Nigeria at 55: Read full text of President Buhari’s speech

“October 1st is a day for joy and celebrations for us Nigerians, whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in because it is the day, 55 years ago; we liberated ourselves from the shackles of colonialism and began our long march to nationhood and to greatness.

“No temporary problems or passing challenges should stop us from honouring this day. Let us remind ourselves of the gifts God has given us. Our Creator has bequeathed to us Numbers – Nigeria is the ninth most populated country on the planet. We have in addition arable land; water; forests; oil and gas; coastline; and solid minerals

“We have all the attributes of a great nation. We are not there yet because the one commodity we have been unable to exploit to the fullest is unity of purpose. This would have enabled us to achieve not only more orderly political evolution and integration but also continuity and economic progress.

Nigeria@55: I’m worried, unhappy but optimistic – Osoba

Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Segun Osoba, in this chat, shares his thoughts on the state of nation, where we missed the mark and the way forward.

In 1960, this nation had a promising future but along the line something happened, where will you say we missed it as a country?
Nigeria’s problems started when the leaders of the First Republic started going after one another. The issue of Foster-Sutton Tribunal against Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe over the African Continental Bank, ACB and other issues. Then the deliberate attempt to malign Chief Obafemi Awolowo through the Coker inquiry was the beginning of the instability of the country.

What do you think we’re doing wrongly today?
We’re repeating history, today politicians seem to be going for each other’s jugular. When I look back, I remember all that happened even up to the series of commissions of inquiry set up by the military after the 1966 coup. As a young reporter, I covered these inquiries. Nigeria has not yet learned any lesson, the corruption that we have been talking about since independence is still the monster that is destroying everything in Nigeria.

Pinnick: We are marching towards our goal, steadily

There is still a lot of work on the road, but the present NFF administration believes it is working assiduously towards the set vision of building a sustainable football culture for Nigeria.

At its inception at the end of September 2014, the Board led by Amaju Melvin Pinnick had unveiled a vision of building a sustainable football culture for the country, founded on strategies of capacity building and a virile youth development program.

On Wednesday, in a statement to mark the one year of the administration and to look forward to the next one year, Pinnick gave the Board a pat on the back, and stated that the unity within the group and general body language assure him that everyone is ready for the enormous work ahead, as well as foreseeable and unforeseen challenges.

Nigeria’s 55 years of nationhood

OUR country marks its 55th independence anniversary today. In a very fundamental sense, Nigeria’s story is also the story of my life, because I was born in the very last month of colonialism in our country, on September 5, 1960.

I grew up in those early years of an independent country and found consciousness against the backdrop of the hopes generated by freedom as well as the anxieties that were associated with the problems of underdevelopment and the inability of the post-colonial ruling elite to find the consensus to build the new country, leading almost inevitably, if tragically, to the years of the Nigerian Civil War.

I lost cousins in the war and one of those who returned suffered the dire consequences of what we would know many decades later, as Post- Traumatic Stress Syndrome. But when I reflect upon the early years of my life in our newly independent country, the motif was hope.

Irresponsibility of Nigerian politicians dragged us backward – Mohammed

Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed, in this interview said the waywardness and irresponsibility of the Nigerian political class dragged Nigeria backward.
He also said for Nigeria to make headway, there must be elite political consensus.

At 55 years, what change do you think Nigeria needs?
I believe there cannot be development without change and the change can be accessed at various levels but there has to be a mental mindset change, there has to be a change in terms of economic outlook, there has to be change in the ways we as a people look at ourselves. I think the most important change Nigeria needs right now is new and I have been saying this since 1985 when I wrote a column after the Babangida coup of 1985. I said the most important thing Nigeria needs is what I call Elite political consensus. I said it will be very difficult for us to achieve it but it is the only way you can push the country forward. Without the elites coming together, nothing will happen in

Policing Nigeria: The challenges

GENERALLY speaking, it is beyond doubt that the security situation in Nigeria today is still worrisome. People are still cautious about moving freely within the country, even in broad daylight. The scale of kidnapping, robbery attacks, ritual killings, murder and other devious crimes, appear to continue on the upward trajectory. This is clearly a sign of the times. The security agencies are not fairing better in the blame game.

What, with the seemingly endless and mindless mass murder and cold-blooded assassinations in many parts of the country. The situation was made more worrisome with the advent of Boko Haram terrorists who have succeeded in wiping out thousands of lives and destroying properties in the Northern parts of the country. This hydra-headed killer-group has also succeeded in annexing many towns and villages in the North Eastern part of the country and decimating families with daring and defiant extremity.

Nigeria’s sports @ 55: Kudos, knocks!

As Nigeria celebrates its 55th independence anniversary today, stakeholders in sports  have frowned at its performance in the sector while others passed a vote of confidence on its performance.

Former Africa’s fastest sprinter, Mary Onyali and former ace footballer, ‘Mathematical’ Segun Odegbami said that the downward slide in sports leaves much to be desired of a country that prides itself as Giant of Africa.

‘’The journey of Nigeria in sports from independence was a great one and Nigeria flourished in it. We did well in virtually all

sports ranging from Long Jump, Boxing, Tennis, Table Tennis,Track and Field and others. Nigeria produced sparkling results from an equally sparkling, determined and selfless athletes.

2 docked over alleged rape of 12- year-old girl

BENIN—Two persons, Festus Owie, 20, and Blessing Ebimor, 12, have been arraigned before an Egor Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly raping and assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

The defendants, who were arraigned on a three-count charge of defilement, rape and assault, were alleged to have committed the offense on October 26, 2014.

The court was told by the prosecutor that the accused persons conspired at about 5pm at 46, First Oromina Street, off Siluko road, Benin, where they not only assaulted the victim but also forcibly had sexual intercourse with her.

Buhari ‘ll be distracted, overworked as Petroleum Minister —NACCIMA

Abuja—The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, yesterday, faulted President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision not to appoint a Minister of Petroleum, saying the President would be distracted and overload himself with excess workload.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, Mr. Billy Harry, National Vice President, NACCIMA, stated that the President already had too much work to do to saddle himself with a ministerial appointment.

He said if Buhari really wants to bring the change dividend that Nigeria voted for, he should focus on administering all the ministries from a vantage point as President, not as a minister and a President.

He said: “It will distract him and not give him the required space and work time to be able to administer facets of the economy and policies.

CBN raises concern over declining growth

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has raised concerns over the continued slow down of the country’s economic growth.

The central bank on Wednesday also said the banking system had enough liquidity to take up what foreign investors might sell after JP Morgan removed Nigeria from its bond index.

The CBN plans to retain foreign currency controls because of concerns about slowing growth, a senior bank official said on Wednesday.

Growth was 2.35 percent in the second quarter year on year, compared with 6.54 in the same quarter of 2014.

At last, Buhari sends ministers’ list to Senate

ABUJA — President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, sent names of the first set of ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The list, however, got to the Senate after the end of the day’s plenary, prompting the Red Chamber to declare that it was yet to receive the list from the President.

This almost resulted in a row between senators on the platforms of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, but was quickly nipped in the bud by the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, who was only 24 hours earlier given a confidence vote by his colleagues.
Saraki on his Twitter handle, confirmed that he had received the ministerial list. The long-awaited list was presented to the Senate President by the Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari and the Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly (Senate), Ita Enang, at 4. 59 pm, yesterday. The list was said to contain names of 21 ministerial nominees.

Man, 2 others arraigned for stabbing Police officer to death LAGOS

LAGOS—Two teenagers and a 30-year-old man, Seyi Egbonwan, have been charged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, for allegedly stabbing a police officer to death with a knife.

Nigerian-PoliceThe two teenagers, Wale Ojupon, 18, and Daniel Emeka, 18, and Egbonwan, were charged on a seven-count offence of stealing, breach of peace, murder, assault and possession of firearms.

According to the charge, the trio conspired, kidnapped and killed one Constable, Abimbola Adesoji, by stabbing him.

The accused persons were said to have committed the alleged offence on July 25 at Ajah, Ilaje, area of Lagos, during a riot in the community.

El Rufai ‘insults’ Osinbajo – déjà vu

ALL is not well between Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and the man widely referred to as the “unofficial vice president”, Mallam Nasir el Rufai, the governor of Kaduna State. Proof: after a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) held on 17th September, 2015, el Rufai showed up in Osinbajo’s office and both took a photograph, all smiles; and splashed them all over the internet. Purpose: to debunk the “rumours” making the rounds that they had exchanged insults. To confirm the story further, a meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) a couple of days ago tabled as an item for discussion/resolution the “face-off” between Osinbajo and el Rufai.

elrufa vs OsinbajoEl Rufai has been throwing his weight around since Buhari emerged as President of Nigeria. He is widely reputed to have been behind the double shuffle we saw on the last day of Professor Attahiru Jega as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Fashola, Amaechi, Ngige, Onu others make Buhari’s ministerial list

At last, Senate President Bukola Saraki Wednesday received the first twenty – one names of nominees to make President Buhari ministerial list , just as the names would be forwarded in batches.

Ministerial listVanguard gathered that a former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi and his counterpart in Lagos, Babatunde Fashola were among the names forwarded to the senate.

Others in the list are, former governors, Anambra, Chris Ngige; Abia State, Ogbonaya Onu, Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; a one time APC governorship flag bearer in Taraba, Aisha Alhassan,

Wike begins defence at Rivers election petitions tribunal

ABUJA—Governor Nyesom Wike, Wednesday, began the defence of his mandate, before the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja.

The governor, whose election is being challenged by the All  Progressives Congress, APC, and its governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, opened his defence before the tribunal, by producing seven witnesses that testified on his behalf.

Among those that mounted the witness box, and testified that the governorship election actually held in Rivers State on April 11, 2015, included the traditional ruler of Dagbo village in Khana Local Government Area of the state, Chief Adamgbo Sampson.

2019: PDP zones presidency to the North

ABUJA—AHEAD of 2019 presidential election, the national leadership of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has zoned the Presidency to the North, saying it has learned its lessons and would never repeat any such mistake in future.

The party also said it had drawn a roadmap towards the 2019 general election and for future electoral success.

pdplogoThis was part of the recommendations of Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu-led PDP Post- Election Review Committee, which recommended that in accordance with the popular views expressed in the submissions to the committee, the Presidency should be zoned to the North as it would also assuage any ill-feelings over any perceived breach of the party’s zoning principle.

Saraki Receives Buhari’s Ministerial List

The Senate president, Bukola Saraki has confirmed that he has received the ministerial list from President Muhammadu Buhari.

The list has now been officially submitted to the Senate.

The list was conveyed by chief of staff, Alhaji Abba Kyari and Sen. Ita Inang, the senior special assistant to the president on National Assembly matters (Senate).

Recall that Buhari had promised to submit the list by the end of September.

The list was sent after the Nigerian Senate ended plenary for September 30...More pgotos after the
cut

B'Haram Poison Water Sources Of Abandoned Villages - Army


Boko Haram members who are being frustrated from the villages which they had captured, have resorted to new ways of making life unbearable for the villagers.

According to a press release issued by Colonel Tukur Gusau, Deputy Director Army Public Relations, the insurgents have taken to poisoning of water sources like wells and streams in the places where they had been dislodged by the Nigerian troops as a way of taking revenge for their defeat.

The statement read:

Information reaching the Theatre Command, OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE indicates that Boko Haram terrorists have now resorted to poisoning water sources like wells and streams in areas they were dislodged by gallant troops or areas threatened by offensive operations.

Man who killed and took his 74-year-old dad's heart turns himself in to the Police


Remember Nelson Oamen, the 34-year-old drug addict who allegedly stabbed his 74 year old Dad, Ehiremen Oamen, to death and took his heart on Sept. 21st in Ipaja, Lagos?
Well, he turned himself in to the police at the Ipaja Police Division on Thursday and has since been reportedly transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, Yaba, for further investigation.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Nelson walked into the police station to report himself on Thursday and allegedly confessed to the crime.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, confirmed the arrest.
He said:
“The man has been arrested. He actually handed over himself to the police at Ipaja, who took him to the SCID, Yaba. He has also confessed to the crime.”

Rapper Azealia Banks compares LGBT community to 'gay white KKK' after her plane incident

Azealia Banks has compared the LGBT community to the 'gay white KKK.'
The outspoken rapper, 24, was criticized for screaming at an airline attendant and calling him a 'f*****g f****t' during an altercation on a Delta flight on September 22.

Banks, who identifies as bisexual, lashed out at the gay community for focusing on her language rather than the man's actions, calling the LGBT community 'weaklings' who need to toughen up.

Azealia had a meltdown on a Delta flight on September 22, after a French passenger blocked her as she tried to squeeze down the aisle and make a quick exit.
The rapper says the man hit her in the face, but witnesses told TMZ he put his hand in Banks' face to stop her as she pushed past.
A video of the incident shows the musician screaming the slur at the flight attendant after he tried to take her luggage. She later quickly exited the plane after being told police had been called.

Stranger's act of kindness towards new mom with crying baby on a plane goes viral

When Rebekka Garvison boarded her flight with a newborn baby from Chicago to Atlanta last week, her fear of being judged became a reality.
Garvison noted how quiet the flight was when she got on. She took her seat next to a couple who did not look happy that her baby Rylee would be sitting with them. Already stressed out from traveling, Rylee started crying immediately.

Rebekka Garvison
To avoid any issues, she moved two rows ahead where there were two empty seats instead of one. This way, Garvison would have more room to tend to her baby.
As Rylee continued to cry despite her mother's efforts to calm her, the woman in the seat next to her, Nyfesha Miller​, asked if she could try calming the baby.

Soldiers kill Boko Haram kingpin in Borno –Army

Troops involved in the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North-East have killed a terror kingpin around Kwatarha and Torikwaptir area of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in a statement on Tuesday that the terror kingpin, said to be wreaking havoc in the area, was gunned down during a shoot-out with soldiers on Monday afternoon.

The Acting Army spokesman added that the troops recovered one AK-47 rifle from the killed Boko Haram commander.

APC knocks PDP for rejecting Ambode’s commissioners’ list

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Tuesday tackled the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party over the latter’s call on members of the House of Assembly to reject the list of commissioner-nominees forwarded to the chamber for screening and clearance.

It accused the PDP of not only meddling in its affairs but also of promoting impunity.

According to the APC spokesperson, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the PDP stepped out of its bounds by asking the Assembly not to screen would-be-commissioners, who the governor felt comfortable to work with.

INEC seeks review of laws against electronic voting

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Tuesday in Abuja advocated a review of the extant laws prohibiting electronic voting in the country.

The commission was of the view that the scientific system of voting had become an unavoidable reality as evidenced in the major role technology played in the success recorded in the 2015 general election.

The Chairman of INEC, Hajia Amina Zakari, represented by INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Lawrence Nwuruku, said this during the post-2015 Electoral Reform Symposium organised by the National Democratic Institute and other civil society organisations.

Boko Haram, anti-Islam – Fashola

A former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has said that acts of terrorism currently perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect and other insurgents in the country have nothing to do with Islam.

Speaking at the public presentation of a book written by Dr. Yinka Olomojobi titled, ‘Frontiers of Jihad: Radical Islam in Africa,’ held on Tuesday at the MUSON Centre in Onikan, Lagos, Fashola noted that a religion whose foundation is peace, such as Islam, could not be the foundation or excuse for acts of murder, rape, savagery, pillaging and terror.

Commending the author of the book for intellectualising the ongoing discourse on the real identities and motives of terrorists masquerading as promoters of the Islamic faith, Fashola urged Muslims and other Nigerians not to accept any reason given by the criminals to explain their actions.

Fashola said, “It is sheer propaganda to fool the general public and to deceive gullible people in the name of a faith whose tenets they themselves breach and violate. The simple truth is that we have allowed the voices of a few criminals to rise above that of billions of law-abiding global citizens. What we are dealing with is a new wave of crime by criminals who seem to have an edge because of the need for a new global order and the gaps created by globalisation.”

Court joins EFCC in N1.5bn rights enforcement suit

A Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday granted an application to join the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a co-defendant in a N1.5bn fundamental rights enforcement suit.

The EFCC’s Head of Operations, Mr. Iliyasu Khwabe; the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; and a Deputy Superintendent of Police with the X-Sqaud, Zone 2 Police Command Onikan, Lagos, Ibrahim Dantoro, were also joined.

The applicants in the suit are one Alhaji Suleiman Yerima, who later died in Kirikiri Maximum Prison and one Mr. Uwem Antia.

Burkina Faso army takes over coup supporters’ barracks

Burkina Faso soldiers have seized control of a military camp held by Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) officers, who refused to disarm in the wake of a failed coup earlier this month.

The soldiers entered the presidential guard palace barracks with little resistance, an army officer told Reuters.

Troops were carrying out clean-up operations at the camp, searching for General Gilbert Diendere, who led the short-lived coup. However, he appeared not to be at the camp.

Gunfire was heard earlier in the evening near the presidential palaces and the RSP barracks. A military spokesman confirmed that the army opened fire on the coup supporters, though no injuries have been reported.

Any insurance company worth its salt should pay claims — Akinboye

Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Standard Alliance Insurance Plc Mr. Bode Akinboye, in this interview elucidates on the giant strides the company is taking to deliver superior services to customers.

What is your vision for Standard Alliance Insurance following your return to the insurance industry?

Having worked in the insurance industry for thirteen years, I needed to take a break and reappraise my carrier. While away, I also tried one or two things and went back to school briefly to refresh myself, of course having bigger vision for the sector. The need to work in the company where I can play more role not just as a manager but as an investor. That is what brought me back.

Gov aspirant vows to liberate Bayelsa

A governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State, Moses Siasia, has pledged to liberate the state from the shackles of oppression, debt and inept leadership.

Siasia, who submitted his nomination form as the candidate of Peoples Democratic Movement, PDM, said his candidature was a movement driven by the people of the state who sought genuine change.

He promised to create thousands of jobs for youths in the state and also make education attractive.

Siasia stated this in Abuja after submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination Form to the leadership of PDM and was received by the party’s National Secretary Dr. Ifeanyi Igwe.

Siasia reiterated his commitment to pursue the implementation of policies that would create the enabling environment for employment generation, wealth creation, as well as giving impetus to education, health care delivery, urban renewal, agriculture and industrial development.

Driver crushes friend after sharing ogogoro in Benina


BENIN CITY—Tragedy struck in Benin City on Monday, as a driver attached to a private firm in Edo State, crushed his friend, Pa Egbe Eghobawaye,  to death, after sharing a local gin, popularly known as Ogogoro, together.

The tragedy started when the driver was said to have visited Pa Eghobawaye, who was the Odionwere (oldest man) of Nekpenekpen Street, off First East Circular road in Benin City, and requested for the local gin from the wife of the deceased, who deals in the local gin.

After sharing the Ogogoro with Pa Eghobawaye, said to be in his 80s, he decided to go back to his office, but lost control of the vehicle and crushed his friend to death, to the surprise of residents of the area.

New Leadership of CTO: What Nigeria stands to gain

Ever since Nigeria came from behind to pip many other emerging markets as the most vibrant, growing mobile economy, the trajectory of growth has never witnessed a downward trend.

Rather, the attention of the world towards the sub Saharan Africa has seen many prestigious positions either ceded or allotted to Nigeria and Nigerians.

When the International Telecommunications Union, ITU, in July 2013, declared wife of former President, Dame Patience Jonathan as Ambassador/Champion online child protection, it added to the profile of the country.

Why Wada will win again — Awoniyi

Kogi State Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, says Governor Idris Wada’s performance will earn him victory in the November governorship election. Besides, he says among others in this encounter that the impartiality of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Police and relevant agencies will guarantee a free and fair election in Kogi on November 21.

The conditions that will guarantee free and fair election in Kogi.

The impartiality of all the institutions and agencies involved, including the INEC, the police, and the support facilities. I know the Federal Government is on that track of honesty, truthfulness and anti-corruption. Election manipulation is the height of corruption. It corrupts the democratic process. If we can ensure that the democratic process is not corrupted, there will be free and fair election and we stand to benefit from that type of arrangement.

Aisha Buhari speaks at African First Ladies summit

African first ladies across the world are in New York to assess and modify effective means of contributing to the Millenium Development Goals and new  perspectives on HIV & AIDS.

Wife of Nigeria’s President, Aisha Buhari, represented by the wife of the Senate President,  Toyin Saraki, at the event, said that in the eye of the current insurgency and the lack of adequate health care for women and children that had been affected by the insurgency and had to live in Internally Displaced Persons’ camps, the need for health care became paramount.

She affirmed the need to continually do more, especially in the areas of maternal health and child mortality.

The issues of investing adequately in women and girls in the context of the post 2015 agenda was addressed by the executive director of UNFPA,  Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, who said girl child education remained key to the development framework all over Africa.

Nigeria in the year 2030: A new narrative


OUR obsession with the drama and intrigue of politics has relegated discourse on policy and national development to the background. We all know what Saraki is accused of but how many of us can detail his agenda as Senate president? What were his plans to reform a body which in the eyes of the average Nigerian, is merely a retirement home for former governors or for privileged, would-be influential Nigerians, all barely present (or awake when they are physically present)?
Yet commentators on social media can list all of the countries where Saraki is rumoured to have a home. They have, in fact, already begun lists of other senators who they suspect of falsifying their asset declaration forms: if their suspicions are true, we really don’t have a Senate or a House of Assembly for that matter, merely a pack of wolves and co-conspirators. No wonder, according to some, Buhari believes he is the only non-corrupt member of the political class.

Falae: Police not privy to ransom payment, says IG

ABUJA—The Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, said yesterday that the police authorities were not privy to the fact that the family of former Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, Chief Olu Falae, who was freed by his kidnappers at Owo, Ondo State last week, paid ransom, saying such payment amounted to encouraging crime.

The IGP also advised families who might find themselves in  such situation in the future to desist from paying ransom since it was not a guarantee that the victim would come out alive.

In a statement issued directly by his office, titled ‘RE-RANSOM PAYMENT BY FAMILY OF CHIEF OLU FALAE’ IGP Arase said:  “The office of the Inspector General of Police has been inundated with enquiries on claims by Chief Olu Falae and his family that a ransom was paid to his abductors following the kidnapping incident involving him on  September 21 and 24, 2015.

PSC reinstates 15 police officers, dismisses 2

ABUJA—The Police Service Commission, PSC, has reinstated 15 police officers, while another nine were recalled and retired after the board of the commission considered petitions and appeals from 65 officers, who felt their rights were trampled upon.

Forty-one of the petitions were, however, rejected by the commission for lack of merit.

Regarding disciplinary cases, PSC considered 37 pending cases and approved the dismissal of two senior police officers, retired two others compulsorily and reduced the ranks of another three.

Oliseh names 19 for CHAN qualifying fixture

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Sunday Oliseh, has released a list of 19 home–based professionals who will start a camp in Port Harcourt on Monday, ahead of a 4th African Nations Championship final
 qualifying fixture against Burkina Faso next month.
Top joint-scorer in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League season, Tunde Adeniji, is joined by Warri Wolves’ ace Gbolahan Salami, Solomon Kwambe, Idris Aloma, Usman Mohammed, Ezekiel Bassey and Bature Yaro.

20 families homeless as fire razes makeshift buildings in Lagos

LAGOS—An early morning fire yesterday, razed several makeshift buildings in the densely populated Ijora Badia area of Lagos, rendering over 20 families homeless.

The incident brings to 45 the number of fire that had occurred in Lagos in the last one week.

Though, no life was lost in yesterday’s inferno, said to have been caused by a high tension wire which snapped and fell on one of the buildings, two children of ages six and eight sustained burns.

Report said occupants of the makeshift buildings were jolted from sleep at about 3am, following an alarm raised by one of them.

Rowdy Session as Senate Resumes


ABUJA—EIGHTY- four senators, yesterday, passed a vote of confidence on the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu; and the entire leadership of the Senate.

The move, at least in the interim, ended speculations that Saraki was losing the support of his colleagues on account of the alleged false assets declaration suit he is facing at the Code of Conduct of Tribunal (CCT) and might be asked to step aside as Senate President.

Boosted by the confidence vote, a re-energized Senate leadership, yesterday, said it would protect the interest of Nigerians by ensuring thorough screening of President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees. The list of the nominees will be presented to the senators today.

Bayelsa rescheduled primary fails to hold


YENAGOA—THERE was confusion in Yenagoa, yesterday, as the rescheduled primaries by All Progressives Congress, APC, to pick a governorship candidate, for the December 5, governorship election did not hold.

As early as 8am, the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Yenagoa, the announced venue, had been occupied by Igbo residents in Bayelsa State, who were celebrating the annual Igbo National Day, while there was no sign of APC officials.

However, there was heavy security presence at the Complex mounted by a combined team of soldiers, mobile policemen and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

Assembly dashes Ambode’s hope over commissioners

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State’s hope  to swear in members of his cabinet next Monday was dashed yesterday as the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly adjourned sitting till October 13 without screening the nominees.

Ambode last Monday sent a list of commissioner and special adviser-nominees to the House for screening.

However, against the norm, the house set up a 15-man committee that will screen the nominees.

A statement from the governor’s office when the list  was sent to the Assembly said the governor was expected to swear in the new  commissioners and special advisers on October 5, with the anticipation that the nominees would have been screened immediately after the Sallah holidays.

Bobby Brown formally accuses Nick Gordon of harming his daughter


In a statement released to the media yesterday, singer Bobby Brown formally accused Nick Gordon of harming his daughter Bobbi Kristina, who died July 26th at age 22. The letter from Bobby's lawyer reads,

"In regards to the civil litigation, we believe we know who harmed Bobbi Kristina Brown and his name is Nick Gordon.Mr. Gordon made headlines when he filed his Motion to Dismiss the lawsuit pending in Superior Court that seeks to hold him responsible for 40 million dollars in damages."
"However, the Motion was frivolous and instead of having it heard by the Court, he has chosen to withdraw the Motion, ending that matter so that he could avoid having to give his deposition which was scheduled for the day he withdrew the Motion. Mr. Gordon will now have to give his deposition under oath."

Woman arrested for attempting to use Mrs Ruth Uche's twins for fraud

The Lagos state police command on Sunday September 27th arrested a woman simply identified as Victoria, for allegedly attempting to use the four-month old twins of Mrs Ruth Uche, whose husband fled after she gave birth to them, to defraud a retired police commissioner.

According to reports, Victoria who is a wife and mother of two is an acquaintance of the Uches and had asked that they "lend" her their twins so she could feature them in a movie. Unknown to the Uches, Victoria wanted to use their twins to extort money from the police chief who is the father of her ex lover.

C'mon Nicki Minaj! Rapper tried to steal Zendaya's moment ...lol


Nicki Minaj can look for trouble..lol Over the weekend Mattel toys unveiled their Barbie doll (with dreadlocks) for actress and singer Zendaya Coleman...and Nicki tried to make it all about herself. See what she did after the cut...

Just hours after it was revealed that the Zendaya Barbie dolls had been launched, Nicki Minaj back-hand congratulated Zendaya by sharing a photo of her own doll, noting the fact she was given a Barbie doll first, and didn't even @-ing Zendaya on the post.

Khloe Kardashian wraps her Range Rover in Velvet


This is what happens when you have too much money and don't know what to do with it, lol. Khloe Kardashian revealed on IG that she had her new Range Rover enveloped in velvet on Monday. I guess that means, no more car washes for her. She needs to get Gigantic size lint rollers to clean her car when it gets dusty or accumulates dirt. Another photo and her comment after the cut..

Photos of Boko haram members allegedly celebrating Sallah openly


These are photos of suspected Boko Haram members openly celebrating Sallah in their hideout. According to Sahara reporters, the pictures are from a video released by the sect members apparently in a bid to counter the statements of the Nigerian army that they are being routed out. More photos after the cut...

SPAR Launches New StoreInMurtalaMuhammed Airport Domestic Terminal II (MMA2)

SPAR, the largest chain of hypermarket stores in Nigeria announces the launch of its new SPAR store inMurtalaMuhammed Airport Domestic Terminal II,commonly known as MMA2Terminal.

SPAR in MMA2 stocks a wide spread of products, ranging from Grocery, Bakery, Butchery, Fruits & Vegetables, Hot Meals, Wine & Spirits, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Small Home Appliances, Consumer Electronics, Mobile Phones, Laptops & Tablets, Perfumes, Watches and Jewellery.

AlhajiKunleHamzat, Group Head, HR for the Artee Group, franchisees of the SPAR International brand in Nigeria, said: “SPAR store in MM2 was conceived and designed to cater to the air trafficpassengers and employees working in and around the airport terminals and the residential areas adjacent to the airport terminals. The product assortment of over 5,200 items were hand-picked by SPAR to meet the various needs of all consumers. SPAR has also added new items to its product offering like:ready-to-drink Tea, Coffee and Chocolate, as well as Hot Beverages, Pop Corn and Fresh Juiceto cater to the people on the move. The wide range of ready-to-eat Nigerian cuisine will also cater to the taste buds of people all across Nigeria.”

Buhari to World leaders: Dismantling safe havens for proceeds of corruption


Following repeated occurrence of stolen funds discovered to have been stashed in foreign banks by corrupt politicians, President Buhari yesterday urged world leaders to dismantle the seeming safe haven in their countries where these funds are secretly being deposited. President Buhari said this while addressing world leaders at the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations.
"By any consideration, corruption and cross border financial crimes are impediments to development, economic growth, and the realization of the wellbeing of citizens across the globe. Nigeria is ready and willing to partner with international agencies and individual countries on a bilateral basis to confront crimes and corruption. In particular, I call upon the global community to urgently redouble efforts towards strengthening the mechanisms for dismantling safe havens for proceeds of corruption and ensuring the return of stolen funds and assets to their countries of origin"he said

Photo: Buhari with the German Chancellor at the UN General Assembly


President Buhari pictured above with the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel at the ongoing UN General Assembly yesterday September 28th.