President Buhari Departs Malabo After Attending The Maritime And Security Patrol Agreement Signing

President Buhari attended the Agreement signing on the establishment of combined Maritime Policing and Security Patrol Committee between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea today, March 15. Pictured is the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan signing the agreement. President Buhari held a press conference shortly before he departed Malabo. More photos below.

Senate President Bukola Saraki Says The Gender And Equal Opportunity Bill Will Be “Reintroduced”

The 8th Senate’s rejection of the Gender and Equality bill elicited a lot of outrage from Nigerians who viewed the lawmakers’ rejection as insensitive to the plight of the Nigerian woman.

But that was not for too long, as Senate President, Bukola Saraki, in response to a tweet by Japheth Omojuwa this had said that the bill will make a return, that it only suffered a set back.

See the tweets below.

Senator Bukola Saraki also posted on his Facebook page:

Today, we discussed the Domestication of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention Eliminating all forms of discrimination against women under A Bill For An Act To Incorporate and Enforce Certain Provisions of The United Nations Convention On The Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women – the protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, and Other Matters Connected Therewith.

As I said during the International Womens Day last week, I am of the opinion that there are substantial parts of the bill that are crucial to the development of our nation such as the Equal Access to Education, strengthening of the laws on Violence against Women, Ending Abduction of girls, Sustenance and Promotion of Entrepreneurship opportunities, Gender Mainstreaming and Gender equality, female participation in governance, among others.

Unfortunately, the bill suffered a slight set back because there were some parts of the Bill that some Senators disagreed with along the lines of religion and tradition. The beauty of democracy is that it gives us the opportunity to consider different opinions and this bill can still be represented and reconsidered on the floor of the Senate

I have it on good authority that Senator Biodun Olujimi who introduced this bill will reintroduce it after re-drafting it to address some of the reservations that were expressed on the floor of the Senate.

Released by SA on Gender
Ms Fatima Kakuri

In The Last 10 Years We Have Returned $723m Abacha Loots - Swiss Govrrnment

The Swiss government says it has so far returned $723 million (about N142.43 billion) of the Abacha loot to the Nigerian government over the last 10 years. According to Premium Times, the Swiss government made this known in a memorandum of understanding it signed with the Nigerian government on March 8th.

The repatriated funds is excluding the $321million (about N63.24 billion) which the Swiss authorities will be repatriated to Nigeria soon. The agreement, titled “Letter of Intent on the restitution of illegally-acquired assets forfeited in Switzerland,” was signed by Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and the Swiss Head of Foreign Affairs Department, Didier Burkhalter.

Suspected Female Kidnapper Caught In Lagos, Stripped Naked

A suspected kidnapper got more than bargained for as she got the beating of her life According to Facebook user, Ojagbule Samuels, this woman was caught trying to kidnap a child, in Dopemu, Lagos, on March 15. The residents of the area decided to take matters into their hands, stripping her naked and giving her a thorough beating, before handing her over to the police.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode Sets Up A 5-Man Committee To Examine The Urban And Regional Planning Law Of The State

Just days after the sack of the General Manager of Building Control Agency, Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has announced the establishment of a five man committee to examine the Urban and Regional Planning Law of the State  as it affects the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

This announcement was made during his visit to the site of the collapsed Lekki Gardens’ building today. While assuring Lagosians that the safety of Lagosians is of primary concern to the Lagos State government, Governor Ambode advised residents of structures owned by the same company to vacate the buildings to be able to effectively carry out integrity test on the structures.

This, he said, will go a long way in preventing a similar occurrence, something he has set out to do with the newly established committee to be chaired by the past president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria TPL. (Dr.) Olubunmi Ajayi.

According to his Twitter handle, the 5-man committee was set up “to examine the Urban and Regional Planning Law of the State as it affects LASBCA”

"Without Immigrants, Trump Would Have No Wives"

She really nailed it, after all.... Donald Trump's first wife, Ivana and his present one Melania, were both immigrants originally from Czechoslovakia and Slovenia, respectively. Moreover, the Republican presidential candidate is also the son and grandson of immigrants. Isn't that more than a little ironic for one so against immigrants and immigration?

Former Head Of Service Arraigned In Court, Granted N10m Bail

Former Head of Service during former President Jonathan's administration, Steven Oronsaye, was today granted bail in the sum of N10 million by the Federal High Court Abuja. Oronsaye is standing trial for a two-count charge of fraud and conversion of N190m meant for a government trust fund. He was arraigned by the EFCC this morning. See more photos of him in court today..

See This Cute Picture Of Veteran Dance Queen Kaffy With Her Lovely Daughter

The dance queen shared the picture of herself with her cute daughter on Instagram. The little girl is really beautiful.

Lawyer slumps, dies in court

Tragedy struck on Tuesday, when a lawyer slumped and died at the premises of the Lagos State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Igbosere.
The deceased, identified only as ‘Chidi’, was scheduled to appear as defence counsel for two men: Okedairo Okedeji, 38, and Akolade Agbola, 28, who were alleged to have stolen meat and snail worth N28,000 from Southern Sun Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The men had been arraigned on February 29, and were out on bail after meeting the conditions set by Magistrate (Mrs.) F. M Dalley.
The deceased was due to represent them Tuesday at their trial, but he and the defendants arrived in court after the case had been called and adjourned till April 14.
The Nation learnt that he apologised to the court for their lateness and explained that it was due to heavy traffic.
He also tried to plead with the Magistrate for a change in the adjourned date, but in the course of pleading, he was cut short by fits of coughing and began gasping for breath.
When the coughing would not stop, he started clutching his chest and gasping, ‘Obim!’ ‘Obim!’, the Igbo word for ‘My chest!’ ‘My chest!’
Those around quickly helped him, unloosen his tie and helped him outside the courtroom to get fresh air.
He pleaded that they should help him get a cab to take him home.
As he was rushed downstairs, he appeared to have lost consciousness and one of his clients carried him on the back down the staircase.
By the time the cab arrived he had stopped breathing.
The apprehensive cab driver was persuaded to take him to the Lagos Island General hospital and the deceased was put in the vehicle and driven away.
The cab driver returned returned minutes later with him to the court premises and declined to carry a corpse in his taxi for fear of police harassment.
The Nation learnt that his corpse was eventually deposited at the Lagos Island General Hospital morgue.

Son Of Late Emir Of Kano, Sani Bayero Set To Wed. Check Out Their Beautiful Pre-Wedding Pictures

Prince Sani Bayero, son of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Dr. Abdullahi Ado Bayero is set to tie the knot with his fiancée, Aysha. Late Ado Bayero was the Emir of Kano from 1963 till his death on June 6, 2014. He was succeeded by his brother's grandson, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. View the couple's beautiful pre-wedding Pictures.

Buhari Condemns The Political Violence In Rivers State, Vows To Deal With All Sponsors Of Violence

Press statement from the presidency...
President Buhari Tuesday in Malabo condemned recent political violence in Rivers State, saying that the killing of people over political differences was primitive, barbaric and unacceptable. "We will deal decisively with all sponsors of violence. I have given the security services clear directives in this regard. We will show that violence in any form will no longer be tolerated before, during or after elections," the President said at an interactive meeting with Nigerians resident in Equatorial Guinea.
President Buhari said that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be encouraged to explore the possibility of Nigerians abroad voting in the 2019 general elections. Noting that some African countries have started allowing their citizens resident abroad to vote in national elections, the President said that he fully empathised with the desire of Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in national elections. President Buhari pledged that he will therefore do all within his powers to fulfil that desire.
"I want all Nigerians to know that I respect them and their right to choose their leaders," he said

The President also said that establishing a new national airline was not currently on the Federal Government's list of priorities. President Buhari declared that his administration's main area of focus now was reducing the level of poverty in the country. The President said that developing the infrastructure needed to boost production in all sectors of the economy and create more jobs for young Nigerians, as well as other actions that will directly improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians will continue to be prioritized by his administration. President Buhari was responding to complaints by members of the Nigerian community about the absence of direct flights between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

The President assured them that his administration's war against corruption will remain "fearless, relentless and merciless".
"We will be merciless and relentless in pursuing all those who abused public trust. Nigerians will see how some of the elite conspired to run the nation down," he said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
March 15, 2015

Nollywood Actress Funke Akindele To Speak At 4th Edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference | April 20

Nigerian actress, producer and entrepreneur Funke Akindele has been confirmed to speak at the fourth edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference holding in Lagos next month.

The multiple award-winning Nollywood star who’s behind the viral Jenifa series, will make her NECLive debut as one of the lead speakers in a session on ‘The Economy of Talents’.

Funke Akindele joins other Nollywood stars like Amaka Igwe, Gab Okoye, Ramsey Nouah, Kunle Afolayan, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Joke Silva, Ibinabo Fiberesima, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Chioma Ude, who have appeared on NECLive since it was founded in 2013.

This year’s edition of Nigerian Entertainment Conference will hold on Wednesday April 20, 2016 at Landmark Events Centre, in Lagos.

Founder of Nigerian Entertainment Today, and chairman of NECLive, Ayeni Adekunle says this year’s theme is ‘ Entertainment Industry as ‘Last Hope‘ for Africa’s Largest Economy’, with speakers and panelists drawn from a wide range of industries across the public and private sectors.

Date: Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Venue: Landmark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos

Dele Momodu Shares Pictures Of Ibidun Ighodalo Kneeling Down To Greet Him

Dele Momodu shared a photo of former Face of Lux and wife of Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Ibidun Ighodalo kneeling down to greet him.
"Bibi ire ko see fowo ra; Mrs Ibidun Ighodalo is a rare Lady who continues to confound me with her humility! We love you loads..." the publisher gushed.
The top event planner was the brain behind the superlative decoration at Ooni of Ife's traditional wedding and thanksgiving celebration.

Defective Lekki Gardens Buildings In Lagos To Be Demolished - Gov. Ambode...Urges Occupants To Vacate Premises

Read the press statement from Lagos state government below...
 Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday directed that stability test be conducted on all building constructed by the Lekki Gardens to ascertain their structural integrity, saying that any building found to be defective will be demolished.

The Governor who addressed Government House Correspondents at the Lagos House, Ikeja, shortly after inspecting the site of the collapsed building which was under construction by the Lekki Gardens, said the incident which claimed 34 lives and left several others injured was “one building collapse too many”.

He said since the unfortunate incident the state government has taken several steps to stem the tide of building collapse, saying that his administration is determined not to fail in the responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property of its citizens.

“The State Government will undertake a stability test on all other buildings constructed by the Developer in the State, whether occupied or not, to ascertain their structural stability. The Developer will pay the cost of the tests.  Any building found to be defective would be demolished.  For those that pass the integrity test the developer will pay a penalty for any overdevelopment on the site,” he said.

Governor Ambode who commiserated with those who suffered loss and injury as a result of the building collapse said since the incident, the state government has ordered the immediate sealing of the construction site and cessation of further construction, co-ordinated emergency rescue of all injured victims and treatment at its hospitals, prosecution of owners of the collapsed building as well as dismissal of some government officials.

He said that the government going forward will carry out an audit of all structures in the state to ascertain those with planning approval or not and evaluate the physical development against the approved building plans, saying that details of the plan will be made public soon.

“I want to assure you that there will no longer be any sacred cows. If there is failure of duty, there will be sanctions.

“I also want to seize this opportunity to assure Lagosians that the State Government will do everything within its powers to check the excesses of Developers who flout its regulations and will restore efficiency and confidence in the building control and supervision process,” the Governor said.

To this end, Governor Ambode also revealed that a five man committee to examine the Urban and Regional Planning Law of the State as it affects the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).

The Committee is to be chaired by TPL (Dr) Moses Olubunmi Ajayi, a past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, while members include Engineer Ore Fadayomi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Structural engineers, Architect (Mrs) Yetunde O. Ajayi, a retired Permanent Secretary, General Manager of Lagos State Planning Authority(LASSPA) and Secretary of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) as Secretary of the Committee.

Governor Ambode also charged the committee to examine the operations of LASBCA and make recommendations for changes that will ensure effective service delivery, recommend organizational re-structure and appropriate manpower for effective operation of LASBCA, study the legal and operational issues affecting the functioning of the Materials Testing Laboratory and other matters that will enhance the efficient functioning of the two organizations.

He gave the committee four weeks to submit its report.  

“Finally, let me reiterate that Lagos is open to business for those who must comply with the State laws and regulations in order to prosper. Our main concern is to continue to improve on the ease of doing business and uphold the Rule of Law at all times. Those who choose non-compliance and defiance will henceforth face the full weight of the law without f

Kaduna State Government Express Their Concern Over School Pupils In Kaduna State Who Leaves Schools After Eating Free Food.

Kaduna State Government, yesterday, expressed concern over the desertion of schools by primary school pupils after taking the free meal offered them. The pupils have developed the habit of leaving school immediately after the free meal under the guise of going to drink water..

The concern was expressed by the state's Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Shehu Adamu while speaking to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.


He appealed to parents to ensure that children stay back in school after their free meal, so as not to jeopardize the programme. The commissioner stressed that the programme was introduced in order to encourage school enrolment, attendance and retention.

"The main goal of the school feeding programme is to attract out-of-school children to school and keep them in class for them to acquire education and better their lives. We will not allow a situation where childre will just come to school and leave the moment they finish eating their meals; if it is about water, we have asked parents to provide water for their children. Therefore, parents have a responsiblity of ensuring that the children do not only come to school on time, but remain in school till closing hours"

Source: Vanguard

Senate Rejects Gender And Equal Opportunity Bill At Second Reading | Nigerian Twitter Reacts In Outrage

A Bill aimed at elimination of discrimination against women has been turned down for a second reading at the Nigerian Senate today.

This was made known via the Nigerian Senate official Twitter account and the issue has caused quite a reaction from Nigerians on Twitter who feel that the Bill was long overdue.

The Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill was aimed at promoting equality, development and advancement of all persons in Nigeria as well as promoting women’s freedom of movement, female economic activity and girls’ access to education.

One Senator who was very vocal about the fact that Nigeria needs the Bill was Senator Olujimi from Ekiti South Senatorial District.

He pointed out concerns on equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, property/land ownership and inheritance. He also explained how the Bill seeks adoption of special temporary measures to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities for majority of Nigerians. The Bill also seeks appropriate measures against gender discrimination in political and public life and prohibitions of violence to women.

Senator Bala Na’Allah also spoke for the Bill. He said that discrimination is a worldwide issue and that there is a need for adequate measures. Senator Na’Allah also spoke about the need to protect the widowhood and inheritance rights of women.

Other Senators who supported the Bill include Senator Ekweremadu, Senator Ndume, Senator Raji-Rasaki and Senator Garba.

Speaking against the Bill, among others, were:

The Senate put the Bill to a vote and sadly the Nays had it.

Twitter has since exploded with a lot of angry tweets from Nigerians as they can’t understand how such a fundamental Bill will be turned down. The word “Senate” is also trending right now.

See some tweets from Nigerians below.