Falcons’ Star Alozie’s picture with Davido sparks reactions

Tweeps have reacted to a picture of Super Falcons star, Michelle Alozie, and Afrobeats superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.

The Nigerian female defender who is currently in the United States of America and has resumed duties at her club linked up with Afrobeats star Davido, whom she gifted her now-famous Super Falcons jersey number 22.

Alozie shared a photo of the link-up with Davido on Her X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday which has garnered a lot of reactions from her fans.

An X user, Lekebiz324, said, “Alozie, abeg o. Olympic dey next year o. I no won hear say u are ‘unavailable’.

“Another user, anumba_chigozie, said, “I reject any spirit of Baby Mama on you sweetheart, it’s not your portion.

Unkul_Obi said, “Wow. This is nice. When stars align we see nice things such as this.

“LBGamestips wrote, “Alozie, please be careful, to give woman belle no dey hard ham.”

“We no wan hear anything after months ooo,” X user, kikijjesu added.

Smile_Ocheson wrote, “Momma We Love you. Please we don’t want to miss you next season.

“Alozie played the entire match as Nigeria exited the competition in the round of 16 against European champions England.

The defender’s name trended for days on social media after Chelsea superstar Lauren James, stamped on her butt during the Nigeria vs England match.

Pilot of crashed Air Force Jet laid to rest

The pilot of the Nigerian Air Force MI-171 jet that crashed in Niger State, Flight Lieutenant Ibrahim Adamu Abubakar, has been laid to rest.

Abubakar’s remains were laid to rest in Zaria, Kaduna State, after a prayer conducted at Haruna Danja Jumma’at mosque.

The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Sani Gumi.

Family members of the deceased and hundreds of mourners from all walks of life attended the burial.

The family of the late pilot had earlier performed a proxy funeral prayer (Salatul Gha’ib) for the deceased at Gaskiya Corporation mosque in Tudun Jukun, Zaria.

An elder brother of the deceased, Abubakar Adamu in an interview with Daily Trust explained that the family earlier performed a proxy funeral prayer in absentia for the deceased when they could not receive the corpse of the late pilot.

He said,

“When we concluded that we might not see the corpse of late Ibrahim, the family decided to conduct a funeral prayer for the deceased in absentia which was observed on Thursday as ordained by our religion, Islam.

“Such prayer in Islam is called Salatul Gha’ib and it is observed when the corpse of a deceased is not found. Therefore, as relatives, we have a religious burden to perform the prayer with or without the corpse.

“However, now that the corpse has been discovered, it is also mandatory for us to perform another funeral prayer for the deceased which is not out of place. And that’s what we just did.”

EFCC arrests 23 suspected internet fraudsters in Benue

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested 23 suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Makurdi, Benue State.

The EFCC disclosed this on Tuesday in a post shared on the agency’s Facebook page.

The suspects are namely, David Uvaa, Patrick Adakole, Cyprian Aloo, Michael Anaambe, Okti Clinton, Ibi Raphael, Anaambe George, Msaasha John, Oche Edache, Anaker Terpase, Tanko Japhet and Ayalgo Lorfa.

Others include Success Terzungwe, Suursuter Isaiah, Lawani Peter, Paul Adewa, Jacob Paul, Ibi Shedrack, Iorkosu Michael, Shiedu Leonard, Terseer Mnenge, Ikyorna Raphael and Igba Ngutor.

Items recovered from them include mobile phones and one Toyota Corolla.

The suspects have made useful statements and will be charged to court as soon as the investigation is concluded.

Housewife, 24, kills four-day-old stepson with Insecticide in Bauchi

A housewife, Furera Abubakar, 24, has been arrested for allegedly killing her co-wife’s four-day-old baby with an insecticide in Bauchi State.

Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil, in a statement on Tuesday, disclosed the incident which happened at Bantu Village in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

Wakali noted that the insecticide administered to the newborn baby by the suspect killed the child.

The statement read,

“Operatives attached to Bauchi State Police Command have arrested Furera Abubakar, female (24) of Bantu village, Ningi Local Government area of Bauchi State for the offence of culpable homicide.

“The incident was reported to the Ningi divisional police headquarters on the 19th of August, 2023 which revealed that the four-day-old baby was born on the 15th of August, 2023 and was murdered by the suspect, Furera Abubakar, on the 19th of August, 2023 before the naming ceremony.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a co-wife to The nursing mother (victim’s mother).

“The suspect entered the co-wife’s room with insecticide liquid (Gramalin) and applied it to the unhealed baby’s umbilical cord.

“The liquid which was suspected to be corrosively affected, and led to the deterioration of the baby’s health eventually led to his death.

“Investigation into the incident is discreetly ongoing, after which the suspect would be profiled and charged in court accordingly for prosecution, Wakali added.

After 13 years, NYSC Orientation Camp resumes in Borno

The National Youth Service Corps resumed orientation camp in Maiduguri after 13 years the exercise was suspended in 2011 due to Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.

Swearing in the Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 corps members at the temporary orientation camp in the state capital, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mohammed Adamu, gave kudos to the state governor, Babagana Zulum, for efforts made to return the orientation course in the state, Channels Television reports Tuesday.

He said the military, police, civil defence and Civilian Joint Taskforce are guarding the Arabic Teachers College used temporarily as the orientation camp site for respective corps members comprising 629 males and 496 females.

Zulum noted that the return of the orientation camp in the state signified the return of peace and security to the state after years of insurgency.

He instructed the NYSC officials to identify graduates of science courses, medical and para-medicals for possible employment with the state government.

Yemi Alade survives car crash In Spain

Nigerian act Yemi Alade is thanking God for sparing her after surviving a car crash in Spain.

The ‘Johnny’ crooner, in an Instagram post Tuesday, disclosed that the crash happened Thursday. The singer added that thankfully, she only lost a fingernail.

Alade also disclosed that she was treated for a ‘minor medical emergency’ for exhaustion as she returned to work, performing seven hours after the accident.

She wrote, “On the 17th of August, we were in a car crash, somewhere between Barcelona and Benicassim in Spain at 12:06(noon).

“Also experienced a minor medical emergency from exhaustion after performing on stage 7 hours after the incident on the same day and somehow, I ended up at the “after party”🤯🤭💃(leave me o. my mind needed positive vibrations)

“Life is for the living… I didn’t want to put this out, but the devil had other plans, but my Jehovah jiray said NO! THE blood of Jesus spoke for us.

“I only lost a nail, it all happened suddenly. Nothing is too sudden or complicated for God. His Grace is more than sufficient.”

Avoid war with Niger Republic, El-Rufai tells ECOWAS

A former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, recommended that the Economic Community of West African States avoid a possible war with Niger since it would essentially be a battle between brothers.

El-Rufai urged the West African group to take action to stop a war that might have consequences for the northern part of Nigeria in the early hours of Tuesday via his account on X, (formerly Twitter).

The former governor of Kaduna compared ECOWAS’s impending military intervention in Niger to a civil war between brothers.

“I remember the Dire Straits rock classic from the 1970s,” He said, “TUESDAY THOUGHT: As ECOWAS beats the drums of war, I recall the 1970s rock classic by Dire Straits – ‘Brothers in Arms’ because a war within our subregion is a war between brothers.

“Indeed, the people of Niger Republic are one and the same with those living in Northern Nigeria. Let us bend therefore over backwards to avoid this civil war between brothers. And so for this bright Tuesday, please enjoy this classic and reflect on the equally timeless lyrics. Music is something to enjoy, but being so overwhelmed with public affairs in the last 10 years, I have lost valuable pleasurable moments. Time to catch up on lost time. Enjoy!! Life is too short not too!! – #elrufai

Recall that on Friday, August 18, 2023, the ECOWAS military leaders met in Accra, Ghana, to examine whether military intervention in Niger would be feasible.

Following fruitless diplomatic efforts by several ECOWAS parties, this action is a response to the military coup that took place in the nation.

Two suspected kidnappers shot dead in Enugu, victim rescued- Police

The police command in Enugu says it killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued a kidnap victim at the outskirts of the metropolis.

The command said it recovered the victim’s black-coloured Lexus 350 SUV and one locally-made revolver gun loaded with four cartridges, including a locally-fabricated pistol.

This is contained in a statement issued by the command’s spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday in Enugu.

Mr Ndukwe said police operatives, led by the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations, Olasoji Akinbayo, carried out the successful operation on August 20 at about 8:00 p.m. at Centenary Layout along Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway.

Mr Ndukwe said the police operatives were drawn from the NPF special forces, Awkunanaw police division and tactical teams of the command.

“Following the policing thrust and renewed crime fighting impetus of the state’s commissioner of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, a combined team of police operatives rescued a male kidnap victim after a gun fight with the hoodlums.

“One of the miscreants, simply identified as ‘Baron’, was neutralised on the spot in the ensuing shootout, while others escaped with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

However, further manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang led to the discovery and recovery of the lifeless body of the second neutralised hoodlum,” said the police.

The police command added, “The second neutralised hoodlum was simply identified as Chukwunonso aka ‘Nolly’, in the morning hours of August 21 in a forest at the location of the gun duel.”

Mr Ndukwe said the two killed criminals had been on the watch list of the command.

According to him, the operational success was due to the swift response to a distress call on the kidnap of the victim along Agbani Road, Enugu, in the night.

The police spokesman commended the operatives for quickly adapting to his newly introduced crime-fighting strategies.

He said the commissioner had previously tasked police officers and other personnel of the command to sustain the tempo.

“There will be no breathing space for unrepentant criminals in the state, under his (Uzuegbu) watch as the commissioner of police,” he added.

Bayelsa promises to start paying wage awards, gratuities from August

The Bayelsa government has promised to pay wage awards to all local government employees, starting from August, to cushion the hardships caused by the petrol subsidy removal.

Deputy Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo gave the assurance on Monday at a meeting with local government stakeholders, including the eight caretaker committee chairmen, labour leaders and principal officers of the LGAs at Government House, Yenagoa.

He announced that the government, in collaboration with the LGAs, would also ensure the payment of gratuities to the councils’ retirees.

He informed that the Bayelsa government had approved 30 per cent payment of the gratuities across the board for retirees, starting from August.

On the wage awards, the deputy governor said council workers on grade levels one to six would now earn N20,000 as additional salary, grade levels seven to 10, N30,000, while those on grade levels 12 to 14 will now have N40,000 added to their salaries.

He added that government also approved N50,000 as wage awards to council employees on grade level 15 to 17, while heads of local governments will earn N100,000 as additional salary.

“While waiting for the reliefs from the federal government, we are proposing a wage award for local government employees. The governor has given anticipatory approval but I believe he will give the final approval this week. And we will start implementing the approval,” stated the deputy governor.

“That is why I have always encouraged local government workers to be patient with us. We are aware of your sufferings and the state government will not hesitate to intervene.”

He explained the government made some gratuities proposal, “which we want the local governments to support us” and the proposal is to pay 30 per cent across the board “to all those who have retired from wherever the payment stopped to 2022 and one month in 2023.”

Mr Ewhrudjakpo added, “Our plan is for every local government retiree to get something at the end of this month (August). The Governor has already approved this. We are only going to raise a committee to supervise the payment because we still have some grey areas to address.”

Mr Ewhrudjakpo, who commended local government workers and retirees for their understanding and patience, assured that the Prosperity Administration would continue to take steps to address issues concerning their welfare.

On the ongoing data capturing exercise for the computerisation of staff on the Oracle Payroll System, the deputy governor appealed to the workers’ union at the local government level to be a little bit patient with government to test run the software and make necessary corrections before full take-off.

He also assured that approval would be given for the conduct of the 2023 senior staff promotion exercise, due in 2023.

Police patrol Enugu, encourage traders, transporters to ignore IPOB sit-at-home order

Police commissioner Kanayo Uzuegbu has embarked on a confidence-building patrol and interface with traders and transporters in Enugu.

Mr Uzuegbu on Monday interfaced with traders, transporters and others in Eke-Obinagu, Emene, Afia Nine, Abakpa, Mayor, Garriki markets and transport parks, among others during his patrol.

The commissioner used the opportunity of the patrol to encourage citizens to, in line with the pronouncement of Governor Peter Mbah, help in stopping the illegal sit-at-home order in Enugu.

The commissioner urged Enugu residents to go about their lawful activities without fear on Mondays.

“This patrol is to entrench a policing pattern/initiative that is grassroots-driven, proactive, people-oriented and problem-solving (G-3Ps).

The G-3Ps initiative will ensure the security and safety of the people; as it remained topmost on my policing agenda for the state,” he said.

Mr Uzuegbu also noted that the police, working with other security forces and law-abiding citizens, would remain undaunted in stabilising security and order in the state.

The police chief was joined in the patrol by DCP Fidelis Ogarabe, the deputy police commissioner in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, and ACP Onyeamu Akaeme, the assistant commissioner of police in the operations department.

Self-exiled ex-PM Thaksin returns to Thailand after 15 years

Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra returned home on Tuesday after 15 years in self-imposed exile.

A private jet with Mr Thaksin on board landed at Don Mueang Airport in the capital Bangkok on Tuesday morning, Thai local media reported.

Mr Thaksin, who made his fortune in the telecom industry, was elected prime minister in 2001.

In 2006, he was overthrown in a military coup.Mr Thaksin was accused of corruption and abuse of power, as well as disrespect for the monarchy.

In 2008, he fled the country into exile to avoid imprisonment.

Mr Thaksin could still be imprisoned now that he has returned.

However, political observers doubt that the 74-year-old billionaire would spend much time behind bars if so.

In Thailand, convicts over the age of 70 can apply for parole or a royal pardon.

Mr Thaksin’s return came a few hours before parliament is due to hold another vote on electing a new prime minister.

The Thaksin-backed Pheu Thai Party is seeking power with property tycoon Srettha Thavisin as its candidate and an alliance with conservatives.

The party depends on the support of the military-appointed Senate chamber of parliament to come to power.

The country has had no new prime minister since the parliamentary election three months ago.

Pheu Thai, which came second in the election, has now taken over the formation of the government after the leader of the winning progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) failed in his bid to become prime minister.

He failed due to opposition from the military-appointed Senate.

Akeredolu government says Tinubu’s 3,000 bags of rice for Ondo insufficient

The Ondo government says it feels the “pains” of its people as they endure the hardships caused by fuel subsidy removal, stressing that President Bola Tinubu’s 3,000 bags of rice for “vulnerable” people in the state are not enough.

“Once again, we reiterate that we feel your pain, we are in this together, and we will get through this testy phase of our nation’s path to greatness,” Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the spokeswoman for the Ondo government said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mrs Ademola-Olateju added, “On the palliative measures we have planned, we are committed to equitable distribution and transparent conduct, as we seek to mitigate the current hardship.”

Recently, President Bola Tinubu rolled out a range of measures to cushion the effect of the hardships experienced by Nigerians, including the World Bank-backed cash transfer to poor Nigerian households, releasing of grains to boost food security, fertilisers for farmers, mass transit for workers, loans for SMEs and startups, and infrastructure funds for the state among several others.

Following the development, the Ondo government, a fortnight ago, confirmed receiving N5 billion from Mr Tinubu’s government including 3,000 bags of rice to be shared to “vulnerable” residents.

The government noted that the bags of rice received was far below expectation but promised to procure additional 3,000 bags to make it 6,000 bags and shared among the residents.

But giving an update in the statement, Mrs Ademola-Olateju said the palliative committee set up by the Ondo government reviewed its implementation strategy for the distribution plan.

“Vulnerable people in our communities will start getting their N10,000 from the first week of September,” and for civil servants, “the outstanding leave bonus for 2020 will be paid along with their salaries this month,” noted the statement.

“Supply of these products and their packaging into smaller bags will take time. However, we will save time using a rolling plan. Our plan will roll out these items in batches by senatorial district, for efficient distribution and monitoring. We expect to begin the distribution of food items by September 1st,” said the statement.

It added, “On transportation, the plan for school buses and boats is in top gear. We are confident we will be ready by the time school starts.”

Tinubu plans lifting 136 million Nigerians out of poverty- Betta Edu

EDU ASSUMES OFFICE AS NEW MINISTER OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION.

The new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Chimaobim Edu today assumed office at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja and raised hope for 136 million poor Nigerians.

She said that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is passionate about alleviating poverty and renewing the hopes of Nigerians.

According to her, if the statistics of having over 200 million Nigerians is correct, then 136 million poor Nigerians is alarming and completely unacceptable to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She said the Ministry was renamed to bring back smiles on the faces of Nigerians and assured that before the end of Mr. President’s first tenure, a lot would be done to address the issue of poverty in the country.

“There is need to get down to those who are underserved and renew their hopes. We are going to be very sincere, transparent and accountable to Nigerians. We are going to speak out and tell them what we are doing”.

She told the management and staff of the Ministry that she is a team player, a good listener and operates an open door policy.

She solicited the cooperation of all staff and stakeholders to realise the vision of Mr President of lifting 136 million poor Nigerians out of poverty.

She said there is a huge task ahead and all hands must be on deck to achieve the mandate of the Ministry.

Dr Edu pledged to make the Ministry one of the best Ministries in Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, mni, NPOM, said it is a nice coincidence that the Minister was assuming Office on 21st August the same day the Ministry is marking its 4th anniversary.

He appreciated Mr. President for the appointment of a vibrant woman to head the Ministry, adding that the Ministry is the closest to the people because it mops up the fallout from other Ministries and agencies.

He assured the Honourable Minister of the full cooperation and support of the management and staff of the ministry to achieve the mandate given to her.

He officially handed over the affairs of the Ministry to the newly inaugurated Minister.

In attendance were: Directors of the Ministry, Agencies of the Ministry and the Media.

Kaduna government reduces tuition fees in tertiary institutions

The Kaduna state government has announced the downward review of tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Gov. Uba Sani announced the measure during an interactive session with newsmen in Kaduna on Monday.

Mr Sani said that the review was in response to public outcry over the current fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and their effects on school enrolment and retention.

Giving details of the review, he said that the N150,000 charged by the Kaduna State University was reviewed downward by 30 per cent to N105,000.

Others were Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic from N100,000 to N50,000.For college of education, Gidan Waya, the fee came down from N75,000 to N37,500.

The fee charged by Shehu Idris College of Health Sciences and Technology, Makarfi for Higher National Diploma (HND) courses was reviewed from N100,000 to N70,000.

In a similar vein, the fee for National Diploma (ND) courses in the same institution moved down from N75,000 to N52,000.

For Kaduna State College of Nursing, the fee was reviewed from N100,000 to N70,000.

The governor described the measure as his government’s palliatives to cushion the effect of the petroleum subsidy removal and its harsh economic effects on the people.

He said that the heads of tertiary institutions, in conjunction with the ministry of education, obtained relevant information on the extant fee regime in state-owned tertiary institutions.

He said:

“At the end of their assignment, they made the following observations and recommendations.

“That the extant fee regime in the state-owned tertiary institutions is burdensome and has led to a significant decline in student enrolment.

“That the extant fees have made many students to either abandon the pursuit of tertiary education or move to alternative institutions.’’

He said that to reverse the ugly trend, “it is imperative that a competitive fees model is adopted in our tertiary institutions”.

He said that the competitive fees model “responds to the current realities and promotes access to quality education”.

Mr Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people.

“My administration will continue to take all the necessary measures to ensure access to free and quality education for every child in the state from primary to secondary school,” he said.

He also said that expanding access to higher education, enhancing teachers’ welfare and teaching standards as well as improving school infrastructure had built ICT competence in students from the basic education level.

The governor further said that the state government had intensified investment in technical and vocational education in the state.

Governor Zulum urges SSS to step up intelligence capability to curb insecurity

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno has urged security agencies to continue to step up intelligence capability in containing security challenges facing the nation.

Mr Zulum made the call in Maiduguri on Monday while declaring open the 12th zonal conference of state directors of the State Security Service (SSS) in the North-East.

The governor said stepping and scaling up intelligence became necessary given the role of intelligence in containing complex security challenges.

Mr Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, also tasked security agencies on inter-agency collaboration and synergy for maximum results in their operations.

“You need to respect each other and work together to achieve the national objective of defence and security,” Mr Zulum said.

The governor, who assured of sustained support of his administration to security organisations in the state, urged them to continue to operate in line with rules of engagement.

The chairman of the meeting and the SSS director in Bauchi State, Hussaini Abdullahi, said the conference brought security directors within the zone to deliberate on security issues.

Mr Abdullahi said the directors would share experience on identified basic and contemporary security threats affecting the sub-region and adopt practical steps in addressing them.

“At the end of the conference, appropriate resolutions would be proffered to aid further course of action to the Service Commands and other relevant stakeholders, with a view to strengthening existing counter-measures,” Mr Abdullahi said.

Various speakers at the ceremony, including the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai, and heads of various security agencies in Borno, also stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration.

They also lauded the critical roles of SSS in providing actionable intelligence information to various security agencies.

Amotekun arrests teenager over possession of firearm, robbery in Ondo

The Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), codenamed Amotekun, in Ondo State on Monday arrested a juvenile robber (name withheld), who adopted the name of a notorious Nigerian armed robber, “Oyenusi”.

Adetunji Adeleye, the state commander of Amotekun, disclosed this while addressing reporters on the arrest of 31 suspects for alleged crimes ranging from kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, stealing, and vandalism, among others.

Mr Adeleye, who recalled that the suspect was once arrested three years ago by his men before being handed over to the juvenile home for rehabilitation, said the suspect was 13 years old when he was first arrested.

“And when we first arrested him, he was 13 years. The best we could do then was to hand him over to a juvenile and see if he could be rehabilitated.

“But right now, he is 16, this time around, he broke into a number of shops and removed items. Between then and now, he confessed that he had engaged in over 40 house-breaking activities,” he said.

Mr Adeleye, who doubles as the special adviser (security matters) to the state governor, also said nine suspects were arrested for alleged kidnapping. At the same time, five were nabbed for stealing, and four were apprehended for vandalism.

According to him, the corps also arrested 13 suspects for illegally possessing firearms and house-breaking.

The commander explained that following the increasing rate of kidnapping in the country, the corps, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force, Army, State Security Service (SSS), and other sister security agencies, have commenced clearance operations.

He said the operation was to flush out kidnappers and other criminals from the state’s forests and other strategic locations.

“So, it is time for kidnappers and other criminals to park and leave Ondo state. Otherwise, they will soon be paraded like their colleagues,” he said.

Nigerian Army rescues another Chibok girl in Borno

The Nigerian Army, on Monday, said it had rescued another Chibok girl, Mary Nkeki, 27, in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno.

Ms Nkeki was abducted alongside over 200 students from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, by Boko Haram insurgents in 2014.

The theatre commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Gold Chibuisi said this during the handover of the girl to the Borno ministry of women affairs, on Monday in Maiduguri.

He said that Ms Nkeki, with serial number 55 on the list of the abducted Chibok girls, was rescued by troops of the 81 Task Force Battalion on Aug. 14 in Dikwa.

“While in captivity, she was forcefully married to one Adam, a Boko Haram terrorist fighter.

“Since her rescue, she has undergone thorough medical examination in our medical facility.

“Equally, she has been adequately resuscitated and would be handed over to Borno State Government for further administration,” he said.

Mr Chibuisi assured the commitment of the military to contain security in the northeast and restore lasting peace in the region.

Speaking to newsmen about her experience since her abduction in 2014, Ms Nkeki said it was full of suffering.

Ms Nkeki said that she escaped with her husband in the night and picked up by a military patrol team.

According to her, she left behind two other Chibok girls.

Osun Assembly suspends staff audit

The Osun State House of Assembly has directed the immediate suspension of the ongoing staff audit for workers on the payroll of Osun State Government, being handled by Sally Tibbot Consulting.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Olamide Tiamiyu, obtained in Osogbo on Monday.

The audit had witnessed pockets of disruption, the latest being the faceoff between the consultant, Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun and staff members of Osun State University last week Friday during the verification exercise.

Tiamiyu also said the decision to suspend the audit followed an emergency meeting of the lawmakers on the petitions written against the consultant.

He further said the Speaker had constituted an ad-hoc committee to look into the issues around the petitions and come up with necessary recommendations.

The statement further read, “The Osun State House of Assembly has directed the consultant handling the staff audit of workers in the employment of the State Government, Sally Tibbot Consulting, to suspend the process until further notice.

“The directive of the House was conveyed by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, to the newsmen on Monday after an emergency meeting with other Honourable members to review the petitions written against the consultant to the Osun State House of Assembly.

“The Speaker further constituted an ad-hoc committee to look into the issues around the petition and come up with necessary recommendations.

“Consequently, all relevant stakeholders have been invited to the House of Assembly for a meeting on Tuesday 22nd August by 10.00 am prompt.”

Mosque renamed to ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus’ in Dubai

The Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif, a district in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has been renamed to ‘Mariam, Umm Eisa’ which translates from Arabic to English as ‘Mary Mother of Jesus’.

The renaming of the mosque was ordered by Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince, “to consolidate bonds of humanity between followers of different religions,” Gulf News reports.

Reacting to the development, a senior chaplain at St Andrew’s Church, Andrew Thompson, was quoted as saying, “We are delighted that we are celebrating something that we have in common between both our faiths.

“Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is of course a holy, special figure in our communities. She is a woman who symbolises obedience to God.

“We look forward to growing in deeper understanding with our neighbours, and we celebrate with them the new name of the mosque,” Thompson said.

Jeramie Rinne, senior pastor of the Evangelical Community Church in Abu Dhabi, also hailed the news.

“Mohammad has made another generous gesture of religious tolerance in renaming the mosque.

The UAE continues to set the pace in this region for peaceful coexistence and cooperation. We are very encouraged and feel blessed to be a part of this nation,” he said.

A church in Al Ain was said to have recently opened its doors for Maghrib prayers.

Church workers reportedly laid down carpets on the wooden floor for over 200 Asian Muslim workers to say their prayers.

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