ABU Zaria to supply Melaye’s academic details to fed govt.

The Federal Government has officially demanded the authority of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) to supply the academic details of lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, following the controversy over his completion of his degree programme in Geography at the University.

A top official of ABU, Zaria, who pleaded anonymity, said that “the University is already compiling the records of Senator Dino Melaye for the Government that demanded the immediate release to Government and the University will respond soon.”

According to the official, “nobody is in doubt if Senator Melaye attended the University, but what people are saying is whether he completed his course of study and the university will make the relevant information available,” adding that, “to the best of my knowledge, the Senator was on this campus and read a course of study for which I think he graduated between 1997 and 1998 as the case may be.

“These details can always be found in the list of graduating students of Geography in either of those years as the case may be, but for me, I think he ran a programme and I should think he successfully ended up in either of those years I mentioned.”

Besides, a Student Union Government (SUG) official activist and departmental mate of Senator Melaye, who also pleaded anonymity, said, “the Senator and I were in Geography Department and two of us were also officials of the National Union of Geography Students at ABU.”

He remarked, “while Dino was the National President of Geography Department, I was the Assistant Secretary General, I presided over his impeachment during the controversy leading to his ousting from that office.

“Let me tell you, Dino was a radical student activist in campus. I will give that to him and at a point he was confrontational to the establishment in the University. And at last, the institution did everything possible to bring him close and later became the eyes of the authority on campus.”

According to him, “I can attest that Senator Dino actually completed a course of study in Geography in 1998; whether he had carry-over in some courses that were later waved is what I cannot say.”

“I think Dino later graduated from ABU, Zaria with a Third class or Pass. I am sure of that. Let anybody not deceive you that he did not study or graduate in ABU. Go and find out, he did. He is stubborn, that I will give to him. And I think that is what is still trailing him in the Senate,” he said.

You must wear a G-string for my 70th birthday or get bounced -Tokunbo Aboderin.

 As Tokunbo Aboderin's 70th birthday celebration draws near, the Nigerian blogger based in Dublin, has warned those coming to celebrate with her, to wear a G-string or risk getting bounced. According to her, the warning is for both the young and the old, as her bouncers will be at the gate to search every woman for G-string.

She went further to disclose that if the bouncers dip their hands into your private 
part, and see you're not wearing the 'dress code' for the party, you will be sent home.

Tokunbo is the blogger that blasted Kemi Olunloyo over her alleged "fake" accusations, against Nollywood actor Jide Kosoko after he lost his wife.

Here are more photos of the blogger;

Photos: Nigerian ladies fight dirty in European assylum seekers camp

A video clip showing two Nigerian ladies fighting brutally has surfaced online.

In the video, the ladies who are suspected to be migrants from Edo State fought each other while arguing over what one of them reportedly told a guy named Bobby about her being pregnant

According to information gathered online, the ladies/migrants who are currently in an undisclosed camp in Europe took it out on each other with the one named Happy (in pink bum shorts) beating her colleague mercilessly till she passed out.

See screen shots from the video posted online after the cut

Other ladies in the room paid little attention to the altercation and put in little  effort to break the fight.

*PunchNg

#BBNaija: Red carpet for Kemen as he arrives Akwa Ibom in style for his homecoming party.(Photos)

BBN Ex house mate was received in style today, at the Ibom international airport.

 A welcome back party holds at Decozy lounge, Uyo.

Kemen will be hosting Uriel, Coco Ice and TTT at his homecoming party.

Ooni Of Ife Meets Archbishop Of Canterbury, Justin Welby In London (Photos)

"I Am President Buhari's Younger Brother" - Senegalese President Lauds Buhari

President Macky Sall of Senegal has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his intervention in The Gambian impasse that led to the restoration of democracy in the West African country.

Former President Yahya Jammeh had baulked at handing over power to Adama Barrow, winner of an election held last December, but ECOWAS leaders, under the inspiration of President Buhari, insisted Jammeh must quit at the expiration of his term in January. He did, rather involuntarily.

In a communication with the Nigerian leader, Macky Sall said:

"Thank you again for your support in The Gambia. May Almighty Allah give you greater health and energy to conduct the destiny of Nigeria."

Femi Adesina, President Buhari's special adviser said in a statement on Saturday that the Senegalese president described himself as President Buhari's "younger brother," and prayed that Allah would bestow good health and wisdom on the Nigerian leader.

Minister Of Works, Power And Housing, Fashola Visits Governor Ambode (Pictures)

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, with Minister of Works, Power & Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Oluranti Adebule during the Minister’s courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Saturday, March 25, 2017.

See photos below

Toke Makinwa Dazzles In White, As She Becomes Ciroc Ambassador

Release Kemi Olunloyo unconditionally – Foreign journalists tell Nigeria police

A group of New York-based journalists operating under the umbrella of Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediately and unconditionally release of blogger, Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo and newspaper publisher, Samuel Welson.

In a statement signed and issued on Friday by CPJ West Africa representative, Peter Nkanga, the group urged the police to release the duo, and to cease prosecuting journalists on charges of defamation or publishing false news.

It can be recalled that Kemi Olunloyo, a controversial US trained journalist announced that she was arrested in Ibadan and driven more than 600 kilometers to Port Harcourt Prison for allegedly defaming the General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie. 

Nkanga noted that the controversial Instagram post that was published on Olunloyo’s handle and on Samuel Welson’s daily regional tabloid had already been withdrawn from further public circulation.

He also said that there was documentary evidence to show that when Olunloyo published the letter, she indicated that neither Pastor David Ibiyeomie nor actress Iyabo Ojo responded to her request for comment

In condemning the continued detention of the two journalists in maximum security prison in Port-Harcourt, Nkanga said that defamation allegations should remain civil matter and not treated like a criminal offence that would warrant detention in prison.

The statement reads in part: “We call on Nigerian authorities to release Kemi Omololu-Olunloyo and Samuel Welson without condition or charge, and to cease prosecuting journalists on charges of defamation or publishing false news.

“Defamation allegations should never be a criminal matter.

“Besides, the controversial post has since been removed from Olunloyo’s Instagram.

“Again, a legal document CPJ has reviewed indicates that when she published the letter, Omololu-Olunloyo wrote that neither the pastor nor the woman had responded to her request for comment.”

DailyPost

PHOTONEWS: Delta State library Ozoro in deplorable state

The Delta State Library in Ozoro Community in Isoko North Local Government Area is in a deplorable state.

Images exclusively gotten by DAILY POST show an abandoned structure.

The structure situated at Ekwerigbe Primary School along NDC road, Ozoro has been neglected for the past four years with dilapidated roofs, furniture and torn books and needs some stocking as well as furniture.

The library was recently handed over to the Ministry of Higher Education to the Delta State Library Board.

Source Daily Post

Man moves his house after government threatened to demolish it (PHOTOS)

A man in China was so determined to keep his house that he moved it 492 feet to avoid being demolished.

Owners of 165 homes in Taixing City, China’s Jiangsu province were told by the government that they would be demolished to make way for a new highway.

The relocation was completed on March 21, costing the man 120,000 yuan (£13,959), reports the People’s Daily Online.

Villagers were told that their houses had to make way for a new provincial highway and were offered compensation.

But one villager decided that he did not want to part with his three-storey property, opting to move the entire house 150 metres costing 120,000 (£13,959).

He was also compensated by the government for moving his house.

Relocating the property took two days and it was completed on March 21.

The house was moved by wooden rollers.

Images show the house in the process of moving as other villagers look on.

Demolitions are common events in China as smaller cities look to grow and bring in vital cash to the area.

Dailymail

NDLEA Arrests Dangote Driver With Cannabis Worth N183m

Aliko Dangote, President Dangote Group

The Edo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two suspected cannabis barons with a remarkable seizure of 18.2 metric tons of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis.

The estimated street value of the seized drug is over 183 million naira. A Bauchi based suspected cannabis baron, Mohammed Lawal Bello Mustapha was apprehended at Uzebba, where he was facilitating the shipment of 7,272kg of cannabis to Bauchi, while 3,072kg of cannabis was traced to the warehouse of another suspected baron, Lucky Akele at Uzebba.

About 7,950kg of cannabis with few bags of cement as a disguise inside a Dongote truck was intercepted at Enweh. The shipment was destined for Maiduguri, Borno State. The truck driver is Zegiru Amadu.

Edo State commander, Wakawa Buba said that the 18,294kg of cannabis were seized in three operations. The Dangote driver said that he was given 1.3 million Naira to transport the drugs to Maiduguri.

Sometime In September, Set For Premiere

Autism-photo

“Sometime in September”, an advocacy movie that seeks to rally support and care for patients of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is set for premiere in Abuja.

ASD, popularly known as “Autism”, is a developmental mental disorder characterised by social-communication challenges and restricted repetitive behaviour, activities and interests.

The Director of the movie, Mr Yaba Emmanuel, said on Saturday in Abuja that the premiere would hold on April 2 at the Silverbird Galleria, Abuja, in commemoration of the World Autism Awareness Day.

According to him, the movie seeks to raise a voice against the common practice of stigmatising autistic children, and how they can be successfully managed by their families.

He said “the story plot is about a struggle by a family on how to take care of an autistic child.

“The child was actually born in September, and that was how we came about the title.

“Koko and Henshaw, a young happy couple with good job and other good things of life, however, have a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

“When the child was supposed to speak as a child he could not speak, and was unable to understand anything.

“It got to a point when Koko and Henshaw felt like giving up on the child.’’

Emmanuel explained that there were many Nigerian families like Koko and Henshaw, who needed to be educated and encouraged that autism was not a sentence to useless life.

He added that although there were no prescribed medical cure for the ailment, its proper management was vital for the happiness of victims and their families.

“I have spoken with a lot of parents who have children with autism and I realised that they were really passing through a lot of pains taking care of them.

“In some quarters, some see autistic children as witches and evil, and some parents even go as far as abandoning such children.

“They are our children and we need to show them love, patience and care for them to be happy and become what they want to become in life,” he advised.

The director said that the movie featured top Nollywood stars Segun Arinze, Henshaw Emmanuel, Eve Esin and others.

Celebrated annually on April 2, the World Autism Awareness Day was to encourage member states of the UN to take measures to raise awareness about children with
autism throughout the world.

Senate summons AGF, minister, others over e-passport deals

Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar MalamiSenate ad hoc committee on Saturday summoned the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, the Minister of Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau and others to appear before it on April 6.

The Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Alleged Misuse, Under Remittance, and other Fraudulent Activities in Collection, Remittance and Expenditure of Internally Generated Revenue by MDAs invited the duo for briefing over their involvement in alleged e-passport deals.

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Solomon Adeola, made this known in a statement through his Media Adviser, Chief Kayode Odunaro.

Odunaro quoted Adeola as saying “the AGF, Mr Ahmed Idris, and four private companies were invited to appear before it to brief the committee on the multi-billion-naira e-passport production.”

Adeola said they were to also explain to the committee their involvement in other immigration-related issues carried out by the companies on behalf of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to him, the companies are Contec Nigeria Ltd, Greater Washington Nigeria Ltd, Newwork Solution and Investment Ltd, and Iris Smart Technologies.

The companies were said to be working on e-passport production, Expatriate Residence Permit and Alien Card and other immigration-related issues.

The committee chairman added that they allegedly had contractual agreements to perform some revenue generating service on behalf of NIS, while withholding certain percentage of revenue accrued to Federal Government.

He explained that the committee had invited various public officials and corporate organisations following presentation made by Comptroller General of NIS, Mohammed Babandede, on the revenue profile of the service.

The chairman further said that stakeholders were invited to brief the committee on modalities for distributing revenues running into billions of Naira among the companies, NIS and Federal Government.

He noted that “I am at a loss as to why huge part of revenue generated by NIS that should actually be based on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) was being paid to private firms in the name of PPP.

“We cannot be denying the Nigerian people of benefits that should accrue to them through increased revenue to government coffers, while allowing huge earnings for private concerns.

“This is an area that government can generate huge revenue. There is need to get clarifications on this issue from all the parties involved,’’ Adeola said.

Earlier in his presentation, Babandede disclosed that the reasons for entering into a PPP arrangement was due to inadequate funding and late release of budgeted sums.

He said other reasons for the partnership were multiple acquisition of travel documents and poor revenue generation.

According to him, the private partners provide all the funding, while monies realised in the course of issuing facilities will be shared with government to allow the private partners recoup their investment.

Babandede also said that for the period of investigation by the Senate between 2012 -2016, total remittance to Federal Government stood at over N17 billion and over 112 million dollars.

He said “the revenue accruing to government increased almost a hundred fold since the introduction of PPP agreements.’’

However, he said, the NIS could now undertake the services provided by the companies.

The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, had at the inauguration of the ad hoc committee, stated that it was not set up to witch hunt any individual or organisation.

Saraki said that the essence of the committee was to help the agencies to become more prudent in the collection and spending of revenue.

He said the committee would investigate whether statutory transfers to the Consolidated Revenue Fund as required by law were being carried out accurately when due.

He noted that the move was to further stop the abuse of operating surpluses, where agencies spend `up to the last naira’ on irrelevant conferences and souvenirs.

The Senate president said that President, governors and legislators were often blamed for unfavourable economic conditions while heads of most revenue generating agencies were spared of criticisms.

Customs releases help desk ‘quick access’ phone numbers

The Nigeria Customs Service has released three telephone numbers that could be used to reach the helpdesk for immediate confirmation of Customs duty papers by members of the public.

The numbers according to the service are; 094621597, 094621598,094621599.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Acting Public Relations Officer, NCS, Mr Joseph Attah, on Saturday.

The numbers according to Attah, are for those interested in verifying the genuineness of their papers or who intend to buy vehicles from dealers.

The statement read in part, “Any person can take advantage of this easy way to call and give the following information; and hold on for an immediate answer before purchasing the vehicle(s)- C –number, year of payment, command that the duty was said to be paid.

“As you are reading out the C- number on the top right of the Single Goods Declaration (SGD) and giving the year of payment and the command (where the duty was paid), the information is being keyed in for prompt answer that will enable you make appropriate purchase decision.”

He added that the NCS, under the present management was determined to explore all ways of easing Customs processes and procedures in the interest of the general public.

Benue state govt sends Justice Kpojime report to DSS ,as embattled fmr gov Gabriel Suswam faces fresh probe,

The Benue State government had referred the report of the Commission of Inquiry against Suswam and 51 others to the DSS and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
While the DSS was considering bail for Suswam, the Benue State Government and others submitted six petitions against him.
Two of the petitions border on the over 240-page report of the Justice Elizabeth Kpojime Commission of Inquiry into state finances from 2007 to 2015 and the alleged misuse of a N4.5billion sourced from capital market.

The Department of State Security Service(DSS) confronted Dr. Gabriel Suswam with the six new petitions.
The case haul against the governor has now risen to seven, following the initial investigation of the ex-governor’s link with a militia leader in the state.
Suswam, who has been finding it difficult to meet bail conditions, has, however, begged the DSS for liberal terms at least to regain freedom to prepare his defence.
But he is allowed access to his wife, Yemisi Suswam, and his counsel, Mr. J. B. Daudu (SAN), who was a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association(NBA).

The ex-governor was said to have been emotional when his wife visited him on Thursday and said: “Help me beg the DSS and others to grant me bail on liberal terms. I need bail.”
According to findings by our correspondent, Suswam has not been able to give the DSS “credible clues” which could lead to the arrest of a militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana), who has held three local government areas captive in Benue State.

The local government areas are Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum.
Akwazza was alleged to have either relocated to some parts of Cross River State or Rivers State.

A top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The case of Suswam is complex because of the security implications of not apprehending the Benue militia leader, Terwaze Akwazza (a.k.a Gana). He has not been able to provide clues on how to get the suspect that is terrorizing state. He has consistently denied any link with the militia leader.

“While he is grappling with the security factor behind his detention, the DSS  received six new petitions against him, including allegations established against Suswam by the Justice Elizabeth Kpojime Commission of Inquiry into state finances from 2007 to 2015. The panel was set up by Governor Samuel Ortom.
“Now, the burden is on Suswam to act as fast as possible to answer all the allegations in the six new petitions. The DSS has a valid warrant from court to detain him.

“The DSS has been fair to him in custody. He is allowed unfettered access to his wife and counsel. The onus is on him to prove his innocence. As soon as he is able to respond to all the allegations and if he cooperates with the DSS to address security challenge in Benue State, he will be released. The service might also charge him to court.”
The over 240-page report alleged that Suswam and many of his appointees, including civil servants, mismanaged the resources of the state.

Those blamed include Hon Solomon Wombo, Omodachi Oklobia, Emmanuel Atini, Asen Sambe, Isaiah Ipevnor, Hon Paul Biam, Aza Biam, Maria Iyortyom, Michael Oko Agbam, Miss Ajuma Olokpo and Abel Musa of GTB.

Others are Mohammed Kabir Rago, Hon. Terna Kester Ikyenge, Hon Yerfa Atoza Hindan, Terna Iyorkyaan, San Carlos Benue Farms/Barr Tyokegh, Christian Aba (aka Mad Lion), Sunday D. Umoru, Ruth Ijir, Kpaapka, Andrew Ayabam, among many others.
Some of the corporate bodies fingered in looting Benue State include: Ashitech and Ashi Foods, Carlos Benue Farms, SCAMPT Nigeria Ltd, among others.

The panel recommended that 52 individuals and 10 corporate bodies should refund over N107 billion to the coffers of the state government.
It also recommended the deeper investigation and possible refund of over N44 billion from transactions they found not in compliance with the laid down financial guidelines.

The panel said N1. 21 trillion accrued to the state from about 27 identified sources out of which N802 billion was appropriated, while N219 billion was expended but not appropriated.

The former state governor, former Commissioner of Finance, Omadachi Oklobia, former Special Adviser on Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Solomon Wombo and two former permanent secretaries, Emmanuel Atini and Asen Sambe, Messrs Isaiah Ipevnor, a former accountant of the Bureau were alleged to have diverted local government funds amounting to N51, 559,859,968.00 into personal use.
Suswam is already facing trial before a Federal High Court in Abuja for alleged N3.1bn fraud relating to the same issue raised by the Justice Kpojime-led probe panel.

Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan backs Gov Dickson’s Peace Committee .

Says political solution most viable option to ending PDP crisis
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday threw his weight behind the Governor Seriake Dickson-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee, insisting that a political solution remains the best option to tackling the ongoing crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ex-Nigerian leader who received the governor and members of his committee in his country home at Otuoke, Ogbia local government area, Bayelsa State, urged the contending parties to embrace compromise and negotiations as a way out of the current challenge.
Jonathan , who made the remarks after receiving the report of the peace Committee, thanked the Dickson-led committee immensely for its good work.
He specially commended the governor and his entourage for going round the country to meet with key stakeholders and leaders of the party in order to return peace to the PDP.
He said he believed that a political solution remains the best means of resolving the crisis in the party, noting that Dickson and his Committee deserve all the encouragement.
Dr Jonathan expressed reservation over the use of courts to settle purely political matters, stressing that a political solution would ensure a win-win outcome for the warring groups within the party.
“ I believe a political solution remains the best means of resolving the crisis in the party and that’s why the Dickson committee must be commended.
“No two parties go to court and come out smiling especially for a political party like the PDP that’s in the opposition”, the former president opined.
Jonathan, who gave instances of people who went to court and at the end, did not get the desired result, insisted that courts should ordinarily have no business in deciding who should be the chairman of a political party.
The former president called on the parties to submit themselves to a political solution and expressed hope that it would finally rest the protracted crisis.
Governor Dickson in his remarks, before presenting the report to the former President, aligned himself to some of the remarks made by Engr Aba Gana, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who had earlier spoken.
Honourable Dickson added that Bayelsa State has benefited substantially from the PDP, declaring that the party remains the only one that has given the position of President to Bayelsa, a minority.
Before presenting the report to Jonathan, Dickson expressed Bayelsa’s indebtedness to the PDP, insisting that it is a thing of pride to work to ensure that the crisis in the party is finally resolved.
Earlier, the presentation of the report had been preceded by introductory remarks by a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT) and former minister of the FCT , Gana, alongside other members of the committee .
Engr. Gana paid glowing tributes to the remarkable leadership quality of governor Dickson as a peacemaker, commending his effort at pushing the peace process.
“ He has pushed the process so relentlessly to the extent that the success of finding a lasting resolution of the crisis has become evident”, Gana said.
He also commended former President Jonathan for conceding defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari at the time he did.
He maintained that that singular move restored peace to Nigeria and averted the looming crisis that would have consumed a number of lives.
Gana noted that a leader who could achieve that feat effortlessly, would even do much more to restore peace in the PDP.

Release Nnamdi Kanu for National Reconciliation – Gov. Okorocha Appeals to Buhari

According to a Facebook page, Imoliaison Abuja, who reported the story online, the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha appealed to Buhari to release the embattled IPOB leader saying that Nnamdi Kanu’s actions should be seen as youthful exuberance.

Addressing the Press after receiving the Vice President who is on his way to Abia State for the Niger Delta Stakeholders Forum today, Governor Okorocha advocated, in the spirit of reconciliation, that the Federal Government should release Nnamdi Kanu.
Okorocha opined that his activities should be seen as youthful exuberance.
“What he is agitating for, is what others are agitating for too. But he used the wrong language and insulted leaders including myself. But this is the time for National Reconciliation.”

Gov. Samuel Ortom Blames 'ghana' Local Militant For Benue Killings.[VIDEO]

I am not seeking revenge against Saraki, Melaye – Ali Ndume

Senator Ali Ndume has insisted that he bears no grudges against Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.
Ndume stated this in an interview with journalists, while responding to insinuations that he called for the probe of both lawmakers because of his removal as Senate Leader.

He said it was the tradition of the Senate, to investigate such allegations against Senators.
“Are you saying I should not have raised the issue? It was in the public domain, and it is in the Senate tradition by Rule 14 and 15. There were precedents that were investigated. In the history of National Assembly, Salisu Buhari’s case came in the media too that he did not graduate from the University of Toronto Canada and was investigated. When it was discovered he did not have the degree, he stepped down and was prosecuted and sentenced before he was pardoned by former President Obasanjo.
“During the Fifth Assembly, Masari as Speaker was investigated over his certificate and cleared. Bankole was accused of not observing the NYSC and he was investigated. He produced his certificate and we verified it. Also, there was the Patricia Etteh case, and she had to clear herself.
“In the Senate, Enwerem had difference of ‘S’ controversy in his certificate as in Evan and Evans, he was investigated and when it was discovered that there were discrepancies, he resigned. Chuba Okadigbo was investigated too and he lost his seat. Adolphus Wabara was accused of corruption and investigated. Even David Mark was accused and investigated and cleared. If you observe, the rate of abuses thrown at the Senate has reduced since I raised the issue,” Ndume said.

FG not in competition with any state, says Fashola

Babatunde Fashola, minister of power, works and housing, says the federal government is not in competition with any state, but only concerned about delivering quality road projects.

Fashola said this after inspecting road projects in Osun state.
The minister appreciated Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun, on his intervention of federal roads in the state despite lack of funds.
“Let me make it clear that the federal government is not in competition with any state governor concerning road projects, we are just concerned about the delivery of quality road projects across the country,” Fashola said.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the efforts of Ogbeni Aregbesola on his intervention on federal roads in the state despite the paucity of funds.
“He is not only attempting at doing the roads, I can see that the projects have been given to competent contractors who are doing a good job.
“Road construction is a continuous thing, we will see how we can partner with you and support your efforts. I assure you that the debts on these roads will be paid very soon, the president is serious about making this easy for you.
“I am so delighted seeing the kind of mutual relationship that exists between the federal controller of works and that of housing with government officials in Osun, these people should be seen as ambassadors because they are to assist in delivering good projects for Osun.”
The minister promised that the federal government would pay the procurement cost and expenses incurred by the state government in road projects.
On his part, Aregbesola appealed to the minister to fix the Ilea-Ikirun-Iragbiji road, which he said would be a major “breakthrough”.
“I am grateful for your commitment to the improvement of our nation and we urge you not to look back, I have absolute confidence in your capacity to deliver,” he said.
“Concerning most of the federal roads in Osun, I want you to please follow the actual alignment in the rehabilitation of these roads, for example, the Ilesa-Osogbo road is not just from the round about at Ilesa, but from Eti oni.
“I know there is paucity of funds, but will be very glad if you can embark on the Ilea-Ikirun-Iragbiji road, it will be a major breakthrough for government, as it will go a long way in opening a lot of farming communities in that area.
“As you go about doing your job around the country, in whatever capacity you feel you can assist us to better the lives and living conditions of our people in terms of the social amenities which your office oversees, please do.”

Buhari's Health : God shamed enemies – Femi Adesina

Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, has declared that God has put his principal’s enemies to shame by restoring his health.

In an article on Saturday titled Buhari’s health: Gloating is of no value, Adesina recalled the events that surrounded the health saga of the President.

Going down memory lane, Adesina said Dr. Doyin Abiola, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of National Concord, where he was then deputy editor, told him not to “gloat” while working on paper production on the death of ex-military ruler, Sani Abacha.

”She said something that both baffled and amazed me: “Editor, no gloating. We have every reason to rejoice that Abacha is dead, but no gloating. Just present the news as professionally as possible. Don’t gloat!”

“I thanked her, and she left. Her instruction continued to ring in my ears, and was followed to the letter. Those who read National Concord the next day would recall that there was no sense of triumphalism, no newsman’s orgasm of any kind, in the treatment of the story.

“Did Doyin Abiola have reasons to instruct her newspaper to preen and gloat about Abacha’s death? Every. He had given the impression that he would take over power, and hand over to Abiola, who had won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which the military annulled. Instead, he locked the man up in solitary confinement.

“Doyin did not see her husband for five years. Also, Abacha had shut down Concord Press for about two years, causing the company grave economic afflictions. Under him, Kudirat Abiola, one of Doyin’s mates, had been murdered, shot down in the streets, allegedly on the orders of the state. And many more evil deeds.

Continuing, Adesina noted that “Between January 19 and March 10, of this year, President Muhammadu Buhari was away in London, first on routine holiday where he would do normal medical check-ups, and then, it became a medical vacation, in which he had to ask for an indeterminate number of days.

“Yes, who is he or she that never falls sick, let that person cast the first stone. As the President frankly confessed on his return, he had never been that sick in his life. Human, just human.

“And we know what attended the President’s medical sojourn from certain quarters in the country. Wild news. Hate news. Rumour. Evil thinking. Even, gloating. They did all kinds of photoshops, and spewed all kinds of evil stories. They passed round outright wickedness on WhatsApp, and those of us who debunked their evil tales became enemies.

“When President Buhari spoke with me on phone from London on February 25, I was elated, and issued a press statement, detailing our conversation. Many Nigerians, good people from a great nation, who could get hold of my phone number, called. They would ask if truly we had spoken. Once I confirmed, they broke into tears of joy, crying like babies. They brought tears to my eyes many times.

“Till this son of hate, a purveyor of evil and tragedy, called. He identified himself as Jude (I decide to withhold his other name for now). He said: “Mr Adesina, you claim to have spoken with President Buhari. When are you going to stop this political deceit? How can you speak with a man who is long dead, and you are deceiving the public that he’s still alive?”

“I didn’t argue with the man (though I was tempted to call him sonofagun, the son of a gun). I held my peace, let him finish his orgy of evil, and calmly cut off the phone. Doomsday prophets. Evil thinkers. Peddlers of mischief.

“Then, on March 10, the President returned. Ecstasy and pure rapture from good Nigerians, who had been praying and supplicating unto God. Mai Gaskiya was back. The honest man had returned. Ramrod straight, man of integrity. He had been spared by God, and restored to us. Oh, glory!

“Did you listen to that short speech that President Buhari read on his return? Did you listen to his off the cuff remarks? Was there any gloating? None. Did he rub it in on those who had peddled evil news, fake news, hate news? No. That is maturity. That is how to be the father of a country.

“So, President Buhari would have been justified, if he gave evil people some jabs. But he did not. What a heart!
Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.

“How did that Jude Somebody feel when the President returned? He even bears Jude, a Christian name. How embarrassing! But he was full of bile, in the gall and throes of bitterness. May God forgive him. Amen.

“With President Buhari’s health saga, some truths have been brought to bold relief once again. Anybody can be sick. Big or small man. A man of power, or a man of no consequence.

“Let us therefore be conscious of our mortality at all times. I can testify, from my many private discussions with him, that President Buhari is a man keenly aware of his own mortality at all times. A worthy example to follow.

“Another lesson. Life and death are the sole preserves of God Almighty. Despite all those concoctions and contraptions, fake pictures, false stories on WhatsApp, mendacious newspaper reports, President Buhari came back alive. Who says anything that God has not said?

“From March 10, when President Buhari returned, purveyors of evil have disappeared. Vanished! Utterly transmuted, like Brother Jero, in that work by Wole Soyinka. Even on social media, where they had held sway for many weeks, they evaporated. Like a beaten dog, they had their tails between their feet, and ran for cover. But should we rejoice? “Don’t gloat!”

“Where is that Jude Somebody? I kept his number. I feel like calling him, saying: “Son of a gun, how now?” But I shouldn’t do it. And I won’t do it. Because I remember Dr. Abiola’s instruction: “Don’t gloat!”

RIP: Nollywood Filmmaker, Chike Bryan Died Of Stroke After Receiving Phone Call From Home (Photo)

Nollywood script writer, director & producer Chike Bryan Nnamani, a father of five, has died after he received a call from home while on his way to work, suddenly developed a stroke and died hours later after he was admitted at Lagos State University Teaching hospital.

Chike Bryan's colleague narrated what happened. Here's his story:
I never knew we could be close; never expected to weep for a friend who turned out to be a buddy. A guy who held no grudge, malice or hate in his good heart against another.
Today, he’s no more. His bit is done here on earth. I will always remember him.
A guy I have worked so closely with in almost 10 months. Suddenly he disappear from my life. Death, O death, why?

He woke up this morning hale and hearty. He had breakfast at a friend’s and was on his way to the office. As he was driving down in the friend’s car he received phone call from

home about some happenings, there he lost his cool.
Afterwards, the friend asked him to calm down no matter what but it was too late. My buddy, the one I call CBN, his initials, suddenly developed stroke, throwing up non stop in the friend’s car.

Praying fervently for him, our friend made a turn and drove on neck break speed to his house where he picked his wife and rushed him to the hospital where he was admitted but later referred to to LASUTH in Ikeja.

On getting to LASUTH, the wife was told the hospital could not admit him for lack of bed space. For almost 5 hours my buddy was hanging on to dear life without treatment. How callous can some medical personnel be! An emergency case was treated with so much nonchalance.

So much grief, sorrow, and tears in his home. CBN left behind a young wife and 5 lovely kids. I pray God to give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
A Chelsea fan or better still, a lover of good football who doesn’t spare Arsenal and it’s gaffer when they slip in any match. A pal who has tried severally to convert me into being a member of the ‘blues’ family. So this great guy won’t be there to yab me week in week out about my dear own Arsenal.

Perpetual light shine upon him O’ Lord.
I shall truly miss you CBN. Sleep in the bosom of the Lord.Adieu Chike Bryan Nnamani.