Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigerian newspapers online

  • Boat accident kills passengers, Sanwo-Olu warns operators against night travel

    Boat accident kills passengers, Sanwo-Olu warns operators against night travel

    Aftermath of a fatal boat accident that occurred on Friday at about 8pm along Ikorodu Channel, the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government has reiterated the ban on night travel.

    The governor warned all ferry operators and passengers against violating the laid down rule of ‘No Night Travel’ on Lagos State waterways.

    Speaking on behalf of the Sanwo-Olu administration, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Frederic Oladeinde, said the avoidable boat mishap occurred after an overloaded 20-passenger capacity commercial ferry took off illegally from Ebute-Ero Jetty around 8pm heading towards Ikorodu, but unfortunately ran into an unforeseen object on the waterways causing the boat to capsize.

    He said the immediate rescue efforts deployed by the Sanwo-Olu administration, comprising of Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority (LASWA) search party, local boat operators search team, the Marine Police and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), were able to save 16 passengers, one in critical condition, while six deaths were recorded.

    The commissioner, alongside LASWA General Manager, Damilola Emmanuel, who was at the Ikorodu scene of the incident, commiserated with the families of the dead passengers and assured that the violators of the mishap would be prosecuted as the unfortunate incident is already under investigation.

    Oladeinde appealed to all ferry operators to desist from acting contrary to the stipulated safety guidelines in order to avoid such incidents.

    He said if the rule of ‘No Night Travel’ on the waterways from 6pm had been strictly observed by the operators, the accident could have been averted.

    In his remarks at the scene of the incident, LASWA general manager reiterated that, henceforth, any operator who violates any of the laid down safety guidelines, especially the ‘No Night Travel’ rule, would be arrested by the Marine Police and the boat involved confiscated.

    He also admonished passengers to stop waterways night journeys as any passenger found on board of such boats after the stipulated time would also be prosecuted in accordance with the relevant laws of the state.

    Idowu sowunmi

  • Photos: Consumer protection agency drags Medcontour’s Dr. Anu to court

    Photos: Consumer protection agency drags Medcontour’s Dr. Anu to court

    A doctor, Adepoju Anuoluwapo was today arrested and arraigned, with her company Medcontour plastic surgery clinic, before a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos on Friday.

    The doctor’s arraignment comes more than two months after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had sealed Medcontour plastic surgery clinic over what it called ‘potentially injurious conduct’.

    The FCCPC described Friday’s arraignment of Dr Adepoju Anuoluwapo & MedContour as “under criminal charges of failure to comply with FCCPC’s requirements in an investigation; appear & provide info relevant to ongoing investigation”.

    The defendants opening day in court had them object to the charge and after preliminary objection argued, the court adjourned the case to July 9th.

     

     

  • Ooni adopts son of corn seller who drew his portrait, gives him scholarship

    Ooni adopts son of corn seller who drew his portrait, gives him scholarship

    Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has adopted Samuel, a 17-year-old boy, who drew his portrait with pencil.

    Oba Ogunwusi also announced that he would foot the boy’s tuition up to tertiary institution and employ him upon graduation.

    AccordIng to him, “I got tagged on Twitter a few months back from a young man who made a brilliant pencil drawing of myself, in my appreciation for his art I invited him to my palace.

    “17-year-old superlative Samuel who is just about to graduate from secondary school has been adopted by me, his fees till his tertiary education will be taken care of by me, and he will be gainfully employed right here in my palace.

    “It’s clear that if we all work together as a people, irrespective of our special positions or privileged social status, we can deliver access to sustainable socioeconomic opportunity that suit our people. It was an endless gratitude for me meeting his mother who is a corn seller and who demonstrates an incredible heart of motherhood. She reveres in awe of the Stool of Oduduwa at the sight of me.

    “I thank God for the position he has put me in. Since my ascension, my Royal Stool is dedicated to ambitious young Nigerian populations who are daily pushing hard through the barriers of economy instability and uncertainties to gain better livelihood and reconstruct the multifarious challenges that are existential to our survival as a nation.

    “I look forward to continuing in the mission of discovering beautiful souls and Samuels out there who need help and I will continue to help and support all that I can.”

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • Ogun Government mobilises contractors back to abandoned road projects

    Ogun Government mobilises contractors back to abandoned road projects

    Construction work on the Lafenwa-Rounda Road in Abeokuta and other abandoned road projects across Ogun State has resumed.

    In a statement made available to Echotitbits by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, the Ogun state Government said contractors have now been mobilized to resume work on the Lafenwa-Rounda Road, which was abandoned by the immediate past administration.

    “The last administration began the project but later left it uncompleted, bringing untold hardship to road users, pedestrians and residents within the axis, with regular traffic congestion, car wear and tear, and business disruption.

    “As a road connecting Abeokuta, the State Capital with some major towns in Yewa Land and neighbouring Oyo State, the Lafenwa-Rounda Road has been declared by the Government as a viable road which it is keen on completing on the shortest possible time”, the statement read.

    The state government also noted that work has equally resumed on several other roads that include Kuto Bridge and the surrounding road, Elega, Panseke-Adigbe, Adatan-Car Wash, Owode-Ilaro, among others that were started by the immediate past administration but left uncompleted.

  • UN suspends 2 employees caught in viral sex video

    UN suspends 2 employees caught in viral sex video

    The United Nations says has suspended two male employees involved in a recent viral sex video in Israel.

    The international agency’s decision was disclosed by the spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, in a note sent to UN correspondents in New York on Thursday.

    Dujarric said both employees had been identified and placed on “Administrative Leave Without Pay” pending the conclusion of ongoing investigation into the allegation.

    The video, which surfaced online last week, had a couple apparently having sex on the back seat of a UN official car in Tel Aviv.

    On Friday, Dujarric told correspondents that the organisation was “shocked and deeply disturbed” by the footage, and that investigation had been launched.

    He confirmed that the video featured a 4×4 vehicle, containing personnel “likely assigned to the UN Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO)” headquartered in Jerusalem.

    The short video shows a white woman in a red dress straddling an equally white man in the back seat of the white SUV bearing the “UN” inscription.

    With them in the moving vehicle were the driver and a bald-head man sitting on the passenger side, in front.

    Media reports say the footage was recorded on HaYarkon Street, a major thoroughfare in Tel Aviv, Israeli capital.

    The UN spokesman said in Thursday’s note that the investigation was being handled by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS).

    He said: “Two male international staff members, who were in the UN vehicle in Tel Aviv have been identified as having engaged in misconduct, including conduct of sexual nature.

    “Given the seriousness of the allegation of failing to observe the standards of conduct expected of international civil servants, the two staff members have been placed on Administrative Leave Without Pay.

    “This is pending the results and conclusion of the ongoing OIOS investigation.

    “UNTSO has re-engaged in a robust awareness-raising campaign to remind its personnel of their obligations to the UN Code of Conduct.

    “The OIOS investigation continues, and we will keep you informed,” he said.

    According to the organisation, UNTSO is the first ever peacekeeping mission established by the UN in 1948.

    It says the mission comprises military observers to monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements and prevent military escalation.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that sexual misconduct is not new among employees of the global body.

    In 2019, the UN said it received and investigated 175 allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against its staff.

    Out of the total, 16 were substantiated, 15 unsubstantiated and all others still being investigated.

    • NAN
  • Misconduct: President Buhari suspends NSITF Director, 11 top officials

    Misconduct: President Buhari suspends NSITF Director, 11 top officials

    President Muhammadu Buhari has suspended indefinitely the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Mr Adebayo Somefun.

    The decision of the President was contained in a statement on Thursday from the Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Charles Akpan.

    Other 11 top officials of the agency affected include Jasper Azuatalam (Executive Director, Finance and Investment), Olukemi Nelson (Executive Director, Operations), and Tijani Sulaiman (Executive Director, Administration).

    Others are Olusegun Bashorun (General Manager, Administration/Human Resources/Maintenance), Lawan Tahir (General Manager, Finance), Chris Esedebe (General Manager, Claims and Compensation), Olodotun Adegbite (Deputy General Manager, Investment and Treasury Management), and Emmanuel Sike (Deputy General Manager, Finance and Accounts).

    Also affected by the suspension are Olutoyin Arokoyo (Deputy General Manager/Acting Head, Legal), Dorathy Tukura (Deputy General Manager, Administration), and Victoria Ayantuga (Assistant General Manager, Internal Audit).

    According to the statement, their suspension from office arose from the preliminarily established prima facie infractions on the extant Financial Regulations and Procurement Act, and other acts of gross misconduct.

    It said, “During the period of their suspension, the suspended officers are to face a Joint Board and Audit Investigative Panel that has been set up to look into the financial and procurement breaches, as well as gross misconduct in the NSITF for periods of 2016 to date, which have invariably put the Contributions of stakeholders in a perilous state.

    “The affected officers have also been directed to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective departments.

    “The Executive Directors are, therefore, to hand over to the most senior general managers, while the managing director will hand over to the most senior officer in the Fund.”

    Thereafter, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, directed the Regional General Manager in charge of the Ibadan Region, Temitope Akinwale, to take charge as General Manager in charge of Finance and to concurrently oversee the Office of the Executive Director of Finance and Investment as the acting Executive Director.

    He also asked the Regional General Manager in charge of Port Harcourt Region, Maureen Allagoa, to move to NSITF Headquarters as General Manager in charge of Administration, Human Resources and Maintenance, and to concurrently oversee the Office of the Executive Director of Administration as acting Executive Director.

    Ngige also directed the General Manager of Administration and Maintenance, Baba Kabir, to move to the Enforcement Department while concurrently overseeing the office of the Executive Director of Operations in an acting capacity.

    He asked the General Manager of the Health, Safety and Environment Department, Dr Kelly Nwagha, to assume the position of acting Managing Director/Chief Executive, as the most senior General Manager in the Fund.

    “All the appointments are with effect from Monday, July 6, 2020, and will last until further notice.

    “The Honourable Minister has also charged the Chairman of the Board, Mr Austin Isire, FCA; FCII; to take charge, in order to ensure that the Investigative Panel commences work as soon as possible and for the Board to facilitate the smooth running of the Fund by creating the enabling environment and all the necessary staff adjustments and movements, in order to guarantee that services by staff to the Contributors do not in any way suffer,” the statement added.

  • APC: There is no fight to reconcile – Tinubu tells Buni

    APC: There is no fight to reconcile – Tinubu tells Buni

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Thursday night declared that there were no differences to be sorted out in the party.

    This declaration was made shortly after a closed door meeting with Gov. Mai Mala Buni, Chairman of the APC Caretaker Committee, who led other committee members to Tinubu’s Bourdillon Residence in Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The former Governor of Lagos State, who recently reacted to the decisions of President Buhari-led meeting of the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) by affirming his relationship with the President said: ”We have no differences to be sorted out in the APC, we just had consultation and it is how our party, the APC, would continue to be a progressive party,” he said.

    According to him, the committee is a consultation and not reconciliation committee since nobody is fighting anybody.

    “There is no crisis in the party, hence, no fight to reconcile.

    ”There are instances when you disagree, but it doesn’t mean that you cannot discuss it over and be a good example in leadership and politics,” Tinubu said.

    The former Lagos State governor also said that politics without seeming media crisis would be less interesting.

    ”But the question is, are we committed to building this party and Nigeria? That is what we are all about.

    ”We are steering the ship of our nation and our party in the right direction,” Tinubu said.

    He said that the party leadership had trust and respect for the chairman of the caretaker committee and would support him to succeed for the party to continue in its progressive governance of the country.

    The committee chairman, who led other members to the meeting, said that the meeting was part of ongoing consultations.

    ”You know the task before us is daunting, and we need guidance, experience and prayers from our leaders,” Buni said.

    The host Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed his pleasure to have his colleagues in the state.

    ”It’s been a very fruitful discussion we have had here this evening,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Other members of the committee in attendance included the Chairman of Progressive Governor’s Forum, Gov. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Secretary of Caretaker Committee, APC, Sen. James Akpan Udo-Edehe and Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello.

    Photos:

  • Ize-Iyamu: Alleged N700m case against APC Edo guber candidate adjourned

    Ize-Iyamu: Alleged N700m case against APC Edo guber candidate adjourned

    Trial of Pastor, Osagie Ize-Iyamu and four others in an alleged fraud case has been adjourned till July 7 by a Federal High Court sitting in Benin, on Thursday.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) a Governorship candidate of the in the September 19 contest for the seat of Edo Governor, Ize-Iyamu and four other accused are standing trial for charges bordering on an alleged N700 million money laundering case filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Ize-Iyamu and four others were supposed to appear on Thursday before Justice M.G. Umar today, Thursday.

    According to Premium Times, there was no court sitting, but it was observed that some of the defendants and counsels were around the premises.

    Premium Times further reported that while speaking to journalists, counsel to one of the accused, Barrister Pascal Ugbomhe, said the case had been adjourned till July 7.

    While It was reported that the counsel did not specify the reason why the court sitting was adjourned, Ugbomhe said, “it is a normal occurrence in court duties. It’s nothing unusual to adjourn matters.

    In its last sitting in Benin on June 18, the court had validated the corruption charges against the defendants and adjourned the case to July 2, for further hearing.

    The four other defendants in the suit include former Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman, Dan Orbih; the state chairman of the party, Tony Aziegbemi; former Deputy Governor of Edo State Lucky Imasuen, and Efe Erimuoghae-Anthony.

    The EFCC, in Suit No. FHC/BE21C/ 2016, had filed eight count charges against the accused persons bordering on alleged illegal receipt of public funds to the tune of N700 million for the purpose of the 2015 general elections.

    The EFCC further accused the defendants of conspiring among themselves to commit the offence in March, 2015, alleging that they took possession and control of the funds without any contract award.

  • Full list: Oyegun, Oshiomhole among 49-man APC campaign council ‘arsenal’ for Edo

    Full list: Oyegun, Oshiomhole among 49-man APC campaign council ‘arsenal’ for Edo

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) under the National Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni is gearing up for the Edo 2020 Governorship election showdown in September 19.

    The party’s readiness is exhibited in the 49-man National Campaign Council that was announced earlier today, Thursday, by the party’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Yekini Nabena in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.

    The membership of the campaign council, which comprises of five governors, the Deputy Senate President, past National chairmen of the party and members of the National Assembly is expected to lead the APC into the Edo Governorship election seeking nothing but victory against the incumbent, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who recently resigned to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)..

    List of Members below

    1. H.E. Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje – Chairman
    2. H.E. (Sen.) Hope Uzodinma – Deputy Chairman
    3. Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege – Member
    4. H.E. Inuwa Yahaya – Member
    5. H.E. Alh. Yahaya Bello – Member

    6.H.E. Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Member

    7.H.E. (Chief) John Odigie-Oyegun – Member

    1. H.E. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole – Member
    2. Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko – Member
    3. H.E. Sen. Godswill Akpabio – Member
    4. H.E. Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu – Member
    5. H.E. Sen. Owelle Roachas Okorocha – Member
    6. H.E. Timipre Sylva – Member
    7. H.E. Dr. Pius Odubu – Member
    8. Sen. Degi Eremiemyo Biobaraku – Member
    9. H.E. Prof. Oserheimen A. Osunbor – Member
    10. H.E. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan -Member
    11. Sen. John Owan Enoh – Member
    12. Rt. Hon. E.J. Agbonayiman – Member
    13. Engr. Babachir Lawal – Member
    14. Prince B.B. Apugo – Member
    15. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere – Member
    16. Hon. Peter Akpatason – Member
    17. Hon. Patrick Alsowleren – Member
    18. Hon. Johnson Oghuma – Member
    19. Hon. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere – Member
    20. Hon. Pally Iriase – Member
    21. Hon. Dennis Idahosa – Member
    22. Mrs. Rachel Akpabio – Member
    23. Mr. Bolaji Afeez – Member
    24. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri – Member
    25. Chief Cairo Ojougboh – Member
    26. Patrick Obahiagbon – Member
    27. Chief Ayiri Emami – Member
    28. Hon. Abubakar Adagu Suberu – Member
    29. Usman Nahuche – Member
    30. Engr. Chidi Orji – Member
    31. Dr. Almajiri Giadam – Member
    32. Sen. Sa’idu Umar Kumo – Member
    33. Chief Pius Akinyelure – Member
    34. Engr. Chris Ogiemwonyi – Member
    35. Chief Solomon Edebiri – Member
    36. Prof. Ebegue Amadasun – Member
    37. Hon. Saturday Uwulekue – Member
    38. Hon. Osaro Obaze – Member
    39. Chief Samuel Ogbuku – Member
    40. Miss. Rinsola Abiola – Member
    41. Theresa Tekenel – Member
    42. Hon. Abbas Braimoh – Member/Secretary
  • Edo Guber: Ganduje leads 49-member APC National Campaign Council

    Edo Guber: Ganduje leads 49-member APC National Campaign Council

    Ahead of the September 19 Governorship election in Edo state, the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been appointed head of a newly created 49-member APC National Campaign Council that is expected to lead the party to victory at the polls.

    The campaign council, which will be inaugurated on Monday, 6th July 2020 by the Mai Mala Buni-led Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee of the APC, has four state governors, the Deputy Senate President and two former National Chairmen of the party among others as members and Hon. Abbas Braimoh to serve as Secretary.

    APC’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena in a statement in Abuja on Thursday said the appointment of the council followed the approval of the National Chairman of the party’s Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni.