Operator to assemble BRT Buses in Lagos 2019

The operator of Bus Rapid Transit system in Lagos, Primero Transport Services Limited, has said its bus assembly plant being built in the state will begin operation in the second quarter of next year.

The Managing Director of the firm, Mr Fola Tinubu, disclosed this in Lagos on Tuesday.

He also spoke on plans by the firm to phase out manual ticketing and replace it with a card system in the first quarter of 2019.

Tinubu said that Primero had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with one of the biggest bus manufacturers in the world, Yutong, to establish the bus assembly plant in Lagos.

Already, he said that the plant had been set up in Epe and expressed the hope that it would go into mass production of high capacity buses by the second quarter of 2019 when a new BRT corridor being constructed by the Lagos State Government between Oshodi and Abule-Egba would have been completed and allowed to operate.

According to him, the transport firm which started full operation in November 2015, currently has 434 buses conveying 150,000 people daily across major terminals between Ikorodu and Tafawa Balewa Square.

Tinubu said the company planned to increase to 200,000 passengers daily on the Ikorodu/TBS corridor, adding that should Primero win the bid to operate the Abule-Egba/Oshodi corridor, it would deploy additional 350 buses in the route.

He said the organisation hoped to increase its buses to 2,000 with capacity to convey one million passengers daily.

On the plan to completely phase out manual ticketing in the first quarter of 2019, he said all passengers would be compelled to embrace the card system to remove the hassle of queuing to buy tickets.

He called for a conference of all the stakeholders to discuss how to make the public transportation work in Lagos and ensure its viability for investors.

“The discussion must hold if you don’t want the BRT system to collapse like the LSTC and other public transportation arrangements,” he said.

The MD said Primero, 100 per cent privately-owned, had been paying certain percentage of its revenue to the state government giving it the exclusive right to use the dedicated BRT lanes constructed by the government.

Tinubu, however, noted that there had not been any increase in bus fares in the last eight years, despite continuous rise in its operational costs.

“Our biggest challenge is the naira devaluation. We borrow a lot of money in dollars; we import parts in dollars and when the naira nose-dived, our debts doubled and the cost of parts we use has doubled,” he said.

Source: Punch

Lagos police arrest 40 ‘Awawa hoodlums, list names

AgegePulse Magazine

Following the recent report on notorious gang group "Awawa boys" terrorising residents of Agege and Lagos at large.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal has arrested about forty Awawa boys terrorising the people of Agege, he says that, the command has intensified its efforts to rein in members of a cult group in the Agege area of the state, whom he described as “hoodlums and very dangerous”.

The cultists, widely known in Lagos, and in Agege particularly as ‘Awawa boys’, have assumed wide notoriety in the Lagos metropolis as killers, robbers and rapists.



Edgal disclosed that the police rounded up about 40 members of the cult group in the latest raid of their hideout on Friday November 2, 2018.

At a press conference at the Command Headquarters on Monday, the police boss expressed worry that the Awawa boys had become a serious menace to residents of Agege and its environs.



Some police sources at the conference told Daily Trust that the Awawa boys publicly robbed and maimed their victims, and as well raped some women and their daughters as they flaunted their strength and dominance in the Agege area.

Edgal said that various dangerous weapons like guns, axes, cutlasses and hammers, as well as charms were recovered from members of the cult group that the police arrested.

He said that during interrogation, the suspects claimed their herbalists had assured them the charms would make them invincible but wondered why the charms failed and the police were able to arrest them.

Edgal gave the names of those arrested as including Olarenwaju Shakiru Ashamu, 30; Aloye Godwin, 24; Ibrahim Yakubu, 19; Seun Fawole, 30; Macarty Taiwo, 27; Otobong Saturday, 27; Otobong James, 25;  Ismaila Isha, 34; Saliu Dauda, 19; and Chinedu Ogu, 24.

DailyTrust

NEWS HEADLINES FOR WEDNESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2018.*

Agegepulse Magazine



*PUNCH*


What you need to know about fructose intolerance

Aids highest cost of death in Asokoro hospital
Imo deputy gov hails judiciary

APC loses four more Reps to defection

Debt recovery: Reps to finalise AMCON amendment bill soon

Alleged frame-up: Dino Melayes trial stalled over prosecutions omission

I wont take sides with any political party Bayelsa CP

First Bank reiterates commitment to ethics, corporate governance

Rhoda Michaels graduates 60 students

Baro River Port: NIWA orders contractors back to work

FG woos Canadian investors for mining industry

Senate probes NNPC over diverted$1bn NLNG dividend

2019 budget: Buhari writes NASS, demands timely MTEF passage

Power distributors owe NBET N159bn in five months

Buhari meets APC senators over party crisis

Ponzi schemes drive investors away from capital market Experts

Undeclared crude: FG closes case in $110m suit against Agip

One year after, NSE lifts suspension on four firms

Investors gain N38bn as 14 stocks appreciate

The high cost of shame
Firms cant survive in business without embracing politics Experts

Preparing personal finances as entrepreneurs (2)

Subscribers lament as Econet shuts Kwese TV



*VANGUARD*


NEWMAP resettles erosion victims in Enugu

STRIKE: FUTO grounded, as ASUU ensures full compliance

Ex-Gov Attah now Chancellor of Western Delta University

My daughter can't stand my partner

Ikpeazu has failed us, Abia pensioners cry out

Anambra school where students manufacture paints,weld,build

APC chieftain alleges plot by some members to factionalise party in Bauchi State

Massive investment crucial to off-grid development -Stakeholders

PDP did nothing in 16 years, Akpabio tells defectors

Lam Adesina's son, 3 other Reps dump APC for PDP, ADC, Labour, Accord

Kogi community seeks recognition for festivals
I'm depressed by killings in Nigeria ' Buhari

Connecting African startups to investment opportunities: Preview, inherent challenges and prospect

Obe emerges coordinator APC Isoko progressives
Earning extra income through the Gig Economy

How N30,000 new minimum wage sailed through

e-Nigeria: ICT based skills solution to youth unemployment ' Don

He didn't help me after assisting to grow his ministry ' Killer of Abia cleric, 2 other

Minimum Wage: Atiku reinstates commitment to a living wage

Edo Assembly passes N10.8bn Supplementary Budget

2019: Atiku will sweep polls ' Saraki

NDIC to meet depositors' claims on failed
 microfinance, mortgage banks

Godrej rewards, sponsors employee dreams


*THE NATION*


The Shiites conundrum
UI at 70

Our girls; Modern museum input; Forensics

Workers excited as Buhari accepts N30,000 proposal

Im fully committed to having new National Minimum Wage, says Buhari

President insists on $1.04b Malabu Oil suspects trial

Prince Charles meets with traditional rulers in Abuja

Ekweremadus home incident is burglary

Sunny Odogwu dies at 87
Minimum wage: Hope brightens for workers

Alleged $5m bribe: Kano Assembly probe panel to appear before court

Gunman held at Deputy Senate Presidents residence

Senate begins probe of diversion of $1.05b NLNG dividend

Olawepo-Hashim to reposition economy

Emmanuel deserves second term, says aide

If elected senator, I will push for restructuring
KOWA has no pact with APC

Buhari promises improved remuneration for teachers

2019: Saraki confident of Atikus victory

Ekweremadu: Nowhere, nobody is safe Dogara
Osinbajo to deliver keynote address at IoD conference

Senate probes NNPC diversion of $1.05 bn NLNG dividend

Why music is the only thing I can do, by Emex E.O.T


*THISDAY*


MTN Partners Firms on Device Financing Scheme

NIRSAL Facilitates $373m Loan to Agric Sector

Absence of Finance, Bane of Mining Sectors Growth, Says FG

Nigeria Not against ACFTA

Sterling Bank Marks World Savings Day

Long-term Funding Needed to Develop Gas Infrastructure, Says Mgbenwelu

Renmoney Appoints Boshoro CEO

Parties Activate Agreement to Stabilise Gas Supply

Kachikwu, Others Get Accolade

Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plans Private Placement

Why IOCs Will Relocate to AIbom

Techno Supports LFW 2018

FirstBank Sponsors Career Fair

SPAR Opens New Retail Store

Diamond Bank Empowers Women

Access Bank Partners Firm on Money Transfer

Agusto & Co. Assigns a Bbb- Rating to Anchor Insurance

Student Accommod8 Inaugurates Cedar House, Sycamore House

Lifemate Offers 65% Discount at 2018 International Trade Fair

How Slippery Floors Can Cause Permanent Disability, Death No-Slips MD

On the Luke Out for His People

Beyond Geographical Restructuring

What is Geographical Restructuring


*THE SUN*


S/Africa coach, Baxter faces sack

Torino to splash N4.05b on Ola Aina

AFCON 2019 Qualifier: Iwobi's fear grips South Africa

Iwobi to make CAF award shortlist

Senate probes NNPC diversion of $1.05bn NLNG dividend

Higher philosophy of Christian marriage (2)

2019 polls under threat ' INEC

Democracies of direct and indirect primaries

Reasons for writing my polygamy series (2)

465,200 PVCs unclaimed in Delta, Taraba

Unending controversies over Buhari's WASC certificate

New minimum wage: President forwards N30,000 bill to NASS

Is president Buhari's travel ban on Nigerians constitutional' (2)

Candidates' list: Ogun PDP urges INEC to ignore Secondus

Making Abuja a true centre of unity and tourism

Oshiomhole, APC and bad losers

Amnesty Office set to showcase beneficiaries' trades

Atiku and the Nigerian dream

Osun Assembly passes Social Protection Bill 2018, amends Service Commission Bill

ASUU: NANS gives FG 7-day ultimatum to end strikes

The Kaduna killings


*GUARDIAN*


Lagos should cancel Lekki tollgate, cut taxes

Minister allegedly shuts Buhari campaign office in Ibadan

Afelokhai joins Akpeyi, Ezenwa in battle for Eagles' number one shirt

CBN, institute move to ascertain remittances from Nigerians abroad

Plastics may outweigh fishes in ocean by 2050
Value creation, addition to economy remain DPR's mandate

Tax institute strengthens ties with ICPC, FRC over evasion, reporting

Ebie preaches discipline, fair play at Delta Principals' Cup

How should Nigerian Leftists vote

NPA pursues ISO 9001 certification


*DAILY TRUST*


As Nigeria hosts APU confab

PRP to replace Kano gov'ship candidate today

PDP asks Prince Charles to speak to Buhari on 2019

INEC begins display of voters register for public scrutiny

No issues with my certificate ' Ashiru

Pro-Buhari organization distances self from contract letter

Utomi expresses fear over 2019 elections

Nigeria's integrity hinges on credible 2019 ' Okowa

APC loses 4 reps to PDP, AP, ADC, LP

What Atiku's candidature means for APC ' Ojo

PDP demands investigation into attack on Ekweremadu

NANS gives FG 7-day ultimatum over ASUU strike

2019: Atiku will coast to victory ' Saraki

No federal might in 2019 elections ' Police

2019 polls will determine Nigeria's integrity ' Okowa
Yari dashes 2 communities, driver N4m for recovering AK47 rifles

Tor Tiv insists on adherence to reviewed bride price

Stop politicising security in Bayelsa ' APC tells PDP, Dickson

I'm distressed, depressed by killings ' Buhari

Suspected assassins invaded my house ' Ekweremadu

It was a case of theft ' Police

Thoughts on Labour's strike

Budget: No, Mr. President, blame yourself not N/Assembly


*TRIBUNE*


Prince Charles meets Buhari in Aso Rock

How we can reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria 'Dr Ola Brown

Invest in clothes that flatter your body shape!

Renmoney appoints Tobi Boshoro as new CEO

Security: DESOPADEC completes police building project in Delta

How to salvage Niger Delta environment through legislation

INEC to display 1,036,442 voters' register in Bayelsa

My tourism blueprint will turn Mahin Kingdom into paradise 'Prince Arowojolu

Kiriji Cultural Foundation set to launch projects at war site

Aquatech Wonderland and Lakes at Adeoyo, Ibadan

Why motorists must accept new number plate regime 'FRSC

US midterm elections: ACLU advise on voter intimidation

Bill Gates spends $200m on toilet turning human waste to fertilizer

Nigeria tops list of Africa's diaspora remittance recipients ' CBN

May & Baker Nigeria grows Q3 profit by 241


*LEADERSHIP*


Nigeria Can Be Great Again

Skye Bank's Takeover Saved 6,000 Jobs, N949bn Deposits ' NDIC

Cameroon Army Launches Search For 79 Kidnapped Pupils, Principal

Bill Gates Brandishes Poo To Showcase Reinvented Toilet Tech

EFCC Removes Benedict Peters' Name From Wanted List

Gov Dickson Restores Positions Of Appointees Who Lost Party Primaries

Arming Youths In The Name Of Political Thugs: A Bad Precedence

Pressure Mounts On INEC Over 2019 Polls

FCDA Staff Protest Over Misappropriation Of Cooperative's Fund

Parents' Compliance With Polio


*BLUE PRINNT*


$1 m bra unveiled in US
Just Now: Buhari backs Labour, accepts N30, 000 as new minimum wage

Minority Leader in Kano state Assembly dumps PDP

INEC declares Ekiti Guber poll 'free, fair

Happening Now: Buhari receives report on National minimum wage

President Biya begins 7th term reign as Cameroonian Army go in search of abducted school Children

Just Now: Gunmen invade Katsina community, kill man, abduct daughter

2019: Buhari in secret meeting with Northern Clerics, Plateau Gov, others inside Presidential Villa

AWC 2018: Angst, concerns as Super Falcons head to Ghana with 'ordinary clothes

Just Now: Anxiety as Ekweremadu, wife, son escape assassination *Dep Senate President cries out, Senators wade in.


*BUSINESSDAY*


Nadal pulls out of ATP finals as Djokovic ends year at No.1

NPDC/Neconde JV delivers 40mmscf gas to domestic market to boost power generation

BusinessDay 06 Nov 2018

CBN's bad CRR math squeezes banks, economy

Updated: Labour gets N30,000 bargain, suspends planned nationwide strike

SAHCOL targets N1.8bn from IPO onLagos bourse

Unilever, Nestle have outperformed consumer firm peers, here's why
Olawepo-Hashim to create $4 trillion GDP in 10 years

Osun stimulates economy, disburses N4.5bn to MSMEs operators

Nigeria pushing strategy to lead ICT hardware exports in Africa ' Buhari

Why I killed my pastor friend – ‘Evangelist

AgegePulse

A self-acclaimed evangelist, Prosper Peter, on Tuesday said he plotted the killing of his friend, Kelechi Iwuanyanwu, a pastor in a new generation church in Umuahia, for many decades.


Mr Peter, who was arrested by the Police in Abia State in conjunction with Zone 9 Command, told journalists at the Police Officers’ Mess, Umuahia, that his grouse was that the deceased refused to assist him financially.

He said he recruited three persons that murdered Mr Iwuanyanwu, his alleged mistress and Woman Leader in the church, Ruth Eze and Kalu Ikeagwu, the assistant pastor.

Mr Iwuanyanwu, who was the founder of Winds of Glory Ministry, Umuahia, was murdered along with the two others at his residence, located at Umuobia Housing Estate in the early hours of October 14.


The Commissioner of Police in the state, Anthony Ogbizi, who briefed journalists on the incident, said Peter was arrested through the combined efforts of operatives of the command and Zone 9.

Mr Ogbizi said police at Umuokpara division got the hint that the pastor’s Jeep, which was taken away by his killers, was found at Ohiya Mechanic Village in Umuahia.

He said the information led to the arrest of the mechanic, who was reportedly engaged by Peter to help in dismantling the security and tracker in the vehicle.

He said the mechanic gave Mr Peter’s identity, adding that he (Peter) was invited to the station during which he was arrested and detained.


Narrating how the deceased was killed, the suspect said he and the hired killers laid ambush in front of Mr Iwuanyanwu’s residence around midnight.

“As soon as he came back and opened the gate, the boys went into the apartment, where they matcheted the three of them to death,” he said.

He said the original plan was not to kill them, but that they were killed after one of the killers realised that he had been recognised by one of the deceased.

Mr Peter said his plan was to attack the pastor and remove some of his valuables, which he intended to share with the assassins.


He said after killing them, he took some of the pastor’s personal effects, including shoes, electronic gadgets, telephones and the jeep.

He said he loaded the items in the pastor’s jeep, which he also attempted to take away but could not because of the security installed in the vehicle.

The suspect said he later got someone that helped him to start the car with which he evacuated the pastor’s property out of the building, located in an isolated part of the estate.

On his grouse with the late pastor, he said when he appealed to him to assist him, “rather than help me, the pastor started avoiding me.”

He recalled how he assisted the pastor in the past and was expecting him to reciprocate when he began to do well.

“When his ministry was not doing well, he approached me for help and I took him to a native doctor in Ikare, Ondo state, who prepared a charm for him,” Peter said.

He said the charm was prepared to help the deceased to draw crowd to his ministry on the promise to reward him when things improved for him.

He said he was worried when Mr Iwuanyanwu started making money in Umuahia but allegedly refused to assist him as promised.

Mr Peter, who was arrested with his wife, Precious, said he regretted his action and absolved his wife of complicity.

Precious, who said they had been married for about eight years and had three children, wept profusely.

She said she did not know that her husband could be involved in such a heinous crime.

She said while she lived in Umuahia with their children, her itinerant husband shuttled between Aba and Abuja on evangelism.

The commissioner of police said Zone 9 command commenced a manhunt for Mr Peter’s accomplices in the murder of Mr Iwuanyanwu and the two others.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Abia police command also arrested three persons, who admitted to have kidnapped a toddler at Ntigha, near Umuahia, in September and took him to Aba.

The baby boy was allegedly kidnapped by one Uloma Frank, a nurse, who reportedly sold him to one Grace Simeon, also a nurse in Aba, at N300, 000.

Simeon told newsmen that she sold the boy to one Onyebuchi Nnaji at N600, 000.

Also arrested were a Merchant Navy, Ifeanyi Osuji, said to be specialised in car theft and some kidnap and armed robbery suspects, accused of terrorising residents of the state.

Mr Ogbizi said the father of the kidnapped baby had been linked up and would soon come to claim the child.

He said all the suspects would be arraigned at the end of the ongoing investigations.

(NAN)


 Premium Times

BREAKING: Buhari Approves N30,000 As New National Minimum Wage | Sahara Reporters

The President gave the approval on Tuesday shortly after the report of the committee was presented to him.

While promising to forward new minimum wage bill to National Assembly for action, he urged Nigerian workers against being used as political weapons.


He said this while receiving the report of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The report was submitted by the committee’s chairman, Amal Pepple.

Buhari has also promised to send a bill to the National Assembly to effect the change from N18,000 to N30,000

JUST IN: ‘Neymar wants Barcelona return'

Neymar wants to quit PSG for Barcelona in what would represent a hammer blow for Real Madrid, according to Martin Montoya.

Neymar turned his back on Barcelona for PSG just over a year ago, controversially quitting the Nou Camp in a huge £200million transfer deal.

Ever since that move, however, reports have claimed the 26-year-old regrets his decision to leave for the Parc des Princes.

Real Madrid were heavily linked with a move for Neymar following their bold decision to cut Cristiano Ronaldo loose.



The Portugal international joined Juventus in a £105million deal.

Yet Montoya, who played alongside Neymar at Barcelona, has claimed he would prefer to move to the Nou Camp.

“I don’t know, I think it is difficult to get done,” Montoya told Goal. “Paris is also a great team and I don’t think they will let him to leave easily.

“Paris paid a big amount of money for him and I don’t think Barcelona would pay the same price for him. I think Neymar wants to go back because he was really comfortable and adapted the three years he was at the club.

“He had a great connection with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, but I think it is very difficult for him to come back to Barca.”

DailyTrust

Iwobi is Nigeria's Most Valuable Player in European

Alex Iwobi is now ahead of Wilfred Ndidi as the most valuable Nigerian footballer in Europe.

Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi is now the Most Valuable Nigerian footballer in Europe according to the CIES Football Observatory for November.

The 22-year-old who signed a contract extension at the Emirates Stadium is the only Nigerian player abroad that is worth over 50 million euros according to the latest rankings.



The rankings are released for the top five league across Europe and Iwobi is now ahead of Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi who was ranked the Most Valuable Nigerian Player in Europe.

Iwobi overtakes Ndidi
Iwobi’s emergence as the most valuable Nigerian in Europe is no surprise as he has become a regular at Arsenal producing impressive performances for the Gunners.

The Hale Academy graduate is worth €52.4m, as Ndidi’s market value of €79.2m in February 2018 has now dropped to €49.8 million.

The €18.5m reduction in Ndidi’s value has come after he also signed a long-term contract with Leicester City after the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Retired Super Eagles forward Victor Moses is the third most valuable Nigeria, the Chelsea star is worth €37.4m.

Other players in the top five are Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho worth €17.5m and Bordeaux new boy Samuel Kalu worth €8.3m.

Pulse Ng

Senators who will not return in 2019 and why

A good number of the current members of the Senate will not be part of the ninth Senate when it is constituted next year. While some of the lawmakers are pursuing other ambitions, many lost out in their party primaries.

As things currently stand, over three dozens of lawmakers will not return to the Senate. But there is a slim possibility of one or two changes happening by November 17 deadline for the replacement of parties’ candidates.

If such changes do not occur by that date, then below is a state by state list of senators who will not return to the red chamber and why.

Adamawa

Abdulaziz Nyako (APC Adamawa Central) and Ahmed Abubakar (APC, Adamawa South) are not returning to the ninth Senate.

Mr Nyako opted to contest for governorship of Adamawa state under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) while Mr Abubakar was replaced by Ahmed MoAllayidi who was unopposed at party primary.

Bayelsa

The trio of Forster Ogola, Ben Murray Bruce and Emmanuel Paulker will not be representing their constituencies when the next Senate convenes.

Forster Ogola (PDP, Bayelsa South) lost the PDP ticket to the state Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. In the case of Bayelsa East, Ben Murray Bruce said he withdrew his ambition due to a rotational arrangement existing among the three local governments that make up the district. Emmanuel Paulker (PDP Bayelsa Central), who lost his primary, completes the list.

Benue




Former senate president, David Mark, who has been representing Benue South since 1999, contested and lost the PDP presidential primary. So he will not be returning.

Borno

Two senators, Baba Kaka Gabbai and Abubakar Kyari, will not return to the upper parliament.

While Mr Gabbai (APC, Borno Central) lost the return ticket to Governor Kashim Shettima, Mr Kyari (APC, Borno North) stepped down for a former commissioner, Umara Zulum.

Cross River

John Enoh (APC, Cross Rivers Central) emerged as APC candidate for governorship election in the state. Therefore, he will not be coming back.

Ebonyi

Sonny Ogbuoji (APC, Ebonyi South) is out of the contest to return to the Senate. He will instead contest the state governorship election under the banner of APC.

Enugu

Gilbert Nnaji (PDP, Enugu East) lost the PDP ticket to former governor, Chimaroke Nnamani, and will not return.



Ekiti

Fatima Raji Rasaki lost the primary to return to the Senate.

Gombe

Usman Nafada and Joshua Lidani are not coming back.

While Mr Nafada (PDP Gombe North) defeated 12 other aspirants to emerge winner of the PDP gubernatorial primaries, Mr Lidani lost his seat to a member of the House of Representatives, Binta Bello.

Imo

Hope Uzodinma (APC, Imo West) will not return. He defeated the governor, Rochas Okorocha’s in-law, Uche Nwosu, to win the All Progressive Party’s gubernatorial ticket. His counterpart from Imo East, Sam Anyanwu, will not also return. He contested and lost the governorship ticket of PDP to Emeka Ihedioha.

Katsina

Abu Ibrahim and Umar Kurfi will not be part of the ninth senate.

The 72-year-old Mr Ibrahim (APC, Katsina South) decided not to seek re-election. Mr Kurfi, on the other hand, lost his bid to return.

Kwara

Rafiu Ibrahim and Shaaba Lafiagi will not return.



Mr Ibrahim stepped down to allow the governor, Abdulfattah Ahmed, contest in the district. Meanwhile, Mr Lafiagi (PDP, Kwara North) contested the PDP gubernatorial election and lost.

Lagos

Gbenga Ashafa lost his return bid under the APC to a member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Bayo Osinowo.

Nasarawa

Aruwa Gyunka (PDP, Nasarawa North) lost the gubernatorial primary of PDP. He is not coming back to Senate.

Niger

Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi and David Umaru are out of the race at least for now.

Both men lost their party primaries to return to the senate.

Ogun

None of the three Ogun senators will return.

Buruji Kashamu, who was expelled from the PDP, has been replaced by Bola Kalejaiye. Meanwhile, two APC senators, Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun Central) and Gbolahan Dada (Ogun West) were replaced by the governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and his chief of staff, Tolu Odebiyi, respectively.

Osun

Also in Osun, the three senators will not return to the chamber.

Senate chief whip, Olusola Adeyeye (APC, Osun Central) and Babajide Omoworare (APC, Osun East) lost the party primaries while Ademola Adeleke contested the state’s governorship and lost.

Oyo

Rilwan Akanbi (APC Oyo South) lost the party primary and will not return.

Plateau

Joshua Dariye and Jeremiah Oseni are out.

Plateau Central senator, Mr Dariye, will not return to the Senate as he is currently serving a 14-year jail term for corruption during his time as governor. Mr Useni (PDP, Plateau South) won PDP governorship ticket in the state and will vie for governorship instead.

Rivers

Rivers South East senator, Magnus Abe, lost the APC gubernatorial primary in the state and will not return.

Yobe

Bukar Abba Ibrahim (APC, Yobe East) was replaced by the state governor, Ibrahim Geidam.

Zamfara

Zamfara State APC will not be fielding candidates in next year’s election. INEC on October 10 said the party is ineligible to field candidates for any elective office in the 2019 general elections, for failing to meet up with the deadline for submission of candidates.

Before the INEC embargo, Ahmed Sani Yerima (APC, Zamfara West) had stepped down for Governor Abdul’azeez  for Zamfara West ticket while Kabiru Marafa (APC, Zamfara Central) is not returning because of his governorship ambition.

Real Madrid To Sign English Premiership Coach

AgegePulse

Spurs boss Pochettino agrees to manage Real Madrid but awaits Daniel Levy's decision

 Real Madrid have reached agreement to sign Tottenham Hotspur Mauricio Pochettino.

He has been heavily linked with Los Blancos after the departure of Zinedine Zidane this summer - The Argentine has a deal with the Premier League side until the summer of 2023 Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has reportedly agreed to become Real Madrid's next manager.

 The 46-year-old Argentine recently signed a new long term deal that will keep him at the club until 2023.

He has however been linked with a move to join the Galacticos after the sack of Julen Lopetegui last month.


The Spaniard was relieved of his duties at the Santiago Bernabeu following their disappointing 5-1 defeat to Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Legit.ng

Muslim cleric, nurse nabbed over missing placenta

A new born baby allegedly sold to a Muslim cleric in Ilorin for ritual purposes by a Nurse attendant in a private hospital in Ilorin.


At the press time,Vanguard reliably gathered that the Muslim cleric and the nurse attendant in one of the private hospitals in Ilorin, currently being interrogated by the police, were yet to disclose the where about of the placenta.

 Vanguard further gathered that, the placenta was sold by the nurse attendant to the cleric at the cost of N20,000 for money ritual. The duo according to Vanguard findings were arrested at their different locations in Ilorin following the report to the police command by the medical officer in charge of the private hospital.

Vanguard gathered that the incident occurred at a private medical hospital located at Oke-Erin area of Ilorin when the father of the new born baby,one Jimoh Abdulfatah demanded for the placenta of his new born baby from the hospital after delivery and was not given.

Seun Egbegbe: Judge fines prosecutor N50,000

Oladimeji Ramon

The trial of a Nollywood film-maker, Olajide Kareem, alias Seun Egbegbe, was stalled on Monday as the trial judge insisted that the case could not go on except the prosecutor, Mr Innocent Anyigor, pays a  fine of N50,000 imposed on him during the  previous proceedings.

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, sitting at the Federal High Court in Lagos, rejected the plea by the police prosecutor that the N50,000 be waived.

The judge rebuked the prosecutor for the snail’s pace at which the case had proceeded since Egbegbe and his co-defendants were arraigned in February last year.

The judge  during the previous hearing awarded N50,000 cost against Anyigor after the defence counsel raised objection to the competence of a police officer, Godwin Omaka, to testify in the case.

Shortly after Omaka entered into the witness box at the last hearing, the defence counsel complained that they could not find his name on the list of the witnesses which the prosecutor served on them as part of the proof of evidence.

Responding, the prosecutor, Anyigor, apologised, saying it was an oversight.

But Justice Oguntoyinbo rejected the apology and awarded N50,000 cost against Anyigor, stressing that the fine must be paid before the next adjourned date.

When the matter was called on Monday   and Anyigor was asked by the judge why he had yet to pay the fine and urged the judge to waive it.

But the judge refused.

In view of the judge’s refusal to waive the fine, the prosecutor pleaded to be given two weeks to raise the money.

But Justice Oguntoyinbo said she could not grant any adjournment longer than seven days, noting that the case had already dragged.

“I am getting fed up with this case. There has to be an end to litigation; this matter must end.

“We are talking about human lives. Only one of them (defendants) has been able to secure bail, the others are in prison.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. These are young people, let them know their fate,” the judge told the prosecutor.

She subsequently adjourned the case till November 7, 2018, directing the prosecutor to ensure that the fine was paid.

The police charged Egbegbe and four others with alleged serial frauds involving N39,098,100, $90,000 and £12,550.

They were accused of fraudulently obtaining the money from no fewer than 40 Bureau De Change operators in Lagos over a period of two years – 2015 to 2017.

Egbegbe and his co-defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the 40 counts pressed against them.

Eniola Badmus Wins Best Actress At Plus Size Fashion Week Africa

 AgegePulse Magazine

Nollywood actress, Eniola Badmus wins Pride of Africa best actress at the Plus Size Fashion week held over the weekend.

The actress took to her instagram to strike a pose with her award and caption it saying...

BIG SHOUTOUT TO @pfwafrica FOR THIS AWARD.... PRIDE OF AFRICA BEST ACTRESS THIS IS SO HUGE IN MY SIGHT I REALLY REALLY APPRECIATE IT.......BEING A PLUS-SIZE NO BE SICKNESS JUST EMBRACE YOURSELF ������

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Cambridge speaks on Buhari’s WAEC certificate saga

The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate, now known as Cambridge Assessment, has said it can only release the certificate of President Muhammadu Buhari if he so requests.

Cambridge, a United Kingdom-based examination body, which oversaw the conduct of final year secondary school examination in Nigeria and placement into foreign universities in the early days of colonialism and years after, said this on Monday in a statement on its website.

The “Statement in response to Nigerian Presidential election enquiries”, read: “We can only confirm or verify results at the direct request of or with the permission of a candidate.

“This is in accordance with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulations, Data Protection Act 2018 and section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.”

The organisation also confirmed that according to the Regulations for 1961, African Language papers, including those for Hausa, were set for the West African School Certificate.

In a footnote, Cambridge also said: “Examination results were classed in grades by 1 to 9. 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 indicate a Pass with Credit; 7 & 8 indicate a Pass; 9 indicates a Failure.

“To pass the School Certificate, candidates had to pass examinations in a variety of groups. It was compulsory to pass English Language, but not Maths, in order to gain the Certificate.

“The number of candidates who sat for the WASC Hausa examination in 1961 was 152.

“Our records show that Hausa was set in the Northern Region in 1961.”

Buhari on Friday received the attestation and confirmation of his 1961 West African School Certificate (WASC) Examination.

The documents were presented to him at State House during a courtesy visit by a delegation of WAEC led by its Registrar, Dr Iyi Uwadiae, accompanied by Olutise Adenipekun, Head, National Office, Abiodun Aduloju, Head Public Affairs, and Olufemi Oke, Zonal Coordinator, Abuja.

Minimum Wage: NLC suspends planned nationwide strike

AgegePulse Magazine

November 6, 2018Azeezat Adedigba

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called off the nationwide industrial action initially scheduled to commence on November 6 to further press for workers’ demand for new national minimum wage.


The President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, said this on Monday night in Abuja while addressing journalists at the end of a meeting of the tripartite committee set up by government to negotiate labour’s demand.

Organised labour had threatened to commence nationwide strike on November 6 should government fail to accede to its N30,000 minimum wage demand. The federal government had offered to pay N24,000 while some state governments are even offering less.

But briefing journalists on Monday night, Mr. Wabba said, “The tripartite negotiating committee this evening concluded its assignment. Agreement has been reached and also documents have been signed. The report will be submitted to Mr. President tomorrow by 4:15pm.

“Therefore, as organised labour, we want to use this medium to thank all the tripartite partners for their understanding and importantly for concluding this very national assignment.

“And having reached this position, and also the fact that the assignment has been concluded, organised labour also decided that the proposed industrial action is hereby suspended.

“Therefore, we thought this should be communicated appropriately without also any delusion or missing information.

“As the chairperson have said, mutual agreements have been reached and this will be make public tomorrow and we must appreciate the roles that organised private sectors have actually demonstrated and the attitude brought to this process and to members of the tripartite negotiating team.”

The Chairperson, Tripartite Committee, Amma Pepple, corroborated Mr Wabba’s claim, saying her committee had reached a truce and concluded its assignment.


“We are going to present our report to Mr President tomorrow at 4:15pm and he will reveal the figure that we have recommended,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, commended members of the committee for their time and commitment to the long and tortuous negotiation processes.

“I am confident that government will give expeditious consideration of the report tomorrow by Mr President and very soon the processes will be put in place to truly actualise your recommendations so that the status of our working populace will be enhanced and they would receive appropriate and commensurate payments for the services they offer to our nation and to the different sectors of our economy,” he said.

Government and labour had been at loggerheads over the demand for a new minimum wage. Labour says the minimum wage of N18,000 is paltry and no longer acceptable.

More to come…

Premium Times

FG EXPANDS TRADERMONI SCHEME TO THREE ADDITIONAL MARKETS IN LAGOS

…As Osinbajo, Ambode, Sanwo-Olu Monitor Implementation



The Federal Government on Monday launched the special enterprise and empowerment programme otherwise known as TraderMoni in three additional markets in Lagos, with an assurance that the scheme would be extended to two million beneficiaries by December 2018 across the country.



The TraderMoni scheme, which is a collateral and interest-free loan for petty traders, had earlier been launched in some markets in Lagos, while three additional markets in the State – Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi were added to the scheme by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), accompanied by Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.



The trio, while inspecting implementation of the scheme, took time to interact with petty traders in the markets, assuring that government would continue to come up with innovative initiatives to benefit the critical mass of the population.



Giving details, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, said close to 800,000 petty traders had so far benefited from the scheme, adding that the programme had been structured for traders to borrow up to N50,000 and repay back seamlessly.



“The TraderMoni scheme is part of the socio-investment programme of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the plan is to ensure that between September and December this year, two million petty traders receive the first payment of N10,000. Once they are able to return it within six months, they get additional N15,000 and when they return that, they get another N20,000 until they get as much as N50,000.



“The whole idea is that the President wants to ensure that traders that are at the bottom of the ladder; people whose wares and businesses are just about N3000, N5000 and so on; people who normally don’t get any kind of financial assistance; people that the banks do not give any kind of credit because they have no collateral are not left out in what they are doing in our micro credit scheme.



“This was what informed the TraderMoni Programme and today, it has gone to several states and the Vice President is in Lagos today to see what is happening in three additional markets. The VP is here to see what is happening and to interact with the traders, as well as to assure all Nigerians as a matter of fact that this is going to go round,” Akande said.



He added that at the end of the first batch, the government would take it further to ensure that more traders benefit from the scheme.



 “In the first batch of the scheme, we will be doing two million traders and after that, we will even take it further. Between now and December, we would have given to two million petty traders. Already, we have close to 800,000 petty traders out of the two million. We have enumerated all the two million traders and so we know who they are and so it is a question of time,” he said.

Akwa United hire Brazilian Everton as new coach

Akwa United FC have unveiled Rafael Everton, Brazilian and former coach of FC Ifeanyiuba of Nnewi, as the new 

Akwa United FC have unveiled Rafael Everton, Brazilian and former coach of FC Ifeanyiuba of Nnewi, as the new coach of the club.

Akwa United hire Brazilian Everton as new coach

Everton, who signed a year’s contract and whose last job was with Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia replaced Abdul Maikaba.

The Club chairman and Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Udom Emmanuel on Sports, Mr Paul Bassey told newsmen at the unveiling ceremony in Uyo on Monday that Everton fitted into the plans and vision of the club.

Bassey said that other coaches were also interviewed for the job but the club needed a coach who would not be distracted by national team duty.

“We needed a foreign coach with a lot of Nigerian experience, we also eliminated as I said earlier some coaches in Nigeria for certain reasons before we settled for coach Everton,” Bassey said.

He commended the former coach, Maikaba for the excellent job he did by introducing a new playing philosophy and making the team a brand within his two years stay with the “Promise Keepers”.

He wished the former coach success in his future endeavor.

Bassey noted that discipline on the part of players and the technical crew was what sustained the team to progress in the last two years.

He solicited the support of stakeholders for the new coach and commended the media for their role in making the team better.

Everton promised to continue with the Brazilian brand of football he inherited in the club, adding that he would fully utilize the present crop of players in the club before deciding on whether there could be new additions.

He solicited for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, especially the fans in attaining the dreams of the owners of the club.

Akwa United FC finished second in the 2017/2018 NPFL season which was concluded prematurely.
NAN ( LTV)

Transport to be grounded as NURTW threatens to join strike

By Tayo Aderinola

The Chairman of the Lagos State Branch of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede, announced on Monday that the union would join the planned NLC strike if government and labour failed to resolve their differences.

“We are an affiliate of the NLC, we shall obey its directives. So we have no choice than to join the strike anytime we’re called upon to do so,” Agbede told the transport correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Nigerians are waiting anxiously to know the outcome of a last minute dialogue between government and organized labour over a nationwide strike, scheduled for Nov. 6 by labour unions, arising from disagreements with government over a national minimum wage.

Labour has demanded N30, 000 but the Federal Government insists it can only pay N24, 000 while state governments offered to pay N22, 500.

Public sector workers in Nigeria are among the least paid in the world, although political office holders in the country, including members of the country’s bicameral parliament earn some of the biggest wages in the world.

Also speaking on the strike, the District Manager of the Nigeria Railways Corporation, Mr Jerry Oche, said that the company would not operate if the proposed strike got underway.

“We are not going to operate if there is strike. But if there is no strike we will operate but we wish the situation is resolved before tomorrow,” Oche said.

Mr Fola Tinubu, Managing Director of Primero Transport Services Ltd., said that the company’s buses would operate strike or no strike.

“Yes, we are operating tomorrow,” Tinubu said.

Suleiman Jafo, Chairman of the Nagari Nakowa Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, told NAN that members of the body would operate, provided movement was not restricted.

Lagos Panorama

“We are not salary earners. We eat from our daily operations,” Jafo said.

Tiwa Savage is crowned Best African Act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards

AgegePulse Magazine

Tiwa Savage has been announced as the winner of the 'Best African Act' category at the 2018 MTV EMA awards.

The awards which went down on Sunday night, November 4th at the Bizkaia Arena, Bilbao in Spain, has seen Nigeria's Tiwa Savage announced as the Best African Act ahead of the likes of fellow countryman, Davido, Distruction Boyz (South Africa), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Nyashinnski (Kenya) and Shekinah (South Africa).

Tiwa Savage, who becomes the first female artist to achieve this honour was present on stage to receive her award which she dedicated to her son, Jamil and her fans.

Pulse Ng

OSHODI TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE: LAGOS TARGETS FIRST QUARTER 2019 DELIVERY DATE

…Says Project Now At 83 Per Cent Completion Stage

 AgegePulse Magazine

The Lagos State Government on Monday said the ongoing Oshodi Transport Interchange conceived and being implemented to evolve a seamless way by which Lagosians commute across the State on a daily basis would be completed within the first quarter of 2019.



Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Adebowale Akinsanya, in a statement on the state of the project, said it was gratifying to report that substantial progress had been made towards its completion. 



The Commissioner added that with the ongoing pace of works, the project would be completed within the first quarter of 2019, and operations commencing soon after, saying that commuters around the State should look forward to having a comfortable, accessible and world-class transport system.



Besides, Akinsanya commended motorists and residents in the State for cooperating with government in the implementation of the project, just as he assured that all hands were on deck to expedite work and complete it on schedule. 



According to him, “At the moment, 83 per cent total work progress has been achieved, including completion of piling works on the three terminals and completion of the piling works for the Skywalks.



“Among others, we have also completed works on the pile caps for the three terminals, concrete works of the buildings, ground floor works on all the loading bays for the three terminals, erection of steelworks for the Skywalks and terminals and Taxi Park and car park area, while road works around the terminal are at an advanced stage as well as bus holding bays around the terminals also at an advanced stage,” Akinsanya said.



The Oshodi Transport Interchange Project (OTIP) which is part of the Bus Reform Initiative of the State Government, is an iconic infrastructure designed to transform the axis forever and enhance connectivity.



The project, in a nutshell, seeks to transform Oshodi into a world-class Central Business District (CBD) with business, travel and leisure activities conducted in a serene, secure, clean, orderly and hygienic environment, comparable with other transport terminals around the world including Stratford and Victoria Bus Station in the United Kingdom.



The project, on completion, would consolidate all the 13 city and interstate bus parks into three multi-storey terminals, providing standard facilities including waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, accessible walkways and pedestrian sky-walks linking all the terminals.

#AmbodeLegacies #AkinwunmiAmbode #ItesiwajuEkolivesforever

Nigerian Player Dies During Match in Turkey

AgegePulse Magazine

Turkey Government has issued a Condolence message to the family of Ekundayo Ebenezer Mawoyeka (23), who died yesterday during a football match in turkey through their social social platforms.

Below is the condolence message:

"We are deeply saddened that Ekundayo Ebenezer Mawoyeka (23), Nigerian citizen and football player of Sarayköyspor of Denizli in Turkey, has passed away yesterday during a match.

We convey our condolences to his family. May he rest in peace".

Lagos Council Boss Goes Tough Over Community Violence

AgegePulse Magazine

The Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu, goes tough on all forms of violence in the local government area as the 2019 general election draws nearer.

Dullar, as he is fondly called, stated this while addressing Somolu Political Leaders' at the Somolu Local Government Secretariat few days ago.

The LG Boss said law enforcement agencies had been made to understand that it's high time we all frown at street miscreants rudely. "Our government has been working tirelessly to re-brand Somolu and make the community to be safe for residents and visitors, yet some elements are springing up to jeopardize our efforts. We won't won't take it", Dullar said.

The Executive Chairman also used the opportunity to tell the political leaders about the Nigerian Army Recruitment exercise. "The Nigerian Army Recruitment  form is out and their officers were here, they want more youths from Somolu to join Nigerian Army. Instead of the youths to be fighting around and disturbing the community, they should go to fight Boko Haram and disturb the terrorist groups," Dullar advised.

The Executive Chairman said the community need to cooperate with Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, NDLEA, LNSC and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe community for all.
                                                                                                 

13-year Old UK-Born Nigerian Girl Enrols For Ph.D In Mathematics

Kids want all the beautiful things of the world, and biscuits. From visits to Disney World, calls for ice cream and other wishes, kids’ demands are endless but here, is a kid, like a very few, who is endlessly being demanded for

.

Esther Okade, then 10, enrolled at the Open University for her distance learning. She soon topped her class and scored 100% in an exam. Great debut, wasn’t it?

A mathematics genius, she did things that were light years ahead of a 10-year old kid, and that informed her outrageously early enrollment for a Ph.D.

She said of financial mathematics, a kind of mathematics that has caught her keen interest; “It’s so interesting. It has the type of maths I love. It’s real maths — theories, complex numbers, all that type of stuff,” she giggles. “It was super easy. My mum taught me in a nice way.”

Her mum, worried about her daughter’s complaint on not being allowed to participate in class at 3, decided to be her home tutor and soon, she discovered a rare ingenuity in her child.

Esther said two years ago;  “I want to (finish the course) in two years. Then I’m going to do my PhD in financial maths when I’m 13. I want to have my own bank by the time I’m 15 because I like numbers and I like people and banking is a great way to help people.”

And in case people think her parents have pushed her into starting university early, Esther emphatically disagrees.

“I actually wanted to start when I was seven. But my mum was like, “you’re too young, calm down.” Her mother soon agreed to her mathematically ahead baby girl’s demands.

After three years of begging, mother Efe finally accepted to explore the idea.

Esther was never at par with her peers. She was always steps ahead and soon showed why she is.

She sat her first Math GSCE exam, a British high school qualification, at Ounsdale High School in Wolverhampton at just six, where she received a C-grade. One-year later, she went steps better, and got the A-grade she wanted.

EFCC, Police storm Lagos church, arrest pastor over scam

There was pandemonium in Shoba community, Abule-Ado, Lagos, weekend, as security agents stormed a Pentecostal church, Power of the Holy Ghost Evangelical Ministry a.k.a Tuesday Tuesday Church, to arrest the pastor of the church.

 Prophet Cletus Chukwunweuba Ilongwo The pastor, Prophet Cletus Chukwunweuba Ilongwo, was arrested over allegations of scam made against him by some members of his church and the community. 2019: Politicians using religion to divide Nigerians, says cleric The security agents, numbering about 100, made up of officials of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and policemen from the area, burst into the church in the early hours of the day after all efforts to invite the pastor of the church, who is standing trial in court, to report to EFCC failed.

fa was gathered that Prophet Ilongwo was initially arrested early this year by the Police and EFCC after a former member of the church reported that he defrauded him of N85 million, which led to the loss of his job in one of the first generation banks in the country.

Vanguard learned that after he was invited for interrogation, he jumped bail and efforts made to re-arrest him failed until his surety was arrested last week. He reportedly abandoned his surety to languish in EFCC detention, prompting a joint operation by EFCC and the Police to arrest him. During the operation, which lasted for hours, it was learned that members of his church confronted security agents with dangerous weapons, leading to the use of force to arrest him inside one of the rooms in the church. Eyewitnesses said members of the community, who had been complaining over the activities of the prophet and members of his church, went wild in jubilation, extolling the security agents for making them heave a sigh of relief.

The community members alleged that hoodlums and bodyguards attached to the prophet had subjected them to intimidation, harassment and public assault and all efforts they made to call the attention of the Police to their activities failed. Meanwhile, it was learned that the suspect, Prophet Ilongwo, was taken to EFCC office at Ikoyi, where he was detained and taken to Ikeja High Court today to answer charges against him by the former banker.

Vanguard

Drama As Bride's Father Cancels Wedding On D-day

A couple's wedding day turned to a sad one after the bride's father abruptly called off the occassion.

According to reports, Oluwaseun Adugbe's father called off her wedding to Tunji Curtis, her fiance of five years and the father of her five year old child.

Tunji had arrived Ibadan with his family and friends to marry the love of his life but to his uttermost shock, his father in-law told him point blank that the wedding had been called off.

When asked why he took such a rash decision, the father, Mr Adugbe who is a native of Edo state, told the groom that he failed to honor a meeting he called for on Friday which should have preceded the wedding on Saturday.

A distraught Tunji told Tribune that he was shocked at his fiancee's father's decision

“This is shocking. I don’t believe this is truly happening, because my wife and I had no issues at all and I can’t remember having any issue with her father. In fact, I sent money to her father last week Thursday as part of my contributions towards the wedding. I asked my father in-law what went wrong; he told me that I failed to honour a meeting yesterday. I tried to explain to him that I was extremely busy making sure that everything was in place so that we could have a smooth celebration.”[/i]Tunji said

Asked what his next plans would be, Tunji simply said: “ Right now, I just want to forget about this drama and cool off. I will think of the next thing to do when I wake up tomorrow.”

Tunji’s elder sister, Abibat, who came to Ibadan with about 15 persons, including family members and friends, said she was disappointed by the actions of the bride’s family, adding that

“[i]You can imagine the excuse that they gave for the cancellation of the wedding. I have never seen any family that is as irresponsible as this. I don’t blame them; I blame our son, who took the wrong step. The wedding is over and we will be going back to Lagos anytime from now,” [/i]she lamented.

Another member of the family, Olayinka Ogunbajo, who brought the wedding cake from Lagos said the family members met the father of the bride on their arrival from Lagos with the cake, saying

“[i]the father told us where we would keep the cake on Friday. He welcomed us heartily into his house and there was no reason for us to think otherwise. On getting here this morning, we were told that the wedding had been called off. I am speechless.”

Efforts to speak with the bride’s father proved abortive as he declined comment. The bride also declined comment.

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Seun Egbegbe spends 20th month in prison, appears in court today

Oladimeji Ramon

For failure to meet the N5m bail granted him by the Federal High Court in Lagos, Nollywood film-maker, Olajide Kazeem, better known as Seun Egbegbe, has so far spent about 20 months in prison custody.

The erstwhile Lagos socialist has been kept away since February 10, 2017, after he was arraigned by the police for alleged serial frauds involving N39, 098,100, $90,000 and £12,550.

The police alleged that Egbegbe fraudulently obtained the money from no fewer than 40 Bureau De Change operators in Lagos over a period of two years – 2015 to 2017.

He was said to have allegedly swindled the BDC operators by falsely representing to them that he had naira to change into foreign currencies and vice versa.

Egbegbe, alongside one  Oyekan Ayomide, was first arraigned on February 10, 2017 before Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, on 36 counts bordering on advance fee fraud.

The charge sheet was subsequently amended twice, with the counts eventually increased to 40 and three other defendants – Lawal Kareem, Olalekan Yusuf and Muyideen Shoyombo – added.

The prosecuting counsel for the police, Innocent Anyigor, said Egbegbe and the other defendants acted contrary to Section 8 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and were liable to be punished under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

On February 24, 2017, Justice Oguntoyinbo granted each of them N5m bail with two sureties in like sum.

The judge said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on at least Level 16 and must own a landed property in Lagos State.

The surety, the court said, must deposit the Certificate of Occupancy of the landed property in the custody of the court.

Both sureties were to swear to affidavit of means while their addresses were to be verified by the court registrar.

Justice Oguntoyinbo ordered that the defendants should be remanded in the prison custody until they meet the bail conditions.

About 20 months after the bail was granted, Egbegbe, who was known for lavish spending, has, however, remained in the Ikoyi Prison custody, as he has not been able to meet the bail conditions.

The police prosecutor, Anyigor, had told the court that he had no fewer than 40 witnesses, including the BDC operators, who would testify against Egbegbe and his co-defendants in court.

On March 10, 2017, over 30 BDC operators stormed the court for the trial.

So far, the prosecution has called four witnesses.

The trial had been slowed down sometimes due to inability of investigating police officers, who were listed as witnesses, to attend the court.

At other times, the case was stalled because the Hausa BDC operators, who were listed as witnesses, complained of inability to either speak or understand English language and an interpreter had to be arranged.

The case was last heard on November 1, 2018 and it is billed to resume on Monday (today) for continuation of trial.

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LasuCom Students Honours Owolabi Ibrahim of Involve Africa - AgegePulse

... Charges Youth on active participation in Nigeria’s Democratic Process.

Following the recent activeness of Involve Africa, the founder Ibrahim Owolabi has been recently awarded for Excellence in Civic Engagement and Grassroots Education by the Senate Arm of Lagos State University College of Medicine Students Association.

In his message, Owolabi stated that "last weekend, this recognition came as a reminder that there is more work to do in engaging the people and particularly our Youth for active participation in Nigeria’s Democratic Process.



Honorably, my leader and mentor Segun Olulade made the award Presentation to me as I found this absolutely deserving and genuine. Thanks for your continued guidance and support Sir.

Let me graciously thank Madam Speaker Azeezat Yishawu for believing in the work we do at @involve and recognizing that which we have done" ✅ ✅

#YouthDevelopment #InvolveAfrica #Lagos #IbrahimOwolabi