Business / News

Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire to strengthen maritime trade – NPA MD

The Nigerian Ports Authority on Thursday expressed its readiness to strengthen relations with the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire in the areas of port and shipping operations.

Mohammed Bello-Koko, acting managing director of NPA, stated this in a statement signed by Mr Olaseni Alakija, NPA’s general manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, in Lagos.

Bello-Koko made the statement when he received a delegation from the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, who paid him a courtesy visit at the NPA corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

He said the relations would focus more on strengthening the capacities of both countries to participate competitively in global and regional trade. “The Nigerian government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has introduced far-reaching reforms to facilitate cross-border trade, particularly nurturing a multimodal port system to reduce the cost of shipments in and out of the country.

“The Buhari-administration has also invested heavily in major public infrastructure upgrades, including construction of modern rail lines and deep seaports, to boost the international competitiveness of the country’s trade.

“This will also position Nigeria as a gateway to the African economy,” he said.

Bello-Koko said one of the Greenfield Ports – the Lekki Deep Seaport, capable of handling ultra large cargo vessels, would commence business by the second quarter of 2022.

He also highlighted efforts by the Authority to give priority to non-oil export trade.

According to him, export processing terminals are now being established to take advantage of opportunities under African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA).

He urged the Ivorian government and business sector to increase their share of trade with Nigeria.

The managing director assured the delegation that NPA would address non-tariff barriers and restrictions to trade between the two countries.

He added that there was room for information sharing, just as both countries needed to cooperate more in the areas of joint training of staff and technology transfer.

The NPA boss solicited the support of Republic of Cote d’Ivoire towards Nigeria’s candidate emerging as the next Secretary-General of the Maritime Organization for West and Central Africa (MOWCA).

He …

Boxing / News / Olympics

Caroline Dubois inspired by her heavyweight brother Daniel Dubois – but can she be even better?

Usually when a Dubois sibling fights, there is stony confidence. An ice cold demeanor.

But recently things were so different on the most unusual night for the fighting family – when Caroline and her older brother Daniel were both battling in crunch fights just hours apart. “It was strange! I definitely did not like it,” Caroline said. It is not uncommon for fighters to feel more nerves when their closest confidantes step into the ring but Caroline and Daniel’s high-stakes fights were particularly testing.

Caroline, just 20, was at an Olympic qualifier in Paris on June 5 with a place at Tokyo 2020 up for grabs, having already beaten a far more experienced rival.

Daniel, a couple of hours later, was making his heavyweight return in London against Bogdan Dinu in his comeback from a broken eye socket. Caroline’s Olympic quest has continued through her older brother’s painstaking recovery from the injury inflicted in his first career loss to Joe Joyce. She has seen how things can go wrong but has persevered.

“Definitely when he gets in the ring,” she smiles through obvious torment when asked if it is more nerve-wracking to watch a loved one strap on the gloves.

Caroline grimaces when thinking about Daniel’s battles: “So many big blows are thrown. One of them will land.

“It’s horrible, horrible.”

Caroline would normally have been present with her brother before his fights but, last month, was forced into unusual solitude from him when her Olympic qualifier fell on the same day.

“You have to focus on yourself so I felt bad that my brother was boxing,” she says.

“Normally I’m always there around him, giving all my attention and focus to him.

“But I had to be more selfish – I had to totally forget about him and I didn’t like that.

“It was stressful.”

A day earlier Caroline defeated Mira Potkonen of Finland, who is twice her age and was the bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympics. Before Daniel’s fight in London, Caroline confirmed her spot on Team …

Entertainment / News

Comedian Michael Blackson proposes to girlfriend during radio show

The actor who was a guest at the popular American radio show, The Breakfast Club, went down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend after, show host Charlamagne asked if he would propose to her towards the end of the interview.

Sharing why he decided that this was finally the woman he wanted to be with for the rest of her life, the comedian expressed that her loyalty was the thing that really made him want to pop the question.

Rada, a realtor later took to her Instagram page where she expressed shock at the proposal. “I had no idea this was going to happen….I thought he was going to ask me about side beeches…. I ate my vegetables for the day and said yes to karats 🥕,” she wrote.

…
Boxing / News

Joe Joyce has sights set on Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury ahead of fight with Carlos Takam

“I’ve got a big test in Carlos Takam so I won’t look too far ahead because this is a tough fight,” Joe Joyce said. “I need to beat Takam up to make a statement so I can go on to win a world title.”

Joyce has been confirmed as the next WBO mandatory challenger after Oleksandr Usyk, the current incumbent, challenges world champion Anthony Joshua on September 25, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Unbeaten Joyce would then receive a shot at the belt next year.

“I’ve got a big test in Takam so I won’t look too far ahead because this is a tough fight,” he said. “Takam gives it his all and he’s a hard fight. It might take a few rounds, it might take all the rounds, but I will get the job done then cruise on to a world title.”

Joyce displayed his height advantage over the compact veteran Takam during a steely face-off on Thursday.

Cameroon-born Takam has previously gone 10 rounds with Joshua and eight rounds with Derek Chisora.

Joyce’s manager Sam Jones teased he had covertly been sent footage of Takam sparring from within his camp.

“I had someone show me the footage,” Jones told Takam.

“I’ve watched all your spars, I know the game plan.”

Takam hit back: “Because you are scared.”

Takam replied Francis Ngannou, the UFC heavyweight champion, had tipped him off that Joyce is “not a technical boxer”.

Jones said: “Carlos will come forwards, he is a decent boxer, he is tough and strong. He goes in with the head.

“[Joyce] will more spiteful on Saturday.”

Takam, now 40 and a veteran of 45 fights, insisted: “I am the best Takam you have seen, the best ever.”

His promoter Joe De Guardia previously told Sky Sports: “While a knockout over a 6’6″ 260 lb giant like Joe Joyce may seem unlikely, Carlos has the strength, tools, experience and foundation to piece together a performance that can very well lead to a sensational KO.”…

Crime / News

If bandits can bring down fighter jet, then they are more than being called ‘bandits’ — Rep

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Army, Abdulrazak Namdas, on Thursday said if bandits could shoot down a fighter jet, there is more to their activities than being tagged banditry.

Namdas spoke against the backdrop of the downing of an Alpha Jet of the Nigerian Air Force on Sunday.

Gunmen brought down Jet in Zamfara State.

Namdas stated this in Abuja at the opening of a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Conflict Reporting for Journalists organized by the Konrad-Adenaeur Stiftung, a German foundation, in conjunction with the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism. He noted that journalists play critical roles in the fight against insecurity through ethical reportage and pace setting, as agenda setters.

He said: “It is important that the right terms and terminologies are used when reporting or describing any act of terror, attacks or conflict to better inform the people.

“If a bandit can graduate to bringing down a fighter jet and you still call him a bandit, then there is a problem.

“It is the responsibility of the media to report with the correct names because there is no religion, tribalism or party lines in any form of conflict.”

According to the lawmaker: “When you get kidnapped, nobody knows if you are APC (All Progressives Congress) or PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), so we need to be together.

“The politicians should not be setting the pace, the media is supposed to set the pace.

“As chairman, House Committee on Army, the challenges before us are very enormous in terms of security and all stakeholders must be on board because we cannot resolve insurgency, banditry with kids gloves.

“We felt the need for a capacity building with the media because today if you look at some of the terminologies and cliché on who is a bandit, terrorist, cattle rustler, armed robber, you begin to wonder who is giving such names.”

Namdas said the Nigerian media has been very vibrant from time immemorial as it played a key role in ending the days of military dictatorship for the …

News / Oil & Gas / politics

PIB: Buhari approved 5% for host communities, Minister changed it — Senator

A former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Dickson, has exposed how the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva, allegedly proposed 2.5 per cent operating surplus to Host Communities while President Muhammadu Buhari proposed 5 per cent in the Petroleum Industrial Bill.

The Senator made the revelation when he spoke with newsmen on the contentious issue on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Dickson: “Nigerians should ask the Minister of State for Petroleum why (late President Umaru) Yar’Adua proposed 10 per cent, Buhari proposed 5 per cent, but he came to the National Assembly to propose 2.5 per cent.”

The representative of Bayelsa West Senatorial District explained that before the passage of the bill, Sylva and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Mele Kyari, told the Senators that it is either they agreed to 2.5 percent or no investment. He said: “Senator (George) Sekibo and I were mandated to reach out to other senators who are not in our region and we did.

“We spoke to lot of them and they all supported us for the 5 per cent.

“Before we took that deliberation and the vote, the Minister of State for Petroleum and the GMD of NNPC were invited to give us the executive perspective.

“I don’t know why it was done, but it was not parliamentary, but it was a decision the leadership took and they came supposedly to enlighten us on the technical  aspect of the bill.

“They told us that it is either we agree to 2.5 percent or no investment.

“So, I can feel how most members who had earlier given us their commitment felt when they heard the tough position by the executive.

“The minister said there won’t be investment inflow if we approve anything higher than the 2.5 per cent.…

Crime / News

Two abducted students escape in Kaduna – Police

The Kaduna State Police Command on Thursday confirmed the escape of two of the abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School, Maraban Damishi in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

ASP Mohammed Jalige, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed this in a press statement.

Jalige said the information reached the Command about the escape of the students on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalled that bandits had invaded the school and kidnapped unspecified number of students in the early hour of June 5. Jalige said on Wednesday at about 3:30am, the Command was informed by a good samaritan that two students of the school were sighted and believed to have escaped from their captors.

He said a report was lodged with the Divisional Police Officer, Rijana, who got hold of the students, after which investigation confirmed they were victims of the bandits.

He said: “The students said that on Tuesday, July 20 , 2021, at about 6pm, they were tasked by their captors to go and fetch firewood from the nearby forest where they were held hostage.

“They however, decided to take the opportunity of not being monitored and escape to Rijana community along Kaduna-Abuja highway.

“The two boys are currently undergoing medical examination at Police Medical facility before re-uniting them with their family, while tactical approach is being intensified to secure the release of the remaining students.”

In another development, the Command’s spokesperson also disclosed that mob lynched two unknown armed men on Wednesday in Kakuri area of Kaduna metropolis.

Jalige reiterated the call of the Command on the people of the state to avoid taking laws into their hands but should instead report suspicious characters to the appropriate authorities.…

Entertainment / News

Top 50 Nigerian songs of 2021: Omah Lay’s ‘Understand’ debuts at No. 1

Omah Lay’s “Understand” debut at No. 1 on this week’s Turn Table Top 50, becoming the artiste’s third entry to reach the summit of the chart.

AV’s “Big Thug Boys” moves to No. 5 on the chart as it continues to rise in popularity in the country.

Adekunle Gold’s “Sinner” with Lucky Daye launches at No. 7.

The Top 50 blends all-genre freemium streaming (Top Streaming Chart), radio airplay (Top Airplay Chart) and TV airplay (TV Top Songs Chart) in Nigeria. All charts will be dated and updated on Mondays, this week’s chart will be revealed on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 (due to delay in chart compilation)

“Understand” tallied 46.9 million in radio airplay impressions and 3.04 million equivalent streams during the tracking week (July 9 – July 15). It is Omah Lay’s third No. 1 song on the Turn Table Top 50 joining “Godly” and “Forever (Remix).”

“Understand” is produced by Tempoe, who becomes the first producer to reach the summit of the chart on multiple occasions; Tempoe also produced the 11-week No. 1 “Godly.”

In addition, “Understand” sets a new record of the biggest chart points in a week making it the most popular song ever in a single week.

Ladipoe & Buju’s “Feeling” slides to No. 2 after topping the chart for four non-consecutive weeks. The 47.4 million in radio reach that “Feeling” drew during the tracking week is enough to keep it at No. 1 on the radio chart for an eighth week.

Olamide’s “Rock” is down to No. 3 after spending three weeks at No. 1. Rema’s “Soundgasm” retreats to 3-4.

AV’s “Big Thug Boys” jumps 10-5; it tallied 24.4 million in radio reach (up 23.3%) and 1.28 million equivalent streams (up 16.4%.

Ruger’s “Bounce” falls to No. 6 from its No. 4 peak while Adekunle Gold’s “Sinner” with Lucky Daye debuts at No. 7. “Sinner” tallied 19.7 million in radio reach and 1.46 million equivalent streams. It equals “It Is What It Is” peak as Adekunle Gold’s highest charting songs on

…
Entertainment / News

Kanye West returns to Instagram wearing necklaces with his kids’ names

The billionaire rapper returned to the app on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, ahead of the release of his highly anticipated new album, “Donda.”

He posted a series of close-up photos of the Cuban link necklaces, with North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm’s monikers written out in Gothic lettering.

On his return, his fan base on the platform hit 5.7 million. However, he is only following one person on the app, Kim Kardashian.

It would be recalled that the father of four unfollowed all his estranged wife’s family member on Twitter a few months ago.

That happened shortly after West was spotted in France with Russian born International model, Irina Shynk.

Kanye and Kim filed for divorce in February 2021.

…
Entertainment / Law / News

Dr Dre ordered to pay ex-wife Nicole Young N151M monthly in spousal support

The billionaire music executive is to do that or take the option of paying $3.5M annually to Nicole until she remarries.

According to Radar, the superior court judge’s decision is only temporary until a final decision is reached.

“[Dre] is ordered to pay to the [Nicole] spousal support in the sum of $293,306.00 per month, payable on the first of each month, commencing August 1, 2021,” Dre will pay a total of $3,519,672 per year until Nicole remarries or “enters into a new domestic partnership,” the court document obtained by Radar read.

The judge also ordered Dre to keep paying for Nicole’s health insurance.

Dre and Nicole have continued to fight legally about their prenup.

Nicole has appealed for the prenup to be nullified, but Dre has disagreed with that arrangement.

Young has also alleged that Dre said he wouldn’t carry out the prenup, which he has said, isn’t true.

Nicole filed for divorce from the millionaire rapper back in 2020. She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for her split from the hip-hop mogul.

The couple got married in 1996 and are blessed with two adult children, Truce and Truly.

Young was formerly married to NBA player, Sedale Threatt, and is a trained lawyer.

…
News / Swift News

Sex before marriage no longer sin — Pastor Says

Pastor Olakunle Beloved Jesukale, founder of End-Time Revival Evangelical Ministry, has said that sex before marriage is no longer a sin.

The Pastor expressed his position on sex before marriage and sin in a video he shared on social media platforms.

The cleric stated that he does not even believe that sin exists to those who believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ because he has destroyed sin.

Maintaining that he believes in extreme grace, Pastor Jesukale averred: “Sex, whether it is before marriage, after marriage or during marriage is no longer a sin.” He also said why many believe sex should be had in marriage is because it is a covenant but has nothing to do with righteousness, purity and other godly virtues.

The Pastor also stated that any preacher saying that sex before marriage is a sin is an enemy of the finished work and is not real.

Jesukale said: “Sex, whether it is down before, after on within the marriage, is no longer a sin.

“Any preacher that says is a sin is an enemy of the finished wok and it is not real.

“If you are just holding yourself, saying that it is when you get married that you want to have sex, you are just discomforting yourself for nothing.

“It has nothing to do with righteousness or purity because Jesus has already renewed our mind to the understanding of what Jesus has done.

“This sin has been destroyed.

“This sin probably that people call sin is no longer a sin because of what Jesus has done on the cross.

“Sin has died and so there is no sin anymore because before God, Jesus has become that lamb of God that taketh the sins of the world completely so that people can live a life of liberty and peace.

“The reason why many people say that it should be taught in marriage is because the act of sex itself is a covenant.

“That is whenever you have sex with someone, you enter into a covenant …

Crime / Foreign / News

How Buratai’s letter to Benin Republic foiled Igboho’s escape to Germany

The Lead agitator for the actualization of ‘Yoruba Nation’, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho and his wife, Ropo, would have successfully fled to Germany, on Monday.

But the swift intervention of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd.), aborted the ‘discreet journey’ of the Yoruba ethnic campaigner, in the Benin Republic.

PR Nigeria exclusively gathered from credible intelligence that Buratai, a past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), was the ‘main’ brain behind Igboho’s arrest.

Igboho was fleeing Nigeria to the European nation via Benin after he had been declared wanted by the Department of State Services (DSS), last month. The self-acclaimed secessionist leader’s house in Ibadan was raided during a clandestine operation by a combined team of security operatives and men of the DSS.

Though Igboho escaped during the raid, 12 of his men and a lady, were arrested. They have since been in detention.

An intelligence officer of Nigerian extraction in Benin, on Tuesday, told PR Nigeria, in confidence that, Buratai swung into action immediately Igboho was declared wanted by a Nigerian intelligence agency.

“The ex-Army Chief knew that Igboho has the only option of first fleeing to any neighboring African country sharing borders with Nigeria. And as Nigeria’s ambassador to Benin, which shares several borders with Nigeria, he could not be caught napping,” he said.

According to him, it was in the penultimate week that Buratai tinkered with the idea and then wrote the government of the Benin Republic.

Said the intelligence officer: “Gen. Buratai insisted on the arrest and extradition of the self-acclaimed Yoruba secessionist leader. His secret letter to the Benin government was delivered through the Nigerian Embassy in Benin lookout, asking them to be on the lookout for Igboho.”

That same Buratai’s letter, according to another intelligence officer who spoke to PR Nigeria, was instrumental to the arrest of Igboho and his wife at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, the largest city in the French-speaking country.

“Igboho was arrested in Cotonou on Monday night while he tried to travel. He was already at the …

News

Eid-El-Kabir: IGP promises security as FRSC, NEMA mobilise men

Ahead of the Eid-el Kabir celebration, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, has vowed to sustain efforts at improving public security and safety across the country.

The IGP gave the assurance while directing Commissioners of Police (CPs) in all the states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to beef up security to prevent lapses in their Areas of Responsibility (AoR) throughout the Eid-el-Kabir season and beyond.

The IGP particularly directed the zonal AIGs and state command CPs to put in place all necessary security measures to ensure an incident-free celebration.

Police spokesman, CP Frank Mba, said: “They are to, amongst other things, deploy human and other operational assets to carry out confidence-building and crime prevention patrols on major highways, residential and industrial areas, vulnerable points, places of worship, other places of public resort and around all critical national infrastructure.

“The IGP also warned that personnel deployed must be professional and mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens, and discharge their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.”

Also, the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other major stakeholders, has flagged off safety operations to reduce accidents on the highways during the celebration.

Other stakeholders to partner NEMA include the Red Cross, the Federal and State fire services, and the National Civil Defense Corps(NSCDC).

Flagging off the operation tagged ‘Operation Eagle Eye,’ with the theme, ‘Safe Eid El Kabir’ in Ado Ekiti, the Zonal Head, Ekiti Operations Office (Ekiti, Ondo, and Osun), Mr. Olusegun Afolayan, said the festive periods, always come with increase vehicular movements and more auto crashes. Meanwhile, the FRSC has deployed its men across the states to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration.

The Sector Commander of the Corps in Edo State, Henry Benamaisia, said it had deployed 1,250 personnel for a hitch-free Sallah celebration…

Breaking News / News / politics

Mr Macaroni donates N500K to family of lady killed during Yoruba Nation rally

He, who visited the family of the deceased disclosed this on Saturday, July 17, 2021, via his Twitter page.

Jumoke was killed two weeks ago when Yoruba Nation agitators gathered at the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota to demand an independent nation in the south-west region of Nigeria.

The 25-yr-old lady was said to be displaying drinks at a shop around the protest venue when she was hit by a stray bullet and she died on the spot.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, Mr Macaroni said, “I visited the family of the late Jumoke Oyeleke; the 25yrs old that was killed during the Yoruba Nation Rally. They need all the support they can get right now. I have donated N500,000 today and I plead with all those who can to kindly support the family.”

The comedian then shared a fundraising link for the family, calling on all members of the public to donate.

He added that “As of the time of my visit, neither the government nor police force had taken responsibility. The family despite their state of mourning have been told to bear all responsibilities. This is heartbreaking. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command had denied killing Jumoke saying, the claim that the lady was killed by their bullets is a calculated attempt to create confusion and fear in the minds of the good people of Lagos.

…
Music / News

Marz makes strong debut with record ‘Favour’

Real name Eguagie Osadebamwen Emmanuel, Marz was born and raised in Edo State and follows the prolific line of big rappers out of the state.

The artistes’ style of music is birthed off a unique fusion of pure Afrobeat sound and Hip Hop, armed with a mastery of wordplay and storytelling.

With that, he is able to paint his lyrical pictures and tell compelling stories that are a reflection of his background.

He releases ‘Favour’ as the first single off his highly anticipated EP ‘Trip To Marz’ expected to drop in the last quarter of 2021.

On the record, Marz references personal experiences about moving to the city of Lagos and his encounter with the city.

A colourful Afrobeat inspired video shot by ace video director TG Omori also helps to bring the ideas of the singer to life and is currently receiving heavy rotation.

…
News

Kukah’s US mission statement unfortunate, disappointing – Presidency

The Presidency has described as unfortunate and disappointing the way and manner Bishop Matthew Kukah castigated his country, Nigeria, before the United States Congress.

A statement by the President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja, advised Kukah to desist from sowing discord and strife among Nigerians.

The presidential aide believed that the opinions expressed by Kukah before the US Congress were personal, and not opinions held by majority of Nigerians.

According to him, religious leaders who preach respect for truth have a duty to practice it, and it is a moral and practical responsibility to stand up publicly for the truth.

He said: ”There is no place in mainstream civil discourse for those who actively, negatively, and publicly label an individual ethnic group, especially before a foreign audience.

”These are not the views expressed or opinions held by the vast majority of the citizens of Nigeria.

”For all our challenges as a nation, nearly all of us seek to live together in harmony, celebrating differences, and finding a common ground as Nigerians above all.

”But people like Kukah are doing their best to sow discord and strife among Nigerians.

”More than any other set of people, leaders – in politics or religion who preach respect for truth have a duty to practice it. It is a moral and practical responsibility.

”Going by the history of the Church as is well known, it will stand up publicly for the truth.

”It is time others did the same.”

Shehu described Kukah’s mission statement in the US as a familiar ”overseas political tours that opposition politicians take – visiting foreign leaders and legislators in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.”

He said such ‘tours’ were meant to attract maximum media attention back home to score cheap political goals.

”So, the argument goes, if they are heard seriously abroad, then Nigerian citizens back home should surely listen to them too.

”But in order to be heard at all, and to maximize media coverage back home for their activities, inevitably these visits

…
Crime / News

Bandits kill 13 policemen in Zamfara State ambush

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 13 policemen in an ambush by bandits.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by the spokesperson for the command, SP Mohammed Shehu.

In the statement on Sunday, Shehu said the bandits “ambushed the policemen while responding to a call on an attempt to attack nearby communities, 13 personnel paid the supreme price”.

He said the attack occurred on Sunday around 12:30pm when the policemen were deployed in Kurar Mota village in Bungudu Local Government Area in response to a distress call, adding: “Unfortunately, 13 personnel paid the supreme price. However, the bandits on their part suffered heavy casualties.

“A special Anti-Banditry Operations is currently ongoing with a view to track down the assailants.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Hussaini Rabiu, when he visited the injured policemen at the hospital reaffirmed that the unfortunate incident would not discourage the officers and men of the command from discharging their mandate of protecting lives and properties of the citizens.”
…
Health / News / politics

Nigerians are starving, Kano Emir tells Buhari

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has said the present economic situation in the country is inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians, urging the government to urgently find a lasting solution.

The monarch, who raised the concern yesterday while receiving President Muhammadu Buhari at his palace, said: “Nigerians are suffering from perpetual hunger coupled with security challenges.”

Citing the high cost of food and consumables in the country, occasioned by hyperinflation, urged the Federal Government to ease the economic crunch impoverishing the masses.

He equally drew Buhari’s attention to security challenges across the country, urging the government to intensify efforts to restore peace.

“We want to commend the President for the infrastructure development across the country, particularly those sited in Kano, just as the governor listed some of such projects despite the shortfalls in the globally economy.

“We hope the presidential aides would continue to advise the President on the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses, especially in those aspects where he would need to be informed on certain development for necessary action. This is a responsibility upon us, which we need to discharge accordingly,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for the leaders and for God to heal the land from the Coronavirus Disease.

While assuring Buhari of the emirate’s continued prayers for his administration, the royal father applauded the President for finding Kano worthy of citing the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure.

Buhari, in return, congratulated the monarch on his recent coronation as the 15th Emir of Kano.

He expressed satisfaction for the warm reception received in Kano and commended the developmental stride of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.…

Education / News

17-Year-Old With The Highest 2019 UTME Score, Others Offered $4.35 Million Scholarships To Study In United States

Thirty Opportunity Funds Program scholars of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos have received fully-funded scholarships totaling $4.35 million to attend American universities and colleges for the 2021/2022 academic session. Following a competitive selection process, the 30 high-achieving, low-income students received financial aid from the U.S. Consulate General that covered expenses involved in the college application process such as payment for standardized tests, application fees, and visa fees in addition to air travel to the United States.

One of the beneficiaries is a 17-year-old boy Ekene Ezeunala who scored the highest score at the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

 

Ezeunala, who got 347, attended Meiran Community Senior High School, Lagos and received full funding to study Computer Science and Mathematics at Columbia University in the City of New York.

 

The lucky US-bound students are selected for six undergraduates, three masters and twenty-one doctoral academic programs including Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Science and Engineering for the 2021/2022 academic session

According to a statement by Temitayo Famutimi, Information Specialist, Public Affairs Section of the United States Consular General in Victoria Island Lagos, on Thursday, the scholarship programs cover expenses for standardized tests, application fee and visa fees.

The statement reads, “Speaking on Thursday in Lagos during a reception in honor of the U.S. bound students, Consul General Claire Pierangelo urged the scholars to make the most of their opportunity to get a top-notch education while gaining the first-hand experience of American life and culture.

“I congratulate each one of you on your tremendous success. Your success is evidence of your leadership, academic performance, and the great potential young Nigerians hold for the future of this country.

“This is a very important step in your life. I strongly encourage you to maximize this opportunity. This is not just about your education as you have proven yourselves to be academically outstanding students.

“I am also referring to your chance to broaden your horizons and embrace the diversity of people around you and learn, not just about America, but also about …