KW-UTD FORCES TO ONE-ALL DRAW AGAINST PLATEAU UNITED

RESILTS

NPFL MATCHDAY 16 

Nasarawa United 1-0 Shooting Stars

Abia Warriors 3-0 Dakkada FC 

Bayelsa United 2-1 Sunshine Stars

El Kanemi Warriors 0-1 Enyimba FC

Rangers Int'l 3-0 Wikki Tourists

Gombe United 0-0 Bendel Insurance 

Kwara United 1-1 Plateau United

Lobi Stars 1-0 Niger Tornadoes 

Remo Stars 1-0 Akwa United 

POSTPONED:

Rivers United Vs Doma United

LAGOS TAKES DELIVERY OF ELECTRIC BUSES FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The Lagos government has taken the delivery of the first set of electric buses for public transportation in the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, announced the delivery of the electric buses in a statement released on Sunday.

Speaking on the benefits of the electric buses, Sanwo-Olu said the vehicles will reduce carbon emissions and increase efficiency, adding that residents can now welcome cost-efficient transportation in the state.

The Lagos governor added that the initiative was achieved owing to the state government’s partnership with Oando Clean Energy Limited.

With the ability to travel 280km at full charge, taking into account our unique travel times in Lagos, our electric buses are a game-changer. With an average daily usage of 200km by existing BRTs, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop while in transit,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“Our new electric buses will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also increase efficiency. This means that Lagosians can say goodbye to high fuel costs and hello to cost-efficient transportation.

“We shall be running a pilot scheme over the next few months to gather sufficient data required to analyse the operational efficiencies relative to the current BRT buses to further improve our public transport service. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to creating a sustainable future for Lagos

The development makes Lagos the first state in Nigeria to take delivery of electric buses for public transportation.

NFF TO INTRODUCE VAR

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has concluded arrangements to install Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in regional stadiums in the country as plans are underway to train and retrain referees to achieve the purpose.

The President of the federation, Malam Ibrahim Gusau, stated this on Saturday in Ilorin at the National Elective Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Referees’ Association (NRA).

Gusau, represented by an NFF official, Malam Muhammed Ameenu, charged the incoming leadership of the association to come up with  development plans, to forecast, organise and ensure the future of Nigeria Referees are properly nurtured and watered towards the growth of the game.

While reiterating the unflinching support of the NFF to NRA in their quest to change the face of football in the country, Gusau said installation of VAR is to the growth and development of football

KWARA UTD: WE CANT AFFORD TO DROP POINT... OGINNI OLATUNBOSUN

Kwara United fullback Oginni Olatunbosun recognises they cannot afford to drop points after Monday’s defeat at Akwa United.

The loss meant that Kwara United are 8th on the table with just three points separating them from 9th placed Nasarawa United who are currently in the relegation zone of group A, with three games left to play this season.

Ogini said in his statement to our currespondent. “The next two to three weeks will be very much decisive but for us every game feels like a final now to be honest.

“That’s why it was very important to get the victory against Plateau United on Sunday. You can’t drop points otherwise it will be punished.

“It was really frustrating to drop all three points at Akwa United but we’ve quickly pushed that aside and are now focused on the future and safety of the club in the league. We know now every game is going to be decisive, every game is going to feel like a final. The three points against Plateau United will prove very important.

CBN CLOSES 31 BANKS , 72 MICROFINANCE BANKS IN NIGERIA

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced the closure of 31 banks in Lagos as part of a larger effort to strengthen the banking sector in Nigeria.

This action was taken as a result of the banks’ inability to meet minimum regulatory requirements, and the CBN has emphasized that the closures are necessary to protect depositors and maintain stability in the financial system.

 CBN’s decision to close these banks is part of a broader effort to clean up the banking sector in Nigeria and ensure that banks comply with regulatory standards. In addition to closing these 31 banks in Lagos, the CBN also announced the closure of 72 microfinance banks across the country, bringing the total number of banks closed to 103.

While the closure of these banks may be disruptive in the short term, it is expected to have a positive impact on the Nigerian banking sector in the long term. By removing banks that are unable to meet regulatory requirements, the CBN is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate non-compliance and that banks must operate within the law. This, in turn, is likely to strengthen confidence in the Nigerian banking sector and attract more foreign investment.

In addition to closing banks that fail to meet regulatory requirements, the CBN has also taken other measures to strengthen the banking sector in Nigeria. For example, the CBN has established a credit registry to improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, and it has also introduced new regulations aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the banking sector.

Overall, while the closure of these 31 banks in Lagos may be seen as a harsh measure, it is likely to have a positive impact on the Nigerian banking sector in the long term. By ensuring that banks comply with regulatory standards, the CBN is helping to promote stability and growth in the financial sector, which is essential for the overall health of the Nigerian economy.

FIRE GUTS OONI OF IFE'S PALACE

A building apartment inside the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, was late Friday gutted by fire.

The incident, said to have occurred around 11:30p.m., did not spread to other sections of the palace as the fire was successfully extinguished.

It was gathered that the fire started after electricity supply was restored into the palace.

Ooni’s spokesperson, Moses Olafare, while confirming the incident, disclosed that the fire was triggered by power surge, which made electrical appliances to explode.

Olafare, in a statement, said the fire incident affected only a building within the courtyard and was quickly put out by the combined efforts of the State Fire Service Department and that of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ile.

The statement read: “A building apartment within the courtyard of the Palace of the Ooni Of Ife was, at about 11:30p.m. yesterday (Friday), engulfed in flames triggered by power surge which exploded through electrical appliances in the affected apartment.

“The inferno did not spread beyond the affected building located at a section of the palace premises.

It was swiftly put out through the combined efforts of the Government Fire Service, OAU Fire Service and Palace Emergency Control Unit.

“No casualties or injuries were recorded, and no cultural items was lost. Thanks to the Almighty Olodumare

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OKEFOMA ADABIYAH: A PROJECT OR WASTED EFFORT/RESOURCES ?

This is the newly constructed road at Okefoma Adabiyah medinna, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. it was constructed few months ago.

FG SUSPENDS REMOVAL OF FUEL SUBSIDY

The National Economic Council, NEC, on Thursday, suspended the planned removal of subsidy on petroleum products by the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

She explained that the removal of the subsidy will likely take effect in June because the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA and the 2023 budget provided subsidy till June, hence any delay may require the amendment of the PIA and the budget provision.

Ahmed explained that although the removal of fuel subsidy was imminent, the council decided that the timing for the removal of subsidy should not be now.

She explained that the council decided that the federal government should continue with all of the preparatory works that needed to be done and that this preparation work has to be done in consultation with the states and other key stakeholders, including representatives of the incoming administration. 

According to her, “The National Economic Council, discussed the issue of post subsidy removal. The Council agreed that the timing for the removal of subsidy should not be now but that we should continue with all of the preparation works that needs to be done and that this preparation work has to be done in consultation with the states and other key stakeholders, including representatives of the incoming administration. 

The council agreed that the fuel subsidy must be removed earlier rather than later because it is not sustainable. We cannot afford it anymore. We have to do it in such a way that the impact of the subsidy is as much as possible, mitigated on the lives of ordinary humans. 

“So, this will require looking at alternatives to the post subsidy that needs to be planned for and subsequently put in place but also what needs to be done to support the people that are most affected as a result of the removal. 

“So, we will be working together with representatives of the state who will have a plan that will start working on putting the building blocks towards the eventual removal of the first subsidy. And finally, remind the forum that the budget for 2023 has provision for for subsidy only up to June 2023 and also the petroleum industry Act has a provision that requires that all petroleum products must be deregulated 18 months after the effective date of the PMs removal and that that period is also up to June 2020.

MUHAMMAD BUHARI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT COMMENCES OPERATION

First set of Air Peace Aircrafts arrive at the newly constructed Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Onueke, Ebonyi State.

It would be recalled that Governor Dave Nwaze Umahi named the Multi-million project after President Muhammed Buhari.

PRESIDENT MUHAMMAD BUHARI ARRIVES ARMY PARADE IN MILITARY UNIFORM

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived the Nigerian Army Trooping and Presentation of Colours parade 2023.

Buhari, who arrived Eagle Square, venue of the parade, at about 10:18am was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari.

The retired army general was dressed with the ceremonial military uniform and he’s currently reviewing over 1,000 officers who are standby on the parade.

Daily Trust reports that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, and the Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba are in attendance.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan are among the dignitaries in attendance.

CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU UNIVERSITY INDUCTS STUDENTS INTO THEATRE ARTS DEPARTMENT

The Department of Theatre Arts, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University formerly Anambra State University,  on Tuesday inducted 100 and 200-level students into the department.

The university made this known on its Facebook page.   

Sharing photos from the induction ceremony on Tuesday, the university wrote,  "Congratulations to the 100-level and 200-level students of the Department of Theatre Arts of the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Anambra State on their Initiation and Induction into the Department. The Department of Theatre Arts in the university community is known for offering academic programmes and practical training in various aspects of culture and theatre. The Department is seen as a family and today, they had their anticipated initiation. Once again, Congratulations to the Inductees!!"

Credit:   Facebook | Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University

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SENATE PRESIDENCY: WHY I'M BEST CANDIDATE TO WORK WITH TINUBU – ORJI UZOR KALU

The Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has described himself as the best candidate to emerge as the next Senate President.

This was as he disclosed that he was the best candidate to work with the President-elect, Bola Tinubu.

Kalu disclosed this after a closed-door meeting with Tinubu in Abuja yesterday.

The senator said he has the capacity to unite Nigeria if elected as Senate President.

“I am the best among the candidates. I have the capacity to unite Nigeria, and I am the best to work with our President-elect for the best interest of Nigeria.

“I have the integrity, honesty, and experience to lead the Senate”, Kalu said.

There has been a clamour for the Southeast to produce the Senate President in the 10th National Assembly.

But, some relevant stakeholders in the Southeast are agitating for Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State to emerge as Senate President.

Amid the clamour, the Northwest has also been pinned as one of the zones likely to produce the Senate President.

FUEL SUBSIDY: BE READY TO PAY N100,000 MINIMUM WAGE, NLC TELLS FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the plans of the federal government to remove the contentious fuel subsidy would be an open invitation to social and economic crisis in Nigeria.

The outgoing government under President Muhammadu Buhari had fixed June as the date for the removal of the fuel subsidy and announced the approval of N5,000 palliative to poor citizens as part of measures to ameliorate the expected difficulties that would follow the eventual removal.

But the NLC explained that the incoming administration of Bola Tinubu must tread with caution on the subsidy policy in order not to further plunge the nation into problems, adding that there would be increased poverty among the citizens if the government goes ahead with the removal

The chairman of the labour union in Ekiti, Kolapo Olatunde who spoke while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital ahead of this year’s May Day celebration with the theme, ‘ Workers Right and Social, Economic Justice ‘ alongside his counterpart in the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Sola Adigun, noted that the labour leaders would not accept the removal without government doing the right thing by ensuring the optimal functionality of the nation’s refineries.

According to him, if the government insists on the removal, the workers would only accept an increase of the minimum wage to at least N100,000 across the country, saying that ripple effect of the subsidy removal would be devastating for the citizens especially workers.

Olatunde disclosed that removal of subsidy which will result in selling of petrol for as high as N500 per litre would have immediate impact on the prices of goods and services in the country, thereby increasing the disturbing trend of poverty level and economic challenges in the country

COE LECTURERS PROTEST EXCLUSION FROM 40% PAY RISE

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union has decried the exclusion of its members in the recent 40 per cent pay rise for federal workers.

The body commended the pay rise for civil servants, whom it described as “the drivers of government policies,” but noted that it was appalled at government’s “decision to exclude some categories of workers including lecturers and other workers in the tertiary institutions even though the various unions in the sector have made several overtures to government on salary increase.

In a statement made available to our correspondent on Wednesday, COEASU described the move by the government as a plot to create confusion.

“The present action is an attempt by the Federal Government to divide Nigerian workers and cause confusion within the system. The discriminatory increase is an attempt to promote divide and rule and make Nigerian workers unable to speak with one voice on the issues that affect their general welfare.

TINUBU MOVES TO DEFENCE HOUSE AHEAD OF MAY 29 INAUGURATION

The president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has moved into the Defence House in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja ahead of his inauguration as Nigeria’s president on May 29th, 2023.

Tinubu and the vice president-elect Kashim Shetttima are expected to stay at the Defence House where they will move into the Presidential Villa after swearing in.

The Defence House is the official residence reserved for Nigeria’s President-Elects since the country returned to democratic rule in 1999.

Ahead of the May 29 handover, Tinubu returned to Nigeria on Monday to a rapturous reception by hundreds of his supporters and well-wishers across the country

The president-elect restated that his promise to deliver a nation of renewed hope for all Nigerians remains in motion as he is ready for the task ahead.

“I am extremely excited to be back home and deeply humbled by the warm welcome I received on my return to Abuja today,” Tinubu said.

“Thank you all for your love and support. Our promise to deliver a nation of renewed hope for all Nigerians remains in motion.

“I’m happy to be back. I have rested, I’m refreshed and I’m ready for the task ahead. Forget about what the rumour mill may have told you. I’m strong, very strong.”

COURT REMANDS FIVE FOR LYNCHING YAHOO BOY

The Ondo State Police Command has arraigned five persons before the state Chief Magistrate’s Court, sitting in Akure, the state capital, over the death of a man, Temitope Olorunfemi, who was alleged to be a ‘yahoo boy’.

Olorunfemi was lynched by people in the Ijoka Area of Akure after his Toyota Camry car crushed one person to death and injured several other people on Easter Monday.

The vehicle was also set ablaze by the people, who said they found some fetish items inside the car, which made them believe that he was an internet fraudster.

The state police arrested five persons whom they have arraigned in connection with the incident.

The defendants included Victor Amos, 30; Ismalia, 32; Pelumi Farotimi, 42; Nurudeen Kumuyi, 22, and Samuel Olatunji, 23, and they were arraigned on three counts of felony, unlawful murder and arson.

According to the prosecution, the defendants and others at large committed the offence on April 10, 2023, at 9.00 am, opposite Odopo Town Hall, along Ijoka Road, Akure.

The prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, informed the court that the accused conspired to commit a felony and unlawful murder of the deceased. He also said that the deceased was murdered in cold blood with sticks, stones and other offensive weapons.

He also told the court that the defendants as well, maliciously damaged one Toyota Camry car with number plate KRD 627 GY, by setting it ablaze.

According to the charge, the offences contravene Sections 324, 316(1) and 451(6)(J) of the Criminals Code, Cap 37 Vol. 2 Laws of Ondo State.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the issuance of advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the state.

However, the defence counsel, O. Agbede, prayed for an adjournment to enable each defendant to file a counter affidavit to the application sought by the prosecutor.

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate Musa Al-Yunus granted the requests of the defence lawyers and adjourned the case till April 27, 2023 for the response to the affidavit and ruling.

TINUBU'S REIGN WILL BRING PEACE IN NIGERIA – CAN YOUTH WING

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), youth wing, has expressed optimism that the reign of the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu will bring peace and development to Nigeria

The CAN youth wing, while congratulating the President-elect on his victory at the presidential election, urged Tinubu to hit the ground running by fulfilling his promises on restructuring and true federalism for the rapid development of the country.

Belusochukwu Enwere, the national chairman of the body, opined that Tinubu’s presidency would disappoint naysayers and bring peace to the entire Nigerians.

According to him, “I write on behalf of myself and the entire Christian Youth in Nigeria to congratulate you on your resounding victory, well deserved and overlong success at the just concluded presidential election.”

He believed that with Tinubu’s varied experience and leadership acumen, he would easily fulfill all his campaign promises and make Nigerians forget their past experiences

He stressed that Tinubu has been an apostle of restructuring Nigeria and entrenchment of true federalism in line with global best practices, appealing that he should kindly hit the ground running by fulfilling the promise to meet the yearnings of the people.

Belusochukwu urged the President-elect to use the opportunity to develop and unite Nigeria irrespective of religion, ethnicity and tribe.

EXTEND BUHARI'S TENURE BY THREE MONTHS --OHANAEZE CHIEFTAIN TO NASS

The immediate past spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chuks Ibegbu, on Wednesday, suggested that the National Assembly extends President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure by three months.

Ibegbu asked the National Assembly to call up the provisions of the doctrine of necessity to extend Buhari’s tenure.

He said the May 29 inauguration of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, was not sacrosanct.

Ibegbu said: “The National Assembly should make a resolution to extend Buhari’s tenure by three months as nothing is sacrosanct about MAY 29.

“In fact, MAY 29 is a minus in the history of Nigeria as it stands for past tragedies in Nigeria’s history. We should go back to October but the doctrine of necessity can be adopted in three months, and the heavens will not fall.

“Three months would allow all court cases on election matters as heavens will not fall.”

The immediate past National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze also urged the Federal Government to postpone the proposed national census and allow a new government in Nigeria to organise it.

Ibegbu warned that such exercise now will be too controversial and inimical to the nation.

He also advised that all court cases on electoral matters end before the swearing-in of political officers, stressing that it would be “distracting to such officers if they are sworn in and court cases against them persist.

MY EXPULSION FROM APC AGAINST COURT ORDER – GOJE

The senator representing Gombe Central senatorial district, Muhammad Danjuma Goje, said his purported expulsion from the All Progressives Congress (APC) by his Kashere ward was in breach of a court order.

The executives of the APC from Kashere ward had last week announced the expulsion of Senator Goje over alleged anti-party activities during the last general elections.

The APC executives in Akko and Yamaltu/Deba, the two local governments which make up Gombe central senatorial district, also endorsed Goje’s expulsion from the party.

Before the expulsion, Goje had secured an order from a federal high court in Abuja to restrain the party from taking any action against him.

Speaking through his special assistant, Barrister Saidu Mu’azu Kumo, the senator said he would only react to his purported expulsion from the party after a court ruling on the matter.

He said, “We cannot say anything about a case that is before the court. The case has been in court even before the purported act that took place in Kashere on April 18. The court has given an order and the party at the Kashere ward level was served on April 16 and 17.

“The party and the ward chairman were also ordered to appear before the court to hear the complaints filed by Senator Goje, but they went ahead to carry out the purported act against the ruling of the court.

GOV ADELEKE VISITS OSUN HOUSE, VOWS TO RECLAIM STATE PROPERTIES

Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke has vowed that his administration will reclaim the state property located in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Governor Adeleke gave the assurance on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the Osun House located at No 18, Femi Okunnu Road, former Cooper Road, Ikoyi, Lagos State.

Adeleke who recalled that the gigantic 18 suit apartment was purchased by the first executive governor of the state, the late Isiaka Adeleke for the purpose of serving as a liaison office decried the lackadaisical attitude of the management towards the proper maintenance of the property

While noting that the building has no functional generating set, running pipe born water and other utilities, he promised to set up a committee to look into it and carry out a proper investigation with a view to resuscitating the dilapidated property

This property was purchased by my late brother, the first Executive Governor of Osun State as a liaison office. When I became the Governor, I made it a point of duty to have an on-the-spot assessment of all the state property located in different places. I visited the one in Abuja and work is ongoing on it.

I must be sincere with you, I am not happy with the deplorable condition of this facility which has no functional generating set or running pipe-borne water and other necessary utilities, it is rather unfortunate that the management is still collecting service charges from the occupants.

NEWSBREAKING: LAWYER ASKS APPEAL COURT TO STOP TINUBU'S INAUGURATION

Afresh motion on notice seeking to stop Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu from being inaugurated as Nigeria’s new President on May 29, 2023, has been instituted at the Court of Appeal in Abuja.

The fresh suit marked CA/CV/259/2023 is instituted by a Presidential candidate in the 2019 Presidential election and constitutional lawyer, Chief Ambrose Albert Owuru and his political party, Hope Democratic Party (HDP).

Owuru, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982, is praying the Court of Appeal in Abuja to prohibit President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from inaugurating the 2023 President-elect on May 29.

The politician, who participated in the 2019 presidential poll on the platform of Hope Democratic Party (HDP) wants Buhari, the AGF and the INEC stopped from taking any further steps on the 2023 presidential election that produced Tinubu as winner.

Owuru, who claimed to be adjudged constitutional winner of the 2019 presidential election predicated his grouse against inauguration of Tinubu or anybody else as successor to Buhari on the ground that he is the constitutionally adjudged winner of the 2019 election and has not spent his tenure as required by law.

Among others, Owuru insisted that President Buhari has been usurping his tenure of office since 2019 because the Supreme Court has not determined his petition filed in 2019 in which he challenged the purported declaration of Buhari as the election winner.

In his motion on notice marked CA/CV/259/2023 just filled at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, Owuru applied for “An order of prohibitory injunction compelling Buhari, AGF and INEC, their servants, agents and privies to preserve and give due cognizance and abstain from any further undertaking or engaging in any act of usurpation of adjudged acquired Constitutional rights and mandate as winner of the 2019 presidential election.”

He also applied for another order directing and placing on notice that any form of handover inauguration, organized and Superintended by Buhari on 29th May 2023 outside the adjudged winner of the 2019 presidential election, subject of the pending appeal, remains and is viewed as an “interim place holder” administration pending the hearing and determination of his substantive appeal on constitutional interpretation thereof.

Listed as respondents in the motion on notice are President Muhammadu Buhari, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as 1st to 3rd, respectively.

The motion on notice filed on his behalf by Mr Odion Peter has been served on President Buhari and AGF through their counsel, Mrs Maimuna Lami Ashiru of the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, while that of the INEC was served through the Head of Legal Department and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Mr S. O Ibrahim.

BREAKING: AFTER 9YEARS, 2 ABDUCTED CHIBOK GIRLS ESCAPE FROM SAMBISA FOREST

Two of the abducted Chibok schoolgirls Hauwa Mutah and Esther Markus have escaped from their captors.

Source disclosed that the girls escaped from Sambisa forest, on Sunday, as a result of intense military operations.

One is from Chibok and the other one from Dzilang village,” he said.

This has reduced the number of Chibok schoolgirls in captivity from 98 to 96.

The head of the Intelligence Unit of the Joint Military Task Force, Operation Hadinkai, Colonel Obinna Ezuipke, gave the number of the remaining Chibok girls in captivity as 98.

In his breakdown, Ezuipke said, “Out of the 276 abducted Chibok girls, 57 girls escaped in 2014 while 107 girls were released in 2018. Three girls were recovered in 2019, two in 2021 and 9 were rescued in 2022, bringing the total of 178 girls out of captivity and 98 remaining in Boko Haram captivity.”

BREAKING: FG BEGINS PAYMENT OF 40% SALARY RISE ARREARS

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the 40 per cent pay rise arrears for civil servants, Saturday PUNCH has reliably learnt.

Some federal civil servants on Saturday learnt that workers started receiving bank alerts of the arrears on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

A high-ranking civil servant who spoke to our correspondent anonymously in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, noted that the arrears came in alongside the April 2023 salary.

“I received my own arrears today. Some of our other colleagues have also confirmed receipt of their arrears. It came in alongside our April salary.”

Another civil servant who confirmed the development via a chat with our correspondent in Ibadan said, “Yes, it is true. Though I am a teacher with a Federal Government school, I can confirm to you that I received my April 2023 salary alongside my arrears.”

Earlier in March, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, disclosed that the Federal Government had approved a pay raise for civil servants in the country.

He added that the pay rise had been included in the 2023 budget, noting that it would take effect from January 1, 2023.

Ngige described the pay raise as a peculiar allowance for civil servants in view of the current economic reality and it is meant to help government workers to cushion the effects of rising inflation, the rising cost of living, hikes in transportation fare, housing and electricity tariffs.

FG DECLARES FRIDAY AND MONDAY AS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE EID-IL-FITRI

The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 21 and Monday, April 24, 2023 as Public Holidays to mark this year’s Eid-Il-Fitri.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the announcement on behalf of the federal government in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Eid-Il-Fitr marks the end to the month long Ramadan fast, and the commencement of Shawaal, the 10th month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

ADEKUNLE GOLD GIFTS WIFE, SIMI, CUSTOMISED DIAMOND CHAIN ON HER 35th BIRTHDAY

Popular Nigerian singer, Adekunle Gold, has taken to social media to celebrate his wife, Simi on her 35th birthday.

Taking to his official Instagram page, Adekunle Gold posted a photo of Simi in Marrakech, Morocco, for her birthday vacation. He then shared a caption of how they met 10 years ago.

“God bless the day I met you at Bogobiri 10 years ago. 10 years of being my magic. I’m grateful for you, for everything you do. Been through it all with you so as we start to dey chop life now, we go live it up to the fullest.

Orente mi, Ati lowo, Ati nile lori, Ati bimo, Alafia njoba ninu ile’wa, Aye wa dun bi oyin. Happy Birthday Girl of my youth. ”

Credit: Instagram | adekunlegold 

POS OPERATOR IN ILORIN, ACQUIRES HOUSES, CARS, SPONSORED PEOPLE TO 1444AH LESSER HAJJ

A Point of Sale (POS) operator, identified as Alfa Rafiu, has been arrested in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, for allegedly squandering the sum of N280 million mistakenly sent to his bank account

It was learnt that the suspect, who is a resident of the Akuji compound, Abayawo area in the Ilorin West local government area of the state, received the money in trenches some weeks ago and went on a spending spree.

According to Tribune, residents of the area, especially his close friends had expressed surprise at how Rafiu suddenly become a big spender.

A source in the area during an interview with the aforementioned publication blamed the suspect for the trouble he had put himself into.

The source said instead of drawing the attention of the bank to the transferred money, Rafiu bought cars, and houses including sponsoring some people for the lesser Hajj.

“Instead of him drawing the attention of the bank that mistakenly transferred the huge fund to his account, he went on a speeding spree.

“Rafiu bought houses and cars and sponsored people to the lesser Hajj. Although he was generous to several people in the community, some residents were surprised about his sudden wealth as a POS operator”

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed Rafiu’s arrest on Tuesday.

He said, “His arrest was effected by the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) from Alagbon-Close, Ikoyi, Lagos which makes it out of our jurisdiction”

BREAKING: ADAMAWA GUBER: FINTIRI DEFEATS BINANI TO WIN SECOND TERM

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has won his second term

Collation of Officer of the State, Mele Lamido announced Fintiri winner after he defeated Aishatu Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Aishatu, popularly known as Binani, was earlier illegally announced winner by the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC.

Breakdown of the final figures below:

AA = 643

ADC = 3024

ADP = 2174

APC = 396,788

APGA = 892

APM = 606

APP = 286

LP=2732

NNPP= 4852

NRM =1272

PDP =430,861

PRP= 1188

SDP= 6870

YPP =1431

ZLP =200

FUEL SUBSIDY: FG BEGINS 40% PAY RISE FOR WORKERS APRIL ENDING

Federal Government will begin payment of the planned increase in civil servants’ pay by the end of this month (April).

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, retd, is expected to give his final assent for disbursement any moment from now.

If the proposal sails through, it means the increase will be coming about two months to the June date proposed for the removal of petrol subsidy.

The Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, revealed that the Federal Government might begin payment of the 40 per cent pay rise by the end of April this year, adding that the three months arrears of January, February and March would be paid at a later date.

Oshundun, however, said he could not confirm if the proposal by the government committee saddled with the task had been finally approved by the President.

He said, “Consequential allowance Salaries will be increased by 40 per cent for civil servants from level 1 to level 17.

What we receive now is called consolidated public service salary structure, it is the combination of basic and all allowances. So, the increase will be 40 per cent of what a public servant is earning now.

“They will start paying from the end of this month (April) and the arrears of January, February and March will be paid later. The salary increase is effective from January 2023. That is the proposal submitted by the committee set up to look into salary adjustment for civil servants, but am not sure if the President has signed it yet.”

Last month, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige disclosed that the Federal Government had approved a pay raise for civil servants in the country.

He added that the pay rise had been included in the 2023 budget, noting that it would take effect from January 1, 2023.

Ngige described the pay raise as a peculiar allowance for civil servants in view of the current economic reality and it is meant to help government workers to cushion the effects of rising inflation, rising cost of living, hikes in transportation fare, housing and electricity tariffs.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics data, the latest rise in inflation rate is the third consecutive increase this year, increasing by 0.13 per cent points when compared to the February 2023 headline inflation rate.

RONALDO, IGHALO CLASH IN EPIC BATTLE

The Saudi Arabia Pro League comes alive today as Al Hilal host Al Nassr with both Nigerian’s Odion Ighalo and Cristiano Ronaldo facing off in an epic clash at the King Fahd International Stadium.

The Saudi League is grabbing global attention following the arrival of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo and Ighalo.

Al Hilal are currently fourth on the standings and have not been at their best so far this season.

The hosts slumped to a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Al Batin in their previous game and will need to work hard to bounce back this week.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr have been in fine form this season and are second in the league table.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward signed a two-and-a-half-year contract to play in the Saudi Pro League and, according to reports, will receive $75m per year, making him the highest-paid footballer in history.

Also, Ighalo moved to the Saudi Arabian league when he joined Al Shabab FC in the 2020/21 season and scored nine goals, and three assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

He moved to Al Hilal in the 2021/22 season, had an outstanding performance with 44 matches, scored 30 goals, and created four assists in all competitions.

The 33-year-old’s fine form helped Al Hilal win Saudi Arabia Pro League last season where he also won the Golden Boot award with 24 league goals.

The Nigerian has been in fine form this season and has registered 16 goals, and two assists in 21 matches and is currently the joint top scorer in the League with Al Nassr Brazilian attacker Talisca and Al Ittihad Moroccan forward Abderrazak Hamdallah

The Portuguese will face stiff battles with Ighalo, Talisca and Hamdallah in the race for the top goals scorer award.

With seven matches left in the season, the Portuguese striker will have to score at least three goals in each game to stand a chance of competing for the Golden Boot race.

KWARA UNITED CHAIRMAN, KUMBI BERATES PLAYERS AFTER CONSECUTIVE HOME LOSS

Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, Kumbi Titiloye read riot act to  players after suffering a disappointing loss to Enyimba FC in a Matchday 14 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter decided at the Akure Township Stadium this evening. 

According to him, there was no justification whatsoever, for the team turning in poor performances in the league despite the huge commitment of the state government, as well as the sacrifices by the management, in its bid to make the club one.of the best.

"We have tried enough, as we have roled out numerous measures, which includes, but not limited to hiring a new Technical Adviser, and beefing up the team with new players, and the introduction of incentives, just to make the team better. But how would you all justify your performances? "he asked.

Enyimba FC, after a good combination of passes got the first goal in the 27th minute through Chijioke Mbaoma, but Kwara United equalized in the 35th minutes, via penalty converted by Samad Kadri, after Enyimba FC defender handled the ball in the vital area.

The visitors went ahead to score their second and the winning goal in the 77th minute, after Mboama latched on the mix-up between goalkeeper Bamidele Aiyenugba and the defenders.

It was a poor outing for Kwara United again suffering their second consecutive home defeat after losing their last home game against Shooting Stars 0-1 before securing an away draw last weekend against Bendel Insurance in Benin.

"Our Supporters and Fans, as well as some stakeholders, came all the way from Ilorin to watch you play and cheer you to victory. You are supposed to compensate their sacrifices with good performances and result, but the reverse was the case. You also disappointed your Akure fans, too.

He warned that the management would be left with no option than to introduce strict measures if there were no positive changes.

WORKERS TRANSFERRED N663bn TO OTHER PFAs – PENCOM

No fewer than 168,768 workers have changed their Pension Fund Administrators and moved N663.761bn Retirement Savings Accounts since the National Pension Commission opened the window of transfer.

The window of transfer allowed workers to move their savings from a PFA to another of their choice once a year.

PenCom disclosed the transfers in its ‘Quarterly summary of Retirement Savings Accounts transferred by Pension Fund Administrators’ from the fourth quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2023.

According to PenCom, 24,963 workers moved N111.67bn in the first quarter of 2023.

The figures disclosed that 2,799 contributors moved N18.9bn in the fourth quarter of 2020; 12,681 contributors moved N47.78bn in the first quarter of 2021; 10,166 moved N35.89bn in the second quarter of 2021; 12,872 contributors moved N45.56bn in the third quarter of 2021; while 12,874 contributors moved N42.49bn  in the fourth quarter of 2021.

It added that 12,336 contributors moved N36.36bn in the first quarter of 2022; 14,821 moved N50.22bn in the second quarter of 2022; 30,973 moved N143.1bn in the third quarter of 2022; while 34,283 moved N131.76bn in the fourth quarter of 2022.

Section 13 of the Pension Reform Act 2014 specifies that a Retirement Savings Account holder may transfer his RSA from one PFA to another.

It added that such transfer should not be more than once a year.

The pension industry regulator stated that PFAs must only process requests for RSA holders registered on the Enhanced Contributor Registration System and those whose recaptured information had been successfully uploaded onto the ECRS.

“PFAs shall only process RSA transfer requests for eligible RSA holders who have not transferred their RSAs within the last 365 days using the RTS, irrespective of whether it is a leap year or not,” it stated.

PenCom opened the transfer window in November 2020, which allowed contributors to change their PFAs.

Effective transfer of RSAs from one PFA to another requires an accurate and reliable database as it is important to ensure that the pension assets transferred belong to the bona-fide RSA holders initiating the transfers,” it said.

PenCom noted that the opening of the RSA transfer window was done after it ensured that robust IT infrastructure to drive the process was put in place.

It said the process was finalised in June 2019 with the deployment of an enhanced contributor registration system for the pension industry.

The pension regulator said the ECRS incorporated extensive validations, controls and data requirements that would deliver high data integrity standards for the pension industry.

It added that the upgrade of RSA holders’ details to meet the ECRS standards was a prerequisite for RSA transfers.

GAMBARI LAILATUL QODIR: ALMSGIVING, A MAJOR POINT OF DISCUSSION

Ulamau from the length and the breadth of Gambari in Ilorin East Local Government area of Kwara State today assembled at the ongoing construction of Multi-million mosque to observe Lailatul Qodir..

The Mufasir of the gigantic Mosque Fadilatul Sheik  Abdulkadir Maimasa Atihuwajud who led the crème de la crème Islamic clerics centered his sermon on alms giving urged well meaning Muslims to use their resources to assist less privileged.

Speaking on the ongoing construction of the community central mosque, a university don who double as Vice Chairman, Gambari Central Mosque Prof Olarewaju Yusuf Badmos said the project is at the peak of completion, adding that the mosque will open for use on or before Eid-il-Kabir.

Prof. Badmos commended all benefactors for their giant strives towards the actualisation of the project saying the reward for such is immesurable.

Dignitaries at the programme are Balogun Gambari of Ilorin, Sarkin Gambari, the first Makama of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Oniye, Imam of Gambari Fadilatul Sheik Abdulazeez Suleiman, Imam Maiyaki, Khalifah Sheikh AbdulGaniy, Grand Mukadam of Ilorin Sheik Suleiman Danboronu,

Others are  Sheikh Usman Sanu Sheu, Shuaib Assayuotti ologele, and among others

Highpoint of the programme was the presentation of the Qur'an, frames, Journal among others to the Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari for his fatherly roles and support on the ongoing mosque, Gambari community, Ilorin generally