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Summit: Kim Sends Letter To Trump

'Dotun Akintomide
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Summit: Kim Sends Letter To Trump

A senior North Korean official will on Friday  hand over a letter from the country’s leader Kim Jong Un to U.S. President Donald Trump.

This is in a rare visit to the White House as the two sides try to put a derailed summit meeting back on track

Trump hopes to meet Kim in Singapore on June 12 and pressure him to give up his nuclear weapons, although he conceded on Thursday that might require more rounds of direct negotiations.

“I’d like to see it done in one meeting,” Trump told Reuters. “But often times that’s not the way deals work.

“There’s a very good chance that it won’t be done in one meeting or two meetings or three meetings. But it’ll get done at some point.” he added

Leading the delegation to the White House on Friday is Kim Yong Chol, a close aide of Kim Jong Un.

Police IG, Ibrahim Idris Drags Saraki, Senate To court Over Summon

Hamilton Nwosa
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Police IG, Ibrahim Idris Drags Saraki, Senate To court Over Summon

The hide-and-seek between the Senate and the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has taken a legal dimension, with a suit by the latter challenging his summons by the Senate.

In a suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/ 457/2018, the police boss is seeking an injunctive order of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court restraining the Senate and the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, their assigns, agents or any committees from insisting that he must appear before the upper legislative chamber in person, to the exclusion of any of his subordinate officers.

Meanwhile, the legal team to the Senate President, in a counter-affidavit, accused the IGP of using the court to avoid honouring the invitation.

On why he could not honour the Senate’s invitation in person, the IGP said he had been directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to be among the presidential entourage embarking on a two-day official trip to Bauchi State and, therefore, on the said April 26, 2018, he was in Bauchi State on the presidential directive.

“That as a result of the above development, he then directed and delegated the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Operations, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State, who had adequate knowledge of the two subject matters, which the Senate required briefing, to appear before the Senate on April 26, 2018 on his behalf,” the suit explained.

However, the plaintiff told the court that the Senate refused the appearance of the aforesaid officers.

Besides, Idris, in the suit filed by his counsel, Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, urged the court to declare that the letters inviting him by the Senate dated April 25, 2018, and April 26, 2018, relating to pending criminal proceedings against Senator Dino Melaye in court of law was beyond its powers under Section 88 of the 1999 Constitution and same is contrary to the Senate Standing Order, 2015 and the provision of Section 6(6) (b) of the 1999 Cconstitution, and therefore null, void and of no effect.

N359m Fraud: Etukudoh Challenges Forfeiture Of Properties To FG

Hamilton Nwosa
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N359m Fraud: Etukudoh Challenges Forfeiture Of Properties To FG

Justice D.D. Longi of the Plateau State High Court has adjourned hearing on an application by the Provost of Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Dr Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudoh, seeking the discharge of an interim forfeiture order directing him to surrender to the Federal Government properties allegedly purchased with stolen FSMLT funds.
Properties forfeited are: A duplex situated at No 1 Senator John Mbatu Crescent (Plot 240) Andi Kan Beulah Estate, Phase 2, Kafe, Abuja, four flats situated at No 2 Edem Urua Road, Off Nudo Udoma Avenue, Itam Ikot Ebia Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a parcel of land measuring 4,183.560 square meters situated at Ediene Ikot Obio Imo, Abak Road, Uyo, and another parcel of land measuring 2,657.686 square meters at Defarmco Street, Eniong Offot, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
The application for vacation of the forfeiture order was brought before the court by Etukudoh’s counsel, Solomon Umoh, SAN, who further brought to the attention of the court a pending motion on notice filed by the defence on April 5, 2018 directing the prosecution to make available outstanding documents in their custody including tenders board file, store ledgers, payment certificates and vouchers, evaluation reports retrieved from the FSMLT, as well as, Etukudoh’s international passports.
Presenting the prosecution’s counter claims in affidavits dated May 30, 2018, prosecution counsel, Samuel Okeleke, noted that most of the documents requested for were not in the Commission’s custody.
Okeleke maintained that the current retention of the first defendant’s passport was necessary to prove some counts in the charge, explaining that documents retrieved during investigations had been returned to the school over a year ago, except for three store ledgers which the school was yet to delegate an officer to receive.
The embattled FSMLT Provost was first arraigned in May 2016 alongside Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, FSMLT; Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Board, FSMLT; Goodluck Echewa, a contractor of FSMLT and a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Esio Udoh, also a contractor of FSMLT,before Justice Y.G. Dakwak on a 15-count charge of conspiracy, diversion for funds and official corruption preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
The matter was adjourned on April 12, 2018 to today for the continued cross examination of the prosecution’s first witness, Ethel Ekam.
Ekam, a former staff of the FSMLT, during cross examination noted that she was not in a position to know “how things were sold, bought and how the school was running”.
“Since I was not part of the tenders board of the school and I was not participating in the management, I was not in a position to know these things.”
Ekam maintained that she had never travelled to Ethiopia or the United Kingdom for any professional trainings. “I do not know if I was nominated because I never saw the nominations,” she said.
She added, “The first time I saw the petition against the Provost was in the EFCC office. After reading through it, I adopted it as the true situation of things in the school at that time. I had complained that we never had enough reagents to work with.”
Umoh, SAN, was unable to pose questions to her regarding the contents of the petition, as he did not have a copy to tender to the court.
Earlier in proceedings, prosecution counsel, Samuel Okeleke, in an application dated February 27, 2018, sought leave of the court to file additional witnesses, who had been earlier subpoenaed to tender evidence before the court.
The application was countered by Umoh, SAN, who argued that the prosecution should be restrained from springing surprises on the defense. According to him, “Investigation has already been concluded. The prosecution cannot be bringing new witnesses at this point without laying proper foundation.”
Responding, counsel to the prosecution, Okeleke drew to the attention of the court to paragraph 4a-h of the affidavit in support of his application, noting that, “copies of the documents which the witnesses were subpoenaed to bring are already in proof of evidence which had been served on the defence since 2015”. He therefore urged the court to discountenance the defence’s submission.
Justice Longi adjourned hearing on all applications filed to a later date and adjourned the matter to June 1, 2018 for the continued cross examination of the PW1.

Obaseki Dismisses Entire Staff Of College Of Agriculture

'Dotun Akintomide
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Obaseki Dismisses Entire Staff Of College Of Agriculture

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State on Thursday announced the sack of the entire staff of the state-owned College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the state.

The 37-year-old institution was established by the civilian administration of the late Prof. Ambrose Ali. It was shut down by a military governor, but later reopened by the Lucky Igbinedion administration in 2001.

The school, which offers Ordinary Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Agricultural Technology, Animal Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Extension and Management was in August, 2017 temporarily shut down by the Godwin Obaseki-led government, promising to revamp the institution.

Obaseki said the college was closed down because of poor standards, which is not befitting of a College of Agriculture worth its salt.

“I shut down the school to enable me invest money and bring it up to standard. I will revamp the school so that the graduates will be employable,” the governor explained.

He disclosed that he is in talks with Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc; Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), and PRESCO Plc to join hands with his administration to revamp the institution, help train students and provide them with employment.

“I will provide allowances to the 261 students in the school and send them to farms for industrial training,” he added.

The termination of the appointment of all the staff members was contained in letters by the state government signed by the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Monday Osaigbovo, and dated May 25, 2018.

In the letter titled, ‘Restructuring of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi,’ the commissioner stated that following the restructuring of the college and subsequent closure, government has decided to terminate the services of all the staff with effect from January 31, 2018.

“I am directed to refer to the above mentioned subject and to inform you that following the restructuring of the College of Agriculture, Iguoriakhi, and its subsequent closure, government has decided that your services are no longer required with effect from 31st January, 2018.

“You are requested to handover all government properties in your possession to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, immediately.

“Furthermore, I am to add that in line with your terms of engagement, your cheque for January 2018 monthly salary with one month in lieu of notice is herewith attached.”

The staff, in a peaceful protest to the Oba of Benin palace, said their sack did not follow due process.

They stressed that more than 400 staff members that are in the nominal pay roll of the institution, including the provost, were affected by the sack.

They also took a copy of their protest letter to the state House of Assembly for onward transmission to the Speaker of the House, Kabiru Adjoto.

They opined that there was no consultation with staff of the institution on the restructuring process, neither was there any option of redeployment of staff to other ministries or institutions before the mass sack was implemented by the state government.

According to them, “There was no due process followed by the governor in relieving us of our duties as permanent or confirmed staff in public service, as this contravenes the provisions of the public service rules.

“By record of service, majority of the staff members had put up to a minimum of 10 years in service while others had put in almost 20 years.

“And since the governor visited the school on August 7, 2017, and its subsequent temporary closure, till date, there is no evidence of any form of infrastructure improvement or administrative restructuring by the governor, who had promised to have these done in six months during his visit.”

17m Africans Migrate For Greener Pastures

'Dotun Akintomide
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17m Africans Migrate For Greener Pastures

No fewer than 17 million Africans left the continent in 2017 in search of greener pastures, a new report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said.

The ‘Economic Development in Africa’ report also said 5.5 million people moved to Africa from other continents while some 19 million international migrants moved within Africa.

“Overall, some 19 million international migrants moved within Africa, and 17 million Africans left the continent during last year. The continent was also the destination for about 5.5 million people from outside,” the report found.

It said the large-scale migration of people within Africa tended to boost growth and lifted the continent’s whole economy, urging the world to dispel misconceptions and “harmful narratives” targeting migration.

The report also said cross-border movement offered “a chance for a better life, with the social and economic benefits extending to both source and destination countries, as well as future generations”.

Mukhisa Kituyi, the Secretary-General of (UNCTAD), said at the launching the report: “Our analysis shows this to be true for millions of African migrants and their families”.

Kituyi added that public perception, “particularly as it relates to international African migration, is rife with misconceptions that have become part of a divisive, misleading and harmful narrative.”

The report said remittances travelling back home from migrant workers both outside and inside Africa rose – on average – from 38.4 billion dollars between 2005 to 2007, to 64.9 billion dollars, during the two-year period up to the end of 2016.

According to the report, therefore, remittances accounted for over half of the capital flows within the continent.

Likewise, migrants contributed nearly 20 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Côte d’Ivoire according to figures from 2008, and 13 per cent in Rwanda (2012 figures).

Junior Davis, the lead author of the report, said it provided evidence of the “intimate correlation” between migration and trade – two sides of the same coin.

“Africa is on the cusp of tremendous change,” he said, noting the recently agreed African Continental Free Trade Area and the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons.

“In this context the report contributes to a better understanding of the implications of intra-African migration for the continent’s socio-economic transformation,” Davis added.

However, alongside the numbers of migrants moving and working within Africa, the continent also has some of the highest number of people forced from their homes due to conflict or natural disasters.

On top of the development gains lost at home, there is a significant economic and social burden faced by host countries, leaving many migrants dependent on international humanitarian aid, the report stated. (NAN)

NPO, Buhari, Others Grieve Passage Of Aboderin

'Dotun Akintomide
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NPO, Buhari, Others Grieve Passage Of Aboderin

By ‘Dotun Akintomide

The Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), led by Prince Nduka Obaigbena has joined many prominent Nigerians to grieve the sudden death of the Chairman of Punch Newspapers, Wale Aboderin who died Thursday during a heart surgery.

Other prominent figures who had issued official statement to mourn Aboderin’s demise include President Muhammadu Buhari; APC national leader, Bola Tinubu; and Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement sent to The New Diplomat the NPO, consisting of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)  and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said it was saddened by the news of the untimely death of the Chairman of the Punch Group of Newspapers.

“Wale , a consummate sport enthusiast, was jovial, amiable  and  easy going. His death is a big blow, not just to the Punch Group, but to the entire media  landscape of Nigeria and Africa”, said Obaigbena on Thursday.

“We offer  our condolences to the Aboderin family and the Punch Group”, Obaigbena added.

President Buhari had led the outpouring of condolences in a statement by  Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Thursday.

President Buhari commiserated with all members of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the media and sports industry in the country on the death of the respected entrepreneur and philanthropist.

The President believed that Aboderin, who was greatly admired by his peers in the media and sports industry, would be long remembered for his resourcefulness, managerial proficiency and invaluable contributions to the growth of these sectors.

National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has huge investments in the media, described Aboderin’s death  as a huge loss to the media and sports world.

Tinubu commiserated with the Aboderin family in a condolence letter, released by his Media Officer, Mr Tunde Rahman, on Thursday in Lagos.

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chairman of Punch Newspapers, we lost Wale at a rather young age when we still needed him to continue to be with us.

“At 60, he still had a lot to offer us but within those three scores though, he made appreciable impact and touched and changed lives.

“As Chairman of Punch, taking over from his uncle, the actuary, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, Wale continued to maintain and sustain the excellent journalism Punch is noted for, ensuring that the newspaper remains where it should be.

“Though he trained as a pilot, he was also a sports enthusiast. He particularly loved basketball to the point that he floated Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation.

“He was at one time the Chairman of our Basketball Association in Lagos.

“His death is a huge loss to the Aboderin family, both immediate and extended. The media and sports worlds, which he traversed and impacted positively, have also lost an outstanding partner.

“My deep sympathy and condolences to his wife and two children. I mourn with the Aboderin family, the Punch Newspaper, the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria and the media generally.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar described the death of Aboderin as hearth breaking.

He condoled with the immediate Aboderin family in particular; the media, especially the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the teeming lovers of Punch newspapers worldwide.

“In today’s world, 60 years is too young an age for anyone to pass on with their lofty dreams.

“Aboderin’s untimely departure is certainly heartbreaking: painful to the family, a monumental loss to the fourth estate of the realm and the nation at large,” Abubakar said.

The former Vice President noted that the deceased had been in the vanguard of sustaining the vision of his late father and founder of the Punch group of newspapers.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan also described late Aboderin a great Nigerian.

Ologbondiyan said Aboderin was  a quintessential administrator and very ingenious entrepreneur, who committed his resources towards the development of Nigeria.

He said Aboderin’s legacy in publishing a credible news medium of the status of the Punch Newspapers remained an indelible mark in the history and development of journalism in Nigeria.

“Aboderin was widely known for his philanthropy and sports enthusiasm.

“He played key role in the development of sports in Nigeria including as founder and chairman of the Dolphins Female Basketball Foundation as well as the former chairman of the Lagos, State Basketball Association.”

Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne  Aboderin, died early today after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos. He was 60 years old.

He attended the Government College, Ibadan and trained as a pilot in the United States.

He was also Chairman Punch Commercial Printing Limited  and  Lukahed Properties Limited.

He was a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.

He is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.

CBN Deputy Governor Resigns

Hamilton Nwosa
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CBN Deputy Governor Resigns

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) deputy governor in charge of Operations, Adebayo Adelabu, will resign his appointment with effect from July 15.

Mr Adelabu whose disengagement notice has already been accepted by President Muhammadu Buhari, has indicated interest to join the gubernatorial race in his home state, Oyo.

In an acceptance letter dated May 24, President Buhari thanked Mr. Adelabu for his services to the country and wished him the best in his future ambitions.

“While appreciating your services in the Central Bank of Nigeria since April 9, 2014, I wish you the very best in your future ambitions and continued commitment to public service in our country and specifically, as you seek to play a more active role in politics, in your home State,” the president said in the letter.

Mr. Adelabu, who was one of the four deputy governors of the CBN, assumed duty on April 9, 2014.

Since then, he has served at different times as deputy governor in charge of Financial System Stability (FSS) and Corporate Services (CS), before his last position as the deputy governor in charge of Operations.

In political circles in Oyo State, Mr Adelabu is widely believed to be the most likely successor to the incumbent governor of the State, Abiola Ajimobi, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

One of the grand children of ace Oyo political godfather, late Adegoke Adelabu, Mr Adelabu has made his mark in the financial sector, rising to the position of Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First Bank of Nigeria Plc. (FBN) prior to his ascension to the CBN.

Before his stint at First Bank, Mr Adelabu was the general manager and the West African Regional Head of Finance & Strategy (Consumer Banking Business) for Standard Chartered Bank.

A first class degree holder in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Mr Adelabu is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and member of the Institute of Directors of Nigeria (IoD).

Breaking: Buhari Signs Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill Into Law

Hamilton Nwosa
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Breaking: Buhari Signs Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill Into Law

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday signed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill into law.

Buhari signed the bill into law at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, barely two days after he promised to do so.

The law reduces the age qualification for president from 40 to 30; governor from 35 to 30; senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.

In his Democracy Day address on Tuesday, the President had promised to sign the bill into law “in a few days’ time.”

The National Assembly had passed the bill last year, altering sections 65, 106, 131, 177 of the Constitution to reduce the constitutional age requisition for president from 40 to 30; that of the governor from 35 to 30; senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.

Details later…

Illegal Oil Bunkering: Nigerian Navy Hands Over Vessel, Nine Suspects To EFCC

Hamilton Nwosa
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Illegal Oil Bunkering: Nigerian Navy Hands Over Vessel, Nine Suspects To EFCC

The Nigerian Navy, NNS Delta on Wednesday May 30, 2018 handed over nine suspects and a vessel allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The suspects: Friday Ojogbeli, Captain; Samuel Chidi Akomas, Chief Engineer; Lucky Okpowo, Chief Mate; and six others are all Nigerians.


Commodore I. A. Dewu, Commander NNS Delta at the handing over in Warri, stated that the suspects were onboard the vessel, MT NIPAL when they were intercepted by men of NNS Delta at Afremo Oil Field while siphoning crude oil on January 30, 2018. The Commander further stated that the vessel was laden with 386,556 M T crude oil.
Receiving the nine suspects and the Vessel on behalf of the Commission, Richard Ogberagha, a Senior Detective Superintendent, said the Commission would do a painstaking investigation to ensure that those found culpable were brought to book.

 

Ekiti 2018: APC Picks Egbeyemi As Fayemi’s Running Mate

Hamilton Nwosa
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Ekiti 2018: APC Picks Egbeyemi As Fayemi’s Running Mate

The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the July 14, 2018, in Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has settled for Chief Adebisi Adegboyega  Egbeyemi as his running mate in the election.

Egbeyemi was picked as the candidate after party leaders met for long hours to consider who should pair Fayemi during the election.

Former Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government in Ekiti State, Egbeyemi, is a lawyer by training.

Egbeyemi’s choice came after speculations by the expectant public spread that certain eminent indigenes of the state had been picked  to fly the ticket with Fayemi in the July 14, 2018 governorship poll.

Egbeyemi, an indigene of Ado-Ekiti, was born on May 8, 1944 to the family of the late EgbeyemiAlade and late Madam TinubuEgbeyemi.

He started his education at the Holy Trinity Anglican School, Ilawe-Ekiti and Baptist School, Ado-Ekiti, after which he attended Harding Memorial Modern School, Ado-Ekiti.

He studied privately while working as a Laboratory Assistant at Ekitiparapo College, Ido-Ekiti, and while working as a bursar at Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi-Ekiti, Egbeyemi sat as a private student to pass both the GCE O’Level and Advanced Level examinations.

He later proceeded to the University of Lagos College of Education where he graduated in Biology and Physical Education with distinction. He taught briefly at the St Mary’s Girls Secondary School, Ikole-Ekiti, in 1975 before he was transferred to the Teachers’ College, Oye-Ekiti, as a pioneer Physical Education tutor between 1975 and 1977.

He later went to the University of Ife to read Law between 1977 and 1980 before proceeding to the Law School in Lagos for his Barrister at Law certificate and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1981 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

His political experiences spanned many fields, including the Youth Leader of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) between 1979 and 1983; a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly in 1983; and Executive Chairman of Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1991 and 1993.

Others include Leader of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) in Ado-Ekiti Local Government between 1996 and 1997 and was founding member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), using the platform to win the House of Representatives election that was cancelled by the late Head of State, General SaniAbacha, in 1998.

Between 1991 and 1992, he was Commissioner of Education  and between 2001 and 2002, Egbeyemi was a member of the Governing Council of the National Teachers’ Institute, Kaduna.

A receiver of many awards, the lawyer was appointed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General between 2002 and 2003.

He was a founding member and Leader of the Action Congress in Ado-Ekiti Local Government and currently a foremost leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.

Breaking: Punch Chairman, Aboderin Dies After Heart Surgery

'Dotun Akintomide
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Breaking: Punch Chairman, Aboderin Dies After Heart Surgery

Mr. Gbadebowale Wayne  Aboderin, the chairman of Punch newspapers is dead. He was 60 years old.

His death was announced today by the newspaper.

The newspaper said Aboderin died early today after a heart surgery at the First Cardiology Consultants, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He attended the Government College, Ibadan and trained as a pilot in the United States.

He was also Chairman Punch Commercial Printing Limited  and  Lukahed Properties Limited.

A sports enthusiast and philanthropist, he was the founder and chairman of  the Dolphins Female  Basketball Foundation, and also a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association.

He was a one-time vice-president of the Nigerian Basketball Supporters Club.

He is survived by his wife, Titilayo, and children.

Breaking: Real Madrid Coach, Zinedine Zidane Resigns

Hamilton Nwosa
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Breaking: Real Madrid Coach, Zinedine Zidane Resigns

Zinedine Zidane has resigned from his position as Real Madrid coach.

The French coach decided to throw in the towel after winning an unprecedented third consecutive Champions League trophy last weekend.

Zidane is one of the only three managers, along with Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisely, to have won the UEFA European Cup three times having guided Real Madrid to Champions League glory in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Zidane, 45, told a news conference at the Bernabeu Stadium he had “taken the decision not to continue next year.”

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was on Thursday present alongside Zidane when the announcement was made. Zidane who took charge of the club in January 2016.

He leaves having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles and one La Liga success.

More details to follow…

6m People Die Globally Every Year From Smoking, Says WHO

'Dotun Akintomide
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6m People Die Globally Every Year From Smoking, Says WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) latest data says that smoking is responsible for the death of about six million people across the world each year with many of the deaths occurring prematurely.

According to the report, no fewer that 1.1 billion  people are smokers in the world today, the same number as at the turn of the century.

WHO’s ‘Global Report on Trends in Prevalence of Tobacco Smoking 2000-2025’, coincided with World No Tobacco Day 2018 observed every May 31.

The report states: “Tobacco is the only legal drug that kills many of its users when used exactly as intended by manufacturers.

“WHO has estimated that tobacco use (smoking and smokeless) is currently responsible for the death of about six million people across the world each year with many of the deaths occurring prematurely.

“This total includes about 600,000 people that are also estimated to die from the effects of second-hand smoking.

“Although often associated with ill-health, disability and death from non-communicable chronic diseases, tobacco smoking is also associated with an increased risk of death from communicable diseases’’.

The global health agency, in the report by health experts, said spreading the message that tobacco caused deadly illnesses such as heart disease and stroke helped prevent “needless” loss of life.

WHO warned that tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke were “major causes” of cardiovascular disease, contributing to three million deaths annually.

It said lack of awareness about the risks of tobacco use was most common in low and middle-income countries.

The report said in China, more than six out of 10 people were unaware that smoking could cause a heart attack while in India and Indonesia, more than half of all adults did not know that the habit could lead to a stroke.

Dr Douglas Bettcher, Director, Department for the Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases at WHO, said tobacco use was falling globally but it still killed more than seven million people a year.

“Progress is uneven in protecting consumers from the tobacco industry,’’ Bettcher said.

He explained that higher income countries were making “faster progress” than their poorer counterparts at protecting consumers, partly owing to stronger regulations.

“In spite of the apparent lack of progress in tackling the total number of smokers, the report highlighted that only one in five people smoked today, compared to more than one in four, 18 years ago.

“The decline was masked by the world’s growing population.’’

On efforts to encourage people to quit, the UN health expert warned that only around 12 per cent countries were on track to meet global targets to reduce by one-third the number of people dying from non-communicable diseases by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals agenda.

In a bid to promote a healthy heart, the WHO wanted every one of its 194 Member States to implement a series of increasingly strict tobacco control measures.

These include making indoor public and workplaces smoke-free and insisting that tobacco packaging carries warnings that demonstrate the health risks for users.

“The good news is that these deaths are preventable and we know what needs to be done,’’ Bettcher said.

He named Ireland and Uruguay as countries that had achieved the highest level of tobacco control before, adding that since 2007, the number of people around the world to have benefited from these measures has more than quadrupled, from one billion to five billion.

NGO Seeks Collaboration With ICPC To Protect Whistle Blowers

Hamilton Nwosa
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NGO Seeks Collaboration With ICPC To Protect Whistle Blowers

The African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), an NGO working on accountability and good governance issues, is seeking to collaborate with Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in order to provide adequate protection for whistle blowers.

The coordinator of the NGO, Mr. Chido Onumah, while speaking during a courtesy visit with his team to the Commission, said that a major focus of his organisation was the whistle-blower policy of government: how to help increase awareness for what is expected from the people as well as the kind of reports they should make to ensure the integrity of the policy and also guarantee that whistle-blowers receive adequate protection.

Mr. Onumah said that his NGO was ready to partner with ICPC on the sensitization of the general public towards the policy.

He listed town-hall meetings, radio jingles and the distribution of  information and enlightenment campaign materials as some of the enlightenment programmes they have embarked on to educate Nigerians on the whistle-blower policy.

In his response, the acting Chairman of ICPC, Dr. Musa Abubakar, who was represented by Mr. Olusegun Adigun, an Assistant Commissioner said that it was part of the Commission’s mandate to educate and enlighten the public on and against corruption, and that ICPC was ready to collaborate with the organisation.

The acting Chairman also said that there was need for NGOs and Civil Society Organizations to embark on the propagation of government policies in order to create more awareness among the general public.

Ex-Kaduna Gov. Yero, Others Detained By EFCC

'Dotun Akintomide
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Ex-Kaduna Gov. Yero, Others Detained By EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained a former Governor of Kaduna State, Mr. Ramalan Yero and former Kaduna Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Mr. Haruna Gaiya.

Yero was detained on Wednesday also alongside a former Minister of State for Power, Mr. Nuhu Way; and former Secretary to Kaduna State government, Mr. Hamza Ishaq.

They have been under investigation by EFCC since 2016, for the role they played in the disbursement of the N750 million PDP campaign fund before the 2015 general election.

Although the four accused persons have been reporting at the EFCC office for some time, in line with the procedure for their investigation, they were however detained when they reported at the commission’s zonal office on Wednesday morning.

The Kaduna zonal spokesman of the EFCC, Mr. Kamaludeen Gebi, said that the four accused persons will be arraigned at a Federal high court sitting in Kaduna on Thursday.

They would be arraigned on charges bordering on money laundering, criminal conspiracy, misappropriation of public funds among others.

The former governor and the three others were at the EFCC office last week Friday and were later released after they were interrogated for over four hours.

Fraud: Ex Gov. Shema’s Case Adjourned Till June 12

Hamilton Nwosa
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Fraud: Ex Gov. Shema’s Case Adjourned Till June 12

Justice Maikaita Bako of the Katsina State High Court has adjourned the case of the former governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema and three others to the 12th of June, 2018.

The adjournment came as a result of service of a document which the defendants protested that they were not served on time.

It would be recalled that, on the last adjourned date, the prosecution was leading PW1 in evidence during which the defence counsels raised objection on document mentioned by the witness which was not readily available in court at the time.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to today, May 30th for the production of the said document and it’s service on the defendants.
Shema is charged alongside three others, Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba, Sani Hamisu Makana and Ahmed Rufai Safana before the Katsina State High Court for allegedly embezzling over Eleven Billion Naira from the coffers of Katsina State.

When the matter came up today, counsel representing the first defendant, J.B Daudu SAN argued that the matter was not ripe for hearing.

He submitted that on the last adjourned date the prosecution asked for an adjournment to serve the defendants with document which was not readily available in court. He further informed that from 10th April, we didn’t hear from them until the 28th of May, 2018.

In the circumstance, Daudu asked the court for an adjournment to enable them do a background check on the document for the purpose of cross examination.

A.T Kehinde SAN for the second defendant aligned himself with Daudu and so did B.Y Kura SAN for the 3rd defendant and Uyi Igunma for the 4th defendant.

Counsel for the prosecution, Joseph Olatoke SAN urged the court to discountenance the submission of the learned counsels for defendants.

He told the court that the defendants having conceded that the report has been submitted to the commission of enquiry, it means they are aware of the existence of the document which means they had time to do whatever they wanted on the document because they are familiar with the document.

“My Lord would recall that the case was last adjourned because they applied to have a copy of the report. By that token, they are aware that the report became part of this proceeding”. He said.

Olatoke also informed the court that the defendants have also conceded that they were served with the report on the 28th of May 2018.

He added that the document is not a motion that will entitled them 48 hours to respond.
It is only a document that needed to be tendered which means after the document has been tendered and the prosecution finished examination in chief, the defence counsels can choose to cross examine or not.

Daudu and the other defence counsels informed the court that all they are asking is a constitutional right, as stipulated under section 36(6)(b) of the 1999 constitution.
Justice Bako granted the application of the defendants and adjourned the matter to June 12, 2018.

Court Finds Former Taraba Governor, Jolly Nyame Guilty Of Fraud

Hamilton Nwosa
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Court Finds Former Taraba Governor, Jolly Nyame Guilty Of Fraud

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has found a former Taraba State Governor, Jolly Nyame, guilty of some counts in the charge of fraud brought against him.

Mr Nyame was charged on a 41-count for allegedly diverting N1.64 billion while he served as governor of the state between 1999 and 2007.

The prosecution, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, presented various witnesses who alluded to the fact that Mr Nyame approved the diversion of of various funds amounting to over N345 million to a company, Saman global, within five weeks in 2005, among other allegations.

Despite claims by Mr Nyame that he never knew the said company, the court found him guilty of breaching public trust after noting that the ex-governor confirmed approving the memo wherein the order for the transfer of the funds was made.

The court held that Mr Nyame is guilty of over half of the charges.

According to the judge, Adebukola Bankole, the actions of the perpetrators under the watch of the ex-governor can be likened to the story of Alibaba and the 40 thieves

The court is, however, yet to deliver it’s final verdict.

An application by the defendant for a no-case submission was dismissed in March after the judge ruled that Mr Nyame had good reason to enter his defence.

Jolly Nyame

#Russia2018: Buhari Bids Super Eagles Farewell [PHOTOS]

'Dotun Akintomide
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#Russia2018: Buhari Bids Super Eagles Farewell [PHOTOS]

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Wednesday received Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their coach Rohr Gernot in Abuja.

President Buhari and VP Osinbajo with the Super Eagles and their coaching crew today

It was at a farewell reception at the Council Chambers in the Presidential Villa, for the national team, before their departure to Russia to take part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

 

Just In: Salah’s Recovery Falls Short Of Egypt’s World Cup

'Dotun Akintomide
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Just In: Salah’s Recovery Falls Short Of Egypt’s World Cup

Egypt’s Mohamed Salah’s shoulder injury will keep him out of action for three to four weeks, Liverpool’s club physiotherapist has said.

The Egyptian tries to recover in time for the World Cup.

The 25-year-old winger is desperate to play for Egypt in only their third World Cup and their first for 38 years.

“He is sad about what happened but is totally focused on recovery, seeing when he can be ready,” physiotherapist Ruben Pons told Spanish sports newspaper Marca.

Salah was injured during Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.

“In principle it will be between three and four weeks but we will try to reduce those dates, that’s the big goal,” he added.

Egypt begins their campaign in World Cup Group A against Uruguay on June 15, before facing hosts Russia on June 19 and Saudi Arabia on June 25.

This means if the Egyptian striker takes four weeks to recover, he could be fit in time for the knock-out phases.

Egypt reached the tournament after Salah scored a 95th minute penalty to help them beat Congo 2-1 in October.

Salah, who scored 44 goals in a sensational first season for Liverpool after joining from Roma, was voted Player of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association this month.

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