Category: Lifestyle

Gunmen Disguised As Women Abduct Mother of NIMASA Director

Posted on by The Elites

Gunmen disguised as women have kidnapped the mother of the Executive Director, Labour and Cabotage, Nigeria Maritime and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Gambo Mahuta and another woman.

The gunmen were said to have stormed the family house of Ahmed Mahuta in Malumfashi and abducted the victims identified as Hajiya Duduwa and Hajiya Aisha.

Our reporter gathered that Aisha was later released by her abductors when they realized her health was deteriorating but went away with Duduwa who is her daughter.

It was further gathered that Aisha is also the mother of former Resident Electoral Officer of INEC, Hussaini Mahuta.

Source said the abductors wearing hijab stormed her residence located at Tudun Balan Maiduna in Malumfashi town at about 10pm on Monday.

It was gathered that the abductors have already reached out to the family demanding N300 million as ransom for her release.

Efforts to get reaction from the police proved abortive as the command spokesman, DSP Gambo Isah, did not answer calls placed to the phone nor respond to a text message sent to him.

Buhari’s ADC, Col. Mohammed Abubakar, Celebrates 45th Birthday

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Colonel Mohammed Abubakar, the aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Muhammadu Buhari, clocks 45 today.

Here is one man, whose words we don’t hear, but who emits golden silence.
Abubakar was born on March 28, 1973, in Zaria, Kaduna state, to inter-ethnic parents from Edo and Kano states. He attended Nigerian Military School (NMS) Zaria from 1985–1990.
Perhaps, as part of the workings of fate, Abubakar served as the head boy known as “Boy Regimental Sergeant Major” of his set, a position manned by Buhari decades back.

After his appointment as ADC in 2015, Nigerians took to social media to congratulate him.
Some recognised him as their camp commandant during their National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).
Bashir Ahmad, a Facebook user, who identified him as his camp commandant in 1996 in Kogi, described Abubakar as  very intelligent.


Ahmad said Abubakar was so patriotic to his country that he identified himself first as Nigerian before any state or ethnic group, even within the Nigerian soil.

was my Camp Commandant at Asaya NYSC Orientation Camp 1996 Kogi State,” Ahmad told TheCable.
“He is Intelligent to the highest order. He’s real patriot to the Nigerian nation.
“There was a time when NYSC officials and camp Officials were introducing themselves to us in 1996 @ Asaya Camp.
“We were so passionate about his home state which we didn’t know. When he was asked to introduce himself, he mentioned his name and instead of him to say from Kano; he passionately said he was from Nigeria. That’s patriotism and commitment to National Unity(de-ethnocentrism). He’s always so committed to his duty. He compromises nothing to his assigned responsibility.”
Idris Garba, another Facebook user, said Abubakar liked to joke but never lost focus.
“He was our NYSC camp comandant when I served in Kogi state in 2006. Then he was a captain,” Garba said.

“One of the best NIGERIAN army officers I ever met. His gallantry and excellent leadership. A true Nigerian. He likes jokes but always on focus.”


Upon graduating from NMS in 1990, Abubakar had a stint at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria as a science undergraduate student.
In 1992, he proceeded to Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) on gaining admission as a member of 44 regular course to read biological sciences.
He has served in various army units and formations within and outside Nigeria at different capacities. Among which are Lagos garrison command, United Nations mission in Sierra Leone, headquarters Nigerian army corps of military police admin company Apapa Lagos, special investigation bureau, Apapa, Lagos, army headquarters provost group, Lokoja, Kogi state.

Abubakar was also the camp commandant Giwa barracks detention facility (Operation Zaman Lafiya) between November 2013 – 2014.
He was the first camp commandant to host/receive the international committee of the Red Cross and crescent to the detention facility in January 2014. He served at the Nigerian army training centre Kontagora as staff officer grade one operation and training.
He also coordinated the training of 143 battalion on counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency with the United States rangers and the British military advisory training teams respectively.
He has travelled to over 40 countries globally.

Abubakar has a bachelor degree in biological sciences from the NDA, a master’s in law enforcement and criminal justice, and another master’s in international affairs and diplomacy (MIAD), both from ABU.

He has earned numerous decorations and medals in the course of his service to the nation among which are forces service star (FSS), meritorious service star (MSS), passed staff college (PSC), passed junior staff course (PJSC), command medal (CM), field command medal (FCM) and United Nation mission in Sierra Leone medal (UNAMSIL), general operations medal (GOM), golden jubilee medal, centenary and operation Zaman Lafiya medals.

Abubakar is married to Fatima Musa and the couple is blessed with a daughter, Aisha Nawal.

 

PHOTOS:📸Sunday Aghaeze

Buhari Pays Two Day Visit To Lagos

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To Flag Off Construction Of Lekki Deep Sea Port

President Muhammadu Buhari will on Thursday begin a two-day official visit to Lagos State, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan said on Wednesday.

According to Bamigbetan, the President, will during the course of his visit carry out some groundbreaking ceremonies and inspect some ongoing projects in the State.

He said the President, on arrival, will attend the Colloquium organised to mark the 66th Birthday of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu scheduled to hold at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday.

He said the President would perform the official flag-off ceremony for the construction of the Lekki Deep Sea Port project, Ibeju Lekki.

Bamigbetan said on completion, the multi-purpose Lekki Deep Sea Port, located at the heart of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, would be one of the most modern ports in West Africa, offering enormous support to the growing commercial operation across Nigeria and the entire West African region.

He said the President would also inspect the ongoing construction works at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island.

He said the Eko Atlantic City Project, a planned city being constructed on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to accommodate at least 250,000 residents and a daily flow of 150,000 commuters, adding that the development will also have a positive environmental impact, as it will help in stopping the erosion of the State’s coastline.

The Commissioner said the President would also commission the Ikeja Bus Terminal, expected to commute over a 100,000 residents across 23 bus routes in the State.

According to him, the Ikeja Bus Terminal is part of the comprehensive plan to redefine public transportation which the present administration is implementing across the State.

Aside the Ikeja Terminal, the Tafawa Balewa Square Bus Terminal has been commissioned, while work is ongoing in Yaba, Oyingbo, Ojota, Agege and other areas.

It would be recalled that the State’s Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal had on Tuesday announced traffic diversions and alternative routes ahead of the President’s visit assuring that adequate preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.

The State Government had also declared Thursday, March 29 as work free day to ease movement in and around the State as well as enable Lagosians come out enmasse to welcome the President.

 

UBA Expands Presence In London As Regulatory Authorities (PRA) Grants Wholesale Banking Licence To Its UK Subsidiary

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United Bank for Africa (UBA PLC), Africa’s global bank, announced today that its London subsidiary has obtained regulatory permission to carry out Wholesale Banking activities in the UK. Following this authorization, UBA is now the only Sub-Saharan African bank to conduct banking activities in New York and London, as well as in 20 other countries across Africa.

Commenting on the landmark achievement, the Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA PLC, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka said: “This authorization strengthens our capabilities in meeting the growing cross-border financing needs of our customers. It enhances our customer coverage and product offerings whilst positioning our Group as an optimal conduit for trade and foreign investments into and across Africa as well as export flows to the United Kingdom. Importantly, the licence will enable us to fulfill our aspiration of deepening financial intermediation in Sub-Saharan Africa and providing the much-needed financial support to the broader real sector of the African economy,” he added.

The CEO of United Bank for Africa (UK) Ltd (“UBA UK”), Mr. Andrew Martin noted further, “this enhanced positioning of our business is timely, as it comes at a time when the UK is seeking to expand trade and broaden economic ties with Nigeria and Africa in general.”

As part of the transformation process, resulting from the authorization, the current name of UBA Capital (Europe) Ltd will change to United Bank for Africa (UK) LTD. In addition to a full suite of treasury services, cash management, corporate lending and wholesale deposit offerings to professional and eligible counterparties, the operations of United Bank for Africa (UK) Limited now extends to all aspects of trade finance; issuance, acceptance, confirmation and refinancing of Letters of Credit of different variations, including SBLCs.

Oba Akiolu Condemns Vandalism, Equipment Theft

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The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, on Tuesday condemned vandalism and theft of power equipment by those he described as criminal elements within the society.

Akiolu made the condemnation when the management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) led by the company’s Managing Director; Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi paid him courtesy visit at his Iga-Iduganran Palace in Lagos.

The General Manager, Corporate Communications Unit of EKEDC, Mr Godwin Idemudia, quoted Akiolu in a statement as saying that the perpetrators of the vandalism were enemies of the society.

“All well-meaning people should join hands to stop them,’’ the traditional ruler said.

The monarch remarked that improvement in power supply being experienced would trigger socio-economic development and create more jobs.

He said that protection of power equipment should be the concern of all lovers of development.

Akiolu told his guests that he had been doing his best to enlighten his subjects, on the need to pay more for electricity since distribution had been privatised and to ensure improved electricity.

The oba, however,advised EKEDC to look inward and fish out bad eggs within its fold.

He noted that some of the officials of the company were in the habit of colluding with people to engage in illegal connection.

Akiolu suggested the establishment of a special task force, comprising top officials of the company and security operatives, to monitor power supply situation.

The traditional ruler said that the task force should also coordinate the activities of members of staff of the company and the public to forestall vandalism, energy theft and other sharp practices.

He said the palace would be willing to mobilise all quarter chiefs and residents of Lagos Island to work with the task force, when constituted.

 

 

The Queen Attends Decommissioning Ceremony For Britain’s Biggest Warship

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The Queen today attended the decommissioning ceremony for Royal Navy’s HMS Ocean. HMS Ocean has completed 20 years of service for the Royal Navy and has been involved in operations off Sierra Leone in 2000, Iraq in 2003 and Libya in 2011. Most recently she carried out humanitarian operations in the Caribbean following the disastrous affects that Hurricane Irma.
At the decommissioning The Queen said, “With three generations of naval officers in my family, I recognise the significant demands that have been placed on all those who have served in the Ship over the last two decades, as well as the contribution of their families and loved ones.” Her Majesty later joined The Captain on board for lunch onboard and met the crew and their families.

 

Buhari’s Visit: Lagos Declares Thursday March 29 Work Free day

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Announces Traffic Diversion, Alternative Routes

+ Says Adequate Measures In Place To Mitigate Inconveniences

 

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday declared Thursday, March 29 as work free day in the State.

 

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan disclosed that this will enable Lagosians come out enmasse to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari who is on a historic two-day visit to Lagos State.

 

The statement urged residents to adhere to the security guidance earlier announced to make the visit as peaceful and orderly.

 

Announcing traffic diversions and alternative routes ahead of a two-day visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to the State between March 29 and 30, State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, at a press briefing held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said adequate preparations have been made to mitigate the impact of the road diversions on residents, while access would be given to any emergency situation.

 

Edgal, who addressed the briefing alongside heads of security and emergency agencies in the State, said while in Lagos, the President would commission the new Ikeja Bus Terminal, attend a colloquium in honour of national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as well as embark on tour of the Eko Atlantic City, among others.    

 

According to the CP, “To ensure smooth, security-free visit of the President, we would need to do some diversions. Some certain roads will be closed at certain times; some diversions will be made but I want to use this opportunity to appeal for the support and understanding of Lagosians that this temporary road closures and diversions might cause a little inconvenience.

 

“We want the people to bear with us to ensure that we all join hands together to make the visit of Mr. President not only hitch-free but also very memorable. The road closures and diversions will be very temporary and immediately the President leaves a certain location, that area will be opened very quickly for the general public. We have also made adequate arrangements to mitigate the impact of the closures on residents,” he said.

 

He listed the areas to be affected to include Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja, Agege Motor Road, a section of Eko Hotel Road in Victoria Island and Old Marina in Ikoyi axis.

 

Besides, Edgal said security arrangement was already in top gear and that people would see a lot of deployment of personal of both military and civil logistics adding that it is nothing to worry about.

 

“We have done the necessary threat assessments; we have reached out to all stakeholders in areas that we believe we should reach out to them to ensure their full cooperation. We are using this opportunity to call again on the Okada Unions and the National Union of Road Transport Workers that they must abide with the terms of agreement we reached during meetings with them regarding the visit.

 

“We will not want to see commercial motorcycles plying the prohibited routes of Agege Motor Road, Bank Anthony Way and anywhere on the Island. Should that order be disobeyed, we would be constrained to ensure that you are arrested with your motorcycles impounded. Whoever is also found as a passenger will also be arrested and prosecuted so do not patronize these Okadas on these prohibited routes not only for the purpose of the visit but also to ensure that Lagos State Laws on the regulation of commercial motorbikes are obeyed at all times,” Edgal said.   

 

He added that three locations have been designated for all first emergency responders to station their equipment and officials including the Police, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), LASAMBUS, Civil Defence, Fire Brigade, among others at Ikeja, Victoria Island and Free Trade Zone at Lekki-Akodo axis.

 

On the Apapa gridlock which has spilled over to other parts of the State, Edgal said while the Joint Task Force set up by the State Government was already working to ensure free-flow of traffic, the government nonetheless has commenced the construction of a new Trailer Park in Ijora axis that can conveniently accommodate 2,800 trucks and tanker at a time. 

 

“The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, in collaboration with stakeholders, has identified a location known as the White Sand in Ijora axis and we have done an assessment of the place with my colleagues in other agencies and all shanties there have been destroyed.

 

“Now, the State Government has given out the contract to a firm and they are now smoothening up the place. It has the capacity to take well over 2,800 trucks and tankers at the same time. Work is ongoing there at a very fast pace and I can assure Lagosians that very soon, the place will be completed and we intend to move all trucks, tankers to that location and as soon as that is done, we would have permanently take care of this trucks and tankers,” Edgal said.  

 

 

 

 

PICTURES: Behold, The World Class Ikeja Bus Terminal, Built By Lagos Govt, Ready For Commissioning On Thursday

Posted on by The Elites

All is set for the commissioning of the newly built world class Ikeja Bus Terminal by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode led administration. President Muhammadu Buhari will lead other top dignitaries on Thursday, March 29, 2018 to unveil the iconic infrastructure.

This iconic terminal is designed to change the face of public transportation and it will convey more than 70,000 passengers daily to over 22 destinations across the State.

The facility, which is sitting on 10,000 square metres land space is equipped with Intelligent Transport System (ITS), Fully Air-conditioned Terminal, Food Court, Shops, Toilets, ATM Gallery, Free Wi-Fi, Electronically Controlled shades, among others.

Through the ITS, intending passengers can be informed of the departure time and arrival of the next bus which allows them to plan their movement.

The facility was designed and constructed by Planet Projects, an indigenous construction firm.

Ambode Commissions Dualized Alapere Road, Junction Improvement Works

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Approves Construction Of Ketu-Agboyi Link Bridge, Link Roads
…Says Govt’ll Continue To Judiciously Utilise Tax Payers’ Money

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday commissioned the Alapere Road and junction improvement works in Agboyi Ketu area of the State, with an assurance that his administration will continue to judiciously put the monies paid by tax payers to good use.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the commissioning ceremony, attended by party leaders, key stakeholders and scores of excited residents, said the 1.4km road was a fulfillment of one of the recommendations of the Traffic Summit organized by his administration in November 2015.

He said the summit, among others, recommended that critical road junctions should be redesigned, improved and or upgraded to meet present and future needs of road users to reduce travel times and support economic activities.

“Undoubtedly, this infrastructure, with the improvement it has conferred on this axis, and the signalization of the traffic here, will not only serve the purpose of reducing travel time and resolving traffic gridlock, it will also increase the value of properties in this area and become a source of prosperity to the owners. That is the Lagos of our dream. A Lagos where we all succeed, together,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode also announced the approval for the commencement of the Phase three of the government’s Traffic Intervention Plan in the Ketu – Alapere Area, including the Dualization of the Demuren Road (Alapere Roundabout to Ketu Junction) and Davies Streets (Mr Biggs Junction to Mile 12).

He said the Phase three is a strategic linkage between the Third Mainland Bridge – Ogudu – Alapere Corridor via Alapere and Ikorodu Road – Ketu – Ojota – Mile 12 Corridor and that it would provide an alternative route for Lagosians, thereby taking pressure off the Ojota Interchange.

The State Government had earlier delivered a standard Layby in Alapere and many inner roads in the axis as part of its comprehensive plan to decongest traffic in the area.

Responding to an appeal by residents for the construction of the Agboyi-Ketu Link Bridge, the Governor assured that work would commence on the project before the end of the year.

“We have talked about the Ketu-Agboyi Link Bridge in the Town Hall Meeting; I know that is the most important project in this community. So, we have a contract between this community and government that that is what you want and so we will give it to you,” the Governor said.

Governor Ambode seized the occasion to thank residents who willingly gave up their properties for construction of the road, saying that the gesture made the delivery of the project possible on schedule.

“Our government sincerely acknowledges the contributions of all those behind the successful completion of this project especially all those who readily gave up their properties without recourse to litigation. We must publicly commend them and show our appreciation as the construction of this road was made easy for Government because of these individuals and institutions. This is indeed one of the few places in Lagos where people have supported Government’s developmental efforts without recourse to litigation or protest and we acknowledge this sacrifice,” he said.

Besides, the Governor urged residents of the area to take ownership of project and other facilities provided across the State by government and protect them, noting that the projects were being executed by their taxes.

“The truth is all these projects are more or less a return from the tax you are paying to government and so we are going to appeal to ourselves. Whatever little amount that you are paying as taxes, believe me you will get greater value in return and that is why you are able to get all these projects.

“So, I just want to encourage our people to continue to pay their taxes. Trust us, we will return your taxes in form of all these facilities that will make life more comfortable for all of us,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor also said that his administration would support the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the construction of the new Akinyemi Market, while assuring that those whose shops were affected by the project would be given priority.

Earlier, Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Mayor Dele Oshinowo thanked Governor Ambode for transforming the entire Alapere axis, saying apart from improving on the aesthetics of the area with good road network and street lights, the project had also increased the health of the people and economy of the area.

Also, a community leader, Chief Duro Dada and Chairman of Community Development Committee (CDC) of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, Chief R.O Ajayi said the project had transformed the area to a mega city.

“Today is a great day in Alapere. I have lived for about 30 years in this area and I want to thank Governor Ambode for transforming our area into another Ikoyi. As a matter of fact, people don’t want to sleep at night again because of this quality road and street light. The Governor has transformed the economy of our area and I want to assure him that we will vote for him again in 2019,” Dada said.

PDP’s Apology To Nigerians: Move To The Next Step, Return Looted Funds – FG

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The Federal Government has asked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go the whole hog with its apology to Nigerians by returning all the funds looted from the public treasury under its watch during its 16 years in power.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, also challenged the party to show the genuineness of its apology through a discernible change of attitude.

”The PDP presided over an unprecedented looting of the public treasury, perhaps the worst of its kind in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world. Therefore, the best evidence of penitence for such a party is not just to own up and apologize, but to also return the looted funds. Anything short of that is mere deceit.

”Even with the paucity of funds, this Administration has spent an unprecedented amount of money on infrastructural development and Social Investment Programme, among others. Returning looted funds will provide more money for these programmes and make life more meaningful for Nigerians. There is no better apology than that,” it said.

Alhaji Mohammed also reminded the PDP of the quote: ”If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging,” saying it applies to the PDP at this time.

”PDP, press the reset button. Stop sabotaging the work of this
Administration, which is packing the mess you left behind, through your reckless statements and unfounded allegations. Play responsible opposition politics. Put Nigeria’s interest over and above partisan interest. Temper your desperation to return to power. Spend quality time in the purgatory and you will be forgiven,” he said.