked that payment for a train ride should be made to a personal bank account due to their inability to make payment via available POS machines arising from POS network downtime. Ojelabi explained that any ride on regulated public transport in Lagos State is paid for using the Cowry Card. According to him, to load a Cowry Card, commuters may either use a POS machine, load money from their personal account to a wallet linked to the Card, or to a designated collecting account by the service provider, Touch and Pay Limited. He emphasised that each train station has a...

 GOV. SANWO-OLU CONGRATULATES JIDE KOSOKO AT 70  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated veteran Nollywood actor, Prince Jide Kosoko, on his 70th birthday. Governor Sanwo-Olu in a congratulatory message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Saturday, described Prince Jide Kosoko, who clocked 70 on January 12, as a living legend in the movie industry.  The Governor also described the renowned actor as a good ambassador and proud Lagosian who has used his wealth of experience and talent to bring joy to millions of homes through several movies he participated in.  He said: "On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, the government, and the people of Lagos State, I join family, friends, associates and fans to congratulate Prince Jide Kosoko on his 70th birthday celebration. "Prince Jide Kosoko is a veteran Nollywood actor who has used acting as a tool to spread joy across many homes within and outside the country. He has contributed imme...

LAGOS TASKFORCE BEGINS TO MOP UP ON OKADA OPERATION  … Vows to Cripple their Operations The Lagos State Taskforce has vowed to bring the operations of recalcitrant okada operators in the State to a complete halt as it carried out a week-long raid across various parts of the metropolis.  The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, who led the exercise, disclosed that the illegal activities of okada operators along some Highways in the State have continually put the lives of commuters along those axes in harm's way.  “We have taken it upon ourselves to end okada operations in the State and we are putting all mechanisms in place to ensure we achieve this goal. There is a ban on their activities along selected routes and Local Governments Areas in Lagos therefore they should not be allowed to operate as they please”, he said  Jejeloye further stated that the raid in the Abule Ado axis saw them impound 174 bikes, Lagos Island 50 bikes, and Berger/Grammar School 50 bik...

LASG STRESSES NEED FOR IMPROVED AIR QUALITY FOR HEALTHY LIVING … Calls for Understanding, Joint Efforts in Mitigating Climate Change Effect The Lagos State Government has stressed the need for green and improved air quality across the State to ensure healthy living for the citizenry, noting that the present air quality in many parts of the State as indicated in the State’s Air Quality Index is unhealthy. As a result, the State government has called for the understanding and joint efforts of the public towards achieving a common and sustainable action plan, geared towards mitigating the climate change effect and its attendant consequences on human health. The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency ( LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi stated this at the weekend during a media briefing organised to analyse the implication of the current air quality in some parts of the State as indicated in the released air quality index last week. Ajayi noted that the air quality index as...

Former AGF’s son, Abiru-Rahman Malami marries second wife two years after his first marriage Abiru-Rahman, the son of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has married a second wife, Khadija Ahmad Barau. The wedding Fatiha was held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the National Mosque, Abuja and followed by grand post wedding celebrations at the weekend. Recall that married his first wife, Aisha Humairah Ibrahim Umar, in May 2021. More photos below. 

See photos of lady who stabbed neighbour for playing 'loud music' while she was trying to read The authorities of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have confirmed the arrest of a female student, Tangsan Nansokaan Paksohot, who st@bbed a male colleague and co-tenant, Julius Nember.  It was gathered that the incident happened on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at Rusau Village behind UNIJOS Students’ Village Hostel. The suspect, from Chip Ward in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State and a 300 level student of English, Faculty of Arts, stabbed Nember, a 200 level student of Library Science in Faculty of Education, from Mbakor, Tarka LGA, Benue State for making noise.  Students of the institution are currently writing their second semester examination for the 2022/2023 academic session. The Senior Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications) in UNIJOS, Abdullahi Abdullahi and Head, Department of English, Prof. Jeff Doki, confirmed the attack to Arise News, saying the culprit...

AS EXPECTED, WE ARE PERFORMING - GOV. FUBARA ...Assures of continuous support for the Armed forces Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has affirmed that his administration is performing as expected by addressing critical issues of governance and furthering the development of the state because he intends for the administration to be remembered for good. Governor Fubara spoke at the Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service organized in commemoration of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration that was held at St. Cyprian's Anglican Church, Port Harcourt Township on Sunday. Sir Fubara stated that in attending to the duties of governance, he has prayed to God to grant his administration the grace to perform so that its activities and programmes that are implemented will meaningfully solve the socioeconomic problems of the people and make them to be proud and delighted to have benefited from the development. "As a government, we are performing.  My p...

SMEDAN inaugurates special unit for women, youth empowerment  Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye has inaugurated a unit at the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to champion women and youth entrepreneurship in the nation. In a statement released by her media aide, Ohaeri Joseph, the minister praised SMEDAN’s management for incorporating women and youths into its empowerment initiatives, aligning with the current administration’s focus on revitalizing economic prospects. She expressed satisfaction with the advanced tools available at the facility and conveyed the ministry’s readiness to collaborate with SMEDAN for inclusive growth and women’s empowerment. Furthermore, the minister announced the ministry’s intention to integrate SMEDAN into its e-portal, serving as a one-stop-shop to facilitate marketing and enhance commercial activities between women entrepreneurs and end-users of their products and services. Th...

Important safety tips amidst rise in kidnapping Kidnapping has been a persistent and concerning issue in Nigeria, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has not been immune to this security challenge. The crime of kidnapping involves the abduction of individuals for ransom or other motives, and it has posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of people across the country. In the FCT, the incidence of kidnapping, especially on the highway, is often reported, raising concerns about the security landscape in the nation’s capital. Criminal elements often take advantage of various factors, such as porous security, inadequate law enforcement, and sometimes the socio-economic vulnerabilities of the victims, to perpetrate evil. The recent case in the Federal Capital Territory was in Sagwari Layout Estate in Duste Bwari on January 7, where some of the residents of the estate witnessed their loved ones taken away. The bandits, posing as security personnel, abducted nine persons fr...

Gov Abba Establishes Elders Council In Kano Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf has established the formation of the Kano Elders Council (KEC), a body designed to function as an advisory entity to the state government. This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Kano on Sunday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Dawakin Tofa. The Council of Elders, as outlined in the statement, will comprise a broad spectrum of distinguished personalities indigenous to the state. This include former Governors, Deputy Governors, Senate Presidents, Speakers of the House of Representatives, Speakers of the State House of Assembly, Deputy Speakers, retired Supreme Court justices, retired Appeal Court justices, former Chief Justices of the state, former Secretaries to the State Government, and former Heads of State Civil Service. Further enriching the council’s composition, it adds that it will also include leaders of the Ulamas, members of the business community, traditional rulers, former...

Ondo: Kidnap Suspect Disguised As Scavenger Tucks 8-Year-Old Girl Into A Sack The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, has arrested a scavenger, whose identity has not been revealed, for allegedly kidnapping an eight-year-old girl in Akure, the state capital. The suspect allegedly hit the victim with a charm and put her in a sack but was arrested by the residents of the area while trying to escape. The state Amotekun Commander , Adetunji Adeleye, while speaking on the incident on Friday, said the suspect pretended to be a scavenger to carry out the dastardly act. The commander said the suspect would be charged to court after the completion of an investigation into the matter. Adeleye said, “The suspect pretended to be a scavenger picking rubbles, but luckily, the grandmother of the child heard the cry of the girl and when they looked round, they saw somebody stepping away with the child inside a sack. “So, when they raised the alarm, he attacked them with differe...