The Federal High Court, Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to unconditionally unfreeze the account of Sen. Abdullaziz Nyako and a company linked to him.

Abdullaziz is the son of former Adamawa governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (rtd), and a serving senator representing Adamawa South Senatorial District.

Nyako, Nengiofori Jumbo and Blue Opal Nigeria Ltd, in 2015, filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC over freezing of their accounts and sealing of the Hillview Estate, Abuja, belonging to Nyako.

Delivering judgement on the matter, Justice Babatunde Quadri held that the action of the EFCC was a gross violation of the fundamental rights of the applicants as guaranteed under relevant sections of the constitution.

In the judgment, which was seen by the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) on Friday, the judge held that the sealing and forfeiture of the applicants’ property by the EFCC was unlawful and oppressive.

“In conclusion, the application has merit, same is hereby granted but with following indications, that is, only reliefs 1, 2, and 3 are expressly granted while reliefs 4,5 and 6 are refused.

“The commission is hereby ordered to unfreeze the account of the applicants unconditionally and forthwith.

“The commission, having sealed up the premises of the applicants since July 2014, should unseal it forthwith or better still open up the Hillview Estate immediately,” the judge ordered.

The reliefs refused by the court included the one asking for the award of N10 billion as general and exemplary damages for the wrongful sealing and forfeiture of the applicants’ property.

Justice Quadri also refused to grant relief five which sought for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondent and its agents from taking any untoward action against the applicants.(NAN)

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The Plateau State massacre which occurred on Saturday June 23, left over 120 people dead, and properties burnt down is a sad tale to Nigerians.

However Pictures of two men involved in the gruesome bloodbath have emerged, according to a Facebook user, identified Bello salihu, who is a close friend to the family of the victims involved, stated that they were killed while returning from Bauchi to Jos on that faithful day.

According to reports, both died leaving a wife and three kids each.

See Photos below;

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President Mohammadu Buhari, will be leaving Nigeria on Saturday June 30 to attend the 31st African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Nouakchott, Mauritania.

This was revealed by the Presidency, in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina , which stated Buhari will “embark on an official visit to Nouakchott, Mauritania to attend the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government from June 30 to July 2, 2018.”

In his capacity as the leader of the AU theme of the year: “Winning the Fight against Corruption, A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation”, the President will make introductory remarks and presentation on the theme.

The statement also disclosed that Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, his counterpart from Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, and other top government officials will accompany the President on his trip.

“On the margins of the AU Summit, President Buhari and other African leaders will take part in an interactive session with President Emmanuel Macron of France on Financing AU-led Peace Support Operations authorized by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

“Dominant issues affecting the continent such as peace and security, HIV/AIDS, regional cooperation, climate change will engage the attention of the African leaders during the Summit.

“The Nigerian leader will also hold series of high-level bilateral sessions on issues of shared common interests to the country, Africa and the world,” the statement reads.

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Police Command in Sokoto state has arrested suspected “Area-Boys” kingpin, name withheld, who it said had engaged in multiple crimes across the state in past four years.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, DSP Cordelia Nwawe, disclosed this while addressing newsmen on the arrest of the suspected kingpin and 25 others on Friday in Sokoto.

She said that the suspect, who was arrested on June 21, had been linked to eight different crimes.

Nwawe said the crimes include: criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, cursing hurt and belonging to unlawful groups perpetrating various crimes on the citizens as well as recruiting young people.

The PPRO said the suspect operated a terror group named, Samisa or Falluja, in Hubbare area in Sokoto metropolis.
The spokesman said that he had 17 members who occasionally came out to unleash terror on residents of the state.

She added that the suspect had a rival group, name withheld, at Rinin Tawaye area in Sokoto whose activities she said usually disrupt people’s peace in the area.

In a related development, Nwawe said the command also arrested two suspected drug peddlers with consignment of substances suspected to illicit drugs and Indian hemp at Tamaje area of Sokoto.

She the police also seized 347 pieces of Mayesedine, bottles of banned codeine and many other substances, adding that their accomplices were also apprehended during the raids.

The police spokesperson said the command had commenced manhunt for criminals, adding that the exercise has yielded fruit with the arrest of 46 suspected hoodlums.

She said the arrest include six girls accused of committing various offences across the 23 local government areas in the state, saying that out of the 46 suspected, 26 were presented to the public while others have been taken to courts.

Nwawe assured that the suspects would soon be prosecuted accordingly.

She said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Murtala Mani, ensured a coordinated search and surveillance, aimed at protecting the lives and property of the citizens in the state.

The spokesman enjoined the people to assist police with useful information that could lead to arrest of more suspects in the state.(NAN)

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The identity of the Pastor behind the viral audio warning Nigerians against impending disasters, which have been happening according to his warning has been revealed.

According to Daily post, Prophet Udensi Godlove of Land of Oil Prophetic Ministry (AKA Hill of the Lord), Lagos is the face behind the voice- as in the audio, which went viral few weeks back, the fiery preacher specifically warned his congregation, Nigerians to pray and avoid traveling out of Lagos on some certain days.

He said, “I saw a lot of dead people and over flow of blood, please let’s be careful.

“June 23, June 28, July 11, July 24, July 30 and August 1, these days have been marked for evil and disasters.

“Do not travel out of Lagos using any of these transportation companies on these dates.

“Okeyson, Benue Links, Agofure, Young Shall Grow, Air Peace, God is Good, Abia Links, Efosa, GUO.

“On July 22, August 5 and 19, no one should travel out of the state using plane, you can travel with them any other day but on these dates, avoid them, they have been marked for blood,” he had said during one of his services few some weeks back.

Barely one week after his prophecy, over 200 persons were brutally butchered by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Plateau State on June 23, one of the days he mentioned in his message.

Just on Thursday, June 28 (another day he mentioned) nine persons were roasted to death and more than 54 vehicles burnt to ashes after a fuel-laden tanker fell on Otedola Bridge along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and went up in flame, trapping motorists and passengers.

Although the message was erroneously attributed to Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministry-Suleman had since disclaimed it.

However, our reporter obtained the video version of the message where Prophet Udensi warned his members on some impending disasters in Nigeria and how to avert them.

The man of God, whose Church is located on 103 Iju Road beside Ifako Int’l School College Bus Stop, Agege, Lagos, in the video specifically called on Nigerians to be careful and as well be prayerful as the devil as a roaring lion was seeking for those to devour.

He said God is capable of averting the impending tragedies only if ‘we can pray.’

Watch the video version of the prophecy below…

Revealed!! Pastor behind viral audio warning against impending disasters 

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As the Federal Capital Territory kick-starts the Routine Immunization exercise for children from zero to five years, the traditional Ruler of Garki Kingdom, the Sapayi of Garki , Dr. Usman Ndakupe has urged mothers and caregivers to report to community heads over any non compliant husbands who refuse their children to be immunized for sanction.

Dr. Ndakupe gave this order on Friday June 29, in Abuja during the Flag- off ceremony of the June/ July National Immunization Plus Days which took place at Primary Health Centre, Area 2, Garki.

The Traditional Ruler urged Nigerians to encourage their wives to bring out their children for the ongoing polio vaccination in the FCT, adding that it is a slap on Nigeria if other countries are able to eradicate polio.

Dr. Ndakupe also urged the Federal Government to increase surveillance at the country’s entry points to safeguard the country from polio from visitors.

He said, ‘’ Federal Government should guard our boarders by ensuring that health personnel attached to our boarders should vaccinate children coming into Nigeria, this will help to check the influx of polio.’’

Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCT, Barrister Amanda Pam who was represented by Dr. Evans Onyekele said, ‘’ The NIPD is a strategy for vaccinating all children from birth to 59 months against poliomyelitis. It serves as a booster dose for children already vaccinated and an opportunity for reaching missed children during the Routine and previous Supplemental Immunization Days.

According to Pam, the FCT has done well with the interruption of the transmission of the Wild Polio Virus, as no confirmed case has been recorded since May, 2015, adding that the FCT has expanded Immunization services to many un-reached populations like IDP camps, Nomadic settlements and slums.

She said, I urge the Chairmen of the six Area Councils to take p the challenge and be part of the Polio End Game.

Executive Secretary of FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed admonished parents to avail the opportunity for their children, adding that there is no over dose of polio vaccination.

He encouraged mothers and fathers to bring out their children for the two drop of polio vaccine.

He said that the exercise is targeted at 816,978 under five populations with 1,500 team of vaccinators.

The World Health Organization, WHO , State Coordinator, Dr Furare Zakari said that the exercise is the third round this year , adding the focus is on slums, IDPs with zero tolerance.

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The recent bloodbath on the Plateau has elicited and alarming outcry, following the magnitude of souls that were killed, thus returning the state hitherto thought to be embracing peace to its old days of pogrom, writes correspondent Golok Nanmwa, who also captured two survivors accounts in this piece.

Plateau was thrown into mourning last weekend as over a hundred persons were killed in some communities in Barkin Ladi local government area of the state after unknown gunmen stormed the communities and started shooting sporadically.

National Publicity Secretary of Berom Youths Moulders, Jatau Davou, who spoke to the Nigerian Pilot Weekend, said over hundred persons was killed in the attack.

He said that “over 100 corpses have already been recovered .In Shonum, 33 corpses were recovered after gunmen invaded the community and started shooting sporadically while another 31 from neighboring villages of Ex Land, while 34 corpses were recovered Garnarok village and 8 other corpses from another village”.

Other villages attacked by the herdsmen according to Davou, include, Xland, Gindin Akwati all in Barkin Ladi Local Government.
Narrating his ordeal, Bot Gyang a native, said “we were about to go to bed at about 11pm when we started hearing sound of gunshots, I had to run into the bush but my relatives were not lucky as they were all killed ,he said .

Also Thomas Bulle, who gave an eye witness account, said, he escaped death by the whiskers as the gunmen stormed his village, Ex land, in the early hours of the morning and started shooting sporadically. ‘My friends were killed by the gunmen suspected to be herdsmen.
But Police Public Relations officer of the state Police Command, Asp Tyopev Terna, said only 86 persons were killed.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Jos, reads: “that Sequel to the attack in Gashish District of Barkin Ladi LGA on 23/06/2018, the Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, Jos CP Undie Adie after deploying more personnel to the District sent a search and rescue team from the Command headquarters for on the spot assessment. The team headed by ACP Edeh John of the Department of Operations had also the DPO of Barkin Ladi Division and a Unit Commander from Mopol 38.

After a careful search of the villages attacked in the District the following were discovered ;Eighty six (86) persons all together were killed ,Six people injured, Fifty (50) house burnt, Fifteen (15) motorcycles burnt down and Two (2) motor vehicles burnt down.
According to him, “The team also carried out a detailed deployment and corpses were released to the families for burial”

Expectedly, Plateau Governor Simon Lalong, cut short his participation at the All Progressives Congress National Convention in Abuja, to enable him personally take charge of the security situation in the state, particularly in some of the affected communities in Barakin Ladi local Government Area.

The Governor, who directed the Security chiefs to checkmate the assailants, had earlier condemned the attack and commiserated with the victims. He appealed for calm as he noted that government will fashion out a lasting solution to the present challenge.

Meanwhile the state government in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Yakubu Dati and made available to newsmen in Jos, states that: “Government is deeply pained that despite concerted efforts which had led to the restoration of relative peace across the state, some unpatriotic elements are bent on disrupting the gains so far made.”

“Government condemns these attacks and has mobilised the full compliments of security forces who are restoring normalcy in the affected areas and the environs.”

“Furthermore, government holds every single live as sacred hence, has mobilized medical and relief agencies to ameliorate the suffering of those in distress.

As a government we are committed to ensuring a safe and secured environment that will guarantee peaceful coexistence among the various groups in the state as we remain resolute to the well being of our people.

We however appeal to citizens not to take laws into their hands and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further break down of law and order as they track perpetrators of the evil act.

Citizens are particularly, advised to use the “Early warning system” mechanism recently launched by Operation Rainbow
A dusk till dawn curfew was also imposed in Barkin ladi ,Riyom and Jos south local government .

However reacting to the killings, Rev Dr Soja Bewarang ,state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Plateau state, noted that the continued genocide going on in Gashish District, Razat, Ruku Nyarr, Gana-Ropp, Shalong, Gwararza etc in Barkin Ladi Local Government and other communities in Riyom and Bokkos are very disheartening to say the least.

According to him, the killings were becoming no longer herders and farmers again but a deliberate attempt to conquer and occupy the land of the people’s ancestral heritage.

He said “CAN note with great pains the dastardly attacks ongoing in many other local government areas in the State by the herdsmen militias, while also condemning the level of continuous genocide of Plateau people. Barkin Ladi is under siege with more than 200 innocent precious human lives killed and countless driven out in the rains and left without shelter.

“CAN condemn these unholy acts of systematic genocide and sees it as a deliberate attempt to destroy the cultural heritage of Plateau people in particular the most affected areas. CAN calls on the Government to use its might to bring these killings to a stop.
However angered over the killings Plateau state government has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators of the killings of the state are arrested and brought to book.

In a state wide broadcast to the people, the governor, said, ” Government is conscious of its responsibilities of protection of lives and properties of its citizenry an d we have always strived to meet that expectation ,you will recall that I took an oath to protect and secure the lives and properties of our citizens as governor of Plateau state ,for this reason ,my administration has placed a high premium on peace ,security and good governance ,being the first item on our five pillar policy thrusts

“Regardless of the threats we face today ,we remain resolute in our commitment to arrest the vicious circle of violence and lay the foundation for sustainable peace ,following this renewed episode of violence after about three years of some stability in terms of peace and security we are yet again faced with a risk of a relapse ,we shall not allow our ourselves to be dragged into our gory past .

Accordingly, the government has taken decisive steps to reinforce security, particularly in communities prone to attacks, and in the same vein is working to tackle the underlying causes of conflict.

“I urge all and sundry to exercise restraint, observe the curfew currently in Place, while traditional rulers ,religious leaders ,elders political leaders ,community leaders and their subjects remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives that are monitoring the situations and helping to keep the peace” .
The governor also warned of any deliberate attempt to politicize the crisis and giving it religious coloration.

According to him, fake news, deliberate distortions and misinformation will be the order of the day, and government through the appropriate security agencies will not hesitate to deal decisively with any trouble maker or peace spoiler that is determined to test the resolve of government, he said, adding that “I sympathize with our people over our loss and I conclude that We can only triumph over these challenges when we remain united as a people”.

Meanwhile the families of the victims have claimed nonetheless that over 200 of their own have been massacred, contrary to 86 posted by the police. Is it that over 114 are missing or buried in mass graves without public knowledge, as the people say enough is enough and FG must bring the perpetrators to book.

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Fatigue is a term used to describe the general overall feeling of tiredness and/or a lack of energy. In Other words, that are sometimes used in place of fatigue include exhaustion, weariness, and lethargy.

According to the National Institutes of Health, feeling fatigued is not the same different from just feeling drowsy or sleepy.  When you are fatigued, you have no motivation and no energy. Being sleepy may be a symptom of fatigue, but it is not the same thing.

The organization also states that fatigue is a very common symptom for a number of medical conditions—both serious and non-serious—and also a natural result of some lifestyle choices.

If your fatigue has no apparent cause, and it not going away with proper rest and nutrition, you should see your doctor. He or she can help to diagnose what is causing your fatigue and work with you to treat it.

There are numerous factor causing fatigue, which can be divided into three general categories—lifestyle factors, medical issues, and mental health issues.

Lifestyle Factors

If you are experiencing fatigue, your activities and other lifestyle choices may be the root cause. In these cases, the reasons behind your feelings of exhaustion are often fairly easy to pinpoint. Fatigue can be caused by:

• Physical activity and excessive physical exertion
• Lack of activity
• Lack of sleep
• Being bored
• Being overweight or obese
• Periods of emotional stress
• Grief
• Taking certain medications, such as antidepressants or those that have a sedative effect
• Using alcohol on a regular basis
• Using street drugs, such as cocaine, on a regular basis
• Using narcotics
• Consuming caffeine
• Not eating a proper and nutritious diet

Medical Issues

Some medical issues and conditions that can lead to fatigue are:

• Anaemia
• Pain
• Addison’s disease (a disorder affecting your hormone levels)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• Arthritis
• Insomnia and other sleeping disorders
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia
• Autoimmune disorders
• Fibromyalgia
• Congestive heart failure
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Kidney or liver disease
• Infection
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (or COPD, which makes it difficult to breathe)
• Emphysema
• Restless legs syndrome

Mental Health Issues

Those who struggle with anxiety and depression may experience fatigue as a symptom of their condition.

When you should visit your doctor

You should arrange a visit to your doctor if you are fatigued and:

• You cannot think of anything that might account for your feelings of weakness or fatigue
• You have unexplained fatigue, along with a higher-than-normal body temperature
• You have unexplained fatigue and unexplained weight loss
• You regularly have trouble sleeping through the night or have insomnia
• You are constipated
• You believe you may be depressed
• You are very sensitive to colder temperatures

Medical experts recommend seeking medical help if you have been experiencing fatigue for two weeks or more and you have made efforts to address the most common lifestyle causes, such as lack of rest, stress, and poor eating habits, without success.

Because there are so many possible causes of fatigue, the doctor will likely ask you a number of questions about your lifestyle, possible sources of stress, and medications you are taking. He or she will also want to know more about the nature of your fatigue, including when it started and if it gets worse at certain times of the day.

If your doctor suspects an underlying medical condition, he or she may order one or more tests to diagnose it and develop a plan for treatment. Typical tests include blood and urine tests, as well as those that test kidney, liver, and thyroid function.

While fatigue itself is not a medical emergency, you should go to the hospital right away if you experience any of the following symptoms in addition to fatigue:

• Rectal bleeding
• Vomiting blood
• A severe headache
• Pain in the chest area
• A feeling of faintness
• Rapid heart beat
• Irregular heart beat
• Feeling short of breath
• Severe pain in the abdominal, back, or pelvic region
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Thoughts of harming another person

Lifestyle Changes that can help reduce fatigue

There are a number of measures that can help lessen fatigue caused by a less-than-ideal lifestyle. If you are fatigued because of the way that you have been living, you should try and make changes taking the following steps into consideration:

• Practice healthy eating habits and stay hydrated
• Exercise on a regular basis
• Get adequate sleep
• Take part in relaxing activities, such as yoga
• Avoid known stressors
• Avoid a work or social schedule that is overly demanding
• Live a smoke-free lifestyle
• Abstain from alcohol and drug use

These lifestyle changes together with your doctor’s treatment plan for any health issues that may be causing your condition can help ease your fatigue. Remember that although fatigue is a common symptom and complaint, it can take a physical and emotional toll on you if left untreated.

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The need to improve sensitization on the effect of cybercrime especially among the youths is emphasized by key players in the sector, writes Ladi Patrick

There is no doubt that cyberspace has contributed to the economic growth and development of most nations across the globe.

Globally, most organizations are defining and aligning their roles to the cyberspace in order to continue to be relevant in their continents.

Despite the impact of cyberspace to the economy, recently cyber space has become a matter of global security concern globally.

The internet has brought enormous benefit to humankind; however, it has also extended the malignant forces.

Recently, Europe was confronted with a large scale of attacks on its cyberspace, which includes a new layer to transnational interaction and modern conflict known as cyber warfare.

Cyber-attack can disable critical infrastructure, while digital disinformation and manipulation can sow discord and conflict in free societies and undermine the very institutions which sit at the heart of any nation.

It is on this premise that stakeholders at the 2018 cyber security conference have harped on the need to sensitize Nigerians on the effect of cybercrime and cyber security in the country.

The  Chairman Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Crime , Senator Abdulfatai Buhari made call at the sideline of 2nd Legislative –Stakeholders Conference on Cyber Security recently in Abuja .

Buhari said that there was the need to educate Nigerians “particularly our young ones who are versatile with the social media.’’
“Most of our boys, instead of using their talent to help the country use it to attack one another and even the system.
“The moment you do that, you are opening ways for international attack. We need to educate the masses for them to appreciate the danger ahead.

“One of the problems we have in the country is that we do not take precautions. All we do is look for solutions for things we do not have solutions for.
“When you are able to take precautions, even if an incident happened, the impact will be minimal and controllable,’’ Buhari said.
He said former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the cybercrime law shortly before leaving office in 2015.
“Although it was scanty, the committee picked up part of the law and decided to expand it so it will fit into international standard,’’ he said.
Buhari said the committee had sponsored a bill on the amendment of the cyber crime law which is before the senate.
According to him, in 2017 the committee gathered experts on ICT in a conference and it was able to gather some information which it added to the ideas from other consultants and this helped in the presentation of a draft bill to the senate.
“With the conference we are doing today, some of the few ideas we have again will be inserted into the bill to make it richer,’’ Buhari said.
He said from the decisions reached at the conference, the committee will be able to present the bill for second reading and move into public hearing and eventual passage by the National Assembly.
“We are appealing to the media to collaborate with the committee as you cannot do a law on cyber security alone without ICT and the social media and even in the developed world it is being regulated,’’ he said.
Buhari added: “At the beginning of the Buhari administration when we were trying to bring in a law to regulate the social media, I remember that what we saw at that time was not palatable.

“But now everybody is being attacked particularly on false information.
“We need to face the reality that if we allow the law to go loose without being regulated, it is going to cause doom particularly in the election year.’’

On his part, the Minister of Communications, Bar. Adebayo Shittu appealed to the National Assembly to provide strategic coordination and synergy to successfully implement the national goal of curbing cyber fraud.
Shittu who stated this while delivering a keynote address said the ministry of communications and other Ministries, Department and Agencies MDAs, would popularize, mainstream and support the senate committee in its most invaluable efforts to fight cybercrime.

He said, “We must therefore learn to build synergy, strengthen the policy framework and agree on targets.
“We believe that these strategies and initiatives can be effectively achieved.

“I wish to thank the Senate Committee for their foresight, leadership and commitment towards this noble course of working toward ensuring cyber safety for all and sundry,’’ he said.

Shittu disclosed that the ministry in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) it will establish a network of “cyber diplomats’’.
Cyber diplomacy is the use of traditional diplomatic instruments to address cyber issues such as cyber crime, cyber security or internet governance.
He said the diplomats would help to build trust so that Nigerians could agree on norms for online conduct.
“Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari is poised to adopt cyber diplomacy to limit the threat that the internet and the flow of information may pose to domestic stability and regime legitimacy.
“And shape cyberspace to extend political and economic influence; and counter foreign advantages in cyber space.
“Like its efforts in more traditional areas of foreign policy, Nigerian cyber diplomacy will be rooted in non-interference in the internal affairs of the nations,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Consultancy Support Services Ltd. Mr Abdul-Hakin Ajijola, his lecture titled: “Social Networking, Profiling, Fake News and Impact on elections said internet voting was venerable to cyber crime and fraud.

Ajijola represented by Mr Adewale Ajao, the Chairman, Internet Society, Nigerian chapter said these crimes were inherent in current cyber software and hardware as well as the basic manner the internet was organised.

“It unlikely that this possibility will be eliminated in near future.
“While e-voting has potential, there are several structural and technical and human challenges that we must resolve before we implement it on the national scale.

The two day conference has the theme Cyber Security: Implication of disruptive Technologies on National Security and Economy and it was organized by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime.

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Folorunso Alakija was born July 15th 1951. She is one of the richest African women, and one of the richest black women in the world. In 2014, she temporarily unseated Oprah Winfrey as the richest woman of African descent in the world.

She is a business tycoon involved in the fashion, oil and printing industries.

She is the group managing director of The Rose of Sharon Group which consists of The Rose of Sharon Prints & Promotions Limited and Digital Reality Prints Limited and the executive vice-chairman of Famfa Oil Limited. Alakija is ranked by Forbes as the richest woman in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion. As of 2015, she is listed as the second most powerful woman in Africa after Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the 87th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

Early life and education

Folorunsho was born in 15th July, 1951 to the family of Chief L. A. Ogbara in Ikorodu, Lagos State. At age seven, she travelled to the United Kingdom to begin a four-year primary education at Dinorben School for Girls in Hafodunos Hall in Llangernyw, Wales.

After returning to Nigeria, she attended Muslim High School Sagamu Ogun State, Nigeria. Afterwards, she returned abroad for her secretarial studies at Pitman’s Central College, London. She also studied fashion design at the American College, London and the Central School of Fashion.

Career

Folorunsho started her career in 1974 as an executive secretary at Sijuade Enterprises, Lagos, Nigeria. She moved on to the former First National Bank of Chicago, now FinBank now acquired by FCMB First City Monument Bank, where she worked for some years before establishing a tailoring company called Supreme Stitches. It rose to prominence and fame within a few years, and as Rose of Sharon House of Fashion, became a household name. As national president and lifelong trustee of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria, FADAN, she left an indelible mark, promoting Nigerian culture through fashion and style.

In May 1993, Folorunsho applied for the allocation of an oil prospecting license (OPL). The license to explore for oil on a 617,000-acre block—now referred to as OPL 216—was granted to Alakija’s company, Famfa Limited. The block is located approximately 220 miles south east of Lagos and 70 miles offshore of Nigeria in the Agbami Field of the central Niger Delta. In September 1996, she entered into a joint venture agreement with Star Deep Water Petroleum Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Texaco) and appointed the company as a technical adviser for the exploration of the license, transferring 40 percent of her 100 percent stake to Star Deep.Subsequently, Star Deep sold off 8 percent of its stake in OPL 216 to Petrobras, a Brazilian company. On 9 March 2016, Nigeria had its first female chancellor as she became the chancellor of Osun State University.

Recognition

As of 2014, she is listed as the 96th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. In May 2015 two Nigerian women, Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Alakija were listed among the world’s 100 most powerful women according to Forbes. Alakija was 87th on the list.

Philanthropic interests

Folorunsho has a foundation called the Rose of Sharon Foundation that helps widows and orphans by empowering them through scholarships and business grants.

Her company is also a major sponsor of the Agbami medical and engineering scholarship scheme, one of the most reliable scholarship scheme in Nigeria with over a thousand people yearly as beneficiaries. Mrs Alakija is a fervent supporter of education in Nigeria; for example in 2014 she donated a substantial amount of money to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Lapai, the Niger State University. The money was used to complete the construction of a 350 Seat Lecture Theater, which was named after her.

On 1st July, 2013, the federal government of Nigeria inaugurated the National Heritage Council and Endowment for the Arts and appointed Alakija as vice-chairman of the body. While inaugurating the council, Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, said Nigeria had identified 100 new heritage sites, which “are unique and uncommon assets that we intend to preserve and promote.” He charged the council, which is headed by Igho Sanomi, to “ensure the protection and conservation of places and objects of heritage significance and the registration of such places and objects”.

She serves as the Chief Matron of Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs.

Personal life

Folorunsho married a lawyer, Modupe Alakija in November 1976. The couple reside in Lagos, Nigeria with their four sons and grandchildren. Her nephew is the Nigerian, DJ Xclusive.

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No fewer than 10 people died in an accident that occurred on Kaduna-Kano expressway on Saturday.
Nigerian pilot reports that the accident occurred around Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, at about 5:30 a.m.

A statement issued by the Head of Public Enlightenment, Zaria Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Mr Idris Yahaya, confirmed the occurrence.

Yahaya said in the statement that the Unit Commander, Zaria Unit Command, Assistant Corps Commander, Muktar Zubairu, described the accident as “pathetic.

“The accident involved three vehicles, a luxury bus; marked GDD 361 YE, a car; marked SGR 57 XA and an articulated vehicle; marked LND 246 XE.

“There are 48 persons in the three vehicles; nine people got burnt to death, while one other woman died in the hospital, 31 persons were injured while seven persons survived the accident.

The driver of the luxury bus is receiving treatment at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria.’’

The unit commander said that the injured persons were also receiving treatment at the hospital, while the bodies of the dead had been deposited at the same hospital.

Zubairu called on drivers traveling long distance to exhibit the habit of stretching their legs by stopping and walking around for a while after four hours of journey.

“When a driver covers a distance of three to four hours, he should stop, relax and stretch his legs to clear the fatigue and carry on with the journey later.

“Drivers should also drive with care, especially in this rainy season; they should ensure that their tyres are good enough for a long journey; and driving with smooth and fairly-used tyres is very dangerous,’’ he advised the drivers.(NAN)

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Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) described the horrific and heinous hacking to death of scores of innocent Nigerians in Plateau as the handiwork of dare-devil political opponents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The organization made this known in a statement jointly issued by the chairman of the organization Mr Austin Braimo and Secretary Mr Cassidy Madueke on Friday in Abuja.

The statement said opponents of APC wanted to replace the party’s recent successful national convention with tears, sorrows and blood.

It added that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was behind the “harvest of death in order to truncate the achievement of the APC and cast dark imagery on the season of goodwill of President Buhari’s political party.”

The statement said the carnage and brigandage was timed to meet the period that APC Delegates were returning home in Northern Nigeria through Plateau State; where they were waylaid and murdered in cold blood.

“This was done to tarnish the reputation of the President and cast the image of APC in bad light, just for the desperate opposition to gain some political advantage.

“It was also gathered that illegal road blocks were set up by the hired assassins to carry out their nefarious and dastardly hatchet act of man’s inhumanity to man.

“Almost 90 people were cut down in their prime near Jos, Plateau Capital,” it said.

“The APC today is laden with heavy hearts by the mass killing of innocent breadwinners, women and children, under the guise of herdsmen versus farmers’ unrest.

“BMO is appealing to Nigerians to show love to Mr. President and show avowed resistance to the unpatriotic people who are working hard to pull the President and his party down.

“The opposition PDP might have achieved its sadistic media objectives of casting pall on the APC and Federal Government, but doing that on a field soaked with human blood is regrettable and unpardonable.

“No amount of calculated distractions or ill-will would prevent President Buhari from fulfilling his electoral promises of security, unity, equity and development to Nigerians,’’ it said.

The statement said the association prayed for the repose of the souls of these martyrs, and quick recovery to the maimed and injured while commiserating with the families of the departed. (NAN)

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The decades of hostilities on the plateau appears like yesterday, as the killings are ceaseless and appears never ending. Instructively those who bear the brunt and who are usually the victims, attribute their own God given endowment, their fertile, economic viable and yielding land as their albatross, unfortunate- attraction, why they are being felled daily by their assailant. To this the People have said, they would not yield or let go their lands, no matter the provocation, the killings, writes correspondent, Golok Nanmwa.

One issue that locales of Riyom ,Barkin Ladi local government of Plateau state are battling continuously with their assailants is land grabbing.

Pam Datri an indigene of Riyom told the Nigerian Pilot Weekend that their attackers usually storm the villages and communities to kill innocent persons, displace them and then occupy their lands.

“This is condemnable and we would not allow people to come and occupy our land”, Datri stated.

Historically, the almost over two decades of killings, communal crisis and the recent insurgency in the middle belt, Plateau and Benue states in particular has been traced to attempts by the Fulani nomadic herdsmen and some non indigenes from other northern states to forcefully take over the lands of the natives and settle. The often resistance of the indigenes has led to unprovoked killings till date, with the latest Riyom pogrom an added bloodbath of innocent natives.

Expectedly the Plateau government has joined the fray of its people in warning against this phenomenon, whether real or imagined in the minds of their attackers who may have the mindset of killing them first, and then going ahead to settling on their lands as an ultimate agenda.

The governor, Simon Laong, though a member of the ruling All progressives Congress, APC both in the state and the federal, has in a deft delivery warned against Land Grabbing by whoever.

He spoke while lamenting last week’s killings of over 200 plateau indigenes that the spate of killings and displacement of settlements in the state would not be condoned by his government.

“This administration would not tolerate land grabbing in any part of the Plateau” he restated, while speaking during a town hall meeting when President Muhammadu Buhari visited the state to commiserate with the people over the unfortunate killings of innocent villagers by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

Lalong warned that those fighting, killing people and destroying their settlements with the intention of taking ownership of such places would not be allowed to do so. “If you think you can chase people out and grab their lands, we as a government would not allow you to own the land.

This “administration is working out modalities for prosecuting land grabbers to discourage the act.

Interestingly the National Emergency Management Agency had visited the state capital Jos, for an on the spot assessment” after an appeal to the federal government to provide materials and funds to enhance the return of displaced persons back to their homeland.

However, it is remarkable to note that the people, possibly for fear of losing their homes and lands to their traducers detest Internally Displaced camps as corroborated by the Governor, who informed NEMA officials that Plateau displaced persons hardly go to Internally Displaced camp. According to him, such persons prefer to go to the homes of relatives.

Still adding a voice to Gov Lalong’s position on the resolve not to yield plateau lands to settlers ,the Youths of the All Progressive Congress APC in the state have also vowed to resist the activities of land grabbers in the state

Addressing a joint press conference in Jos, the Chairman of the group, Comrade Pius Tong Maan and Secretary Makut Alfred Mashat said ” “Following the unfortunate killings of innocent citizens of Plateau in Barkin Ladi local government by suspected herdsmen ,the All Progressive Youths, APC Youths Online Forum in Plateau State calls for the immediate arrest of the chairman, North Central Zone of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) Alhaji Danladi Ciroma over the killings of over 200 citizens in Plateau State.”

“We vehemently condemn these cowardly ,dastardly and calculated attacks on our people in Plateau and demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the act ” they noted and similarly called on the Federal Government led by the detrabilized and patriotic president Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of public importance mandate the security agencies to arrest and question the statements attributed to the North Central Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria ,who has given a lead about the perpetrators of the attack by referring to it as retaliatory attack by justifying the killings on the basis of over 300cows allegedly rustled by some natives of Barkin Ladi.”

According to the APC Youths: “In as much as we don’t condole criminally by acts of cattle rustling, we also do not accept any individual or group that resort to taking laws into their hands by killing and maiming innocent women and children or the cowardly acts of blocking the federal highways and killing innocent travelers by setting their vehicles ablaze.”

They expressed pain by what they described as “the killings of our brothers, sisters, mothers and children in Barkin Ladi’’ and called therefore, for the establishment of a state owned localized security outfits to complement the efforts of the existing security architecture that is overstretched.

They noted “We stand with our Governor Simon Lalong and we the Youths of the state would not tolerate land grabbing in any part of the Plateau.”

“We condemn those fighting, killing people and destroying their settlements with the intention of taking ownership of such places would not be allowed to do so and as youths we would resist land grabbing in any part of the state, while in addition they condemned the call for the resignation of the governor by the opposition. To them, this is ill timed

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The Federal Government has advised Nigerians against taking malaria treatment before a confirmed laboratory test.
Dr Audu Mohammed, the National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), gave the advice at the second quarter media chat in Abuja.
Mohammed, who was represented by Mr Chukwu Okoronkwo, Head of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation, said that malaria was still a major morbidity and mortality in the country.
He explained that Nigerians must adopt the right health seeking behaviour for the elimination of malaria.
According to him, commencing malaria treatment without laboratory test is highly discouraging.
“Let me re-emphasise that it is critical that Nigerians demand to be tested when they have fever to be sure it is malaria before undergoing treatment with Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACTs) if malaria is confirmed.
“We collaborate with our partners to make ACTs available free to public health facilities in most states of federation.
“We have started embarking on advocacy with all relevant partners and governments at various levels to ensure the provision of malaria commodities to the private health facilities at subsidised rate,” he said.
The coordinator disclosed that the WHO 2017 report indicated 57.3 million estimated cases of malaria in the country while only about 12.4 million cases were confirmed.
Mohammed enjoined the media to educate Nigerians on guidelines for treatment of malaria which recommended diagnosis in all suspected cases before administration of treatment.
“Usually, there are two types of tests, microscopy and rapid diagnostic test.
“The test is meant to provide evidence of the malaria parasite in the blood of the patient before he/she can be treated.
“Our guidelines emphasise the importance of high quality microscopy and where not feasible or available, quality assured rapid diagnostic tests should be used,” he explained. (NAN

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said the craze for the acquisition of higher degrees in the country had not impacted enough on national growth and transformation.

The chairman of the University of Lagos chapter of the union, Dr Dele Ashiru, made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.

According to him, the craze for higher degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and others has not had any significant impact on the needs of the society.

He said rather than go after higher degrees; Nigerians should venture into technical and vocational studies for skills acquisition that would directly impact lives.

“Yes, it is desirable for the system to produce holders of higher degrees, especially PhDs, but PhDs for what?

“I think we should refocus and restructure our education system so that it will be more relevant to our society rather than award higher degrees.

“Come to think of it, all the people that have acquired PhDs in Nigeria, let us carry out a forensic audit of what they are giving back to the society.

“Most people are running after the acquisition of these degrees for selfish motives. They feel for instance, that it is a requisite for their progression in life or a ticket for fulfilled life,” he said.

He added that, regrettably, such development was only peculiar to a country like Nigeria.

Ashiru noted that the way out was to pump enough funds into the vocational and technical education as well as meaningful research for socio-economic and political development.

He said successful Nigerians who had acquired wealth legitimately or otherwise should pump part of such money into the education system.

“Government should also plough back all retrieved monies acquired by individuals through illegal means to the education sector.

“It it time for us to re-engineer, refocus and restructure the system.

“We must start our quest for accelerated national transformation with our education system, because no society can rise beyond the level of its education system,” the unionist said.

According to him, development is a concerted effort and only the people can develop themselves. (NAN

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Nigerian singer Ayo Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has revealed that he has been booked for shows for the next three years.

The ‘Soco’ crooner made the announcement on his Twitter handle @wizkidayo, where he wrote, “booked for three years”.

Wizkid has released several hit tracks this year including ‘Soco’, ‘Fake Love’, ‘Manya’ and ‘Nowo’.

‘Soco’, in which he featured Ceeza Mili, Spotless and Terri, is a fast-paced Afro-beat tune that has grown to become the most favourite song for the ‘Shaku Shaku’ dance.

In February 2014, Wizkid became the first ever Nigerian musician to have over 1 million followers on Twitter.

He went on to become the first Afro-beat artiste to appear in the 2018 Guinness World Records, for his contribution to Drake’s hit song ‘One Dance’.

The 27-year- old recently sold out the O2 hall in London; and is set to release a much anticipated album later in 2018. (NAN)

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The Independent National Election (INEC) said it was awaiting formal communication on the existing vacancies in the National Assembly (NASS).

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during an interaction with political editors of media organisations on Saturday in Lagos.

Yakubu said that the commission had five bye-elections to conduct, to fill the existing vacancies, but it was still awaiting official communication from the National Assembly to declare the seats vacant.

He said while the law compelled INEC to conduct bye-elections within stipulated time, it was the presiding officers of the National Assembly or State House of Assemblies that could declare any seat vacant.
“

“We have no any power to declare the seat of any lawmaker vacant.
“

“The moment the returning officers make announcement declaring a candidate winner, only the court of law can reverse it.

““We cannot declare vacancy and conduct bye-election unless there is a formal communication from the presiding officers of that Assembly.
“So this is not a matter under the control of the commission.’’

Yakubu also disclosed that the commission had slightly redesigned its voter register to take care of incidence where the smart card readers could not read the fingerprints of the owner.

Answering a question on the challenge of insecurity and registration of voters, Yakubu said despite the security situation the commission had high number of register voters in some states with security challenge including Benue and Borno.

He said that was possible as it was easier to register people in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps than to register people who go individually to various registration units.
“

“Most interesting for me is that Benue has also recorded one of the highest numbers of registrants in the on-going CVR.
“

“What I find most reassuring in Benue is that in spite of the security challenge people are still interesting in voting.’’

Speaking on INEC preparation for Ekiti governorship election scheduled for the July 14, Yakubu said that the commission was working with security agencies to have peaceful election.

Yakubu also disclosed that a new design voter register with a provision for a column to take care of cases where the smart card reads could not read finger prints of the owner would be deployed for the election.

This according the Yakubu would speed up the voting process, compared to old system where people have to queue to fill a form, thereby delaying the process.

The chairman pledged that he would do whatever it takes to improve on the electoral process of the country to protect his name and reputation.

““If there is anything I am going to leave INEC with is my reputation as academic. I am going back to my academic profession where I came from.
“

“So, whatever it takes to earn a good name for this country, for myself and my family I will do so.
“

“The only thing we have is our values and we work very hard to ensure that we leave with our values intact.’’ (NAN)

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would soon release the full report of its investigation into alleged under-aged voting in the Kano election report.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this during an interaction with political editors of media organisations on Saturday in Lagos.

Yakubu recalled that the commission had earlier in Abuja disclosed that its voter register was not used by the Kano State Independent Electoral Commission (KANSIEC) for the February local government poll.

He, however, said that based on the demand by some stakeholders, the commission would soon release the report submitted by the committee set up to investigate the allegations.

““INEC committee conducted investigation, submitted its report and we addressed the press on the matter that there was no connection between INEC voter register and the incidence of underage voting in Kano.

“In fact in many voting units they did not even use voter register to accredit anyone.

“Having said so, there is a demand that we should release the report of our investigation. I assure you we will soon release the full report of that investigation.’’

Yakubu, speaking on the clean-up of the voter register, said that the commission would continue to strengthen the register.

He said while the commission had been working on the clean-up of the register, no single Nigerian had officially complained to INEC about the inclusion of ineligible persons.

Yakubu said as part of measures to clean up the register, the commission pasted the details of new registrants nationwide as well as given each registered political party a copy of the register for claims and objections.

““As we speak the commission has not officially received any complain of the registration of ineligible persons.
“

Only last week in Ekiti we made it available to 35 political parties contesting in the state elections, we have not also receive a single complaint.’’

Yakubu said that when the Kano investigation was conducted, the commission agreed to give the register to civil society organisations and the media.

He said that would be done without infringing on the right of Nigerians to apply for the register once they paid to the commission the relevant fee stipulated by the law.

“I want to assure you that we will continue to do whatever we can to improve the voter register as we approach 2019 general elections.’’

Yakubu added that one of the innovations INEC had brought into the registration process was that registered voters could now check the status of their registration online.

Answering another question on allegation that officers of the commission demanded for money before they register voters, Yakubu said that the registration and collection of cards was free.

He urged Nigerians to report to the commission if any of its staff demanded for money. (NAN)

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French leader Emmanuel Macron will on Tuesday visit the Afrika Shrine, a nightclub in Lagos founded by Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Macron will become the first “real president” to enter the club synonymous with marijuana smoke, sexy backup dancers and protest music. And he is not a stranger to Nigeria. He trained as a senior civil servant at the French Embassy in Lagos in 2004, seven years after Fela died.
Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, afrobeat king

The Afrika Shrine located in the teeming Lagos district of Ikeja replaced Fela Kuti’s original club that burnt down in 1977, but for millions of fans it still represents the original Shrine built by the musical maverick.
President Emmanuel Macron : First real President to visit the Shrine

“The Shrine is a must-see place,” said Olivier Laouchez, the head of the TRACE media and entertainment group and organiser of the event Macron will attend, adding that Lagos is “Africa’s cultural capital”.

The evening will feature concerts, fashion shows by leading African designers and a meeting with stars from Nigeria’s booming Nollywood film industry.
The sexy dancers at Fela’s Shrine that will entertain President Macron on Tuesday. AFP Photo

Lagos is also giving Johannesburg — the other African cultural hotspot — a run for its money in the art world with its annual Art X event.

“There is clearly something abuzz in Lagos, with auctions mushrooming, and this will explode,” said contemporary art specialist Marie-Cecile Zinsou, who is based in neighbouring Benin.

“The idea is to show the richness and diversity of African cultures,” said Laouchez.

“Europe does not know Africa or at least its cultural dimension.”

Macron, who is visiting the Mauritanian capital Nouakchott to attend an African Union summit on Sunday, will go on to Nigeria’s capital Abuja for talks with his counterpart Muhammadu Buhari on security and terrorism, before coming to Lagos, a vibrant megapolis of 20 million people.

Fela Anikulapo Kuti came from a patrician Nigerian family whose pioneering music and quest for social justice made him an international star and the bugbear of Nigeria’s former military rulers. Fela died on 2 August 1997. He was 59 years old.

Called the “black president” by adoring fans, Fela Kuti’s trademark style, christened Afrobeat, featured songs in his native Yoruba and pidgin and were searing indictments of corruption and incompetence.

Ibrahim Tcha-Tchere, a veteran employee of the Alliance Francaise cultural institute in Lagos, said Macron’s visit was fitting given that “France has always had great cultural cooperation with Nigeria.

“It was the French who organised Fela’s first European tour in 1981,” he said.

“Then his sons Femi and Seun launched their international careers in France.”

The shrine is a big hall, painted brown and yellow, with patterns of green, red and black, suggesting African symbolism.

Laouchez joked that organising the event was no cakewalk, saying: “It requires great organisation because there are frequent power cuts and you have to ensure that the ceiling fans do not fall on the heads of guests… but it’s exciting.”

“Musically speaking, the new Nigerian Afrobeat movement is global,” he added, pointing to stars such as Davido, Wizkid and Mr Eazi.

*AFP

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