Fire Guts Kachikwu’s Abuja Residence

The Asokoro residence of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu, in Abuja caught fire on Sunday evening.

Boko Haram sends 83 child bombers to Nigeria - UNICEF

Boko Haram militants in northeast Nigeria have sent out 83 child bombers against Nigerian targets this year, according to a tally by United Nations Children’s Fund.

Edo Assembly Speaker Impeached, New One Elected

The Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Justin Okonoboh, was Monday morning impeached by 19 members of the House.

HIV Infections Doubled In 6 Years – UNAIDS

UN says the number of new infections in the Philippines has over doubled in the past six years from an estimated 4,300 in 2010 to an estimated 10,500 in 2016.

Aso Rock Staff On Alert For President Buhari’s Return

Nigeria's ailing President, Muhammadu Buhari

Reports from different sources may now be indicating that President Buhari will return to the country on Wednesday from London where he has been for medical examination as State House staff have been put on standby.

Nigerians Worry Over Deleting Of NYSC Decree From 1999 Constitution

Some Nigerians in Abuja have expressed mixed feelings on the deleting of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Decree from the 1999 Constitution.

The development came up in the recent Senate review and consideration of 33 Bills for passage.

The bills are contained in the report of the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on the review of the 1999 Constitution.

In their separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, while some welcome the development, others expressed concern on its consequences in the lives of youths and national development.

Mrs Ene Ede, Gender Advisor, National Democratic Institute (NDI), said the development would allow the democratic process to become more participatory, inclusive, accessible and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

Ede also said that it would prevent rigidity within the domain of parliamentarians who the citizens were not sure had their common interest at heart.

“My problem with Nigeria is that sometimes people can take advantage of lapses in processes.

“Altering the constitution to delete certain decrees can mean various things. My fear in this is that, it may be taken advantage of.

“Imagine if someone is not in support of gender equity and then he decides to suggest something that is against women, how do you now balance this.

“We are also suffering from religious and ethnic bias in this country, so the most important thing for me is inclusiveness.

“If the process is transparent, inclusive, accountable, gender sensitive, responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people and driven by the people then, it is good,” Ede said.

Mr Abdulrazak Salawu, the NYSC, FCT Coordinator, said deleting the decree guiding the NYSC from the 1999 constitution would expose the scheme to unnecessary dangers.

Salawu said it was because the NYSC decree was in the constitution that allowed it to be sustained through the years, making it grow and evolve in its activities, including addressing youth unemployment.

He urged the NASS not to toy with the NYSC decree.

Salawu said altering the constitution would give room for individuals and groups to ‘toy’ with the mandate and guiding principles of the scheme which had sustained it.

He said this would also be counterproductive to the growth, development and process of the country and youths which the scheme had tried to support.

“If the NYSC Decree is deleted from the constitution, it will cause a lot of problems because we are not easily objective in our decisions in this country.

“An individual can just choose to be subjective for his or her own interest. If we do this, we will be toying with the lives and the future of the Nigerian youths.

“NYSC is the only youth development programme set up by the Federal Government that has been sustained over the years.

“We should not toy with the future of the youth. NYSC is currently playing pivotal role in youth development, implementation of government policies, promotion of inter-tribal marriages for national integration and unity.

“Everyone is a stakeholder in this scheme because it involves all and do not forget that even developed countries and most African countries are coming to Nigeria indicating interest in the NYSC.

“Nigeria is a consultant in youth development for most African countries as they wish to duplicate NYSC in their various countries, so we need to be careful with how we handle this.

“Our doors have been open and continue to be open for us to engage in Public Private Partnership (PPP) with individuals, agencies and organisations interested in youth development.

“So, all stakeholders are already involved in the scheme.”

He urged NASS not to ignore the role and contribution of the NYSC to the growth and development of Nigeria which may be affected if the decree guiding and guarding it was altered.

Also, Alhaji Isa Hussaini, a media consultant, who also welcome development however, said that the process involved in amending the constitution, was often cumbersome.

He suggested that before deleting the decree from the constitution, it should be strengthened in such a way that no individual, no matter the position, could alter the law.

According to Hussaini, when the NYSC decree is deleted from the constitution before it can be amended, there should be public hearing involving stakeholders.

“I think having NYSC in the constitution is good but the world is evolving and things are changing, we also need to change with the times and amend the constitution in line with the dynamic nature of the society.

“I think it is better to remove it from the constitution and set up an act of parliament to guide the institution.

“The law should, however, be strengthened in such a way that no President or individual can come in to make changes as it suits him or her.

“The NYSC has really helped parents in terms of keeping their children engaged, training them in various skills and providing monthly stipends for them.

Mr Tony Madaki, a lecturer at the Nassarawa State Polytechnic, Keffi, urged the NASS to only amend the relevant section of the constitution as it affected the NYSC but leave the scheme in the constitution.

Madaki said this would allow the scheme to remain protected and relevant to the growth and development of the youth and the nation.

“The scheme has always been protected by the constitution and I think this should remain so.

“For me, I feel that any relevant section of the constitution that needs amendment should be amended, but the NYSC decree should be allowed to remain in the constitution.

Boko Haram: Osinbajo Orders Service Chiefs To Relocate To Maiduguri

The nation’s Service Chiefs are to move back to command centre of the ongoing war against Boko Haram insurgency with a view to consolidating the gains being recorded in the battle fields.

How Boko Haram Killed 9 Nigerian Soldiers, 4 Unimaid Staff, 14 Others In Ambush

The kidnap of oil workers that resulted in the death of nine soldiers also led to the death of at least 18 other people including some of the kidnap victims.

Osinbajo In Ethiopia For AU Summit

The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, is representing Nigeria at the 29th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Ethiopia.

Yusuf Maitama Sule, Dan Masanin Kano Is Dead

Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, who is Dan masanin Kano, is dead.

He died on Mon

Apapa Wharf Road Reconstruction Begins July 7

Stakeholders on Thursday reached an agreement to take necessary measures in Apapa to ensure commencement of reconstruction of Wharf Road leading to the nation’s major port on July 7.

Update On Lagos State Anointing Service Drama: Bishop Of The African Church Wades In

Two days ago, it was gathered that Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode reportedly sacked the Presiding Chaplain of The African Church & Chapel of Christ the Light, Femi Taiwo, Chaplain of the church under the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs. 

Report Says Moji Olaiya Died In An Ambulance

Distraught, distressed, dismayed. Those were the words that could best describe the looks on the faces of many visitors who flooded the Magodo residence of Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya.

Her older brother, Otunba Olaiya, who spoke to NET said Moji’s death was most unexpected.

Nigeria Set To Launch Africa’s 1st Nanosatellite

Nigeria is to launch Africa’s first nanosatellite (an artificial satellite with a wet mass between one and 10 kg 2.2–22 lb)  into the orbit, the Director-General of National Space Research and Development Agency (), Prof Seidu Mohammed, has said.

Foreign Minister Calls For Ouster Of Top U.S. Envoy To Anti-IS Coalition

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday called for the removal of Brett McGurk, the top U.S. envoy to the coalition against Islamic State, alleging he supported Kurdish militants.

Nollywood Actress Moji Olaiya Is Dead

Nollywood actress, Moji Olaiya is dead.

The actress who delivered a baby two months ago died from birth complications in Canada last night.

The deceased is the daughter of music icon, Victor Olaiya.

Nollywood veterans, Olumide Bakare and Pastor Ajidara also died in the past few weeks.

President Buhari Off To London For Medical Follow-Up

President Muhammadu Buhari is to proceed to London on Sunday night for follow-up medical consultation with his doctors.

Emmanuel Macron Becomes France’s Youngest President

Emmanuel Macron

Pro-European candidate Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidential election by a large margin, winning between 65 and 66 per cent of the vote, according to French media projections.

North Korea Arrests US Citizen For Plotting To Overthrow Govt

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of a U.S. citizen for alleged action aimed at toppling the Pyongyang government.

Nigeria’s Embassy In Washington Shut Down

Nigeria’s Embassy in Washington, USA.

Workers at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington have been on a sit-in, paralysing activities at the mission in the United States.

Whistleblower Exposes N4b In GTB Accounts Owned By Ex-Deputy Governor

A tip-off by a whistle blower on Tuesday has led to the discovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, of N4 billion kept in two separate accounts at the GTB Plc.

NAN reports that the money was suspected to be proceeds of crime.

UN Agencies Move To Introduce Girls To ICT Careers

UN agencies have introduced thousands of girls and women to careers in coding and robotics as part of its annual International Girls in ICT Day celebrations around the world.

The UN agencies said in a joint statement that the measure was meant to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in the field of information and communications technology.

Experts Propose Removal Of Import Duty On Malaria Drugs

Some experts have urged the Federal Government to remove the import duty placed on the importation of malaria drugs in Nigeria, saying this was a critical factor militating against effective treatment of malaria.

EFCC Recovered N17bn Through Whistle-Blower Policy – Magu

The Acting Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, has disclosed that the introduction of the whistle-blower policy by the Federal Government has led to the recovery of about N17 billion by the Commission.

Ex-Commissioner On The Run Over N2b Traced To His Account

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has traced additional N2 billion to the United Bank for Africa account of Mr. Kantigi Liman, a former Commissioner of Local Government in Niger State.

Gunmen Kill Businessman, Son, In Sokoto

Some unidentified gunmen have killed a 50-year old businessman, Alhaji Bello Danbuba and his teenage son, , in Gandi village, Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Nigerian Army Arrests Impersonator In Onitsha

The Nigerian Army, 82 Division, Enugu, says a naval patrol team has arrested one Mr Abdullahi Yakubu at Kara, Atani road, Onitsha, Anambra for alleged impersonation.

Police Allegedly Kill Militant Involved In Killing Of Army Captain, Others

The police on Tuesday announced that one of the gunmen, who killed four policemen and an army captain at Isawo in , near Lagos has been killed.

ACP. Abba Kyari, Commander of the Inspector-General of Police’s Response Team (IRT), made the disclosure in an interview in Lagos.

Lagos To Execute Rev. King, Others On Death Row

Barring any last minute change of mind, the Lagos State Government is set to execute the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, CPA, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo, a.k.a Rev. King, and others on death row in Lagos prisons.

Girl Born With 4 Legs, 2 Spines Survives Surgery

A baby girl from the Ivory Coast born with four legs and two spines has been successfully separated from a parasitic twin in a rare and complex surgery at a Chicago hospital.

How Fake FCDA Staff Defrauded Businessman Of N30m -Witness

The trial of Giwa Useni John, Pius Iorye Uganden and Nancy Uganden for a N30 million fraud continued on March 21, 2017 before Justice O.A. Otaluka of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Lugbe, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting two witnesses against them.

They are facing a five-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, to which on March 7, 2017 they pleaded “not guilty”.

They are alleged to have disguised as members of the Ad-hoc committee on the sale of Federal Government of Nigeria Houses in the FCT with the “intent to obtain money under false pretence”.

The fraud was allegedly committed in 2013.

Just In: Plateau Commissioner Slumps, Dies While Jogging

Simon Lalong, Plateau State Governor

The Plateau Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Samuel Galadima, slumped and died on Wednesday, while jogging along with Governor Simon Lalong, at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos, NAN reports.

Retired General Adeyinka Adebayo Is Dead

Former military governor of the defunct Western Region, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo, is dead.

The late General Adebao was the fatherof the former governor of Ekiti State, Chief Niyi Adebayo.

Family sources said Aebayo died in his sleep today.

He was 89.

PDP Leaders To Pay Sympathy Visit To Buhari

The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees [BOT], Sen. Walid Jubril, says the party leaders are ready to visit and sympathise with President Muhammadu Buhari in London.

UCH Opens Stroke Clinic

The University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan has established a Cerebro-Vascular Accident (CVA) clinic for the treatment of stroke and stroke-related diseases.

Prof. Temitope Alonge, UCH Chief Medical Director, in Ibadan said that the clinic would operate in the Accident and Emergency Unit of the hospital.

Lawyers Tell New CJN To Give Judiciary New Life

Some Abuja-based lawyers on Tuesday urged the new Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen to pursue reforms that would give the nation’s judiciary a new lease of life.

They made the call in separate interviews in Kubwa, Abuja, shortly after Justice Onnoghen was sworn in as the 17th CJN.

Congress Probes Obama Over Trump’s Phone Tapping

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Intelligence said it would probe former President Barack Obama’s administration over alleged tapping into the phones and computer servers of President Donald Trump and campaign officials.

FG Declares Kaduna Airport Ready For International Operations

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) say the Kaduna International Airport is now set for international operations.

Buhari Calls Obasanjo, Congratulates Him At 80

President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, via telephone conversation from London, felicitated with former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Samsung Chief’s Trial To Start Coming Week

Samsung Group leader Jay Lee will go on trial for bribery and embezzlement on March 9, a court said, amid a corruption scandal that rocked South Korea and led to the impeachment of the president.

Photos: Queen Of England Honours Nigerian Professor

Queen Elizabeth of England has honoured Professor Dame Elizabeth Nneka Anionwu, a nurse who campaigned to have the statue of Mary Seacole erected at St Thomas’ hospital.

Multiple Bomb Blasts Rock Maiduguri

The Borno Police Command on Friday confirmed multiple blasts ignited by suspected female suicide bombers around NNPC depot on Damboa road, Maiduguri.

Obasanjo Consults Indian Palm Reader To Find Out True Age

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed how he travelled all the way to India to consult an Indian palm reader to find out the exact day he was born.

But the former president was disappointed as the palm reader could not disclose to him the exact day he was born. Rather, the Indian astronomer told him that he would live long.

A Commercial Sex Woker Attacks Colleagues With Blade

The police on Monday arraigned three commercial sex workers in a Karmo Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja for alleged joint act and causing grievous hurt on colleagues.

The defendants, Helen Gabriel, Joy Johnson and Ene Ahmed, all reside at Jabi Masallachi, Abuja, and are standing trial on two-count charge.

Ihedioha Rejecs Ali-Modu Sheriff As PDP Chairman

Mr Emeka Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, has kicked against recognising Alhaji Modu Sheriff as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman.

Ihedioha said in Port Harcourt on Monday that Sheriff by his conduct had failed to show an attitude worthy of uniting and strengthening the party.

UN Air Operation Disperses CAR Militia

A UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) air operation dispersed heavily armed militiamen in the remote Central African Republic town of Bambari town on Sunday.

Edo NURTW Says It Members Can Not Afford Speed Limiting Device

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Auchi, Edo, said on Monday that the speed limiting device is too expensive for its members.

Mr Odion Olaye, Edo state Chairman of union made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area.

Trump’s Choice For Navy Secretary Withdraws

President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the Navy, Philip Bilden, has withdrawn from consideration for the post citing concerns about privacy and separating himself from his business interests.

Presidency: I’ll Not Rule Out Possibilities of Ruling Nigeria SaysTinubu

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has declared that he will not rule himself out of the contest for the country’s presidency.

Nigerians In US Jittery Over Trump’s Travel Ban

Some Nigerians in the U.S. have expressed concerns over the controversial Executive Order expected to be rolled out this week by President Donald Trump to restrict citizens from certain countries and also put in place stringent measures against all categories of undocumented immigrants.

Trump Names Outspoken General As New National Security Adviser

US President Donald Trump has named Lt Gen HR McMaster as his national security adviser.

He will replace Lt Gen Michael Flynn who was fired after just three weeks and three days in the job.