President Buhari swears in Ministers

Earlier today, President Muhammadu Buhari swore in 43 ministers..

Below are their names and portfolios:

1) Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah – Abia, Mines and Steel Development, State

2) Muhammed Musa Bello – Adamawa, FCT

3) Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio – Akwa Ibom, Niger Delta

4) Chris Ngige – Anambra, Labour & Employment

5) Sharon Ikeazor – Anambra, Environment, State

6) Adamu Adamu – Bauchi, Education

7) Amb Maryam Katagum – Bauchi, Industry, Trade and Investment, State

8) Timipre Silva – Bayelsa, Petroleum, State

9) Sen. George Akume – Benue, Special Duties

10) Mustapha Baba Shehuri – Borno, Agriculture, State

11) Godwin Jedi-Agba – Cross River, Power, State

12) Festus Keyamo – Delta, Niger Delta, State

13) Ogbonnaya Onu - Ebonyi, Science and Technology

14) Dr. Osagie Ehanire – Edo, Health

15) Clement Ikanade Agba – Edo, Budget and National Planning, State

16) Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo – Ekiti, Industry, Trade and Investment

17) Geoffrey Onyeama – Enugu, Foreign Affairs

18)Dr. Ali Isa Pantami – Gombe, Communication

19) Emeka Nwajuba - Imo, Education, State

20) Suleiman Adamu – Jigawa, Water Resources

21) Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed – Kaduna, Finance, Budget and National Planning

22) Dr. Mohammad Mahmoud – Kaduna, Environment

23) Mohammed Sabo Nanono – Kano, Agriculture

24) Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi (rtd) - Kano, Defence

25) Hadi Sirika – Katsina, Aviation

26) Abubakar Malami – Kebbi, HAGF and Minister of Justice

27) Ramatu Tijani Aliyu – Kogi, FCT, State

28) Lai Mohammed – Kwara, Information and Culture

29) Gbemisola Saraki – Kwara, Transportation, State

30) Babatunde Raji Fashola – Lagos, Works and Housing

31) Adeleke Mamora – Lagos, Health, State

32) Mohammed A. Abdullahi – Nasarawa, Science & Tech, State

33) Amb. Zubairu Dada – Niger, Foreign Affairs, State

34) Olamilekan Adegbite – Ogun, Mines & Steel Devpt

35) Sen. Omotayo Alasuadura - Ondo, Labour, State

36) Rauf Aregbesola – Osun, Interior

37) Sunday Dare – Oyo, Youth and Sports

38) Dame Pauline Tallen – Plateau, Women Affairs

39) Rotimi Amaechi – Rivers, Transportation

40) Mohammed Maigari Dangyadi – Sokoto, Police Affairs

41) Engr. Sale Mamman – Taraba, Power

42) Abubakar D. Aliyu – Yobe, Works and Housing, State

43) Sadiya Umar Faruk – Zamfara, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development

Lagos State Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu swears in his Commissioners and Special Advisers

Earlier today, August 20th 2019, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide SanwoOlu swears in his Commissioners and Special Advisers.

Below are their names and portfolios:

Mr. Rabiu Olowo Onaolapo (Finance)

Mr. Tunji Bello (Water Resources and Environment)

Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo (Education)

Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health)

Dr. Idris Salako (Physical Planning and Urban Development)

Mr. Gbenga Omotoso (Information and Strategy)

Mrs. Bolaji Dada (Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation)

Mr. Lere Odusote (Energy and Natural Resources)

Dr. Frederic Oladeinde (Transportation)

Mr. Gbolahan Lawal (Agriculture)

Moruf Akinderu Fatai (Housing)

Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo (SAN)
(Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice)

Mr. Hakeem Fahm (Science and Technology)

Mrs. Ajibola Ponnle (Establishment, Training and Pension)

Engr. Aramide Adeyoye (Works and Infrastructure)

Mr. Segun Dawodu (Youth and Social Development)

Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf (Home Affairs)

Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke (Local Government and Community Affairs)

Mrs. Lola Akande (Commerce and Industry)

Mrs. Olufunke Adebolu (Tourism Arts and Culture)

Mr. Sam Egube (Economy Planning and Budget)

SPECIAL ADVISERS
Dr. Wale Ahmed on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations

Ms Ruth Bisola Olusanya
Special Adviser on Agriculture

Princess Aderemi Adebowale
Special Adviser on Civic Engagement

Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo
Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs

Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka
Special Adviser on Housing

Joe Igbokwe
Special Adviser for Drainage and Water Resources

Olatunbosun Alake
Special Adviser for Innovation and Technology

Arc. Kabiru Ahmed Abdullahi
Special Adviser on Urban Development

Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi
Special Adviser on Central Business Districts

Bonu Solomon Saanu
Special Adviser on Arts and Culture

Oluwatoyin Fayinka
Special Adviser on Transportation

Oladele Ajayi
Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry

Tokunbo Wahab
Special Adviser on Education

Solape Hammond
Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals


© Jibayo's blog 2019

Photos/Video: Drama as Lawmaker is kicked out of parliament for coming with baby

A Kenyan lawmaker, Kwale woman Representative, Zulekha Hassan was on Wednesday ordered out of the National Assembly for disrupting a parliamentary session.

The legislator was kicked out of the chambers after she walked in with a baby.

Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Chris Omulele, MP Luanda termed move as unprecedented.

The Kwale Woman Rep said she had an emergency that’s why she came to parliament with the baby and suggested that a mother’s room be put in place to curb such situations.

“I have tried really hard not to come with the baby, but today I had an emergency; what was I supposed to do? … If there was a room, a thresh or a nursery room, I’d be able to then put my baby,” said Zulekha.

She said, “Today, I had an emergency, what was I supposed to do? Miss parliament? That’s why I just came with her. I knew I would be staying here just for a while and later when my situation is better, I would go. But if there was a room or a creche or nursery, I would then be able to put my baby there.”

Drama as snake invades Ondo State House Of Assembly Complex , Lawmakers flee.

A dramatic incident has played out at the Ondo State House of Assembly on Thursday in southwest Nigeria.

This followed the appearance of a snake which fell from the roof of the Assembly while lawmakers were holding plenary.

The development forced the members to scamper to safety, leaving Thursday’s proceeding disrupted.

The lawmakers instantly scampered to safety as they shouted “auzubillah” “blood of -Jesus” on top of their voices, while the snake escaped, Channels TV reported.

As a result of this, legislative activities have been suspended in the Assembly until the complex was renovated.

7-Year-Old Daniel Olutope Is Ekiti Governor For One Day As Fayemi Steps Aside

In a bid to encourage a 7-year-old pupil, Daniel Olutope, to work hard in a bid to actualize his dream of one day becoming the helmsman of Ekiti, the state governor, Kayode Fayemi, handed over power to the young lad to steer the affairs of the state for a day.

It started when the Mr Fayemi visited the school of Olutope and the duo became friends after “an intelligent chat” between the two.

“Government business was put on hold last week when Dr Kayode Fayemi welcomed 7-year-old school boy, Daniel Olutope, to his office in fulfilment of the governor’s invitation to visit when he was in Daniel’s school earlier in May this year,” the government of state said in a statement posted on its social media pages.

“Fate brought the duo together on 7th May when the governor had lunch with pupils of St. Michael’s African Primary School, Ado-Ekiti.

 Daniel chatted so intelligently that Mr Governor asked if he could be his friend and possibly visit him at home.

“Daniel agreed and promised that his mother will bring him on a visit. However, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olutope Adaramodu, Daniel’s mum did not believe her son when he got home and told his mum that his new friend, Mr Governor, invited him to visit.

“A few months after the meeting, Governor Fayemi instructed his aides to re-visit Daniel’s school and bring him to his office.

“Daniel was accompanied by his mother, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olutope & his teacher, Mrs Dupe Adeosun to the Governor’s office in Ado Ekiti for what turned into an opportunity for young Daniel to briefly act as Governor.

“Do you remember me, the man who lives on top of the hill?” Dr fayemi asked Daniel on arrival to which he responded, “yes”. He then led Daniel to his desk & lifted him into his chair, pulled him to his desk & shook his hand “Your Excellency sir”, Fayemi fondly addressed him.

“Mr Governor asked if Daniel would love to be Governor when he grows up and Daniel agreed. The governor therefore encouraged him to work hard at his studies so his dream can come true.

“Daniel’s mother, Mrs Olutope said the visit was surreal to her & she was elated to see her son sitting in the Governor’s chair, a sign that her child could be governor in future like Dr Kayode Fayemi. She prayed for the governor’s success & thanked him for his kindness to her son.

“Daniel’s teacher, Mrs Adeosun commended the governor for inviting her alongside the boy; stating that such gesture would not only encourage other teachers but also raise hope in pupils that they too could become great in future.

“Dr Fayemi has since been making necessary interventions to ensure that public schools have not only adequate funding, world-class physical structures, and functional teaching equipment, but also the right nutrition programme that supports the education of the young ones,” the statement concluded.

BREAKING: EFCC Seals Rochas Foundation College, Other Properties In Owerri

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sealed the Rochas Foundation College in Owerri and some other properties belonging to the former governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

Others include East High College, East High Academy, Reach FM, Royal Spring palm hotel, All-In shopping mall.

Source: Channels TV

President Buhari swears in CJN

Earlier today, President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn in Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria

Re: False Reports on Appointment of APC National Assembly Principal Officers

Our attention has been drawn to a report in circulation purporting the appointment of the remaining principal officers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 9th National Assembly.

The report is false and should be disregarded.

In arriving at party decisions and indeed in all our activities, we have always been transparent, ensuring the best democratic principles are adhered to in whatever steps we take.

Consultations are ongoing and in our typical style, we will come out to formally announce the party’s decision on the appointments.

With the prevalence of fake news, we urge the media to always wait for and rely on official statements from the party other than unofficial sources. The media should please take due note of this on future issues that involve our party.

SIGNED:
*Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)

Presidency issues statement on the Ruga settlement backlash, says 'Its to resolve farmers/herders conflicts'.

The Presidency has just issued a statement to address what it describes as the 'recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers'.

According to Garba Shehu, “Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.

Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders. The Federal Government is planning this in order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders.

The overall benefit to the nation includes a drastic reduction in conflicts between herders and farmers, a boost in animal protection complete with a value chain that will increase the quality and hygiene of livestock in terms of beef and milk production, increased quality of feeding and access to animal care and private sector participation in commercial pasture production by way of investments.
Other gains are job creation, access to credit facilities, security for pastoral families and curtailment of cattle rustling.

Stripped of the politics and howling that has attended the recent comments, there is no government plan to seize state land, colonize territory or impose Ruga on any part of the federation. Government has made it clear time and again that the programme is voluntary.
So far, twelve states have applied to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, making lands available for the take-off of the scheme in their states. This number is sufficient for the pilot scheme.

Unfortunately, some state governments that have not signified interest in the scheme and, therefore, are not on the invitation list have been misleading people that the Federal Government is embarking on a scheme to take away their lands.

Mostly, these are state leaders that have no explanation to offer their people for continued non-payment of workers’ salaries. It is true that government at the centre has gazetted lands in all states of the federation but because the idea is not to force this programme on anyone, the government has limited the take-off to the dozen states with valid requests.

We urge states to join the Federal Government at the centre in encouraging all sides to these conflicts to make efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution. As we seek a permanent solution to these unwanted conflicts, efforts must be made to ensure that no innocent person faces any kind of deprivation or loss of right and freedom under our laws.

JULY 2019: Welcome to the second quarter

This is the 7th month of 2019, and 7 stands for perfection, the Lord will perfect all that concerns you this month!

Welcome to the second quarter of 2019!

I will Perform Better In Second Term If Given - Yahaya Bello.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has promised to improve upon his present performance if given another term to serve the state as governor.

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State Governor, says his administration has made the state safer even though he inherited a chaotic security apparatus. The governor said that both citizens, residents, travelers, investors, and tourists in the State have continued to enjoy peace under his administration.

The governor says his claims are hinged on verifiable national data coming out of credible institutions. The governor said this at the University of Abuja, during a Two-day colloquium organised by The Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Developments Studies (SMIPLDS) where he featured as a keynote speaker on issues bothering curbing insurgency and insecurity in the country.

Bello who was represented by Navy Commander Jerry Omodara, his State Security Adviser said Kogi state before he came on board had suffered insecurity, due to sheer laxity, corruption, and non-commitment of resources over the years. He said nothing was put on the ground to secure infrastructure and manpower in the State as the security agencies found themselves trailing the highly mobile and logistically superior criminal franchise. Bell noted that killing, bank robberies, jailbreak by Boko Haram insurgents, attack of offices of security agencies, kidnapping and other forms of criminality categorized the previous government and there was no political will and opacity in the use of security votes.

The Governor also added that Kogi under the previous administration suffered the most terrifying periods of extended and unrelenting insecurity the state has ever witnessed since inception. Since he came to power, Bello said the state which was initially bedeviled with all these criminal vices, in April 2018, ranked as the 2nd most peaceful state in the country after Osun and the most peaceful in the North of Nigeria by the Nigerian Peace Index. The State was also ranked as the State with the second lowest crime statistics in the country after Kebbi by the National Bureau of Statistics, he noted.

Bello, who made the promise on Thursday in Lokoja during a stakeholders meeting of the All Progressives Congress ( APC), also appealed to the people of the state not to lose hope in his administration.

According to him, the recent reconciliation of the two factions of the party in the state is also a pointer to a better tomorrow for the state.
Bello said his outstanding achievement was in the area of security where he said he was able to banish armed robbery, kidnapping and thuggery from the state.

“I confronted these ugly incidents headlong, and today the story has changed.
” We were able to institute infrastructure and integration of people into the administration that has been operating without sentiment.
He called on party members to remain committed and dedicated to its ideals, saying that this was the only way for it to emerge victorious in the coming governorship election.
Two serving governors and a former governor attended the meeting where party members reiterated their preference for indirect primary to pick a candidate for the Nov. 16 governorship polls.

The two serving governors in attendance were Alhaji Bagudu Atiku of Kebbi state and Alhaji Mala Bunni of Yobe State.

The immediate past governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, was also present.
Speaking in behalf of the visitors, Bagudu, who is also the Chairman of APC governors forum, commended members for their efforts which made President Muhammadu Buhari to win the presidential election in the state by a wide margin.

He urged them to sustain their passion and love for the party, saying that they should ensure the victory of the party’s candidate in the Nov. 16 governorship election holding in the state.

” Governor Yahaya Bello is a dynamic leader that the party is ever proud of.

“He remains a gift of Providence that should be supported all the time ,” Bagudu said.
The APC state Chairman, Alhaji Abdullai Bello, said that the party performed a rare feat in the last general elections when it won all the 25 seats in the state assembly.

EXCLUSIVE!!!! COZA Pastor Bidoun Fatoyinbo raped me- Timi Dakolo's wife, Busola says in shocking new interview.

Wife of singer, Timi Dakolo, Busola, has accused controversial clergyman and founder of the CommonWealth of Zion Assembly COZA, Biodun Fatoyinbo, of sexually assaulting her when she was much younger.

In an explosive interview with YNaija, Busola, the mother of three, recounted how the clergyman who has been embroiled in a number of sexual assault related cases, Ese Walter being the most prominent, allegedly raped her in her mother’s house while she was still in secondary school.

In her interview, Busola recounted how the clergyman also allegedly tried having sex with her inside his matrimonial home when she came in to help his wife, Modele, when she had their first child.

Recall that Timi Dakolo recently launched an attack on the clergyman, anonymously. He called out the pastor, accusing him of taking advantage of women in his ministry and leaving them broken emotionally.

Watch the video below:

APC Names Senate Principal Officers

 The All Progressives Congress has named its Principal officers in the Senate.

The party zoned the majority leader to the north central, deputy majority Leader to the South West while the south east got the chief whip and north west got deputy chief whip.

Former Governor of Nasarawa state and Chairman of parliamentary support, Abdullahi Adamu emerged the Senate Leader and Senator Ajayi Boroffice, representing Ondo north emerged the deputy Senate Leader.

Former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu emerged the Chief whip and Senator Yahyah Abdullahi from Kebbi state emerge Deputy Senate Chief whip.

The party is expected to name Principal officers in the House of representatives by Tuesday

Ahmed Wase is the 9th Deputy Speaker, House of Representative

Congratulations to the leadership of APC and the House of Reps for electing Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase as the 9th Deputy Speaker, House of Reps....

Wase had no opponent, the first of it's kind in the history of the National Assembly

Congratulations H.E Deputy Speaker @Ahmed Idris Wase

Femi Gbajabiamila is now the 9th Speaker House of Representative

Congratulations to the leadership of APC and the House of Reps for electing Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the 9th Speaker, House of Reps.... Gbajabiamila polled 281 votes to defeat Bago who polled 76votes.

A landslide and a sweet victory!

Congratulations H.E Speaker House of Reps Femi Gbajabiamila

Omo-Agege, 9th Deputy Senate President

Congratulations to the leadership of APC and the Senate for electing Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the 9th Deputy Senate President....

Omo-Agege polled 68 votes to defeat Ekweremadu who polled 37votes.

A landslide and a sweet victory!

Congratulations H.E Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege

Ahmad Lawan, 9th Senate President

Congratulations to the leadership of APC and the Senate for electing Senator Ahmad Lawan as the 9th Senate President.

Lawan polled 79 votes to defeat Ndume who polled 28votes.

A landslide and a sweet victory!

Congratulations H.E Senate President Senator Ahmad Lawan

JUST IN: 32year old emerges Oyo Speaker

(32yrs) Thirty two year old Hon Adebo Ogundoyin representing Ibarapa East has just been elected unopposed as Speaker of Oyo State House of  Assembly (9th Assembly).

Ogundoyin is a graduate of Babcock University.

Hon Abiodun Mohammed Fadeyi from  Ona Ara has been elected as Deputy Speaker.

The event is being witnessed by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor and other top government functionaries.

Fake Catholic Priest Unmasked in Spain After 18 Years

A Fake Catholic priest who has worked as cleric for more than 18 years has been dismissed by the Catholic Church in Spain.

Miguel Angel Ibarra carried out weddings and baptisms, first in Colombia and then in southern Spain, despite having never been ordained.

Those ceremonies will still be recognised, the Church says, but not his communions or the confessions he heard.

He was found to be an impostor after a complaint was filed in Colombia. The complainant alleged Mr Ibarra had forged his documents. After a “thorough investigation”, it was found that he had never been ordained and he has now been ordered to return to Colombia, Church officials say.

Mr Ibarra moved to Spain last October, settling in the town of Medina-Sidonia, which is home to more than 11,000 people.

“Events like this could overshadow the work of parishioners and ordained priests, who serve the Church every day in an exemplary way,” the local diocese said in a statement.

This is not the first time someone has been caught in the act of pretending to be a Catholic priest.

In 2008, a man who had not been ordained was found to be hearing confessions in St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.

He was wearing clerical robes, but was later unmasked as a fake after his documents were checked by the Italian authorities

President Buhari accepts Justice Onnoghen’s voluntary retirement

President Buhari has accepted the voluntary retirement from service of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria.

According to a statement from Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the retirement takes effect from May 28th 2019. The President thanked Justice Onnoghen for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best of retirement life.

Justice Onnoghen who assumed office as CJN in March 2017, was suspended by President Buhari in January over false declaration of assets.

Full statement;.

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT BUHARI WRITES ACTING CJN ON APPOINTMENT OF FIVE JUSTICES OF THE SUPREME COURT

President Muhammadu Buhari has written the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Tanko Muhammad, on the appointment of additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

The President wrote: Pursuant to the provisions of Section 230(2) A&B of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), I am pleased to request that you initiate in earnest the process of appointing additional five Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria to make the full complement of 21 Justices as provided by the aforementioned provisions of the Constitution.

This is in line with the Governments Agenda of repositioning the Judiciary in general and Supreme Court in particular for greater efficiency, with a view to reducing the backlogs of appeals pending at the Supreme Court.

Please accept, your Lordship, the assurances of my highest regards.

Meanwhile, President Buhari has accepted the voluntary retirement from service of Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen as Chief Justice of Nigeria, effective from May 28, 2019.

The President thanked Justice Onnoghen for his service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and wished him the best of retirement life.

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

June 9, 2019

APC NWC adopts Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President for 9th Assembly

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has formally adopted Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege for the position of Deputy Senate President of the 9th National Assembly.

Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, APC National Publicity Secretary in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the NWC held in Abuja.

Issa-Onilu said that the meeting also endorsed Malam Muhammed Wase as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

He added that the decision was taken after consultations with President Muhammadu Buhari, party stakeholders, and APC State Governors.

The party had earlier announced Senators Ahmed Lawan and Mr Femi Gbajabiamila as its candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of House Representatives.

“All elected APC members in the Senate and House of Representatives are hereby directed to fully mobilise as a united force behind the party’s choice.

“Members who have earlier signified interests in these positions are urged to support the party’s decisions as loyal and committed members,”Issa-Onilu said.

He added that such party members should work with other members to ensure the emergence of the adopted candidates.

The APC spokesman said details of other positions in the two chambers would be made public in due course.

Omo-Agege, a lawyer from Orogun in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA) represents Delta Central District in the Senate.

President Muhammadu Buhari had proclaimed that the 9th National Assembly should hold its first session on Tuesday June 11 after its inauguration

15-year-old who scored the highest in JAMB cries out for help

 Ekene Franklin, the Best student in JAMB Examination, 2019 has cried out for help, asking the government to help, as he’d not want to sit at home for a year, despite having the highest score in this year’s UTME.

Though Ekene is still hopeful that something can be done to avert him losing out in forthcoming admission exercise.

“I know it is their law and, if it is the will of God, something can done to change the situation. I know I cannot change the law on UNILAG admission criteria. But I hope someone can come to my aid on this age issue,” says hopeful 15 year-old Ekene.

“Initially, I wasn’t aware of the UNILAG law which states a student must be 16 years old. Based on that I picked UNILAG as first choice. It is the university law, no one is above it. If I don’t get support from government or JAMB on the age issue, I may wait for next year to write another UTME but if I get scholarship I will accept it. I prefer scholarship that will enable me travel abroad.”

Ekene, speaking exclusively to Daily Sun, said his focus is to get a scholarship and go abroad to study Chemical Engineering at MIT.

The 15-year-old student from Imo State, who is currently writing the May/June 2019 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), says if he does not get admission or a scholarship, he will prepare for another UTME next year.

”But I don’t want waste my high score,” he said.

According to him, he was expecting to be among the ten highest scorers in the UTME and that he prepared for the Matriculation examination like other candidates.

In the just released UTME results, Ekene emerged the highest scorer with 347, with the following subject scores: Englis, 78, Mathematics, 91, Physics, 86 and Chemistry, 92

Seaman wins N10m Fidelity Bank grand prize

Mr John Pouba, a Seaman with an oil servicing company, has emerged winner of the N10 million grand prize in the Fidelity Bank’s Get Alert In Million (GAIM) Promo Season 3.

Pouba, who was announced the winner at the grand prize presentation ceremony in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, collected his cash prize at the occasion.

Alongside Pouba were four other winners of millions of Naira, namely; Mr Kingsley Ibenegbu, N3 million; Mr Nasiru Dokpesi, N2 million; Mr Oliver Okoye, N2 million and Nwodo Edeh, N1 million.

Ibenegbu, who is a technologist at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, described his prize as a miracle of God. He said that he was billed for an eye surgery but due to lack of fund, he could not go.

He said that he was involved in a road traffic accident in November and his left lense (black eye) fell off the eye to the ground.

“I picked it up and took it to a hospital, the doctors immediately referred me to UNTH (University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital) which said I have retina detachment but unfortunately, the hospital did not have the equipment to help my case.”

Ibenegbu said that he got to a private hospital in Enugu and was told that the surgery would cost him N1.1 million which he did not have.

He said that further enquires got him to a private hospital in Ibadan where he was charged 350,000 but because he did not have such an amount, he pleaded to pay by instalments.

He said that the doctors refused but advised him to go and scout for money fast, adding that by that time, the remaining right eye had started paining him.

“I went round my relations and friends but I couldn’t get any money, so one of my friends advised me to pray to God for a destiny help.

“I went home that night and prayed earnestly to God, asking for the forgiveness of my sins and to bless me with a miracle; the following day, I got a call that I have won N3 million,” he said.

Ibenegbu, however, commended Fidelity Bank for the gesture and described it as a destiny help, adding that he would be going for the surgery in June

Bus driver detained for six years wins N10m against police

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday ordered the immediate release of a commercial bus driver, Jones Ofori, who was detained for alleged robbery without trial since 2013.

The court also ordered the police to pay him damages in the sum of N10m for his unlawful detention.

Justice Muslim Hassan, who gave the judgment on Monday, noted that though the defendants filed a counter-affidavit in opposition to the suit, they never served it on the plaintiff. He said he had no other option but to grant the relief sought by Ofori.

Joined as defendants in the suit are the Federal Government; Attorney General of the Federation; Inspector-General of Police; and the Deputy Controller of Prisons.

In the suit filed on his behalf by his lawyer, Adewale Fadipe, Ofori explained that he was arrested by the police in 2013 after a bus entrusted to him by his employer, one Mr Ikechukwu, went missing from where he parked it overnight in the Ajah area of Lagos. He said following a complaint to the police, he was first detained for two weeks at the Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah; from where was subsequently transferred to the office of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in Ikeja, where was further detained for two weeks.

He told the court that he was later charged with robbery before a state’s magistrate’s court after which he was remanded in the prison custody.

He said since being remanded in prison six years ago, he was never tried..He urged the court to declare that his arrest and detention without trial without violated his fundamental rights. He prayed the court to award damages against the respondents in his favour

Justice Hassan, in a judgment on Monday, upheld his prayers and awarded N10m in his favour.

Police appoint new head for Complaint Response Unit

The Nigerian Police Force has appointed Markus Basiran as a new head for its Complaint Response Unit.

Mr Basiran, an assistant commissioner of police, is to replace Abayomi Shogunle who was re-deployed last week as Area Commander Nkalangi, Ebonyi State.

Prior to his appointment, ACP Markus Ishaku Basiran has held different positions within the Force, some of which include; Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 12 Bauchi, Unit Commander in the Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Abuja and Bayelsa.

ACP Markus, who has attended Policy, Strategy & Leadership Course at Kuru Jos and Tactical Intelligence Command & Mgt Course in Enugu is a graduate of Sociology from Ahmadu Bello University & holds an M.Sc in Crime Mgt & Prevention from Bayero University, Kano.

ACP Markus is expected to use his wide field experience in refocusing the CRU on its core mandate of running a community oriented Complaint Management System using multi-platform reporting mechanism through which citizens’ complaints, concerns and queries touching on professional Police misconducts as well as malfeasance by members of the public can be reported and addressed in real-time via a 27/7 Call Centre at Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The Inspector General of Police on Monday, IGP M.A Adamu, urges all members of the Public to give the new CRU Boss their full support, cooperation and all relevant information needed to effectively discharge his duty.

According to a statement made by the Nigeria Police Force via its official twitter account,the new head of the CRU resumed duty fully on Monday.

ACP MARKUS ISHAKU BASIRAN RESUMES AS NEW HEAD OF COMPLAINTS RESPONSE UNIT (CRU), FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA@seunokin @tvcnewsng @vanguardngrnews @PremiumTimesng @MobilePunch @SaharaReporters @MrFixNigeria @AIT_Online @daily_trust @NTANewsNow pic.twitter.com/iLcF45ttLJ

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) May 13, 2019

The Complaints Response Unit (CRU) can be reached through the following:
Calls: 08057000001, 08057000002
SMS: 08057000003
Whatsapp: 08057000003
BBM Pin: 58A2B5DE
Twitter: @PoliceNG_CRU
Facebook: https://t.co/TKFR9WDNjh
Email: complaint@npf.gov.ng or policepcrru@gmail.com

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) May 13, 2019

Breaking: AMBODE's COMMISSIONER, BAMIGBETAN, ESCAPES DEATH BY WHISKERS

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan has escaped death by the whiskers as his vehicle was involved in a serious accident.

According to PM News report, Bamigbetan’s jeep rammed into an armoured carrier as his driver dozed off while on top speed on their way from farm.

The impact of the crash flung Bamigbetan at the windscreen, but God saved him from death.

According to Bamigbetan on his Facebook wall, “His mercy endures forever. The driver drove into an armoured carrier on our way from the farm. I was taking a nap in the rear seat.

“The impact flung me at the windscreen. He dozed off on speed. But our Creator was in charge. He saved us from the calamity. To God be the glory.”

#Photosource: PM News

15-year old boy emerges best UTME candidate as JAMB releases 2019 results

Ekele Franklin, a 15-year-old boy, has emerged the overall best candidate for the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted between April 11 and 15.

Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), disclosed this at a news conference while announcing the release of the 2019 UTME results on Saturday.

Having chosen the University of Lagos (UNILAG) as his first choice, the Imo state candidate had a cumulative score of 347. However, there are speculations that Franklin may not be admitted on account of his age.

Franklin was closely followed by Emmanuel Chidiebube, a 16-year-old boy from Abia state, who had a cumulative score of 346, while Isaac Olamide, 17, from Osun state, came third, having scored 345.

According to Oloyede, 57, 579 candidates scored between 250 and 299 while a total of 2,906 scored over 300.

He further revealed that 366,757 candidates scored between 200 and 249, a feat which, according to him, represents a plausible improvement in comparison with 2018 results.

“361,718 candidates scored between 180 and 199 as against 325,152 in 2018, while 494,484 scored between 160 and 179 as against 455,898 last year,” Oloyede said while hinting that 15,145 results were withheld for further clarifications.

“410,844 candidates scored between 140 and 159 as against 346,825 recorded in 2018 while also 99,463 scored between 100 and 139 as against 64,712 in 2018.”

Citing some of the infractions committed by candidates in connivance with CBT centres, Oloyede decried the persistent examination malpractices which he said “has eaten deeply” into Nigeria’s educational system.

He noted that the board has made representative arrests on accounts of varying infractions, some of which led to the delisting of a total of 116 CBT centres across the country.

“In Nigeria, examination malpractice is exacerbated by the insatiable greed and desperate antics of parents, who are hell-bent on inducting their innocent and not-so-innocent children into the world of sharp practices and corruption,” he said.

“Double registrations led to the cancellation of some results last year. This year, we realized not only double registrations but also multiple. Someone, for instance, registered as many as 23 times for just a single examination.

“Most of the tutorial masters specialise in recruiting professional writers for the candidates. We were able to identify a large number of impersonators who have been writing UTME for candidates.

“We have also tracked registration centres. In cases where we were able to ascertain the culpability of the centres, we delisted them. We have made representative arrests and we must thank the Inspector-General of Police and the Commandant-General of the NSCDC for their wonderful cooperation.”

WASSCE: Lagos school to face sanctions for registering over 50 external candidates

Jibril Martin Memorial Grammar School, Iponri, Lagos is to face sanctions for registering external candidates for the ongoing 2019 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.

The school owned by the Anwar-Ul-Islam Movement of Nigeria, was one of the mission schools returned by the Lagos State government to their owners in 2001.

Director-General, Lagos State Office of Education Quality Assurance, Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, who monitored the WASSCE English paper on Thursday, discovered the school had 127 SS3 pupils on its register compared to over 180 candidates presented for the examination.

Some of the 18 external candidates her team physically identified were SS3 pupils from public schools and unapproved private schools or candidates retaking the examination some of who were clearly over-aged.

Some of the candidates also came from far-flung places within and outside Lagos – like Ilorin, Kwara State and Abia State.

Soyombo said registration of private candidates clearly contravened the laws for WAEC school examination and was fertile ground for perpetration of examination malpractice.

“For us to check your students today to see that they are not your own bonafide students, that means you are not supposed to be an approved school.

“There is a section in place in law that every approved school must stick to their students alone. You are not supposed to condone unapproved schools to be sending their wards to your school,” she said to the school’s principal.

The DG said sanctions would be meted out after she reports the case to the Deputy Government, Dr  Idiat Adebule, who oversees the Education sector.

Soyombo also said her office would conduct a whole-school evaluation for the school because of lapses noted during the visit.

She observed that the school allowed external people use its facility as parking lot, which contravenes Lagos State School safety and safeguarding laws; there was naked wire close to toilets used by students in one of the blocks, the home economics laboratory lacked facilities and was dumping ground for old documents and the library had no furniture or books. It was rather used to store old books and bags of packaged water.

At the nearby Estate Senior High School, Iponri, a public school, 80 candidates registered for English were all SS3 pupils of the school.

 The DG commended them from writing their examination in their school rather than seeking miracle centres in private schools

Ramadan Kareem Message from Ward E Councillor Egbe-Idimu LCDA

As the crescent moon is sighted and the holy month of Ramadan begins. May Allah bless you with happiness and grace your home with warmth and peace!

Regards,
Alhaja (Hon) Fateemah Olajumoke Asiwaju
Ward E Councillor, Egbe Idimu LCDA

BREAKING: President Buhari reappoints Godwin Emefiele for a second term as CBN Governor

President Muhammadu Buhari has reappointed Godwin Emefiele as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The President has written to the Senate to seek legislative approval for another tenure for Emefiele, whose tenure empires on June 2, 2019.

President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, read the letter on the floor shortly before the plenary was adjourned.

If his nomination is approved by the senate, Emefiele’s five-year tenure will end in 2024 after a new president is elected in 2023.