I’ll turn around Nigeria’s economy in two years –David Mark

A presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator David Mark,  has promised to turn around the economy of the country within two years if elected President of Nigeria in the 2019 general elections.

Mark, a former Senate President, made the promise on Tuesday at the PDP secretariat in Lokoja while on a campaign visit to solicit votes of the state delegates to the presidential primaries in October.

He pledged to do many things differently to revamp the economy saying, “a lot of research had been done on the economy and if given the chance, he would bring them to bear and turn around things.’’

Economic growth under his watch, he said, would experience tremendous change within 700 days, which would be physical rather than based on paper statistics.

He said, “I will do so many things differently. When we put our processes in, the woman who is selling groundnuts by the roadside will feel the impact.

“It is not by mere statistics or indices that we churn out. We want the ordinary people on the streets to feel the impact of the economy on their lives.

“We have young men and women who are neck dip into research and understand the economy of this country.”

On his acceptance by the electorate in the core northern part of the country, Mark said he had equally worked for candidates from the core north and that now it was their turn to support him.

“I think the core north should support us because we also have supported the core north. It is a give and take thing and we are talking about Nigeria.

“We are not talking about a section of this country. If I don’t have a national support, to be honest with you, I would not want to be a President of this country.

“I want to be President of a united and indivisible country called Nigeria. Call it core north, core south or core whatever, wherever they are, let them support me because we too have supported them,” he said.

On consensus candidate, the former Senate President said that would be left for the aspirants and the party to decide.

“Whatever we do, the most important thing is that whoever emerges should emerge through a process that is fair, transparent and credible; whether it is by consensus or by primaries,” he said

Punch 

How Obasanjo ran NNPC as one-man business for 8 years’

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A new book has told of how ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo ran the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, as a “sole administrator” for the eight years he led the country. 

Former president Olusengun Obasanjo According to the book, entitled, ‘Too Good to Die: Third Term and the Myth of the Indispensable Man in Africa,’ the former President, while serving as Minister of Petroleum Resources, never discussed activities of the corporation with government officials until his last days in office. 

Obasanjo, who was President from 1999 to 2007, made himself the minister overseeing the nation’s petroleum sector until January 2007 when he relinquished that position. 

The only official Obasanjo had in a similar capacity was Edmund Daukoru, his presidential adviser on petroleum and energy, whom he later made Minister of State for Petroleum Resources in 2005. 

In the book, the authors, former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, and author of ‘Love Does Not Win Elections’, Ayisha Osori, said Obasanjo was “ultimately responsible for all the decisions made affecting the petroleum sector.” They told of how he secured approval for all his dealings as petroleum minister in one fell swoop, during one of the last Federal Executive Council meetings. 

The authors wrote: “In one of the last working sessions of the cabinet in May, 2007, Obasanjo required cabinet to give retrospective approval to all the measures he had taken over the eight years in which he acted as sole administrator of Nigeria’s oil industry. “Cabinet duly obliged him after recording Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s objection.  For this purpose, each minister received his share of the documents they were required to approve in a Ghana-must-go bag.

Vanguard 

SPORTS: UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES: MATCH DAY 1

Tuesday 18th Sept 2018

Inter Milan VS  Tottenham

Barcelona VS PSV

Monaco VS Atletico Madrid

Club Brugge VS Borussia Dortmund

 FK Red Star Belgrade VS Napoli

Liverpool VS PSG

Schalke VS FC Porto

Galatasaray VS FC Lokomotiv Moscow

Adebola Shabi: Cleaner Lagos Initiative Aimed to Reduce Waste Pollution

Adebola Shabi, the Special Adviser Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Cleaner Lagos Initiative, on Friday said the aim of the initiative was to reduce waste pollution in the state.

Shabi made the disclosure at the sensitisation programme on: “Proper Waste Disposal Adherence to Environmental Laws,” organised by Badagry Local Government and the CLI in Badagry, Lagos State.

He said the CLI idea was to invite experts who would be able to manage the waste in order to have good waste management system in the state.

He said: “What we had before was a situation in which Private Sector Participant operators collected waste from the residents and dumped it.

“It is now the responsibility of the Lagos State Government to manage it.

“When you dump waste in a dump site without proper management, it becomes hazardous to people’s health.”

Shabi said the Olusosun dump site was shut down because of public health, safety and environmental degradation it had caused in the past years.

He said: “We have reopened Abule-Egba dump site temporarily, pending the time engineered Landfill site will be ready in Epe.

“There is a plan to build other landfills in Badagry and Ikorodu.

“With the coming up of the Epe sanitary landfill, all dumpsites such as the one in the city centre, which are major sources of air and underground water pollution, have been closed to refuse disposal.”

Shabi commended the residents of the coastal town for maintaining a clean environment.

According to him: “This is the only town visited by our team that we did not find waste in your streets.”

In his remarks, Olusegun Onilude, the Chairman, Badagry Local Government, commended the state government for the initiative.

The chairman, represented by Kamorudeen Ajape, the Secretary to the council, said the initiative had impacted greatly on people of the town.

Onilude said a clean environment would result to a healthy society.

People from different communities in Badagry, including the young, old, market women and men attended the programme.

Ronaldo To Break Scoring Duck Against Sassuolo

Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to break his scoring duck Sunday against Sassuolo, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insisted as he backed the Portuguese star to win the FIFA world player of the year award.

Ronaldo skipped Portugal’s Nations League win over Italy to focus on his new club after failing to score in their opening three Serie A games.

“Cristiano worked well and I think tomorrow he will score and break the ice,” Allegri told a press conference ahead of Sunday’s game against second-placed Sassuolo.

“I don’t expect Ronaldo to do more or less than what he did in the first three games, everyone was waiting for Ronaldo and he set up (Mario) Mandzukic.

“I believe tomorrow could be his day.”

Tanker falls, Drops Oil on the Road

Samuel Awoyinfa, Abeokuta
A tanker laden with 33,000 litres of petrol fell on Saturday along Iwoye-Ilogbo Road, in Iju-Atan-Ilogbo Local Council Development Area of Ogun State.
The tanker which bore the name of a popular oil company allegedly fell, due to the bad condition of the road.

Operatives of traffic agencies, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps and the Federal Road Safety Corps and policemen were seen at the scene of the accident to forestall harm.

They prevented residents from coming near the scene to scoop fuel. Vehicles and motorcycles also could not pass through the road.

Efforts are now being made to trans-load the content of the tanker into another one.

Punch

Recruitment: FRSC to commence screening, physical assessments Sept 24

The Federal Road Safety Commission has scheduled its screening and physical fitness assessment on recruitment for Sept. 24 to 29.


The FRSC Public Education Officer, Mr Bisi Kazeem, said in a statement on Friday that the screening would be conducted in all the state capitals.
Kazeem advised applicants to check the email used for submission of the applications on Sept. 19 for information on the exercise.

“The information in the email will contain the venue, date, time of screening and required items to be taken along for the exercise,” he said.
According to him, shortlisted applicants are to come with the summary data page earlier received and the email notification slip which shall admit them to the screening venue.

The FRSC image maker said that any candidate without the printout of the summary data page and notification slip for the phase of the exercise would not be admitted into the venue.

The FRSC recruitment started on May 28, with the uploading of the application forms on the FRSC recruitment portal.

(NAN)

Buhari accepts Kemi Adeosun’s resignation, appoints Zainab Ahmed as replacement

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President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the resignation of Kemi Adeosun as minister of finance.

In a statement by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President thanked the minister for her services to the nation and wished her well in her future pursuits.

Buhari also approved that the Minister of State Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, should oversee the ministry immediately

Kemi Adeosun Clears Air on NYSC Certificate, Resigns As Minister... Read Letter

14th September, 2018

His Excellency

Muhammadu Buhari

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

State House

Aso Villa

Abuja

Dear Excellency,

Let me commence by thanking you profusely for the honour and privilege of serving under your inspirational leadership. It has been a truly rewarding experience to learn from you and to observe at close quarters your integrity and sense of duty.

I have, today, become privy to the findings of the investigation into the allegation made in an online medium that the Certificate of Exemption from National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) that I had presented was not genuine. This has come as a shock to me and I believe that in line with this administration’s focus on integrity, I must do the honourable thing and resign.

Your Excellency, kindly permit me to outline some of the background to this matter. I was born and raised in the United Kingdom, indeed my parental family home remains in London. My visits to Nigeria up until the age of thirty-four (34) were holidays, with visas obtained in my UK passport. I obtained my first Nigerian passport at the age of thirty-four (34) and when I relocated there was debate as to whether NYSC Law applied to me. Upon enquiry as to my status relating to NYSC, I was informed that due to my residency history and having exceeded the age of thirty (30), I was exempted from the requirement to serve. Until recent events, that remained my understanding.

On the basis of that advice and with the guidance and assistance of those, I thought were trusted associates, NYSC were approached for documentary proof of status. I then received the certificate in question. Having never worked in NYSC, visited the premises, been privy to nor familiar with their operations, I had no reason to suspect that the certificate was anything but genuine. Indeed, I presented that certificate at the 2011 Ogun State House of Assembly and in 2015 for Directorate of State Services (DSS) Clearance as well as to the National Assembly for screening. Be that as it may, as someone totally committed to a culture of probity and accountability I have decided to resign with effect from Friday, 14th September, 2018.

Your Excellency, It has been an exceptional privilege to have served our nation under your leadership and to have played a role in steering our economy at a very challenging time. I am proud that Nigeria has brought discipline into its finances, has identified and is pursuing a path to long term sustainable growth that will unlock the potential in this great economy. Under your leadership, Nigeria was able to exit recession and has now started to lay the foundations for lasting growth and wealth creation. Repositioning this huge economy is not a short term task and there are no short cuts, indeed there are tough decisions still to be made but I have no doubt that your focus on infrastructural investment, revenue mobilisation and value for money in public expenditure will deliver growth, wealth and opportunity for all Nigerians.

I thank His Excellency, the Vice President and my colleagues in the Federal Executive Council for the huge pleasure and honour of working with them. I also thank most specially, the team in the ‘Finance Family’ of advisers and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Finance. Your Excellency, this group of committed Nigerians represent a range of backgrounds, ethnicities and ages. They have worked well above and beyond the call of duty to support me in the tasks assigned. The diversity in my team and their ability to work cohesively to deliver reforms, convinces me that Nigeria has the human capital required to succeed.

Your Excellency, let me conclude by commending your patience and support, during the long search for the truth in this matter. I thank you again for giving me the honour of serving under your leadership, it is a rare privilege, which I do not take for granted. As a Nigerian and committed progressive, I appreciate you for your dogged commitment to improving this nation.

Please be assured, as always, of my highest regards and best wishes.

Kemi Adeosun(Mrs)

LASG set to release 2018 Basic Education Certificate Exams Result

The Lagos State Examinations Board has concluded all arrangements to release the 2018 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) Result.

This was disclosed by the Director, Examinations Board, Mr. Oluwafemi Hassan while speaking at the 2018 Award Meeting which had in attendance the major stakeholders comprising of Chief Examiners, Directors of Schools’ Administration, Teachers, Representatives from the State Ministry of Education and President of All Nigerian Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS).

Dr. Hassan explained that the essence of the meeting was to evolve a guideline for the gradings of ten school subjects in which nine are compulsory while Arabic is optional.

He maintained that the yardstick for promoting the students to Senior Secondary Schools must be a true reflection of their performance.

To this end, Hassan said it was resolved that for a student to move to the next class, he or she must have six credits, including English and Mathematics, adding that any student who failed the compulsory subjects (especially English and Maths) has to re-sit the examinations before being promoted.

The Director reiterated that education is key to the development and growth of the State, saying that all hands must be on deck to take the sector to greater heights.

Alleged resignation: My Boss Has Not Resigned, Adeosun's Aide Reveals

Ifeanyi Onuba

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, is still working in her office despite reports of her resignation.

Our correspondent who was at the ministry around 12pm saw the minister’s official vehicles and her personal staff at the ministry.

When our correspondent visited the minister’s office located on the seventh floor of the headquarters of the ministry, it was observed that she was in her office working.

Officials of the ministry, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said they were not aware of  her resignation.

As of 4:10pm when this report was being sent the minister was still in her office, while journalists were waiting to interview her outside the ministry.

An aide of the minister, who spoke to journalists, said his boss had not resigned.


It was gathered that the Presidency would issue a statement on this issue later today.

Punch

Lagos urges retired principals to impart knowledge for education sector growth

AgegePulse Magazine


The Lagos State government has urged retired principals in Lagos State to continue to impart their knowledge as educators, coaches and counsellors to enrich the experience of teachers, serving principals and school administrators to grow the education sector.

The Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who made the call while speaking at the formal launch of the Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria, (ARPSSON), Lagos State Chapter, added that the government expects retired principals to give invaluable information and advice on State's programs and policies to those in service.

Dr. Adebule, represented by Mrs. Samiat Adeleye, the Permanent Secretary, Teachers Establishment and Pensions Office (TEPO), pledged the government's support for the association to ensure the achievement of its aims and objectives.

Also speaking during the event, the Initiator and Coordinator of ARPSSON, Mr. K. Sodehinde, stated that the aim of the Association, among others, was to promote the socio-economic welfare of members and to foster unity among all retired principals.

Sodeinde called for the government’s support in all areas, especially for an upward review of their pensions, pointing out that the body was initially started in Lagos but has spread to other parts of the country.

The event which took place at the Multipurpose Hall of the Teachers' Resource Centre, Owutu had in attendance representative of His Royal Highness, Oba Kabiru Sotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, retired Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries and other notable people in the education sector in the State.

Egunjobi appointed Sanwo-Olu’s Campaign Director

The Executive Chairman, Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, has been appointed as a director in a 21-man campaign team charged with the responsibility of rallying supports for the governorship aspiration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on the platform of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

In a statement released by Tayo Ayinde, the Campaign team’s Director General, Egunjobi was named as the Director of Non-governmental Organisations, NGOs, civil society and students.



The Council chief going by the statement is to oversee the mobilization of advocacy groups and students to support Sanwo-Olu’s candidacy.



Below is the list of other Directors and their designations:

 Mobilisation - Alhaji Abdullah Enilolobo
_ Special Duties- Hon. Adeniran Onilude
__Fund raising - Tobi Lawal.
_ Legal - Hon. SOB Agunbiade.
_ Research and Intelligence- Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun.
_Media & Publicity- Hon. Sesan Dani
_Security - Hon Bolaji Ariyo.
_Planning & Strategy- Hon. Jimi Benson
_Women Affairs - Hon Bolanle Akinyemi - Obe.
_. Ethnic Affairs- Hon. Wale Adelana.
_Welfare - Hon Ayoola Fatai.
_Finance - Hon. Kolade Alabi
_Party Affairs- Hon. Abiodun Mafe
_Medical and Safety - Dr Sulaimon Aleshinloye.
_Volunteers' group- Hon. Kamal Olohrunoje.
_Youth- Hon. Fuad Atanda - Lawal
_ Religion- Rev. Samuel Olufemi Ogedengbe.

Senatorial Coordinators:
1.Coordinator Lagos West- Hon. Rasak Ajala
2. Coordinator Lagos Central- Hon Wahab Alawiye King.
3. Coordinator Lagos East- Mayor Dele Oshinowo

BREAKING: Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun resigns

Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, has resigned sources close to her told Daily Trust.

It is not clear when she submitted her resignation letter.

According to our source, the resignation followed the allegation of not serving the compulsory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, and obtaining a certificate that the NYSC have disowned.

The minister felt that her position is becoming untenable and is hurting the President in the run up to the 2019 election.

Daily trust

22 teams vie for Prudent Energy Handball League Star Prize

By Solomon Nwoke

 The second phase of Prudent Energy Handball league throws off on September 25, 2018 at the Row Park Handball courts with 22 teams comprising 12 male  and 10 female teams vying for the sponsors’ One Million Naira ( N1 Million) star prize for the winners in both male and female categories.

 Handball The five year-sponsorship deal which came into being last April with the main objective of  developing a virile and functional handball league in Nigeria has seen the once moribund sport come alive again  with players currently vying for honours at the African Under 18 and 20 Junior and Cadet Nations cup in Morocco.

Among the teams expected to be on parade in the male category include:

Lagos Seasiders male team, Safety Shooters, The Defenders male team, among others. In the female category, some of the teams competing include Safety Babes, the Defenders Babes, Lagos Seasiders, Imo Grasshoppers among others.

 The runners-up and third place winners will get N750,000 and N500,000 apiece in both categories. Speaking yesterday at the media parley, the Chief Executive Officer of Prudent Energy and Services Limited (PESL), Alhaji Abdulwasiu Sowami said they were moved to sponsoring handball as a sport because they realised that the sport in Nigeria is not well supported by government and private sectors He said, “PESL is happy to partner with the HFN and will actively support, promote and help develop the handball league because we share common passion with the current HFN Board.” Handball Federation President Sam Ocheho said, “our joy and hope is that as long as we continue like this and as long as we continue to do the right thing the podium at the world level will not be far away”.

 The champions of this league will represent Nigeria at the African Club Championships slated to hold in Abidjan in October while the runners up will represent Nigeria at the African Club winners championship.

Vanguard

Amosun Describes Alake as Worthy Royal Father at 75

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has described the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, as a worthy royal father, as he marks his 75th birthday today.

In a statement, signed by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Otunba Adedayo Adeneye, Amosun hailed the selfless sacrifice of the monarch in the interest of the growth of the state and development of his subjects.

"On behalf of the government and good people of Ogun State, I rejoice with you on your 75th birthday. No doubt, your life is worth celebrating, with thanksgiving to God.

"Your story has been that of a fulfilled life, particularly with your successful 13-year reign, as the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland.

You have ensured the continued peace and tranquillity in your domain as well as supported our administration's Mission to Rebuild the state, which has resulted in an enviable transformation.

"Also, your contributions to the significant cordial relationship among traditional rulers in the state, is commendable and worthy of emulation", he added.

The governor wished the Alake continued prosperous reign and prayed that God grant him long life.

SAD! Shocking Moment A Man Was Robbed & Killed By Gunmen At ATM

CCTV footage has shown the shocking moment some unknown gunmen attacked a young man at an ATM point, robbed, killed him and took away his car in Lagos.

A social media pages shared pics of the man, a Taxi driver who was recently robbed and killed by gunmen at an ATM point in the Obalende area of Lagos, as the killers took away his car.

The page shared the screenshots and wrote:

"Faces of Uber & Taxify Driver killers in Lagos. They kill the driver then take the car away. This is one of there victim, incident happened Wed. 05-09-2018.

This is to inform the general public that A car (Toyota Corolla 2006) GGE740ER was robbed in Obalenlede Lagos at gun point.

Kindly inform the nearest police station if found please or call 08181261679, 08023894797 07065337557, 08037404994."

Lagos Reporters

APC Agege Ratifies Delegates For Presidential Primary - AgegePulse

All Progressives Congresss in Agege Local Govt of Lagos State held the National Delegate Congress today, Wednesday 12th September, 2018 in accordance with the scheduled of APC; as directed by the National body of the party led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole towards the 2019 general elections.

At the Congress held at No. 66, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos; all party members across the thirteen (13) Wards in Agege turned-out enmass and converged at the venue with their membership slips that authenticate them as genuine members of our great party APC.

Recall that the National Delegate members were duely elected during the last APC Agege LG Congress.

As each of the National Delegate members were called out in the presence of the crowd, members of the party in Agege across board, unanimously, with a show of hands in favour; upheld the ratification of the National Delegate members as elected during the last Congresses in Agege.

Ratified members of the National Delegates were:

1. Chief Safari Adisa Adaranijo (APC Agege Apex Leader)
2. Professor Babatunde Samuel (APC Agege Apex Leader)
3. Mrs. Maryam Sayeed

The electoral head of Agege INEC, Alhaja (Mrs) Lawal along with her Admin. Officers I, II and III; monitored the ratification exercise in line with the stipulated rules of the electoral body.

Also present at the Congress include:

Chief Safari Adisa Adaranijo, Prof. Babatunde Samuel (Ably Represented), Hon. Taofeek Adaranijo (MHR), Alh. Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi (Executive Chairman, Agege LG),  Alh. Owolabi Dada (First executive chairman of Agege LG), Alh. Ayoni Shittu, Hon. Tunde Azeez (APC Chairman, Agege LG), Hon. Olaniyi Salawu (APC Chairman, Orile Agege LCDA), LG executive members of Agege APC, All the Ward Chairmen with their excos.


 _Reported by:_

 *Comrade Ismaeel Garba Ismaeel*

2019: Sanwo-Olu Adoption Mere Speculation - APC Chieftain

The Lagos State Chapter of All Progressives Congress on Wednesday said it had not adopted any governorship aspirant as its candidate for the 2019 elections.
The Chairman of the chapter’s Elders’ Forum, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
He was reacting to media reports that the chapter had adopted an aspirant, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent Managing Director of Lagos State Property Development Corporation, as its governorship candidate.

NAN reports that Mr James Odumbaku, the immediate past Vice-Chairman of the party in the state and an ally of Chief Bola Tinubu, was reported to have claimed in a video on Tuesday that Sanwo-Olu had been adopted as the incoming governor.

Odumbaku, who was with Sanwo-Olu and other chieftains at a meeting in the video, said all the 57 council chairmen had endorsed the LSPDC boss as their candidate, claiming the adoption was at the instance of Asiwaju Tinubu.

NAN reports that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had on Monday, declared his intention to run for another term.
A former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, had also declared his aspiration for the number one seat in the state.

Olusi described the purported adoption of Sanwo-Olu to puncture the second term bid of Ambode as mere speculation.
He said the party could not have resolved to hold a primary when it had adopted an aspirant.

“All these things are speculations. They are not true, How can we plan to hold a primary to elect our candidates and then adopt somebody?

“If we are still going to hold our primary, why then should we adopt, or does the adoption cancel the primary? No.

“This is the political season, all interesting things happen, but I can tell you most of the things that have been reported on the matter are mere speculations and not facts. Nobody has directed any adoption,” he said.
Olusi, while referring to the video, said it was normal for individuals or groups to back or endorse aspirants ahead of any election.

He, however,  said such endorsements should not be taken to be the position of the party.

Olusi said the determination of who would become the governorship candidate of the party would only be done at the primary.
He described the APC as a democratic party, saying all aspirants would be allowed a level playing field.

On the feasibility of holding a direct primary at the chapter in view of the large numbers of party members, Olusi said there was no cause for alarm.

He said the right preparations were being done, expressing optimism that everything would go well during the exercise.

Olusi said he would not comment on the controversies emanating from adopting different modes of primary in some APC state chapters.
“Honestly, I do not want to comment on that. However, we are a growing democracy and we learn every day,’’ he said

(NAN)
Punch

Rescued suicidal youth disappears with Good Samaritan’s goods, money

42 

5'

Samson Folarin

A school dropout, Owolabi Ogunwande, who reportedly attempted to kill himself twice, has been declared wanted after allegedly absconding with a tricycle and money belonging to a trader in the Surulere area of Lagos State.

The Oyan, Osun State indigene, who came to Lagos on March 5, 2018, had reportedly tried hanging himself with a rope he found on a bridge at CMS, Lagos Island, on June 28.

READ ALSO: Falana wants soldiers to stop wearing uniform outside barracks

He was, however, rescued by a security operative at the Toll Gate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

After he was handed over to the police at the Maroko division, he allegedly attempted to commit suicide again in the cell before he was arraigned at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court.

At the court, the 27-year-old reportedly said life had no meaning to him again and he was frustrated.

PUNCH Metro learnt that an octogenarian, who read his story, was moved with pity and offered to help him.

A source said some officials of a government agency assisted in securing Ogunwande’s release from court.

The source said, “When he was charged to court, the agency was approached by an 85-year-old woman, who said she was interested in helping him. The woman said she believed he probably had mental issues.

“Meanwhile, a non-governmental organisation, which also showed interest in his case, assisted in taking him to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, where he was committed to a mental ward for two weeks. The NGO paid about N80,000 per week to check his mental state.

“After he was certified fit, the court released him and the elderly woman, who had offered to help him, took him to her house in Ikoyi. The woman put him in a mechanic workshop where he was an apprentice and she gave him N500 every day for transport. The woman also gave him a good room and fed him twice a day. 

However, after a week, Ogunwande started complaining that the woman was making him suffer. One night, he ran away from the woman’s house.”

PUNCH Metro gathered that a government worker took him to a church where he was welcome.

Some of the church members reportedly donated cash and clothing materials to the 27-year-old after he spoke to them.

The woman who took him to the church and asked not to be identified, told our correspondent that a day after Ogunwande arrived in the church, he approached a trader in the neighbourhood and offered to assist her with her wares.

“As of this time, the NGO that paid for his medical bills at LUTH was still giving him N1,500 per day for his upkeep. The NGO had also offered to take him in that Sunday since he was no longer comfortable with the elderly woman.

“On Saturday, while he claimed to be running an errand for the trader around the church, he disappeared with the woman’s tricycle, goods and money,” she said.

The trader, Mrs Abiola Osidele, who had a warehouse in Adeniran Ogunsanya, Surulere, said she could not believe that Ogunwande absconded with her goods.

She said, “I have a warehouse in the area where I sell and distribute soft drinks to customers. He met me on Thursday and said he could drive my tricycle and assist to distribute the drinks

WEMPCO workers protest non-payment of sal

Passengers stranded as plane overshoots runway

Okechukwu Nnodim, Abuja

Many air travellers were stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Thursday morning after an aircraft overshot the runway of the NAIA and disrupted flight operations on the facility.

It was gathered that the aircraft, a Gulfstream 4 belonging to Skybird, overshot the runway on Wednesday night and got stuck on the runway.

Impeccable sources at the NAIA told our correspondent that the aircraft landed through Runway 22 and was stuck on the Runway Safety Area.

“The RESA is about 30 meters from Runway 22 end, and the incident happened at about 10.20pm local time yesterday (Wednesday),” one of the sources, who pleaded not to be named due to the sensitive nature of the matter, said.

“The runway surface was wet at the time of the incident,” another source stated.

The incident disrupted flight operations at the NAIA, a development that made a lot of passengers to be stranded at the Abuja airport on Thursday.

The spokesperson for the NAIA, Voke Ivbaze, said the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria was aware of the development.

“FAAN will officially react to it in due course. Please hold on,” she told our correspondent.

Punch 

APC Registers 15.6million Members – Oshiomhole

The All Progressives Congress(APC) now has 15.6million members nationwide, according to party chairman Mr Adams Oshiomhole.
He disclosed this on Wednesday when he presented President Muhammadu Buhari with a new party membership card.

Oshiomhole told the president that the APC under his leadership, took advantage of modern technology to come up with a new membership data base, saying that the party currently has 15.6 million registered members.

“Today to talk about the size of our party, the largest party in the world and in Africa, we need to have evidence that can be verified by a third party or by members.

“We have taken advantage of technology to produce what I believed is the best or the first in Nigeria.
“We now have as at last week when they started printing of membership register, about 15.6 million registered APC members across the country,” he said.

Native Reporters

Nigeria needs a youthful President, says Saraki

Alexander Okere, Benin

Senate President Bukola Saraki has called on Nigerians to stand united and elect a youthful President with an energetic mind to take the country to its desired height.

Saraki made the call on Wednesday evening when he met members of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party in Benin, as part of his nationwide consultation on his presidential ambition.

He stated that the country had never been so divided as many of the citizens no longer enjoy a sense of belonging owing to the prevalence of a type of governance that was based on sentiments.

He said, “The country has never been so divided as it is today; we need to unite this country and in uniting the country, we must have a President that speaks for Nigerians.

“We must have a President with whom everybody will have a sense of belonging. We must have a President that you all feel is representing you. We must have a President and a government where Edo State has its key role on the table, where things are done with equity.

“It is time for us to unite and to do that, we must move away from electing a President based on sentiments. We have done it many times. It has not worked.”

The Senate President said that the time had come for Nigerians to elect a President who understood what was required to grow a country, rather than depend on trial and error.

He, however, said that he had the capacity to lead the country and had shown the courage and commitment to do so.

He said, “Countries that have grown did not grow by chance. Countries that have grown did not grow by trial and error. They had a leader that understood what the issues were.”

Copyright PUNCH.

2019: Dogara defects, picks PDP forms

Olusola Fabiyi, Abuja

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, may have finally defected from the All Progressives Congress to the Peoples Democratic Party.

Our correspondent gathered on Wednesday night that the embattled speaker had picked the PDP nomination and expression of interest forms to return to the House in 2019.

A member of the National Working Committee of the party, who spoke with our correspondent on condition of anonymity,  said that the speaker had picked the forms.

“Yes, he had picked our forms, but don’t quote me, he has joined us,” the source said last night.

Dogara had two days ago expressed his desire to return to the National Assembly in 2019 when members of his constituents visited him in Abuja.

However, he refused to state the political party that he would use to facilitate his ambition.

The Speaker had been having running battles with the leadership of the APC in both his state, Bauchi and at the national level.

Just like the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, who had defected to the PDP from the APC,  Dogara had also absent from the activities of the ruling party.

Our correspondent gathered that the decision by Dogara was necessitated by the fear that his party no longer had faith in him.

Buhari, Ajimobi, Akiolu make last-minute moves to save Ambode

Dayo Oketola, Sesan Olufowobi and Success Nwogu

President Muhammadu Buhari, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; and Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, have embarked on a last-minute move to save Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, from an impending loss of the state All Progressives Congress ticket for the 2019 governorship election.

There had been reports that Ambode was no longer in the good books of an APC national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which might endanger his second term bid.

But the tension became palpable on Tuesday when two new aspirants under the APC umbrella – Dr Obafemi Hamzat and Jide Sanwoolu – emerged to vie for the governorship ticket with Ambode in the direct party primary billed to come up in two weeks’ time.

Hamzat and Sanwoolu, former commissioners in the state, were said to have claimed to have Tinubu’s backing.

Ambode was also said to have the APC national leader’s backing when he declared intention to go for a second term on Monday.

However, impeccable sources within the ruling party said on Wednesday that the prominent personalities including the President, the monarch and Ajimobi had stepped in to resolve the crisis, noting that the matter would be resolved.

“There are serious moves to end the crisis. Many people, including the President have waded in. And it is not yet too late for the issue to be resolved,” said the source.

“President Buhari, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Oba Rilwan Akiolu are making efforts to ensure that the matter is resolved and Ambode’s second term bid is not terminated,” the source added.

Another source said there was no problem between Ambode and his political father, Tinubu, but the governor was believed to have drawn the ire of party leaders and key supporters when he allegedly sidelined them from his administration.

Reminded that many APC members in the state were of the opinion that Ambode might fail to clinch the APC governorship ticket having been abandoned by the 57 local council chairmen in the state, the source said there was no cause for alarm.

He said the President, who was a father to all the APC members, would resolve the logjam.

Another source said the party elders, who were said to have sponsored Sanwoolu, had decided to open discussion on Ambode after pressure from different quarters.

Punch

NO RIFT BETWEEN TINUBU AND I - AMBODE

...Attends APC Delegates' Election In Epe

...As Party Leaders, LG Chairmen, Women, Youths Affirm Support for Governor's Second Term Bid

 AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday totally played down speculation of rift with the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying reports to such effect were untrue.



Both the social and traditional media have been flooded with news of a major rift between Tinubu and Governor Ambode over alleged disagreement on the second term bid of the Governor.



Addressing party faithful in Epe during the election of delegates for the Presidential primary election and national convention of the party, Governor Ambode said the reports indicating a fight between him and Tinubu were out of place and that there was no fight anywhere.



"I want you to know that there is no fight anywhere. The National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and my good self we are not in any fight, we are not in any controversy.



"We are praying to God that the best is yet to come and the best will be what Lagos State deserves and I want you to just continue with your prayers that at this time, God will show His hand and make sure that everything that is of blessing to Lagos State and also blessing of Epe will come to pass," Governor Ambode said.



He specifically commended all the leaders and party faithful who contributed to the success of the delegates' election in Epe, saying APC remained the party to beat in Lagos and Nigeria.



"We have just concluded our Delegates' Election in Epe Local Government and by consensus, we have picked our three delegates that will be going to the National Convention come October 6 for the Presidential direct primaries and the convention for all other people.



"I want to say a very big thank you to all our delegates that are present here; I want to say a big thank you to all our leaders that have also supported us to make sure that this event has come and is done very successfully.



"I want to reiterate once again that our party, All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the party to beat; we are the party at the national level and we are going to remain the party in the State," the Governor said.



At the event which was held at APC's Secretariat in Aiyetoro, Epe, Alhaji Shakiru Seriki (Bamu), Otunba Bode Alausa and Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, the State' Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, were elected as national delegates from Epe division which comprises of one Local Government Area (Epe) and two Local Council Development Areas (Eredo and Ikosi-Ejirin).



The party leaders and faithful in the division also took turn to affirm their unalloyed support for the second term bid of the Governor.



They include the Chairman of Epe Local Government, Adedoyin Adesanya; Chairman of Eredo LCDA, Saliu Adeniyi; Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin LCDA, Samson Onanuga: party chairman in Epe Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Adeniyi; State Welfare Officer, Alhaja Abiodun Bankole; former member of House of Representatives representing Epe, Hon Bola Gbabijo and member of Lagos State House of Assembly representing Epe Constituency II, Segun Olulade.



Others are APC Women leader in Epe, Mrs Iyabo Adegboyega; LGA party secretary, Alhaji S.A Owolomose; youth leader, Abdul Ibrahim; Otunba Bode Alausa, Akin Oladipupo, among others.



Youths in the division also staged a peaceful protest displaying placards of various inscriptions to affirm their support for the Governor's second term bid.

AMBODE, ROLE MODEL TO YOUTHS- BOYS SCOUT CHIEF

...Appoints Lagos Gov Patron, Peace Ambassador

…Gov Unveils Strategic Program To Support Voluntary Youth Organisations

Commissioner of Lagos State Scout Council, Chief Jonathan Tawose on Wednesday conferred the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Patron of Lagos State Council of Scout Association of Nigeria, saying the decision was based on his leadership qualities and being a good role model for the Nigerian youths.

Tawose, who spoke at the investiture of the Governor as Patron of the Scout Council, held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said the Scout Association, as a non-religious and non-political international organization, has the vision to build the youths of today into responsible leaders of tomorrow, adding that it was gratifying to note that Governor Ambode's activities align with the vision to give better tomorrow for young ones.



"We are aware of the Governor's hardwork, dedication and above all total devotion to the emancipation of mankind. The Governor is a model to Nigerian youths with his show of exemplary leadership qualities.



"Once again, we congratulate you (Ambode) most warmly on all your achievements and we must say that the Governor is blessed with good administrators who are assisting him to ensure that Lagos State remains the number one State in Nigeria," Tawose said.



Responding, Governor Ambode seized the occasion to unveil a strategic program to support voluntary youth associations and Non-governmental Organizations with the necessary empowerment to better perform their role to inculcate right virtues and discipline needed to prepare younger ones for leadership.



He said as the bedrock of societal development, it was important for adequate measures to be firmed up to properly train the youths which, according to him, would in turn have positive effect on the nation.

He said: "Let me use this opportunity to urge all our youths to take advantage of the efforts of the State Government and well meaning organizations creating safe spaces which promote discipline, moral and healthy competition to better their lives. We believe strongly that the youths are the bedrock of societal development and if a youth is educated, trained and empowered, he or she is built; and if you build the youths, you build a nation.



"On this note, the Government has decided to support the cause of Voluntary Youth Organisations (Uniformed and Non-Uniformed) registered with the State. We will make financial donations to these organisations including but not limited to the Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, Brigade – Boys and Girls, Sheriff Guard and the Red Cross."



While explaining the need for the support, the Governor said it was important for a platform to be created for the youths of today to be better leaders of tomorrow, and such required proper training.

         

"We are supporting these voluntary organisations in order for us to promote what they stand for and use it to inculcate discipline and also mentoring for leadership to our younger ones. We would actively now participate in what is going on in all these organisations.



"It is time for us to create that old platform to redirect the energies of younger people to positive things and so we need to scale up the activities of voluntary organisations like the Scout Association so that we create an alternative for the younger ones and make them the real successors to whatever it is that we are doing, Governor Ambode said.



The Governor, who appreciated the Scout Council for honouring and identifying with the programmes of his administration toward the betterment of human lives in the State, said it was also instructive to note that the association ranked among the leading voluntary organizations established to inculcate virtues of discipline, leadership, patriotism and community service in the youths.



"Voluntary organizations such as Scout Association which comprise young people provide a strong platform to promote unity and mental co-existence which are critical to the survival, growth and development of our nation. Unfortunately, in the recent past, Voluntary Youth Organizations have not been as vibrant as they used to be.



“There is therefore an urgent need to do a self- appraisal of the current state of these organizations and develop strategies that will improve their relevance within the context of modern realities. I urge you to stay true to your highly encouraging vision statement which says that “By 2023 Scouting will be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values”.



The Governor, as part of the event, was also conferred with the award of Ambassador of Peace for the Scout Association of Nigeria, while the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule was also invested as the Grand Matron of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Girls Guide.

A+ Vanguard Mushin Division Empowers 30 Widows With Foodstuff, Cash Gift

...Aimed At Complementing Ambode's Giant Strides

A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), A+ Vanguard Mushin Division has empowered about 30 widows with foodstuf and Cash gift.

In a statement made available to Agegepulse, the founder and coordinator of the NGO, Mrs. Yemi Ayoola said the empowerment is to extend alms to the widows adding that the initiative is also aimed at reeling out some of the organization's achievements overtime.

Most importantly, Mrs Ayoola said the campaign is geared towards complementing the effort of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led government in reaching out to needies at the grassroots level by providing some relief material and as well as start up business for the widows.

Earlier,  Sen. Ganiyu Solomon GOS hailed Mrs. Ayoola for her relentless effort in empowering youths, women at various capacities in the state. He urged the people of Mushin to use their vote to elect the candidate of their choice at the coming election.

GOS advised youths to get involve in active politics so as to occupy some political post in their respective communities.



Speaking on the topic; "Widowhood, Challenges, and mind empowerment", the guest lecturer at the event, Olori Ayo Yemisi Jaiyeola, founder, Serendipity House urged the widows to be resolute, avoid being liabilities noting that widowhood is not the end of life.

She sighted herself as an example having lost her husband ten years ago. "I have moved on to become a better and successful woman." Mrs Jaiyeola asserted.

She enjoined the beneficiaries to cultivate the habit of regular saving culture adding that they should use cash given to them as an opportunity to start a petty trade that will be judiciously managed.

A beneficiary, Mrs. Idowu Yinka speaking on behalf of others,  thanked A+ Vanguard for the gestures, "this will go in a long way to boost our petty trade business. We promise to use the cash given to us judiciously. Thank you and God bless you.