Officials say over 40 farmers have been killed by Boko Haram in Borno

About 44 rice farmers have been killed by men suspected to be Boko Haram terrorists.

According to our source the farmers met their untimely death while harvesting their crops in Zabarmari, a Borno community known for rice farming.

Sources quoted that the farmers were rounded up and summarily slaughtered by the armed insurgents.

Governor Zulum has been vocal about the vulnerability of Borno citizens in recent times. Photo credit: @BornoGovt

Hassan Zabarmari, a former chairman of a rice farmers association in Borno state, confirmed the incident via phone.

“The farmers were attacked at the Garin-Kwashebe rice field, and according to reports reaching us since afternoon, about 40 of them were killed.His words:

“But we have been receiving conflicting information on the casualty figures – some said it was up to 50 farmers that were slaughtered.”

Another news site, Human Angle, confirms that the farmers were actually beheaded by the terrorists.

Nigerians have been reacting to the horrific details of the mass murder by the terrorist group via social media.

It will be recalled that the 2020 Global Terrorism Index (GTI) report revealed that total deaths from terrorism in Nigeria fell to 1,245 in 2019, a 39 percent decline, making it the lowest in the country since 2011.

The GTI report, which was released on Wednesday, November 25 attributed the decline in terrorism deaths and incidents in the country to:

“A significant reduction in violence attributed to Fulani extremists.”

This year’s report, however, ranked Nigeria, for the sixth consecutive time, since 2015, as the third country with the worst impact from terrorism, globally.

Alhaji Abubakar, who is the leader of Nigerian Muslims by virtue of his position as the president-general of the Jamaatu Nasril Islam, made the comment on Thursday, November 26 at the 4th quarter 2020 meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council in Abuja.

In a related development, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar lll, has condemned the incessant abductions and killings by bandits in northern Nigeria.

2021 budget: Northeast has been short-changed, governors cry out

 

The Northeast Governors Forum (NGF) has expressed disappointment over fact that the provision of N45.32 billion out of the proposed N13.02 trillion in the 2021 budget is for capital projects in the region.

The governors who made their grievances known in a communique issued at the end of its meeting on Friday, November 27, called for the execution of more capital projects next year to ensure the rapid development of the region.

While making the appeal in Yola, the forum demanded that the National Assembly need to review the 2021 federal government budget in the spirit of equity and inclusion.In the communique, the governors explained that N45.32 billion represents 0.35% of the proposed budget which means the northeast is highly short-changed.

Northeast governors forum. Photo credit: @GovKaduna

In the provision of roads infrastructure by the federal ministry of works and housing, the forum added that the region has been unfairly treated

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, October 8, presented the proposed 2021 budget of N13 trillion to the senators and members of the House of Representatives at the National Assembly (NASS) chamber in Abuja.

According to the president, the budget has been themed the budget of economic recovery and resilience.

There was joy among lawmakers when President Buhari announced that the sum of 128 billion has been allocated to the NASS in the budget.

Mainagate: Senator Ndume finally regains freedom after four days in Kuje prison

 

The senator representing Borno South at the Senate, Ali Ndume, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

Ndume has been detained in prison since Monday, November 23, over his suretyship for the former chairman of the defunct pension reformed task team, Abdulrasheed Maina, who is believed to have jumped bail.

Delivering his ruling on Friday, November 27, Justice Okon Abang said he chose to grant the senator bail based on his record of good behaviour before the court, despite that the other grounds of his bail application failed.

He ordered the lawmaker to produce one surety who must be a resident of Abuja and present evidence of ownership of property anywhere in Abuja.

Senator Ali Ndume. Photo: Premium Times.

Justice Abang added that the surety must also depose to an affidavit of means to indicate his readiness to forfeit the bail guaranty should the senator jump bail.

He also ordered Ndume to file an undertaking that he would compile records of appeal and transmit it to the Court of Appeal within 10 days, in a way the court wants him to demonstrate his readiness to prosecute his appeal.

Take handcraft seriously, desist from crime, frivolous activities - NCAC

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), on Tuesday advised Nigerian youths to embrace handcraft to enable them to remain creative and productive rather than engage in frivolous activities and social vices.

Otunba Segun Runsewe, Director-General of NCAC, gave the advice during the opening of the 2020 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) free skill acquisition programme and quiz competition held at Landsfileld, Jos, Plateau state.

The theme of the festival is “COVID-19 and Cultural Dynamism” with over 21 states participating in the festival.

Over 280 youths are currently benefiting from the skill acquisition programme which comprised of soap making, tailoring, make-up, cosmetology, disinfectant, Air freshener making and more

Runsewe said that the youths could also play huge roles in solving the nation’s unemployment problems by embracing vocational trainings and thereafter being employers of labour.

He noted that the creative industry is such that has not been fully tapped, urging Nigerian youths to embrace the industry and aspire to be employers of labour.

”Not everyone will get white collar jobs, lots of Nigerians have made themselves millionaires through practising make up, tailoring and other forms of vocation.

”I encourage you all to emulate the successful ones and do not engage in frivolous activities but in fruitful ventures.

”Take advantage of the fact that Nigerians are fashion crazy and can make businesses in the creative industry thrive,” he added.

Runsewe also discouraged women from embracing prostitution as it was an act that grievously erodes the nation’s rich culture.

He said that all beneficiaries of the free skills acquisition will get their certificates upon completion of their courses today Friday Nov. 27.

During the quiz competition, Runsewe urged the students to get themselves acquainted with the nation’s culture which is the whole essence of the competition.

He noted that one of the problems confronting the nation is that of the gradual loss of nation’s cultural values.

He said the competition was meant to ensure cultural integration in the children as well as catching the children young by instilling cultural knowledge in them.

”We have put this competition together to allow for individuals understand other people’s culture properly to be able to respect such cultures.

”This is not only a competition but an interaction strategically planned to know each other better,” he said.

Runsewe explained that the quiz competition questions were picked from history, indigenous cuisines, arts and culture of Nigerians to keep the children abreast of their root and culture.

The states that took part in the competition include Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Delta, Bayelsa, Kwara states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Firm hosts conference on Nigeria’s non-oil sector in New York

 

 

A two-day conference aimed at repositioning Nigeria for increased global and regional trade engagements under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) opens today Friday.

Tagged Nigeria Investment Conference, the theme of the virtual event is “Nigeria Beyond Oil: Growing Regional and Global Trade Under the #AfCFTA.”

It is being organised by Nazaru LLC, a U.S.-based trade and investment facilitation company, with support from the Nigerian consulate in New York.

Mr Nicholas Ella, the Consul (Trade and Investment) at the consulate, said the conference was an opportunity for participants to discuss strategies for Nigeria’s engagement in the AfCFTA.

Among other objectives, the forum seeks to showcase Nigeria’s abundant trade and investment opportunities in the non-oil sectors ahead of the planned take-off of the AfCFTA in Jan. 2021.

According to the organisers, the conference will serve as a platform for a robust “public-private sector engagement between foreign investors and the Nigerian business community.”

It will also serve as a forum for Nigerian policy makers, trade experts, business executives, Diaspora leaders and innovators to network and forge partnerships.

Speakers include: Mr Kola Awe, Chairman, Export Group of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission.

Others are Mr Anthony Oneya, Special Assistant to the Kano State Governor on Lagos Affairs, and Mr Arnold Jackson, Regional Coordinator, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

Ms Toyin Umesiri, the Chief Organiser and Founder of Nazaru, listed the areas of focus to include transportation and logistics supply chain, AfCFTA, agricultural value chain development, manufacturing and industrialisation.

“We believe the AfCFTA is the single most important trade initiative that will drive trade and investment across Africa over the next decade and beyond,” Umesiri said.

“The conversations we are bringing are not just another event.

“We are igniting a fresh dialogue to educate diaspora, investors and Nigerians on how and where to grow trade under the AfCFTA within Africa’s Africa’s largest economy.

“Transformation and growth begins at the grassroots level, and the state and the local governments are the engine of economic development.

“I am excited to host such leaders advancing trade and investments in Nigerian’s non-oil sector,” she said.

Senate passes bill to make health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians

 

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe, says the senate has passed a bill that will make health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians.

Oloriegbe disclosed this at the inauguration of Group Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP) on  in Abuja.

“We have passed it in the Senate. Two Committees on health from Senate and the House of Representatives worked on the bill, so the bill is before the House of Representatives just for concurrence.

“Also, the National Assembly has passed the National Health Insurance Authority Act. It will not be National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) again, it will be National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). A scheme in NHI(S) means only one scheme. That is what has been happening.

“The NHIA will be authority that will cover all schemes and everything will be brought together. The most important aspect of it is to make health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians,’’ he said.

The chairman said the e-NHIS framework had been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and would soon be deployed.

He explained that the National Assembly had been supporting NHIS by appropriating the needed funds for its implementation.

“Without funds for it, it cannot work, when we considered the NHIS 2020 budget, we fully made provision for achievement of the e-NHIS; N1.5 billion was provided for that,’’ he said.

In addition, Oloriegbe said the senate had been working with the Federal Ministry of Health to improve health coverage by giving the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) effective implementation.

“We have reviewed the manual for BHCPF in collaboration with stakeholders to make the fund more beneficial to Nigerians.

“Also, the inauguration of GIFSHIP is important to us. What we are doing today is very critical to the attainment of the objectives of GIFSHIP because we represent people.

“What we will be doing as representatives of health sector in the national assembly is to advocate and ensure that all our colleagues register their constituencies, support and pay for their constituencies.

“We will start, all of us in leadership of five health committees in the national assembly will register our constituencies,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr Niyi Oginni, the Chairman, Forum of CEOs, State Health Insurance Agencies in Nigeria, said the states had been restructured to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“For many years, Nigeria has struggled to achieve UHC and this necessitated the establishment of state health insurance agencies.

“The agencies have a comprehensive health insurance package including GIFSHIP,’’ he said.

Oginni said one of the challenges of the scheme was the electronic aspect of it, seeking for collaboration with NHIS to upgrade its operations electronically.

He, however, expressed worry over the news of a state that had announced to cut the salary of its workers by 50 per cent, saying “it will affect contributions to the health scheme.’’

Also speaking, Dr Adeyeye Arigbabuwo, President, Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) expressed readiness to partner with NHIS to achieve the objectives of the GIFSHIP.

Arigbabuwo, commended the NHIS for introducing landmark programmes, especially health insurance under one roof.

“We will continue to do our best to provide services for Nigerians to access health facilities,’’ he said.

Similarly, Dr Leke Osunniyi, Chairman of Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN) commended NHIS on the inauguration of GIFSHIP, saying “we are happy that our suggestions were captured in the programme.

“We are optimistic that the programme will contribute to the growth of health insurance in the country,” he said.

Newsmen report that highlight of the event was the formal inauguration of GIFSHIP and symbolic registration by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire.

National sports festival shifts to January

 

 

The National Sports Festival (NSF) earlier slated for Benin from Dec. 3 to Dec.13, has been rescheduled to hold at the same venue from Jan.3 to Jan.17, 2021, an official has said.

The festival tagged Edo 2020, was initially slated for March, but had to be postponed to December due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr John Joshua-Akanji, Special Adviser on Media to Minister of Youth and Development, told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja that the decision was taken after a stakeholders’ meeting.

“The decision was arrived at after a virtual meeting between the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare,” he said.

Joshua-Akanji, however, said that it was also agreed at the meeting that all COVID-19 protocols would be observed during the festival.

The minister had earlier maintained that the festival was not postponed indefinitely.

“The NSF has not been postponed indefinitely. We are just trying to decide a date that would be convenient for athletes and for the conditions put in place to be met,” he said.

The minister was with opinion that he would make a final push to get the final and definite date for the festival, while some states, including the FCT have been in closed camping in preparation for the festival.

New sports policy key to transforming Nigerian sports - Minister

 

 

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, says the country’s new Sports Industry Policy will serve as catalyst for transforming sports into a big business sector when operational.

The minister said this in Abuja at a seminar organised by the Federal Capital Territory chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Dare, who decried the lack of funds to properly run the over 36 sports federations and facilities in the country, stressed the need for private sector involvement.

“We cannot continue to rely on budgetary allocation to run sports in the country, the private sector must come in.

“The new Sports Industry Policy seeks to create the enabling environment for sports to thrive and for the private sector to come in,” he said.

The minister noted that the policy when approved would address the four key areas of Infrastructure, Investment, Incentives and Policy to transform Nigerian sports.

The new Sports Industry Policy according to the minister is  due to be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for final approval.

Dare opined that the ministry was already partnering with the private sector to rehabilitate major stadia in the country among other projects.

Adding that modern sports had gone scientific and Nigeria must also plug in, especially in the area of data, statistics and modern equipment to compete globally.

The minister said he would continually work with stakeholders, especially the media, to transform Nigerian sports in line with international best practices.

source: NAN.

Nigerian cleric warns people using 3 cars when their pastors are trekking

 

A Nigerian pastor identified as Goodheart Val Aloysius has caused quite a stir on social media after saying people using three cars when their pastors are trekking are in trouble.

The cleric made the controversial statement on his Facebook page.

He wrote:

"Oga you have 3 cars and your pastor is trekking without a car and you are very comfortable. Don't worry, your days are numbered."

Pastor Goodheart Val Aloysius 

See the post as shared by him on Facebook:

Nigerians took to the comment section of the post to share their thought about the warning. Many were of the opinion that the cleric was only trying to swindle his church members and they advised him to find a legitimate job.

Earlier. Pastor Aloysius began the sale of a special oil he claimed was able to prevent the deadly coronavirus.

Aloysius, who called it the COVID-19 Prevention Oil took to his Facebook page to kick off the sale, saying it costs $100 (N38k).

He urged his followers to get the oil and gain spiritual immunity to the deadly disease that is giving the world a sleepless night.

Listen to the people or put Nigeria on fire, Wike tells Buhari

Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari has been advised by the governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike, to listen to the demands of Nigerians following renewed calls for restructuring the country.

The governor made the disclosure while speaking as a guest on Channels Television breakfast show, Sunrise Daily on Thursday, November 26.

Wike's comment is coming two days after the federal government met with elders and leaders of the south-south region who demanded that Nigeria should be restructured to reflect true federalism.

Speaking further the governor warned that Buhari risks setting Nigeria on fire if he refuses to listen to the restructuring request of the people.

 Photo credit: @NigeriaGov @GovWike

He explained that political leadership is very key in this country, adding that having the will to implement the people's demands is very serious.

Wike said:

“I don’t want to talk about the issue of distrust or no trust in government. People have raised such issues, that they don’t think that nothing will come out of all this dialogue. I don’t agree with that. I believe that if the president does not do, given the opportunities he has now, then, he will be putting Nigeria on fire.”

Police reacts as unknown gunmen kidnap three commuters in Abuja

 

Unknown gunmen suspected to be bandits have kidnapped three people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the FCT Police Command on Thursday, November 26.

The statement, however, revealed that police operatives thwarted the attempted abduction of 19 persons, but three people were unfortunate to have been taken away by the gunmen.

According to the statement, the incident occurred at the popular Pei-leilei road along Kwali axis in the Nigerian capital.

The force informed Nigerians that efforts are underway to rescue the three victims in the custody of the gunmen.

Some highways in the Nigerian capital are now been targeted by bandits. Photo credit: @AbujaGSC

Part of the statement read:

“The command reassures members of the public of its unflinching commitment to deploy proactive crime-fighting measures to ensure the security of lives and property in FCT ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebration.”

As usual, Nigerians are expressing their concerns over the spate of kidnappings via social media.

Similarly, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers recently abducted a reverend father, Matthew Dajo, of the St Anthony Catholic Church, in Yangoji village, Kwali area council in the FCT.

The gunmen scaled through the fence of the victim’s house while others positioned themselves outside, before entering the reverend father’s bedroom and whisked him away.

Recall that at least 15 people were killed on Sunday, November 15 and many others abducted when kidnappers blocked the Kaduna-Abuja expressway around 5 pm.

It was gathered that nearly 20 vehicles were forced to stop at the bushy and sloppy location when the gunmen laid siege.The incident happened around Gidan Busa, a village not far away from Rijana, which is 133 kilometres from Abuja.

Disney increases planned layoffs to by 4,000 as virus hits theme parks

 

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to have a terrible effect on the global economy, The Walt Disney Co, a popular US-based mass media company, has said it could be forced to sack total 32,000 of its workers by 2021.

The company spoke on the possibility of laying-off more workers from its theme pack located in Southern California from 28,000 which was earlier announced in September to 32,000

Walt Disney Co.Credit: @JunkieDisnesy

Althought decision is still tentative, Disney said the continued crackdown on parks in the US due to the COVID-19 infection has plunged it into a huge financial loss, Reuters reports.

Earlier this year when the pandemic started to have a bad effect on the economy, Disney announced it would be furloughing its workers pending the time the parks would be fully reopened by the authorities with no restriction of social distancing.

Meanwhile, Disney theme parks in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo are all opened as China is getting a soft landing into the post-COVID-19 era.

60,852,917 cases of coronavirus cases have been officially recorded in the world with 1,429,634 and 42,171,732 recoveries, according to Worldometers data.

The United States sits comfortably atop the log in the long list of over 200 countries and territories affected by the virus with 13,139,882 cases, 268,262 deaths and 7,808,059 recoveries.

Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation has added another $70 million (N26.6 billion) funding for the production and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine.

The donation was made on Thursday, November 12, by the foundation which said it is hoping more donors will follow suit.

Gates Foundation, in a statement by its co-chair Melinda Gates, said $50 million (N19 billion) will go to the COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC) led by the GAVI vaccine alliance.

It also explained that $20 million (N7 billion) will be given to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for the COVID-19 candidates, adding that the world must get equal access to treatment.

Yakubu Gowon replies British lawmaker who accused him of looting 'half of CBN'

 

Nigeria's former military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has reacted to the allegation that he stole half of the country's central bank when he moved to the United Kingdom on exile after his overthrow in July 1975.

Tom Tugendhat, a member of the British parliament, made the allegation on Monday, November 23, when British lawmakers debated a petition calling for sanctions against Nigeran government officials allegedly involved in human rights abuses amid the #EndSARS protests.

Gowon, in his reaction, however, described the British lawmaker's allegation as "rubbish", according to a report by BBC News Pidgin. Photo credit: Stephen Kelly

The former head of state said he served Nigeria diligently and the record is there for everyone to see.

He added that he did not know who sponsored the lawmaker to make such allegation against him.

The former Nigerian leader added that he would not want to speak further on the issue as those who know him well understand that the allegation is not true.

Gowon ruled Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. He was overthrown while away at Kampala, Uganda attending a summit of the Organisation of African Unity.

It was from there he moved to England to become a student at Warwick University where he studied Political science and International relations.

Diego Maradona's coffin arrives at Argentina president's mansion for interment

 

Hundreds of people gathered at the Argentinian presidential mansion to see the coffin of football legend Diego Maradona who died on Wednesday, November 25, after heart attack.

The whole world are still mourning the demise of Diego Maradona just because of his superb and incredible performances on the pitch during his lifetime.

Maradona's coffin was brought out of an ambulance and brought into the palace where it will lie in state in a three-day spectacle of national mourning in Argentina.

The former Barcelona and Napoli star helped his country to win the World Cup in 1986 when he scored a controversial goal which condemned England to a defeat in the final.

Argentina president reveals 1 way they will honour legendary Maradona after his death at 60

According to the report on Daily Mail, fans also gathered outside the Buenos Aires stadium which is where Diego Maradona actually started his football career.

The report added that Maradona's nephew Johnny Esposito was the last person to see him alive, before doctors with an appointment went to his estate and found him dead.

Maradona started his playing career at Argentinos Juniors where he played 167 games scoring 116 goals before he moved to Boca Juniors playing 40 games and netted 28 goals.

He won two Serie A titles and also the UEFA Cup at Napoli where he played 188 games netting 81 goals.

Diego Maradona. Photo by Jeff Mitchell

Diego Maradona last made his last international appearance for Argentina during their second group game against Nigeria at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

He was 33 years of age at that time as he was obviously star of the match, but the South American team had to battle for victory after Samson Siasia had put the Super Eagles ahead as early as the 8th minute.

Argentina leveled-up through Claudio Caniggia in the 21st minute after goalkeeper Peter Rufai spilled a free kick to his path as the striker followed-up with a rebound to make it 1-1.

And barely seven minutes later, Maradona then broke the hearts of Nigerians when he cheekily caught the Nigerian defense unaware when he passed to Caniggia on the left flank before striker ‘wired’ the ball into the far post leaving Rufai hapless in goal.

La Albiceleste won the tie 2-1, but that didn’t stop Nigeria from winning the group which also had Bulgaria and Greece. Argentina qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

Insecurity: President Buhari says instability in Libya affecting Nigeria

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria and other African countries in the Sahel region are affected by the instability in Libya following the fall of the Gaddafi regime.

The president made the statement on Tuesday, November 24, at state house, Abuja when a special envoy from Chad paid him a visit, according to his media aide, Femi Adesina.

President Buhari receives Amine Abba Sidick, the special envoy from Chad. Photo: Femi Adesina

He said after Ghadafi was killed, gunmen loyal to him escaped with their arms, and now trying to destabilise the peace in other African countries, including Nigeria.

“We are aware of the problem Chad has with Libya, which supports some Chadian rebels, trying to destabilize the country. The instability in Libya after 42 years of Muammar Gaddafi affects all of us in the Sahel region.Buhari said:

From Mauritania to Central Africa Republic, Gaddafi recruited gunmen, who learnt to do nothing else than to kill."

The president commended Chad for supporting Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents.

He said Nigeria would in turn support Chad in its local and international aspirations.

Meanwhile, the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has failed to adequately secure northern Nigeria.

According to Guardian, the forum in a statement, on Monday, November 23, accused the administration of lacking care for the people of the north.

In another report, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a reverend father, Matthew Dajo, of the St Anthony Catholic Church, in Yangoji village, Kwali area council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.A spokesperson for the NEF, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, faulted the Buhari government for the slow pace of the work on the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Highway.

According to Daily Trust, a resident of the area, who simply identified himself as Saleh said the incident happened on Sunday, November 22 around 9:47:pm.

He said the gunmen scaled through the fence of the victim’s house while others positioned themselves outside, before entering the reverend father’s bedroom whisking him away.

Ife Palace Says Photos Of Alleged New Born Son Of Ooni Are Fake

 

Some photographs that were recently shared on social media in the wake of the announcement that Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, welcomed a new prince, are actually fake.

This position was made known on Tuesday, November 24, by the director of media and public affairs to the monarch, Moses Olafare.

A statement from Olafare, which was obtained by Legit.ng, said the two photographs were not those of the prince, giving the indication that the new born's identity is still being kept safe.

The statement said:

“Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who has the sole right to make the face of the baby public, is yet to do so, as essential traditional rites to formally welcome the Prince in accordance to our culture and traditions are still ongoing."

According to him, the Ooni was using the statement to tell the public that "the pictures are not that of his son."

“We urge Journalists and bloggers to always verify sources of news materials and pictures before publishing or posting to avoid ‘Invasion of Privacy’ which is an actionable offence punishable by law.""He wants the public to ignore the social media circulation of the pictures capable of threatening the privacy of the babies in those pictures and their parents.

The statement said the new prince and his mother are doing perfectly well while the monarch was still receiving congratulatory messages and well-wishers.

EndSARS: UK lawmakers consider petition, says FG's conduct undemocratic

 

Members of the UK parliament on Monday, November 23, held a debate on the petition to the United Kingdom government seeking a sanction on some Nigerian government officials by the EndSARS protesters over gross human right abuse.

During a sitting at the Westminster Hall, the lawmakers took turns to slam the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government for the poor handling of the protest.

The debate for the petition tagged ‘e-petition 554150' was led by Theresa Villiers, a member of the British Conservative Party.

While describing the "Nigerian government's violence against its own citizens" as intensifying, Kate Osamor, a member who is representing Edmonton, said the corruption and police brutality still continue.Parliamentarians who spoke raised eyebrows against the defence of the federal government that there was no shooting at the Lekki toll gate.

Osamor also described as "undemocratic conduct" the claim by the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, that the killing and shooting at Lekki, as contained in a CNN report, is fake news.

UK parliament tells FG to stop freezing bank accounts of key protesters. Credit: Nigerian Tribune.

The member said:

"The Nigerian government needs to stop freezing bank accounts of key protesters; it needs to stop illegal detentions of key protesters.

“We are aware that some protesters have reported facing intimidation and the British High Commissioner in Abuja continues to raise our concerns about intimidation of civil society groups and peaceful protesters with the Nigerian government."

The UK parliament said it would continue to communicate with the governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and a top member of the Nigerian presidency.

The parliament concluded that "future sanctions could reduce the impact of the designations."

Meanwhile, Alh.Lai Mohammed wrote CNN on behalf of the Buhari's administration over the media outlets report on Lekki Tollgate.

The minister of information and culture in the letter dated November 23 demanded an investigation into the report.

The minister also lambasted the international media organisation, saying the report falls short of journalistic standards.

Gombe speaker, majority leader impeached by lawmakers

 

Abubakar Ibrahim Kurba, the speaker of Gombe house of assembly, has been impeached by the state lawmakers in an event that has thrown the parliament into confusion.

According to Daily Sun, Kurba was given a marching order during a sitting on Tuesday, November 24, following a motion by Shuaibu Adamu, a former deputy speaker who was impeached earlier this year.

In the same vein, the majority leader and chief whip of the state assembly were also sacked by the Gombe lawmakers.

Our source however gathers that 16 out of the 24 members of the assembly led by the former deputy speaker Adamu signed the letter to that effect.

Gombe state speaker, chief whip and majority leader have been impeached. Credit: Vanguard

Meanwhile, Abubakar Muhammad Luggerewo has been announced as the new speaker of the house while Yarima Gaule from Kaltungo East was announced as the new majority leader following the successful removal of Samuel Markus Markwina.

The new speaker is a member representing Akko central constituency and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

One of the offences of the impeached speaker is that he was always found guilty of "going against the rules and guidelines of the house."

Speaking to the newsmen, a lawmaker, Musa Buba representing Balanga North said:

“Our former speaker has been constantly going against the rules and guidelines of the House, so a vote of no confidence was passed and the House resolved that impeaching was the best."

Teenager who got A1 in all subjects in WAEC dies as Dancer Kaffy bags Doctorate Degree

 

Chisom Chukwuneke, a 17-year-old student who scored 7 A1 in the 2019 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, is dead.

The teenager, who was the best graduating student in her school, won many awards after achieving such feat. soq2

Sadly, her life has been cut-short despite having many dreams she wished to achieve.

The disclosure was made by a Facebook user identified as Stephen Joel II.

"This is sad. Girl who had the best 2019 waec result dies.Stephen wrote:

"The Parents of Chisom Chukwuneke, the best student from her school with 7 A1 in WAEC exams last year are deep in mourning.

"The parents lost their daughter who scored 7 A1 in her WEAC Examination last year. The young girl whose name is Chisom Chukwuneke, was the best graduating student in her school last year. She won many awards in her school, and now death has caught short the life of this Young girl.

"According to her father, she suffered a leg pain which later developed into something worse. May her soul rest in peace.

 

In a related story. Nigerian dancer Kafayat Shafau-Ameh popularly called Kaffy has been conferred with an honorary doctorate degree by Escae Benin University

The honorary degree was awarded to the dancer in recognition of her role as the pioneer in the business of dance in Africa.

Kaffy shared photos from the event on her official Instagram pages as congratulatory messages poured in from her fans and colleagues.

Dancer Kaffy was conferred with an honorary degree. Photo: Instagram/@kaffydance

According to the mother of two, the award is not just for her but for the dance industry.

Kaffy dedicated the award to dancers and every other person who can dare to dream.

Speaking on one of the moments she was being conferred with the award, Kaffy said,

"As a child, I looked through the Guinness book of world records and 18 years later I broke a Guinness world record. As a teenager, I pictured my face on billboards and on tv and I saw it happen, I lived it.

"I watch movies and motivational speeches done in the honorary gown of a doctorate honor and here I am honored with the least likely career choice. I have heard so many doubts that through dance I can amount to nothing not to talk of being celebrated or honored on this level In fact on many levels.

"I am here surrounded by Academics honoring me not for a certificate but for the application of every ounce of knowledge I have acquired in life both in school and on the street."

Zuwaira Hassan: Ex Bauchi health commissioner dies in car accident

 

Hajia Zuwaira Hassan, a former commissioner for health in Bauchi state, has died in a ghastly motor accident.

Hassan died on Monday morning, November 23, at Zaranda village, about 36 kilometres away from Bauchi metropolis.

She was the departmental head of community medicine, college of medicine at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi state.

A close relative confirmed the death of the former commissioner who died at the age of 46 leaving behind three kids and a husband.

Zuwaira Hassan is dead following a fatal motor accident on Monday morning. Credit: NAN

The relative said:

“Yes, it is true, she died this morning in an accident at Zaranda village on her way to Bauchi from Jos, Plateau State.

The news of the former commissioner's death has been described as shocking and devastating, with relatives and close friends saying she will be missed.“They were three driving in the vehicle when the incident happened. It is a really sad and tragic incident that you will just wake up with someone and the next moment, that same person is gone, it is really sad."

Zuwaira's remains will be buried according to Islamic rites at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital central mosque.

After that, she will be lowered at the Muslim burial ground along Gombe Road.

In other related news, President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the killing of Philip Shekwo, the Nasarawa state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The president in a statement on Sunday, November 22, condemned the murder of the politician. He said it is a must for the nation’s security system to do more to end the incidents of violence in the country.

Buhari said the decision of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to send reinforcement of men and materials to the state was welcomed

ASUU strike: I have three children in public universities – Ngige

 

Chris Ngige, the minister of labour and employment has revealed that he has three children in public schools even though they have dual citizenship.

Ngige who made this known while speaking during an interview on Arise TV, noted that unlike ASUU members that have most of their children in private universities, his kids are in public higher institutions.

The minister stated this in reaction to comments that government officials have been dragging the ongoing negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) because their children school abroad.

While describing the comments as untrue, Ngige restated the federal government's commitment to end the eight-month strike embarked on by the educational body.

Ngige said:

“I have three biological children in public schools. They are in public schools; they are not in private universities. Unlike ASUU members who have most of their children in private universities, three of mine are here. So, I am a very big stakeholder in the public tertiary school system.”

“So, ASUU cannot accuse me of not being nationalistic enough. Anything that will help the university system here, I am in the forefront.”“So, when ASUU says politicians don’t care because they have taken their children abroad, Chris Ngige cares because my children are not abroad even though they have dual nationality – two of them have American citizenship; they can be in America but I choose them to be here with me.

FIFA bans CAF President Ahmad Ahmad over financial misconduct

 

The World's football governing body FIFA has placed a five-year-ban on CAF president Ahmad Ahmad over what it described as financial misconduct.

In a statement released on Monday, November 23, FIFA stated that the body's adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee found the Malagasy guilty of breaching of Article 15 (Duty of loyalty), Article 20 (Offering and accepting gifts or other benefits),

Ahmad also breached Article. 25 (Abuse of position) of the 2020 edition of the FIFA Code of Ethics, as well as Article 28 (Misappropriation of funds) of the 2018 edition according to the body.

The statement reads in part:

"The investigation into Mr Ahmad’s conduct in his position as CAF President during the period from 2017 to 2019 concerned various CAF-related governance issues, including the organisation and financing of an Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca, his involvement in CAF’s dealings with the sports equipment company Tactical Steel and other activities.

"In its decision, following an extensive hearing, the adjudicatory chamber ruled that, based on information gathered by the investigatory chamber, Mr Ahmad had breached his duty of loyalty, offered gifts and other benefits, mismanaged funds and abused his position as the CAF President, pursuant to the FIFA Code of Ethics."

Recall that Ahmad Ahmed CAF president was earlier arrested in June, 2019 financial and tax allegations.

The 60-year-old was taken into custody by the authorities at his Berri Hotel room in Paris where he is currently attending FIFA congress.

The former Madagascan football chief was made to appear in front of the Central Office in the fight against corruption and financial and fiscal offences (OCLIF).

And the latest from FIFA means he will not have anything to do with football for the next five years.His arrest was linked with the contract single-handedly broken by CAF with German sportswear giants Puma to engage with the company Technical Steel, based in La Seyne-sur-Mer.

Meanwhile. Transview magazine earlier reported that Nigerian coach and former player Samson Siasia was handed a lifetime ban by the world’s football governing body FIFA for allegedly breaching article 11 of the organization's Code of Ethics.

The body claims that the former Nigerian coach was found "guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches in violation of the Fifa Code of Ethics."

Siasia, 53, maintains his innocence from the allegation and has filed an appeal with the football body and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the ruling.

Governor Diri: I’ll support Sampou Anglican Church project

 

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa, has promised to support the expansion of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in his community, Sampou, in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of the state, to demonstrate his resolve to give back to his community.

Diri stated this on Sunday Nov 22. at the church’s 2020 Annual Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service, with the theme: “Build My House That I May Take Pleasure.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as promising that the church’s expansion project will be achieved within a record time.

Acknowledging the supremacy of God in the affairs of men, the governor stressed that power flows only from God who bestows it on whoever He pleases.

According to him, he has passed through many trials with God guiding him to becoming the number one citizen of the state.

Diri who paid tribute to his father for the strong Christian foundation he laid for his children in the Anglican Communion, said having hailed from a humble background and a minority local government area in the state, “It was clearly the handiwork of God for me to attain this current position and other offices I have occupied.

“A lot has happened in my life with God guiding me to where I am today and I know that this is not the end.

“I once again want to remind my brothers on the other side that it is God that gives power. Despite all the challenges, here we are standing strong like a rock.”

In his speech, the Chairman of the harvest programme and Managing Director, Bayelsa Electricity Company, Engr Olice Kemenanabo, noted that judging from his life’s experiences over the years, there is every reason to appreciate God always.

In a sermon, the guest preacher and the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Izon, Funkuro Amgbare, underscored the need for people to put God first in all their dealings.

He said man as mere mortal has limitations but with Jesus Christ, there is nothing one cannot achieve.

Present at the service were the wife of the governor, Mrs Gloria Diri, Rep. Fred Agbedi of Federal House of Representative, member of the Bayelsa House of Assembly, Rep. Tonye Isenah.

Others are the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Surveyor Moses Teibowei, his Environment counterpart, Iselema Gbaranbiri, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gideon Ekeuwei, as well as a former member of House of Representatives, Gabriel Onyenwife, among other dignitaries.