EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Flag Designer- Son Narrates His Father’s Neglect, Pains, Gains (See Photos)

Due to Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi’s flailing health condition, the Nigerian flag designer couldn’t narrate his experience of how he won the bid to design the Nigerian flag.

But Akinwumi Akinkunmi, his first son and a graduate of Federal Polytechnic Offa exclusively told Naij.com how his father was neglected like a forgotten hero, his pains and gains over the years.

How would you describe your father?

My father is someone who naturally likes to be of service to others. He cares so much about his children, and he is easy-going. He is so passionate about anything he does. One interesting thing you can’t take away from him is the fact that he is passionate about Nigeria getting better.

 

Your father became renowned by designing the Nigerian flag. In the course of your interaction, he must have told you his experience. Can you tell the story?

He actually designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 though it was officially hoisted in 1960. When he designed the flag, he was studying Electrical Engineering at Norway Technical College, London. He came across the advert in a newspaper and he took details and sent his entries. Of course, he never expected he would win but as divinely ordained, he won the competition and his design was accepted by the judges as the best. Though the original flag was designed with the Nigerian coat of arms, the judges made the adjustment and he was given a cash prize of 100 pounds and that single experience changed his story.

L-R Omolola Akinkunmi Alao (daughter), Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi and Son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi

Can you recall instances where being a son to the Nigerian flag designer has brought opportunities your way?

It is natural for me to be happy and feel blessed being the first son of the Nigerian flag designer. I’m always happy especially when I see the Nigerian flag and people talked about what my father did for the country. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to say I feel bad because of the way he was initially neglected. My father taught us to be contended in life and that has been our philosophy of life. Sometimes, i don’t want people to know me but somehow one thing would expose me. But it brings honour and respect when people make reference to my father’s works.

I remember there was a particular incident when I was in school. My dad and I went to attend his award ceremony in Abuja so I missed a particular lecture. When I got back to school, the lecturer asked why I didn’t attend his lecture. He later sent me out. But I went to his office to beg him and he said if I can give him a genuine reason he would pardon him. I later told him that my dad was one of the awardees at the Nigerian independence ceremony in Abuja. He asked of my name and he collected my handout to check the name written on it. He asked if I’m a son to the man who designed the Nigerian flag and said yes. He gladly pardoned me and that was a memorable experience for me.

Another instance was in year 2010 when former minister of information, late Dora Akinluyi called me to say my dad would be honored. That was during the rebanding Nigeria programme. Before then, nothing was done to honour him since he designed the Nigerian flag. Some government officials had once called in similar manner and nothing would eventually happen. So initially, i didn’t take it serious until we went got to the event, took pictures. It was another memorable day.

You made reference to the fact that your dad was being neglected, kindly expatiate?

Since my dad designed the Nigerian flag in 1958 and was officially used in 1960, the government did not deem it fit to honour him. Apart from the 100 pounds he received as wining price for the entry, he has not received any other form of financial reward. Not until when former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan honored him during the 50th independence celebration and gave him national award OFR and life time salary.

But there was this report that a particular Telecommunication company gave him some money?
MTN is a non-government organization. When the MTN team came to visit (that was the former house), they felt this man was not supposed to be living in that condition They now decided to bring him to the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire show. They now had to change it Who Deserved To Be A Millionaire. He was in the studio, participated in the show in concert with some celebrities who answered questions on his behalf and he won. For what he did for Nigeria, truly he deserves to be a millionaire.

Taiwo Akinkunmi’s residence

Are you saying he has been given adequate honour or recognition as expected?

Well, like I said our philosophy of life as our father us is to be contented. Though I feel he deserves more, we are not in position to demand more.I can’t say this is the particular thing government should do. Whatever they think is ideal to honour the man, it is their call.

What is your message for Nigeria at 55?

My wish is for Nigeria to experience growth and development. I admonish all Nigerians to support the new government in his move to reposition the country. God bless Nigeria.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Flag Designer- Son Narrates His Father’s Neglect, Pains, Gains (See Photos) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Flag Designer- Son Narrates His Father’s Neglect, Pains, Gains (See Photos)

Military: no amount of distractions ‘ll deter us from ending terrorism by December

The military yesterday said no amount of distractions would deter it from ending terrorism by December.

The Theatre Commander, Operation “Lafiya Dole”, Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubakar, gave this assurance while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Abubakar was reacting to the recent spate of suicide bombings by suspected insurgents in some parts of the country.

He pointed out that the bombings were aimed at diverting the attention of the military from achieving its target in the anti-terrorism war.

“I want to assure all that for every second that passes, we get more committed to fighting the insurgents; we cannot be deterred.

“We are doing as much as we could to ensure that we completely eradicate the insurgents as quickly as possible because we are aware of the timeline within which to complete the task,” he said.

He said the military had already gotten clues about those involved in the recent suicide bombings in Maiduguri.

“We searched the houses and certain items that we recovered at the vicinity, gave us some clues,” Abubakar said.

He said although investigations had commenced on the clues, it would take time before reaching a conclusion.

“Investigation on those that we suspect are either participating or hiding, fuelling or conniving with those that carried out those acts, is ongoing.

“They will be exposed in due course,” Abubakar assured Nigerians.

He appealed to Nigerians to be security conscious to avoid future reccurrence.

“The citizens need to know that security is their personal responsibility as individuals.

“They must be able to secure themselves and doing so means they need to be security conscious.

“Any suspicious movement within the environment should be reported to security agents immediately,” he advised

Abubakar said the military was working on a strategy that would enable individuals pass vital information to security agents without being noticed.

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Crocodile found in Niger presidential suite

A crocodile was found alive in the Niger State Presidential Suite in Minna where the Finance committee investigating the finances of the immediate past government in the state has been sitting.

The crocodile was discovered under a car of a guest lodging in the suite by some security men who came with another guest.

The discovery caused panic among workers at the secretariat of the finance committee, the housekeepers and cooks as they were unable to continue with their work.

The security men were able to catch the crocodile and took it away while the staff were calmed down and assured that it was not a usual incident .

The incident was confirmed by the Chief Press Secretary to Niger state Governor, Dr. Ibraheem Dooba who said that it was very unusual for a crocodile to be found in the Presidential suite as the area is not the kind of environment that a crocodile can be found.

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Security operatives keep watch at Abuja blasts scene

Two days after the multiple bomb blasts in Kuje, on the suburb of Abuja in which several people were killed and others injured, security operatives are still keeping vigil at the scene.

Business activities are still on hold as shops in the affected area are under lock and key.

Nobody is allowed to move close to the scene.

Residents and other passerby are still in shock over the incident.

The Democratic People’s Congress (DPC) on Sunday condemned the bomb blasts in a statement signed by the party’s National Chairman, Rev. Olusegun Peters.

“We vehemently denounce the killing of innocent Nigerians by misguided terrorists. It is outrageous, obnoxious, detestable and barbaric. Our hearts go out to the families that lost their loved ones.

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Sanchez, Muller, Lewandowki Grab Brace On Super Sunday

Arsene Wenger welcomes Manchester United and Louis Van Gaal to the Emirates stadium in the hopes of moving level on points with the red devils in second place.

Second on the table Manchester United visit Arsenal hoping to inflict the Gunner second consecutive defeat at hime after the setback against Olympiakos.

Manchester United bring in Carrick for Schneiderlin while Ashley Young replaces Antonio Valencia. Petr Cech and Theo Walcott start for Arsenal in which is their strongest eleven.

READ ALSO: (Video) Referees Are Responsible For Our Poor Form – Mourinho

Meanwhile Dortmund will hope to end Bayern Munich’s 100% start to the season when they visit Allianz Arena. Thomas Tuchel has breathe new life into Dortmund after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and his side side second in Bundesliga  behind Bayern.

Bayern will hope top scorer Robert Lewandowski is in good form facing his former side while Dotmund can call on Aubameyang to produce the goods.

Lewandowsji celebrates his hat0trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League

FACT:

– Arsenal have won 17 games in the Premier League during 2015, no side has won more than that.

– Juan Mata has been directly involved in exactly 50% of Man United’s Premier League goals this season (6 out of 12).

Arsenal XI vs. Manchester United: Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Walcott.

Manchester United XI vs. Arsenal: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Rooney, Depay; Martial

Tottenham XI vs. Swansea: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Alli, Dier; Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Kane.

Swansea XI vs. Tottenham: Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki, Shelvey, Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero; Gomis.

Bayern XI vs. Dortmund: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba; Alonso, Thiago Alcantara, Gotze; Muller, Douglas Costa, Lewandowski.

Dortmund XI vs. Bayern Munich: Bürki; Piszczek, Hummels, Bender, Sokratis; Gündogan, Weigl; Castro, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang.

---

FT: Bayern Munich 5 – 1 Dortmund.

Meanwhile in Germany Bayern are running riot against Dortmund. Bayern 5 – 1 Dortmund after 70 mins. Muller (2), Lewandowski (2) and Gotze on the score sheet while Aubemayang scored for Dortmund.

Thomas Muller and Lewandowski celebrate

FULL TIME: Arsenal 3 – 0 Manchester United. Three goals in the opening 2o mins condemns United to Super Sunday defeat. Alexis Sanchez scores a third minuted goal from an Ozil cutback. Ozil himself then found the net following a niccee counter then Sanchez added a third with a powerful shot from 25 yards.

Sanchez celebrates his first goal

90′ Arsenal just looking to see out this game in a lazy manner

89′ Arsenal looking comfortable in possession as they look to see out the match, still Arsenal 3 – 0 Man Utd

82′ SUB: James Wilson comes on for Juan Mata

80′ SUB: Sanchez off, Gibbs on

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Lewandowski is at it again. Its Bayern 3 – 1 Dortmund. He has now scored 11 goals in his last 4 games for Bayern Munich. The run continues

78′ Gabriel makes a good challenge to rob the ball from Martial in the box

Meanwhile in Germany, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the first player in Bundesliga history to score in the first 8 games of a season. Still Bayern 2 – 1 Dortmund

75′ SUB: Walcott, Ozil off. Giroud, Oxlade-Chamberlain on.

69′ Cech does well to stand tall and deny Fellani a chance to head thee ball at goal from a Schweinsteiger cross

68′ Cech goes down well to deny Schweinsteiger

65′ Manchester United have played better in this second half but the chances are far and between

HT: Bayern 2 – 1 Aubemeyang. Thomad Muller scores two (one penalty) but Aubemeyang pulls one back

61′ Rooney makes space for himself and volleys well from outside the box but Cech does to push around the post

60′ Martial dribbles two in the box and falls but the referee isn’t falling for his theatrics

56′ Arsenal counter lovely with Bellerin and Sanchez but When Bellerin is fed by Walcott he is indecisive and Smalling recovers well to clear

54′ Rooney is booked for a blocking Ozil who was too tricky for him. The game is looking more balanced in this second half

52′ VOLLEY!!!! Ozil takes a freekick but it is blocked. His rebounded volley is also blocked for a corner

51′ Carrick trips Ramsey who was on his way on goal. A card could have been given on another day.

50′ Coquielin is booked for tripping Rooney who was away on a counter

48′ Young creates space for himself and shoots from 25 yards but Petr Cech is up to the task. Catches well and holds well

46′ Second half kicks off. Valencia and Fellaini on, Darmian and Memphis off

GOOOOOAAAAALLLLL!!!! Thomas Mueller scores for Bayern Munich. Bayern 1 – 0 Dortmund

HT: Arsenal 3 – 0 Manchester United. Alexis Sanchez scores a third minuted goal from an Ozil cutback. Ozil himself then found the net following a niccee counter then Sanchez added a third with a powerful shot from 25 yards. All the goals were scored in the first 20mins.

45+ Offside against Walcott

45+ Two minutes of added time given

44′ GREAT SAVE by Cech. Martial holds off Mertesacker and turns superbly but Cech who he finds himself one on one with saves brilliantly

42′ Maroune Fellaini can be seen warming up on the touchline

38′ ANOTHER MISSED CHANCE: Walcott robs Carrick in midfield, feeds Ramsey who gives pass master Ozil who immediately feeds Walcott on the right but the Englishman’s one time shot is way off target

37′ Rooney tries to lob Petr Cech who is in goal but the legendary goalie does well to position himself for a catch

35′ GOOOOAAAAALLLL!!!! Harry Kane scores an own goal. Swansea 2 – 1 Tottenham

33′ WHAT A MISSED CHANCE!!!!! Sanchez feeds Ramsey whose volley is just wide of the target. Arsenal bossing this game from all angles

Kick off: Bayern 0 – 0 Dortmund

29′ Yellow card. Matteo Darmian receives a caution for pulling back Alexis Sanchez

29′ The Bayern Vs Dortmund game will start in a jiffy. Meanwhile its Swansea 1 – 1 Tottenham. Andre Ayew scored for the Swans before Cristian Eriksen scored for Tottenham

24 BRILLIANT STRIKE by Carzola!!!! The Spaniard lobs the ball over Schiwansterger with his head and takes a shot which is just off target. SO CLOSE

21′ Ashley Young is booked after a wrong challenge on Ramsey who was on a counter attack

18′ GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Sanchez scores again. WHAT A ROCKET after Ramsey feeds him on the left

17′ United growing into the game now. Darmian tries a cross but its way off target

16′ Memphis Depay whips a shot cum cross into the box but its cleared by Mertesacker

12′ Manchested United are finding it hard to get going. Wayne Rooney playing behind United two center midfielders and leaving Martial isolated upfront

9′ The pace of the game is slowed down a little since those two goals but Arsenal still looking dangerous with Ozil, Walcott and Ramsey pulling all the strings

6′ GOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!! Ozil makes it two. Ozil starts off a counter and feeds Walcott who skins Smalling in the box and passes back to him to curl into the net

Alexis Sanchez has now been involved in 6 goals in his last 3 games for Arsenal in all competitions.

5′ GOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!! Arsenal’s pressure pays off as Alexis Sanchez pokes into the net from Ozil’s cross

3′ Arsenal looking the better side since thhis game started

3′ Arsenal earn a corner off Rooney and when it is played it, it falls to Walcott after some bouncing around but Carrick is there to clear

2′ Carzola plays the free-kick and De Gea has to be alert to clear

1′ Matteo Darmian is punished for a foul on Walcott on the left

1′ Arsenal kick off against Manchester United, Dortmund vs Bayern Munich starts 4.30pm

The post Sanchez, Muller, Lewandowki Grab Brace On Super Sunday appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Sanchez, Muller, Lewandowki Grab Brace On Super Sunday

Flood sacks 33 villages in Niger

Thirty three riverine villages in Lapai Local Government area of Niger State have been sacked by flood from Rivers Niger and Kogi.

Fifteen of the affected villages are currently submerged by the flood, displacing residents of the villages while the access roads to 18 other villages have been washed off by the flood. Inhabitants of the worst hit villages are currently camping at Primary Schools in Arah and Dere villages under deplorable living conditions.

Domestic animals and multi-million Naira properties,which include residential buildings, schools, places of worship and vast farmland have been destroyed and washed away by the flood.

House of Representatives member representing Agaie/Lapai Federal constituency, Hon. Mohammed Abdulkadir Mahamud and his State House of Assembly counterpart for Lapai constituency, Hon. Adamu Hassan Abugi who paid a fact-finding visit to the affected areas on Sunday expressed concern for the victims.

The two legislators who are indigenes of the area assured the affected communities of state government determination to alleviate their sufferings by relocating them upland of banks of the two major rivers.

Addressing the displaced persons at Dere Primary School, Hon. Mahmud said the state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello promised to come to the aid of the affected communities following a preliminary report sent to him.

“We have spoken to the governor of the degree of devastation caused by the flood and he (governor) has promised to come to our aid with a view to relocating our people upland. And I know that the governor will not disappoint us,” the lawmaker assured his people.

He also called for the take off of the Hydro-Electric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) in order to address the annual flooding of the area.

“It is high time for states under HYPPADEC to come toigether and ensure the takeoff of the Commission, so that lasting solution could be found to this perennial flooding and protect our people from suffering annually as a result of flood,” Mahmud appealed.

Earlier the village head of Dere, Alhaji Idris Dere who recounted their losses said this year’s flooding was more devastating and called on the three tiers of government to come to their aid.

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Nigeria At 55: We Have A Leader Who Is Ready To Kill – Celebrity DJ

Chocolate City’s DJ Caise spoke to Naij.com in a recent chat and touched on the Nigerian sociopolitical state as well as future expectations as the nation marks her 55th Independence Anniversary.

DJ Caise

What do you make of Nigeria at the moment in terms of political and socioeconomic growth and development?

“Every stage matters and we are growing.”

What are your suggestions for the authorities in terms of how to better the polity?

READ ALSO: Nigeria At 55 – The Naked Truth By Victoria Kimani

“Corruption is the bane of this country and thank God we have a leader who is ready to kill this and so we can see things are changing right about now …”

Where do you see Nigeria in a few years from now?

“We’ve had our bad and good moments and  I definitely think we are going higher.”

If you were to be in charge of a state or the nation, what are the top five sectors you will prioritize/ the top five projects you will execute?

“Power (grassroots electrification), Road, Healthcare, Jobs, Youth Empowerment (Sport).” 

READ ALSO: Nigeria At 55: We Are A Country Heading To The Right Direction – Skales

Wish Nigeria a happy Independence in your words

“Wishing  our dreams of a new tomorrow come true for us…. Happy Independence Nigeria .”

 

The post Nigeria At 55: We Have A Leader Who Is Ready To Kill – Celebrity DJ appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Nigeria At 55: We Have A Leader Who Is Ready To Kill – Celebrity DJ

Buhari visits survivors of Abuja bomb blasts

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday in Abuja took succour to survivors of Friday night’s bomb attacks on Nyanya and Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory.

On a visit to the survivors of the attack who are receiving treatment at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, President Buhari wished them full and speedy recovery.

The President, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, also reassured the survivors that the Federal Government will take full responsibility for settling their medical bills.

He directed his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari to settle the N268,790.00 medical bill of a young girl in the Pediatric Ward of the hospital.

The girl’s mother, Deborah Stephen, had broken into tears on seeing President Buhari.

She told him that her daughter had been shot by armed robbers who raided their home and that the family could not afford the medical bills.

The President who was accompanied by his personal aides and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, visited the intensive care unit, the pediatric unit and general wards of the National Hospital.

Expressing his appreciation of the President’s visit, the Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital, Dr Jafaru Momoh said that it will help the patients’ recovery by giving them a greater psychological sense of being valued and loved by their country.

 

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PHOTOS: President Buhari Visits Victims Of Abuja Bomb Blasts In The Hospital

Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has paid a visit to victims of the bomb blasts which rocked Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Saturday, October 2, 2015.

Naij.com’s earlier report showed that the double explosion left about twenty people dead and many others severely injured.

And after his reaction to the loss of Nigerian citizens, the Nigerian president has now paid a visit to the victims and Naij.com brings you pictures from the visit as obtained by our correspondent in Abuja.

Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, has paid a visit to the victims of the Abuja bomb blast. Photo Credit: Tunji Olusola

President Muhammadu Buhari at the bed of another victim of the Abuja bomb blast. Photo Credit: Tunji Olusola

Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the major opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have reacted to the recent setback believe to have been facilitated by the dreaded Islamist sect, Boko Haram.

The post PHOTOS: President Buhari Visits Victims Of Abuja Bomb Blasts In The Hospital appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

PHOTOS: President Buhari Visits Victims Of Abuja Bomb Blasts In The Hospital

Abuja Blasts: Terrorists Attempt To Mock Military’s Progress – NLC

The recent multiple bomb blasts in the Kuje and Nyanya areas of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is an attempt to mock the Nigerian military over its recent progress in defeating terrorist group, Boko Haram.

NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba

This is the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), as the workers union today, October 4, released a statement regarding the incident which shook Abuja to its knees.

READ ALSO: Abuja Bombing 2015: Buhari’s Government Repeating Jonathan’s Mistakes

The NLC therefore asked the military not to be deterred by the Abuja blasts while urging them to  remain resolute in their fight against the insurgents.

The workers body also charged the federal government to renew it’s efforts to battle the terrorists by conducting comprehensive investigation of several acts of terrorism across the country with the aim of punishing those assisting the terrorists.

The statement quoted the NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, as saying, the terrorists had by their renewed bombing of Abuja, want to portray to the world a false picture that Nigeria is unsafe for its citizens and visitors.

According to him, the development should spur the military on to improve on their efforts to permanently tame insurgency in Nigeria, Thisday reports.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the incident has risen to 18, as of 4pm, Saturday. Hours later, however, it was provided by the director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Mr Opada Balami, that 20 people had lost their lives.

READ ALSO: We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army

In his reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari  issued a statement condemning the prepatrators of the act, saying that he was distressed over the incident.

In a related development, security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has beefed up security in the nation’s capital after the multiple bomb blasts recently.

The post Abuja Blasts: Terrorists Attempt To Mock Military’s Progress – NLC appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Abuja Blasts: Terrorists Attempt To Mock Military’s Progress – NLC

We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has revealed that they have gotten clues about those who were involved in the recent suicide bombings in Maiduguri, the News Agency of Nigeria reports. 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai

Theater Commander, Operation “Lafiya Dole,” Maj.-Gen. Yushau Abubakar today, October 4, stated that investigations had commenced on the clues that the armed forces has gotten as regards the possible sponsors of terrorist group, Boko Haram, but he added that it would take time before reaching a conclusion.

READ ALSO: Boko Haram: Army Discover New Fuel Dump, Arrest Operator

“We searched the houses and certain items that we recovered at the vicinity gave us some clues, investigation on those that we suspect that are either participating or hiding, fueling or conniving with those that carried out those acts, is ongoing.

“They will be exposed in due course,” Abubakar assured

Reacting to the recent spate of bombings by Boko Haram, Abubakar said no amount of distractions would deter the Nigerian Army from ending terrorism in Nigeria by December.

According to him, the bombings were aimed at diverting the attention of the military from achieving its target in the ongoing anti-terrorism war.

READ ALSO: Abuja Bomb Blast: Atiku, Murray-Bruce, Others React

“I want to assure all that for every second that passes, we get more committed to fighting the insurgents; we cannot be deterred.

“We are doing as much as we could to ensure that we completely eradicate the insurgents as quickly as possible because we are aware of the timeline within which to complete the task.

“The citizens need to know that security is their personal responsibility as individuals.They must be able to secure themselves and doing so means they need to be security conscious.

“Any suspicious movement within the environment should be reported to security agents immediately,” he advised.

He further revealed that the military is working on a strategy that would enable citizens pass vital information to security agents without their identity being detected.

READ ALSO: The End Of Boko Haram Is Near: Buhari Reacts To Abuja Bomb Blasts (Photos)

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Defence Headqurters (DHQ) disclosed on Wednesday, September 30, that it had inaugurated a committee to oversee the process of granting amnesty to Boko Haram insurgents.  The committee is to ensure their reintegration into the society.

In a related development, security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has beefed up security in the nation’s capital after the multiple bomb blasts recently.

The post We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

We Are Closing In On Boko Haram Sponsors – Nigerian Army

Kidnappers/Robbers Turn Rashidi Yekini’s Mansion To Safe House

Former  Super Eagles attaker, Rashidi Yekini died three years ago in Ibadan at the age of 48 with reports claiming he was not as financially bouyant as thought.

According to the Sun, residents of Oni and Sons areas of ring road where Yekini built his mansion are already complaining that the former strikers house might have become a hiding spot for kidnapper and robber after it was left dilapidated since Yekini’s death.

Rashidi Yekini celebrates Nigeria’s first ever World Cup goal in the match against America

Residents of the area have already begun writing to police authorities and a source who spoke to the Sun said the  DPO of Oluyole Division has received a letter from residents who are concerned it has been left unattended to by family members or security agents.

The source said: “The residents are leaving in fear. Their worry is that kidnappers and other hoodlums may convert the property into their fortress and use it to commit heinous crime. They had written the police to ensure they keep an eye on the place.

READ ALSO: What Made Okwaraji A Nigerian Hero?

Three years after Yekini’s demise the place had remained unoccupied and weed had taken over the entire compound.”

Meanwhile the ex-footballers lawyer said the property will never be left to hoodlums. Barrister Jubril Muhammed, claimed he had started working on documents to reclaim the house and put it to use.

Yekini’s mansion on ring road. PHOTO: The Sun

He said: “I m working on the documents we need to put together before putting the property into use. We wont allow hoodlums to take it over.”

He also mentioned that Yekini’s two daughters would be direct beneficiaries of their late father’s wealth.

Meanwhile, the highest goal scorer award during the close season of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has been renamed the Rashidi Yekini award, the League Management Company has said.

The post Kidnappers/Robbers Turn Rashidi Yekini’s Mansion To Safe House appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Kidnappers/Robbers Turn Rashidi Yekini’s Mansion To Safe House

Super Eagles’ Player Proposes To Girlfriend On The Pitch (Video)

Super Eagles of Nigeria midfielder, John Ogu, proposed to his girlfriend after helpin his Israel based club, Hapoel Beer Sheva to defeat Macabi Petahwas 5 – 2.

Nigeria’s Anthony Nwakaeme, scored a brace in the game, in the 1st and 89th minutes.

Ogu’s Saturday was made exceptional after he proposed to his girlfriend Chiugo at the end of the match.

Ogu proposes to his girlfriend on the field of play

READ ALSO: 7 Things To Consider Before Asking Her To Marry You

The love-birds were so excited as the lady immediately screamed YES at the centre of the Arthur Vesermil Stadium.

See video below

However, the midfielder took to social-media to express his feelings. Using his tweeter handle, Ogu tweeted: “Thank you great God. Great result and above all she said YES!!!!,”  Ogu wrote on his Twitter handle.   

The playmaker finally revealed to CompleteSports that “the plan is between both of us and it has started.”

The post Super Eagles’ Player Proposes To Girlfriend On The Pitch (Video) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Super Eagles’ Player Proposes To Girlfriend On The Pitch (Video)

BREAKING! Liverpool Sack Manager, Brendan Rogers

The Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers has been sacked, Naij.com sports has gathered.

This is coming on the heels of his team’s 1-1 draw against Everton in the Merseyside derby which left them in tenth position and six places away from the top spot.

The former Swansea coach, who guided the team to second place two seasons ago, could not re-enact the form that saw Luiz Suarez and Daniel Sturridge mesmerise the Premier League with stunning goals.

Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager, has been sacked

A statement released by the club states:

“We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment.

“All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.

“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.

“The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”

Meanwhile, rumours are rife that

The post BREAKING! Liverpool Sack Manager, Brendan Rogers appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

BREAKING! Liverpool Sack Manager, Brendan Rogers

SAD! Check Out What This B’Haram Member Did To Police Officer For Confronting Him

For daring to question his presence beside a police station in Niger state, a suicide bomber has reportedly detonated his explosives and killed a policeman in the process.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack in which other civilians were injured in the state, it is believed that the Boko Haram insurgents are responsible for the gruesome act.

Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau

READ ALSO: Abuja Bomb Blast: United States Of America Set To Defeat Boko Haram In Nigeria

According to Today.ng, Aboubacar Halilou, a resident of the area, said that he was coming out his house in the town of Diffa around 8 am when he saw four young men walk past.

He said: “They had their hands on their stomachs, walking in the rain in the direction of the police station.

“A police officer tried to approach these young men before they arrived at the station but when he came closer one of the men detonated his explosive. The three others started to flee, and another officer who was there shot and killed one of them at the scene. The two others ran in an effort to reach town. There was a real chase but the officers finally caught them.”

This attack is coming on a day when the Islamist sect bombed Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, killing many people in the process.

The post SAD! Check Out What This B’Haram Member Did To Police Officer For Confronting Him appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

SAD! Check Out What This B’Haram Member Did To Police Officer For Confronting Him

Femi Fani-Kayode Writes Amazing Piece To His Fiancee, Precious Chikwendu

Olufemi Olu-Kayode, former minister of aviation has showered his beautiful girlfriend, Precious Chikwendu with praise in his letter to her titled ‘Snow White’.

In the piece titled after Precious’ nickname, the former minister tells how happy he is to have her in his life.

“From the hills of Ohafia and the valleys of Abriba comes you that makes me smile. From the forests of Umahia and the lush green fields of Nanka comes you that brings me joy. From the eastern shores of our nation where stars shine brightly and from whence comes men whose spirits cannot be broken comes you that gives me hope.

From the lineage of those who dare to believe and from the stock of those who soar like eagles comes you that creates new beginnings. God brought you my way and has given me a new lease of life. What a gift you are- not just to me but also to humanity.

READ ALSO: Fani Kayode’s Girlfriend Rumoured To Be Pregnant

Your star shall shine from generation to generation. Your strength and confidence shall speak for you all the days of your life. Your talents shall open every door that you seek to enter. Your beauty: every radiant and everlasting- shall shake the very foundations of humanity and move even the hardest of hearts. You are Snowhite and you shall remain as white as snow from beginning to end. Your sun shall never set and God’s light, not darkness, shall follow you all the days of your life.

You are not just the Queen of Pageants but the Queen of the Ages. From generation to generation humanity shall testify of your kindness, your love and your good works. That is your destiny and that is your portion. Let not the storms of life ever cause you to give up or forget it. With you there is hope- you are Snowhite: the one that makes me smile and brings me joy”.

The former aviation minister, recently criticised the recent appointments by President Muhammadu Buhari. He said that majority of those occupying key positions in the country were from the northern part and that Nigerians deserved the change they wanted.

The post Femi Fani-Kayode Writes Amazing Piece To His Fiancee, Precious Chikwendu appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Femi Fani-Kayode Writes Amazing Piece To His Fiancee, Precious Chikwendu

LIVE UPDATE: Shooting Stars Vs Bayelsa United

Shooting Stars of Ibadan will entertain bottom team Bayelsa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba today, October 4.

This encounter promises to be a cracker as both teams have their eyes on ultimate goals. The host, Oluyole Warriors will be looking to get all 3 points to move closer to a Top 3 finish and secure a continental ticket. On the other hand, the Restoration Boys of Bayelsa will be looking to get their first away win of the season and move up to avoid the drop this season.

Star Players to watch for both teams will be Tope Orelope of Shooting Stars and Bernard Ovoke for Bayelsa United.

Naij.com is live here in Ibadan to bring you minutes-by-minutes account of the encounter.

Shooting stars and Bayelsa Utd players warming up before kickoff

3SC XI: Danladi Isah, Akinyemi Seun, Amadu Usman, Kelly Kester, Alimi Jamiu, Sege Oluwafemi, Ajani Ibrahim, Olukokun Najeem, Adetunji Sunday, Itodo Cletus, Orelope Tope

Bayelsa xi: Japhet Ofure, Tswanya Samuel, Idoghor Bright, Essien Joseph, Henry Ezekiel, Dengi Ebinipere, Bernand Ovoke, Adegboye Gabriel, Kadiri Samad, Okeke Uche Frimpong Eric.

16: Penalty call as Bayelsa forward Uche Okeke is brought down in the box but the ref waves play on.

14: Half chance! Gabriel whips in a freekick for Bayelsa and Kadiri rises high to nod but his header is wide and high.

12: The goalkeeper is back on his feet as game continues.

9: CHANCE! 3sc Orelope tries his luck from close range and goalkeeper Ofure does well to save but gets injured in the process. The medics have been invited to the turf.

8: Jamiu with a dangerous tackle on Bayelsa forward Kadiri Samad, the referee awards a freekick to the away team in adangerous situation but the freekick is wasted.

6: A howler in the 3sc half that almost gifted a chance to Bayelsa star man Ovoke but the defender recovers well and clears the danger.

4: Another freekick goes the way of the home side and the freekick is swung in but its too long for Adetunji.

3; A 3sc player is down and needs urgent attention. Freekick to the home side

1: We are underway

 

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LIVE UPDATE: Shooting Stars Vs Bayelsa United

Finally: EPL Club Manager Resigns For The Second Time (Photos)

Just eight weeks into the new English Premier League (EPL) season, Sunderland boss, Dick Advocaat, has resigned as the manager of the club.

The 68-year old Dutchman had to leave the club after his team is yet to win a match in the EPL. Advocaat was appointed in March 2012 and managed to help the Black cats escape relegation last season.

Dick Advocaat

READ ALSO: Lukaku Capitalizes On Emre Can Error To Settle Tense Merseyside Derby

According to the coach, it was time to give another person a chance. He said: “I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time to turn things around.”

“I want to thank everyone who has stood behind me. This is a very special football club, with so many great people, but I feel it is the right time to do this – not for me, but for the club.

“I have made the decision to go after only eight games as I felt it was important to give everyone time turn things around – like we did last year. I am thankful to the chairman for understanding my feelings and I remain on good terms with everyone at the club.

“I wish Ellis, Lee (Congerton), all of the staff, players and of course the supporters, who made me feel so welcome here, the very best of luck for the rest of the season. I have some wonderful memories to take with me and I hope I will return to see everybody again in the future.”

Advocaat

Advocaat initially stepped-down as Sunderland manager in the summer after helping the team escape relegation last season.

READ ALSO: Southampton Condemn Chelsea To Fourth Defeat In Eight EPL Games

This is coming barely 24 hours Chelsea fans began to clamour for the sack of Jose Mourinho who already told the club to sack him if they want to.

The post Finally: EPL Club Manager Resigns For The Second Time (Photos) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Finally: EPL Club Manager Resigns For The Second Time (Photos)

Super Sunday Match Preview/Line-ups: Arsenal Vs Man Utd, Bayern Vs Dortmund

Arsene Wenger welcomes Manchester United and Louis Van Gaal to the Emirates stadium in the hopes of moving level on points with the red devils in second place.

Second on the table Manchester United visit Arsenal hoping to inflict the Gunner second consecutive defeat at hime after the setback against Olympiakos.

Martial’s second goal for Manchester United at the St Mary’s Stadium

Manchester United bring in Carrick for Schneiderlin while Ashley Young replaces Antonio Valencia. Petr Cech and Theo Walcott start for Arsenal in which is their strongest eleven.

READ ALSO: (Video) Referees Are Responsible For Our Poor Form – Mourinho

Meanwhile Dortmund will hope to end Bayern Munich’s 100% start to the season when they visit Allianz Arena. Thomas Tuchel has breathe new life into Dortmund after the departure of Jurgen Klopp and his side side second in Bundesliga  behind Bayern.

Bayern will hope top scorer Robert Lewandowski is in good form facing his former side while Dotmund can call on Aubameyang to produce the goods.

Lewandowsji celebrates his hat0trick against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League

FACT:

– Arsenal have won 17 games in the Premier League during 2015, no side has won more than that.

– Juan Mata has been directly involved in exactly 50% of Man United’s Premier League goals this season (6 out of 12).

Arsenal XI vs. Manchester United: Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Gabriel, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez; Walcott.

Manchester United XI vs. Arsenal: De Gea; Young, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Carrick, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Rooney, Depay; Martia

Tottenham XI vs. Swansea: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Alli, Dier; Chadli, Eriksen, Lamela; Kane.

Swansea XI vs. Tottenham: Fabianski; Rangel, Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Ki, Shelvey, Ayew, Sigurdsson, Montero; Gomis.

Bayern XI vs. Dortmund: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Martinez, Alaba; Alonso, Thiago Alcantara, Gotze; Muller, Douglas Costa, Lewandowski.

Dortmund XI vs. Bayern Munich: Bürki; Piszczek, Hummels, Bender, Sokratis; Gündogan, Weigl; Castro, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan; Aubameyang.

---

 

The post Super Sunday Match Preview/Line-ups: Arsenal Vs Man Utd, Bayern Vs Dortmund appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Super Sunday Match Preview/Line-ups: Arsenal Vs Man Utd, Bayern Vs Dortmund

Nigeria At 55: Alison Madueke’s Arrest Is The Actual Celebration This Year, Forget October 1

With the arrest of Diezani Alison Madueke in London on Friday, October 2 by the UK National Crime Agency and her international passport seized, there is widespread relief from various circles that this government might be the Moses of 21^st century Nigeria.

Diezani Alison Madueke

There have been various interesting responses in the light of her arrest and subsequent release. And with Madueke expected back at the Charing Cross Police station on Monday, October 5 for more interrogations, the ambiance in Nigeria is lit up and expectant.

READ ALSO: Diezani Alison Madueke Released On Bail, To Be Questioned On Monday, October 5

Social media is buzzing with claims, counter claims and in some cases outright judgment passed on a woman who once served in Nigeria’s sensitive and very influential sector as petroleum minister.

The responses from all and sundry say a lot.

When you are born in a country as Nigeria you start to hear of corruption so early and so often it stops meaning any much to you before adulthood.

It becomes almost an ordinary phrase, clichéd and worn out, because the officials you hear of are so neck-deep in the act you stop and wonder what they need all the monies for. What strikes you again is how much a man is celebrated in society in spite of his questionable time in office. But nothing strikes you more than when a woman is running the show.

Diezani Alison Madueke is not the most corrupt official in the oil sector saga in Nigeria, but from all indications she is not far off. When you think of past officials who, in the past, have been nabbed in the UK you remember Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and James Ibori and you understand that she is not exactly on sight-seeing with the UK National Crime Agency.

In Nigerian parlance they say ‘what a man can do a woman can do better’. With Madueke’s control of the ministry and her ability to license several illegal, undocumented oil contracts in her tenure as petroleum minister, hardly anyone is in doubt of her supremacy.

Her associates are doing fine too, many of them living large from hundreds of millions of dollars off illegal and unsolicited oil contracts. It is no wonder the political killings and struggle for office remains stiff and unending, because public office in Nigeria is more about clearing the treasury than it is about serving.

READ ALSO: Shocking Details About Diezani’s Case, Three More Ex-Ministers Face Arrest

For those who don’t understand the depth of our nation’s mess at present let us quote a Daily Mail article of August 8, 2013 because it helps for further clarity.

Speaking of Nigeria’s level of corruption, Michael Burleigh of Daily Mail wrote: “Only countries as dysfunctional, derelict and downright dangerous as Haiti or the Congo are more corrupt. … Nigeria is sitting on crude oil reserves estimated at 35 billion barrels (enough to fuel the entire world for more than a year), not to mention 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. [She] also manages to pay [her] legislators the highest salaries in the world, with a basic wage of 122, 000 pounds, nearly double what British MPs earn and many hundreds of times that of the country’s ordinary citizens. No wonder the ruling elite can afford luxury homes in London or Paris, and top-end cars … Yet 70 percent of Nigerians live below the poverty line of 1.29 pounds a day, struggling with a failing infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages because of a lack of petrol refining capacity, even though their country produces more crude oil than Texas. And that poverty is not for want of assistance from the wider world.”

It is disheartening, these revelations.

It is tragic not because corruption as in the aforementioned is new to anyone per se, but because only few of us have the real figures or understand the depth of our troubles. The nation’s resources have been so inconsiderately amassed the common man has almost nothing more to live for.

On the one hand, there are thinly-veiled speculations that she will walk free after all the noise and questioning given Nigeria’s past history with officials and anti graft campaigns.

On the other hand, we hear president Buhari is resolute and bent on ensuring past corruption cases are unearthed and perpetrators brought to book.

A publication from SaharaReporters on Thursday, July 23 substantiates this saying President Buhari has met with US Attorney General, Loretta Lynch, in New York with a view to adopting an ideal approach to arresting and prosecuting the former petroleum minister for her involvements in multi billion dollar oil scams during her tenure. The meeting also covered strategies on fighting terrorism.

President Buhari is out to set right the fervent corruption state of Nigeria. In fact during same US meeting, he revealed that ministers under Goodluck Jonathan’s administration helped themselves to as much as one million barrels of crude oil daily, leaving the nation almost comatose.

It remains unclear how this ends or what further investigations yield.

But whatever the case, the arrest and questioning of Diezani Alison Madueke is true success to the nation. Actually, her arrest is so stimulating it is the highlight of our 55^th Independence Anniversary. What will be icing on the our celebration cake is for her to be undressed – every single cent and gram of gold and precious stones she has and didn’t earn, which should amount into millions, she must be stripped of. As well as her other cronies.

 

The post Nigeria At 55: Alison Madueke’s Arrest Is The Actual Celebration This Year, Forget October 1 appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Nigeria At 55: Alison Madueke’s Arrest Is The Actual Celebration This Year, Forget October 1

13 killed in French floods

Violent storms and flooding have hit southeast France, killing at least 13 people with six more missing, officials said.

Three elderly people drowned when their retirement home near the city of Antibes was inundated with floodwater, the BBC reports.

Another three people died when the car they were in became trapped by rising water in a small tunnel.

French President Francois Hollande has thanked rescuers and expressed the “solidarity of the nation.”

He and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve are due to visit the affected regions.

Heavy rain hit the French Riviera, which lies on the Mediterranean coast and borders Italy, on Saturday evening.

The city of Nice is estimated to have received 10 per cent of its average yearly rainfall in two days alone.

The river Brague burst its banks, sending water coursing into nearby towns and cities. Social media pictures showed water gushing down the streets of Cannes.

“Some cars were carried off into the sea,” said mayor Davis Lisnard.

“We have rescued a lot of people, and we must now be vigilant against looting.”

Rescuers at Mandelieu-la-Napoule are trying to find six people missing in underground car parks, emergency officials said.

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ABUJA BOMB EXPLOSIONS: 20 dead, 41 injured

The Federal Ministry of Health ýhas said that 20 people died in the Friday Abuja bomb blast.

According to Director Family Planning, Federal Ministry of Health, Wapada Balamiý, the 41 people injured are in the hospital receiving treatment from various degree of injuries.

He said, “The total number of persons who died are 20 and distributed as follows:  In Kuje, 15 persons died and in Nyanya five persons died.

“The total number of persons that were injured and were taken to hospitals by the first responders are as follows: From Kuje, we have 20 persons and from Nyanya, we have 21.ý”

ýThe breakdown of casualty according to him, “In Kuje, there were two locations that were affected. One is outside Kuje Police Station and the other is outside Kuje market.

“In Nyanya, the two locations were very proximal to each other, by road side in Jikwoyi exit along the side of the second Nyanya bridge and another within the surrounding market, just below the bridge.”

ýHe added, “The number of persons currently in hospitals: In Nyanya all the patients that came in were treated and discharged, in Kuje, we also treated and discharged all the patients. In Nyanya and Kuje hospitals, there are no patients currently there.

“In Asokoro General hospital we have seven patients currently on admission while in the National Hospital, we have 13 patients currently on admission. In Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, we have four patients.”

“The inter agency collaboration has been very good between the first responders and this should be kept up.”

He also said that the identification of victims and the dead has also commenced through morbid and forensic means.

He said, their “relations will have access to the corpse of their loved ones immediately security clearance is concluded.”

He advised the public to desist from unfounded rumours.

He also assured that “the combine team of security agencies will continue to work in partnership to provide update to the public.”

Among the security agencies present include the representatives from the Commissioner of Police (FCT), Civil Defence, Road Safety, NEMA, FEMA and directors from the federal ministry of health.

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Don’t submit to terrorists’ blackmail- Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians not to despair and give in to terrorists’ blackmail, saying the Boko Haram insurgents want to paralyze the country with fear and force Nigerians into submission.

In a statement from his media office in Abuja, the former Vice President said the recent bomb blasts in Kuje and Nyanya areas was Boko Haram’s psychological tool for intimidating and forcing citizens into surrender and inaction.

The former Vice President said it was evident that by targeting suburban Abuja, the Boko Haram terrorists wanted to persuade Nigerians to believe they are invincible, and thereby paralyse the country with fear and force it into submission.

While asking Nigerians not to be deceived by such desperate tactics by the Boko Haram militants that primarily target non-combatants or innocent and defenceless civilians, Atiku said the Boko Haram terrorists have been militarily degraded by the new offensive strategy adopted by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which have sent the militants packing from towns and villages they previously captured and occupied.

He said further that the terrorists are bitter and frustrated that the Buhari administration is now taking the war to the enemy camp, which has forced them into disarray, explaining that the massive territorial losses suffered by the terrorists and the blockade of their weapons supply lines, have significantly reduced their operational capabilities in terms of direct confrontation with the counter-terrorism forces.

He argued that the obvious intention of the Boko Haram militants was to unleash their frustrations on innocent civilians to whom they have easier access, insisting that by targeting civilians, the terrorists’ main propaganda objective was to strike paralysing fear into the hearts of Nigerians in order to turn public opinion against the government’s genuine and robust efforts to neutralise and defang them.

The former Vice President stressed that the Boko Haram bandits were offering a last ditch resistance in desperate move to deceive Nigerians that they were invincible, adding that he was fully satisfied with the new rigorous and no-nonsense strategies introduced by the APC led Buhari administration.

He appeals to Nigerians not to despair in the face of the latest terrorist intimidation and harassment through the deliberate and indiscriminate destruction of lives and said he was convinced, given the sincerity of the Buhari administration, the country would see the back of terrorism.

He condole families of the victims, and his sympathies to the maimed and injured and call on Nigerians to be extra vigilant because terrorists exploit the slightest ignorance of the citizens about the behaviour, characteristics and stealthy moves of suicide bombers into unsuspecting crowds of people.

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Buhari vows to end violent extremism

President Muham-madu Buhari yesterday reiterated the determination of his administration to rid the country of extremism towards eradicating violence in the Nigeria.

He made the remark while speaking in Abuja after receiving briefing from a fact-finding team he sent to the parts of the Federal Capital territory which came under terrorist bombings on Friday evening.

According to him, for terrorism to be uprooted from the country, the society must be rid of violent extremism.

“The defeat of Boko Haram insurgency is in sight but to remove violence and make the country safe, we must tackle the prevalence of violent extremism. In doing this, we will learn from the experience of the international community,” President Buhari assured.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, quoted the president as directing the security services to raise their surveillance activities to meet the challenges of a retreating, desperate terrorist army and for the general public to remain acutely aware of security in and around them.

He sympathised with the families of the victims as well as the families of the more than a hundred others who were killed in similar incidents a few days ago in Borno State.

The fact-finding team visited the Kuje and Nyanya bombing sites and visited victims of the incidents at the National Hospital and the Maitama General Hospital.

They inspected the wards and mortuaries and consoled grieving family members on behalf of the president.

The fact-finding team was made up of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, the Chief of Staff, Malam Abba Kyari, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and that of the Federal Capital Territory as well as the police commissioner in charge of the FCT.

 

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ACF BLASTS AFENIFERE OVER FALAE, ATTACKS ON NORTH

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday tore into the  Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, dismissing its statement  the  on the recent kidnap of former Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF), Chief Olu Falae, by  Fulani herdsmen as not only reckless but unbecoming of a group like Afenifere.

The ACF said that the Afenifere statement demanding the abolishment of nomadic cattle rearing, and criminalizing the Fulani on account of the action of a few, was out of place.

“Nigeria has over 250 tribes and Yoruba is just one of them. For it to threaten other tribes just because of an alleged crime of some suspected herdsmen is unnecessary, emotional and contrary to the spirit and letters of the Nigerian constitution which guarantees free movement and association of citizens in any part of the country,” ACF said in the statement signed by its   National Publicity Secretary, Mohammad Ibrahim.

It said it “is embarrassed and disappointed with the communique issued by the respected pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, after its meeting of 29th September, 2015 held in Akure at the residence of its leader, Pa Rueben Fasoranti

“In November 2000 when some OPC hoodlums attacked Northerners in the Southwest region, ACF did not blame it on the Yoruba, rather it urged the government to arrest the perpetrators that committed the crime.

“ACF considers criminality in any form as a serious offence and strongly condemned the kidnapping of Chief Olu Falae a former presidential candidate of the joint ticket of APP/AD in the 1999 general election which the North overwhelmingly supported him.

“ACF has in the last six years consistently decried the insecurity situation in the country especially insurgency, kidnapping, ritual killings, armed robbery etc, but it has never blamed a tribe, people or region as responsible for such crimes, talk less of threatening their free movement or pursuit of their legitimate business and livelihood. The unity and peaceful coexistence of our people have always been the guiding principles of ACF in the Nigerian project above personal and emotional interests.

“ACF therefore appeals to Afenifere and all other socio-cultural organizations and individuals to always exercise some restraint and show maturity in reacting to situations in view of the complexity of our country.

“ACF equally calls upon the security agencies to not only intensify their effort in tracking down the kidnappers of Chief Olu Falae but also put in place preventive measures to forestall such frequent ugly incidents in the country.”

The ACF also expressed sadness over the multiple bomb explosions which rocked Maiduguri, Borno state, Nyanya and Kuje surburds of the FCT, Abuja last week, killing scores of innocent Nigerians.

 

 

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Abuja blasts: Female suicide bomber’s body recovered

The body of a female suicide bomber behind the Kuje attacks in the Federal Capital Territory has been located and taken to the National Hospital in Abuja for forensic analysis.

Also, as at 7pm, official confirmation indicated that 18 person were killed in the bomb explosions in Nyanya and Kuje.

The government also said 41 others were injured.

According to investigation by our correspondent, security agencies have discovered that a female bomber was used by Boko Haram to wreak havoc in Kuje.

A top security source said: “The said female bomber was wired by the insurgents. We were able to retrieve her corpse for forensic examination.

“The outcome of the forensic analysis may provide some intelligence for the military and security agencies.

“The corpse of the female bomber is already in the morgue at the National Hospital in Abuja.

“We have placed all the six districts in the FCT under 24-hour surveillance to ward off such invasion by the insurgents.”

Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) yesterday confirmed that 18 persons were killed in the explosions in Kuje and Nyanya.

It also said 41 people were injured bringing the number of victims to 59.

The Abuja Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ishayah Chonoko, said: “After the evacuation of victims of bomb blast in satellite towns of Kuje and Nyanya to various hospitals in Abuja city, NEMA has confirmed that 59 people were affected.

“Eighteen (18) persons lost their lives and forty one (41) got injured.

While three deaths and 21 injured victims were recorded in Nyanya incident, 15 persons lost their lives in Kuje with 20 persons being treated for injury.

“Meanwhile the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), Mohammed Sani-Sidi, who led some of the evacuations and visited victims in the hospitals, has assured that the government would foot the medical bill of the victims.

“He also reiterated the need for security consciousness among the citizens by reporting any suspicious objects and strange movement in their localities to security agencies.

 

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How Lagos State Honoured One Of The Hero’s Of Independence (Photos)

Senator Ayo Fasanmi, one of the heroes who fought for the Independence of Nigeria alongside the likes of Obafemi Awolowo was recently celebrated in Lagos by prominent sons of the Yoruba land for his illustrious contributions to the nation’s development.

Senator Ayo Fasanmi (L) and APC chairman, Lagos state, Otunba Henry Dele Ajomale.

Recognising the pivotal role he played in Nigeria’s history, friends and well-wishers of the senator organised a lecture at the Banquet hall of the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on September 30, to highlight the crucial role he and other Yoruba’s have played in nation building. Hosting the Yoruba Leadership Summit (4th) edition which featured the topic Orile Ede Yoruba Ana Oni ati Ola, prominent Yoruba heroes who one way or the other, contributed to nation building were mentioned.

READ ALSO: Amosun Delivers Independence Message In Ogun

At the occasion, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who was represented by Adeyemi Folarin, the permanent secretary of the ministry of information eulogized Pa Fasanmi as a man who has contributed his own quarter to the Nation development and who lives a modest life.

On his part, Otunba Henry Ajomole, the APC state chairman, Lagos said it was necessary for us to continue to celebrate our leaders when they are alive, not waiting till they are dead. He added that Pa Ayo Fasanmi who turned 90 was an example for youths to follow.

See more pictures from the event below:

Senator Ayo Fasanmi arriving the event / Photo credit: Emmanuel Osodi

Senator Ayo Fasanmi (L) and Senator Biyi Durojaiye having a cheerful conversation

Cross section of guests at the event

Bayo Adesanya during his opening remark

Guests signing the attendance register at the event

Omo Agba cultural troupe performing at the event

Senator Biyi Durojaye, Mr. Adeyemi Folarin, Permanent secretary, Lagos state Ministry of Information, Senator Ayo Fasanmi and Otunba Henry Ajomale at the event.

Senator Biyi Durojaiye delivering his lecture at the event

Pa Ayo Fasanmi

 

The post How Lagos State Honoured One Of The Hero’s Of Independence (Photos) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

How Lagos State Honoured One Of The Hero’s Of Independence (Photos)

Mubashiru, MKO Abiola’s younger brother, dies at 73

Alhaji Mubashiru Abiola, the surviving younger brother of late businessman and politician, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, has been laid to rest.

He died around 9:30pm on Friday following failed battle with an illness that kept him indoors for over two months.

His remains were interred beside his two late wives within the family house at Gaa Sabo in Lafenwa area of Abeokuta.

He was 73.

The deceased, fondly called Uncle Bashy, was the rallying point for the Abiola’s family since the death of his elder brother and presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election annulled by the General Ibrahim Babangida junta.

The Chief Imam of Gbagura, Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, who conducted the Islamic funeral rite, said death was an inevitable fate that would befall every mortal.

Balogun urged people to take cognisance of inevitability of death and live as if they would die the following day.

He said: “Death is inevitable for all souls, whether you are rich or poor you must die one day and leave all those earthly things for others who will also die later.”

Grieving family members at the graveside that bade the deceased farewell were Engr. Rahmon Abiola, Lekan Abiola, Jamiu Abiola and MKO Abiola’s widow, Doyin.

Abiola’s eldest daughter, Hon. Lola Abiola-Edewor, her siblings Kola and Deji were still being expected as 6pm yesterday.

Others dignitaries at the funeral were former Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Sarafa Isola; the General Manager, OGTV, Alhaji Ayinde Soaga; his elder brother, Yaya Soaga; Chief Taiwo Sobande, and a  member of the House of Representatives, Mikahil Kazzim.

Before his death, Mubashiru used the occasion of the yearly June 12 memorial to lament neglect of the Abiola’s family by successive governments since the death of their breadwinner, MKO Abiola.

He was pained by abandoned and uncompleted proposed Presidential House of MKO Abiola at the Ibara GRA, Abeokuta.

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Hajj: Nigerians won’t stone devil again -Sanusi

Nigeria‘s Amirul Hajj to the just concluded pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, remains unhappy about the loss of many lives during the stoning of the devil rites during the hajj.

He is already contemplating recommending to the federal government that Nigerians should in future skip that particular rite except they are accommodated close to Jamrat where the stoning takes place.

No fewer than 70 Nigerians are believed to have lost their lives in the stampede during the rite while latest figures say over 1000 pilgrims died.

Alhaji Sanusi who is also the Emir of Kano told Sokoto pilgrims in the Holy Land that  stoning of the devil is not worth the blood of any Muslim.

The Emir who quoted several verses of the Qur’an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said refusal to even perform the stoning of devil rituals does not in any way invalidate one’s Hajj.

His words: “During the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he permitted pilgrims who came on camels to stay in Makkah after Arafat, instead of staying in Mina and sleeping at Muzdalifa.

“So, if the Prophet could give such grace to some people, just to protect their animals, why didn’t our scholars educate our people properly to avoid this untoward hardship and death.

“Therefore, it will be part of my recommendations to the federal government that, if we cannot get accommodation close to Jamrat where the Arabs reside in Mina, then this year may be the last time we will sleep in Mina and Muzdalifa because we want to stone the devil.

“Besides that, if one deliberately refuses to even perform the stoning of the devil rituals, all he needs to do is to slaughter a ram. So, if this is the situation, why do we go and suffer and die instead of sacrificing a ram?

“As is it presently, sleeping in Mina and Muzdalifa is not backed by any Hadith or verse of the Qur’an. So, why do we continue to do it?”

The Emir said, he would, as the leader of the Nigerian delegation, recommend that Nigerians no longer participate in the devil stoning rite, except they are accommodated close to ‘Jamrat’.

He insisted that blacks, particularly Nigerians, were not responsible for the Mina stampede. Nigeria, according to him, has no issue with the Saudi authorities, but stressed that the Riyahd authorities must understand that no human being is superior to another before Allah, except he who fears Allah most.

The Emir, however, challenged Islamic scholars to educate Muslims on how to perform a hitch-free hajj, without losing anybody’s blood.

 

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Diezani: Three more ex-ministers risk arrest for graft, money laundering

•Disquiet in Jonathan’s camp
•How Diezani’s collaborator surrendered to UK agency
•Her business partners go underground

Three more ministers of the Goodluck Jonathan era are facing possible arrest in the aftermath of Friday’s detention of ex- Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, in London for alleged corruption.

Although Alison-Madueke and the four other suspects arrested along with her were granted bail same day, tension has already gripped the  Jonathan camp following what sources described as   threat by the once powerful ex-minister   to open up on certain deals which she was directed to execute.

She is said to be good at keeping records, including handwritten notes.

A source in one of the anti-graft agencies said last night that Mrs. Alison-Madueke is  “just  one of the few cases of ex-ministers under investigation.”

“We have at least about three issues at hand but I will not disclose their names,” the source said, adding, “do not forget that these three cases are outside the matter of ex-Minister Stella Oduah which is stuck in court. We have made our position known on this.

“The depletion of the $1billion in Sovereign Wealth Fund by about $700million is one of the priority cases with anti-graft agencies. There are also the issues of reckless granting of tax waivers to oil firms.”

The ex-ministers are believed to have been implicated by Permanent Secretaries.

They are likely to be quizzed in connection with alleged reckless granting of waivers, depletion of the Sovereign Wealth Fund by $700m without the knowledge of the National Economic Council, and “questionable contracts.”

The camp of the former president was in disarray yesterday following the arrest of the ex-Minister of Petroleum Resources, investigation showed.

Sources said London was thought to be a safe haven for after leaving office in May.

Apart from being a Chevening Scholar, courtesy of the British High Commission, it was learnt that security agencies in the UK did not give her any inkling as she was shuttling between Nigeria and the UK.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Those in Jonathan’s camp felt the ex-president’s visit to President Muhammadu Buhari had created a window for mutual talks and negotiation on alleged graft findings by the new administration.

“They did not know that Buhari really meant business to retrieve looted funds.

“Actually, some ex-ministers, including Diezani, have already placed their counsel in Nigeria on standby in case of any invitation by anti-graft agencies. Their plan was that the matter would be settled in Nigerian court.

“But the arrest of the ex-Minister in London has added a new dimension to the anti-corruption agenda of the Buhari administration.

“Those in Jonathan’s camp were shocked by Diezani’s arrest. They have been desperately trying to get in touch with the ex-Minister since yesterday without success.

“As at today (yesterday), they are worried that Diezani has cut off contact with everyone, creating fears that she might spill the beans.

“The fear in Jonathan’s camp is that Diezani might be given the James Ibori treatment. They are suspecting that she might be tried and convicted in the UK.”

A former presidential aide said: “None of us has been able to reach out to Diezani because all her lines are off. She has also not called to share her travails with anybody.”

 

How she was nabbed

It was gathered yesterday that the voluntary surrender to the National Crimes Agency (NCA) by a Nigerian oil baron laid the foundation for a comprehensive investigation, and arrest of Diezani.

The said oil baron, according to sources, was allegedly fronting for the ex-Minister and may be holding some looted funds in trust for her.

It was learnt that following surveillance and monitoring by security agencies, the oil baron confided in a former Head of State who encouraged him to open up to the NCA on all such slush accounts.

“The oil magnate voluntarily surrendered to NCA because he knew the game was up. He was not having peace where he was staying in the UK. But the former Head of State assisted in cracking this financial crime.”

Mrs. Alison-Madueke and her alleged accomplices are expected to be arraigned in a London court tomorrow.

The suspects were questioned for several hours by security agents in London.

This came four months after Prime Minister David Cameron pledged Britain’s support for president Muhammadu  Buhari’s war against corruption.

Hours after the ex-minister’s arrest, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) sealed off her high brow Asokoro,Abuja residence for a search.

Sources said the anti corruption agency had a court warrant to conduct the search.

 

 

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Nollywood Actress Opens Multi-Million Naira Lounge In Grand Style (Photos)

On Wednesday, September 30, top Nollywood actress Ini Edo finally opened her multi-million naira “Mimz Lounge”, in Lagos.

Ini Edo

The grand opening of Ini Edo’s multi-million naira lounge which is located in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos kicked off about 10pm and lasted till dawn. Aside her friends and well-wishers, the event had in attendance, top Nollywood movie producer, Emem Isong, Uti Nwachukwu, Iyanya among others.

READ ALSO: How Angry Fan Blasted Ini Edo

Mimz lounge, is said to have a guest house and a restaurant that serves both African and intercontinental dishes ton its customers.

See more pictures below:

Ini and friend

Ini Edo and friends

Emem Isong

READ ALSO: Jeta Amata’s Ex-Wife Gets N1.3m Birthday Gift (PHOTO)

Uti Nwanchukwu

About two years after Ini Edo, divorced her husband Philip Ehiagwina she has been reported to be basking in the success of her career as she acquired a Mercedes G-Wagon worth about N38 million and moved into a well furnished N70million apartment, in Lekki.

The post Nollywood Actress Opens Multi-Million Naira Lounge In Grand Style (Photos) appeared first on Nigeria News today & Breaking news | Read on NAIJ.COM.

Nollywood Actress Opens Multi-Million Naira Lounge In Grand Style (Photos)