Category Archives: Uncategorized

Osun Gunshot Victim: Police identify alleged killer cop
Although the police did not name the alleged killer cop in their statement, they assured members of the deceased’s family and the public of justice.

The Police in Osun State say the officer who was allegedly responsible for the stray bullet that killed a commercial motorcycle passenger in Osogbo on Tuesday has been identified and detained.

In a statement late Friday night, the police described the incident as unfortunate.

The passenger, Saheed Olabomi, died on Thursday night at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Mr Olabomi’s death came days after a delegation from the Osun State government, accompanied by the police commissioner, visited him at the hospital and pledged to foot his medical expenses.

Although the police did not name the alleged killer cop in their statement, they assured members of the deceased family and the public of justice.

The statement, issued by the state police spokesperson, Folasade Odoro, quoted Police Commissioner Olawale Olokode as saying that the officer had been arraigned in an orderly room trial since the day of the incident. He added that he would continue to be in detention until the trial process is completed.

“It is unfortunate that Olabomi eventually died,” the statement read.

“The command wishes to express the sympathy of the Commissioner of Police and the entire Police officers in the command towards the family of the deceased. I also want to use this medium on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, to commiserate with the family of Olabomi, while I pray that God Almighty Himself will console them and give them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Furthermore, we wish to apologize for the previous information on the matter, it was due to misinformation from the culprit and some other testifiers that claimed have witnessed the incident.”

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The Lagos state chapter chairman, AGN, Emeka Rising, confirmed the news in a telephone interview with Premium Times on Saturday morning.

Nollywood actress Rachel Oniga is dead.

She was 64.

The Lagos State chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Emeka Rising, confirmed the news in a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES Saturday morning.

He said, “We just got the news early morning today. We have nothing to say than to give glory to God for a life well spent.”

“I got the news this morning, I have been down and surprised.”

Mr Rising promised to call back and share more details about Ms Oniga’s death.

Goldmynetv, which shared the news on Instagram, revealed that the veteran actress had only a few days ago, shot some scenes in a movie in Mowe, Ogun State, before her demise on Friday night.

Details later…

Defence headquarters gets new spokesperson
Benjamin Sawyerr, a major general, replaces Wap Maigida, an air commodore, who was acting in the position.

By Agency Report July 30, 2021

The newly appointed Director of Defence Information, Benjamin Sawyerr, a major general, on Friday, assumed office with a call to the media to support the military to achieve its mandate of defending the country.

Mr Sawyerr took over from Wap Maigida, an air commodore, who had been acting following the appointment of the former Director, Onyema Nwachukwu, a major general, as director, army public relations in June.

Mr Sawyerr was the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armoury School Bauchi, before his new appointment.

In his address, he said the new assignment was a clarion call for him to contribute his quota towards the realisation of the leadership focus of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

He said the leadership focus of the CDS was, “to foster a professional armed forces capable of effectively meeting its constitutional imperatives.”

The spokesperson said the leadership focus was being pursued vigourously in a professional manner, saying it would require the support of the media at all times.

Mr Sawyerr said his responsibilities were to project the Nigerian armed forces, galvanise the support of the media and the citizens for all military engagements.

He stated that the military, in synergy with other security agencies, had continued to work round the clock to surmount the nation’s numerous security challenges.

“These ugly developments, which have continued to affect the peaceful co-existence of the citizens of our dear country, would in no distant time be a thing of the past.

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“I must, therefore, be quick to say that the media which is commonly referred to as the fourth estate of the realm is a vital component in the entire process.

“Let me, therefore, solicit the support of media operators in all spectrums to consider jettisoning sensational headlines that give undue publicity to perpetrators of acts of criminality that tend to undermine our national security,” he said.

Mr Sawyerr commended the defence correspondents for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the reportage of the fight against domestic and foreign adversaries over the years.

According to him, it is ethical and patriotic to be objective, fair and balanced in media coverage and reportage.

“I want to also encourage you to maintain these journalistic virtues as you redouble your efforts in supporting the AFN to ensure that the needed peace is restored in all the troubled parts of our dear nation.

“Let me assure you of an open door policy and honest communication parameters that are proactive and responsive.

“It is important that we remain patriotic and responsive by providing credible, timely and actionable information to aid the armed forces and other security agencies in performing their constitutional roles,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Maigida, assured the new director of the unalloyed commitment and support of the entire staff of the directorate towards the attainment of set objectives.

Mr Maigida said the media had been a veritable partner in galvanising goodwill and support for the military in the quest of maintaining national security, peaceful and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.

He urged the defence correspondents to continue to support the new director to succeed in his assignment.

(NAN)

Defence headquarters gets new spokesperson
Benjamin Sawyerr, a major general, replaces Wap Maigida, an air commodore, who was acting in the position.

By Agency Report July 30, 2021

The newly appointed Director of Defence Information, Benjamin Sawyerr, a major general, on Friday, assumed office with a call to the media to support the military to achieve its mandate of defending the country.

Mr Sawyerr took over from Wap Maigida, an air commodore, who had been acting following the appointment of the former Director, Onyema Nwachukwu, a major general, as director, army public relations in June.

Mr Sawyerr was the Commandant of the Nigerian Army Armoury School Bauchi, before his new appointment.

In his address, he said the new assignment was a clarion call for him to contribute his quota towards the realisation of the leadership focus of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

He said the leadership focus of the CDS was, “to foster a professional armed forces capable of effectively meeting its constitutional imperatives.”

The spokesperson said the leadership focus was being pursued vigourously in a professional manner, saying it would require the support of the media at all times.

Mr Sawyerr said his responsibilities were to project the Nigerian armed forces, galvanise the support of the media and the citizens for all military engagements.

He stated that the military, in synergy with other security agencies, had continued to work round the clock to surmount the nation’s numerous security challenges.

“These ugly developments, which have continued to affect the peaceful co-existence of the citizens of our dear country, would in no distant time be a thing of the past.

RelatedNews
‘Armed Forces developing new capabilities to tackle security challenges’
Defence Chief seeks more legislative support for armed forces
How we’ll improve nation’s security – Service Chiefs
DHQ decorates five brigadier generals, others

“I must, therefore, be quick to say that the media which is commonly referred to as the fourth estate of the realm is a vital component in the entire process.

“Let me, therefore, solicit the support of media operators in all spectrums to consider jettisoning sensational headlines that give undue publicity to perpetrators of acts of criminality that tend to undermine our national security,” he said.

Mr Sawyerr commended the defence correspondents for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism in the reportage of the fight against domestic and foreign adversaries over the years.

According to him, it is ethical and patriotic to be objective, fair and balanced in media coverage and reportage.

“I want to also encourage you to maintain these journalistic virtues as you redouble your efforts in supporting the AFN to ensure that the needed peace is restored in all the troubled parts of our dear nation.

“Let me assure you of an open door policy and honest communication parameters that are proactive and responsive.

“It is important that we remain patriotic and responsive by providing credible, timely and actionable information to aid the armed forces and other security agencies in performing their constitutional roles,” he said.

Earlier, Mr Maigida, assured the new director of the unalloyed commitment and support of the entire staff of the directorate towards the attainment of set objectives.

Mr Maigida said the media had been a veritable partner in galvanising goodwill and support for the military in the quest of maintaining national security, peaceful and harmonious coexistence among Nigerians.

He urged the defence correspondents to continue to support the new director to succeed in his assignment.

(NAN)

The ex-governor was grilled at the headquarters of the EFCC in Abuja yesterday, sources say.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former Governor of Nasarawa State and serving senator, Tanko Al-Makura, and his wife, Mairo.

The couples were being grilled by operatives of the anti-graft agency at its headquarters in Abuja, sources in the anti-graft agency told AYATUTU REPORTERS .

Although details of the allegation against the ex-governor and his wife were sketchy as of press time, the sources said their arrest relates to an alleged breach of trust and misappropriation of funds allegedly perpetrated during the former governor’s eight-year administration as Nasarawa State governor.

Mr Al-Makura served as Governor of Nasarawa State between 2011 and 2019 before he was elected into the National Assembly as Senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District.

When contacted, the spokesman of the EFCC, Wilson Uwujaren said he was yet to be briefed on the development.

When contacted for his comment, the ex-governor’s spokesperson, Danjuma Joseph, said he was not aware of the arrest.

“His Excellency left Lafia (Nasarawa State capital) for Abuja this yesterday. I am not aware of such arrest,” Mr Joseph said.

The former governor, until Wednesday, has never been known to be facing EFCC probe.

The EFCC had, in fact, been helpful to the ex-governor’s family when a suspected fake investigator allegedly tried to defraud the then sitting governor in 2018.

By Philip Salemkaan

Members of the Kwande APC stakeholders today 27th July, 2021 converged at the residence of their leader and Zone A Chairman of APC in Benue State, Elder Barr.Vincent Uji in Makurdi.

Speaking on behalf of the erring faction, their leader, Hon. Benjamin Wayo said based on Sen. Akume’s declaration that, “together we are bigger than one individual”, they were in the meeting to pursue peace and join hands with all stakeholders to ensure that APC becomes one United and indivisible political party in Kwande under the able leadership of Barr. Vincent Uji.

He apologised and called on all stakeholders of the party in Kwande to put the past behind them and forge a common front for the interest of the party in the area.

Responding, Barr. Vincent Uji said he holds nothing against those of them that attempted to remove him as leader of Kwande APC. He welcomed them with open arms and assured them that he would carry everyone along for the interest of the party and the Kwande people.

He advised all stakeholders to proceed immediately to their wards for the congress insisting that the will of the people must be allowed to prevail.

Commenting, Hon. Nungwa Imoter, Hon. Terlumun Akputu, Hon.Terngu Shawon, Hon. Fidelis Unongo, Hon. Terver Kachina and all who spoke, reiterated the need for peace and unity in the party.

Earlier, Kwande APC members from Ikurav-Ya led by Elder Hanior Henda and those from Shangev-Ya led by second republic State House of Assembly member, Hon Ada Uyoo paid Elder Vincent Uji a solidarity visit.

The delegation said they were in the house of the elderstatesman, Barr Vincent Uji to pass a vote of confidence on him and congratulate him on his appointment as Board Member, Federal College of Education, Offa, Kwara State.

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By Vershima Orkuma Hemen

“Winners never quit and quitters never win”~ Anonymous

There is an unyielding and indomitable spirit exhibited by Paul the Apostle, which I believe every achiever must possess if you are serious about reaching that goal and fulfilling that destiny you so much crave for.

Everyone conversant with the biblical history of Paul would attest to the ‘ruggedity’ and ‘never say never spirit’, he possessed. But a careful study of the report of Dr Luke, in Acts of the Apostles chapter 17, gives a clearer picture of what I am pointing out. It puts clearly, the irrepressible spirit in the spotlight and proper perspective.

When Paul’s missionary journey took him to Thessalonica, he was resisted by some Jews there, and when the opposition became unbearable, he was forced to leave the place and was sent to Berea. On getting to Berea, that did not shut up the mouth of Paul, he continued the very same thing that got him in trouble in, preaching. He was opposed again and forced to leave Berea, this time he landed at Athens. On getting to Athens, a weak-hearted fellow would have given up, considering the setback he had suffered consecutively, back to back. That was not Paul, rather, the opposition and resistance aided his expansion and outreach.

It is no longer news that the despair in the country today is as obvious as daylight, and this has made many hearts faint. Some have given in already, dead in the spirit while they are still bodily alive. In times like this, we need to be unyielding like Paul. Let the current situation make you tap into your inner strength and unleash that creativity in you. This inner strength is easily accessible when you have a good relationship with the creator who has the manual of your life. This creator can be accessed through Jesus Christ, his son.

Someone once said, “when you pass through the ashes of the crisis, creativity is born”.

Many people, old and young are leveraging on the situation in the country to proffer services that don’t only bring solutions but also create wealth for them. I indulge you to look inward and find hope in your inner ability. To succeed, you must train your mind to have only one option, that is to Succeed! Never for once contemplate giving up.

By Vershima Orkuma Hemen

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In my almost four decades on earth, the last time I experienced the kind of hopelessness currently in the country was at the peak of late dictatorial military ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha in the late 90s. In a book, I will soon be releasing, ‘The Danger Of Revenge’ I made mention of how during one of the dark days, my grandmother had to resort to a meal of boiled cassava and unripe pawpaw for the family, as that was the only food in the house.

Although life has since improved for my family no doubt, still, it will be self-delusional for me to assume some people are not in such poor conditions in the present-day economic reality of Nigeria. What then is the way forward? A violent revolution that will leave us in a greater mess? War and secession? Dialogue that has fallen on deaf ears? Massive migration as it is happening already? Calm down, hang in there, there is an unseen eye watching over us.

In 1996, beans which was the most common food for the poor masses as rice with or without stones was luxury at that time, suddenly became very expensive. The poor Nigerian masses, like my family at that time, relied so much on beans as a source of cheap protein. It was the readily available source of protein to ‘balance’ the high carbohydrate content in akpu (fufu). So, the high cost of beans was a national disaster. The cries were everywhere. The inflation was heart-wrenching, coupled with a dictatorial leader who seemed to be interested in Nigerians’ deaths.

Then suddenly, the news of beans as the cause of some recorded deaths in southwestern Nigeria went viral. People started to avoid beans. Killerbeans filled the media space and the demand for the commodity crashed like a pack of cards. Wow, the poor masses celebrated it. Hope was rekindled and our lives became normal again. It took the efforts of government officials, like the then military administrator of Lagos State, Col. Buba Marwa to take to the streets sensitizing the masses, and even eating ‘akara’ for everyone to see in a bid to restore patronage of the product.

After that was settled, obviously by divine intervention, the military dictator started plans to impose himself as a democratic President via a kangaroo election that would present him as the sole candidate. His stooges, which to me were more like his captives, as those who opposed him were jailed with or forced to go on self-exile due to threats to their lives, went everywhere proclaiming how this dictator was the best thing to have happened to Nigeria. The fear of the dictator permeated through the length and breadth of the nation. Freedom of the press existed then only in theory but was non-existent in practice as it’s now.

And then, everyone thought the nation was doomed. Those who could afford it left the ‘cursed’ nation thinking it would not survive the new millennium without a civil war or total collapse under the dictator. But alas, the hand of the Lord is not shortened that He cannot save us, neither are His ears deaf that He cannot hear our cries…

On June 8th, 1998, a piece of breaking news flooded the entire country. The dictator had met his waterloo. Gen. Sani Abacha had died. Some said he was gone for good! What a relief to the masses who hitherto had become his conquered subjects!
A ray of hope came when his successor promised a return to democratic rule and increased the salary of workers to alleviate the poverty in the land.

Fellow Nigerians, I know many of you did not see the present situation coming when you joined the “anything but Jonathan” gang. To be candid, I think we would still have been in a mess if it was under Jonathan, perhaps under different slave masters, but this I know, and I am persuaded beyond what tongues can tell, that there is a hand of God in the affairs of this nation.

Don’t give in to despair, hang on, let those who think they own the country continue to permutate towards 2023. Our God is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness. Those who take His longsuffering for granted will be made to realise that ‘He rules over the affairs of this nation!’

Don’t give up on this nation; those who are trying to ruin it won’t be here forever. Hang on, for God is involved!

By Vershima Orkuma Hemen

Matthew 6:12-15

“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” ~ Luke 11:4

This is the fifth point we see in the subject of the Lord’s prayer: Forgiveness. Being unforgiving is the only hindrance to effective prayers as pointed out by our Lord Jesus Christ.

If God does not forgive your trespasses, certainly your prayers cannot be answered. Many people today are prayer failures because they walk in so much unforgiving spirit and this is also the reason a lot of families are weak in prayer. When you are weak in prayer, you are weak in the power of God. When you are weak in the power of God, the devil is strong in your life and strong against you because there are so many offences in your life.

You need to get rid of the unforgiving spirit. It’s a great hindrance to the fulfilment of destiny for any man on the surface of the earth. If you want to have an effective prayer life, forgive. You can practise forgiving people before they offend you. When you wake up in the morning, just say something like this, “Father, I forgive anybody that will offend me today.”

Offences will surely come. Choose right from the beginning that you will react in forgiveness and love towards anybody that offends you. If you carry offences in your heart, it will destroy your prayer power. In fact, it shuts you up from the audience of God; it keeps you out of the hearing of God. And once God can’t hear your prayer, your prayer cannot be answered.

LET’S US PRAY:

Lord, I forgive everyone that has offended me in the past. I release them genuinely from my heart today. I receive the grace to react in love towards all today in Jesus name. Amen.

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Matthew 6:12-15

“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” ~ Luke 11:4

This is the fifth point we see in the subject of the Lord’s prayer: Forgiveness. Being unforgiving is the only hindrance to effective prayers as pointed out by our Lord Jesus Christ.

If God does not forgive your trespasses, certainly your prayers cannot be answered. Many people today are prayer failures because they walk in so much unforgiving spirit and this is also the reason a lot of families are weak in prayer. When you are weak in prayer, you are weak in the power of God. When you are weak in the power of God, the devil is strong in your life and strong against you because there are so many offences in your life.

You need to get rid of the unforgiving spirit. It’s a great hindrance to the fulfilment of destiny for any man on the surface of the earth. If you want to have an effective prayer life, forgive. You can practise forgiving people before they offend you. When you wake up in the morning, just say something like this, “Father, I forgive anybody that will offend me today.”

Offences will surely come. Choose right from the beginning that you will react in forgiveness and love towards anybody that offends you. If you carry offences in your heart, it will destroy your prayer power. In fact, it shuts you up from the audience of God; it keeps you out of the hearing of God. And once God can’t hear your prayer, your prayer cannot be answered.

LET’S US PRAY:

Lord, I forgive everyone that has offended me in the past. I release them genuinely from my heart today. I receive the grace to react in love towards all today in Jesus name. Amen.

Delivered by Vershima Orkuma Hemen,

The Family Altar Prayer Ministry

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