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  • IGP declares killer of DPO Bako in Rivers wanted

    IGP declares killer of DPO Bako in Rivers wanted

    Port Harcourt—Gift David Okpara, popularly known as 2baba, has been declared wanted by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as a prime suspect in the killing of the late Divisional Police Officer in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim.

    It will be recalled that Angbashim, who was the DPO of Ahoada, in Rivers State, was ambushed, captured and killed by gunmen, who claimed to be members of Iceland cult gang.

     

    The killing took place in Odumude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, when the late DPO was returning from a raid on criminal hideouts with some of his men.

     

    The IGP’s declaration was contained in a post by the Rivers State Police Command through the spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, yesterday for the Commissioner of Police, Emeka Nwonyi, to implement the direcrive.

     

    The release, which carried the picture of the miscresnt (2 Baba), listed his offences as ‘conspiracy, cultism and murder.’

     

    The statement read: “Force Directive C.I.D No.48 refers to the bulletin and given details of rewards for the arrest of this person.

     

    “Issued by the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, Gift David Okpara is wanted by the office of the Commissioner of Police Rivers State, Police Command.

     

    “Offences: Conspiracy, cultism and murder of SP Bako Angbashim, if seen, arrest and hand over to the nearest Police station or to the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.”

     

    The statement, which also contained several mobile telephone numbers, added: “Handsome reward awaits any person(s) with information leading to his arrest.”

  • Breaking: Blackout as Nigeria’s electricity generation drops 93.5% to 273MW

    Breaking: Blackout as Nigeria’s electricity generation drops 93.5% to 273MW

    Nigeria’s power supply dropped by 93.5 per cent to 273 megawatts, MW in the early hours of today, from 4,182MW recorded on Monday, this week, following a complete system collapse, due to equipment failure or grid disturbance in the sector

    Data obtained from Nigeria Electricity System Operator, the semi-autonomous arm of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, showed that Afam VI, Dadinkowa, Ibom Power, Jebba, Olorunsogo generated 0.70MW, 0.00MW, 32.90MW, 240MW and zero respectively..

     

    Managing Director/CEO of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, did not respond to calls and text messages, but a top industry leader, who confirmed the development, said: “The grid has been very unstable for days before the latest system collapse. As we speak, there is blackout.”

     

    Checks by Vanguard showed that Nigeria’s electricity generation dropped, Tuesday, by 59 per cent to 1,705 megawatts, MW, from 4,182 MW recorded the previous day at 06:00hours, due to grid disturbance.

     

    It indicated that many households and businesses are currently generating their independent power at higher costs because of the high price of diesel currently hovering at over N600 per litre, but also the high cost of petrol that shot up by about 169 per cent to over N500 per litre since June 2023, from N186 per litre (major marketers) in the preceding month of May 2023.

     

    The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had promised Nigerians that they will witness improved power supply across the nation soon.

     

    Speaking at a recent reception organized for him, he said: “We know it’s not something that is achievable overnight but we believe that once the foundation is laid, others can also build on it. I can tell you that between six months and one year, we will start seeing improvement in the power sector

  • Fees hike: OAU students, mgt in showdown

    Fees hike: OAU students, mgt in showdown

    THE management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ile in Osun State and the Students’ Union Government, SUG, are on logger heads following the school’s decision to introduce a new school fee regime.

    The institution increased school fees payable by both freshers and returning students from N20,100 and N28,100 for returning students to N89,200 and 101, 200.

    The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, in a statement, explained that new students in the Faculties of Arts, Law and Humanities will pay N151,200, while returning students of the same faculties will pay N89,200.

     

    Olarewaju stated that the new fee, which was approved by the University Senate after its meeting on Tuesday, is payable for an academic session.

     

    The statement reads: “For those in the Faculties of Technology and Science, the new students will pay N163, 200 and the returning students of the same faculties are to pay N101,200.

     

    “In addition, the new students being admitted into the Faculties in the College of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy are to pay N190, 200 and returning students will pay N128, 200 respectively.

     

    “The decision was taken by the Senate of the University at its emergency meeting on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The above adjustable fees are just for an academic session.”

     

    Increment is outrageous —SUG

     

    However, the Secretary of the Students Union Government, SUG, Mr Akinboni Opeyeni said most returning students may not come back to school as the increment is too outrageous for them.

    Opeyeni said: “We are mobilising student leaders on ways to engage the school management to resolve the issues as we have been meeting with the authority to avert the said hike.”

  • World Literacy Day: Lions Club donates educational materials to school in Lagos

    World Literacy Day: Lions Club donates educational materials to school in Lagos

    By Taiye Olayemi

    The Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club, an arm of Lions International District 404B2, Nigeria,  has donated school books, bags, story books and other stationery to pupils of Agidingbi Primary School in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Speaking during the gift presentation, Mr Sanyaolu Opeyemi, President of the club,  said that the gesture was extended to the school in commemoration of the 2023 World Literacy Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Literacy Day is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.

    Opeyemi said that the club was operating with its annual theme,  “Service With Love”, which also necessitated the act of gifting the pupils educational aid.

    He said over 500 story books, 200 school bags, 200 exercise books, 200 biros and 500 pencils with erasers were donated.

    He said uniforms were also sewn for some of the pupils who did not have.

    “This is our way of giving back to the society to commemorate the World Literacy Day, bearing in mind the theme for the year in the Lions Club, “Service with Love”.

    “We will come back to do more for the school; we have another big project on the way; we will spread the kind gesture to other schools around Ikeja Local Government Area.

    “We appreciate Belloxxi biscuit for their generosity shown toward the children,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mrs Oluwakemi Abimbola, Second Vice District Governor of the club,  described the donation as a significant and signature project, urging the pupils to make good use of all the materials donated.

    She called on the staff of the school to join the club as it is a voluntary and humanitarian society.

    Mr Lekan Owolabi, immediate past District Governor of the club, commended the current leadership for believing in the future of the pupils.

    Owolabi said this was an opportunity given to the children to realise their full potential.

    “With this, we are securing your future, it is better to nurture you properly so we will not take the fate of having our future in jeopardy because you are the future of tomorrow,” he said.

    In her response, Mrs Deji Alao, Head Teacher of the school, said, “I believe God is solidly behind us here, I thank Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club for the humanitarian job done so far.

    “We have been enjoying this gesture,  at least three times in a session, your charity work is really appreciated.

    “I pray that your own children will never be stranded in life.”

    Mr Popoola Ayodeji, representing Mr Shittu Babatunde, Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said, “This act of kindness will spur the children to also give back to their society when they are older. We appreciate you.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

  • EEDC strengthens partnership with Nigeria Police to curb vandalism, energy theft

    EEDC strengthens partnership with Nigeria Police to curb vandalism, energy theft

     

     

    Enugu: The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) says it is strengthening existing partnership with the Nigeria Police to curb vandalism and energy theft with its network franchise area covering the South-East.

     

    The Head of Security in EEDC, Mr Frank Ejiofor, said this during a courtesy visit on the new Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in his office in Enugu on Wednesday.

     

    Ejiofor also noted that the visit was part of EEDC’s strategy to collaborate with its critical stakeholders.

     

    “The EEDC is using this opportunity to solicit for continued support of the Nigeria Police Force against the various activities that impact negatively on our company’s operations.

    “Some of these activities include vandalism of electricity infrastructure, energy theft and assault on our officials among others,” he said.

     

    He also lauded the commissioner on his efforts to curtail the security challenges in the state.

     

    Responding, CP Uzuegbu, assured EEDC of the Enugu State Police Command’s willingness not only to support its operations but also its readiness to attend to any call on them for assistance.

    The commissioner commended EEDC for its enormous socio-economic impact and development in the country especially in the area of job creation for the teeming numbers of youths.

     

    Accompanying Ejiofor to the courtesy visit to the CP were EEDC’s Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh; Head, Customer Service, Mrs Ijeoma Ogudebe; District Business Manager, Ogui District, Mr Chimezie Chukwu, and the Chief Security Officer, Ogui District, Mr. Jonathan Arum. (Flowerbudnews)

  • I’m sound, spirit, soul, body – Buchi reacts to death rumour

    I’m sound, spirit, soul, body – Buchi reacts to death rumour

     

    Enugu:  A popular Gospel Singer, Buchi Atuonwu, popularly known as Buchi, has urged the public to disregard rumour making the rounds in the social media that he has passed on.


    Buchi, the global acclaimed gospel singer, refuted the rumour in a telephone interview with newsmen in Enugu on Wednesday.

    According to him, there is no truth in this as I am sound, spirit, soul and body.

    “It is unfortunate that desperation has driven many to all manner of mischief. Thank you all for your care and concern,” Buchi said.

    The report of the purported death of the award winning gospel minister went viral on Wednesday on the social media.

    Buchi is a renowned Nigerian song-writer, author, poet spoken word and reggae gospel artist loved by millions around the world. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Exclusive: Revival of Idol Worshipping in Yorubaland, Aregbesola’s Evil Legacy – Former Aide

    Exclusive: Revival of Idol Worshipping in Yorubaland, Aregbesola’s Evil Legacy – Former Aide

     

     

    By Iyiola Olalere

    Oshogbo (Flowerbudnews):   The resurgence of Idol Worshipping with its accompanying ritualism and fetishism, currently ravaging Yorubaland is the handwork of former Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola.

    A former close associate of the former governor, who preferred anonymity, made the declaration in an interview with Flowerbudnews in Oshogbo on Wednesday.

    The source, who worked with Aregbesola throughout his eight-year tenure as Governor of Osun state, described Aregbesola as someone who ”is more if an idolator at heart than a muslim”.

    He recalled that as governor, ”Aregbesola was always more relaxed at functions of Idol worshippers than Muslim or Christian activities”.

    The close associate of Aregbesola pointed that the former governor’s ”’glorification of orunmila etc with symbol of idolatry as his logo should have warned well-meaning people of Osun of a dubious religiosity”.

    He pointed out that ”perhaps, Aregbesola’s Islam was a mere camouflage, as he inclined more to Idol worshippers”.

    A Muslim scholar, Ustaz AbdulAziz Yakub, who commented on the surging problem of Idol Worshipping in Osun state in an interview with Flowerbudnews in Oshogbo, noted that the menace was now extending from Osun to other states in Yorubaland,

    He commended the people of Kwara state for their resilience in resisting the attempt to extend revival of Idol Worshipping to the state.

    ”Everyone who believe in GOD know that Idol Worshipping is a degradation of the high status that GOD gave man over all of HIS other creations”, he stated.

    ”How can a sane educated man be promoting the idea of man bowing down and worshiping stone, rivers, iron, thunder etc that are all subservient to man by GOD’s design, Ustaz Yakub said.

    He urged former Governor Aregbesola to ”repent and beg ALLAH for forgiveness,” adding that the former governor ”must also start to speak openly against idol worshiping and its accompanying fetism and ritualism – including possible human killing for rituals and fetishism”

    A Christian Evangelist, Pastor Adewole Adejare who also spoke with Flowerbudnews in Oshogbo on resurgence of Idol worship in Osun state, dismissed Former Gov. Aregbesola’s popular defence that he was promoting it as ”traditional religion’,,

    Pastor Adejare pointed that ”Aregbesola’s re-energising of Idol Worshipping in the name of culture was like taking our people back to the dark ages before the messages of the true GOD came to liberate and civilise our people”,

    It will be recalled that former Governor Aregbesola had, on several occasions, explained that he was just trying to be fair by giving more recognition to the traditional religion in Osun state.

    He had defended the now annual ‘Isese’ day holiday he approved for idol worshippers in Osun state, justifying by saying that various holidays were also being enjoyed by adherents of other religions.

    It will be recalled that Aregbesola had introduced the First of Muharram holiday for Muslims in the early days of his administration in Osun state. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Lasting Security: Chairman of Igbo-Eze North council establishes office for security, youth matters

    Lasting Security: Chairman of Igbo-Eze North council establishes office for security, youth matters

     

     

    Igbo-Eze (Enugu):  The Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area in Enugu State, Prince Ejike Itodo, on Wednesday announced the creation of a special office for security and youth matters.

     

    “This special office is to ensure lasting peace and tranquility in the council area”, Itodo made the announcement during the local government prayer/security summit held at the council headquarters in Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike.

     

    He said that such a special office would take care of youth matters and security issues in a confidential manner and take far reaching effects towards addressing the challenges of security breaches and youth restiveness in the area.

     

    The chairman decried various losses in both economic, manpower and social resources that the council area suffered in the past owing to the security skirmishes and unwarranted actions of some criminal elements in the area.

    Itodo admonished all to embrace the mantra of “forgiving the past and forging ahead to a united and prosperous Igbo-Eze North”.

     

    He reiterated the fact that no meaningful development and progress can thrive in an atmosphere of strife, insecurity and killings.

     

    According to him, youths in the council area should embrace a positive turn around for good where they can be engaged in various productive ventures.

     

    He thanked Gov Peter Mbah for his massive support to the council area on security matters and his determination to jumpstart another era of development in the state through various initiatives in the last 100 days of his administration.

     

    He said, “Our amiable governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah, has always been responsive on any security issue in Igbo-Eze North.

     

    “We do not have enough resources to support the security operatives in Igbo-Eze North but because the governor has been there for us, we have been able to achieve a lot.

     

    “We came here in one mind and accord to put a stamp to our resolution for lasting peace and security in Igbo-Eze North.

     

    “Everyone knows the essence of peaceful coexistence anywhere in the community, talk more of a local government where brothers and sisters reside.

    “It is the bedrock of development and we thank God that a new dawn is here with us.”

     

    Earlier, the Summit Facilitator, Chief Richard Ekeh, who appreciated various stakeholders cutting across all sectors of the society who attended the programme, said “the summit marks a day of covenant for peace and return to normalcy” in Igbo-Eze North.

     

    Ekeh said the behind the scene consultations done prior to the summit recorded tremendous success and addressed some salient issues that led to security breaches in the area before now.

     

    The summit was attended by political office holders, traditional rulers, youth bodies, market union leaders, town union leaders, security chiefs and women groups among others. (Flowerbudnews)

  • Bago salutes Etsu Nupe on 20 years on throne, 71st birthday

    Bago salutes Etsu Nupe on 20 years on throne, 71st birthday

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Sept 13, 2023

    Gov. Umar Bago of Niger has showered encomiums on the Chairman, State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on his 20th year on the throne and 71st birthday.

    This is contained in a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim and made available to newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.

    The governor acknowledged the fatherly role the Etsu Nupe has been playing not just among the Nupe speaking people, but to entire Nigerians..

    Bago said the good leadership style of the traditional ruler was evident in the high level of patriotism and cooperation among the Nupe-speaking extraction.

    He described him as a bridge builder, valiant, selfless and compassionate leader

    The governor said the reign of the Etsu Nupe in the last 20 years had brought good tidings to his subjects, the state and the nation in general.

    “Etsu Nupe is a rare germ to us in the States. His reign has sustained peaceful coexistence and promoted the rich cultural heritage of Nupe Kingdom.

    Bago added: “Having the celebrant at the helm of affairs of the Traditional Institution in the state has also strengthened the institution, and ensured the unity of all the traditional rulers”.

    The governor prayed for Allah’s blessings and guidance on the celebrant and wished him peaceful and successful reign.

    NAN