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President Buhari Celebrates Maturity Of Nigeria’s Democracy

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for celebration of maturity in the way democracy is being observed by political gladiators.
The President, who receives the leadership of the ruling party: the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, described the visit as healthy for the democracy
“It is not a party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our National unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our democracy.
“Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of government. Opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism. Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.
“I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and prosperity in Nigeria.” [myad]

Dangote Plans To Build World Class Science University In Abuja

President of Dangote, Alhajo Aliko Dangote is planning to build a world class science University in Abuja, the Nigerian Federal Capital at the cost of N200 billion.
Information reaching us indicates that the former Executive Secretary of the Nigerian University Commission (NUC), Julius Okojie, is the chairman of the technical team for the establishment of the university.
Okojie, who led his team to the NUC Executive Secretary, Abubakar Rasheed, said that the proposed university is meant to be technology-driven and asked for the cooperation and support of the NUC towards the realisation of the goal.
The National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, in a bulletin, said the team, accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Dangote Foundation, Zouera Yousouffou, said that the desire of Africa’s richest man to float a unique university of technology with all the necessary infrastructure and best faculty members from across the globe.
Rasheed, who applauded the bold step, promised to offer all the needed assistance for the success of the project.
He advised the team to reconsider its plan of establishing a university of technology to ‘a conventional university running all programmes but with specialty in the area of technology.’
The NUC boss call on the team to consult widely and look at the universities in Nigeria and abroad with a view to creating a unique university that would be different in terms of quality in all its operations.
Yousouffou said the foundation was ready to make the dream a reality with the sum of N200 billion already earmarked for the project.
She said that the land for the project has been purchased and that the preliminary measures have been taken. [myad]

Race For Akarigbo Stool Hots Up: Ruling House Presents 3 Professors, 16 Others

The race for the stool of Akarigbo of Remo-land in Ogun State is believed to be hotting up, with the ruling House Presenting three Professors, 16 Others to the Kingmakers.
Members of the Torungbuwa ruling house met on Thursday, August 24, 2017 under the supervision of the Secretary of Sagamu Local government of Ogun State to nominate candidates to fill the vacant
The council secretary, Otunba Wale Fakoya had on August 15, 2017 issued a directive through a public notice to Torungbuwa family to produce its candidates for the throne within 24 days.
At the end of exercise which took place at Akarigbo Palace Hall, 19 princes from Torungbuwa lienage were nominated by the ruling house
The nominees included Professor Gabriel Ogunmola (Head of Torungbuwa family), Prof Adewale Solarin, the President of African Mathematical Union and the immediate past Director-General of National Mathematics Centre, Abuja and Prof Tunde Ogunsanwo.
Others were Princes Babatunde Ajayi, Adeyinka Adeniyi, Akibu Kazeem, Adedapo Opeaye, Ibukun Alayo, Adebayo Mutiu Bolajoko, Abiodun Ogunbiyi, Nuru Oyekan and Tajudeen Saka.
The family also picked Princes Ayoola Adetinoye, Adeuja Ashimolowo, Saula Adenowo, Folarin Solarin, Seyi Sotubo, Bolaji Osiderumu and Adeniyi Adesanya.
According to the council secretary, it was the turn of Torungbuwa ruling house to produce the next Akarigbo after the demise of Oba Michael Sonariwo a year ago.
Fakoya explained that the nomination process was in line with sections 15 and 16 of the Chiefs Law of Ogun State of 2006.
He directed all the 19 candidates nominated to submit their credentials by the end of today, Friday, August 25.
He disclosed that the candidates nominated will be presented to the kingmakers by the head of the ruling house through the council’s secretary “for the election of a suitable candidate as Akarigbo of Remoland-Elect.”
The name of the candidate elected by the kingmakers is expected to be sent to the state governor, Ibikunle Amosun for final approval as the substantive Akarigbo of Remo.
The seven kingmakers have just seven days to elect the new Akarigbo either by voting or through consultation of Ifa oracle. [myad]

I’m Proud To Be Virgin At 33 – U.S Based Nigerian Star Actress

 Yvonne Orji
Yvonne Orji

A Nigerian female entertainment star operating in the United States of America, Yvonne Orji has expressed pride to be a virgin at age 33.

Yvonne Orji, the sex-drunk character Molly in HBO series Insecure, is proud to be a 33-year-old virgin, even though she is currently playing the sexy role.
The Port Harcourt-born star said that she is keeping herself for her husband.
“She is keeping it locked.
“I wasn’t going to hide it just because I’m on TV,” the Nigerian star told People. “I’m grounded in who I am.”
And to show just how much she is dedicated to keeping her virginity, she created a clothing line to promote abstinence. “I have a clothing company called Rock Your Stance, and we sell shirts that say ‘Keeping it locked till I get that rock’,” she said, adding, “Entertainment chose me. Before any of this happened, I sat down with myself and with God. I said, ‘I know why I’m here. It’s to make you proud’.”
Yvonne Orji went also spoke about her career as an actress, saying that her parents, like most Nigerian parents, wanted her to be a doctor.
“It sounded noble,” she said. “But then I took organic chemistry and I was like, ‘Well, maybe not’. I ended up getting my master’s degree in public health and then working in war-torn Liberia to stall from crushing my parents’ hopes and dreams.
“It would take me eight years to become a doctor, but give me eight years to make it in entertainment,” she recalled telling her family. “And I’m happy to say, I did it in seven!”
She did it, and is promoting abstinence until marriage.
Her belief has invoked social media comments with spurious comments on twitters.
Morqos‏ said: “Why do people think Yvonne Orji is lying about her virginity? That’s such a stupid thing to lie about.
“Yvonne Orji has said she’s a virgin like 100 times and y’all are just now finding out today and making a big deal about it.
“Yvonne Orji is goals mate. Not because she’s a virgin but because she’s unashamed to speak about it & link it to her faith in this day & age,” says king woman, in her tweet.
Orji emigrated to the U.S. from Nigeria at age 6.
“It was the traditional immigrant story of my parents wanting the best for us and bringing us here,” she says. But life in Maryland wasn’t always easy.
“I was bullied because I have this thick Nigerian accent,” she recalls.
“My mom would say, ‘We didn’t come to America for you to be popular.’ Which is fair, but as a kid, you’re just like, it would be really nice to have this thing that everyone else has.”
Later, after graduating with a master’s degree in public health from George Washington University, Orji says she shocked her family (who had always hoped she’d be a doctor), by announcing she wanted to move to New York to pursue stand-up comedy.
NAN.[myad]

Northern Youths Withdraw Quit Notice To Igbos

Arewa-youth-forumThe Northern (Arewa) Youths Council (AYC) has withdrawn qiut notice issued to lgbos in the Northern Nigeria to vacate the region before October 1st this year.
The withdrawal of the notice, which had created tension across the country, was announced today, Thursday, at a World Press Conference held at Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja and addressed by more than a dozen of Northern Youth Groups.  The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) which initially issued the Ultimatum to Igbos in the North, said that the ultimatum was made in reaction the insult on the Northern people by Nnamdi Kanu-led Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).
Among those who attended today’s world press conference are the Governor of Borno state and Chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, Alhaji Kashim Shetima, ex- Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Kabiru Gaya, ex-Minister, Alhaji Sani Daura and Alhaji Shetima Yerima of Arewa Youths Council.
Others are Nollywood star, Kenneth Okonkwo aka Andy and Eze Ndigbo in Kano State who led the Christian prayers before the occasion started.
Details later.[myad]

How President Buhari’s Was Welcome By Rejoicing Citizen, By Oche Echeija Egwa,

buhar-welcomeIn the early hours of Saturday, August 19th, 2017, Ahmed Aliyu Tanko started hoisting new flags in the quadrangle of the Presidential Villa. The heavy down pours had improved the lustre of the greenery of the Villa, but the flags were all weather-beaten. Tanko, a State House staff, fondly called “OC Flag’’, meticulously ensured all the worn out flags were replaced with gaily new ones.
Before then, the “OC flag’’ had changed all the flags in the forecourt of the President’s office. “OC flag’’ knows the history and symbol of all the flags in the Villa, and he appreciates the value it brings to every ceremony. From handling events like the presentation of Letters of Credence and visits of envoys and Heads of State, he knows which flag was right for every presidential outing. For the President, the National flag and the Commander-in-Chief’s multi-coloured flags were non-negotiable symbols of authority. The presence of the flags usually indicated that the President was “on-line’’; a parlance in the Villa that connotes the President was around, or around the corner.
As “OC flag’’ got busy with the routine that he had been handling for close to twenty years, an atmosphere of celebration pervaded the Presidential Villa. The Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, had stirred the hornet’s nest across the country, and the world, when he announced that President Muhammadu Buhari would arrive Nigeria after more than three months of being away for medical attention in London on Saturday. Adesina’s press statement went out at 7.55am, and in less than an hour it had spread like wild fire across the country, and the world. The world was hungry for such breaking news! And it came.
The feverish excitement went beyond the Villa and swept through streets, markets, religious houses and motor parks. In just hours, the entire FCT, and its environs, was already agog. Dance parties had sprung up, market stalls were hastily closed and many thronged the streets congratulating their neighbours on the survival of the President, and his expected return.
The President’s predicted route of return, Airport Road, was saturated with people before noon, and the long wait began with jubilation. TV stations were not left out in the fever, and soon networks had started live coverage from the airport, and drones showed sea of heads under the clement weather. The mood within and outside the Villa was the same; rejoicing.
“OC flag’’ was not bothered by any likelihood of a heavy downpour that could mar his handiwork.  Unlike Abuja, the weather was friendly, and the usually hot sun had paled for a breezy, warm and friendly climate. As “OC Flag’’ later pointed out, “even the heaven understood the mood, and was in tandem with all Nigerians.’’
The new, colourful flags gave the Villa a more refreshing appearance, reflecting the excitement of the day.  For majority Nigerians, the President’s recuperation and safe return, signalled another rising hope for the country.  Expectations were high when he won the 2015 elections, and the ailment almost dashed the hope of the poor and the down-trodden.
President Buhari’s promise of squashing the dreaded Boko Haram terrorism was already receiving accolades by both well-wishers and detractors, at home and abroad. More dramatically, the war against corruption was also reaching a crescendo, which was unprecedented in the history of the country, especially with the introduction of the whistle-blowing strategy. Nigerians, for the first time, were upbeat that corruption could be tamed by the famed scrupulous leader. His sudden ailment in January almost tipped the scales.
On his arrival at the airport at 4.35pm, the President was received by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, who complemented the mood of the day with a charismatic white and smart outfit. At the Presidential wing of the airport, new flags were also hoisted to capture the mood of the day.
Interestingly, a waiting white and green chopper at the tarmac was jettisoned after the President arrived. President Buhari, a man who always loves and fights for the ordinary man on the street, decided he would like to go by road so as to see Nigerians. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for his movement was immediately altered, adding to the frenzy.
President Buhari always preferred travelling by road, but had settled for the chopper airlifting him home in Abuja from the airport, following complaints of long traffics any time he moved on the roads. On Saturday, he took a chance to see, and meet with Nigerians.
Flags were waiting on every corner of the road for the forty minutes ride to the Presidential Villa from the airport. Nigerians from all walks of life had already gathered. Appointments were either cancelled or rescheduled just to receive “Baba’’. The love for the highly revered leader was heightened by his absence for a long period.
The stunts by the outriders in the President’s motorcade provided a much needed side-attraction. Nigerians longed for such drama, after many months of sobriety and intercessory prayers. In their boisterousness, the outriders had their flags, green-white-green. And for some, their colourful and skilled performances were the icing in returning thanks to God for hearing the prayers of Nigerians. The President’s return, for many, was a national miracle and deserved celebration.
Nigeria is reputed for its religiosity across the world, and for the months the President was receiving medical attention, prayer meetings reigned ceaselessly in churches and mosques. Even the traditionalists wished the President well and a safe return.
The rumours on the social media of his incapacitation only fuelled the zeal to pray more, instead of dampening spirits. The prayers were answered; President Buhari returned.
Amongst the list of visitors to the Abuja House, London, where the President resided, were his long time personal friend, Arch Bishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby and General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Their visits were symptomatic of the love across religious lines for the President.
As President Buhari’s motorcade combed the streets leading to the Villa, Nigerians rejoiced and danced. The Nigerian flag was up everywhere. Interestingly, when Nigerians celebrate you hardly see the fault lines, like when they win a football match. President Buhari’s return heralded the same kind of jubilation that defied ethnic and religious colorations.
The President stopped the convoy before the gate to his Residence and disembarked for handshakes with political appointees and staff. The Brigade of Guards was on the ground to honour the President at the airport and the Residence.
To showcase his renewed strength, the President decided to walk into the Residence after all the felicitations by the gate. As he walked in, the fountain in front of his Residence reached its peak of rejoicing while the flags waved under the soothing influence of the evening breeze.
At the entrance to the Residence, he greeted more people warmly, mostly family members, always reiterating “thank you for your  prayers’’, before stepping into the official quarters that he had not seen for more than three months. His wife, Aisha Buhari, children and grandchildren were all anxiously waiting; “Baba” is back.
Across the country, the same love reverberated. Drums were rolled out, canopies erected, DJs showcased their art, while fathers, mothers and children chatted gleefully into the night of the man they would love to meet some day. They were happy, and thankful that President Buhari made it back alive, and healthy to continue his service to the nation.
Inside his house, “OC flag’’ had done the terrific; all the flags had been replaced with gaily new ones.
Welcome home Mr. President!

Egwa is in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity[myad]

Nigerian Air Force Plane Crashes In Kaduna, Killing Instructor Pilot

helicopterA Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Beetle Aircraft, today, Thursday, crashed in Kaduna while on a mission, killing the lone occupant, a NAF’s experienced instructor pilot.
A short statement from the Director of Public
Relations and Information of the
Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya did not give the name of the deceased.
The statement said that the cause of the incident is unknown, even as it said that the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has immediately directed the constitution of a board of inquiry to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crash.
The statement said that the unfortunate incident is a tragic reminder of the hazards associated with the flying profession.
It said that the air Force boss and the entire NAF family commiserate with the relatives of the late instructor pilot.[myad]

Buhari Signs Extradition Treaty, Others To Give Strong Teeth To War On Corruption

President Muhammadu Buhari signing the document today, 24, 08 2017
President Muhammadu Buhari signing the document today, 24, 08 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed nine international Agreements that will strengthen the anti-corruption war, stabilize the economy and improve the security situation in the country.
The signing ceremony for the execution of the Instruments of Ratification for International Agreements between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other Entities was held at the Presidential Villa today, Thursday.
Speaking at the event, President Buhari directed all agencies of Government with roles to play under the respective Treaties that had been ratified to ensure that they play their anticipated roles in an effective and responsible manner in order to ensure that the country reaps the full benefits of the agreements.
“It is my hope that these Instruments will reinvigorate the anti-corruption war and check the illicit flow of funds out of our country to other jurisdictions, improve national security, food security, boost our economic and tax regimes and improve the overall well-being of our creative community.”
The President said that the signing of the agreements was an important milestone in demonstrating the sovereign capacity of Nigeria to fulfill international obligations and take important steps for the benefit of the economy, security and the anti-corruption war.
“I am delighted to perform today, the duty of executing Instruments of Ratification of certain Agreements on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, pursuant to the powers conferred on me by Section 5(1) (a) and (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and Article 7 of the Vienna Convention on the law of treaties of 1969.” President Buhari said that the full implementation of the Agreements had been delayed due to the need by both sides to conclude their respective ratification processes.
“I am happy to note therefore, that pursuant to a Memorandum presented to the Federal Executive Council by the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Council has approved the ratification of the said Agreements.
“With this sovereign act, which has been replicated in the United Arab Emirates by their responsible authorities, we are now in a position to utilize these Agreements fully to foster cooperation between our respective authorities particularly for the purpose of prosecuting the anti-corruption campaign of this Government.”
The signed agreements were: Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil and Commercial Matters, Agreement on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons and an Extradition Treaty.
Other Agreements include Charter for the Lake Chad Basin between Nigeria, Cameroun, Central African Republic, Libya, Niger and the Republic of Chad; African Tax Administration Forum Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters and World Intellectual Property Organization Performances and Phonograms Treaty.
Agreements on the World Intellectual Property Organization Treaty on Audio-Visual Performances and the Marrakesh Treaty to facilitate access to published works for persons, who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise were also signed.[myad]

Appeal Court Sacks Sekibo, PDP Rivers East, From Senate

George Sekibo
George Sekibo

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the appeal brought before it by Senator George Thompson Sekibo, challenging the decision of the Rivers State National and State Election Petition tribunal which sat in Abuja and nullified his election to the Senate.
The tribunal had in June 2017, returned Mr. Andrew Uchendu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as the duly elected senator for Rivers East.
Delivering judgment in the appeal of Sekibo, Justice Adamu Jauro held that the petition filed by the ousted Senator lacked merit and substance and consequently dismissed it.
However, in another judgment delivered by Justice Habeeb Adewale Abiru, the Appellate Court upheld the election of Senator Magnus Abe of Rivers South East.
The appeal brought against Abe by Mr. Oloka Johnson Nwogu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was dismissed as being baseless and lacking in merit.
Justice Abiru said that the issues raised by Nwogu in his petition against Abe’s election were criminal in nature and were not proved beyond reasonable doubt as required by law at the tribunal.
In the judgment in Sekibo’s appeal, the court held that the tribunal was correct in the removal of Sekibo from the Senate on the grounds that the provisions of the Electoral Act and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were violated in the conduct of the election.
The Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal had in a judgment delivered last June ordered the removal of Sekibo as the Senator representing the people of Rivers East constituency at the National Assembly.[myad]

Soldiers Intensify Onslaught In North East To Eliminate Boko Haram

Nigerian troops in sambisa forest | Photo credit: Buznigeria
Nigerian troops in sambisa forest | Photo credit: Buznigeria

Nigerian soldiers are believed to have intensified onslaught against Boko Haram Terrorists through coordinated air and artillery bombardments of their enclaves across the Theatre.
These bombardments are said to be backed by long range patrols and ambushes targeted at preventing fleeing Boko Haram Terrorists from escaping and also denying them access to logistics supply.
The sustained operations, according to information reaching us, further pushed the terrorist group to the brink of defeat with many of its foot soldiers surrendering to troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
It was gathered that at the last count, a total of 68 insurgents have denounced terrorists activities within the last 3 weeks.
The surrendered terrorists were said to have given the hope that many of the enclaves have become untenable and life has become unbearable for the Boko Haram Terrorists owing to the blockade emplaced by troops and the sustained bombardments.
Report saod that those who. have surrendered and turned a new leaf are currently undergoing rehabilitation and de-radicalization programmes organized by the Federal Government through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR.
It was learnt that the ongoing operations by troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE are yielding results and have put enormous pressure on the Boko Haram Terrorists.
A military source hinted that the onslaught has contributed to the recent plea by one of the factional leaders of the group calling for international support. The Theatre Command in the war front, has asked all Boko Haram insurgents to have a rethink and discard the hypocritical ideologies espoused by their leaders.
“They can surrender to any military location nearest to them. The Theatre Command assures them of their safety and well-being if they surrender willingly.[myad]

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