PARROT EYE..

By Olaolu Oladipo, Lagos Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday commissioned the newly completed Imeke-Ajido Bridge, a major link bridge in Badagry axis of the State. The bridge, which is 500metres long, was designed with sidewalk on both sides. Addressing a mammoth crowd of joyous residents who came out to receive him after walking on the bridge, Governor Ambode said the delivery of the project was a promise kept and an effort aimed at making life comfortable for the people. Before the construction of the bridge by the State Government, the people of the area were said to have been subjected to untold hardship trying to connect Ajido town to Imeke, all suburbs in Badagry. The Governor also approved immediate commencement of work on the second phase of the project which is 17km network of roads connecting Aradagun to Whispering Palms. The Governor said: “Apart from this bridge that we have just commissioned, take the second phase which connects this place to...

The leader of the dreaded sect, Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau has resurfaced in a new video , saying the claims by the Federal Government that his group has been routed from Sambisa Forest is a ruse. In the video posted on Thursday on Youtube, the Boko Haram insurgent group through its leader, Shekau said, “We are safe. We have not been flushed out of anywhere. And tactics and strategies cannot reveal our location except if Allah wills by his decree.” Flanked by masked armed fighters, the elusive Shekau added that President Muhammadu Buhari should not be distorting the real situation of things as they regard the fight against terrorism in the northeast. “You should not be telling lies to the people. If you indeed crushed us, how can you see me like this? How many times have you killed us in your bogus death?” he asked. Shekau last appeared in a video in September where he disputed a claim by the Nigerian military that he had been wounded in battle. While vowing to continue fi...

Members of the Ogun House of Assembly on Thursday passed the 2017 Appropriation Bill of N221.09 billion into law. In the document obtained by BLACKFACE, the lawmakers however cut N38.5 million from the initial N221.12 billion presented to the House by Governor Ibikunle Amosun. The bill, passed at plenary, had a recurrent expenditure of N91.4 billion while N118.5 billion was appropriated for capital expenditure with N11.5 billion being the sum from the consolidated revenue fund charges and pensions in 2017. Amosun had on November 22 presented a fiscal proposal of N221.12 billion to the House. Majority Leader of the Assembly, Adeyinka Mafe moved the motion for the third reading which was seconded by Mojeed Soyebo, after which the Clerk, Mr Lanre Bisiriyu, did the third reading. The budget was passed after Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Olusola Bankole, presented the committee’s report to the House. Bankole assured his colleagues that the re...

The Nigeria Army has stated that its personnel have arrested about 1,240 suspected Boko Haram terrorists during a mop-up operation inside the Sambisa forest. Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Lucky Irabor disclosed this while giving update to newsmen on Operation Rescue Final at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, the Bono State capital. Giving a breakdown, Irabor said that 413 of the suspects were adults; 323 were female adults; 251 male children, while 253 were female children. He said that the suspects were apprehended during a mop-up operation against the sect members in the forest. “We are interrogating them to know whether they are Boko Haram members, because there is no way somebody that is not their member would live inside Sambisa forest. We are still on the trail of the terrorists and I want to assure you that all escape routes have been blocked. “Within this period, also, about 30 fleeing suspected Boko Haram members have surrendered to the Niger...

Residents of Ekiti State have turned to dog meat as the animals have disappeared from the streets as consumption of dog meat by residents has grown remarkable in the last few weeks. The development might not be unconnected with the biting recession in the country that has turned more people of the state to dog meat for their nutrition in spite of the taboo hitherto associated with its consumption the community. In Ado-Ekiti, Ikere-Ekiti, Ise-Ekiti, Emure- Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti and Otun Ekiti new dog slaughter slabs have sprung up as the residents devour the meat in homes, restaurants and beer parlours. A resident said no fewer than 20 of such slaughter slabs exist in Ado Ekiti alone. A good number of beer parlours and relaxation centres now make pepper soup and suya from dog meat. “Because of the high rate of consumption of dog meat, it is now difficult to see dogs on the street and their cost have risen astronomically,” the resident, who craved anonymity said. Three-months-old dogs...

,  # The Nigerian Army has claimed that it had recovered Abubakar Shekau’s Qur’an and flag in Camp Zero, the Boko Haram’s Headquarters in Sambisa forest. The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, said this while giving newsmen update on “Operation Rescue Final’’ in Maiduguri. “We believe that the Holy Book and the flag were abandoned by Abubakar Shekau while he escaped. The Book will be taken to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, for onward presentation to Mr President. “We have also made a lot of arrests. Our troops in Damboa arrested about 15 Boko Haram members. We also arrested one Musa from Potiskum on Christmas day which was December 25. On December 26 our troops also intercepted two Boko Haram suspects in Maiduguri. “We, therefore, warn residents of the state to be wary of people coming to hide in and around their houses. “We are also warning residents to report any suspected Boko Haram members hiding in their houses to the r...

Veteran actress, Toyin Adegbola popularly called Toyin Tomato has clocked 55 today, 28th of December The year has been a wonderful one for the actress as she welcomed her first grandchild in the middle of the year and later had the wedding ceremony of her son. An elated actress on Wednesday took to social media to express gratitude to God Almighty for sparing her life. She captioned; Emi lo lope, Emi ma lo lope Ooo, Ewa wo oore Baba laye mii Emi ma lo lope Ooo. “The Almighty God is always faithful to me and my family, I appreciate him for all the mercies and grace I got during the last year, to him all the adorations and glory be unto… “I wish myself a greater year ahead, long life, good health, abundant grace, everlasting peace, good wealth and prosperity in this new age….. Kindly join me to celebrate my birthday once again!!!!” By Seun Agboola, Lagos

The Deputy Governor of Adamawa, Mr Martins Babale, has donated a Juma’at Mosque to Dalasum community in Toungo Local Government Area of the state. Babale said while the presenting the mosque on Wednesday that the measure was an effort to boost peaceful co-existence among the diverse communities in the state. He emphasised that the era of unnecessary conflicts and misunderstanding between followers of different religions was over and stressed the need to live together harmoniously with tolerance. “Today I am fulfilling one of my wishes to our people. I prayed that the Mosque will also serve as a centre which will unite our community,” Babale said. Alhaji Musa Gindau, the District Head of Dalasum, commended the courageous and generous effort of the deputy governor, describing him as a “peace promoter”. Gindau said that the people of Dalasum were well known in living in peace with one another irrespective of religion, tribe and clan. He urged all Nigerians to emulate the gesture. ...

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has petitioned Ibrahim Mustafa Magu, Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) requesting him to “urgently begin a thorough, transparent and effective investigation into allegation that N500 million Safe School funds for Chibok girls, commissioned by former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to rebuild the Government Girls School in Chibok, is missing and cannot be accounted for.”  The organization urged the EFCC to “invite for questioning, and name and shame anyone suspected to be involved in the alleged diversion, including the contractors allegedly handling the project.” In the petition dated 27 December 2016 and signed by SERAP senior staff attorney Timothy Adewale, the organization said: “The allegation that N500m has been lost to corruption has resulted in denying the girls access to education, and shows the failure of the former President Goodluck Jonathan government to live up to Nigeria’...

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye has stormed the popular Kirikiri Maximum Prisons for evangelism. During his visit to the prison on Wednesday was an exploratory one saw him spending time with the inmates. The source told BLACKFACE that the visit is being envisaged as the cleric was still awaiting the President’s permission to undertake the visit which is said to be an evangelical one. In a telephone chat, the source said, “The clergy has continued to demonstrate he is a relentless soul winner, apart from his visit to over 15 places in 6 different states within the space of 4 days during the annual Lets Go Fishing program tagged Great Expectations. “On the 28th of December Pastor E.A. Adeboye blessed the Kirikiri maximum prisons at the early hours with his presence, his intention again remains winning lost souls.” He added that the cleric gave a charge, where he admonished the inmates that “Whatever dream they have regardl...

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Wednesday granted amnesty to four death-row prison inmates in three South West prisons. The Director of Public Prosecutions and Secretary to the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Mr Pomade Adeniji, announced the amnesty in a statement in Osogbo. The statement said the governor’s gesture was in commemoration of the New Year celebrations. “Pursuant to the advice and recommendations of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, in exercise of his powers, has granted amnesty to the prison inmates,’’ the statement said. It said the inmates were serving their jail terms at federal prisons in Ilesha, Ibara and Abeokuta as well as the Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri in Lagos. It also listed the inmates as Kolawole Adediji and Madelon Adediji, both on the death row and now set free. The statement also said that Ekanade Muyiwa and Adewole Olusoji, who were also on the death row, had their senten...

Nigeria’s table tennis legend, Segun Toriola, has started the much awaited training camp in Nairobi urging Kenyans to invest heavily on junior programmes. Segun, the most decorated African table tennis player with seven Olympic appearances, is in Nairobi to run an end-of-year clinic to educate Kenyan coaches, national team players and top juniors. Speaking at Oshwal Sports Centre in Nairobi, Toriola said that development of the junior category was key for any nation aspiring to play table tennis at the highest level. “Discipline and attitude go hand in hand and should be Kenya’s area of focus when preparing young players for the future; but I believe the sky’s the limit.” The crack Nigerian who secured his Rio Olympics ticket in Khartoum last February sounded quite enthusiastic of the training camp adding that it will empower Kenyan with the requisite tennis experience. Since 1995 Toriola has been ranked as the best Nigerian player. He has been amongst the top table tennis player...

Some youths in the Ekiti State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has apoligised to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye over some comments credited to the Chairman of the party, Mr. Jide Awe. According to the Convener of the group, Mr Tope Ogunkuade and Secretary, Mr. Tunji Adeleye, Awe lacked the mandate of the party to make such derogatory statement against Adeboye whom they described as a revered man of God. Awe had in a statement issued recently insinuated that Adeboye may have collected bribe from Governor Ayodele Fayose to declare support for him. Faulting the locus of Awe to make the statement, the youths wrote that, “We wish to state that in saner climes, he (Jide Awe) will not even be parading himself as Chairman of any political party. “Most importantly, we cannot join anyone in rebutting the highly offensive statement made against a revered man of God like Pastor Adeboye and the entire RCCG, because when th...

Pix 0661: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right), with  Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye  Enitan Ogunwusi (2nd left); Asoju Oba of Lagos, Chief Kessington Adebutu (left) and Chairman, Island Club, Mr. Oladipo Okpeseyi (right) during the Club’s Christmas Eve Dance at the Island Club Road, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday, December 24, 2016 Pix 0830 & 0759: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), with Chairman, Island Club, Mr. Oladipo Okpeseyi (right) and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye  Enitan Ogunwusi (left) during the Club’s Christmas Eve Dance at the Island Club Road, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday, December 24, 2016.  

  Members of the National Youth Service Corps and other participants at the Town Hall Meeting organised for youths by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Abuja on Tuesday. ===========Pix 2:  From left: Ministers of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fasola; Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and the Minister Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung at the Town Hall Meeting organised for youths by the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Abuja on Tuesday. Pix 3:  From left: Ministers of Works, Power and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fasola, Finance Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed and the Minister ...

Olajide “Fijaborn’’ Fijabi, a boxer who was scheduled to fight at the just-concluded 10th Gotv Boxing Night on Boxing Day, on Tuesday expressed sadness over his inability to turn up for his fight. Fijabi was scheduled to fight Ghana’s Rapheal “Iron King’’ Kwabena in their second meet but could not make it due to an injury he sustained during his preparations. Fijabi told newsmen that he was sad he could not turn up for the fight and promised to be prepared when the fight comes up in February 2017. “I am sorry I let my fans down, but this is not because I lost the fight but because I could not turn up due to an injury I sustained which did not allow me to be ready. I look forward to our meet in February, so, I plead with my numerous fans to bear with me and continue to believe in my ability to deliver good when called upon,’’ he said. Meanwhile, Marthins  Mabutho, the General Manager, Sales for Multichoice Nigeria, the sponsors of the Gotv Boxing Night, he said, adding th...

Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has donated Christmas gifts to soldiers injured at the battlefield in Sambisa Forest. The items were distributed on her behalf by Hajiya Nana Shettima, the Chairperson of Mrs Aisha Buhari’s Committee on Distribution of Donated Items (WIPCOMDI) at Maimalari cantonment, Maiduguri. Shettima also visited other injured troops at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. According to her, the gesture is to celebrate Christmas festivities with the injured and to appreciate their efforts in restoring peace to the country. “Both religions say how good and pleasant it is when God makes us enjoy together in peace, tranquility, progress and unity. I am not here in my own capacity alone but am wearing two caps; I am here representing the wife of the president and as a wife of Borno governor,’’ she said. She commended the gallant troops in crushing the remnants and restoring peace to Borno, the north-eastern region of ...

Popular musician, Kiss Daniel missed death by whiskers when armed robbers stormed the popular Christmas Village in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, on Christmas Day. People usually pay rent to the state government to operate shops in the village for the one-month (December 1-December 31) end of year activities. During the raid that lasted for about 45 minutes, the armed robbers mobbed and robbed vendors and their customers. Kiss Daniel, was on the stage performing when the robbers struck, shooting sporadically into the sky to scare away people who began to scamper to safety. The ensuing panic resulted in several injured persons being taken to the hospital but it could not be confirmed if anyone was killed during the incidence. The incident occurred just before midnight while the artiste was performing. A shop owner who spoke to newsmen, Glory Akpan, said: “I was wounded. Some boys came into the village and tried to rob that guy, who sings “Oya talk to me o Mama” (K...

The Kano State Government has suspended a Director in the Ministry of Finance and 9 staff of the Ministry of Local Government over alleged diversion of millions of Naira meant for payment of salaries. This is contained in a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Na’iya and made available to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday. The statement further revealed that the nine local government employees were scheduled officers under the platform of REMITA. According to the report, the government has handed over four employees of the Kano State Pension Funds Trustee, including two top members of Kano Pension Union to police authorities for investigation. The four persons, whose case files had been handed over to the state Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation, were accused of connivance to siphon public funds. Furthermore, the statement expressed the state Governor‘s concern over the salary scam, warning that “any violation of due proc...

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a N6 million fine to Arik Air Limited for contravening the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs). The NCAA also ordered the airline to pay its passengers, whose baggage were delayed on the London to Lagos route between December 2 and 4 the sum of  $150 each as compensation. The authority disclosed this in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Relations, Mr Sam Adurogboye,   in Lagos on Tuesday, saying the NCAA discovered that Arik Air violated Part 19.7.2 and 19.17.2.1 (ii) of the Nig.CARs 2015. The statement said the authority was earlier inundated with complaints of delay and inability to ferry the passengers’ checked – in luggage on the airline’s services from London to Lagos from December 2 to 4. It said upon receipt of the complaints, the NCAA invited the airline to a meeting on Dec. 6 which was duly attended by the airlines’ representative. “However, Arik embarked on co...

Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola has insisted that Super Eagles’ forward, Kelechi Iheanacho still has a lot to prove. This assertion is despite scoring in the Citizens’ 3-0 away win against Hull City on Monday. Iheanacho was brought on in the second half and he doubled City’s lead after Yaya Toure had opened the scoring from the penalty spot. An own goal by Curtis Davies, secured the important win for City. It was Iheanacho’s fourth Premier League goal this season. Also, it was his 12th league goal from 19 shots on target. Reacting to Iheanacho’s goal, Guardiola however praised the youngster for his positional sense. “Kele has talent,” Guardiola told Manchester City official website. He is in the box and scoring goals but he is young and we need more. “We were looking for more control – the people arriving in the box. Kele is there always at the right time at the right moment.” By Our Correspondent

A former coach and captain of the Super Eagles, Mr. Sunday Oliseh, has secured appointment as the head coach of the Dutch second tier clubside, Fortuna Sittard. Oliseh who had previously played for Dutch giants Ajax from 1997 to 1999 had his appointment confirmed by the management of Fortuna Sittard on the club’s website On Tuesday. In the club’s website, Oliseh’s appointment is said to have been sealed in contract papers he signed that indicated that he has an 18-month contract to tutor the club, the 42 year old gaffer has an option to extend it for another season. He will take charge of training at Fortuna Sittard for the first time on 2 January. The club’s Turkish owner, Isitan Gün, said he was ‘very happy’ to announce Oliseh’s arrival. “With Sunday Oliseh we signed a young and ambitious coach with vision, one players look up to,” Gün said. “We were looking for someone who plays attractive football combining it with the will to win. We think Sunday is the right one for this ...

Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has called for detailed investigation on what happened to the N500 million said to have been released for the reconstruction of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok. The administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan had announced the release of the money after the abduction of Chibok school girls. Former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had flown to Chibok to inaugurate the N500 million rebuilding project under the Safe School Initiative programme. Two years on, the project is yet to be completed while students of the school remain at home. Shettima told residents of Chibok that the government would pressurise the Federal Government to uncover those who might have diverted the money. The governor lamented that a lot of individuals and groups have turned the misfortune of Boko Haram victims into a money making venture. He said it was important to determine how much was released to the contractor handling the pro...

By Femi Adefioye, Lagos Owing to lack of recognition and appreciation from the Federal Government, Paralympics, gold medallist, Lauretta Onye, may quit sport. In spite of winning medals and hoisting the country’s flag at different international championships, Onye has expressed her sadness, saying she is not proud to be called a Nigerian para-athlete. Onye told newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday that she was tired of representing the country that did not appreciate her determination and patriotism. “I am extremely angry with sports issues in this country; it seems that the government is not concerned about what happens to athletes. I train without the help of the government; I attend international competitions and win medals for the country because I love Nigeria. “But, I have had enough because there is nothing to show that my country loves me after what I have achieved. I am not proud of my country. When I win laurels, my name and that of Nigeria is called, the national anthem is sung...

The Calabar Monorail officially opened to the public for use on Monday following a directive from Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade. Over 100 tourists seeking fun enjoyed a free ride courtesy of the governor on the 1.2 Kilometre facility linking the Tinapa premier business and leisure resort to the Calabar International Convention Center as part of the state’s Boxing Day activities. Also, the facility is now being managed wholly by Cross Riverians following the exit of expatriates in a technology transfer. Some of the tourists who spoke to newsmen were excited at the facility, commended the state Government for the initiative and promised to return with their families to enjoy a ride in the monorail which according to Government sources is the first in Sub-Saharan Africa. “It was wow, so awesome, I am so happy I experienced it” said Munirat Babatunde, who added that; “The Air Condition system is working, everything is just fantastic, I like it and I will come back.” Chimez...

It was a double act for Nigeria’s leading singer and rapper, Olamide Adedeji on Boxing Day. First he dropped his sixth album, Glory. Then, he held his third concert, OLIC 3 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, which was a massive crowd puller that also attracted Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and his wife. The highly rated Nigerian singer and rapper broke the news about his new album to his over 1.8 million followers on Instagram.(https://www.instagram.com/baddosneh/ The 15 songs and 1 bonus single album features collabos with the likes of ‘Wande Coal,Phyno, Burna Boy, So Sick, Akuchi and YBNL’s new rapper Davolee’. Olamide came into limelight with his monster hit “Eni-Duro” in 2011 and has gone on to release other chart-topping tracks. By Seun Agboola, Lagos

The Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA) has said that it would commence audit of underground and over the ground utility infrastructures within the geographical boundaries of the State in January 2017. According to the agency, the move is aimed at ascertaining the quality and quantum of the infrastructures and guide in proper regulation and planning. Chief Executive Officer of LASIMRA, Mr. Babajide Odekunle disclosed this at a Stakeholders’ Forum with telecommunication service providers and others recently. Odekunle said the audit became imperative owing to the urgent need to determine the actual telecommunication and water cables as well as gas and water pipelines under the ground and on the ground for effective planning especially with regards to development and redevelopment of the city. He stated that the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has already given approval and necessary support for commencement of the audit, while other agenc...

By Musa Gada, Sokoto The efforts of the Federal Government to diversify Nigeria’s economy has received a major boost with the discovery of coal deposit in commercial quantity Sokoto State. The discovery boosts Sokoto’s share of solid minerals awaiting exploration by the authorities. Others earlier discovered include phosphate for making fertilizer, gold, limestone, gypsum, iron ore, copper, columbite, tantalite, zinc, kaolin among others. Speaking during a capacity building workshop on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV)s for beneficial participation of state governments in mining, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the state government has already engaged a Chinese company to make research on the available mineral resources, determine their locations and their commercial viability. He said the company has presented the first phase of its findings and identified 20 varieties of solid minerals. On coal, the government said the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), otherwise...

Former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has lauded the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara who clocked 50 on Monday. In a statement issued by his media office on Monday, the former Vice President stated that Dogara deserves to be celebrated for what he calls “his superb and remarkable leadership qualities and democratic passion.” According to the former Vice President, he has watched the Speaker’s leadership style with keen interest and discovered that he is one of Nigeria’s most skilful politicians who has demonstrated amazing leadership qualities at such vibrant young age. Atiku recalls that Dogara impressed him greatly by the way he handled the leadership crisis in the House when it was inaugurated by dousing tension and restoring sanity. The Turakin Adamawa also notes that the Speaker demonstrated what he called “maturity, calmness, patience and finesse” to rebuild confidence and sustain unity in the House. According to Atiku, Speake...

Sokoto State Governor, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of team work to consolidate nation’s unity. Tambuwal who spoke in Uyo the capital of Akwa Ibom state when he joined two other northern governors who took part in festivities to commemorate this year’s Christmas, said Nigeria’s diversity is a source of strength which should be cherished and nurtured for the benefit of the people. The two other governor’s were Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi states. The trio joined Governor Udom Emmanuel to felicitate with him over the birth of Christ and as well commiserate with him over the recent tragedy which claimed scores of lives after a church building collapsed in Uyo early this month. Speaking when he met with Governor Emmanuel, Zamfara state governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Abdul’aziz Yari described the tragedy as unfortunate. The governor explained that the decision to set up an inv...

Herdsmen have attacked three communities in Shiroro Local Government area of Niger State killing three people leaving several others critically injured on Christmas Eve. In all, over 1,000 cattle and a number of sheep were rustled away by the herdsmen after holding the communities hostage for several hours. The affected communities are Kaure, Ajatan and Kwaki, all in Shiroro local government area of the state. This attack came barely two weeks after some communities within the area, Baga, Alawa, Tunga-Sakai, Laye and Dnakau came under heavy attack from about 50 armed bandits suspected to be Fulani Herdsmen which left four people dead. The Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator David Umaru has raised alarm over the continued attack on some communities in the state by armed men suspected to be Fulani Herdsmen. He has called on the state government and security agencies to address the situation before it gets out of hand. Addres...

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has hailed the courage and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari, Army chiefs armed and other security personnel for the liberation of Sambisa Forest and adjoining abode of the insurgent sect, Boko Haram. In a press release made available to newsmen in Minna, the Niger State capital on Monday, Babangida expressed delight over the news saying it is a relief that the Boko Haram terrorists have been successfully smoked out of their notorious enclave. “May I rejoice with the government and Nigerians on the successful dislodging of Boko Haram from their base in Sambisa. It is a sign of relief, that the Military has finally smoked out Boko Haram terrorists from their notorious enclave of Sambisa Forest,” he said. Babangida then expressed optimism that with the successful takeover of the forest, the remaining Chibok girls will soon be located and reunite with their families. He stated, “President Muhammadu Buhari an...

As part of efforts to improve the conditions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the country, notable media organizations in partnership with Union Bank have publicly announced the launch of the WeCare4IDPs campaign. WeCare4IDPs is a citizenship initiative which creates a platform for all Nigerians – individuals and corporate bodies to be a part of the solution in matters concerning IDPs by raising funds to support them.   The WeCare4IDPs campaign is calling on 1 million Nigerians to donate at least N1,000 during the campaign which runs from December 16th to December 31st.  Funds raised will go directly to funding direct impact projects defined in the 2017 Nigeria Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) developed by the United Nations Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) with the support of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Planning.   It is estimated that more than 8.5 million people have been affected by the insurgency in the North East and r...

SPEECH OF H.E. PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON THE 2017 BUDGET OF RECOVERY AND GROWTH AT JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 14TH DECEMBER 2016 Protocols 1.  It is my pleasure to present the 2017 Budget Proposals to this distinguished Joint Assembly: the Budget of Recovery and Growth. 2.  We propose that the implementation of the Budget will be based on our Economic Recovery and Growth Strategy. The Plan, which builds on our 2016 Budget, provides a clear road map of policy actions and steps designed to bring the economy out of recession and to a path of steady growth and prosperity. 3.  We continue to face the most challenging economic situation in the history of our Nation. Nearly every home and nearly every business in Nigeria is affected one way or the other. 4.    Yet I remain convinced that this is also a time of great opportunity. We have reached a stage when the creativity, talents and resilience of the Nigerian people is being rewarded. Thos...