Army Locks Down Sambisa Forest Against Boko Haram

June 9, 2016

The Nigerian army officers have surrounded the dreaded enclave of the Boko Haram terrorists, Sambisa Forest, making entry and exit for members of the insurgents an almost impossible task now.

The Commander of the counter-insurgency operation in the North-east, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, who spoke to news men on the success of the troops against the Boko Haram insurgents in recent weeks, said that the insurgents are currently trapped in the forest and cannot come out to launch attack on the rest of the nation.

General Irabor said that it had become impossible for the insurgents still holed inside the forest to get out or for them to have access to civilization to get any supply.

He said that the soldiers are only waiting for the insurgents to come out of the hideout to surrender as life has become unbearable for them.

According to him, if they fail to come out soon, the troops would move into the forest to level it even as he emphasized that troops have taken position at all access route leading into and out of the forest.

The commander said that there is no truth in the story that the insurgents were fleeing from the forest to wreak havoc elsewhere, insisting that the only option for the insurgents is either to fight their way out or surrender. [myad]

Abuja Judges Declare Thursday Holiday To Mourn Dead Colleague

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Judges in Abuja, the Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have declared Thursday a work-free-day in honour of their colleague, Justice Evoh Stephen Chuckwu, who died on Wednesday.

Justice Chukwu was said to have died after a brief illness.
A statement issued by the court’s Chief Registrar, Emmanuel Gako directed all court registrars to adjourn cases that were initially slated for hearing on Thursday to ensure total compliance.
Until Justice Chukwu’s death, he was presiding over the infamous Senate forgery suit that is seeking to nullify the current composition of the 8th Senate leadership.
It would be recalled that the case was recently reassigned to the deceased judge by the Chief Judge of the court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, after Justice Adeniyi Ademola declined to give judgment in the matter following an allegation of bias raised by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu. [myad]

Senator David Mark Describes Death Of Stephen Keshi As One Too Many

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has described the death of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, as one too many.

In a statement by his media aide, David Mark said: “only a very few men in the world has such an intimidating credential. We cannot question the Will of the Almighty creator, but this is one death too many.”

Describing late Stephen Keshi superlatively as an indefatigable coach and the ‘Big Boss,’ the former Senate President said that Keshi was one of the greatest and most successful footballers Nigeria has ever produced.

“Till date, no one has beaten his record. As a captain of the Super Eagles in 1994, he won the Africa Nations Cup in Tunisia. As the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles in 2013, he led Nigeria to win the Nations’ Cup in South Africa.

“He was forthright and outspoken. He was steadfast. He never compromised his position especially on professionalism no matter whose ox was gored. Keshi was to African football what Mohammed Ali was to Boxing.

“Only a very few men in the world has such an intimidating credential. We cannot question the Will of the Almighty creator, but this is one death too many.

“Keshi’s death is akin to death of more than a hundred massacred in a pogrom. Keshi was one of our greatest footballers. He lived and worked for Nigeria. He certainly left a huge vacuum that would be difficult to fill.”

The ex- Senate president asked Nigerians, especially the football family to take solace in the fact that Keshi left his positive footprint on the sands of time.

To the deceased’s immediate family, Mark said they should continue to build on the uncommon patriotism, unwavering commitment to the ideals of nationhood and resourcefulness which Keshi was known for.

He prayed that God grant the ex-Super Eagles captain eternal rest just as he prayed that the Almighty give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

This was even as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep shock at the death in the early hours of Wednesday of Stephen Keshi, through its President, Amaju Pinnick.

Pinnick said: “This is devastating. We have lost a superhero. The NFF Board will meet and decide on the best way to honour Stephen Keshi. We will be fully involved in the arrangements for the final burial rites.”
Pinnick directed that all centres hosting matches of the Nigeria Professional Football League on Wednesday should observe one-minute silence before kick-off.
The NFF has already informed the Confederation of African Football and the world body, FIFA, about the passing of the legend.
Keshi won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and as a Coach.
The only person to achieve similar feat was Egyptian Mahmoud el-Gohary, who is also of blessed memory. [myad]

Police Grabs Suspected Killers Of Army Colonel In Kaduna

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Four suspects who were linked to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of an army officer, Colonel Samaila Yunusa, in Kaduna on 27^th March, 2016 have been arrested.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Police Force Headquarter, Abuja, ACP Olabisi Kolawole said that the suspects were apprehended by a combined efforts of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Kaduna State Command SIB operatives, and after discreet, sustained and painstaking intelligence.

The statement said that sequel to the kidnapping and killing of the officer, the IGP IRT deployed the Technical and Human Intelligence assets of the Force which led to the arrest of a Prison Warder named Abdullahi Adamu, who is a close associate of one of the prime suspects who was using the Tecno mobile phone stolen from the slain Colonel.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of two of the prime suspects, namely: Ibrahim Kabiru , 23 (aka uztaz) and Ebele Precious, 41 (aka pastor), while the gang leader, Emeka Okeke Cyprain, 44, and one other member of the syndicate, Chijioke Ugwuanyi, 42 (aka CJ) were later arrested.”

The statement listed the items that were recovered from what it described as a notorious gang, which specialised in car snatching and truck hijacking in the State and selling same to unsuspecting members of the public, as one AK 47 rifle, two magnum pistols, one Nissan Pathfinder Jeep and documents of six houses located in Anambra State of which Emeka Okeke Cyprian confessed were proceeds of his previous criminal activities.

It said that the four suspects, who are presently in custody of the Force, will soon be arraigned before a competent court of law for criminal charges while effort to arrest the fleeing members of the gang continues.

Meanwhile the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase has commended IGP IRT and operatives of the Kaduna State SIB detectives for their commitment, diligence and professionalism which led to the breakthrough and subsequent recovery of the weapons and a stolen Jeep.

The Inspector-General enjoined the citizens to continue to support the Police with relevant information. [myad]

Federal Government Hastens Ministries To Reflate The Economy

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

The Federal Government has hastened Ministries, Departments and Agencies to reflate the nation’s economy by fast-tracking the release of their capital budgets.
The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who spoke to news men shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday said: “The focus of our deliberation today at the FEC was a review of the economy which we do from time to time.
“On a quarterly basis, the Ministry of Budget and National Planning briefs the cabinet about the economy and the steps that we need to take.
“Council approved that the various MDAs should fast-track the processes for release of their capital budget so that the economy can be quickly reflated.”
According to Udoma, the administration’s promise to release N350 billion into the economy was undergoing some process, adding that while it was easy to release for ongoing projects, new ones would pass through procurement laws.
“The N350 billion indicated is available but there is a process and this is part of the reasons we briefed council.
“There is need to fast-track those processes so that most of those monies will be released very soon.”
Udoma said that the administration expected that the Ministry of Works should make quite substantial release in the next week or so, saying that the release would be easier for existing projects “but new projects are a bit more difficult because of the public procurement”, adding that the impact of the release would be felt soon.
He said that the administration would from time to time announce various amounts released to the economy.‎ [myad]

I’m Not Dead, Babangida Speaks From Germany; Returns On Sunday

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Nigeria’s former Military President, retired General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has spoken from Germany where he has been in the last few weeks, saying that he is not dead.
Babangida, who spoke on a Television Continental programme on Wednesday, said he would soon return home.
The Lagos-based television programme, Journalists Hangout, was quoted by online medium, African Examiner, as where Babangida called in to dispel the rumour of his death.
He told TVC crew: “I am alive.”
His Personal Assistant, Captain Jalingo, said that Babangida is expected in Nigeria on Sunday, adding: “the General is alive. He is supposed to be back today (Wednesday), but he did not come.
“General Babangida is alive. Insha Allah, he will be back on Sunday.
“If IBB comes back, there would be a press briefing that same day or the following day.
“He will address the media.” [myad]

Nigerian Government Begins Recruitment Of 500,000 Unemployed Graduates As Teachers

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

The Federal government has announced a take-off in the recruitment of 500,000 unemployed graduates who would benefit from the N500 billion social investment Programme of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led federal government.

A statement from the Office of the Vice President by his media aide, Laolu Akande said that the Buhari presidency will start taking applications via online for positions in the 500,000 direct teacher jobs scheme, through an internet portal named npower.gov.ng.

It said that applications are expected to start coming in on June 12, as the portal would formally be launched on Saturday, June 11.

The statement therefore asked young unemployed Nigerians to visit the website and apply, adding: “it would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari in his May 29th Democracy Day broadcast to the nation formally launched the unprecedented social investment programmes already provided for under the 2016 Appropriation by the administration.

“The 500,000 Teacher Corps, nicknamed N-Power, Teach on the portal, is one of the three direct job creation and training schemes Nigerians can start applying for from Sunday, June 12.

“Others are N-Power Knowledge which will train 25,000 Nigerians in the area of technology, and N-Power Build, which train another 75,000 in the areas of building services, construction, utilities, hospitality and catering, automotive vocations, aluminum and gas services.

“All trainees would be paid for the duration of their training. The N-Power Teacher Corps initiative which will engage and train 500,000 young unemployed graduates is a paid volunteer programme of a 2-year duration.

“Unemployed Nigerians selected and trained will play teaching, instructional, and advisory roles in primary, and secondary schools, agricultural extension systems across the country, public health and community education-covering civic and adult education.

“Besides their monthly take home pay estimated at about N23,000, the selected 500,000 graduates will also get computer devices that will contain information necessary for their specific engagement, as well as information for their continuous training and development.

“They get to keep the devices even after exiting from the programme. According to the plan of the Buhari administration, the N-Power Teacher Corps programme is an invaluable opportunity for young Nigerians to make immense economic and social contributions to the nation while developing their skills. It will also help to address the problems of inadequate teachers in public schools.” [myad]

Hillary Clinton Clinches Democratic Party’s Presidential Ticket

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Former U.S Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton — Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton, wife of former American president, Bill Clinton, is the 2016 has picked the Democratic Party’s Presidential ticket as its ‘presumptive Presidential candidate.’

Hillary had earlier on Wednesday, given a speech to accept that declaration.

“Her historic campaign inspired millions and is an extension of her lifelong fight for middle-class families and children,” a statement said.

Reaching the highest point yet in a tumultuous and trailblazing political career, Clinton claimed victory exactly eight years after folding her 2008 Democratic primary campaign against Barack Obama.

“Thanks to you, we’ve reached a milestone,” she said during a speech in Brooklyn.

“Tonight’s victory is not about one person. It belongs to generations of women and men who struggled and sacrificed and made this moment possible.” [myad]

Nigerian Government Set To Feed 24 Million School Children

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Nigeria’s first national Home Grown School Feeding programme which would lead to the feeding of about 5.5m Nigerians in the first year of its operation would be rolling out soon in several states. The programme, when fully realized, will provide a nutritious hot meal a day to over 24 million primary school children.

The programme is expected to be given a final push on Thursday by stakeholders who will hold a Forum in Aso Rock. The Forum will be addressed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

At the Forum, the federal and state governments will review the Strategic Plan for the rollout of the scheme which is part of the N500B Social Investment plans of the Buhari presidency.

A statement by the spokes man of the Vice President, Laolu Akande said that the strategic plans will run until 2020 and will form the cornerstone of the nationwide Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) programme.

the programmes, according to Akande, would provide free school meals procured from local farmers and will be a ‘win-win-win’ for children, farmers and communities alike.

“Children benefit from hot nutritionally balanced school meals which reduce hunger and improve education outcomes; farmers benefit from improved access to school feeding markets and communities benefit from new catering, processing and food handling jobs.

“According to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, not only will the Home Grown School Feeding programme help our pupils become better students, it will also boost the local economies, and create new jobs along the way.”

The statement said that in order to achieve national coverage, the federal government is working in partnership with states and local communities for the successful implementation of the HGSF programme.

It said that also to support the process, the federal government is working with key technical partners to capitalize upon global experience and adopt best practices. One such partner is the UK’s Imperial College, London’s Partnership for Child Development (PCD) which is providing technical assistance to the Presidency.

“The forum will have in attendance Governors of Borno, Oyo, Osun, Enugu and Kaduna, and other government representatives and stakeholders from all 36 Nigerian States as well as developmental partners. The forum which is also an advocacy event will provide the opportunity for state teams and their partners to model their school feeding plans within the national HGSF framework.

“Besides the strategic plan, the Vice President will also launch the ‘Global School Feeding Sourcebook: Lessons from 14 countries’, a joint Partnership for Child Development, the World Bank and World Food Programme analysis of national school feeding programmes from across the globe.” [myad]

Sports Minister Promises That Stephen Keshi Will Be Immortalized

Greenbarge Reporters

June 8, 2016

Nigeria Super Eagle coach, Stephen Keshi — Stephen Keshi

The Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has promised that the former Eagles Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, would be immortalized.

“I will formally inform the government of the death of this great Nigerian, and I want to assure Nigerians that government will seek ways to immortalize him. I join millions of soccer followers across the world to mourn this illustrious son of Nigeria, Africa and the world.

The minister prayed for the repose of his soul and that the family, especially the children he left behind will find the strength to bear this devastating loss.
“Keshi during his life time was an embodiment of all that was good about Nigerian Football. Having played the game from the grass roots, where he featured prominently at the prestigious Lagos Principal’s Cup that launched his playing career into national limelight at a very tender age, he had a long career with the Super Eagles, that saw him record well over 64 appearances from 1981-1995.”
this was even as President Muhammadu Buhari said on Wednesday that Nigerian football would no longer remain the same with the death of Stephen Keshi.

In a post on his official Twitter handle, @NGRPresident, President Buhari said that Keshi gave his country his all, saying: “May his soul rest in peace.”

Buhari said that that with Keshi’s death, Nigeria had lost a great sportsman, football player and coach as well as a citizen.

“Nigeria today lost a great sportsman, football player, coach and citizen.

“President Buhari commiserates with the family of the late Stephen Keshi, and with the entire country, on his untimely passing.

“Nigerian football will not be the same without Stephen Keshi. He gave this country his all. May his soul rest in peace.” [myad]

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