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 RIVERS ELDERS AND LEADERS VISIT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY QUARTERS, CONDEMN GOVERNOR FUBARA'S DEMOLITION SCHEME.  In a candid display of having the interest of the State at heart, and worried by the unfortunate political developments in the State, a delegation of prominent elders and opinion leaders in Rivers State, on Sunday, visited the Rivers State House of Assembly Quarters for a firsthand assessment of the state of things. The delegation, which included the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Kingsley Ogundu Chinda, Hon. Kelechi Worgu, former Chairman of PDP in the State, Amb. Desmond Akawor, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.Ikunyi Ibani,  Caretaker Chairman of APC in the State, Hon. Tony Okocha, and former Senator representing Rivers South-East, Sen. Olaka Nwogu, expressed their deep worries over the recent events surrounding the planned demolition of the State legislative quarters by Governor Siminialayi Fubara. Speaking ...

  Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has insisted that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress have forfeited their positions in the legislative body. Twenty five lawmakers loyal to the former governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, had switched to the APC amid the political deadlock between him and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Falana asserted that the lawmakers would be ousted from their seats for transitioning to the APC. Citing the constitution, he said, “Unless you can show and demonstrate that there is division in a political party that sponsored your election, you cannot remain in any legislative arm if you decamp to another party. “The whole idea is that the constitution set out to ban political prostitution on the part of legislators.” The human rights lawyer noted that there is a court or...

 How I was trafficked to Libya for prostitution by Facebook friend – Anambra Lady A 21-year-old lady from Anambra State, Chika Obiakaeze has narrated how she was trafficked to Libya for prostitution by a male friend whom she met on Facebook. Enrolled in a fashion school in Nigeria, Chika’s aspirations took a sad turn when the said friend offered to help her with an employment as a domestic help in Libya. She was assured of good pay and the prospect of working for foreign expatriates. Speaking in a telephone interview with newsmen, she said the friend introduced her to his sister who is based in Libya, who would assist her with accommodation and job when she gets there. Narrating how she met the online friend, she said “We aren’t too close, in fact, I can’t remember his surname, when he introduced me to his sister, I thought that he just wanted to help me, I thought it was legit.” She further stated, “I was learning tailoring before an online friend introduced me to his sister whom ...

 Censors board warns Nollywood filmmakers not to glorify smoking, crime in films Dr Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director/CEO of the National Films and Videos Censors Board (NFVCB), has emphasised the need for a regulatory body to have access to accurate data to propel the film and TV industry to enviable heights. He spoke at a stakeholders meeting held at the NFVCB Lagos Zonal office in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, Husseini stressed the need for precise data in relation to classification and censorship of films and content produced by skit makers and producers. The meeting brought together key stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry, to discuss ways to enhance the sector's growth and development. The executive director noted that it was also important in the classification and censorship of films and content produced by skit makers and producers. He said, "We should no longer be doing analogue at a time when we should be talking about digital, and we have agreed to digitalise th...

 17-YEAR-OLD BENUE IDP SCORES 301 IN UTME RESULT  13th May, 2024   A 17-year-old boy taking refuge in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Benue state has scored 301 in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The boy, Aondona Terver, lives with his parents at the IDP camp at Daudu, Guma local government council of Benue state. In the result released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the 17-year-old Aondona with registration number 202440051584IF, scored 60 in English, 73 in Biology, 84 in Physics and Chemistry also 84 thus totaling 301. The young man whose parents were displaced after their village in Guma was attacked and burnt down by terrorists now lives on the compassion of individuals and the occasional support of the Benue state government. His parents said it is from the proceeds of charity at the IDP camp that Aondona who is a Science student attends the ECWA secondary school at North Bank in Makurdi. The stud...

 PRESS RELEASE DABIRI-EREWA LAUDS DUKE, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX FOR INVICTUS GAMES CENTRE IN NIGERIA  Abuja, May 12, 2024. The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has commended the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, for their innumerable philanthropic works to society, especially for injured, sick and traumatised soldiers and war veterans. She gave the commendatio at the welcome banquet held in their honour by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja.  The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO stated that the kind gesture from them will empower the wounded soldiers, who have sacrificed their lives to protect the country. “The initiative for the proposal to cite the Invictus Centre in Nigeria to support the categories of soldiers mentioned above is not only laudable but also a testament of our commitment as a country to look after those who have suffered in one way or the other in the line of duty t...

 Customs WMC Intercepts 177 Sacks, 61 Kegs of PMS Amidst Fuel Scarcity Amidst the scarcity of petroleum products in the country, Officers and Men of the Nigeria Customs Service, Western Marine Command have intercepted 177 Sacks and 61 Kegs of 25 Litres containing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along Isalu Creek Badagry Waterway en route Benin Republic. Addressing newsmen at the command headquarters on Friday, 10 May 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Paul Bamisaiye, disclosed that the seizure was made possible by a joint patrol team on credible intelligence.  "At about 2330hrs on Wednesday, 8 May 2024, while on joint patrol based on credible intelligence, we received the movement of 2 Boats laden with what was suspected to be petroleum products concealed in sacks. Upon receipt of the information, the team moved into Isalu Creeks Badagry Waterway. The Customs Area Controller stated that careful examination of the seizure at the Command Headquarters revealed "177 Sacks ...

 Nigeria Customs Service Signs MoU with China Customs to Enhance Trade The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) to foster bilateral relationship for the enhancement of economic growth.   On Wednesday, 8 May 2024, Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi led some of his management team in Shenzhen, where he highlighted the significance of knotting bilateral affiliation with China, which, according to him, will boost the two countries' import-export operations and favour the businesses of MSMEs in Nigeria.  The CGC appreciated the Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China, Wang Lingjun, for showing interest in signing MoU with the NCS. He also applauded the recent exponential rise in the development of e-commerce, adding, “We know a lot of Nigerian companies and SMEs take advantage of the oppor...

 It was a pleasure to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and share the vibrant culture of Lagos with our esteemed guests.  They are on a visit to Nigeria promoting the Invictus Games, a special initiative aimed at raising funds and supporting serving military members as well as veterans to overcome their physical and mental illnesses or injuries, which would help them develop a sense of belonging and increased self esteem.  We discussed the pivotal role mental health plays in holistic wellness, particularly for our military personnel. I commend the Duke and Duchess for spotlighting this crucial issue. Their commitment to supporting our heroes in uniform is truly inspiring.  We also discussed the amazing work they are doing with the Invictus Games and the valuable global insights that will be beneficial for us. We’re excited about the potential collaborations that could help our veterans and active military members feel more support...

 The lady in the picture was wanted in connection with a case of cyber-stalking, abduction, murder, injurious falsehood, threat to life and extortion.  Read the poster for more details. 

 First living recipient of pig kidney dies months after transplant A 62-year-old man has died months after becoming the world’s first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney transplant, hailed as a medical milestone. Rick Slayman received the kidney at Massachusetts General in March after he had been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year.  Of course the hospital emphasized there is no indication his death was a result of the transplant.

 Dubai Police Honours Child for Honesty After Returning Tourist's Lost Watch In a commendable act of integrity, a young Indian child of determination found a tourist's lost watch and returned it to the Dubai Police, earning praise and recognition.  Acting on directives from Brigadier Harib Al Shamsi, the Acting Director of the General Department of Criminal Investigation, the Dubai Tourist Police Department honoured the child for his honesty and good judgment. Muhammad Ayan Younis was with his father when he found the watch in a tourist area and promptly took it to the Dubai Police to ensure it was returned to its rightful owner.  Dubai Tourist Police verified that the watch belonged to a tourist who had previously reported it lost and had since returned to his homeland. The police then contacted the tourist and successfully returned the watch to the tourist, who expressed his immense satisfaction with the high level of security and integrity in Dubai. Brigadier Khalfan O...

 BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT WHO SELLS SNACKS OPENS BARBING SALON, EMPLOYS PEOPLE TO WORK FOR HER 12th May, 2024     A Nigerian lady who possesses a lot of entrepreneurial spirit has kicked off her barbing salon despite being a student. Naomi Apegba is currently studying at Benue State University, but she also hustles as a snack baker and seller. Naomi Apegba is a student at Benue State University, also sells snacks but has diversified into the salon business. Why I started a barbing salon Speaking to Legit.ng, Naomi said she went into salon business because it is a service that many people need. Her words: “I went into a salon business because you don’t need money to fund it every day; it’s a necessity. People can’t replace it with another product. But baking can be replaced with something else when the price is high.” When asked how she would be able to combine her businesses with studies, she said she goes to her business place when she does not have lectures. ...

 Anambra State, A Destination Point --- Industry Commissioner  By Amaka Isikala  The Anambra State Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has described the state under Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma  Soludo, as a steadily rising economic destination point in Africa and an increasingly preferred location where numerous developmental and industrial enterprises are being encouraged to establish and flourish. The Commissioner made the remark during an interactive session with some officials of United Nations Development Program (UNDP) from Lagos State who visited him in his office at Jerome Udoji Secretariat Complex, Awka. Mr. Udechukwu declared that Anambra State is steadily planning, organizing, strategizing, and executing to launch an ambitious agenda in Anambra Industrial City with a view to move Anambra State toward becoming one of the global centers of excellence for Industries with the capacity to absorb and process a vast variety of raw materials to finis...

 PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CONDEMNS CHILD EXPLOITATION, APPREHENDS FATHER; ADVOCATES FOR CHILD SAFETY MEASURES The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the public outcry in response to disturbing images and videos involving a 4-year-old child with the Instagram handle @officialsarah_ig, circulating on social media. The content portrays the young child in inappropriate poses, akin to adult contents. The Force expresses profound shock and grave concern over the apparent exploitation of this vulnerable child and unequivocally condemns such actions in the strongest terms possible. Prima facie investigations indicate the involvement of the child's father, who has been apprehended by the Police at the Auchi Divisional Police Headquarters, Edo State Police Command. Every necessary measure is being implemented to ensure that justice is swiftly served. As the investigation unfolds, it is imperative to establish proactive measures to guide and counsel parents, preventing the proliferat...