Jonathan,Tinubu, Aliyu, Northern govs, others mourn Agagu

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday led prominent Nigerians to pay tributes to former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, who died at 65 last Friday.

He described the ex -Minister of Aviation and Power, Dr Olusegun Agagu, as a man whose exemplary decorum, poise, urbanity, finesse and loyalty in the conduct of politics will be greatly missed.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati, said: “On behalf of himself, the Federal Government and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Jonathan extends sincere

Female police officer molested, stripped naked in Onitsha

A near commotion was averted yesterday at Bridge Head, Onitsha, when a female member of the Nigerian police, was abused, molested and almost stripped naked by a dreaded wealthy man, (name withheld)in the area who allegedly slapped the Commissioner of Police last year.

According to a tout in the park who gave his name as Tunde and witnessed the averted commotion said the

Nigeria University Lecturers (ASUU) Commence Indefinite Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) resumed yesterday the industrial action it suspended in January 2011 following the federal government’s failure to implement the agreement it reached with the lecturers.

ASUU’s National President, Dr. Nasir Isa on Monday, said the industrial action though painful would be total, comprehensive, total and indefinite and last for as long as the federal government implements details of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) both parties signed in 2011.

He said that the decision to have the strike was reached at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of ASUU held at the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.

He said that the action was as a result of the inability of the federal government to implement some of the

£3,000 British visa bond an insult to Nigeria and unacceptable - oba of Lagos, Akiolu

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Monday condemned the proposed £3,000 British visa deposit imposed on Nigerian travellers.

Akiolu said this at the opening of a five-day workshop on corporate fraud organised by the police Special Fraud Unit in collaboration with the City of London Police in Lagos, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

“It is unacceptable to us as a nation; we will not take it. It is a big insult to us for British to demand £3,000 before we can go to London. We are not criminals,’’ he said.

The monarch stressed the need for the government to release the reports of some major probes into corruption, including the Halliburton scam.

Senate must approve appointment of service chiefs

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled that the appointment of all Service Chiefs by the President is unconstitutional, illegal, null and void without the approval of the Senate.

Justice Adamu Bello, ruling on a suit filed by Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo challenging the appointments, on

Nigeria U20 V Uruguay U20 - A preview

For the second time in 12 days, Nigeria will square up against Uruguay – this time at youth level as both sides battle for a last eight spot at the Fifa World Youth Championship billed for the Ali Sami Yen Arena.

Ali Sami Yen Arena was the same ground the Flying Eagles defeated Korea Republic to finish runners-up behind Portugal in Group B. Although, this will be the first time both countries will be meeting at this level of

When Maracana played like the extra man

Shakira and Brazil singer Ivete Sangalo during the Confederations Cup final match between Brazil and Spain at the Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro. (Reuters Photo)

RIO DE JANEIRO:  It's 3pm and four hours before the kick-off but the ramps coming down from the Maracana metro station are already looking like a sea of yellow.

Trains coming from the city centre are off-loading hordes of Brazilian fans in national colours at three stations near the Maracana. On the pavement, two urchins are dribbling a ragged ball while chanting "tiki-taka, tiki-taka".

On all the street corners in Tijuca, where the stadium is located, cops in heavy gear are standing behind the

Mimiko wins again

Mimiko

The Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State capital, has upheld the re-election of Governor Olusegun  Mimiko.

Reports monitor in Akure by TNI indicates The five man appel panel of Judges led by Justice Mohammed

Thompson Oliha, ex-Nigerian Green Eagles player dies at 44

Late Thompson Oliha

THE sport circle in the country was again thrown into mourning on Sunday when news filtered in that former Super Eagles player Thompson Oliha had passed on.

TNI gathered that Oliha died at Yusjib Industrial Medicare in Ilorin after he reportedly slumped in his toilet on Sunday before he was rushed to the hospital where the Chief Medical Director Dr Abdulraheem Yusuf, confirmed him dead.

Oliha, a midfielder was a member of the Super Eagles team that played at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1994, two months after the squad won the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in Tunisia.

The late midfielder was also a member of the Flying Eagles squad to the 1987 World Cup in Chile.

Thompson Oliha first played for the senior national team in a 1988 Olympic Games qualifying match against Algeria in Annaba in January 1988, and then became a fixture in the team at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Algeria.

The ex-Nigeria international was Until his death,  the coach of the senior students of Kwara Footbal Academy, Ilorin, Kwara State

NIGERIA NOT WORKING - SULTAN

Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa'ad Abubakar

The Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Jama'atul Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar III is of the view that so many things are not working in the country because the leaders refuse to allow them work this is according to reports monitor online.

The Sultan who spoke at a national conference on peace, unity and security organised by JNI in Kaduna said, “So many things have gone wrong in this country and things are still going wrong.

“As leaders, we are committed in ensuring justice in whatever we do; we are committed in ensuring that those leaders

Jonathan, Amaechi: War in the delta creeks

It is beyond doubt that the Presidency and the Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi, are embroiled in a cold war that is already affecting the political rhythm of the Niger Delta, creating a sort of discord rather than harmony. IDOWU SAMUEL writes on issues that have provoked discord between two brothers, President Goodluck Jonathan and Amaechi, into waging war against each other.

CHIBUIKE Rotimi Amaechi came to power amid the euphoria of achieving the unthinkable, then by dethroning his predecessor, Celestine Omehia, via litigation. By that, he launched himself into instant

I dont want to be president - Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso

Kano State Governor, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, has described reports quoting him as saying he would declare his intention to run for the presidency in 2015 at the right time as misrepresentation of fact.

The governor declared that he is focused on critical issues of governance and development in Kano State and that he is yet to make a decision on his involvement in future politics in the country.

A statement issued in Kano and signed by the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Malam

Commual clash left 39 people dead in Wukari Town, Police Declare 24 Hour Curfew

Tell tales of the clash

A 24-hour curfew has been placed on Wukari town in Taraba state after a communal clash left 39 people dead, 30 injured and about 30 houses burnt.

The Taraba state police public relations officer, Mr Joseph Kwaji, who disclosed this, stated that the injured

Pini Jason, popular Vanguard Columnist Dies At 65

A Vanguard columnist, Chief Pini Jason Onyegbaduo, popularly known as Pini Jason on Saturday died in a Lagos hospital after undergoing a surgical procedure a few days ago. He was 65.

Pini Jason

Mr. Jason, who was a long time columnist, took a leave in 2007 to serves as the special assistant on special duties to former governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State. He returned to writing his column at the newspaper 2011.

According to the organisation, Pini’s last column titled,” A letter to Yushau Shuaib” was published Tuesday

Nigeria rubish Ivory Coast's Nation Cup dream, eyes title after sending the Elephants home

Referee Djamel Haimoudi, center, from Algeria, stops an argument between Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba, left, and John Obi Mikel during their African Cup of Nations quarterfinals match Sunday, Feb. 3 2013 at the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. Nigeria defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 to advance to the semifinals. Photo: Armando Franca

RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) — Nigeria has become the team to beat at the African Cup of Nations after reaching the semifinals by stunning Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Just like Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor also won't have a chance to win the tournament for the first time as

$620,000 bribe, FG finally file charges aginst Farouk Lawan

Five months after, the federal government has finally agreed to press charges and begin the trial of the House of Representatives member, Mr. Farouk Lawan for allegedly demanding and receiving $620,000 bribe.

Malam Farouk Lawan as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Fuel Subsidy Probe is alleged to have negotiated the

Governor Orji promises hell for Kidnappers, to rid Abia of criminals

Governor Theodore Orji while receiving five Toyota Hilux vans donated to the state by Diamond Bank Plc to assist the government in the fight against crime in Umuahia Thursday pledged to rid the state of

Pastor held over gun possession

THE police in Benue State under the aegis of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have arrested the Katsina-Ala resident pastor of a Church (names withheld) in Katsina-Ala Council of Benue State for illegal possession of fire-arms.

we gathered that the arrest, which took place in the church yard last Tuesday by men of the SARS, followed a tip-off that the pastor had vowed to kill the accountant of the church (names withheld) during a disagreement over money.

Investigation also revealed that the pastor had allegedly ordered the accountant to handover all the church monies to him for execution of a project but the accountant refused to comply on the ground that the pastor

$3 Million Bribe: Otedola defeats lawmakers in court

Farouk-Femi

Reports obtained from Channels Tv online today, Thursday indicates that oil magnate Femi Otedola has deafeted the duo of Farouk Lawan and Aminu Tambuwal in the Preliminary Case.

A Lagos based oil magnate and the Chairman of Zenon oil and gas, Femi Otedola has floored the Speaker

Protests in Abuja over light sentence given to director of police pension who stole N32 billion

PROTESTERS hit the streets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on Wednesday, demanding a retrial of the case involving fraud in the administration of police pension fund. This is according to reports from the Tribune website.

In the case, former director of the Police Pension Office, Mr John Yakubu Yusuf had been jailed for two

Vehicle fell off 3rd Mainland Bridge into the lagoon

the vehicle being removed from the lagoon

There was pandemonium on Third Mainland Bridge after a vehicle veered off the bridge plunging into the lagoon on Saturday.

EFCC arrests two over $240,000 illegal cash

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said on Friday that it arrested two suspects, Moghalu Maduakonam and Esho David, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja over alleged attempt to smuggle $240,000 out of the country.

The suspects were said to have made useful statements.

A statement by the spokesperson for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, said that while Maduakonam was travelling to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates with $200,000 which he failed to declare, David, who was going to Istanbul, Turkey, declared only $5,000 out of the $40,050 in his possession.

Culled from: Punch

Hundreds killed by fire in a Brizil Night Club

At least 245 people have been killed in a Brazil nightclub after a fire ravaged through the building in the early hours of this morning.

Initial reports were that 90 people perished in the blaze, but the death toll has steadily been rising as more bodies have been found in the packed nightclub.

While the official cause of the blaze has not been stated, local reports claim it was sparked by a firework set off during a band's performance.

More states coming soon says Senate President, David Mark.

Senate President, David Mark.

More states coming soon. Senate President, David Mark, has assured that creation of states is a must, just as he hints that Apa state will soon be a reality.

He stated this in his remark at the 57th general assembly meeting of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON) held in Otukpo area of Benue State on Monday, stating that when Apa state is created, Otukpo

Henry Okah convicted by a South African court of Nigeria's 2010 Independence Day Bombings

Henry Okah

A South African court has found Nigerian militant Henry Okah guilty of masterminding the 2010 car bombing which killed 12 people.

Okah was convicted of 13 counts related to acts of terrorism.

He was arrested in Johannesburg a day after two car bombs exploded during the 50th anniversary of

Outrage over attack on Emir of Kano

Emir of kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero

That the Saturday attack on the emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero is indicative of the prevailing insecurity in the north can not be over emphasized.

Consequent upon the attack, there has been an outrage on the state of insecurity in the North.

Shock and indignation ruled the nation as Nigerians reacted to the attack on the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero who has been flown abroad for medical attention.

The monarch who escaped an attack on his convoy shortly after an Islamic function at Tudun Murtala, near

Google's Chairman, Eric Schmidt visit Lagos, discussed internet and technology with Fashola

The meeting which held at the State House, Marina had several government officials and members of the Google team in attendance.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat was in attendance alongside his Science and Technology counterpart, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje. The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs Olushola Oworu, Director, Google Idea, Mr Jared Cohen, Country Manager Google Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan, Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, Ms Moji Rhodes and member, Lagos Innovation Advisory Council, Mr Tomi Davies were all present at the meeting where it was revealed that Lagos is the hub of Google Inc.’s initiatives in the country

Dangote's Multi-million Naira Yacht

Aliko Dangote's Yacht

Reports reaching us indicate Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote has just bought himself a luxury yacht.

The yacht named Mariya was said to have cost Dangote several millions of Naira and was specially built for his enjoyment.

The yacht is presently beign packed close to his business mogul friend, Femi Otedola's own at a jetty by Walter Carrington Crescent. The jetty is reported to belong to Femi Otedola.

Coke to tackle obesity

NEW YORK: Coca-Cola became one of the world’s most powerful brands by equating its soft drinks with happiness. Now it is taking to the airwaves for the first time to address a growing cloud over the industry: obesity.

The Atlanta-based company begin airing a two-minute spot during the highest-rated shows on CNN, Fox

Chief (Mrs) Olusola Obada, Minister of State for Defence near collapse at Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremonies

The Minister of State for Defence, Chief Olusola Obada, on Tuesday, nearly fell at the military parade rounding off the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremonies in Abuja.

Sandwiched between the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Ibrahim and the Speaker, House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, Obada gave in to exhaustion having stood for a long period.

She was quickly held from falling completely to the ground by some of the security aides at the National Arcade Three Arms Zone, venue of the annual riutal.

Obasanjo refuses to lay wreath at Armed Forces Remembrance Day

Former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday in Abeokuta rejected a request to lay a wreath at the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration in the State capital.

The reason for the rejection, according to findings by The Nigerian Indicator was due to the fact that the

Report indicates Nigeria Police College on the brink of collapse

The following report culled from Channels Tv website grapgically indicates the deplorable state of the Nigeria Police College:

The Report

The capacity of the Nigerian Police Force is currently being overstretched by the insurgency in the North, abuses against ordinary citizens and undermines of the rule of law. According to a report of the Human Rights Watch, Nigerians don’t trust the police; citizens generally have a bad impression of police officers because of their perceived brutality and corruption.

Despite the huge budgetary allocation to the force – N311 billion ($1.99 billion) in 2013 – the Nigerian police are haplessly often overpowered by criminals whose activity affects those in high and low places.

At the heart of the problem of the police force is training, there are seven police colleges in Nigeria and new recruits are expected to undergo about 13 months training in these institutes.

However, this video report focuses on the deplorable state of the police college in Ikeja, Lagos.

Amosun, NNPC dissagreed and agreed on Arepo explosion

The NNPC has faulted allegations of negligence, by Governor Amosun as regards the fire incident at Arepo, Ogun State at the weekend. In a statement by the Acting Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs of

Arepo pipeline explosion: long queues return to fuel stations

NNPC Pipeline Explosion at Arepo, Ogun State

LONG queues have returned to various filling stations in Lagos State and its environs due to vandalism and subsequent explosion of pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) at the

Airtel Internet Plans

AIRTEL

Price N	Data Volume	Validity Period	Activation                 Key	USSD Code
500	150 MB	24 hours	Text day to 141	*141*12*5#
1000	200 MB	30 days	Text Lite to 141	*141*11*4#
1300	325 MB	30 days	Text Midi to 141	*141*11*5#
2000	750 MB	30 days	Text surf to 141	*141*11*6#
2500 (Night)	4.6 GB	30 days (Nights only)	Text night to 141	*141*12*4#
3000	1.5 GB	30 days	Text smartphone to 141	*141*11*7#
3000 (Wkend)	4.6 GB	Wkends only	Text weekend to 141	*141*12*6#
5000	4.6 GB	30 days	Text plus to 141	*141*12*1#
8000	7.7 GB	30 days	Text Max to 141	*141*12*2#

To check data usage: Dial *141*11*0# or text status to 141. Website: www.www.africa.airtel.com

Etisalat Internet Plans

ETISALAT

Price N	Data Volume	Validity Period	Activation Key	USSD Code
500		24 hours
1000	200 MB	30 days	Text MB2 to 229	*229*2*1#
2000	500 MB	30 days	Text MB3 to 229	*229*2*2#
4000	1.5 GB	30 days	Text MB4 to 229	*229*2*4#
4000 (Nights & Wkends only)		30 (Nights & Wkends only)	Text MB7 to 229	*229*3*3#
6500	3 GB	30 days	Text MB5 to 229	*229*2*3#
8000	6 GB	30 days	Text MB6 to 229	*229*2*5#

                Check your data balance anytime – just dial *228#. Text ‘help’ to 229 to get more details about Etisalat data plans. Website: www.etisalat.com.ng