A labourer at a block moulding site in the Lagos Island yesterday emerged the first saloon car star prize winner in Lagos state in the on-going multi-billion Naira Dangote Cement National Consumer Promotion tagged “Bag of Goodies” just as several other winners had their winning scratch cards redeemed.

The winner, Mujahid Shiabu, who just returned from Borno state two weeks ago was full of surprises as the management of Dangote Cement officially presented his car to him amid ecstasy by his other colleagues and friends.

Making the car presentation, the Group Executive Director, Dangote Industries Limited, Hajiya Halima Aliko Dangote explained that the promotion is meant to give economic empowerment to Dangote Cement end users adding that the company had also done same for its retailers and distributors in the past.

Besides, she stated that the consumer promotion was in tandem with the philosophy of the Dangote group which is to touch people’s lives by providing their basic needs.

Halima pointed out that Dangote cement considered its customers as partners and “you know the meaning of partnership; we are all working together for our mutual benefits. We are all winners when you buy Dangote cement.

“At Dangote cement, we don’t just produce quality cement for customer satisfaction, we produce quality for customer excellence and that is why we are the biggest and the best”, she stated.

Oniru of Iruland, Oba Idowu Abiodun Oniru commended the Chairman of Dangote cement, Aliko Dangote for his giant strides in industrial undertakings pointing out that governments could not venture into sectors where Dangote has established his footprint.

The mornach who was represented by his son, Aremo Adesegun Oniru Stated that Nigerians government is hugely indebted to Dangote for helping Nigeria’s economic growth through investments for self-sustenance even far beyond cement.

According to him, Nigerians should keep praying for Dangote because by the time he finishes his refinery, Nigeria would be occupying a better place in the world economic map noting that the Dangote refinery and Petrochemical currently under construction is beyond the federal government ability. 

The star prize winner, Shuaib, who could barely communicate in pidgin English said he never expected that his day would take a new turn the day he opened a bag of Dangote cement only for him to find a scratch card inside and upon scratching it “only to reveal you have won a saloon car.”

He thanked the management of Dangote cement for living up to its promise saying he never expected thigs would turn around for him.

Also another consumer, Tiamiyu Quadri who also won a television set was presented with his winning by Prince Aremo Oniru

Dangote cement Marketing Director, Mrs Funmi Sanni urged the people to continue to buy Dangote cement because there are various prizes for a whopping 21 million Dangote cement buyers a figure she describes as about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

The decision to reward end users she stated was because, Dangote Cement views its customers as being at the centre of its operations and the well-being of the customers is also the well-being of the company therefore the need to empower them through the promotion.

Mrs. Sanni explained that lucky Dangote cement consumers across the country would go home with 43 cars, 24 tricycles, 24 motorcycles, 550 refrigerators, 400 television sets, 300,000 Dangote foods goodies packs and recharge cards for all networks worth N200,000,000.00.

Dangote Cement Lagos Regional Director, Mr. Tunde Mabogunje said the consumers were too excited at the promo and have been coming forward to collect their winnings. He noted that one of the users who bought ten bags of Dangote cement had scratch cards with N10,000 cash winnings in nine out of the ten bags.

According to him, scores of people have come to redeem their winning cards for recharge cards worth Thousands of Naira, pointing out that the promo is a deliberate effort at rewarding the consumers. Mabogunje also said the company is happy that the consumers are winning.  

President Muhammadu Buhari will, on Tuesday, open defence against the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate in the 2019 Presidential election, Atiku Abubakar. 

Counsel to Buhari, Wole Olanipekun (SAN) informed the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal that he will be calling witnesses from 2pm on Tuesday.  

The lawyers had agreed during the pre-hearing modalities that the petitioners would take 10 days to conclude their submission, while the defence will take six days each.  

The parties also agreed that they will spend five minutes to take evidence in chief from ordinary witnesses, while examination of expert and subpoenaed witnesses will take 20 minutes and any re-examination will take three minutes. 

Buhari’s decision to immediately open his defence is sequel to INEC’s declaration that it won’t be calling any witnesses in the matter because the PDP and Atiku have already established its case. 

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, says the senate has gone beyond its constitutional powers in giving him an ultimatum over the state assembly crisis.

On Tuesday, the senate gave the governor a week ultimatum to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the state house of assembly.

A misunderstanding between Adams Oshiomhole, national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Obaseki had led to the factionalisation of the state assembly.

Nine lawmakers loyal to Obaseki were secretly inaugurated on June 17, leaving their colleagues in the camp of Oshiomhole stranded.

In a statement Osarodion Ogie, secretary to the state government (SSG), issued on his behalf, the governor said he would not issue a fresh proclamation.

He described the action of the senate as an illegality that cannot stand.

“The Edo state government watched with alarm today as the distinguished senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in a step that was not totally unexpected, purported to pass a resolution in the following terms: – Directing the Governor of Edo State to issue a fresh proclamation for the inauguration of the Edo state house of assembly, and ordering a fresh inauguration of the Edo state house of assembly within one (1) week from the date of the said resolution,” he said.

“As earlier mentioned, this move was not unexpected in the light of the enormous political pressure which had been brought to bear on the officers and members of the distinguished senate by the highly-placed and powerful persons who are intent on foisting their will and choices on the good people of Edo state.

“This is borne out by the recorded statements made by one Seid Oshiomhole (a member-elect and younger brother of the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress Comrade Adams Oshiomhole) wherein he boasted that both the senate president, Senator Ahmed Lawan and the speaker of the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila have been instructed on what to do in this matter.

“The government of Edo state wishes to observe that the chairman and members of ad-hoc committee of the senate which visited Edo state were made aware of the existence of at least three (3) suits pending before various courts wherein the factual and legal dispute regarding the Edo State House of Assembly inauguration have been submitted to the courts by both contending parties for resolution.

“It is unfortunate that the distinguished senate would act in flagrant breach of these various court crders and purport to come to factual and legal conclusions concerning a matter in which the parties are already before the courts and therefore sub judice.

“The Edo state government maintains that there is nowhere in the constitution particularly Section 11(4) which enables the national assembly to take over any house of assembly or in this respect, the Edo state house of assembly.”

President Muhammadu Buhari’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, admitted before the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja on Tuesday that no certificate was listed on the President’s curriculum vitae and that none was among the documents obtained from Cambridge University earlier tendered as exhibits.

Kyari, who testified as the President’s third defence witness, also admitted obtaining the Cambridge documents personally on July 18, 2019.

The Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had filed the petition before the tribunal to challenge the victory of President Buhari and his All Progressives Congress in the February 23, 2019 poll.

Part of the grounds of the petition was that Buhari did not possess the academic qualification necessary to contest the poll.

Under a cross examination by the petitioners’ lawyer, Kyari said he was 67 years old and that he had known Buhari for nearly 40 years.

Kyari also said he signed for and collected the Cambridge documents for the assessment by Cambridge.

He did not say if he traveled to London to obtain the documents; but he confirmed that none of the documents contained a certificate.

He confirmed that the Cambridge documents were “assessments.”

He also confirmed that the curriculum vitae signed by Buhari did not have any certificate listed, apart from the list of schools attended by the President.

He also admitted that the Diploma in Strategic Study which he claimed Buhari possessed was not listed in the President’s CV.

Under cross-examination by APC’s lawyer, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Kyari, however maintained that Atiku was a Cameroonian by being born in Jadda in 1946, as of the time of which the part of Adamawa State was still a part of Norther Cameroon.

He also identified Buhari in a picture of those who were said to be the President’s classmates and teachers while graduating as a Class 6 pupil in 1961.

Former Big Brother star, Tokunbo Idowu a.k.a. Tboss, has reportedly been delivered of a baby boy in the early hours of Thursday, 30th of July, 2019.

Details of the hospital and location where the lady had her baby were sketchy at press time.

Meanwhile, tales trailing Tboss’ pregnancy, is still very much on, as her fans keep wondering who was responsible between ‘the senator’ and Made Men Music Group boss, Ubi Franklin.

Toss had for several weeks denied she was pregnant even when she was spotted at an Abuja clinic while on maternity visits. It was a few days ago that she reluctantly confirmed she was pregnant when the heat of the paternity rumour was getting to the height.

Ubi had, however, denied he ever went out with Tboss.

“I never for one day asked Tboss out. ”I have never done anything with her. In fact, I don’t even know where she lives,” Ubi declares.

-Rahman Is’mail

She won many hearts at a hilarious Igbo beauty cum cultural event that attracted bigwigs, language and culture conscious advocates like the legendary actor, Pete Edochie, Prof. Pita Ejiofor, highlife giant Mike and a host of others.

Venue was The Dome, one of the sprawling event centers in the heart of Enugu, the coal city. That was about four years ago. And history was made on that day.

In-between a well-organized and tastefully-choreographed cultural displays, drama and dances, young Igbo girls dressed in
different and matching traditional attires, lined up for the august occasion. At the end of the day, beautiful and charming Choice Amajuoyi, a Mass Communications graduate, fresh from school then, emerged the overall winner and was crowned as the queen (Loloigbo) to oversee Igbo culturally-related activities and promotion for one year.

Few years after successfully completing the arduous task, she bounced to her first love of acting, modeling and cultural designing. Here she opens up on life after an Igbo queenship, the movie industry and other challenges.

Against all odds, you won the Loloigbo [Igbo Beauty Queen] contest a few years ago. How’s the experience while your reign lasted?

I must state that I gained a lot serving as the Loloigbo. I thank God for everything. It broadened my knowledge of the complete Igbo heritage. It gave me an opportunity to meet and work with many Igbos rich and poor. It also gave me the chance to serve humanity in its true perspective. I gave back to society
creditably well.

What have you been doing since your reign ended?

I went back to my movie career and modeling. However, my modeling has to do with fashion and products mainly. I also produce creative materials for traditional attires for marriages,
musicals, birthdays and movies under my outfit, Ama-tuama.

How are you doing in the movie industry, do you also produce or just acting?

I have not started producing but acting for now. I give God all the glory for the breakthroughs so far. And I feature mostly in Igbo films for obvious reasons. As an ambassador of the language and culture, producers feel I am cool and deliver more here. All the same, I still do Igbo movies. I have done more than ten movies since I came back fully and from the little experience I have garnered, I can say that Nollywood is quite challenging and needs seriousness, determination, discipline and focus, I have not been negatively treated in the arena say by way of sexual harassment or any other form of assault. This is because I don’t show desperation but take things gradually, knowing pretty well that I will get to the top one day. A lot of producers admire my self-confidence too and show respect.

You seem to operate more in the Eastern zone of the country than say, Lagos. Why?

This my answer may sound funny but it’s true. I used to dread Lagos because of its traffic. But I can no longer avoid the hub of entertainment especially with the deluge of movie making that goes on there. In fact, I’m waiting to get my first movie invitation to Lagos now and I will hit the city.

What is your target in the industry and what impact do you wish to create?

I want to make the difference both as an actress and a producer. I want to change the orientation and culture too. Something that is obtainable to world standard. All I need now
is the support, financially and morally.

You were said to be making plans to host a programme, ‘Ngala Igbo’, what’s it all about and how far have you gone with the arrangements?

It is simply a programme where I promote our cultural values, with Igbo creative outfits in costumes on parade. This year’s edition holding in December will truly define our culture in its presentation and we are bringing in the best schools to participate for the first time.

Any plans for marriage soon?

Yes, there are plans for marriage. I would alert the world when the time comes. One thing is to have someone that understands you and the nature of your job. I know I will have someone that will not be a distraction to the things I am doing.

Somi Uranta is a scholar and an entrepreneur. For many years now, he has empowered young people with his creativity and candor in different areas of entrepreneurship and mentorship.

He speaks on his latest projects, Naija Pepper Soup Carnival and Award for Excellence Service, two undertakings, in collaboration with Fitilah Entertainment that aim at celebrating indigenous enterprise, service delivery and ingenuity.

Why are you organizing Nigeria’s first Pepper Soup Carnival and what qualifies your awardees for excellent service?

Pepper soup is a Nigerian indigenous delicacy and I think it is incumbent on us as Nigerians, to showcase what we have. It will interest you to know that different cultures and traditions celebrate pepper soup in different ways, ultimately for the enjoyment of all. Our aim therefore, is to bring pepper soup as a delicacy in its variety and form under one roof.

As you know, there was a debate some time ago on the origin of Jollof rice and this elicited diverse reactions over its ownership and the culture that makes the best of Jollof rice.

I remember an African myth that talks about the cat and its fears about losing what rightly belongs to it, hence it ensures it buries its waste products to avoid a situation where one’s thing would be claimed by another. So, we are essentially trying to avoid such a scenario re-occurring where our thing would be claimed by another, hence the need to celebrate, domesticate and entrench Nigeria’s pepper soup culture which is our inheritance.

On the other leg of your question, I wish to state unequivocally that appreciation is a tonic to do more. We are therefore poised to appreciate and celebrate those who have done well in providing quality solutions and services to those who need them, hence this award for service excellence.

But I hasten to add that we are not just remembering and honoring the big players, we are also recognizing apprentices who have demonstrated loyalty, honesty and dedication to their masters and the trade. This is unprecedented and we are happy to be pioneering this because of the expected positive impact on society.

What is the form of this Pepper Soup Carnival?

The driving force is the need to create a variety of pepper soup tastes from different kinds of fish and meat, spiced with exciting flavors and seasonings under an atmosphere of music, dance and comedy. The big idea is to export the unique Naija pepper soup, beginning from Africa and then to the rest of the world. We plan to have at least, 20 or more kinds of pepper soups from different parts of Nigeria on display. For example, there are those who enjoy fish pepper soup, crocodile pepper soup, snail pepper soup, stock fish pepper soup, goat meat pepper soup, assorted, cow tail pepper soup, snake pepper soup and even the famous dog meat which is a very popular pepper soup in many parts of Nigeria.

And for those who have one cultural inhibition or the other, I wish to assure them that utmost care has been taken to ensure that what they abhor will be far from them. As a matter of fact, the soups would be served in disposable plates and spoons so that they do not have to accidentally eat from a plate used in serving what they forbid.

What should your customers expect outside comedy, music and dance?

A lot is in the offing and I promise our customers a great time. There will be assortments of drinks, ranging from soft, spirit, wines to cream, palm wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Are you doing all these alone or are there sponsors who believe in this project?

Yes, there are sponsors. Nigerian Breweries, for instance, will host a gala night where our customers will have the opportunity of going home with gift items from the brewing giant. They have also promised to provide other side attractions during the event.

We are also in touch with some spices manufacturers who are promising to spice up the event with their spices. The event will also afford businesses the opportunity to advertise their products and services, and to network too.

It is going to be an evening to remember as plans are underway to make it a hitch-free event.

What exactly is the focus of the award?

As I stated earlier, this award is unique. First, we will be appreciating and showcasing some unsung heroes in our society who have provided and are still providing, solutions. For recipients of our awards in this forth-coming event on Sunday, 25 of August, 2019, at Somi’s Bar and Events at Plot 1 Ijaiye Road, Ogba, our focus is on the automobile and allied sectors at Akilo Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association at Ogba, Ikeja. They are special because we have observed them from a close range and they represent honesty, competence, excellent customer service and above all, good citizenship. We are optimistic that our intervention would inspire more people, not only in Akilo but across Lagos and even Nigeria. Like we said, the award is not only for the masters in the business but also for the apprentices. We hope to present a lasting memorabilia in the form of plaques which would adore their places of abode and also remind them that they are appreciated by the people they serve.

Could you share with us, what actually inspired this project?

Motivacomedy, our awards company has been involved in awards over the years especially when it concerns Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs. But this time around, we are focusing on the automobile sub-sector with special interest in the Igbo apprenticeship system which is believed to have produced more millionaires than the entire university system in Nigeria. Let me share my experience with you. For many years, I used to travel frequently on business trips to China and I was shocked to discover that the Chinese actually copied the Igbo apprenticeship system 30 years ago and they have been able to lift over 800 million Chinese from poverty to affluence. In Guangzhou for instance, I met several young Chinese who came from the hinterland to the city and got jobs that provided them accommodation and feeding with a stipend that is kept in trust for a period of four years which was modeled after the Igbo apprenticeship system. At the end of the four years period, these young Chinese are paid lump sum which is then used as seed money for their own cottage industries.

The Igbo apprenticeship system has been with us for far longer than the Chinese and I think that Nigeria and Nigerians can leverage on this unique system to lift our over 85 million citizens out of poverty. And that is our focus.

Do you have an innovative, technology-driven solution with the potential to solve education
challenges in Nigeria? Are you a student, teacher, developer, designer, fintech or a player in the tech space? Then keep reading because this is for you!

From the July 30 to August 28, 2019, entries will be received from anyone with cutting-edge
technological solutions that demonstrate a strong potential to transform the education system in Nigeria. By ‘anyone’, we mean ‘anyone’, including but not limited to students, teachers, developers, designers, fintechs, tech companies etc.

Union Bank acknowledges that innovation is important if we are to achieve the prosperous
Nigeria we all dream about. That’s why each year since 2017, we have organised annual
editions of The Innovation Challenge with the aim of discovering and supporting innovative
ideas and solutions that solve social and business issues.

This year, the competition which is being organised in partnership with VHA Services, will focus on unearthing education technology solutions, emphasising Union Bank’s focus on supporting the Nigerian education sector.

At the end of the entry period, up to 10 shortlisted entries will be unveiled and the successful applicants invited to participate in an accelerator programme providing them with access to coach-mentors, and a community of education stakeholders and strategic partnerships.

Following a pitch, the top three winners will be announced during edu360, Union Bank’s annual flagship education event scheduled to hold in October this year.

These top three winning entries will receive total funding support of 5 Million Naira towards scaling their solutions, and venture support including provision of specialised support based on their specific project needs.

They will also receive advisory regarding the deployment and management of funding received.

So if you’re as passionate as we are about developing the education sector, click here to read more information and submit your entry.

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The Executive Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Hon. Adeniyi Saliu, has approved the construction of a motor park at Mojoda Market.

The Council Helmsman assured Market Men and Women of his administration’s commitment to ensuring ease of business and transportation of goods at the market as well as aid travels within and outside the state.

Saliu therefore sought the co-operation of the Market men, women and commuters for the Contractor while the construction works last.

The Park, located at the Omojoda Market, few meters away from Lagos and Ogun states boundary, along Epe/Ijebu-Ode express, when completed will accommodate commuters, tricycles and Okadas.

The Park is expected to have facilities such as locked-up shops, Stalls, Stores, offices, Walkway, toilets among others, to encourage daily market without  interfering with the existing 5-days market.

However, the project has since commenced as Contractor moved to site. Engineer George of Georgy Shelters Company the Contractor handling the project has assured the timely execution and delivery of the project.

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG)’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye Five ministers of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) have been abducted on their way to attend the church’s Ministers’ Conference in Lagos.

The General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye announced the abduction on Friday while giving a talk at the Redeemed Camp along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Pastor Adeboye said the abduction took place on Thursday along the Ijebu-Ode axis. He charged the congregation to pray for the release of the abductees.

The General Overseer said this is the first time such incident of that magnitude was happening. “As a father, how do you think I should feel to hear that five of my children have been kidnapped while on their way to attend the Ministers Conference?” he queried.

The National leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) wishes to inform the rank and file members of the Union and the general public that following the intervention of Mallam Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director and his management team to avert the proposed industrial action of NUPENG over the blatant breach of agreement reached with the Union by Chevron Nigeria and its Contractor and considering the fact that appreciable progress is being made as discussions continue, that the Union hereby suspends with immediate effect the planned industrial action slated for next week.

It should be put on records that this abrupt suspension became inevitable due largely to the timely intervention of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) having engaged NUPENG and all concerned stakeholders at two separate meetings on Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd day of August 2019, to correct the anomalies and ensure that the agreement is respected.

All our members are directed to step down the RED ALERT message, continue rendering their normal and lawful services to the nation while members of the general public are also enjoined to avoid any panic action/measure as we assure all and sundry of normal supply and distribution of petroleum products across the country.

It should be noted however, that talks are still ongoing between NUPENG and all affected stakeholders to amicably resolve the matter putting into consideration the collateral economic damage the industrial unrest could possibly lead to in the country if not immediately nipped in the bud.

It is our firm belief that the ongoing talks will meet the yearnings and aspirations of our demands and that of our overstretched and hardworking members in the interest of industrial peace and harmony.

The government of Saudi Arabia has declared Saturday, August 10th as Arafat Day, the height of Hajj rites when pilgrims all over the world will converge on the Plain of Arafat for supplications.

The Amir- ul Hajj, Lagos State, Dr AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef made the disclosure on Friday at the Lagos State House in Makkah.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Board, Jamiu Dosunmu, quoted the Amir- ul Hajj as saying the “Eid-ul-Kabir will be on Sunday, 11th August 2019 When Muslim all over will sacrifice Ram in accordance to the Sunnah in Islam.”

“Now that the date of Arafat has been declared and Friday, 9th August has been billed for movement of Lagos pilgrims to Muna, the Board management has designed scheduled prayers for the different local governments to supplicate for Allah’s protection for a safe journey to and fro Muna as well as success on the exercise. Salat Zuhri must be performed in Muna on Saturday by all pilgrims of this year Hajj,” he said.

AbdulLateef appealed to pilgrims to attend the prayers in accordance with the dates allotted to their local governments in order to control the crowd and create a better atmosphere for pilgrims during the lectures.

“The purpose is to enlighten them on the expectations of Muna, Musdalifah, Arafat and Jamarat.”

AbdulLateef, who emphasised, that the major Hajj rites fall within five days of Dhul Hijjah encouraged pilgrims to endeavour to follow the instructions of the Saudi Authority as a way of supporting them check-mate avoidable disaster.

The Amir-ul Hajj noted that some of the expectations of Muslims within the first ten days of the month of Hajj include fasting, reading the holy Quran, increasing in good deeds; engaging in all acts of Ibadah, give love to and be dutiful to parents; feeding of birds and cats with food and water.

Others according to him include distribution of cold water to people working in the sun, visiting the sick, inmates, orphanage and old people’s homes, attending prayers at their times and listening to lectures, fasting all nine days, every fast is like 70years away from fire (hell), if not 9 days, fast at least on Arafat Day for those not performing Hajj. It wipes two years of sin.

AbdulLateef stressed that giving a lot of Sadaqat; staying away from unholy music and videos; doing dawah and guiding the non-Muslims to a righteous path are also rewarding during the month.

Meanwhile, intensive planning is ongoing at the Lagos House in Makkah to ensure a smooth and hitch-free Hajj exercise.

Femi Adesina, President Muhammadu Buhari’s media spokesman, released the statement this evening in response to the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar’s reaction to a media story purporting that over 1000 Nigerian soldiers fighting Boko Haram were secretly buried.

”First, it was laughable, now it gets progressively pitiable, to see and hear efforts by presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the last general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, appeal to the emotions of Nigerians, particularly members of the judiciary, perchance it would influence decision in the ongoing legal tussle over the result of the presidential poll.

When the Supreme Court recently pronounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as due winner of Osun State gubernatorial contest, Alhaji Abubakar, a former Vice President, had chided the court, saying it should have considered “the pulse of the nation,” and reflected it in the judgment.

That was when the jigsaw puzzle began to fall in place. Were most of the challenges in the country being orchestrated by hidden hostile hands, who think such would influence the judiciary, which would consider the so-called “pulse of the nation” in arriving at judgment on the presidential poll?

Before and after the Osun State judgement, the PDP candidate had always been quick to play up negative developments in the country, the latest of which is the tendentious story by Wall Street Journal, alleging that about one thousand Nigerian soldiers had been recently killed by Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa terrorists, and secretly buried by Nigerian military authorities.

The military has duly countered the story, educating the Wall Street Journal on the hollowness of its publication. But Alhaji Abubakar has quickly weighed in on the matter, as part of his gambit to whip up emotions, and perhaps get the judiciary to reflect the “pulse of the nation” in its judgment.

According to the PDP candidate, who lost the last February poll by nearly four million votes, as released by the electoral umpire, he could “not fathom that in the space of a year, scores of great patriots were killed and buried secretly without their families being told.”

In an apparent afterthought and doublespeak, he added that he was hesitant to believe that “such grand scale of deceit is even possible under a democracy, such as Nigeria is expected to be.”

The above, rather than mitigate Alhaji Abubakar’s position, gives him out as someone who denigrates the country’s democracy, which he was part of building, in his heyday, before unbridled ambition blinded.

Yes, soldiers fighting insurgency and terrorism are great patriots. But the same can’t be said of anyone quick to believe any negative story about his country, however fictive and lacking in verity as the story could be. Well, except such person had the motive of whipping up negative sentiments and emotions, so that the judiciary could respond to the “pulse of the nation and reflect it.”

We have told Alhaji Abubakar and his co-travelers that the judiciary would always come to conclusions, drawing from matters of the law placed before it, and not sentiments or so-called “pulse of the nation.”

Therefore, in vain does anybody labour to devalue the government and its military, thinking it would fall into a grand plan to get into office through artifice. The campaigns and elections for 2019 are long over. The country has moved on. And those who know it actually know it.”

Men of the Department of State Security Service have reportedly arrested founder of Sahara Reporters and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore.

Unconfirmed report said that the heavily mobilized men of the DSS invaded his hotel apartment in Ikeja and taken him to their office at CMD road, Magodo, as at the time of filing this report.

Sowore’s alleged arrest occurred about 48 hours into the commencement of a planned revolutionary showdown on August 5th, 2019 across the country.

Meanwhile, barely 72 hours into a highly publicized students’ event on the campus, Management of University of Lagos (UNILAG) ordered its organizers to delist him as speaker at the event, it has been learnt.

Mr. Sowore, reports said, was to headline the 2nd August, 2019 event convened by the UNILAG Chapter of the Muslim Students Society (MSS).

Many students and admirers of Mr. Sowore had publicized the events and were brazing to attend.

But a “regrettable correspondence” from the organizers, had announced reversal of his invitation.

It was learned that UNILAG Management feared that Mr. Sowore’s presence on campus and his speech might instigate the students to rise up in protests against most of Management’s unfair policies, and had decided to immediately intercept his planned presence.

The Eid- el-Kabir festival — more commonly known as Sallah in Nigeria – is all about dedication. This has prompted rising Lagos Supermarket, Addas Mall to come up with the perfect way for shoppers to display their devotion to their families during the approaching holidays.

The leading retail franchise located in the heart of Ikeja, the Lagos capital, is set to reward loyal customers and the general shopping populace with an exciting promo that started 31st Of July and will run till the evening of Wednesday, August 13. The promotion is strategically timed to coincide with the Muslim festival of sacrifice which takes place in Nigeria from Sunday, August 11 to Wednesday, August 13.

The popular one stop shop for everything from electronics to clothing is offering up to 4%discount on selected items on groceries , 5% on household and apparels and 15% discount on Lily and Taylor . Including amazing discount on electronics throughout the Sallah period through its aptly captioned Sallah Promo. All customers who take advantage of the chance to shop more for less can expect to have a sizeable chunk of their purchase costs written off at the counter.

The company explained that the initiative is to encourage a culture of giving among Nigerians. It wants everyone to take advantage of the limited-time offer to enrich the holiday experience for their kids, significant others, friends and relatives. Everything from shoes, jewellery and customised and ready-to-wear Ankara for those who want to look their best, to wine and food for the gastronomically inclined, is up for grabs at slashed prices.

Following calls circulating on social and digital media, an organisation that calls itself the “Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria” plans a “revolution” march tomorrow, Monday 5th August, with the aim of bringing “regime change” in Nigeria without recourse to a nationwide vote.

The President of Nigeria and his administration respect and uphold the right of every Nigerian to peaceful protest and civil campaign– whether to raise awareness on issues, and even oppose the government. It is the inalienable right of all citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to do so.

There is, however, a difference between peaceful call to protest and incitement for a revolution.

The organisation championing this planned action is not fronted by any serious public faces. We call on the sponsors and organisers to have the decency to come forward and make their identity known – out of respect to all Nigerians – so that Nigerians can be fully aware in whose name this “revolution” is being proposed and who the beneficiaries may be.

Less than six months ago, Nigeria held simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections. Both contests were won resoundingly by President Muhammadu Buhari and his All-Progressives Congress party. The campaign was observed, and results were confirmed by international election monitoring groups and observers. The result was even contested by the losing presidential candidate and his party in Court.

The ballot box is the only constitutional means of changing government and a president in Nigeria. The days of coups and revolutions are over.

Those making the “revolution’’ call hide behind the veil of social media modernity. But without revealing the identity of their sponsors this shadowy campaign is no better, and no more democratic, than the days of old.

The President calls on all those who seek to use and hide behind everyday citizens to attain power through undemocratic and violent means, which has been alluded, to come out clearly and be identified. They should lead their march in person. Only then will they begin to have the right to call themselves leaders before the people of Nigeria.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that nobody should attempt the ‘RevolutionNow’ protest in the state.

Governor Wike said that Rivers State is not part of the RevolutionNow protest and whatever illegal agenda it seeks to pursue.

The Governor said: “Rivers State does not subscribe to what the RevolutionNow protest represents and Rivers State is not part of the protest”.

He directed security agencies in the state to arrest anybody involved in the RevolutionNow protest and also take all necessary steps to prosecute such persons.

Governor Wike urged parents to ensure that their children are not misled by agents of the march to participate in the illegal protest.

“All council chairmen are directed to be at alert. If they suspect any illegal gathering, they should report to the security agencies for immediate action “, Governor Wike said.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs.Aisha Buhari, has said that breastfeeding is the right of every new-born child, adding that the government recommends the initiation of breast feeding should begin immediately after childbirth.

Aisha made this statement while speaking at the launch of the Zero water campaign during the 2019 World Breastfeeding Week which held at the International Conference Centre Abuja.

Mrs. Buhari noted that refusal to breastfeed comes with a huge economic cost, vulnerability to illness and eventual death of our children, whilst the benefits of breastfeeding are enormous.

The First Lady, who was represented by the wife of the former governor of Nasararwa State, Dr. Mairo Al Makura, further said she hoped the launch would change the narrative for nutrition in the country. She said the Zero water launch was meant to encourage women to breastfeed within one hour of giving birth and not introducing the baby to water until 6 months. 

UNICEF deputy representative, Pernille Ironside, who said she has been breastfeeding her child for the past eighteen months, informed the dignitaries present that breastfeeding is a unique right of every newborn and gives him or her the best start in life as well as laying the foundation for survival and ultimate good health and development, noting that in a country where 1 in 8 children do not reach their fifth birthday and 1 in 10 children are stunted, optimal breastfeeding practices are known to reduce neonatal and child mortality, morbidity such as respiratory infections, diarrhoea, as well as non- communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes also decreased if a child is exclusively breast fed.

Ms Ironside said an important barrier to optimal exclusive breastfeeding practice is the lack of family friendly policies that support maternity and paternity leave for parents of new-born children.

Available statistics in Nigeria reveal that the rates for exclusive breastfeeding have improved from 17% in 2013 to 27% in 2018, just as Kaduna and Lagos states have increased maternity leave from 3 to 6 months.

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the freezing of three bank accounts which have been linked to the Lagos State Government.

Justice Chuka Obiozor made the order on Tuesday following an ex parte application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N9.9bn fraud.

The EFCC had urged the judge to freeze the account ‘pending the conclusion of investigation and possible prosecution of Adewale Adesanya, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff to former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’.

In an affidavit filed in support of the ex parte application, a member of the EFCC investigating team, Kungmi Daniel, said the commission discovered “a huge inflow of N9,927,714,443.29” from the state accounts into a bank account opened on September 17, 2018, during the administration of former Governor Ambode and operated by Adesanya.

Daniel alleged that the schedule of the account showed how Adesanya and the other signatories to the account made fraudulent transfers from the accounts of the Lagos State Government and dissipated the funds housed in the said accounts.

“The trend in the account is that the account always witnessed huge inflow from Lagos State Government in the above scheduled accounts managed by the respondent (Adesanya),” the investigator said.

He added that upon the receipt of intelligence, the EFCC analysed it and found it worthy of investigation.

The EFCC also asked the court to grant it an order to temporarily attach and take over the accounts to enable it to conclude its investigations.

“There have been concerted efforts and attempts to dissipate the contents of the accounts listed in the schedule to this application.

“Without freezing the nominated accounts and temporarily forfeiting the money to the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, there is no way the fraud being perpetrated using the scheduled accounts can be stopped,” the EFCC said.

After listening to the submissions of the EFCC lawyer, Mohammed Abbas, Justice Obiozor granted the application and adjourned until September 9.

A former Nigerian president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, has said that without unity in the ranks of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Bayelsa state, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) may find their way into the governance of the state come November 16, 2019.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seriake Dickson on Media Relations, Mr Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the former president as saying this during the PDP elders advisory council meeting held at the Bayelsa Government House in Yenagoa on Tuesday.

He said: “It is only our unity that can give us victory and if we are not united, they (APC) can get away with it.

“For example, it took the unity of the people of Rivers state including women who were resolute against soldiers to get the PDP victory in the state. If that had not happened, the opposition would have taken it.

“Though, the opposition All Progressive Congress, APC, in Bayelsa State lacks the political presence at the ward, local government and state levels to win the November 16, 2019, governorship election, but PDP must be more united to retain power in the state.

“I need to plead with all the aspirants and all political leaders that there should be no mudslinging. We must free the space and eschew rancour because finally one person will become the candidate of the party and for that one person to win the election, all aspirants must work for that person.

“For us to secure this state for PDP, we need maximum unity and that is why all the 21 aspirants are important to us; we must have that maximum unity and must not create any form of division or discrimination.

“At the end of the day one person will emerge and all of us will work for whoever emerges as candidate of the party,” he said.

Earlier, Governor Dickson had stressed the need for members of the party to forge a united front to maintain its dominance and control of power in the state starting with the local council elections billed for August 10.

He therefore called on all members of the party, particularly the governorship aspirants to work hard for the victory of the chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the PDP in this Saturday’s election.