Jega Bows Out Today

Following the expiration of his five-year tenure as Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, will bow out of the Commission today, June 30th.

Jega who is from Kebbi State, North-West geopolitical zone, is leaving with six National Commissioners.

They are: Col. M.K. Hammanga (Rtd), Adamawa state, (North East); Dr Ishmael Jikiri Igbani, Rivers state, (South South); Prof. Lai Olurode, Osun state, (South West); Dame Gladys Nne Nwafor, Abia state, (South East); Mrs Thelma Amata Iremiren, Delta state, (South South); and Engr. Dr. Nuru A. Yakubu, OON, Yobe state, (North East). They were inaugurated by former President Goodluck E. Jonathan on 30th June 2010.

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Good morning and welcome to the blog this beautiful Tuesday morning. Below are the news headlines from selected national newspapers across the country. Do have a nice working day.

PUNCH

• Creativity will strengthen Nigeria's real estate market
• Work commences on 10,000-unit estate for workers
• Aso Rock conducts audit of security personnel
• APC tells Buhari to discard PIB, review subsidy
• Explosions rock Agip facility, cut off 20,000bpd
• Buhari urges govs to pay outstanding salaries
• Shehu Sani knocks PDP for anti-Buhari remarks
• Decapitated victim identified by French authorities
• Egypt's state prosecutor killed in Cairo bomb attack
• Idris takes over as AGF, vows to fight corruption
• Winds against APCs change
• Group cautions Buhari on AI report
• Those plotting against Tinubull fail Group
• Implement confab report, lawmaker tells Buhari
• Buharill perform, says Oshiomhole
• Saraki stabbed APC Osundare
• AUDAX boosts technology education among schoolchildren
• Alleged N5m monthly security vote tears YabaTech apart
• Managing severe preeclampsia in pregnancy (2)
• Protect your bone

Beninoise Wife Poisons Husband Over Boyfriend In Lagos

A Beninoise, Kwenume Ojo, aka Abiodun, has been arrested by men of the Lagos State Police Command for allegedly killing her husband, Jimoh Ojo, 32, in the Yaba area of the state.

Kwenume put poison in her husband’s soft drink and forced it down his throat while he slept on the bed. It was gathered that the 17-year-old suspect took the poison from a relative of her boyfriend after she was forced to marry Jimoh.

The incident happened on Friday on Apolo Street, the Makoko area of Lagos.

It was learnt that the suspect had been arrested by policemen from the Adekunle Police Division.

Jimoh’s in-law, Rotimi Akinlagun, explained that the deceased was slow, which made it difficult for him to get a wife.

He said his marriage to Kwenume was arranged by the two families.

Stripped Of “First Lady” Title, Buhari’s Wife Stubbornly Seeks Influence

According to SaharaReporters, two sources close to President Muhammadu Buhari have said that there was growing concern over the apparent determination of the president’s wife, Aisha Buhari, to transform herself into a politically powerful spouse, in defiance of her husband’s wishes.

The sources remarked that President Buhari had ordered that his wife not be officially addressed as “First Lady,” adding, however, that Mrs. Buhari has been operating as one.

Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the wives of successive Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan had operated in a politically controversial and high profile manner. Stella Obasanjo, the wife of Mr. Obasanjo, was known as a quiet power broker who reportedly demanded loyalty to herself from those who worked closely with her husband. She died on October 23, 2005 in Spain during a secretive trip to perform cosmetic surgery to enhance her physique.

Mrs. Turai Yar’Adua emerged as a brooding operator who became the power behind the throne of her husband’s Presidency. When Mr. Yar’Adua took gravely ill and was hospitalized for long periods in a Saudi hospital, his wife, Turai, oversaw an ambitious scam to hoodwink Nigerians into believing that her comatose husband was still ably running Nigeria.

Banks May Deny 14.6 Million Customers Services By Wednesday

Barring any last minute extension by the Bankers’ Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Deposit Money Banks will on Wednesday start to deny about 14.6 million customers from enjoying banking services over their failure to obtain Bank Verification Numbers.

The BVN project, which commenced in February 2014, will officially close on Tuesday, June 30, 2015.

The Bankers’ Committee, which comprises of the CBN, bank CEOs and a few other stakeholders, had given June 30, 2015 as the deadline for the customers to do their biometric registration and obtain their BVNs.

However, as of June 11, 2015, the committee said only 14 million customers had been registered under the BVN project.

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Monday, June 29, 2015

Good morning and welcome to the newspaper headlines this beautiful Monday morning. Hope you all had a great weekend. Below are the news headlines from selected national newspapers across the country. Read, enjoy and have a wonderful day ahead.

VANGUARD

• Will you support gay rights in Nigeria
• Nigeria loses N50trn annually from untapped natural resources
• Mixed reactions trail FG's plan to build helipad in Daura
• Pastor gives out 22 cars, others at birthday
• OOU Students: 3 families collect bodies for burial
• Hoodlums beat journalist to coma
• APC CRISIS: Akande calls on Buhari, APC govs to close ranks
• Buhari to appoint ministers in 2 months
• Decomposing body of former FUTA's VC found in power generator house
• Saraki, Dogara won't apologise to Buhari, APC- PDP lawmaker
• 26 states withhold implementation of Pension Scheme
• Buhari's 30 days in office: All motion, no movement ' PDP
• Buhari'S first 30 days: Slow, steady, serious
• Be patient with Buhari, northern elders urge Nigerians
• Robberies We Permit

Yejide's Weekend Quiz Giveaway 03

Welcome to the third week of  Yejide's weekly weekend giveaway. Today’s selection of winners will be slightly different. Winners will be selected randomly because the quiz is quite simple, it is what everyone should know.  The first, fifth and tenth correct answers will be selected for the give away.

Now you can comment as anonymous but you must attach your email to your comment so that we can identify you if you win. Goodluck as you participate.

Question: 

What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment and never in one thousand years?

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Friday, June 26, 2015

Good morning to you all and welcome to the weekend, hope you all had a wonderful night. Lookout for the "Quiz Giveaway Post" coming your way soon, I'm looking forward to more participation from blog readers today.

Now to news headlines, below are the headlines from selected national newspapers across the nation for your reading pleasure. Read, enjoy and have a wonderful Friday.

GUARDIAN

• Heineken aims to build image, standard of Nigerian game, says Nkwoji
• South African golfers return to 'hunt in a pack
• Westermann leaves Hamburg after seeing out contract
• World Cup exit remains scar for Brazil
• NAHCO declares N295.3m dividend for sh
• How to inspire business growth, by experts
• Angst over lifting of import ban on textiles, furniture items
• LCCI drums support for economic diversification
• Apapa Gridlock: Gov. Ambode urges FG to hasten completion of trailer parks, roads, link bridge
• Senate inaugurates committee to review lawmakers' salaries
• Dangote, 6 foreign coys to begin gold, coal mining

Toke Makinwa Turns YouTube Star 11-Days After Marriage Crisis

Barely 11 days after Toke Makinwa's marriage was hit by an infidelity crisis, the popular OAP has been celebrated as one of Nigeria's first and most successful vloggers by Youtube.

Toke took to her Instagram account on Thursday, June 25, 2015 to reveal the honour bestowed her with pictures saying she's now a YouTube Star.

In her words, 'Mama I'm a YouTube Star.... So much to be thankful for, YouTube is 10 and tonight I was celebrated at the "Evening with YouTube" event. I got to talk about my channel and share my growth on YouTube as a content provider.' 

Nollywood Actress, Kate Henshaw’s Lekki Home Gutted By Fire

Nollywood actress, Kate Henshaw escaped been hurt as her Lekki Phase I home gutted fire on Thursday afternoon, June 25, 2015.

According to a report by The Cable, the residence of  leading actress, caught fire at about 3PM, thereby drawing a huge crowd to the residence.

Though reports say neighbours struggled to help put out the fire, the inferno had raged and damaged a large part of the Nigeria's Got Talent judge.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Only Had Male Embryos Implanted for a Son

Kim Kardashian put all of her eggs in one basket! The now-pregnant reality star, 34, and husband Kanye West underwent an IVF gender-selection process this spring to predetermine baby No. 2’s sex.

“She only had boy embryos implanted,” says a source close to Kardashian, who confirmed the gender on Monday, June 21, after Us Weekly broke the news. During the procedure, which can start at roughly $17,000, doctors isolate fertilized embryos of the preferred sex in a lab, then transfer them to a uterus.

“Kanye and Kim are so excited to complete their family,” says another source of the parents of daughter North, 2. “Kanye loves Nori more than anything, but to make his world complete, he wanted a little boy, an heir,” says a source close to West.

Kardashian is elated as well. “Kim always wanted two kids,” says a Kardashian pal. “A girl and a boy.”

Ladies, Can You Rock Denrele Edun's New Hairstyle?

Denrele Edun shares pictures of his new hairstyle and said " A girl without braids is like a mountain without waterfalls!" Ladies, can you rock this hairstyle? See more pictures after the jump.

Photos From Vice President's Meeting With Oil Marketers

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo met with members of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroileum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMA) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) at the defence house, Maitama Abuja. See more photos after the jump.

Cameron Diaz Is Taking A Sabbatical From Acting To Try For A Baby With Benji Madden

Cameron Diaz’s new role isn’t in front of a camera! A source tells Us Weekly the actress is taking a year off from making movies to "be a wife and try to have a baby" with husband of five months, Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden.

"All she wants is to stay home and enjoy this special time in her life," the source reveals. Although the 42-year-old raked in $18 million in 2014 from films such as Sex Tape, The Other Woman, and the musical adaption of Annie, "she has told her team she won’t answer the phone for any amount of money, even though she has received offers for various things. She is adamant that she is not available for anything."

The pair’s $10 million Beverly Hills mansion, where they held their 100-guest traditional Jewish wedding ceremony in January, provides the perfect retreat. Diaz, who’s "all about healthy living," meditates every day and is one of those "really spiritual" people who values her quiet time alongside 36-year-old Madden, a second insider says.

Kris Jenner Finally Breaks Silence On Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair Cover, Reveal As Transgender Woman

She speaks! Reality TV maven and momager Kris Jenner finally broke her silence on Wednesday, June 24, about Caitlyn Jenner's Vanity Fair cover, which featured the former Olympian for the first time ever as a transgender woman.

The mother of six, 59, showed up to the Daily Mail's yacht party in Cannes, France, with her boyfriend Corey Gamble, where she spoke to Extra about the mega moment involving her former spouse once known as Bruce.

Kris, who herself looked lovely in a moonlight gray chiffon gown at the star-studded bash, praised Caitlyn's Annie Leibovitz-shot VF cover as "beautiful."

"I think it's amazing," she continued of her ex's transition from male to female. "I think that someone following their dream is truly inspirational to a lot of people…. you have to do what makes you happy."

While Kris spoke kindly about Caitlyn on Wednesday, the VF cover story written by Friday Night Lights author Buzz Bissinger revealed a more tense side to their relationship.

Full Details Of How The Ikorodu Bank Robbers Operated

“Area, Zico come and see money. See money wey we dey look for,” screamed one of the robbers.

In a jiffy, the robbers packed about N20m said to have been arranged for loading into the Automated Teller Machines at a Zenith Bank branch in Ebute-Ipakodo in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Wednesday morning.

A bank official, who narrated how the robbery took place, said the ecstasy displayed by the robbers was only comparable to “what you see when a footballer scores a decisive goal.”

As some of the gang members held everyone in bank hostage while looting additional cash from the strong room, others were doing the same at the First Bank branch in the area.

Satisfied with their bounty, the gunmen stormed out and challenged policemen, whose station is opposite the First Bank branch, to confront them.

Drug Baron Held For Producing Drugs In Anambra State

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said it had arrested a suspected drug baron who specialized in sponsoring drug couriers to China, Malaysia, Turkey, Italy and other foreign countries.

Addressing journalists at office of the agency at Ikoyi, Lagos, the NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said the 37-year-old suspect, Sylvester Chukwunwendu, was also a producer of methamphetamine in Anambra State. 

Giade said that Chukwunwendu was arrested at Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State based on intelligence report received by the agency on April 23, 2014.

The suspect was said to be deeply involved in unlawful exportation of illicit drugs and running a methamphetamine production laboratory in his house at No. 2, St. James Close, Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos. 

Chukwunwendu, aka Blessed, was alleged to be the owner of the laboratory and leader of an international drug trafficking organisation which recruits and sponsors drug couriers to foreign countries. Giade said that sufficient evidence had been gathered to ease the prosecution of the suspect.

Meet The Beautiful Youngest Wife Of Alaafin Of Oyo

Queen Olaitan, who is one of the pretty wives of the Alaafin of Oyo came to Lagos recently and she got an amazing makeover from Ifeoma of iPosh Looks.

Olaitan who recently gained admission into the University of Ibadan was seen wearing a white long dress with a lace top and a metallic belt with crystal studs. She picked dark eyes and red lips for her beauty look

See the photos after the jump:

Senator David Mark Sack Brother, Son And Others

Following the defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last general elections, former Senate President, David Mark has off-loaded no fewer than 120 of his personal assistants and domestic workers, including his son and younger brother.

According to DailyPost,  Mark decided to dispose them after his ruling party was ousted from the presidency on March 28.

It was indeed a double tragedy for Mark as his party also failed to return to power in his own Benue State.

Mark led the Senate for eight years, a feat no legislator has achieved in the history of Nigeria, he hitherto had over 300 personal assistants and domestic workers. Among his workers were his son, Babatunde Mark and his brother, Igoche Mark.

While Igoche was his Personal Assistant (PA), his son, Tunde was his Special Assistant on Special Duties and Interior.

Buhari Meets With Northern Traditional Rulers At Aso Villa

President Muhammadu Buhari received members of the Northern Traditional Rulers Council led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, at the presidential villa on Tuesday. 

President Buhari assured the traditional rulers that his administration was working hard to end insecurity and terrorism in the country in the shortest possible time with the cooperation of neighbouring countries and the international community. See more photo below.

Dad Taught Me Robbery, Teenage Robbery Suspect Confesses

A 15-year-old suspected armed robber, Kosi Ebosie, arrested in Umuchu town in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, has confessed that he actually inherited robbery from his father who was a notorious criminal in the area.

He said his family members are not surprised as they used to tell him that he resemble his father who he said was known for taking what did not belong to him.

The suspect was arrested along with two members of his gang, Chima David, 17, from Imo State and Onyedika Ikesinachi, 16, on Tuesday 23 June, 2015.

The suspects were arrested after they raided St Andrew Anglican Church, Umuchu. They stormed the church early in the morning with their arms and robbed the church.

However, luck ran out on them as the vigilante and youths, who took charge of security of the area after massive burglary that took place in one of the markets, arrested three of them. The other suspect escaped with their arms.

Obama To Host Buhari July 20

President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to travel to the United States on Monday, July 20, 2015, where he will be hosted by U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House.

A statement released by the White House Thursday said the visit underscores the U.S.’ longstanding friendship with Nigeria, “our commitment to strengthening and expanding our partnership with Nigeria’s new government, and our support for the Nigerian people following their historic democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power”.

The White House said President Obama looks forward to discussing with President Buhari “our many shared priorities including U.S.-Nigeria cooperation to advance a holistic, regional approach to combating Boko Haram, as well as Nigeria’s efforts to advance important economic and political reforms that will help unlock its full potential as a regional and global leader.

Man Arrested For Snapping A Policeman Collecting Bribe From Motorist

For taking pictures of a policeman collecting bribe from a commercial motorist, a young man, Thompson Ntiedo has been arrested.

He was arrested by personnel of the Okota Police Station on Tuesday evening, who claimed they were carrying out the directives of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), James Chu, a CSP.

The victim was detained for three hours, released on bail at about 9pm with his two phones confiscated after he was forced to delete all the pictures he took.

He was asked to return to the station Wednesday morning which he did and was finally set free following the intervention of the police human rights officer.

As if detaining him was not enough, his brother who signed his bail bond was allegedly made to part away with some cash as “appreciation”.

Banks Lose Millions In Daring Robbery Attack

Dare-devil armed robbers, in commando-style, yesterday, held residents of Ipakodo area of Ikorodu in Lagos hostage for about two hours as they robbed two major banks in the area. The scene of the robbery operation was just a stone’s throw to Ipakodo Divisional Police station. The policemen, who engaged the armed robbers, were, however, overwhelmed.

During the operation, three persons were injured, while an unspecified amount of money was carted away from the banks. The robbers also set five vehicles ablaze and damaged an armoured tank as they escaped from the scene.

Eye witnesses’ accounts said all members of the gang wore masks and were led by a young lady of about 20 years of age. They were said to have used guns, dynamite and charms to scare people during the operation.

Man To Die By Hanging For Killing 6-Year-Old Girl

Bauchi State High Court  yesterday sentenced to death by hanging Ibrahim Idris, 40, for killing a six-year-old girl after failing in his attempt to rape her.

Idris was dragged to the court, presided over by Justice Yelim Bogoro, by the state Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, Dawud Yakubu, who charged him with culpable homicide, an offence contrary to section 221 of the state law.

Dawud told the court that on September 14, 2012, the accused called the deceased, Asiya Mohammed, into his room with the intention to rape her.

He said when she refused, he used a knife to sever her head, put it in a polythene bag and threw it into a water channel.

Hospital Seizes 6 Corpses Of Crisis Victims Over Unpaid N13.5m Mortuary Bill

A private hospital in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko Local Government Area of Delta State, (identity withheld), has seized the corpses of six persons who died in Irri inter-communal crisis in 2002 over unpaid N13.5 million mortuary debt.

This development came as remains of five others who were killed in the crisis were laid to rest yesterday amid tears and lamentation.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the funeral service of those buried, chairman of Irri Development Union, Mr. Goddey Igorigo, said the deceased had been in mortuary since 2002.

Explaining that the body of one of the victims was taken to Oleh for burial, Igorigo said the corpses of six others were still in the mortuary of a private hospital which refused to release them due to N13.5 million debt.

He said:  “We are supposed to have also buried all of them today but because we do not have money, the management of the hospital took us to court to pay the sum of N13.5 million and also demanded for the payment of N1 million damages to them.

Police Nab 18-Year-Old For Defiling 8-Year-Old Boy

The Bauchi State police command on Tuesday paraded an 18-year-old man for having unlawful carnal knowledge of an 8-year-old boy.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Haruna Mohammed, said at the parade of the suspect in Bauchi:  “On Saturday, June 20, 2015, at about 4pm, police detectives attached to Dass Division arrested one Mustapha Abdullahi, Male, 18, of Wandi District, Dass LGA, Bauchi State.

“ Suspect lured an 8-year-old boy and had unlawful carnal knowledge against the order of nature.”

He said the victim was rushed to the General Hospital in Dass for medical examination, adding that the case was under investigation.

11 Ways To Change Your Life Immediately

A friend sent me this INSPOWER inspirational write-up and i feel a great need to share it with my blog reader this morning. Someone reading this might really need this at this point in time, I hope it has a  positive impact in your lives.

11 Revolutionary Ways To Change Your Life Immediately 

Are you dreaming of change? Do you want to change your life forever, but face lots of struggles when you try? There are reasons you find it so difficult, but there are also tips to successfully turning your life around and improving its quality. You might want a quick remedy to turn your life around immediately. Unfortunately, it does not work this way. You need to put in the effort and hard work to get what you want. You might be able to initiate change immediately, but the overall process will take some time and could be done in steps.

Let us look at some of the great ways you could change your life immediately:

Go Big

Think big and dream big. Do not think that your dreams are out of this world. However, your dreams need to be reasonable and achievable. When setting goals and writing them out think of the “CAM.” “CAM” is nothing but clear, achievable, and measurable. 

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Thursday, June 25, 2015

Good morning everyone, hope you all had a great night? Please go and read the press release I posted earlier this morning for Nigerian Writers Award on how to nominate your favourite writer for the various categories of award present. 

Now, news headlines from selected national newspapers across the nation is ready this Thursday morning for your reading pleasure. Do have a nice working day and remember, instead of always looking for something wrong, look for what is right.

VANGUARD

• Banks lose millions in daring robbery attack
• Man to die by hanging for killing 6-year-old girl
• Edo APC defends Oyegun against bribery allegation
• UNPAID SALARIES: FG should take over governance in Osun, Benue ' LP scribe
• Itsekiri oil producing communities in Edo allege marginalisation
• Hospital seizes 6 corpses of crisis victims over unpaid N13.5m mortuary bill
• NDLEA busts global hard drugs syndicate; bizman arrested
• Police nab 18-year-old man for defiling 8-year-old boy
• Widening Subsidy Concerns
• The truth about my battles with Amaechi ' Wike
• Treachery and boxing in Benue House

PRESS RELEASE : NIGERIAN WRITERS AWARDS 2015

Nigerian Writers Awards (NWA) 2015 is set to hit the stage, it’s a platform to recognize and commend those who have done well in different fields of writing and have contributed to the upliftment of the society with the aim of building self-confidence through reward of excellence also by creating a synergy, trusting environment and supportive relationship between adult mentors and young writers.

The world today is buried beneath the debris of Media Exploration and media can never be complete without writing been in existence with this fact NWA holds the vision to rebrand the Nation through the skills of writing using the media and to encourage writers of different genre most especially Nigerian young and budding writers.

This year’s Nigerian Writers Awards ceremony will hold at a gala dinner in October 2015 in Nigeria where Nigerian writers, legendries, youths, budding and established writers home and abroad will come together to celebrate with 20 major categories and 23 awards. 

The awards will consider nominations of writers who have proven their worth and commitment in writing, entries will be received from individuals, private sectors, civil society or government.

The Nigerian Writers Awards 2015 will consider nomination for activities in the following period under review: December 2013- March 2015 with the following categories, Business writer of the year, Political writer, Entertainment writer, News writer, Blog writer, Health writer, Sports writer, Script writer, Song writer, Poetry writer, Campus writer, Indigenous writer, Fiction writer, Non-fiction writer, Faith-based writer, Inspiration writer, Romance writer, Child/teenage writer, Young writer of the year, Writer of the year.

The nomination period will run through from June 2015 to August 2015, there will be pre-selection after the deadline of nominations.

Selection of winners: There will be thorough screening on nominees, the Judges votes and the Voters votes will be what determines the winning list. The Award Jury is composed of individuals of high moral stature with demonstrated commitment to the ideals of the Nation who have distinguished themselves in their respective writing fields and covers virtually all category of writing. The evaluation will be based on five criteria; Originality, Influence, Creativity, Consistency and Impart.

Award Ceremony: The grand event will hold on October 2015 in Nigeria where the award of the category winners will be announced.

The Nigerian Writers Awards is supported by the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Accomplish Press, CEE-HOPE Nigeria, PEN International Nigeria, Octo-Consult, Bic, Dr. Brown, Etana Water, Yes! Magazine International, Miss Petite Nigeria, Abogsblog, writers’ book clubs, leading brands and Media partners across Nigeria and Africa, powered by Create-hive Mode Innovations.

HOW TO NOMINATE

Send nominee’s details (profile, platform the nominee writes for/books etc.) and the nominee’s works (web links, soft copies, online books. Etc.) ensure you include which category(ies) you are nominating and send to nominate@nigerianwritersawards.com.

Or Log on to www.nigerianwritersawards.com , click on NOMINATE then follow the instructions. Nomination period will run through from 25th of June 2015 to 27th of August 2015.

To view eligibility criteria/categories click the ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA on the website, if you are having difficulties, send an email to info@nigerianwritersawards.com or nwaawards@gmail.com. For further inquiry or Partnership/Sponsorship/Media partnership, contact 08069090340, 08072652169.

Nigerian writers Awards.... Rewarding the #Mastersofthequill ..Building self-confidence through the reward for excellence.

Residents Oppose Moves To Convert Asokoro To High Density Area

Some residents of Asokoro District of Abuja have approached an Abuja High Court over alleged moves by Setraco Nigeria Limited to convert Asokoro from a low to high density populated area.

The suit which comes up today before Justice S. C.

Oriji, is seeking a mandatory order to compel the defendants to restore the entire 25 hectares of land in Asokoro to its original green areas.

The plaintiffs are Royal Niger Properties Limited, Aerobell Nigeria Limited, A.V.M Adekoya, and Alhaji Hussaini Abdulrahman. The rest are Emeka Mba, Adamu Hamidu, Israel Ekpenyong and Ruth Daniel. They sued for themselves as owners and residents of Asokoro District within a neighborhood radius of 100 Meters of Plot Nos. 3908 (now 2204) and 4079 Asokoro District, Abuja.

Joined as defendants are Sunrise Estate Development Limited and Setraco Nigeria Limited, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, the Federal Capital Development Authority, Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency and the Director, Department of Development Control.

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Good morning to you and welcome to my blog this beautiful Wednesday morning, Hope you all had a wonderful night. News headlines from selected national newspaper across the country here this morning for your reading pleasure, have a wonderful day as you read.

VANGUARD

• Buhari blows hot, vows to recover all stolen funds
• Lord's Chosen pastor shot dead in Lagos
• Election tribunal: Wike begs tribunal to deny APC access to election materials
• Port Harcourt monorail may not continue ' Wike
• Review Jonathan's last minute appointments, Idada tells Buhari
• Bamaiyi: Court Registrar opens defence, denies allegation
• Ezekwesili canvasses competent civil service for FG's reforms
• Pandemonium in Oghara as soldiers kill vigilante leader
• Kidnappers ' Why They Prosper
• Buhari's charming media offensive
• Fallout of key appointments unsettles Udom's Akwa Ibom
• 2015: Judging Jega and the media
• How Buhari's govt can succeed, by Oyatedor
• NSE to commence trading local currency futures
• Quoted companies and their shareholders in 2014 (3)
• Naira will further depreciate if' CBN
• Digital economy sets the stage to accelerate growth for African entrepreneurs
• The change must start now

Stephanie Linus And Husband Meets The Queen Of England

Stephanie Okereke Linus and husband, Linus Idahosa was invited to an award ceremony for the 2015 winners of The Queen's Young Leaders Award on Monday, June 22.

The elated and pregnant Nollywood actress glows in the pictures she shared on her social media page. See more photos after the jump.

‘Titanic’ Composer James Horner Feared Dead After Plane Crash

James Horner, the Academy Award-winning movie score composer behind dozens of major films including Titanic, Braveheart and Avatar, was unaccounted for Monday after the crash of a small plane registered in his name.

Fire officials said they found the burning wreckage about 2 miles west of Highway 33 sometime after 9:30 a.m. Within the one-acre burn zone they discovered the tail section of the two seater turboprop plane, which was registered in Horner's name.

Horner's agency did not immediately return messages left Monday evening, and his lawyer told Mashable only that no one had heard from Horner since the crash was spotted about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara.

Ron Howard, who collaborated with Horner on several films, tweeted this reaction late Monday night. It was not immediately clear whether Howard had any inside information on whether Horner was killed in the crash, and renewed outreach to fire officials in Santa Barbara were not immediately returned.

NSCDC Nabs Serial Goat Thieves ‎In Ondo State

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Ondo State has smashed a gang that specialised in stealing livestock.

The suspects were paraded before journalists at the Corps' headquarters Alagbaka office, in Akure, the Ondo State Capital on Tuesday.

The suspected thieves are: Kayode Ogunmola (60), Taiwo Ogunmola (20), Kehinde Ogunmola (20), Isaac Stephen (22), and Ifeanyin Okonkwo (21).

State Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Mr. Kayode Balogun, said that the suspected thieves were in possession of thirteen ‎already slaughtered goats at the time of arrest.

"Ten out of the goats ‎were pregnant while one of it was in labour when it was slaughtered," Balogun added.

Ramadan Tragedy: 3 Teenagers Drown In Well

Three secondary school students drowned one after the other in a well while trying to fetch water to perform ablution last weekend in Okerimi-Oro in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The three boys, whose ages ranged from 14 to 15, are students of Ayaki Secondary School located in the area and had wanted to perform ablution ahead of breaking their fast when the tragedy struck.

It was gathered that one of the three boys had tried to fetch water from the well, when he suddenly fell in.

The source said instead of alerting adults around to rescue his drowning mate, the second victim tried to climb down the well to his rescue, but also fell inside, followed by the third.

I’m Our Gang’s Armourer : Robbery Suspect

Three suspected members of a notorious robbery gang terrorising residents of densely populated Ajegunle area and its environs in Lagos State are currently cooling their heels at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Ikeja, following their arrest last weekend.

The suspects, identified as Tunde Seun, 20; Abayomi Segun, 28, and Turheeb Kolawole, 19, met their waterloo after a member of the gang, Tunde Seun, was apprehended by a mob during an aborted operation on Ligali Street.

The suspects were said to have stormed a building on number 42 and dispossessed one of their victims of N150, 000 and two power generating sets.

While the operation was on, members of a vigilante group in the area swooped on them.

Others reportedly managed to escape, leaving Seun at the mercy of the mob that was on the verge of setting him ablaze but for the timely intervention of policemen from Layeni.

Police Nab Three Inter-state Car Robbers After Their Operation

Luck ran out on three suspected inter-state armed robbers who had robbed a nursing mother of her car in Ogun State as they were nabbed by the police in Ibadan the Oyo State capital on Monday.

The partners-in-crime were Fatai Ademola (24), a native of Ikirun, who resides in Sagamu, Ogun State; Jimoh Quadri (25), native of Ede; and Azeez Omotoso (25), a native of Agbeye, Odo-Otin, but resident in Kaara area of Sagamu.

The trio had trailed their target, an unnamed woman to her Sagamu residence at about 8.30 p.m. on Sunday night and forcefully dispossessed her at gun point of her Toyota Highlander

jeep with registration number KJA 418 AW.

According to the Police Commissioner, Alhaji Muhammad Katsina, who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer Adekunle Ajisebutu (DSP), while parading the suspects Monday at the Eleyele Police Headquarters, Ibadan, the suspects had bargained to sell the jeep to a buyer at Ikirun in Osun State, and he was anxiously awaiting delivery of the consignment.

Photos Of Unemployed Nigerians Seeking Work At National Assembly

A mass of unemployed civilians encamped the National Assembly in search of jobs as senators resumed duty from their two week recess immediately after the formal inauguration.

These young men and women are aiming to get employment as legislative aides to Senators and members of the House of Representatives, just as members of the National Youth Corps, NYSC were seen rushing to make photostat their posting letters.

Former President Jonathan's Son Hale And Hearty -- Aides

Ariwera, a teenage son of former President Goodluck Jonathan, is hale and hearty, contrary to rumors of his passing, sources close to the former Nigeria leader said. 

Several aides of the former President told reporters on Tuesday that his rumored death came as a surprise to them, as the boy is not even sick.

Social media outlets were buzzing with the rumor on Tuesday while the former President was vacationing in Los Angeles. He plans to return to Nigeria later tonight via Germany, flying Lufthansa into Port Harcourt tomorrow.

Police Nab One Over Murder In Delta

The police in  Delta State have arrested one person in connection with the killing of a vigilance team member at Olomoro in Isoko South Local Government Area.

The deceased, popularly known as ‘Oyibo’, was last month allegedly clubbed to death by three suspected cultists, a development which sparked violent outrage in the community.

It would be recalled that some houses belonging to members of the assailants’ families were set ablaze in a reprisal attack by an angry mob in the community.

Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State police command, Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the arrest, said the police was on top of the matter.

24-Year-Old Man Docked For Stealing And Attempted Murder

A 24-year-old man, Okiemute Ophte, of no fixed address was yesterday arraigned before Apapa Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for stealing and attempted murder.

The defendant is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and assault preferred against him by the police.

The prosecutor, Supol Olu Ojaokomo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on June 1, 2015, at No. 25 Layinka Street, Ajegunle Apapa, Lagos State.

He also said the defendant conspired with six others now at large to commit felony to wit; stealing, and did unlawfully and deliberately stole one Samsung handset valued at N75,000, property of one Albert Enyinnaya.

3 Guards Face Probe, As Robbers Ransack Anambra Court

Three night guards attached to the Customary Court, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, are now facing internal query over last Sunday night’s attack on the court offices.

The offices were ransacked, with the invaders, suspected to be armed robbers, making away with an undisclosed amount of money and valuable documents.

The incident was the second. The first occurred the previous Thursday night, but the robbers did not succeed, which must have prompted their second visit, Sunday night.

The reason for the query to the night guards, according to security sources, is because of their inability to confront the robbers or, at least, give a graphic account of how the robbers operated on the night, more so when the robbers had struck three days earlier.

At press time yesterday, it was not yet certain what would be the fate of the guards, following the query issued them on Monday morning, when the officials came to work and discovered that all the offices had been ransacked and that unspecified sums of money and valuable documents removed from their offices.

Bank Customer Alleges Security Men Connivance In N500,000 Theft

A customer in one of the new generation banks along Rangers Avenue, Enugu, has alleged the connivance of security men in the pilfering of the N500,000 he withdrew from his account on June 11.

The customer, Akugha Soloo, lamented that CCTV recording showed that his vehicle was burgled at the parking lot of the bank while the security men working with the bank allegedly failed to notify him.

Soloo said in a statement:  “The security operatives neglected or preferred not to notify me that my car had just been burgled. The least I expected is to be notified, rather than be allowed to drive off as if nothing happened.

“Nobody responded to the blaring of my vehicle’s alarm horn and flashing of lights within the bank premises.

Kylie Jenner Denies Getting Breast Implants

Following her appearance at the opening of the Sugar Factory candy store in Miami over the weekend, where the E! star nearly suffered a wardrobe malfunction in a plunging black dress, the 17-year-old E! star took to Snapchat to fire back at the recent speculation claiming she got breast implants. 

"Whoever thinks I have breast implants, there's a whole lotta tape in here holding these up," the Keeping Up With the Kardashian star says, flashing a glimpse of her fashion tape before giving the camera a sassy stare. 

This isn't the first time the young stunner's appearance has come under scrutiny. 

Passenger Dies Inside Cab In Ogun

Tragedy struck in the Kemta, Idi Aba area of Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday after a passenger died inside a taxi on his way to buy herbal remedies.

The passenger, later identified as Michael Hogan, was said to have boarded the taxi from Odeda in the Odeda Local Government Area and was on his way to Idi Aba in the Abeokuta metropolis, when the incident occurred.

It was gathered that the driver of the taxi knew that his passenger was dead when Hogan could not alight from the car on getting to Iyana Mortuary junction, Idi- Aba.

The driver consequently raised the alarm that attracted other motorists and passersby.

Hogan, who had been ill for some time, was said to be hurrying to the home of a vendor of herbal remedies in Abeokuta, when he died on the way.

Passersby were said to have encouraged the driver to take the remains of the passenger to the nearest police station, Kemta-Idi Aba Police Division.

I Inherited Empty Treasury, Huge Debts, Says Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday said he inherited a country with virtually an empty treasury from   former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Buhari, who met with State House correspondents on Monday to mark his first day in the Aso Rock office, said his administration was being weighed down by debts running into millions of dollars.

Although he did not say how much debt he met, he   promised to put in his best to salvage the country from the brink of collapse.

Lamenting that it was disgraceful for state and federal workers not to be paid their salaries as and when due, he told the correspondents that he would need their help to avoid a situation where Nigerians might march on him.

The President added that the culture of assessing government’s performance in the first 100 days in office was putting pressure on him considering   the mismanaged economy he inherited.

Buhari said, “This culture of 100 days (in office) is bringing so much pressure with treasury virtually empty; with debts in millions of dollars; with state workers and even federal workers not being paid their salaries.

Woman With Cocaine In Breast Implants Arrested In Colombia

Colombia police said on Monday that a Honduran woman, carrying 1.5 kg of liquid cocaine in her breast implants, was arrested at the Colombian airport in Bogota.

Airport police, Col. Diego Rosero-Paola, said 22 year-old Deyanira Sabillon, was attempting to travel to Spain, when her apparent nervousness aroused suspicion in the security line.

He said X-rays revealed a recent surgery on Sabillon’s breasts.

Rosero-Paola said during interrogation she confessed that an unknown substance had been implanted in her breast which she was meant to take to Barcelona.

Today's Newspaper Headlines : Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Good morning everyone, news headline from selected national newspaper across the nation is here this Tuesday morning for your reading pleasure. Do have a nice day.

VANGUARD

• Ogbemudia begins search for Oshiomhole's successor
• Customers besiege banks for BVN exercise few days to deadline
• Civil servants admit to squandering salaries on non-essentials
• Land-Grabbing: 3 in intensive care as thugs batter residents in Lagos
• How gospel artist, 2 others murdered Customs officer's son
• RCCG Pastor Laolu Akande resumes as Osinbajo's spokesperson
• I regret inability to pay salaries ' Aregbesola
• N25.7bn fraud: Charge against Atuche, others dismissed
• Gunmen abduct FUTA's septuagenarian ex-VC
• Ramadan Talk: Guide your Sahur, don't overeat
• Nigeria's treasury empty, Buhari laments
• Why subsidy should be removed ' NACCIMA, LCCI, others
• NASS Leadership: Oyegun brokers truce between Saraki, Lawan
• Senator La'ah blasts FG, Kaduna govt over Southern Kaduna killings