The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Actress Oma Nnadi welcomes second baby with hubby

    Nollywood actress and winner of 2014 most beautiful girl in Nigeria, Iheoma Amanda Nnadi, a.k.a Oma Nnadi, has welcomed her second baby with her husband, Noni Enem.
    The actress husband, Enem share the good news via his Instagram @noniemem on Oct. 3.
    He said: “And our son arrives. Maximum joy.
    “#happysoul.
    “Thank you, God, Thank you my wife @omannadi.
    “Welcome to our world. Brian Buteaku Enem. (B.B ENEM)@omannadi,” he wrote.

    Read Also: Top 10 Richest Nigerian actresses

    According to him, they have welcomed a baby boy and it appears mother and baby is doing fine.
    Oma Nnadi, an award winning actress, has featured in several movies alongside other award winning actors.
    She has been in the Nigerian movie industry for over a decade and a product of the prestigious New York Film Academy.
    Oma has featured in movies like “Daughter of a Gambler” and “Honeymoon Hotel”, among others.

    (NAN)

  • Boko Haram: Army releases 25 children from administrative custody

    The Nigerian army has released 25 children from administrative custody after been cleared of suspected ties with armed groups.

    Twenty-three boys and two girls were released on Thursday 3rd October according to a statement by the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)

    According to the statement signed by UNICEF Communication expert, Dr. Geoffrey Njoku, this brings the number of children released this year to 44.

    “These are children taken away from their families and communities, deprived of their childhood, education, health-care, and of the chance to grow up in a safe and enabling environment.

    “UNICEF will continue working to ensure that all conflict affected children are reunited with their families, have hope of fulfilling their dreams and their human rights,” said UNICEF Nigeria Acting Representative Pernille Ironside.

    The children, UNICEF said, have been handed over to the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and will be kept at a UNICEF supported Transit Centre whilst efforts to reunite them with their families and reintegrate them back to their communities are underway.

    Read Also: NIFROP lauds Army on spiritual warfare seminar to defeat Boko Haram

    “They will access medical and psychosocial support, education, vocational training and informal apprenticeships, and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

    “We have made progress, but we would like to see all children suspected of involvement with armed groups, transferred out of military custody to the care of the relevant local authorities as quickly as possible to facilitate their return to their families and communities, spending minimal, if any, time in detention. “As we commemorate the 30th Anniversary for the Convention of the Rights of the Child this year, we must collectively commit to do more for the protection, well-being and development of children in Nigeria, including by ensuring that they are not recruited or used in conflicts in the first place,” said Ironside.

    Since 2016, a total of 2,499 people including 1,627 children have been cleared of association with non-state armed groups. UNICEF and partners continue to provide age and gender appropriate community-based reintegration support services to all affected children and other vulnerable children in communities that are at risk of recruitment by armed groups.

  • We’ve made doing business easier for your companies, Buhari tells South Africans

    President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Pretoria, South Africa, called on the South African government to open up its economy for more Nigerian businesses, while guaranteeing their safety.

    He stressed on the need for reciprocity in promoting trade and investments between both countries.

    He spoke during the inaugural meeting of the 9th Bi-National Commission at the seat of government, Union Building.

    Buhari, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said South African companies had enjoyed unfettered access to Nigerian market, and protection with enabling laws.

    He urged the government to design policies that favour investments from Nigeria.

    The President had co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Bi-National Commission at the level of heads of state.

    Read Also: Buhari’s visit to S/Africa allays our fears, says NICASA

    “We are pleased to inform you that our Government has made doing business in Nigeria easier through the Ease of Doing Business Initiative to open up more opportunities for investors in Nigeria.

    “We call on the Government of South Africa to also take steps to ease the doing of business in the country, and open up its market space for Nigerian businessmen and women.

    “In this context, we are gratified that a Nigeria-South Africa Business Forum has been organized in the frame work of this State visit,’’ the President said.

    President Buhari said Nigeria will continue to value its relationship with South Africa, which is the second largest economy in Africa, noting that 32 agreements and MoUs had been signed between both countries.

    “We, in Nigeria, value the warm fraternal relations binding our two countries and cherish our Special Relationship. We consider South Africa an ally and a strategic partner.

    “We need to implement those that have come into force, as well as to expedite necessary action to ratify the seven outstanding agreements that have not yet been brought into force.

    “I welcome the robust Defence Cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, and call for more support and solidarity with us in our fight against terrorism and violent extremism. We also welcome the increased collaboration against arms and drug trafficking, money laundering and human trafficking,’’ he added.

    President Buhari “condemned in the strongest terms, attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals living in South Africa, the looting of their shops and businesses and burning of their properties’’.

    “We call for the strengthening and implementation of all the necessary measures to prevent the re-occurrence of such action which threatens to undermine, not only our strong bilateral relations but also, what we stand for in the context of our vision for a strong and prosperous Africa we want.’’

    The President also condemned the “very few incidents of retaliatory attacks on South African businesses in Nigeria”. “I am happy to report that we took strong and decisive measures to stop the attacks and prevent any recurrence.’’

    In his remarks, the President of South Africa congratulated President Buhari for winning the 2019 Presidential elections, and starting a second term.

    President Ramaphosa said the attacks on foreign nationals was regrettable, assuring that his government will do more to safeguard lives and property.

    “We will always be grateful to Nigeria for the support we received during the dark days of apartheid,’’ he added. “We shall never forget the role you played to ensure that our people get the freedom we are enjoying today.’’

  • 2023: PDP behind false campaigns to cause suspicion in APC – Oshiomhole

    The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has dissociated the party from recently trending 2023 campaigns advertisement.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke to journalists at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja on Thursday evening, blamed the campaign posters and billboards on the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which he said is intent on creating disaffection and suspicion among the ranks of the APC.

    The party chairman, however, said the preoccupation of the party, its leaders and members at the moment is governance and delivering all the promised goods to Nigerians and supporting President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed in leading the country.

    According to him, the period for politicking and electioneering had ended, adding that the courts are also doing their part to sort out the other matters that emerged post-elections by gradually settling the cases before them.

    He charged Nigerians to task politicians to go to work to justify the mandates given to them during the last elections.

    “I want to completely disassociate myself and members of our party from all those posters. We believe that these are the handwork of PDP who think that they can create suspicion within the rank of APC by nominating for our party who they think or purporting or attempting to print for some elements in our party whether to create complete diversion.

    “So, I stand here as National Chairman of APC, not only to deny those posters as they affect me, but to deny those posters as they affect any leader of our party because it is not yet time. Even people who may have ambition are aware that this is not the time.

    Read Also: Adams Oshiomole: Victim of reactionary forces

    “At this point in time all hands must be on deck to support President Muhammadu Buhari and all our state governors in their respective states to work together unanimously to deliver deliverables for the good of our people in the states and at the Federal level. This is not the time to talk politics. Politics cannot be an all round season, the season for politics is over.

    “The judiciary is also clearing the governorship, the National Assembly and even the presidential elections. Once this are done and out behind us, I expect all Nigerians to insist that those elected should go back to work and deliver and justify the mandate they have been given

    This is not the time for electioneering. We cannot have electioneering for four years and therefarter you have people elected and continue for another four years. There is time for politicking, there is time for governance, this is the time for governance. All of us in the APC we are committed to backing the president to deliver for the Nigerian people, we will not distract him,” he said.

  • Akeredolu orders release of detained monarch

    Ondo Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu on Thursday ordered the unconditional release of Ogeleyinbo of Ayetoro community, Oba Oluwambe Ojagbohunmi (JP) from Olokuta Medium Prison, Akure, the Ondo state capital after nine months of unlawful arrest.

    Ojagbohunmi was arrested and remanded in January.

    The monarch, alongside the Baba Ijo and the Public Relations Officer of the community, Lawrence Lemamu and Mr. Victor Akinluwa respectively, were moved to Akure by the police and detained nine months ago.

    Akeredolu had frowned at the protracted remand of the monarch over a kingship tussle between him and Micah Ajijo in Ayetoro,a community in Ilaje Local Government area.

    The Supreme Council of Elders and Ayetoro Youth Congress (AYC) on Thursday expressed gratitude to the Governor for his prompt intervention into the matter

    Speaking on behalf of the Council and the community, Rev. Apostle Joshua Bankole, declared unflinching support for Akeredolu’s government and his future endeavours politically.

    Read Also: Southwest governors proactive about security challenges, says Akeredolu

    He said: “We also seize this medium to tell Mr. Governor that Ayetoro, being the most populous community in Ilaje area,our people would always be in your support in all your political dealings and we want you to continue the good works you have been doing in Ondo State since assumption of office.”

    Bankole hailed the governor for his relentless efforts to curtail the sea incursions and reminded him of the devastation of the sea encroachment which according to him had destroyed several houses and properties.

  • No compensation for owners of dead Ondo cows

    There would be no compensation for owners of the 36 dead cows in Ijare town, a stakeholders meeting comprising traditional rulers in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Miyetti Allah and representatives of security operatives has resolved.

    The meeting was chaired by the chairman Ifedore Local Government Council of Obas, who is also the Olowa of Igbara-Oke kingdom, Oba Adefarakanmi Agbede.

    It was also attended by Olujare of Ijare,Oba Adebamigbe Oluwagbemigun and Alara of Ilara-mokin,Oba Aderemi Adefehinti.

    Addressing reporters after the Emergency Security meeting, Oba Agbede said the meeting yielded positive result as stakeholders committed to peaceful co-existence among the residents and herdsmen.

    According to him, the incident was seen as an act of God and there is nothing anyone can do about that.

    He also commended the Miyetti Allah’s efforts for sustaining peace that has been among the herdsmen and community of the before and after the untold occurrence.

    He however debunked the rumour making rounds that the cow owners shall be compensated, saying, the Council of Obas had entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that there would be no compensation since it was a natural occurrence.

    He urged the people of Ijare and the herdsmen to go about their normal business and continue to live in peace with one another.

    Read Also: Dead cows: Epidemic looms in Ondo community

    The Chairman of Miyetti Allah in Ifedore Local Government, Alhaji Kayode Ibrahim, said they were not requesting for compensation from the town as the case was of natural occurrence.

    But he appealed to the State Government to render help in any form to the owners of the cows.

    Ibrahim also confirmed the occurrence of similar deaths in two other places within Ondo state recently, describing the development as an act of God that cannot be queried.

  • Ogun Assembly reinstates suspended chairman

    The 9th Ogun House of Assembly on Thursday lifted the suspension order slammed on the chairmen of the the 20 Local Government Councils and 37 Local Council Development Areas(LCDAs) by the immediate Assembly.

    Speaker Kunle Oluomo charged the affected chairmen to ensure proper accountability of all financial dealings in their respective councils.

    The Assembly’s directive was consequent upon the passage of a resolution titled “HR No./043/ OG/2019- Report of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Respect of the suspended Political office Holders in all the Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas across the State.”

    The passage of the resolution came shortly after Hon. Akeem Balogun presented his Committee’s report and moved the motion for its adoption, which was seconded by Bolanle Ajayi and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote.

    The report states in part: ” following the receipt of various petitions on allegations of financial misappropriation and non performance leveled against the Chairmen of the 57 Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the State, the 8th Legislature via House Resolution 018/2019 on Friday, 31st May, 2019 suspended all political office holders in all the Local Government Councils and LCDAs in the State.”

    The Assembly noted that after its various investigations, it discovered that: “All the Local Government and LCDAs were short changed in terms of allocation from the Federation Account by the immediate past administration in the State. It was detected that each of the local government councils and LCDAs only obtained the sum of twelve million Naira (N12m) each, paid in six months instalments for the entire period of thirty (30) months under review.

    Read Also: An urgent plea to Ogun State government

    “Majority of the Chairmen were found guilty of complacency and docility in the face of constitutional breach on their functions and finances by the immediate past administration of the State.

    “Majority of the Chairmen were found guilty of not keeping proper records of activities of their councils and non-challant attitude and violation of procedural rules and financial guidelines by council officials.”

    The Assembly however recommended that those chairmen found culpable be referred to the appropriate agencies of government for further investigation, with a directive to them to put their respective councils in order to ensure transparency and accountability in the administration of the third tier of government.

  • Movie time for Lagos teachers

    Some 500 teachers in Lagos Sate enjoyed two movies at the Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos Thursday in commemoration of the 2019 World Teachers’ Day.

    The teachers, mostly drawn from the Lagos State Education District III, watched two of the latest Nollywood movies – Love is War by Omoni Oboli and For Old Times’ Sake by Chime for Art Foundation and Red TV.

    The initiative was courtesy of the Education District Three in collaboration with the Silver bird cinemas.

    Tutor-General Permanent Secretary of the District, Dr Yinka Ayandele, said the District partnered with the Cinema to help the teachers relax and feel appreciated.

    She said: “This is about appreciating teachers and of course it has the approval of the state government. This year’s World Teachers’ Day is the first that would be celebrated by this administration led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

    “In line with the policy of the Lagos State government to encourage public-private partnership, we talked to Silverbird. And with open arms, they accepted the suggestion to partner with Education District III. This is our first outing whereby teachers would experience some stress-free moments outside the classrooms, schools in a comfortable environment. In fact they are providing not only the film show for 500 teachers, they are also providing refreshments for them for free.”

    Read Also: Lagos schools get classrooms, computers

    While waiting for movies, the excited teachers thanked the organisers for the initiative which not only provided an opportunity to relax but reconnect with fellow teachers they had not seen in ages.
    Julius Ogunleye, NUT Chairman, Epe branch, praised the organisers for the initiative.

    He said: “Today is a memorable day for us; because teachers need to be appreciated. Teaching is a stressful profession. We need a day to celebrate ourselves and make ourselves relaxed.

    “The idea of the movies came from our TGPS. She made us to understand that before this day we have been in the classroom stressing ourselves so we should do things that would make us relax.”

  • Ortom queries aide for naming streets after him

    Benue Governor Samuel Ortom has queried the General Manager of the Benue State Urban Development Board for renaming Ahmadu Bellow way, Gboko after him.

    He also directed the board to immediately stop the renaming of major streets in Gboko and dismantle the name plates mounted on the affected streets.

    The governor further directed the General Manager to explain within 24 hours why the agency embarked on the renaming of major streets.

    Read Also: Governor Ortom’s aide dies

    The Nation gathered that the General Manger renamed the popular Alhmadu Bello way Gboko to Samuel Ortom street, drawing criticism on social media.

    The widespread criticism was said to have attracted the attention of Ortom, who requested for explanation.

  • Ex-Perm Sec jailed for N14.1m SURE-P fraud

    Clement Illoh, an ex-Federal Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity was on Thursday sentenced to five years in prison over N14.1million Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) fraud.

    Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of an Ikeja Special Offences Court passed the sentence after convicting Illoh on count of stealing by conversion of public property.

    The judge also ordered forfeiture of the stolen N14 million SURE-P fund by the convict into the coffers of the Federal Government.

    “It is unfortunate that a senior officer found himself in this predicament. A public officer has no right to steal from public funds.

    “I therefore sentence the defendant to five years imprisonment without an option of fine.

    “He should serve his sentence at the Ikoyi Prisons,” she said.

    Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, the lead prosecuting counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had urged the court to sentence Illoh to seven-years in prison.

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    “Each of the two charges stipulates a sentence of three years in prison, I urge the court to sentence the defendant to seven-years in prison according to Section 280 of the Criminal Law,” Oyedepo said.

    Responding to Oyedepo’s submission, Justice Taiwo said: “The court is of the discretion as regards sentencing.

    “Therefore, the court has the discretion of reducing the sentence from seven-years to five-years.

    “The sum of N3.5million withdrawn by the defendant and the sum of N10.5million recovered by the EFCC shall be refunded into the Consolidated Revenue Fund Account of the federation.”

    NAN reports that the convict was arraigned on Oct. 16, 2017 by the EFCC on a three-count charge bordering on stealing by conversion of property to the tune of N14.1 million.

    The EFCC closed its case against the convict on May 16, 2018 with four prosecution witnesses testifying.

    Two witnesses including Illoh testified for the defence.

    According to the anti-graft agency, Illoh was responsible for supervising numerous programmes including SURE-P during which he awarded fictitious contracts to himself via his company and friends

    The convict was said to have diverted SURE-P funds sourced from NIMASA.

    The offences contravene Sections 279 (1), (b) and 285 (6) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. (NAN)