By Kadiri Abraham

The epoch making event of Yala new yam festival was laced with the celebration of Oja-Ugu 1st Anniversary at Chief Angela Ogeyi Odey's Okpoma home, yesterday.

The event which started with gifts  from Oja-Ugu loyalists in the morning continued in the afternoon with members who trooped from the various parts of Yala and Ogoja in their usual colourful Oja-Ugu official attires.

Chief Angela who was impressed by the magnanimous disposition of members spoke lavishly on their love for her and the organization. She said they are wonderful people who answer the clarion call any time she beckons on them.


Speaking on the gift, she said: "You are all wonderful people, I am blessed having you as brothers and sisters who always surprise me and stand by me."

Members had, earlier in the day, brought 50 tubers of yam, goats, palm oil, amongst other things to support the occasion.

In addition, she was very happy to receive 4 children who have been named after Oja-Ugu, a development which she was greatly pleased about. The babies are 3, 5, 6 and 9 months old. They are Oja-ugu Angela Igberie, Oja-Ugu Michael Ogri, Oja-Ugu Steven and Oja-Ugu Angela Eje, respectively.

Chief Angela offered words of prayers for the children and admonished their parents to nurture them with the fear of God and give them the best education.

By Iorliam Shija

In the early 20th Century, Christianity came to most tribes that today occupy Benue State. While the Dutch Reformed Christian Mission , DRCM began their missionary activities in Tivland in 1911 and to be followed by the Roman Catholics in the early 1930s, The Methodist Missions started their preaching amongst the Idoma people in 1924 and the Igede land in 1935 respectively.

One of the most recurring effects of Christianity in these earliest days of berthing amongst the people was the attacking of people's traditional beliefs or pressuring the new converts to drop their age-long festivals and rituals.
To the missionaries, their activities were simply designed for the liberation of the people who had lived in darkness for ages and any way of life they didn't understand or stood in their way as they carry out this important task , needed to be abolished or demonized . Through these rigorous activities, most of the ways of the lives of our people were lost like the Igbe, Ivom and Amar in Tivland .

Today, many years after Christianity has taken roots and become the major religion of the Benue People, couple of such festivals are still celebrated and observed religiously. One of the most enduring and elaborately celebrated cultural festivals in the year is the Igede Agba, New Yam Festival, observed by the Igede people who live in Oju, Obi and Gwer West Local Government Areas of Benue State and Yala in Cross River state.

The drama, "Ego ny'Igede" depicts the perfect tradition of where the Igede people came from and why they are where they are today. According to the tradition, the Igede are descendants of Agba, a high chief in Sabon Gida Ora in present Edo State. A struggle between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration from that region to present-day Benue state through Nsukka in Enugu state.The history of Igede Agba (New Yam Festival) dates back to the arrival of the Igede at their present place of abode.

There is a rendition of how they left Edo in a very large group but only to disperse along the line to other places . Some Igede elders hold the view that their progenitor, Agba was a renowned native doctor who traveled widely. Agba was also said to be fond of a musical instrument called “Ogede”. From there the name Igede probably came from.

The Igede people are believed to have been led by one Irumanyi as they traveled east ward until they came to the bank of Oyongo River with seven tributaries. The river parted ways for the people to cross after they performed some rituals as demanded by the oracle.

They crossed to the other side of the river called “Utukenge”, where the Igabu, Opirikwu, Anyogbe and Ikwuro people of the present Ogoja in Cross River State, who were part of this migration, parted from their Igede kith. The Igede continued their journey to Ipinu Igede, their present abode from where each clan moved to its present location.

In Oju Local Government Area which was created in 1976, there are five major market days in a week . These are Ihigile , Ihio, Ihiobila, Ihiejwo and Ihiokwu. Igede Agba is celebrated on the first Ihigile Market in the month of September.

To the Igede people,like many others in Benue State, Yam, is the king of all farm produce, so it is used to mark the occasion of harvest and the new planting season. As such, harvesting of new yams before it is declared free for harvesting, to Igede beliefs, is a taboo.

Every Igede man is therefore expected to celebrate the festival with yams from his farm, and not those bought from the market. During and immediately after Igede Agba, families are expected to eat only pounded yam but not the usual fermented cassava, popularly called Akpu (fufu).

The 2019 Edition of Igede Agba falls on Sunday, 1st September which is the first Ihigile Market, but the Omi Ny' Igede Development Association in conjunction with the Igede Intermediate Area Traditional Council, IIATC will be holding the Festival on 7th September, 2019 in Oju
Some of the events outlined for this year's celebration are Andi-Ibilla Mountain Race, Face of Agba Beautiful Pageant, Yam Exhibition, Traditional Wrestling and Thug of War amongst , so many other cultural displays.

So from 1st September to 7th September, the Igede and their friends shall gather to celebrate an enduring tradition. This show of strength and belief in tradition is typical of all Benue people and to a large extent goes to demonstrate the strong character of Benue man , especially the Igede tribe.

This is manifest in the lives notable Igede men and women have lived . Examples come handy like, Late Ochi Idoma , Abraham Ojene Akpabi, Ode Ojowu, former , Chief Economic Adviser to President Obasanjo and CEO National Planning Commission, Oga Okwoche, Former Nigerian Ambassador to France, Peter Okwoche, Host of the British Broadcasting Corporation Focus on Africanews magazine programme, Late Ogiri Ajene, Former Deputy Governor of Benue State.
Others are Dr. Stephen Ijaha, The pioneer rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Joel I. Iji, Ace Broadcaster , Prof. (Chief) John E. Enyi, Lecturer BSU, astute public Administrator and Rural Development guru and of course young Igede ambassadors like Mike Okoche of TVC and Henry Ipole of Radio Benue.

Benue, and especially Igede people invite cultural enthusiasts, sociologists , historians and tourists to come and witness rare traditional Festival that dates back to a hundred years ago.

Iorliam Shija is
SSA to Benue State Governor on Archives, Research and Documentation.
31st August, 2019

Oja-Ugu Foundation is a community based organization (CBO) founded on the philosophy of solidarity, capacity building, social engineering and most importantly, philanthropy.

 Chief Mrs Angela Ogeyi Odey, founder of the organization is a grassroot mobilizer,  dogged and energetic digital politician who has corroborated these philosophies on different occasions,  in a her quest to contribute her quota to building lives and leaving legacies in Yala nation and beyond.

Her impacts have been felt within and outside the precinct of Cross River North, over the years, as  partisan politician. She is of the school of thoughts that anchor their political ideology on grassroot development and improvement of mankind.

 According to her, politics is not worth playing, if all politician can do is amass wealth for unborn generation; she asserts that the aim of a politician,  unlike a business man, is not to maximize profit, but to provide welfare to the masses.

Chief Angela is at it again - she has extended invitation to all her followers and members of Oja-Ugu across board, to gather in her compound to have a bite of the little, God has graciously given her.

Reminiscent of the grace of God and His benevolence to her and  members of the Foundation, which is only a year old, she is appreciative of God's favour towards members, many of whom have benefitted greatly from the good government of Sir (Senator) Prof. Ben Ayade, the Executive Governor of Cross River State.

She has considered it sacrosanct to take a moment out not only to celebrate Oja-Ugu 1st Anniversary, but to also join hundreds of thousand of Yala indigenes to celebrate the new yam festival at Okpoma, her home town.

I am confident there will never be a dull moment in the event, with Chief Angela since all is set to make the occasion a memorable one.

This morning, gifts have started coming to Chief Angela, the Queen of Olacho, from her loyalists and political protégés.

I wish her and all members of Oja-ugu Foundation a happy new yam festival!

August 30, 2019

By Kadiri Abraham

On the 30th of August of every year witnesses one of the largest events in Yala - the New Yam Festival celebration. The occasion  attracts the sons and daughters of Yala nation as well as friends and well-wishers from all over the country to celebrate the cultural event.

New yam festival in Africa is a moment dedicated to celebrate yam, the chief of all crops. In this period, every family in Yala, who are predominantly farmers, either harvest yam tubers from their farm or buy from the market to celebrate the most celebrated product of conspicuous consumption and adorable crop in Nigeria. People who can afford it, buy cow, some kill goat, and some others buy agric fowl to enjoy with family, friends and neighbours.

In the past, when there was little or no suspicion and brotherly love reigned supreme, parents allowed their children to move from house to house, visiting friends in turn, to take boluses of the pounded yam and a bite of goat-laden egusi or ehia soup. This was, indeed, a time when children are proud of whose mother's soup is the most delicious. As the eating progresses, children gather their meat in a nylon bag to share later on. This is demonstrated the trust reposed on one another.

It is, however, heart-broken, to see that the olden days love has vanished into the thin air with years; parents draw the ears of their children very well, not to accept food, meat or any other kind of favour, from neighbours, planting the seed of hatred and enmity in their hearts. Perhaps, it may be due to their experiences, but this is doing more harm than good.

Where is the "Original, pure love?" That love that allowed two men of Yala to share from the same cup and eat from the same plate.

I keep on asking myself what could be responsible for this "lost love". Is it the influence of western  orientation, political affiliation, pat experiences, social stratification (class), pride or religion that has turn us apart? I am yet to find the right answer.

*This is another year to celebrate*. This years celebration has attracted a spectrum of events organized mainly by vibrant young men and women of Yala origin. The major events range from the *Peace Match* at Okpoma, *Oja-Ugu 1st Anniversary/New Yam Celebration,* *Project1000 debut election,* *Yala Achievers Award,*  to mention but a few.

Further, I want to use this occasion to call on well meaning Yala sons and daughters at home and in the Diaspora to reflect on the need to empower Yala youth economically and develop Yala in terms of social infrastructure.

With the calibre of men Yala nation has in government and politics, all we need is to unite in purpose to facilitate the needed development.

While I congratulate the prospective award recipients, who are set to be honoured today, I make bold to say that it would been more honorable if honorable men and women from Yache, Imaje, Okpoma, Yahe, Wanikde, South Ukelle, Igede etc, will drive on a good road from the venue of the event, without carrying mud to their houses in the village.

I therefore challenge them to use their connection and influence to drag the needed development to their mother land. That is the true meaning of political power.

 Time will question their influence, if they do nothing now to transform Yala nation for better.

To sum it all, let us use this opportunity to extend the hand of love to the less privileged and to preach peace in Yala. Life is to short to deny ourselves of our brother's love. Remember, grave is a lonely place where we have no opportunity to share anything - the bitter truth is that we move closer to the grave on daily bases.

I wish every Yala person a happy celebration!

30 August 2019
Following the spate of boundary issues between the state and neighboring states as well as the threat to the territorial integrity of Cross River state, particularly from the Danare in Boki, Ikang and Bakassi axis, the Governor, His Excellency, Sir. Ben Ayade has approved the appointment of Surveyor Eyo Oku as the Chairman of the State Border Commission.
Surveyor Oku, who until his appointment, was the state Surveyor General, is therefore, directed to handover as the Surveyor General to the most senior officer in the department, Mr. John Ada who now becomes the acting Surveyor General of the State.
His Excellency the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has approved the following appointments also:
1. Mr. Sylvester Abang- Deputy Chief of Protocol
2. Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong - Senior Special Assistant, Carnival Planning & Sensitization.
3. Miss. Beatrice Akpala - Senior Special Assistant, Communication & Advocacy.
4. Mr. Solomon Inok, Senior Special Assistant, Media Project Monitoring
5. Mr. Eval Asikong - Senior Special Assistant, Research & Strategic Planning.
6. Mr. Emmanuel Etim - Senior Special Assistant, Creative Economy.
7. Mr. Kenneth Ere - Senior Special Assistant, Digital Marketing.
8. Mr. Nathaniel Otaba - Senior Special Assistant, ICT / New Media.
9. Paul Ojeka - Senior Special Assistant on Information & Orientation.
10. Barr. Melodie Lebo- Senior Special Assistant, Legal.
11. Edet Joseph Iso (la shakara), Senior Special Assistant, Obudu Ranch Resort.
12. Miss Jacqueline O. Ulam - Senior Special Assistant, Executive Services.
13. Mr. John Mpama Odey- Senior Special Assistant, Payroll
14. Mr. Daniel Williams - Special Assistant & Personal Photographer to the Governor.
15. Andrea Ekeng- Special Assistant, Strategic Communication.
16. Mr. Effiom Bassey, Special Assistant, Entertainment.

Related Story: Ayade approves appointment

All appointments are with immediate effect and signed by Christian Ita
Special Adviser Media and Publicity.

TEMITOPE ALABI

The president of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has fired his chief of protocol (SCOP), Fatmata Kargbo after she testified at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) owned by Nigerian clergyman, TB Joshua.
Reports have it that Kargbo was featured on Emmanuel TV testifying on how God helped her get her recent appointment as an aide to the president and how she has been able to complete her new house.

“I want to thank God for blessing me with this job as SCOP to the president of Sierra Leone, ambassador at large and the blessings that come with it. If you look closely at this picture you will see the luxurious house God has blessed me with. I was living in a single room apartment. But my story is now different,”
Her testimony has since caused a major outrage in Sierra Leone. forcing President Bio to terminate her appointment as well as order the country’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to investigate her finances.
A letter sent to Kargbo by the AAC reads in part
“The Anti-Corruption Commission has opened an official investigation into the conduct of the official and her testimony. We will also look at her source of wealth in acquiring her house and other properties. If it contradicts the anti-corruption act or we find instances of unexplained wealth, she will be charged to court and will be asked to pay a fine.”

Gbenga Odogun, Lokoja

The Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye has denied that he wanted to serve as the deputy governor to a former governor of the state, Captain Idris Wada.


In a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Gideon Ayodele, the senator stated that the information was meant stop the emergence of Melaye as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the September 3 governorship primary.

“Capt. Idris Wada lost the last election as a sitting governor and it makes no sense that Dino Melaye,  a man with better idea and clearer vision, will queue behind such an aspirant,” the statement read in part.

Our Ref: GO/PRESS/012/VOL.I/ 125
                    August 29, 2019

Appointments

The State Governor, His Excellency, Sir. Ben Ayade has approved the following appointments:

1. Mr. Bobby Effiom Ekpenyong - Managing Director Calabar Int’l Convention Centre (CICC))
2. Leo Inyambe        - State Security Adviser -     North
3. Ransom Odey        - State Security Adviser -     Central
4. Ani Esin        - State Security Adviser -     South
5. Oko Sunday Ebeku aka Otolo  - General Manager -     Waste Management


All appointments are with immediate effect.


Signed


Christian
Special Adviser Media & Publicity

Abara Etop, Victor Erim.

The Cross River State House of Assembly has granted a consequential approval for the Governor, His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade, to appoint Seventy (70) Special Advisers.

The approval followed a request forwarded to the House and signed by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Innocent E. Eteng, requesting the House to grant a consequential approval for the appointments of 70 Special Advisers.
The House in a motion by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, seconded by the Deputy Leader, Rt. Hon. Fred Osim, resolved that, "the Cross River State House of Assembly, hereby grants consequential approval for the Governor, to appoint 70 Special Advisers"

And that the approval is necessary, to enable the Governor choose capable hands to advise the admiitration accordingly.
Contributing to the request from the Governor, Members unanimously welcomed the request, describing it as timely and appeal to the Governor, to consider all the 25 State Constituencies in the equitable distribution of the appointments, as well as sellect people of proven experience, capacity and intelligence.

Members also prayed the Governor, to consider party men and Women who ensure the party succeeds during the last general election.

 Also at the front burner, was the inclusion of women, youths and those with it technically background to be appointed.
The House thereafter adjoint to continue in the ressess, till 10th of September, 2019.

Meanwhile the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams led other Members to condole their Colleague, Rt. Hon. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, Member Representing Bakassi, who lost the Mother recently.

Williams prayed God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the lost and the departed Mother internal rest.

Responding, Rt. Hon.Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, thanked Colleagues for the honour done him and family, he commending the cooperation existing in the 9th Assembly.
Highpoint of the event was the signing of Condolence register by honorable Members, to bit farewell to the departed Mother.

A former aspirant for Yala I, Cross River State house of Assembly under the people's Democratic Party, PDP, Comr. Francis Peters, has been appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Strategy and Public Affairs to the National coordinator, PDP Youth Alliance.

Hon. Francis Peters was a former SA on Strategic Planning to the Cross River State Governor, H.E Sir. Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade

Francis accepted his appointment and call it as another avenue to serve the people especial the youths to push towards the actualization of the PDP's mission. He pledges to work with all levels of humility, loyalty, commitment and sagacity.

Francis received and thanked the PDP Youth Alliance's executives through a post on his Facebook page, for finding him worthy to be appointed into the youth wing of the biggest party in Africa.

See the excerpt of Francis's post as obtained by THE EAGLES VOICE MEDIA....

"I am profoundly honored and greatly humbled to be found worthy to be appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Strategy & Public Affairs to the  National coordinator PDP youths Alliance.

Pls accept my assurance of selfless serves, humility, loyalty and  commitment to this great association with quality and sagacious young leaders.

I pray this great association provides us requisite opportunity to renew our faith in our political platform that was formed to engenders national identity, promote  integration and bring about development to our dear Nation.

As youths, 'our stories are singular but with shared destinies'. Therefore I charge us all on this platform of the PDP Youths Alliance that, what we can achieve should always give us hope.

The appointment is well deserved, as Hon. Francis Peters is one of the most popularly accepted Young Politician and Youth friendly..

Thank you.
Sign
Hon Francis Peters .."

The newly appointed Special Adviser, Police Community Relations, South South Zone, Amb. Gabriel Egbe has been charged to bring his wealth of experience to bear by partnering with the Nigeria police force in fighting the growing rate of crime in the society.

 This Charge was given during the official  presentation of Certificate of recognition and appointment to him in Calabar, the Cross River state capital. In  a  brief ceremony marking the presentation, the National Executive committee of  PCR said they have gone through the profile of the recipient and watched his community based activities over time, saying that his appointment received overwhelming endorsement of the National Executive council.

 The PCR representative, Jacob Mfon reiterated the determination of the Nigeria police to wiping out crime from the society, especially the South South geopolitical zone so as to  make the area suitable for Economic growth amidst other investment opportunities.

Speaking shortly after receiving the certificate, Amb . Gabriel Egbe who is a Deputy Registrar in the University of Calabar thanked the Nigeria police and the National Executive council of PCR for considering him worthy of this appointment.

He reminded the gathering that security matters should not be left for the police and other security agencies alone. 

According to him, the task of policing the society should be seen as every citizen's business. In his words "Policemen are human beings like you and me. They are not ghosts to be everywhere. It is the information you give to them that they use in tackling crime, after all,these criminals are living with us as tenants, neighbours, business partners or even as our children". He  identified the poor masses as the worst victims of criminality, saying that the rich men always device means of protecting themselves.

Amb. Egbe used the opportunity to call on the federal government to come up with policies that will help rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria security agencies, saying  that recent happenings in the country are capable of eroding public confidence in government's efforts at fighting crime. While advocating for urgent measures to making life meaningful for average Nigerians, the University Administrator said that it will only take the spirit of God to stop a hungry man from indulging in crime.

He said, if government can provide just those basic needs of the society, crime rate would reduce drastically. The appointee promised to use his office to change the mind set of the public, especially on matters of security. High point of the event was the decoration of the recipient with the symbol of the office as well as issuing of ID Card and Police Crime manual to Amb. Egbe.

We of the Eagles Voice blog heartily congratulate Amb Jammy Egbe on this well deserved appointment.

In a video currently making the rounds, BBNaija hot couple, Mercy and Ike have been spotted being physically intimate.

Despite the tender touches and kisses the duo have shared in the past, they did not take their relationship to the next level by actually engaging in physical intercourse and viewers have been wondering when ‘it’ would finally happen.




The self control they have been exhibiting seems to have finally disappeared into thin air as Mercy seems to have finally succumbed to Ike in bed. In the video seen, Mercy could be heard moaning while under the covers with Ike. Check out the video below:



Recall that the duo have shown their disregard for eye witnesses to their love life as they were seen frolicking in bed despite the presence of another housemate, Venita. The pair were seen cuddling and rolling under the blankets with Venita smiling indulgently at their actions. As a matter of fact, just moments before this, Mercy and Ike exchanged a quick but passionate kiss in the presence of Frodd and Esther. This just goes to show that truly, their ‘ship’ has sailed!

Do you think their relationship would stand the test of time?

 Don Silas


Former Real Madrid manager, Jose Mourinho has finally decided to return to the Spanish La Liga giants, according to Spanish newspaper, AS.

The former Chelsea boss is watching developments at Real Madrid closely and believes there could be an opportunity for him to replace current manager, Zinedine Zidane.


Zidane’s men played a 1-1 disappointing draw against Real Valladolid last weekend at home.

Mourinho, who spent three seasons at Real Madrid, won one La Liga title during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 56-year-old has also managed in Italy as well as in his native Portugal with FC Porto.


Mourinho’s last managerial job was with Manchester United where he was sacked in December.

The Portuguese was close to tears during an interview few days ago as he admitted he missed football.

Mourinho said: “I miss my football, I have the fire. The most difficult thing for me is to say “no” to the possibilities I had to work.


“I have to be patient and wait for the right one and the right one is one at the dimension of what I am as a manager.”

The anti-graft agency said this to dispel claims that investigation was instigated by President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has revealed that its ongoing investigation of Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, was prompted after it received intelligence information about her.
The anti-graft agency said this to dispel claims that investigation was instigated by President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.
The EFCC in a statement on Monday stated that its investigations are always evidence-based and always triggered by petitions or intelligence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, investigation by the EFCC is evidence-based. Most often,they are triggered by petitions or intelligence. In the case of the HoS (head of service), Oyo-Ita's investigation, it was prompted by intelligence received by the commission,” the EFCC explained.
It added that the EFCC is an independent agency created by law to fight corruption without fear or favour.
“In the discharge of its mandate, the commission does not take instructions from extraneous bodies neither will it lend itself to be used to settle scores by anyone.
“The commission again wishes to appeal to the media to be circumspect in their reportage and not lend themselves to actions that could befuddle the activities of the commission,” the statement added.

Chijioke Jannah Chijioke Jannah


The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, on Tuesday, reacted to President Muhammadu Buhari’s termination of Rev. Tor Ujah’s appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC).

According to the government, Ujah’s sack is in line with the provision of Section 4, Sub-Section 3 of the NCPC Act.


In a reaction, CAN’s National Director of Legal and Public Affair, Evangelist Samuel Kwamkur, said in an exclusive chat with DAILY POST in Abuja that the umbrella Christian body had no objection to the decision of the President since he exercised his legal rights as entrenched in the NCPC Act.

He, however, urged the President to appoint, as Ujah’s replacement, a substantive Executive Secretary, who would prioritise service while closing the gap between Church and government.

Kwamkur said, “We cannot tell the government that it must appoint this person or remove that individual as the NCPC boss.


“But we can always give our opinion as to our desire that good people be appointed to lead the Commission; people that are ready to serve because some people see the NCPC as a money making point.

“Such people rather than helping the Church to grow and Christians to build their faith as they visit the Holy Land by creating programmes that will bring the Church together or closer to government; they increase the gap so that the church will be far from the government. That’s the unfortunate part we have seen some leaders in such capacities play.”

Fikayo Olowolagba Fikayo Olowolagba




A cross-section of Nigerians has reacted to the N50m donation by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, to ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo’s library.

DAILY POST had reported that Atiku, in a statement issued by his media office on Monday, admitted that his son in-law, Babalele Abdullahi donated the sum of N50m to Obasanjo’s Presidential Library.


Atiku accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration of desperately looking for ways to implicate ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and silence him, adding that his son in-law made the contribution in full compliance with the law.

He also condemned the inclusion of Obasanjo’s name in the list of tax defaulters by the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, stressing that the move was to blackmail the former President.

Atiku’s confirmation has generated reactions on social media as some Nigerians queried the veracity of the reason for the donation.


Here are some comments gathered by DAILY POST from Twitter:

@Surasheethe “The EFCC should be ashamed of sensationalism.how about the bullion vans at Election eve moving into Tinubu’s House? What is the worth of Yusuf Buhari’s motorbike? Atiku’s inlaw donated N50m to a good cause.how about Buhari’s inlaw Indimi who donated N4.8billion ($14m) to a USA university.”

@Johnfanimokun “The only difference between Atiku and the 77 Nigerian fraudsters is just that the former is supported and backed by State Power while the latter have no Power that can sheathe them.”


@IEkulide “Fundraising for Obasanjo library was done around 2005, EFCC was established by Obasanjo/Atiku Govt and Magu was foundation staff. All state govt, Parastatals, Private Companies, and private individuals. One wonders why EFCC is talking about 50m donation to presidential Library now.”

@Omgitseugene “The Atiku’s reclaiming of his stolen seems to be the only option for a viable Nigeria in times like this. There likely appears to be no headway for our democracy.”

@AbiodunOni “Buharists, please I want you to comment because Atiku can’t just talk this way. I want you to fire him.”


@LawrenceOkorong “The way Atiku and his son-in-law are spending money if power is given to him won’t he sell the country and count his profit?

@Owhonda_henry “And that turned OBJ into a letter writer. We don’t know how much was used to buy off OBJ’s support. EFCC should dig deeper. More shits underneath. Thank God this man never won, they would have looted this country to stupor.”

@AkintundeBello3 “No wonder baba suddenly made a Volta’s face! I sensed it but had nothing concrete upon which I could establish my suspicion. But alas! It has been revealed.”


@Femiotuba1 “Everybody has his price, for Obj to forget everything he believes Atiku was in his book, I think Atiku pay more.”

Tobi Soniyi

A former senator, Shehu Sani has said that the controversy surrounding the arrest and re-arrest of kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala aka Wadume proves Theophilus Danjuma, a former minister of defence, right about his comment in 2018 that the armed forces collude in the killing of Nigerians.

Danajuma, while speaking at the maiden convocation of Taraba State University in 2018, called on Nigerians to defend themselves.

The retired general accused the army and other security agencies of colluding with killers to attack Nigerians.

“The armed forces are not neutral. They collude with the armed bandits. They kill people, kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movements, they cover them,” Danjuma said.

“If you depend on the armed forces to stop the killings you will all die one by one.”
“The ethnic cleansing must stop in Taraba state, must stop in all the states of Nigeria.
“I ask everyone one of you to be alert and defend your territory, your state. You have nowhere else to go. ”

Contrary to the principles of natural justice, the army set up a panel to investigate the claim by Danjuma.

The panel concluded then that the retired general’s allegation was unfounded.
However, in a tweet on Thursday, Sani said, “Mr Wadume partly proved the Theophilus scientific hypothesis of collusion. “

August 26, 2019 By John Owen Nwachukwu.


Paul Ibe, a Senior Adviser to the presidential candidate to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has called for the suspension of Festus Keyamo as Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs.

Ibe said this in a reaction to trending photos where the newly appointed Minister posed with a suspected fraudster, Ikogho.


The FBI released full details and identities of 80 suspected fraudsters, with many being Nigerians, arrested in the United States on Thursday.

Iro, 31, and Chukwudi Christogunus Igbokwe, 38, were named as lead suspects.

The duo allegedly coordinated with others, to launder the funds from victims.


Jerry Elo Ikogho was among the 77 Nigerians arrested last week for online fraud. He is number three on the 77-man list.

Keyamo had in reaction to the viral picture said himself and Ikogho grew up as friends and he wouldn’t deny alliance with him, adding that the picture was taken in 2011.

But in reaction on Monday, Ibe tweeted, “Festus Keyamo (SAN), Niger Delta Minister of State and former EFCC Prosecutor is linked to Jerry Elo Ikogho also known as J Man, Number 3 on the FBI Fraud List of 77.


“As was the case with Babachir and Obono-Obla, Keyamo should be suspended for unfettered investigations.”

The Japanese Police has mobilized its officers to manage members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, who were waiting to harass President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan’s residence in Tokyo.

Smartly dressed Police officers have surrounded the area to manage any unwanted situation or occurrence. President Buhari who is in the country on official invitation was threatened to be harassed on any of his foreign trips by members of the group following the humiliation of former deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremmadu in Nurenberg, Germany.

The Presidency has since then issued a series of responses to the attack threat, meanwhile, IPOB members who are protesting have insisted on a non-violent approach.

Former BBNaija housemate Gedoni has revealed why he knelt down to say Thank God after he was evicted from the show.

On Sunday, during the BBNaija eviction, Ebuka announced that Gedoni had been evicted from the house, on hearing this, he went down on his knees and said Thank God.


#BBNaija: Why I knelt down to say Thank God after my eviction – Gedoni


Many fans and trolls decided to translate him celebrating his eviction in different ways but he has now explained why he did so. He took to his social media page to explain why he did, he wrote;

“I knelt down in thanks because I had decided to thank God if evicted or saved.”

Recall that Gedoni had earlier revealed that himself and Khafi did not have sex in the house and was shocked by the news he found on leaving the house that they had sex.

Ex Big Brother Naija housemate, Gedoni has come out to clear the air about the fact that he had sxxx with Khafi during his time in the house.

He revealed this after he was confronted by Twitter users that Khafi has been sacked for having sexx with him in the house by the UK police. He wrote, “I want to say this, When I got out I only wanted to talk about my work and career and ways to push my brand forward. This competition taught me to be very competitive and I want to put that “ginger “ in my life and businesses. But instead I’m faced with this questions about Khafi. And this is needed to be cleared.

“Many misunderstandings, misinterpretations, to the point of publications coming from the UK and all, all types of meme and all, it’s a price to pay for fame yes, but WE especially Khafi doesn’t deserve this. I’m not saying this to capture any type of relevance, but doing this all for Khafi, because she will do the same and even more. MYSELF AND KHAFI NEVER HAD SEXX, Take away the hate and give love a chance. If this can’t convince any of you, then I’m done here GOD BLESS YOU ALL.”

He went on, “Fired from work ? Wow !! That was what came off my mouth when I saw the publications. KHAFI has been a celibate for 8 YEARS. MYSELF AND KHAFI NEVER EVER HAD SEXX !!!!”

View this post on Instagram
Bbnaija; #Khafi has been celibate for 8 years, we never had sex- Gedoni cries out on twitter despite the some housemates accusing the pair of using all the condoms supplied into the house

A post shared by MORE JUICY NEWS B4 D LAST POST (@famousblogng) on Aug 26, 2019 at 10:10am PDT

Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

What could have turned into a fatal fire disaster has been averted by the Imo State Police Command and its sister agency, the Ngeria Security and Civil Defence Agency (NSCDC), after a tanker laden with about 30 litres of fuel fell along Port Harcourt road, Owerri.

According to an eye witness, the tanker fell while trying to avoid the dangerous spot on the road.

The source disclosed that the timely arrival of the state Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Ladodo, who equally called the NSCDC team to the scene, averted disaster.
According to Ladodo, a large crowd which gathered at the scene was prevented by the security team from scooping the product overflowing into the gutters.

Ladodo thanked members of the public who supported the security agencies while the risky evacuation of the fuel to another tanker lasted, as well as men of the NSCDC.

August 26, 2019

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal is set to deliver judgement not later than 13th of September, 2019.

The initial date of September 15 is no longer realistic because it is a Sunday.
A source at the court told LEADERSHIP last night that the judgement will be delivered on September 13.

Section 134 (1) to (3) of the Electoral Act provides that an election petition should be filed, heard and determined within 180 days.

The section was inserted into the Electoral Act following a situation where election petitions took up to four years before being resolved, leading to the disruption of the political process in the country.

According to the source, ‘’the petition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the February 23 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his party, will definitely be decided before September 15.

‘’They (the tribunal) cannot go beyond that date in deciding the petition one way or the other because by law, that is how far they can go in the case. They can’t sit beyond that day. They are not permitted to do so by law. The 180 days stipulated by the law will elapse that day,’’ he said.

When Atiku filed his petition on March 18, 2019, he told the tribunal that he and his party had assembled about 400 witnesses to prove his case against President Muhammadu Buhari, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The tribunal, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba, which began its inaugural sitting on May 7, reserved the petition for judgement on August 21 after hearing the arguments of the parties before it.

Atiku said that the election was marred by irregularities, adding that the president is not qualified and shouldn’t have been allowed to contest the election.

Last week, Atiku in his final address insisted that Buhari lied on oath in his form CF001 which he presented to INEC before standing for the contest.

In the final address presented on his behalf by his lead counsel, Dr. Levy Uzuokwu (SAN), Atiku drew the attention of the tribunal to a portion of Buhari’s form with INEC where he claimed to have three different certificates comprising primary school leaving certificate, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate and Officer Cadet’s certificate.

The petitioners said that it was shocking that “no provisional certificate, no certified true copy of the certificates, no photocopy of the certificates and in fact, no electronic version of any of the certificates were presented by Buhari throughout the hearing of the petition to dispute their claims.

“More worrisome is the fact that Buhari’s own witness Maj-Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), who joined the Nigerian Army with him in 1962, told the tribunal that they were never asked to submit their certificates to the Nigerian Army Board as claimed by Buhari in his form CF001.

“At any rate, the secretary of the Nigerian Army Board, Olatunde Olaleye, had in a statement clarified that Buhari had no single certificate in his personal file with the Nigerian Army,” he said.

Atiku, therefore, urged the tribunal to nullify the participation of Buhari in the election on the grounds that he lied on oath to deceive Nigerians and to secure unlawful qualification for the election.

The former vice president further informed the tribunal that the claim of Buhari that he can read and write in English language as enough qualification for him was of “no moment” because ordinary artisans on the streets also do so, adding that a grave allegation bordering on certificate was not addressed by the president as required by law.

The PDP presidential candidate also faulted the claim by INEC that it had no central server, adding that a server is a storage facility including computers where database of registered voters, number of permanent voter cards and election results amongst others are stored for references.

He, therefore, urged the tribunal to uphold the petition and nullified the participation of Buhari in the election on the ground that he was not qualified to have stood for the election, in addition to malpractices that prompted his declaration as the winner.

But, INEC represented by Yunus Usman (SAN) urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition with substantial cost because the electoral body conducted the election in total compliance with the Nigerian constitution and Electoral Act 2010.

Usman insisted that INEC did not transmit election results electronically because doing so was prohibited by law and that the commission did not call any witness because there was no need to do so.

In his defence, President Buhari through his legal team argued that Atiku’s petition was liable to be dismissed because it was lacking in evidence, merit and substance and that the petition is ill-advised and signified nothing.

He cited Section 131 of the constitution which stipulates a minimum of secondary school attendance to qualify for the election in Nigeria, adding that he cannot go beyond that and that he does not need to tender or attached certificates before he can get qualification for any election.

The APC represented by Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) in its submission said that the petition lacked quality evidence that could warrant the nullification of the election as pleaded by the petitioners and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition as long as its hand can do with huge cost.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has described as unfortunate the false Information being circulated that the State Government demolished a Mosque in Port Harcourt, saying that the false report was planted by mischief makers to create disaffection.

Addressing journalists at the   location on  Biambo Street Off,  School Road by Mami Market Junction, near Rainbow Estate on Monday., Governor Wike said there was no Mosque on ground, hence nothing was demolished.

He said: "I received calls from several prominent Nigerians 8on the fake news being circulated online.  I have come here with Reporters and you can see there was no Mosque here.

"It is most unfortunate that fickle minded persons will claim that a Mosque was demolished at this place, when no Mosque existed here. The story was concocted by mischief makers to score cheap points".

Governor Wike explained that some persons started erecting illegal foundation at the disputed land, even though they had no approval to embark on any construction work.

"They came here to erect illegal structure.  There was no approval from the State Government for any structure to be erected here.

"The persons who started the foundation had already dragged the State Government to court on the disputed land.  The Rivers State Government won the case. What they attempted  to do was to start the illegal construction  to tie the hands of the State Government ", he said.

The Governor urged the Muslim Community in Rivers State to show him where a Mosque was demolished in the State. He advised them not to allow  themselves  to be used by politicians  to peddle false stories against the Rivers State Government..

Governor Wike  said that the State Government operates within the rule of law. He said that the State Government will not be distracted by the illegal circulation of fake reports.

He stated that several Mosques constructed  on the approval of the State Government exist across Port Harcourt and other major towns of Rivers State, without  the State Government demolishing them.

"The government gave them notice not to do anything  on the land. But they went ahead with the illegal foundation and the relevant agency stopped  them.

"Why would want to bring  down any Mosque , when there are other Mosques across the State? What is the Special interest on this one?

Simeon Nwakaudu;

Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor,

Electronic Media.

26th August, 2019

Offionor Francis

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GOVERNOR Yahaya Bello of Kogi State is widely regarded as the most inept governor in the country, barring perhaps the stiff competition former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, gave him in the past two or three years. But since the exit of his competitor after a most uninspiring rule, Mr Bello has become incomparable. He is widely regarded as youthful, a claim now being put to the test by his detractors who insist he is in fact older than he looks and claims. Having punished Kogi for about four years with nothing really to show for his governorship other than that he wasted the state’s time and resources, he has shockingly indicated a desire to fight for re-election on the assumption that his first term could be attributed to his electoral effort.
For a man eager to get a second term, and having sadly neither worked for it nor earned it, it is passing strange that he is going about it the wrongest way. He has still not cleared the salary backlog of civil servants, other than make highly publicised token gestures, and he has neither courted nor befriended state workers and other Kogites whom he has oppressed and scandalised. Yet he has presented himself to be canonised by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to seek a second term in November. He seems to think that since his party initiated the ugly and reprehensible conspiracy to foist him on the state some four years ago, it should be wiling again to get him into office by hook or crook. It is not clear how they would do it, or whether they are even willing to affront all civilised values to sanction his participation.
But whether the APC allows itself the humiliation of embracing Mr Bello’s ambition or not, it beggars belief that the governor sees the brutalisation of the state as the surest way to make an unforgettable impression on the electorate. He has thrown his hat into the ring. It should have been immediately and forcefully picked up and hurled at him. There are many reasons to do this beyond his scandalous management of the state’s financial and human resources, beyond his deliberate refusal to pay civil servants their salaries. He hopes to contest the governorship three months from now, but he has done nothing of significance to justify even one vote, indeed, no reason at all to endear him to the electorate. He has fought everyone, some of them the state’s leading social, political and judicial elite, and befriended no one, no matter how insignificant, including unknown and uncelebrated lawmakers.
Two of his enemies stand out, two gentlemen who had nothing against him starting out, and who even actually befriended him and helped pave the way for him to be accepted and crowned. The Chief Judge of the state, Nasir Ajanah, an Ebira like him, stands out. For elementary reasons, including refusing to subordinate the judiciary to the executive branch, Mr Bello singled out Justice Ajanah for excoriation and intimidation. Adopting the reprehensible style by which former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen, was unceremoniously shoved out of office, using a combination of propaganda and judicial heresy, Mr Bello had hoped to quickly get rid of the chief judge in favour of his Man Friday. He cajoled the mannequins at the Kogi House of Assembly to initiate impeachment process, and hoped that his intimidatory tactics would persuade the public and help galvanise the state judiciary to endorse his wish.
Not only did the judiciary stand pat and courageously resisted his bullying tactics, judicial workers also lined up behind their embattled chief judge. Consequently, the legislature’s floundering plot to unseat Justice Ajanah failed miserably, embers of the conflict nevertheless still flickering. Judicial workers union, Kogi branch, was shocked to see that the top wigs of the judiciary in Abuja were ambivalent towards a chief judge they had a duty to protect against the infamous executive putsch hatched by an irresponsible politician.
Since he lacked policies and programmes, Mr Bello seemed to have nothing else to do than engage in verbal and judicial brawls with officials and politicians he has had no reason to fight. His other prominent enemy, who started out as a loyal party member, is the deputy governor, Simon Achuba. Mr Achuba was not as discriminating as Abiodun Faleke, the late Prince Abubakar Audu’s running mate who should have constitutionally inherited the governorship mantle when the APC candidate slumped and died in 2015 after the governorship election had been fought and won. Mr Faleke, angry because of the injustice perpetrated by his own party against him, spurned the indignity of being asked to be the automatic running mate of the inexperienced and untested Mr Bello. But Mr Achuba rushed in where angels feared to tread, and only months later became public enemy number one of the cantankerous governor. All manner of intimidatory tactics have been brought to bear on the deputy governor in order to force him to quit. And yet he was no radical, nor even a querulous politician. Sadly both the legislature and the judiciary have signed on to the Bello rigmarole designed to force Mr Achuba out. The conspirators may succeed because there are really not many people left with any spine in the state.
Mr Bello is sustained in office by his supporters and mentors in Abuja. The support is so wide-ranging and so massive that he does not feel burdened by the dictates of conscience to act responsibly in office. He hopes their support will get him the ticket, assuming the APC at the national level caves in to injustice. More, he hopes that once he gets the ticket to run for re-election, he would use all manner of state coercive machineries — all of them without exception — to win the November poll and coax a pliant judiciary to endorse the repugnant outcome. These are the reasons Mr Bello is fighting everybody, exempting no one, a few months to a decisive election that could finally ruin the state. He has made no friends, and is not encumbered to make any. He has enacted no great policy and built no significant structure, because he has by his obnoxious habit formed the opinion that his powerful political and judicial friends in Abuja have his back.
If Mr Bello surmounts the controversy swirling around his real age, and manages to extricate himself from the double registration trap INEC has woven around his neck, he may indeed get the ticket. APC under its staid former national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun, could not absolve itself of blame for enthroning an undeserving and incompetent politician. It remains to be seen whether the current party chairman, the pugnacious Adams Oshiomhole, can withstand the wiles and savagery of Abuja to dethrone Mr Bello. The obstacle is not one of ethics, it is one of courage. Indeed, everyone knows the right thing to do in Kogi. The problem is to find those to do it. It will take a truly herculean effort by Mr Oshiomhole not to disappoint himself and Kogites, for Mr Bello could not conceivably win a free and fair election in a state he has loathsomely brutalised and bastardised.

The immediate-past Minister of Communication Mr Adebayo Shittu,  said he was shocked when his name was not included on President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial list.

Shittu, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said although he did not expect that he would not be reappointed.



He added, however, that as a muslim, he took it as his fate.

He said “Of course, I expected that I will be reappointed (as minister) but when it didn’t happen, as a Muslim, it didn’t take me five minutes before I accepted that what has come, it’s the will of God.



“And I have also found comfort in a Quranic verse when God promised that what is to come later is better than what is with you now.

The ex-minister, who is a legal practitioner, said he had decided to fallback to his profession.

editor
Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The bickering between the Nigerian Army and the police over the circumstances that led to the killing of three policemen and two civilians during the escape of suspected Taraba kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Bala Wadume, earlier in the month disrupted the smooth operations of the panel set up by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to probe the incident, THISDAY learnt at the weekend.

A source said during the panel’s sittings, the Nigerian Army and the police stood their grounds, trading words on the cause of the incident.

Soldiers of 93 Battalion, Takum, Taraba State, had shot members of a special anti-crime squad from the Inspector General of Police Office, who had arrested Wadume and were transporting him to the state police command, Jalingo, for interrogation, killing the three policemen and the civilians on the spot.

They rescued the suspect, who was taken to the army headquarters from where he was set free.

The soldiers had hinged their action on a report they claimed to have received that Wadume was being kidnapped and the police squad’s alleged refusal to stop at three military checkpoints on the way to identify themselves.
However, the police, rebutted the allegations, saying the team followed standard operational procedures and properly identified themselves. They had accused the soldiers of collaborating with Wadume and his gang to abort the operations.

THISDAY, however, gathered that the panel, headed by Rear Admiral I.T. Olaiya, which sat in Taraba and Abuja, had rounded off its sittings and might submit its reports to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, this week.

“Though the committee was made up of the army, police, navy, air force, the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI), Department of State Services (DSS) and National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the army and the police stood their grounds and made presentations that reinforced and consolidated their initial positions on the conflict.

A source said: “The police maintained their position that the soldiers who carried out the shooting aided the escape of the kidnap kingpin by cutting his handcuffs and setting him free.

“The army on its part also took exception to the decision of the police to release the video of Wadume’s confession on twitter while the panel had not concluded sitting.
“The panel members were also not okay with the confession video released by the police after the re-arrest of the kidnap suspect.

“The arguments of both the police and army reflected the initial positions they had taken before the panel was set up, though the evidence and submissions punctured some of their arguments.”

He added: “The police stuck to the line of argument that the shooting of the policemen was unwarranted after they had been subjected to series of identification processes at the checkpoints.

“The police also wanted to be commended for re-arresting the suspect, which the panel agreed with but not the release of the video.

“To douse the tensions, the panel chairman insisted that what should be paramount was not the position taken by each party but the evidence being compiled by the panel to unravel the circumstances.”

He said the panel members were also uncomfortable with “inaccurate and sometimes misleading reports in the media, some of which were publicised and did not reflect what was going on in the panel.”
Another source said the panel would recommend disciplinary and punitive measures, including dismissal and court-martial in the case of indicted military personnel.

THISDAY gathered that the panel was determined to ensure that appropriate sanctions were applied to culpable personnel involved in the shooting, especially with those who were turning the military institution into a merchandise.
On the inducement of both army and police personnel by Wadume, the source said the panel was determined to make recommendations that would ensure that security agencies were not turned to cheap, cash-and-carry institutions by criminal elements.”

He quoted the panel chairman as saying: “The military institution should not be turned to a criminal business enterprise by personnel and same for other agencies. Those who are not ready to do this work should look elsewhere. Those found culpable should face the wrath of the law and the innocent must be set free in spite of any unsubstantiated evidence out there.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the panel, Olaiya has instructed the secretariat of the committee to compile all submissions, interrogations, witness submissions and video evidence to his office for final compilation and submission within the week.

Evicted Big Brother Naija, BBNaija, housemate, Gedoni, has revealed what he liked about fellow housemate, Khafi.

Gedoni revealed that he loved Khafi due to her ‘positive vibe.’


The evicted BBNaija housemate made the disclosure during the Sunday live eviction show.

Responding to a question from the host of the show, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu on what he liked about Khafi, Gedoni said: “Khafi has a positive vibe and she is sweet.”

DAILY POST recalls that the BBNaija love-birds, Gedoni and Khafi, had on different occasions been caught in the house having passionate sex under the dulvet while other housemates were fast asleep.

The Yala Community, University of Calabar branch heartily felicitate with our amiable vice chancellor and member, Yala traditional Rulers Council, on his 60th birthday anniversary. We are indeed lucky to be partakers in this glorious moment of your life. You represents both the present and future generation of our youths  in view of the impact of your 60 years on them. Today we celebrate your B-Day not just as an event, but as a lesson to others walking behind you. Happy birthday once more to his highness, the OTEBECHE I OF YALA NATION. 
 Signed :Amb. Jammy Egbe Gabriel. Chairman, YC-UCB.

President Muhammadu Buhari will depart Abuja on Sunday for Japan to participate in the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) holding in the City of Yokohama from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30.

A statement by Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Friday, said President Buhari’s participation would be his second, having attended TICAD6 in Nairobi, Kenya, in Aug. 2016.
“With the theme, “Africa and Yokohama, Sharing Passion for the Future,” the Opening Session of TICAD7 will be performed by the Japanese Prime Minister and host, Shinzo Abe,’’ Adesina said.
The presidential aide revealed that Buhari would deliver Nigeria’s statement during Plenary Session three in which he will appraise Nigeria-Japan relations and takeaways from TICAD6.

He said the president would attend a State Banquet and also honour the invitation of Emperor Naruhito to a Tea Reception at the Imperial Palace, Tokyo.

“In addition to a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe, the Nigerian President will also attend some side-events and meet chief executive officers of some Japanese companies with huge investments in Nigeria,’’ he added.

Formed in 1993, the now triennial TICAD, which has been convened alternately in Japan and Africa since TICAD6, according to the organisers, is the largest international conference held in Japan which “provides an open forum that generates innovative discussion among various stakeholders on African development.”

Participants are drawn not only from African countries, but also international organisations, private companies and civil society organisations involved in development.

TCAD7 is expected to focus on Africa’s “economic transformation and improvements in business environment and institution through private investment and innovation; promotion of resilient and sustainable African society for human security; and peace and stability in support of Africa’s domestic proactive efforts.”

Nigeria has gained tremendously since her participation in TICAD6 at the highest level, during which Japan pledged 30 billion dollars investment “for the future of Africa combined with the private sector;” 10 billion dollars infrastructure investment, and 500 million dollars for vocational training of 50,000 Africans.

Since the Nairobi Conference, Japanese government and companies have been very active in supporting Nigeria’s agriculture, healthcare, electricity and youth empowerment.

The president and his delegation are expected in Yokohama to push for broader Japanese assistance in the areas of science and technology, innovation, human resource development, education, agriculture, power, health and disaster risk reduction, among others.

Buhari will be accompanied by governors Babagana Zulum, AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Borno, Kwara and Lagos States, some ministers and other top government officials.
The president is expected back in Nigeria on Aug. 31.

Adeyanju Deji, human right activist has asked the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to come back to Nigeria and stop instigating his group members to attack Nigerian leaders.

Disclosing this via his facebook handle, He wrote,

“Some of the miscreants defending coward Nnamdi Kanu make me laugh. Small intimidation by Buhari, he compromised, collected money and ran away. If he’s man enough, he should come back. I have been arrested 9 times under Buhari; imprisoned thrice but still here.

“You can’t be saying you want Biafra and you are running away from ordinary Buhari, come back. Come back and confront Buhari like many of us are doing here. Abi, you want to achieve Biafra on Facebook?

WE NO BE MATE.

“Was the military not outside Keffi prison waiting to re-arrest me in December, 2018? Why didn’t I run away from Nigeria like a coward? Why didn’t I also compromise & collect dollars?”.

To Join Us On More Discussions, Kindly Like Or Follow EAGLE EYES Report For Your News Updates.

Don Silas Don Silas



Arsenal defender, David Luiz, has revealed why Liverpool defeated his side 3-1 in the Premier League encounter on Saturday at Anfield.

Luiz admitted that the Gunners lost the match against Jurgen Klopp’s men because they were beaten by a better team.


According to him, if Arsenal had scored first it would’ve been another game, adding that the second goal (penalty) they conceived killed the game.

Mohamed Salah was the Liverpool hero in the second half, scoring two goals after Joel Matip’s opener in the first half.

Luiz was quoted by Arsenal’s official website as saying after the match: “Yes, we were beaten by a better team, but sometimes I think we created a lot of chances to score.


“It’s never easy to play here and yes, Liverpool is amazing. But I think if we scored first it would’ve been another game. We had an opportunity for that. I think the second goal – the penalty – killed the game. After that it was more difficult.

“What we take is the spirit until the end, we were trying to play until the end and we scored a goal, but it could have been a different game today.”

Luiz will now hope to lead Arsenal to victory when they take on Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League fixture.