younglee's Blog

The Special Task Force in charge of maintaining law and order in Plateau state and parts of Bauchi state, Operation Safe Haven has provided succour to some communities in affected areas of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and Jema’a Local Government of Southern Kaduna in Kaduna State. The force provided the residents with writing materials and borehole to alleviate the sufferings of the displaced people. Commander of the task force, Major General Rogers Nicholas said the provision of the materials was to build confidence of people in the affected areas while returning to their ancestral homes by providing portable water in the community. He encouraged parents to release their wards to return to schools by providing writing materials to the pupils. Beneficiary communities include Tenti community in Bokkos Local Government area of Plateau with a borehole to carter for the need of the people which is aimed at bringing the people together. At Godogodo in southern...

Victims of herdsmen attacks from Agatu in Benue State have rejected the peace agreement brokered between them and Fulani herdsmen by the governors of Benue and Nasarawa states, to allow herdsmen to graze through Adapati Island to Bagana in Kogi state. The agitators, under the Forum of Victims of Herdsmen Attacks in Agatu and the Benue South Peace Network hinged their rejection of the peace agreement on the grounds that the deal lacks elements of genuine peace, reconciliation and rehabilitation. The peace agreement reached in Makurdi by the governors, was signed by the Oche-Agatu and the Ardo Fulani, but the victims agitating for the nullification of the peace agreement say they were not carried along. Part of the deal is to grant access to herdsmen to graze on the disputed Adapati Island through Odumagbo to Bagana, where Agatu fishermen also conduct their businesses. But the Benue state government is refuting claims that the agreement was forced on the people of Agatu witho...

The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has been drawn to a new tactic being adopted by female suicide bombers in the North East. The female suicide bombers now evade detection from security operatives by carrying babies on their back, which ordinarily passes them for innocent nursing mothers. The two recent suicide bomb attacks in Madagali, Adamawa State are instructive in this regard. In a statement by the Acting Director, Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar “The DHQ wishes to seize this opportunity to appeal to members of the public to be patient and cooperate with the military and other security agencies, while carrying out thorough security search and checks as the essence is to reduce the murderous intention of the Boko Haram suicide bombers. “We also wish to further state that the usual traffic “go-slow” at military and security check points as a result of rigorous security checks, are not meant to cause public discomfort or a del...

The Abuja Police Command has paraded four suspected members of the kidnapping gang, responsible for the abduction of five school children and three staff of a Turkish school in Ogun State. Parading the suspects at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood Jimoh said the four suspects were arrested at various location According to him, the principal suspect, Mr Bekewei Agbojule was arrested after he came out of the creeks to spend part of his share of the ransom paid. On January 14, five staff and two students of the Tulip International School, located in the Isheri area of Ogun State, were reported to have been abducted from their school premises by gunmen. The gunmen invaded the school, formerly known as Turkish International School, on the night of Friday, January 13 in a white Hilux and took the students and the teachers away. According to staff of the school, the gunmen gained entrance through the back fence of the schoo...

Barely a day after two Bell helicopters seized by the Nigerian Customs Service were handed over to the Nigerian Air Force in Lagos, the Rivers state government has claimed ownership of the aircraft. In a statement, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike claims that he had written officially to the President asking that the helicopters which were procured by the immediate past administration, be handed over to the Nigerian Air Force. He said: “These helicopters were imported by the immediate past administration. When I assumed office, we wrote to the Federal government that it was strictly for security use. What am I going to use armoured helicopters for? “In any case, where will the Rivers State Government get money at this time to import armoured helicopters? The previous administration imported it because they had the money. “I went to the Federal Government to give me a waiver for us to clear the helicopters, but the Federal Government refused. “I wrote a letter to the...

The Senator Ali-Modu Sheriff faction of the PDP says they are open to dialogue, irrespective of what the outcome of the Court of Appeal judgement on the PDP crisis would be. This statement was made on Monday, ahead of the Court of Appeal judgement on the leadership tussle of the Peoples Democratic Party in Port Harcourt later in the week. The factional deputy chairman of the party, Mr Cairo Ojougboh, told journalists at a press conference in Abuja that the group has decided not to head for the apex court even if the decision of the Appeal Court is delivered in favour of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led care taker committee. “We are open to dialogue. We are also expecting a landmark judgement that will determine the politics of Nigeria. “The success of the party today – the NWC (National Working Committee), will hallmark the success of multiparty democracy in Nigeria. “We have discussed it and it is obvious whatever the decision of the Court of Appeal, enough is enough. We wi...

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), confirms participation of Nigeria and Egypt in the first major ITTF World Tour for 2017. The Hungarian Open will serve off between January 19 and 22 in Budapest. The largest number of participating players for any country in the tournament is from Nigeria,as the highest ranked player in the continent; Aruna Quadri leads four other Nigerian players to the championship. All Hands On Deck African Champion, Egypt’s Omar Assar, will be competing alongside his sibling – Khaled in the competition. Besides Quadri, other Nigerian players in the $70,000 prize money championship are Italy-based duo of Olajide Omotayo and Kazeem Makanjuola and Portugal-based pair of Bode Abiodun, and Ojo Onaolapo.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate removal of the Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRN),  Mr. Jim Obazee,  as well as the reconstitution of its board. The President consequently appointed Mr Adedotun Sulaiman as the new chairman of the council. Mr Sulaiman is a former Managing Partner/Director of Arthur Anderson and later, Accenture. He is a chartered accountant and a product of the University of Lagos and Harvard Business School. President Buhari has also approved the appointment of Mr Daniel Asapokhai as  the Executive Secretary. Mr Asopokhai is a partner and a financial reporting specialist at the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), Nigeria. He is also a product of the University of Lagos and the University of Pretoria. The President has also instructed the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enelamah, to invite the 19 Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government and p...

The Nigerian government has suspended the law that forced Pastor Enoch Adeboye to step down as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Nigeria. According to a statement signed by the media aide to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Constance Ikokwu, the law has been suspended in order to review it. The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria under Mr Jim Obazee, had directed not-for-profit organisations, including churches and mosques to comply with a corporate governance code stipulating a term of 20 years for heads of such entities. It was by this provision that Pastor Adeboye, who had spent over 20 years as General Overseer of R.C.C.G, named Pastor Joshua Obayemi to head the church in Nigeria while he remained the global overseer of the church. The statement quoted the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah saying that the government remains committed to restoring and enhancing market con...

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday approved the appointments of four persons to head some key agencies in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The approval was made public in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Sabiu Zakari. The affected agencies are: Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, as well as the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB). Captain Fola C. Akinkuotu, who is a seasoned transport pilot, flight and aircraft maintenance engineer, airline chief executive and a trained aviation industry regulator, has been appointed the Director General of NAMA. The Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Abuja, and a professor of geography with specialty in Environmental Application of Remote Sensing, Sani Abubakar Mashi, becomes the Director General of NIMET. According to the statement, Captain Abdulsalam Mohammed is the new R...

The federal government has issued a new guideline for the computation of operating surpluses in order to reduce cases of under-remittance of funds by revenue-collection agencies. The guideline was issued over the weekend through the Ministry of Finance. Financial statements are expected to contain details of projected internally generated revenue, personnel and overhead costs derived from the national budget, so as to adequately prepare estimates of revenue and expenditure of agencies. In 2016, 33 revenue generating agencies were indicted for not remitting a total of 450 billion Naira into the consolidated revenue fund account of government. The Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, has therefore warned that a violation of the three-year template would attract severe sanctions.

Ivory Coast Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan resigned and dissolved the government on Monday, a move that had been expected following elections last month but which was delayed two days by an army mutiny. Duncan had been expected to stand down on Saturday, but held off after dissident soldiers took over army bases in cities across the West African country on Friday demanding bonus payments. It took 48 hours to reach the deal to quell the revolt in an army that is made up of government troops and former rebels and riven with divisions. “I have tendered my resignation and that of the government,” he said after a meeting with President Alassane Ouattara. Ouattara kept hold of his majority in the Dec. 18 parliamentary polls. But legislative elections are usually followed by a change of government as a matter of procedure. The resignations pave the way for the implementation of measures contained in a new constitution. Ivory Coast is French-speaking West Africa’s largest ...

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned FIFA Men’s Player Of The Year. Ronaldo was announced winner on Monday in Zurich where the world’s best football players and coaches were recognised at the inaugural edition of “The Best Fifa Football Awards”. The Ballon Dór winner beat Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi to win the award which was presented by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino. “Wow. It’s incredible. It’s not the first time but this award is the first time. “I want first to thank my team-mates, my coach. I want to thank my family, my whole staff. “I tell you, 2016 was the best year of my career. I had a lot of doubts but the trophy showed that I lived up to that. “After I won what I did, I had no doubts. “It was a year that was magnificent on a personal level, on a sports level. I would like to thank very warmly everybody who voted for me. “To the fans, to the other players, to the media: thank you,” he said. Other winners on the night: – The Best F...

Arsenal’s German international, Mesut Ozil says he is waiting to learn the fate of manager Arsene Wenger before agreeing to sign a new contract with the London club. Wenger’s contract at Arsenal expires at the end of the season and Ozil’s decision is dependent on whether it is renewed or not. Ozil’s contract has 18 months left to run and he said he is ready to re-sign, depending on Wenger’s fate. He told German football magazine Kicker: “I am very, very happy at Arsenal and have let the club know that I would be ready to sign a new contract. The fans want that I stay and now it is just down to the club.” He also dismissed the idea that his delay is down to money: “The club knows that I am here most of all because of Arsène Wenger. He is the one who signed me and he is the one whose trust I have. The club also knows that I want to be clear what the manager is going to [in the future].” Arsenal are fifth in the table behind leaders Chelsea, and Ozil insists the Gunners are ...

The federal government has promised to install low level wind-shear alert system in all airports across the country as part of efforts to ensure the safety of air travelers. The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, made this promise at the commissioning ceremony of the facility at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina. He said that the government is also addressing the issue of instrument landing system and other navigational aids at the various airports as part of efforts to improve safety. “Aviation safety and security are top priority issues for this government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari,” he said, adding that the recent installations by NIMET in 13 airports in the country are in consonance with the government’s policies. He re-affirmed the government’s resolve to pursue its policy of safety at all times through regular maintenance of airports and all facilities that will aid smooth air operations. The Director-Gen...

Nigeria’s President, Muhammed Buhari is hosting this years’ West African Leaders Meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital. The ECOWAS meeting has in attendance, the President of Liberia, Madam Ellen Sheleaf Johnson; Ghana’s John Mahama and the President of Senegal, Macky Sall. The leaders would be discussing the Gambian presidential election outcome, where President Yahya Jammeh is refusing to step aside after losing an election. President Buhari is the chairman of the mediation team to Gambia. A spokesman for the Nigerian presidency, Mr Garba Shehu, said on Friday that President Buhari, as “the chief mediator of the crisis” is committed to “ensuring that the logjam is resolved”. A major decision on the impasse was expected to be taken at a meeting held in Ghana on Saturday on the sidelines of the inauguration of President Nana Akufo-Addo. Jammeh initially accepted his loss in the December 1 election, shocking Gambians who have lived through his rule since he took pow...

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Yobe state chapter has condemned the killings of people in southern Kaduna with a call on relevant authorities to fish out the killers and bring them to boo k. The Yobe state CAN chairman, Reverend Jibrin Joshua, in a media briefing in Damaturu the state capital, called on the Federal Government and the Kaduna state government to end the killings and ensure justice, equity and fairness in the troubled area. “Such killings and destruction of houses, churches and farmlands are unacceptable and therefore condemnable. “No individuals or group of persons disguising as Fulani herdsmen are permitted to take the law into their hands and we hereby call on both the federal and the state government to do thorough investigation and ensure that those behind the killings are brought to book,” the CAN chairman said. Rev. Joshua, while appreciating the recent measures taken by concerned authorities toward the restoration of peace in the affected a...

Kwara state government has described as outright falsehood, media reports that it received nine billion Naira as its share of the London-Paris Loan Club refund from the federal government. Reacting on behalf of the government, the State Commissioner for Finance, Demola Banu, explained that the state government has only received and declared five billion naira so far from the federal government but was yet to receive the balance of about 3.7 billion. The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Dr Muyideen Akorede, in a statement, disclosed that the Finance Commissioner has also given the assurance that the state government was in the process of getting the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja to process and release the balance. Banu’ also emphasized that all states were supposed to receive 25% of their claim, which in the case of Kwara state, amounted to about N9billion, pending final reconciliation, and that only N5billion of the claim was released to the state as an...

Social media application, WhatsApp, on November 14, 2016, announced its next step in efforts to connect people – WhatsApp video calling. Via the application’s site, it stated “today we’re excited to announce the next step in our efforts to connect people – WhatsApp video calling. “In the coming days, WhatsApp’s more than one billion users, can make video calls across Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone devices”. The application which started as an alternative to SMS, “now supports sending and receiving a variety of media: text, photos, videos, documents, and location, as well as voice calls,” the group said. WhatsApp was founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton who had previously spent 20 years combined at Yahoo. In 2014, it joined Facebook, but has continued to operate as a separate app, with a laser focus on building a messaging service that works fast and reliably anywhere in the world. “Our goal at WhatsApp has always been to help as many people as possible stay in touch ...

Iran’s ex-President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a dominant figure in the country’s politics since the 1980s, has died at the age of 82, media say. Mr Rafsanjani had suffered a heart attack on Sunday and died in an hospital in Tehran. He served as president from 1989 to 1997 but lost to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when he ran again in 2005. Rafsanjani was an influential figure in Iran, and headed the Expediency Council, a body which is intended to resolve disputes between the parliament and the Guardian Council. He was also a member of the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body that selects the supreme leader, Iran’s most powerful figure. Rafsanjani has been described as “a pillar of the Islamic revolution.” His pragmatic policies – economic liberalization, better relations with the West and empowering Iran’s elected bodies – appealed to many Iranians but was despised by hardliners. The 12-member Guardian Council, a dominant force in Iran that interprets the constitution, disq...

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says it is targeting a refining capacity of 60 % in 2017, to reduce the importation of petroleum products into the country. The group Managing Director of the corporation, Dr Maikanti Baru, explained that NNPC is keen on ending product importation in a few years and that concrete plans are on ground to achieve that. In his words, “we are putting together various programmes to ensure that we achieve at least 60 per cent local refining by the end of this year. “It is the procedure or methodology that we are changing a little bit, we are focusing on the process licensors to come and audit our processes and they have already started auditing most of our process units in the various refineries.” Dr. Baru also appealed to residents not to vandalise pipelines, which has become a big challenge to the growth of the oil and gas sector. A group that calls itself the Niger Delta Avengers, had claimed responsibility for serious a...

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, says the Nigerian Air Force has acquired two more Mi-35M combat helicopters from Russia Federation to enhance its capability in ongoing internal security efforts. He has also given the assurance that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to ensuring that the current gains in the war against Boko Haram terrorists in North East Nigeria is sustained. Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, who was speaking at a media briefing in Maiduguri to acquaint the press with the activities of the Air Force in 2016, said air patrol and intelligence gathering was still in progress. “The aircrafts have been delivered awaiting official induction after which they will be launched for operations. “We have also installed camera on two of our Beechcrafts NAF 202 and NAF 204 and upgraded the camera on another Beechcraft NAF 201 all in 2016,”  the Air Chief stated. The air bombardment of the camp zero and general area of the Sambisa forest by the a...

The Nigerian military are embarking on a cross-border patrol of Plateau and Kaduna states to prevent any spillover of recent attacks in Southern Kaduna region. A joint security operative with the special task force, Operation Safe Haven is doing this in collaboration with 1 Division command of the Nigerian Army to also build confidence among the affected communities that peace has returned to. Commander of the special task force, Major General Rogers Nicholas said that the cross border patrol is to assure citizens of adequate security. He followed it with an appeal to the people to always report strangers and unusual movement of any group of people to security agents promptly. “We are from special task force in Plateau state; troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army are already deployed here. “We crossed over to Kaduna state primarily to support and synergize so that such attacks do not happen again. “More soldiers are to be deployed into the affected areas and (we h...