Jealous House Wife Cuts off Toddler’s Manhood in Niger

Jealous House Wife Cuts off Toddler’s Manhood in Niger

A jealous house wife at the weekend in Kuta town of Niger State today cut off the manhood of a one-month-old baby of her mate.

Hajia Bara Ato Rabiu was the junior wife of Malam Mohammed Rabiu. She has only been married to Rabiu for seven months according to reports.

It was gathered that Rabiu’s senior wife had been married for seven years without a child, a situation that led Rabiu marrying another wife.

When a baby boy was born, his father, Rabiu, named him Buhari after President Muhammadu Buhari because he brought joy to his family.

However, last weekend, Bara Ato was said to have sneaked into the bedroom of her mate and took Buhari to a side of their compound where she cut off the manhood of the toddler, while his mother bathed.

The cry of Buhari attracted neighbours where they found him in a pool of his blood, it was gathered.

Bara Ato was said to have attempted to run away but good Samaritans over powered her after which she was said to have received the beating of her life before being taken to the police station in Kuta town.

Little Buhari was then rushed to the IBB Specialist hospital in Minna where he was admitted at the accident and emergency ward.

All hope is not lost for Buhari to regain his manhood according to medical experts but he has to go through series of surgeries for this to happen.

Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Yisa Umar, who confirmed the incident, described Bara Ato’s action as callous and wicked.

“This is an ugly incident, unexpected of a human being; it is unimaginable, gruesome and share wickedness,” he said.

Umar said the little boy would go through at least three stages of surgery.

 He did not say when the surgery would commence but declared that “you know this is an emergency case we have to act with dispatch.”

The stated Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elikana, when contacted, confirmed the story, saying: “The suspect, Bara Ato, is with us.”

Polytechnics May Still Conduct Fresh Screening Exercise for Admission Seekers

Polytechnics May Still Conduct Fresh Screening Exercise for Admission Seekers

Fresh fact at the weekend emerged that Nigerian polytechnics and colleges of technology may still subject their prospective admission seekers to fresh another round of screening exercise after the JAMB test.

The development, according to media checks, is meant to fish out those with questionable characters who may likely hinder the academic excellence of the polytechnics and college of technology in the country.

The federal government had fortnight ago banned tertiary institutions across the country from conducting post-UTME screening.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the Rector of Kwara State Polytechnic Ilorin and Chairman of Association of Rectors of Polytechnic and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COHEADS), Alhaji Mas'ud Elelu, said: "My school would conduct pre-admission security and certificate verification screening for those seeking admission into the polytechnic."

The screening, according to him is necessary in order to avoid admitting applicants of questionable character.

He stated that: "We need to be careful in order not to admit students who had been expelled from other institutions as well as ascertain the genuineness of applicants' certificates.

"The institution devised the new method of screening applicants based on its experience."

He said the methods was also to guide against admitting students with fake certificate and cultists expelled from other schools who might want to seek admission into the institution.

Asked if the screening would be free, Elelu declared that it would have "financial implication."

Similarly, the rector disclosed that the institution would soon begin a clamp down on operators of cybercafé on its campus, following the arrest of one of them with the school's forged audit stamp and document carrying forged signature.

He said the cybercafé operator was arrested following intelligence gathering from the institution's internal security network.

The suspect, he said, had been handed over to the Department of State Security Services (DSS) for further investigation.

Elelu warned that any staff or students found culpable in the issue would not be spared.

As parts of its anti-corruption crusade, the rector said two staff of the institution have been sent to the headquarters of Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for training.

Werrason - Nadine nzau (Clip Officiel HD)

Northern Group: Aisha Buhari Not Taking over as President

Northern Group: Aisha Buhari Not Taking over as President

Fingers highly placed APC members

A socio-political group, Arewa Youth Integrity Forum (AYIF), has come to the defence of the Nigerian First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, by calling on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard report that she is exerting undue authority at the presidential villa.

The group said the report was an attempt by disgruntled elements in the society to cause disaffection in the country.

It equally noted that this allegation is the latest in a series of smear campaign that has consistently sought to undermine her family life, adding that it however went beyond bounds this time around as those behind it try to precipitate a national crisis by attempting to play on the minds of Nigerians by conjuring a past era that has no similarity with the current scenario.

In a statement issued yesterday ‎in Abuja, the National President of the group, Ibrahim Abubakar, described those behind the report as criminally-minded people trying to paint the northern part of the country as politically domineering in disregard of the constitution.

He stated: "We have it on good authority that those behind the rumour are political terrorists who are highly placed persons in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who want to plunge the country into crisis in pursuit of their personal agenda.

"Those behind this plot went to town with the claim that the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, is acting as president while Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, functions as vice president.

"It is appalling that people can advertise their ignorance on an unprecedented scale by claiming Mrs. Buhari is the one acting as president. The only logical explanation other than crass ignorance is that this claim is being made out of malice and mischief.

"It is therefore sad that this kind of wicked rumour is making the rounds at a time when Nigerians, especially from within his party, should support the president with prayers.”

Continuing, he stressed that: "All Nigerians, the right thinking ones, are aware that President Muhammadu Buhari is the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria with Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Vice President. In a record making move, President Buhari properly notified the National Assembly of his 10-day medical leave and Professor Osinbajo’s status as acting President in that time span.

"The Forum hereby categorically warn these characters from disparaging Mrs. Buhari or members of her family." 

Urhobo Militant Group Emerges, Threatens to Attack Utorogun Gas Plant, OML 34 Facilities

Urhobo Militant Group Emerges, Threatens to Attack Utorogun Gas Plant, OML 34 Facilities

A suspected Urhobo militant group identified as Utorogun Liberation Movement (ULM) has today emerged, threatening to join in the destruction of oil facilities located mainly on upland area of Delta State.

The group, believed to be far away from the usual militant groups already agitating is located in Urhoboland, in the state.

Its emergence is an indication that all ethnic groups are beginning to form different bodies through which to articulate their peculiar interests on development in the Niger Delta region in the circumstance that the federal government holds its planned dialogue with stakeholders.

Announcing its emergence yesterday, the group threatened to destroy all oil and gas facilities including the Utorogun Gas Plant located in Ughelli in Ughelli South and Udu Local government Areas of the state.

Utorogun Gas Plant which supplies gas to the Egbin Power Station in Lagos, ULM also promised to attack other all prime oil and gas targets under Oil Mining Lease (OML 34) in the council areas respectively.

In a message written on a banner which signed by one Gen. K. Omovudu and flown near the motor park in Jeremi, headquarters of Ughelli South Local Government Area, the ULM declared it was in a secessionist move, operating in alliance with “Outgas Force”.

The group’s message to Utorogun oil and gas field host communities under OML 34 read: “My good people of Utorogun community, Otu-Jeremi, Otor-Udu, Iwkrekan, Ekakpamre and all oil and pipeline communities within this region this is the voice of ULM in collaboration with Outgas Force.

“It is a secessionist move. The awareness of things happening in our environment is a means to outline our course of action. The awareness is an agitation for economic balance. We have a common enemy, the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and ND Western which hate your progress and wish you die in poverty.

“They threaten our stability, disregard us. This area is the heart of hydrocarbon industries in Nigeria and other countries also responsible for a huge chunk of the nation’s oil earnings. The question concerning how many barrels of oil and gas this field produces remain unanswered, and our hopes far from what we are witnessing.

‘If we fail to fight, we will face a precarious future. The door is widely open for anybody within this region to join the exercise. Text your name and community to these numbers (withheld). Don’t call, you will receive text of days of meetings few days from now.”

Residents who woke up to see the banner notice were seen gathered at the spot reading and discussing the message in  hush tone.

Troops Clear Boko Haram Insurgents from Eight Villages in Borno, Kill Six Terrorists

Troops Clear Boko Haram Insurgents from Eight Villages in Borno, Kill Six Terrorists

•Terrorists now evade drones, surveillance aircraft

The Nigerian military, in a follow up operation to ensure proper clearance of suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts and prevent the fleeing terrorists from escaping the Operation Crackdown in Sambisa Forest, has raided the terrorists from about eight villages in some parts of Borno State.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement on Thursday said the  troops of the 155 Task Force  Battalion, last Wednesday evening, carried out a swift clearance  operation at Kircha Dungus village and surrounding areas.

During the operation, Usman said the troops encountered pockets of Boko Haram terrorists in which four of them were killed while others fled leaving behind four women and a child.

He said the troops had rescued and evacuated them for screening and further rehabilitation.

"While checking the general area, the troops further discovered a pair of military desert camouflage uniform and a Boko Haram terrorists' flag hoisted in the village. They also recovered a generator set and a water pumping machine," he stated. 

In the same vein, the DAPR said the troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B attached to 21 Brigade have braved harsh climatic conditions to also clear seven villages of Boko Haram terrorists presence the North-east area of Kumshe village.

He listed the villages to include Mulfuta, Baibawa, Jenere, Bembem, Maksamari, Bula Kafie and Bula Bodi.

Usman revealed that while advancing to Jenere, the troops encountered some Boko Haram terrorists elements who engaged the troops in a fierce battle.

"The troops were able to kill two terrorists, wounded several others and continued with their patrol to Jenere-Hausari," he said.

Usman revealed that the troops have discovered that Boko Haram terrorists now evolved new tactics of evading surveillance by drones and aircrafts, adding that: "They now hide in makeshift camps covered with shrubs."

In the operations, he said the troops recovered some motorcycles, two Dane guns, large quantity of foodstuffs stored in a well-constructed storage facility and solar panels.

He said: "Thereafter, the troops proceeded to Bembem, where the suspected Boko Haram terrorists also laid an ambush for them. It was however cleared successfully although a soldier sustained gunshot wound during the clearance. He has been evacuated and receiving treatment.

"The team discovered and rescued some hostages held by the Boko Haram terrorists in the area. Although the patrol team did not encounter any terrorists in Maksamari, they made a very rewarding recovery of an invaluable communication gadget.

Court Orders Gani Adams to Pay N100m as Damages for Libel

Court Orders Gani Adams to Pay N100m as Damages for Libel

An Abuja High Court today ruled that the factional leader of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC), Gani Adams, should pay the sum of N100 million as damages in a libel suit filed against him.

Founder and leader of OPC, Dr. Frederick Fasehun, had in 2013 slammed an N11 billion suit against the Independent Communications Network Limited (Publishers of PM News and the News Magazine) and Adams for defamatory and libelous publication against him in the News Magazine.

Delivering judgment on the matter yesterday, Justice Sunday Aladetoyinbo held that the comments contained in the interview granted by Adams and published in the August 26, 3013, edition of the News Magazine was defamatory and libelous of the plaintiff.

Consequently, the court awarded a N100 million damages against Adams and the publishers of the News Magazine, as exemplary damages for the defamatory publication.

He however stated that the sum would attract a 10 percent interest from June 16, 2016, that the judgment was delivered until all the money is paid to the plaintiff.

Aladetoyinbo also ordered the defendants to publish an apology, retraction and rebuttal of the libelous materials in the News Magazine and two national dailies in three consecutive days.

The court, in the judgment, restrained the defendants from further publishing the libelous materials against the plaintiff.

Fasehun, in his writs of summons marked FCT/HC/CV/513/2013, said the defamatory publication, predicated upon the interview granted the magazine by Adams referred to him as a murderer, kidnapper among other defamatory remarks.

The plaintiff's lawyers, Edwin Inegedu and Habeed Oredola, had earlier told the court that the defamatory remarks by Adams in the said publications would, "Unequivocally affect the personality and reputation of the plaintiff among right thinking members of the public.

"It is the plaintiff's case that the publication was made in malice and in extremely bad faith and contains no iota of truth whatsoever.

"The plaintiff, who is a reputable citizen of Nigeria, a democrat and an emancipation movement activist, has been subjected to public ridicule and embarrassment due to the malicious publication of the defendant."

Plateau Youths Protest against Grazing Reserves, Call on Lalong to Reverse Policy

 Plateau Youths Protest against Grazing Reserves, Call on Lalong to Reverse Policy

Thousands of Plateau State youths today  matched to the state Government House in protest against planned grazing reserves in the state, accusing the state Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, of conniving with the federal government to sell off their heritage to Fulani herders.

The therefore called on him to immediately de-list the Plateau from states that have anything to do with the policy.

This is even as the state House of Assembly, through the Deputy Speaker, Hon Yusuf Gagdi, dissociated itself from Lalong’s plan to cede any part of the state for the reserve, noting that it has not been consulted by the governor on the matter.

Also taking on Lalong, the Senator representing Plateau North in the National Assembly, Jonah David Jang, in a statement through his aide, Clinton Garuba, enjoined the governor to toe the path of honour by withdrawing from the grazing reserves policy that contravenes the wishes of the people.

Garuba said: “Rather than tell the Plateau people why the government has so much disdain for them on issues that affect their very existence, Lalong sought the usual convenient, escapist route of blaming his failure on the immediate past government; a practice which has become useful in the hands of the government of the day.

“How can a government that claims it sees his people as a priceless asset not consult with the same people before mortgaging their very heritage for grazing reserves thereby plunging the state into unprecedented protest?

“At a time when the government is suffering a huge relationship deficit with the Plateau people, it is only in its interest to stay silent and make up for the incomprehensible blunders it is committing than resorting to blame game in a bid to redeeming it's already battered image.”

Speaking to journalists, the convener of the protest, Dachung Musa Bagos, warned that  “Plateau state government must be careful not to take a decision that  would mortgage our future and that of generations yet unborn with the likely consequences of further throwing the state into chaos, as the policy has been rejected by the majority of the people of the state.”

The protesters, who were all dressed in black attires said: “We therefore wish to state unequivocally that we stand here today in protest against any form of land grabbing and exclusive privileges to any group under the guise of a government sponsored grazing reserve policy.

“We reject the unilateral decision of Lalong to enlist Plateau among states that have accepted to cede their land without first consulting with our people. It is undemocratic and unacceptable.”

The youth further said: “From time immemorial, through the period of agriculture to the period of industrial development, land has remained the most valuable property in the life of a man and his development. It is a source of wealth to those who have it and the mother of all properties. That is why we are gathered here today to demand that the governor rescind its decision on this obnoxious policy and follow the path of honour by removing Plateau form the list of states that have agreed to provide land for grazing reserves.

“Plateau has over the years, witnessed incessant attacks and killings by groups known in official cycles as ‘unknown herdsmen’ and should not be plunged into more bloodshed due to the insensitivity of the government.

“Government must thread with utmost care and caution in view of the delicate nature of the policy, and must consult widely with the people of the state before taking such decision.

“We had expected Lalong to seek support for the expansion of existing agricultural schemes in the state as a sure way of diversifying its economy and boosting the state’s economy rather than endorsing a highly controversial policy that seeks advantages for private businessmen, who are predominantly not natives of Plateau state.”

The Minister of  Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Audu Ogbe, had come out with a list of eleven states, including Plateau that have agreed to contribute lands for the purpose of establishing grazing reserves for cattle herders. But the people of the state have vehemently protested against it, describing it as anti-people.

Militancy: Kumuyi Calls for Dialogue between Govt, Stakeholders in Niger Delta

Militancy: Kumuyi Calls for Dialogue between Govt, Stakeholders in Niger Delta

General Superintendent and Founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, today called for dialogue between the federal government and stakeholders in the Niger Delta region towards finding amicable resolution to renewed hostilities and vandalism of oil installations by suspected Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) members.

Kumuyi also admonished Nigerians to remain resolute, prayerful and responsible in the face of the current economic crunch ravaging the country as he remains optimistic that the situation will soon be over.

The cleric made the call while speaking with journalists on his arrival in Warri, Delta State, for a one-day bible study programme tagged: ‘Following a Life Transforming Example’, organised by members of his denomination, held at the Warri Township Stadium.

He declared that he was interested in seeing to the amicable resolution of the Niger Delta hostilities, adding that: “The solution is that we begin to dialogue. Stakeholders should reason together and see the way forward instead of accusing one another. What we are interested in is how to solve the problem. What are the expectations of both sides so that we can move forward?"

The preacher, whose messages were woven round holiness and sound belief in the word of God, said comments by Nigerians over the economic situation were normal and an indication that the country deserves better than realities on ground.

"The reason people are complaining is because Nigeria deserves to be better. The economy has been low but we are getting out of it. With prayers, I know that we will get better.”

On President Muhammadu Buhari's one year in office, Kumuyi noted that Nigerians should not be in a hurry to assess him in a haste.

"Buhari has three more years in office. Sometimes, it depends on somebody's approach or method. Let us not build his evaluation on his one year," he added.

On his one-day bible study in Warri which he said was the first of its kind in the history of the church, he said the difference between the programme and other previous ones was that believers of the Christian faith will have face to face encounter with him while digging deep into the scriptures.

Kumuyi stated that it was tagged bible study because scriptural revelations on how one should relate with God would be made, adding that he was sure that many lives would be touched, and at the end, many testimonies would also follow as to the transformation of lives by incisive study of the word of God.

Oyo: NLC Declares Indefinite Strike, Students on Rampage as Ajimobi Orders Closure of Schools

Oyo: NLC Declares Indefinite Strike, Students on Rampage as Ajimobi Orders Closure of Schools

For several hours today, students of public secondary schools in Ibadan metropolis, Oyo State, trooped to the streets as early as 9a.m. to oppose state government's plan to return some schools to former owners and engage a number of others in Public Private Partnership (PPP) to address the rot in the state education sector.

Specifically, the government explained that the disrupted stakeholders’ summit it organised last week was aimed "to partner willing stakeholders in the participatory management of a negligible number of the public secondary schools, which may not be more than 10 per cent of the existing 631 schools in the end."

Subsequently, seven labour leaders,, including the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Waheed Olokede; his deputy, Alhaji Bayo Titilola Sodo and others were arraigned and incarcerated at Agodi prisons for allegedly disturbing public peace and wanton destruction of government property. After five days in detention, their bail conditions were perfected yesterday at a tense court session fortified with policemen who frisked people in and around the court premises.

Many motorists were turned back from plying the roads leading to the court in Iyaganku, Ibadan thus causing gridlock in Dugbe, Oke Ado, Iyaganku axis for several hours.

While the court session was on, students were forcefully sent out of the classrooms to protest the continuous incarceration of labour leaders, ostensibly by aggrieved workers who were protesting against their colleagues’ detention.

Journalists who went round the city to monitor the protests saw huge crowd of students filing the streets chanting anti-government songs, and in the process took over a property belonging to the state Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, and vandalised it.

Thousands of them from various secondary schools in Ibadan Southwest Local Government stormed Oke Ado area where Senator Ajimobi Vocational Training Centre was located and threw stones at the building from various directions, breaking the glass windows, thus forcing trainers and trainees at the centre to scamper for safety.

The students lamented that the one thousand naira fee introduced by the government coupled with the alleged plan to involve the private sector in the management of public schools was unacceptable to them, as it would lead to further increase in school fees.

Sensing the danger inherent in the ugly development, the government has ordered the immediate closure of all primary and secondary schools in the state as a way of protecting the lives and properties of the entire citizenry.

The government statement further read in parts: "Government has noted the attempt by some members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers to expose our staff and students to danger arising from the on-going court action against their members.

Police Investigate Bank Staff in Minna for Illegal Withdrawal from Customers Account

Police Investigate Bank Staff in Minna for Illegal Withdrawal from Customers Account

The Niger State Police Command is presently investigating a case of illegal withdrawal of money from a customer of a second generation bank account in Minna.

 

The case was referred to the police by a Minna Chief Magistrate C

 

ourt which received a petition that a staff of the bank illegally withdrew the sum of N2.4million from the account of the customer.

 

Police Public Public Relations Officer DSP Bala Elikana told journalists that a report was received on "this matter from the court and we are now investigating it."

 

Elikana said though nobody has been arrested in connection with the crime "a few staff of the bank have been invited and questioned.

 

'We are still investigating the matter, if it is necessary for arrests to be made we will do so but we have not reached that stage."

 

One Mrs Constance Orisakwe had brought ‘a direct criminal complaint' against the bank staff before a Minna Magistrate Court claiming that the staff allegedly defrauded her of N2.4 million.

 

The  complaint signed on her behalf by Mr Ihemeatulam Gavers of ‘Lord of Justice Chambers’,  made available to journalists in Minna today said the action of the bank staff was Contrary to Section 315, 364, 179 of penal Code Cap. 94 law of Niger state.

 

The document prayed the court to issue a criminal summons for criminal breach of trust, forgery and impersonation against the suspect.

Lori-Ogbebor Wants Militants to Halt Pipelines Bombing, Blames Interventionist Agencies

Lori-Ogbebor Wants Militants to Halt Pipelines Bombing, Blames Interventionist Agencies

Rights activist and Itsekiri high chief, Mrs. Rita Lori-Ogbebor, has called on the members of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to stop the destruction oil of installations in the region, adding that interventionist agencies in the region should be held responsible for failing to make judicious use of funds appropriated for the region’s development.

Lori-Ogbebor, who lamented that the renewed militancy would only exacerbate the environmental and socio-economic problems in the region, stated that only the cessation of hostilities by the militants would pave the way for peace.

She told select journalists in Lagos today that neither the present government nor its predecessor should be blamed for the resurgence of militancy, blaming political leaders in the region who she noted failed to make use of the gains of past interventions to develop the region.

According to her, “The failure of interventionist agencies to have a focus, to have a plan and implement them in addition with high degree of greed got us to this level.

“These militants are young men who are being used and who have not been given proper direction. It is the same leaders who embezzle money meant for the development of the region that instigate these boys to go and destroy.  I have never made any mistake about my belief that Niger Delta leaders are the cause of the present crisis. They are not genuine. They should go to other states especially in western states and see what the leaders are doing but that is not the case with Niger Delta states.

“Those of us who produce oil should go back to the drawing table and look at ourselves and ask ourselves if we want to really develop the region or our homes.

‘’ After that, the federal government can meet us, but nobody is going to stampede us into destroying of pipelines because that will take us back to where we were.”

Lori-Ogbebor, who is also a business woman in Lagos, stated: “When we know what happened to past funds made available to the Niger Delta ministry, NDDC, Amnesty Programme and other interventionist agencies, then we can advise the government on what to do, but when there is nothing to justify the huge allocations, would it be right for the government to start pouring money into the hands that will squander it? And when there is no money they will turn around to break pipelines.

‘’I am calling on Chief Edwin Clark to call his people to order because he is the leader of his people. And he was close to the President Goodluck Jonathan government. They cannot continue to be threatening us all the time. We had our son there who brought out the money for development but we shot ourselves on the leg.  What I am appealing to all of them now is for the ‘Avengers’ militants to put down their guns and when they do that, we will go in because it is our home. The truth is that we cannot continue carrying guns because there is nowhere violence has solved any problem because the federal government is bound to listen.”

Ohaneze Condemns Kano Killing, Demands Justice

Ohaneze Condemns Kano Killing, Demands Justice

The leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo has vehemently condemned the beheading of a Kano State-based trader, Mrs. Bridget Agbaheme, on spurious allegation of blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed, describing the incident as unfortunate and inimical to the unity of the country.

In an exclusive interview with journalists in Owerri, capital of Imo State, the President-General of Ohaneze, Chief Enwo Gary Igari-wey, lamented the unfortunate incident and tasked the law enforcement agencies and the Kano State governor to live up to the occasion by bringing the culprits to book.

Igari-wey, who was in Owerri to attend the 5th anniversary of Chief Rochas Okorocha's administration, said arrangement had been concluded for the delegation of Ohaneze to visit Kano State to see things for themselves and take a proper decision on the matter.

According to him, Ohaneze completely condemns the incident, adding that: “We are sending a delegation to Kano where we would get the whole facts on first hand basis and from there, we will know what to do next.

He however, commended the law enforcement agents for the arrests of at least three culprits and demanded the apprehension of the rest and bring them to book.

"We also commend the governor of Kano State for quick intervention and the arrest of about three culprits. We wish that this would serve as a deterrent to others, so that this type of thing would not happen again. The Ohaneze also commend the Igbo community in Kano on the mature manner they had conducted themselves so far,"  he said.

Force Cannot Solve Niger Delta Crisis, Former House Member Says

Force Cannot Solve Niger Delta Crisis, Former House Member Says

The federal government has been advised that adopting force to resolve the ongoing Niger Delta hostility will not yield the required result.

A former member of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Bala Adamu Kuta, who gave the advice in Minna, Niger State, today while fielding questions from journalists, said using military force to quell the militancy in the region would only aggravate the problem and throw the country into more problems.

Kuta, who represented Shiroro Munya and Rafi federal constituency in the National Assembly between 2007 and 2011, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to reconsider the current policy and settle for dialogue.

In the same vein, Kuta said the Niger Delta militants should lay down their arms and meet the government on the conference table where the issues militating against the development of the area would be discussed and amicable solution found.

“What peace and dialogue cannot solve, taking up of arms and ammunition cannot be the solution,” he declared.

According to Kuta, “The way out of this problem is not the use of force but dialogue. Both parties should come to the negotiating table and understand each other,” adding that the federal government should appreciate that ‘there is problem in the Niger Delta region and give firm assurances that these problems would be looked into immediately.”

On the part of the militants, the former legislator said they should also realise that continued bombing of oil installations would not be in the interest of the region and the country because the area would be exposed to more pollution and other dangers that would affect the lives of the people they are trying to defend.

He said the commencement of the cleanup of the Ogoni land last week by the federal government should be an assurance to the militants that the federal government was determined to correct the wrongs of the past in the area.

Davinci Fashion House Launched in Lagos

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Sunday Okobi

A fashion centre which helps create the platform for designers in the industry as well as lovers of fashion to meet and mingle, Davinci Fashion Lounge, has been unveiled in Lagos. The lounge, according to its director, Linda Deminguez, is a unique Nigerian fashion hub where all lovers of fashion (and designers) meet and connect in various ways.

Deminguez told THISDAY: “We are launching a first-of-its-kind fashion lounge. The lounge is a hub they can now come to get help and connection, you know, sometime who you know in the industry (potential customers) matters. In here, you can connect with photographers, makeup artists among others who can assist in fostering your career and a lot of networking and opportunities.”

“The Nigerian fashion industry is one of the most lucrative in the world, and as it is booming, we need to take it higher. We are here to provide that platform for a lot of Nigerian youths and upcoming fashion designers and make-up artists. That’s the objective of the lounge. ”

While highlighting the gains of the fashion industry in Nigeria, she said: “Fashion is a way of life because what I wear matters. I have to look good. Fashion is lifestyle basically, and it is worthy of note that Nigerian youths today are seriously into fashion in many ways mostly showcasing it on social media as well as our campuses. Esther Bayo is the face of Davinci fashion Lounge.

Among the designers connected to the lounge is Dyvaciti Fashion Hub, which Dominguez said is creating a platform for established and emerging designers to showcase their creativity on a regular basis whilst networking with potential buyers.
“Dyvaciti Fashion takes place monthly and it is powered by Davinci Fashion Lounge. Our next event is May 27.

She disclosed that another fashion house powered by the lounge, ‘Rikaoto by Me’, was founded in 2009 as a result of the entrepreneurial skill of Maryam Elisha (ME) Rikaoto fashion services. “The Nigerian company focuses mainly on creating eclectic and chin designs for both males and femaless. Rikaoto elusively designs red dresses, pageantry dresses, wedding, formal for occasion, parties, casual outfit and costumes for videos. The sleek style of the Rikaoto brand has separated it from the regular cliché of fashion design.

Flirtatious and daring in design, Rikaoto has made apparels for top celebrities worldwide. It has also participated in various fashion shows locally and internationally.”
It was also learnt that over the years, Rikaoto has been able to provide support services for fashion designers who couldn’t step up with a large scale production factory.

Rikaoto has contributed to re-writing the perception that any design of excellence ‘has to be imported’ syndrome by designing top of the line style. The adventurous spirit of the CEO has added to the success, style and creative innovation and industrial know-how of Maryam Elisha. Rikaoto has distinguished itself among other designers for it’s innovations, creativity and prestige. Rikato has dintinguished itself as a Nigerian company of international repute, which operates in the upscale market range, presenting a mixture of both the Nigeria and international culture.

Also powered by the lounge is Nugo’s clothing which is a wholly indigenous cloth designing and sewing company based in Lagos. It has an eye on promoting the beauty of the African culture to the world, in a very modern and unique style through fashion.

Nugo’s clothing is a very unique brand with loyal clients cutting across the upper and the middle class. “The use of a butterfly as logo, stems out from the fact that the butterfly is a beautiful, colourful and homeless creature. The use of African print on the butterfly signifies on utmost loyalty and dedication of the team to the ever colourful African culture, which is greatly portrayed in the office prints,” she said.

Aregbesola Tasks Insurance Brokers on Recovery of Ailing Economy ......Says survival of Nigeria calls for all.

Aregbesola Tasks Insurance Brokers on Recovery of Ailing Economy

......Says survival of Nigeria calls for all.

The Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, today stated that insurance brokers have crucial roles to play in the efforts to revamp Nigerian ailing economy.

The governor stated this while declaring open the 2016 Chief Executive Officers' retreat of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers at Zenababs, Ilesa.

Aregbesola, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, tasked the professional body to work out a modality capable of rescuing Nigeria from the present economic challenges.

Lamenting over the current state of the nation's economy, the governor suggested that the ways to liberate the country from its present state was for the professional bodies to institutionalise strategies and map out realistic economic policies to mitigate the situation.

He decried the mono-economic nature of the Nigeria's economy, saying all hands must be on deck to find possible solutions to the nation's socio-economic, political and cultural challenges.

Aregbesola attributed the challenge facing the country to over-reliance on crude oil, stressing that if successive governments had brilliantly diversified the economy, Nigeria would not have suffered from the present economic calamity.

The governor who reiterated that the nation is going through a tough economic situation, called on the members and leadership of (NCRIB) to come to the aid of the nation especially in rescuing over 27 states of the federation who are presently facing challenges in the payment of salary arrears.

He said: "Unknown to many, insurance, more than banking, actually drives the economy. When businesses are insured, it gives entrepreneurs the liberty to take informed risks, knowing that their backs are covered.

"Risk taking is critical to capitalism and the confidence that the business is insured, for most part, is the motive force of capitalism.

“However, beyond providing cover, the due diligence report and other expert report required by insurance firms ensure that actual risks are minimized.

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"Insurance companies also help the economy with the provision of long term funds which are mostly invested in real estates and industrialisation."‎

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Governor Aregbesola said except Lagos State, no other state government can boast of meeting its workers' salary obligations and pensions, therefore charging the council to wade into rescuing the affected states through its expertise.

The President of NCRIB, Mr. Emmanuel Okunoren, commended Aregbesola for living up to the expectation in both human and infrastructural developments.

He lauded the state government on its giant strides in all sectors of the economy, stressing that the state government has proven its weights as a model by all ramifications.

"We chose Osun State for our retreat so as appreciate the good works of the current government and further entrench our relationship with the state," he stated.

US -based Child Rights Activist Blames Nollywood‎ for Rise in Rape Cases

US-based Child Rights Activist Blames Nollywood‎ for Rise in Rape Cases

‎A United States-based Child Rights activist and a member of National Council of Child Rights Advocate Nigeria (NACCRAN), Dr. Funmilayo Ogunleye-Hancock, has vehemently blamed the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood) for the increasing number of  rape cases in the country.

Hancock‎ expressed her displeasure at a press conference today in Abuja, where she stated that her intention being a member of Nigerians in Diaspora was to find out what are the needs of the nation, and how can those in the  Diaspora help, particularly in the area of children, poverty  as well as proffering  solutions to the problems.

Hancock noted that Nollywood should have been used as a tool to get rid of the menace or reduced to the barest minimum in the society, lamenting that reverse is the case as it is now being used as a tool to fuel rape in the society.

The Ekiti State-born child rights activist noted that her ‎aim is to bring so many people out of poverty, adding that every year, her NGO offers scholarship to 44 children in the state, and that the scheme had been on for past 10 years.

According to her, "In a lot of our movies these days, we intend to added rape scenes in them, which is not helpful, and I don't like that, because if  we are talking about getting rid of that situation, we shouldn't be fuelling it. It just like almost every movie that I watch, there is always a rape scene, and I think we are promoting that further because the more you watch such scene, the more it goes in your heart."

She further emphasised that “if it is something that we are trying to get rid of, we will express so in our movies, because in most movies, they do them without repercussion, that is the thing that bothers me most, it is one thing to show a woman is raped, it is another thing to show there is a repercussion.

"But in these movies, they are raped, and the victims are also penalised...we see a lot of such movies these days, but the movie industry can help out in this situation because many people watch movies.

''Even if the government is not able to do much to help, our movie industry should be able to quit promoting fraud and rape. The fight against rape should be taken seriously."

The activist revealed that though some people are perpetrating the act too in America, the difference between America and Nigeria is that the laws are implemented, and that no one is above the law.

Boko Haram: NGO Donates N10m to IDPs, Empowers 1,000 Farmers in Borno

Boko Haram: NGO Donates N10m to IDPs, Empowers 1,000 Farmers in Borno

In its resolved to provide succour and help those hitherto displaced by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east region,  a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Peace Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Initiative (PRRI), has donated N10 million to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Executive Secretary of the group, Dr. Sam Ode, made the disclosure at the weekend  while briefing journalists  in his office in Abuja.

He said the gesture was geared  towards  providing a source of livelihood for the returning families whose communities were ravaged by the insurgents,  thus helping them get their lives back.

Ode revealed that aside from the cash donation, over 1,000 farmers would be given improved seedlings to boost food production.

He revealed that: "The group visited Biu local council and gave them the cash of N10 million and food stuffs worth over N10million. Other communities also visited were Buratai, Sabon Gari, Kwajafa, Shaffa, and Biu IDP camps where assistance were given to some corporetive societies.

"We have resolved to give improved seedlings procured from IITA in Ibadan, Oyo State, to help the farmers boost their yields in the coming years.

“Agriculture is key to the development of any nation and it remains the first line of any action plan to deliver the people from economic hardships. PRRI is keen to see that the returning families are empowered."

He stated that the NGO has now given over N40 million as part of its philanthropic gesture to the various communities it has visited in the state.

The NGO leader stated that it was quite challenging as no government or individual can completely rebuild what was destroyed by the insurgents, adding that it could be done through concerted efforts of all stakeholders including the displaced persons.

The Executive Secretary noted that the PRRI team would be moving to Yobe and Adamawa States where the team has identified some villages and the inhabitants who have fully returned home as a result of military operations which have restored normalcy to the area.

Democracy Remains Best Solution to our National Problems, Says Saraki

Democracy Remains Best Solution to our National Problems, Says Saraki

Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, today commended Nigerians for working to sustain democracy in the past 17 years despite the various challenges the country has encountered within the period.

In a statement to mark this year's Democracy Day, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described democracy as not only the most globally accepted system of government but also the best solution to the problems confronting a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious society like Nigeria.

He said in the last 17 years, the electorate have become more discerning and sophisticated as the nation has got to the point that people elected to the various offices are now conscious of the fact that they are under constant watch and when they fail to meet the expectation of the voters, they will be given “the red card.”

"It is the first time in our nation’s history that we will have 17 unbroken years of democratically elected governments. Last year, our people demonstrated that our democracy is fast maturing as they voted out a party in power and elected another party. Since then, one can notice how people have become more and more interested in governance and the performance of those elected and appointed into public offices.

"In my own view, these are signs that our democracy has matured. Our people deserve commendation for that. This positive development is also already reflecting in the quality of governance and the level of development being witnessed across board in the country," he stated.

The Senate President further called on elected and appointed officials at all levels of government to continue to justify the confidence people reposed in them as he said he and his colleagues in the Senate are conscious of the fact that if they fail to live up to the expectation of the people, the next elections are just around the corner.

He added that at this point, the nation must improve on the conduct of elections in such a manner that the free will of the electorate will be reflected in the results, adding that for the country to become a mature democracy, elections must be peaceful, free and fair.

"The issue of free and fair elections is a joint responsibility for all of us. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must continue to improve on its process and machinery for conduct of elections while the people must learn to shun violence and all forms of unlawful conduct during electioneering.

“We cannot be celebrating many years of democracy if people still take elections as if it is war, and refuse to accept the decision of the majority.

"We in the National Assembly will continue to strengthen the electoral laws and other legislations that can build institutional checks against the abuse of the laws by individuals and groups. We must get to the point where people who resort to violence to achieve political objectives are severely punished,” Saraki stated.

He added that Nigeria must become a model in Africa for the enthronement of rule of law and protection of fundamental human rights of all individuals and that the country must show good example to other countries on the continent and in the Commonwealth nations in that regard.

Saraki noted that in the area of the economy, the entire world is facing challenging times and that what the country needs to overcome the situation are discipline, prudent management of her resources and  exploration of hitherto neglected areas in creating national wealth.

The Senate president said: "I can assure our people that the present economic problem is a temporary challenge. We will all be happy very soon. It is for this reason that, as I congratulate our people on this occasion of Democracy Day, I call on them to continue to pray for the government and support all efforts aimed at ensuring that we all reap the dividends of democracy. We should remember that tough times do not last but tough people do. God bless Nigeria. God bless Nigerians!"