The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • JUST IN: Boko Haram kills abducted aide worker

    One of the six workers of Action Against Hunger, an international humanitarian organisation, who was abducted by Boko Haram two months ago, has been killed.

    The insurgents uploaded a video online showing how the humanitarian worker was beheaded.

    Nigerian journalist Ahmad Salkida, via his verified Twitter handle, said the aid worker, a male was executed at a close range.

    Salkida said that he saw the video of the execution.

    Salkida added that ISWAP said it took the action because ‘the government deceived them’ following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.

    “#ISWAP has executed one of the six aid workers, working with the Action Against Hunger that was abducted two months ago in Borno,” Mr Salkida’s tweet reads.

    Read Also: Matawalle alerts on presence of Boko Haram elements in Zamfara

    “One of the male aid workers was executed at close range in a short video clip seen by this reporter.

    The group said it took the action because “the government deceived them” following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.

    “ISWAP has also threatened to execute the other remaining staff of the International Non Governmental organization (ACF/AAH).

  • Osinbajo presides over FEC as Buhari continues with foreign engagements at UNGA

    Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday in Abuja presided over the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) following President Muhammadu Buhari’s foreign engagements at the 74th session of UN General Assembly in New York.

    President Buhari had on Tuesday addressed the UN General Assembly in New York where he alerted the world on attempts to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.

    The Nigerian leader said: “We are giving notice to international criminal groups by the vigorous prosecution of the P&ID scam attempting to cheat Nigeria of billions of dollars.’’

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those in attendance of the FEC meeting included the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari and acting Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Folashade Yemi-Esan.

    Read Also: Finance minister appoints Tanko Abdullahi Special Adviser

    NAN observed that over 30 cabinet Ministers were also in attendance of the meeting in which the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ecological Fund, Hajiya Habiba Lawal.

    NAN reports that the ministers absent at the meeting was because he was with the president at the 74th UNGA and also representing the country in the P&ID 9.6billion dollars verdict in London.

    The Ministries of Science and Technology; Transportation and the Bureau for Public Procurement are among the Ministries, Departments and Agencies expected to make presentations at the meeting.(

  • Senate vows to pass PIB in 2020

    President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday, said that the Senate would pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) before the end of 2020.

    It could be recalled that efforts to reform the nation’s petroleum industry in the last two decades have not yielded result.

    Lawan made this known in his speech while inaugurating the 70 Standing Committees of the Senate at plenary in Abuja.

    He called on security related committees of the Senate to work towards the overall review of the nation’s security both in “architecture and structure” as a way of curbing the rising security challenges in the country.

    He also called on the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to cooperate with committees of the National Assembly to enhance their job.

    Lawan said: “Our petroleum industry is almost stagnant and for long needing profound reform.

    “Our oil and gas related committees, are therefore expected to work hard to take the lead in our determination to reform this vital sector.

    “It is the desire, indeed the design of this Senate that, the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) is passed before the end of 2020.”

    He lamented that the nation’s security agencies have continued to perform below desired standards which is to provide adequate security for all citizens.

    He said that the security agencies require better funding for them to perform optimally.

    “As security is a fundamental responsibility of government, no amount of investment is too much,” the President of the Senate said. “Our security related committees are therefore challenged to assess and review both the architecture and structure of our security agencies towards improved efficiency.”

    He insisted that the Senate expects the total cooperation of the executive arm of government towards the discharge of their legislative duties.

    “The Senate expects the Honourable Ministers and head of agencies of government to be forthcoming and responsive to the engagement requests of our committees.

    “Our committees will undertake regular oversights with a view to ensuring that government programmes and projects are properly executed for the benefit of our citizens,” Lawan said.

    He noted that as standing committees are the engine rooms of the legislature, so are the MDAs to the executive.

    “This is why there is the need for cooperation, consultation, partnership and synergy between the two arms of government.

    “The Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby called upon to harness the opportunity of the existence of the committees in the execution of their mandates. We must have a unity of purpose,” he said.

    He said that the inauguration of the standing Committees of the Senate on Wednesday was to make the Senators fully ready to perform their functions.

    “The Senate received the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), this morning,” Lawan said. “As the preparations for the Appropriation 2020 is on top gear, and could be received soon, our committees need to be ready to perform their functions. Time, therefore, is of essence.”

    He said while the challenge of unemployment is daunting, the country is equally blessed with abundant arable land for agriculture.

    Read Also: $9.6b verdict: Senate summons AGF, others

    He said: “We are similarly endowed with abundant solid minerals in all parts of our country.

    “The oil and gas resources have remained our major source of revenue. Our challenges can be appropriately addressed with our rich endowments. What we require therefore is the strategic deployment of those resources.

    “We can plan and use our agricultural potentials to achieve not only national food security, but also process for exports.

    “Again, our solid minerals sector is largely untapped and we can exploit those resources through the right policies and supportive legislations.

    “We need to also focus on human capital development.

    “It is inevitable that we have to improve government investments in education and health, if we want to create the critical mass of workforce for the knowledge-based economy of present times,” Lawan said.

  • BBnaija: Face-off as Mike compares Omashola to a 15-year-old girl on heat

    It all started as a mild correction during their workout session in the garden, and then, it escalated to a full-blown quarrel between Mike and Omashola in the Pepper Dem House.

    Correction Gone Wrong

    During their workout, Omashola pointed out to Seyi that he was not doing the workout right. This comment was ignored by Seyi who continued his routine. Later on, the trainer asked them to touch their calves but Omashola touched his ankles instead. This error by Omashola made Seyi tell Omashola that he didn’t even know where his calf is located.

    The back and forth between these two didn’t go down well with Mike as he told both of them to stop bickering and face the workout. Omashola however, wasn’t going to have Mike play the peacemaker so he told him to shut up. Mike retorted by calling Omashola a groupie and with these statements, the boxing ring was swept clean for a fight to begin.

    The Face-Off

    The quarrel started properly in the locker room with Omashola blaming Mike for starting the whole issue. He kept yelling but Mike told him to face him like a man. Mike wasn’t done yet as he compared Omashola to a 15-year-old girl on heat.

    As if remembering that this was a week of happiness, Omashola calmed down and reminded himself that happiness should reign. Well, we guess having a movie treat together does not guarantee a happily ever after.

  • Prince Harry, Meghan visit oldest mosque in South Africa

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are keeping busy on their royal trip to South Africa.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a visit to the country’s oldest mosque, the Auwal Mosque, in the Bo-Kaap section of Cape Town. It was built in 1794.

    For the visit, Meghan ditched the denim jacket she wore earlier in the day and donned a cream-coloured headscarf. Harry changed out of his casual-collar shirt to a light-grey suit with no tie.

    Earlier in the day, the couple paid a visit to Monwabisi Beach on behalf of Waves For Change, a nonprofit that promotes surfing and also provides mental health services.

    Read Also; Why Prince Harry is being accused of ‘cheating’

    “Their Royal Highnesses were able to hear how the sessions are building trust, confidence, and belonging,” read a caption describing the meeting on the Sussex Royal Instagram page, with a gorgeous photo of Meghan smiling.

    “And they also got to join in as children took part in ‘power hand’, which teaches them how to keep calm down [and] reflect on strengths.”

    During the outing, the two royals complemented each other’s parenting skills, though little Archie was nowhere to be seen on the second day of the family’s trip (as he may have been resting up and recovering from a little jet lag).

  • BREAKING: Buhari submits MTEF to Senate

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday submitted the 2020 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to the Senate.

    This followed Buhari’s letter to the Senate which was read at plenary by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

    Details Shortly…

  • Keyamo: my redeployment a new challenge

    Festus Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), on Tuesday spoke on his deployment from the Niger Delta Affairs Ministry as Minister of State to the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    He said the redeployment had offered him a fresh opportunity to prove his versatility.

    Reacting to the development, Keyamo tweeted that he is ready to serve the Buhari government in any capacity.

    “On the move again: Two portfolios in two months! Just been redeployed to the Ministry of Labour and Employment to work with my long-time big brother, H.E, Chris Ngige. Thank you, Mr. President for finding me versatile enough to move around. Always ready to serve in any capacity,” Keyamo tweeted.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Keyamo redeployed as Minister of Labour

    Keyamo is swaping offices with Senator Tayo Alasoadura.

    President Muhammadu Buhari approved the immediate redeployment of the two ministers of state in a statement by Willie Bassey, the Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

    The redeployment, according to the statement, took effect from yesterday.

    Until the redeployment, Keyamo paired with Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Alasoadura, with Dr. Chris Ngige in the Labour and Employment Ministry.

    No reason was given for the redeployment of the ministers.

  • 10 successful celebrity marriages

    Despite the difficult celebrity lives, many famous couples do have happy marriages.

    Although some celebrity marriages and relationships often come with news of splits, not all celebrity couples are destined to break up.

    In fact, quite a number of A-list stars revel in having a happy marriage to their longtime partner. The 10 couples that follow are some of the Nigerian celebrities with successful marriages

     

    1. Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

    This is unarguably the number one on our list. These two have spent over 30 years together as a married couple.

    Despite going through some rough times together, also witnessing the loss of a child, they have both still remained strong.

    The couple has cited God, communication and trust as the few factors that keep their marriage going.

    2. Tunde and Wunmi Obe

    Tunde and Wunmi Obe, professionally known as T.W.O are Nigerian show business couple, entertainers, television personalities and entrepreneurs.

    They met and began their music career as undergraduates in the 90s. Revealing the secrets of their marriage, the veteran musician and dad of 3 revealed he married a woman who supports his plans and also helps to make good decisions for the future.

    3. Patrick and Ireti Doyle

    Nollywood actress Ireti Doyle has been married for over 15 years to broadcaster, veteran actor and media personality, Patrick Doyle.

    Although the marriage has experienced some ups and downs, the duo has maintained newness of love in their union.

    4. Isaac and Nneka Moses

    Since meeting on the set of a movie in 1996, the couple has been inseparable.

    They both present, produce and direct their award-winning culture and tourism TV show, Goge Africa, on television and cable networks.

    “It is easy because whatever decision we make is in the best interest of our vision and passion. There is no superiority contest among us. He sometimes allows me to make decisions and that really makes me feel good,” Nneka was once reported saying.

    5. Omotola Jalade and Matthew Ekeinde

    Nollywood diva, Omotola has been married to Matthew Ekeinde for over 20 years.

    The couple has a blissful marriage and are blessed with four beautiful kids.

    Considering the controversies and scandals associated with celebrity-life, the Ekeinde’s have managed to stay off scandals.

    “It would have been extremely painful if my husband takes things to the heart, then it would have been a rollercoaster ride for me,” Omotola said, paying compliment to her husband’s maturity for the success of their marriage.

    Read Also: 10 Nigerian celebrities who suffered domestic violence

    6. Richard and Jumobi Mofe-Damijo

    In 2000, RMD married former Africa Independent Television (AIT) presenter, Jumobi Adegbesan.

    Of course, this marriage has witnessed murky waters based on alleged infidelity on both sides but the love and stability in their marriage seem to be waxing stronger by the day.

    7. Omoni and Nnamdi Oboli

    Married for over fifteen years with three beautiful boys, they are just an epitome of a perfect match.

    The couple who could pass as siblings are very much into each other that they do literally everything together.

    8. Fela and Tara Durotoye

    While she is the leading pioneer make-up artist in Nigeria, he is one of the most sort-after motivational speakers in Africa and a best-selling author.

    The couple complements each other in every way.

    Tara never ceases to use the opportunity to share some tips on relationship and marriage principles. “We have committed to making each other happy and making it work as we both come from broken homes,” Tara once wrote.

    9. Norbert and Gloria Young

    Norbert and Gloria Young

    Nollywood couple Norbert and Gloria Young have been married for over 15 years and share three beautiful kids.

    Despite several rumours, the couple has stood the test of time and is still going strong.

    10. Soni and Betty Irabor

    Soni and Betty are one of the most adorable celebrity couples in Nigeria. They have been married for over 30 years. They make marriage look easy and sweet. Soni is a broadcaster and CEO of Inspiration FM, and Betty is a journalist, author and publisher.

     

  • Lawan: Senate awaits MTEF, budget

    The Senate is awaiting the presentation of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) and the 2020 Budget proposals by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan said on Tuesday.

    Lawan, who spoke after an executive session of the Senate also disclosed that all the 69 Standing Committees of the Senate would be inaugurated at today’s plenary.

    The Senate had on resumption from its annual recess immediately went into an executive session.

    Lawan said that the Red Chamber resolved at its executive session to inaugurate all its Standing Committees at the plenary.

    Read Also: Senate may review security architecture, says Lawan

    He said that the chamber also resolved to await the presentation of the MTEF/FSP as well as the 2020 Appropriation Act.

    Lawan, however, did not give a definite date when the two important documents would be transmitted from the executive to the lawmakers for consideration.

    Meanwhile Section 11 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act clearly stipulates that the MTEF/FSP “must not be submitted later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year.”

    Section 18 of the Act also provides that “the MTEF shall be the basis for the preparation of the estimates of revenue and expenditure required to be prepared and laid before the National Assembly under section 81 (1) of the Constitution.”

  • $9.6b verdict: Senate summons AGF, others

    The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to brief it on the details of the $9.6billion judgement awarded against Nigeria and the  2010 Gas contract to the Process and Industrial Development (P&ID) Limited.

    This followed a motion for a matter of urgent public importance moved by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central District.

    Also to appear before relevant committees of the Senate on the matter are officials of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and professional arbitrators engaged on behalf of the Federal Government.

    In his lead debate, Senator Bamidele, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, stressed the need to invite the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, and other relevant stakeholders to brief relevant committees of the Senate on the award against the Federal Government by a United Kingdom Court.

    He called on the Senate to note with concern that “Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora have become apprehensive while many committees of the Senate have over the last few weeks received several petitions and other direct and circumstantial information on the ongoing legal imbroglio involving the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and, by extension, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom firm known as Process and Industrial Development Limited, herein after referred to as P&ID.”

    Read Also: Senate summons Aregbesola, Dingyadi over Police Colleges

    He said the Senate should be aware that in January 2010, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, acting on behalf of the Federal Government  executed a Gas supply processing agreement with P&ID whereby Nigeria was to supply zero cost natural gas to P&ID through a pipeline to be constructed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to P&ID processing facility.

    He said that under the terms of the TSPA, which had a tenor of 20 years, from the date of first supply of wet Gas, P&ID had an obligation to process the wet gas and deliver the derivative to the Federal Government free of charge for power generation while taking any other residual liquid itself at no cost.

    He said that, based on the facts of the case, P&ID served a notice of arbitration on the Federal Government in 2012 on the ground that Nigeria repudiated its obligation under the terms of the TSPA by defaulting to make wet Gas available to it.

    He said the Senate was also aware that a commercial court in the United Kingdom in the suit referred to has ruled that the Federal Government must pay the British firm – Process and Industrial Development Limited – a sum of $9.6 billion or have its assets to the tune of that amount forfeited.

    He urged the Senate to be alarmed that the UK Court’s decision converted the subsequent arbitral award into a domestic judgement against Nigeria, thereby creating a situation where Nigeria’s asset around the world, particularly in the UK and the U.S. risk being taken over by P&ID or its agents.

    He lamented that the damages awarded to P&ID were “manifestly excessive, exorbitant, punitive and a big threat to the economic well-being and security of Nigeria.”

    He added: “The Senate is deeply concerned that the issues arising from the default aforesaid as well as the consequential arbitration, court proceedings and the ensuing award against Nigeria have thus far been concealed from the Senate and the entire National Assembly.”

    He observed that the principal role of the National Assembly, is among others, “to undertake oversight of all government ministries, departments and agencies or amend subsisting laws of the Federation of Nigeria, for the proper functioning and good governance of the country which power is derived from the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.”

    Senator Opeyemi prayed the Senate to invite the “Honourable Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation and other relevant stakeholders, including officials of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and professional arbitrators engaged on behalf of the Federal Government in this regard to comprehensively brief the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Petroleum Resources (Upstream and Downstream), Gas Resources and Power on the details of the 2010  contract with P&ID  as executed, reasons for the default as well as the handling of resultant negotiations, arbitration, court proceedings and steps being taken to resolve the matter in the overall best interest of the Nigerian economy and security of the nation’s assets at home and abroad.”

    However, citing order 53 (5) of the Senate Standing Rules, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege cautioned his colleagues to limit their contributions on the motion which is to invite AGF and other relevant government agencies to brief the Senate as the matter is presently awaiting judicial decision.

    The only prayer of the motion was unanimously approved when it was put to vote by the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan.

    Lawan addd that the judgement $9.6billion awarded against Nigeria is one reason the country needs to strengthen its diplomatic engagements with other countries.