Today's Naira Exchange Rates......

Naira Exchange Rates as @ yesterday

Death Toll In Lekki Five-Storey Building Collapse Rises To Six.

The building, which was under construction, collapsed at Chisco Bus Stop in Lekki Phase One area of Lagos State in south western Nigeria.

Spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency, (NEMA), South-west zone, Ibrahim Farinloye, gave the new figure. He said eight persons have been rescued so far. Death toll in the collapsed building at Lekki in the early hours of today has risen to six as rescue operations by the National Emergency Management Agency, South West zone and  Lagos State Fire Service are still ongoing.


The NEMA official told Channels Television that the incident happened around 4:10am local time.

“We received an alert around 4:20am about the building collapse and immediately we mobilised resources and personnel to move in there.

“As at now, we have recovered four persons dead, six rescued alive.


One of the rescued persons believed to be working at the construction site
Mr Farinloye said the persons affected may be workers at the construction site.

Taking part in the rescue operation are Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Police and personnel of the Civil Defence.

About three excavators are also being used by NEMA in the rescue effort.

Yobe State Deputy Governor Involved In Auto Crash

The deputy governor of Yobe state, Abubakar Ali, was on Monday involved in an auto accident along the Kaduna- Kano expressway.
A witness, Sunusi Abdul, told PREMIUM TIMES that the incident occurred in Daka-Tsalle town, along the expressway.
“The SUV he was travelling in had a head-on collision with a Toyota Avensis vehicle,” Mr. Abdul said. Fortunately, the deputy governor’s vehicle did not somersault, but the Toyota car was badly damaged and some of its occupants injured.”
Mr. Abdul, who said the accident occurred around 9:30 am, added that he also narrowly missed hitting Mr. Ali’s car.
He said the deputy governor’s convoy later continued its trip to Kano.

The accident happened a day after the Minister of State for Labour, James Ocholi, his wife and son died in a crash along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway.
Efforts to speak with the Yobe deputy governor was unsuccessful. He did not answer or return calls.
A source at the Government House in Damaturu however told PREMIUM TIMES that the accident occurred as Mr. Ali travelled to Kano for a condolence visit to the Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, who lost his mother on Friday.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) is yet to comment on the accident.

How Ocholi's First Son Survived The Fatal Accident That Killed His Father, Mother And Younger Brother.

Aaron Ocholi, the first son of the Minister of state for Labor and Employment, James Ocholi, would have also lost his life in the fatal accident that claimed the lives of his father, mother, brother and two others along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway on Sunday March 6th.

While receiving a body of the Senior Advocates of Nigeria at their residence yesterday March 7th, Aaron who was called to bar in October 2015, said a fracture he sustained in his hand while playing football  on Saturday March 5th, prevented him from following his parents and brother to the a church thanksgiving in Kaduna. It was while they were returning from the thanksgiving that they had the accident and lost their lives.

Lagos Assembly Seeks Relocation Of Mile 12 Market

The Lagos State House of Assembly has called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to relocate the Mile 12 market on Ikorodu Road to a more conducive location.
The call was sequel to last week’s bloody clash between Hausa traders and Yorubas, which left at least 10 persons killed and properties worth several millions of naira destroyed.
Reacting to the incident on Monday, the Assembly described it as unfortunate, adding that it could have been averted.
The issue was brought under matter of urgent public importance by Jude Idimogu.
The lawmakers urged Governor Ambode to relocate the Mile 12 and Owode-Onirin markets elsewhere after feasibility studies and accompanying infrastructure must have been provided.
While condoling those who lost loved ones in the crisis, the Assembly condemned the killings and the attitude of soldiers deployed in the market, who it alleged could not forestall the crisis.
It also urged Ambode to constitute a high-powered enquiry into the skirmish.
Earlier, Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the incident followed disagreement among brothers, adding that government should act decisively on the issue.
He said: “Soldiers have been stationed at the market since 1999, yet they have not been able to solve the problem. There is a police station there, what did the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) do, when the incident occurred?
“It is a market without structure; we can move the market to another place if we can provide an alternative. We should look at a new planning; we cannot have such a market at the centre of a megacity”.
Obasa further called for the probe of military men stationed at the market since they could not forestall the riot and suggested the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
In the same vein, Deputy Speaker Wasiu Sanni Eshinlokun said the market was not well organised, adding that a visit there would reveal that it is not a conventional market.

Wife Of Rivers State Governor, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike Calls For Investments In The Lives Of The Less Privileged

Wife of Rivers State Governor, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike has stated that  investing in  the  lives of  less privileged children  and the  physically challenged would  engender  greater development  as more people would  be equipped  to  contribute  to  societal  growth.
According to the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, Mrs Nyesom-Wike spoke on Monday in Port Harcourt  during her visits to  'The Child' Special School, Home for the Elderly and the Port Harcourt  Children Home as part of activities  to  commemorate  the 2016 International Women's Day Celebration. She noted that providing quality education  to children with special  needs will equip them with the right skills to live productive lives.

According to her, the state government  will continue  to  support institutions  that cater for children with special  needs as that is the best way for the society.

She said: "These children  must have their childhood  protected so that they can contribute meaningfully  to societal development  in future".At the home for the elderly, Justice Suzzette Nyesom-Wike stated that there should be constant  respect and compassion  for those who have dutifully  served the society so that they can live the rest of their lives gracefully.

Responding  at The Child Special School, Reverend Sister Sylvia Anyanwu said that the school is a project of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt aimed educating children with intellectual disabilities especially  those living with  down's syndrome, cerebral palsy,  autism and other crippling  disabilities. At the  home of the elderly, Reverend Sister Mary-Jane Raphael Agubosi said the home improves lives of the elderly  who are facing significant physical, psychological and dementia  challenges.

Highpoint of the visits to the homes was the presentation  of  monetary and food gifts by the Wife of  the Rivers State Governor. The inmates of the homes also rendered songs to the delight of the wife of the governor  and her entourage.

The Governors'  wife was accompanied  to the homes by wives of political appointees  and elected officials in the state.

Wife Of The President Mrs Aisha Buhari And Wife Of The Vice President Mrs Dolapo Osibanjo Pay Condolence Visit To The Ocholli Residence..

The Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari and the wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo paid a condolence visit to the Ocholi Family residence yesterday.

Minister of Labour James Ocholli died on Sunday alongside his wife and son in a car crash...The Minister is survived by 3 children. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Says......Nigeria Joining Islamic Coalition Has Nothing To Do With Religion

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has debunked claims that Nigeria joining the Islamic Coalition against Terror being led by Saudi Arabia, has a religious affiliation. Onyeama made the clarification while speaking with State House Correspondence in Abuja on March 7th 2016.
“What I say first of all is that you guys in the media have to be more responsible in the way you present news. First and foremost, get your facts right. It has nothing to do with religion as far as Nigeria is concerned.
We have to look at what the objective is. We face terror challenges and it’s a global phenomenon. Unfortunately, the problem we have today is that some of the terrorists groups are claiming some of the things they are doing is in the name of a particular religion and it is clear to everybody that this is not the case which is obviously a concern to people of Islamic faith and Islamic countries that their religion should be so abused. So, there is naturally a tendency to show that this has nothing to do with Islam. Terrorism has nothing to do with Islam. Islamic countries, Islamic people want to be seen as being in the forefront of the battle against these terrorists to show also that it has absolutely nothing to do with religion. That’s what this is all about. So, we are supporting every move to achieve this, to disabuse people’s minds that some of these terrorists are speaking in the name of Islam or are Islamic or that there’s anything about Islamic teaching that somehow condones these barbaric actions. “I think it’s something we should all get together and we should all support whoever is working towards it. And that’s what this coalition is for, to show too that we are a Muslim country, we are Muslims and these people do not speak for Islam, have nothing to do with Islam. Most of the victims of these people are Muslims if you look at it. So, that’s what it is. It has nothing to do with Nigeria, Christianity, Islam. I think the media should really get the main message across” he said

Former Deputy Governor Of Lagos State, Adejoke Adefulire Appointed SSA To The President On Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire as his Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire served as Deputy-Governor of Lagos State in the last administration and is an accomplished politician with many years of experience in public service.

She has also served as Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State.

Minister Of State For Labour, James Ocholi, Wife And Son Die In Car Accident

The Minister of state for Labor and Employment, Mr. Ocholi, his wife Blessing Fatima Ocholi and their son were reportedly  killed in an accident, which occurred along the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday afternoon. See the last picture his son posted on IG Below.

According to witness reports, the car suffered a burst tyre before turning over several times. May their souls rest in peace.... What a sad loss.

Red Carpet Looks From AMVCA 2016.......Who Are your Best & Worst Dressed at the 2016 AMVCA?

Abducted Students Of Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary Have Been Rescued

I haven't Failed Against Boko Haram..... President Buhari

In a fresh interview with Al Jazeerah, President Buhari says he has not failed in his war against Boko Haram despite some recorded incidents of attacks by the sect members in some parts of Nigeria. Read below his speech.
“I have not failed. When we came in, Boko Haram was effectively in 14 local governments. Nigeria has 774 local governments. They host their flags and they said they had a certain caliphate but today they no longer  hold any local government.
They have reverted to improvised explosive devices blowing soft targets, and that will be a kind of terrorism which will be difficult to eliminate because it is technological, but they cannot hold any local government again. They are using technology but they cannot carry out organised attacks, overrun police post, attack military installations, they cannot do that now.”he said

Actress Bukky Ajayi Wins AMVCA's Merit Award

It was an emotional moment at the AMVCA 2016 this evening as actress Bukky Ajayi was honored with the AMVCA 2016 merit award. Wheeled to the stage, the legendary actress who was teary, thanked everyone for appreciating her work. ‎She was honored alongside Sadiq Daba who was absent.

Full List of Winners at 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards #‎AMVCA2016‬

This year’s edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) holds today, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

– Stephanie Linus wins Best Overall Movie for Dry

– Akin Omotosho wins the award for Best Director

– Daniel K Daniel wins Best Actor in a Drama for A SOLDIER’S STORY

– Adesua Etomi wins Best Actress in a Drama for Falling

– Chinny Onwugbenu, Genevieve Nnaji, Chichi Nwoko win Best Movie – West African (Road to Yesterday)

– Elizabeth Michael wins Best Movie – East African

– Joyce Mhango Chavula wins Best Movie – Southern Africa

– Industry Merit Award goes to Bukky Ajayi & Sadiq Daba

– Trailblazer award goes to Kemi Lala Akindoju. She goes home with the SUV

– Funke Akindele wins Best Actress in a Comedy (Jenifa’s Diary)

– Best Actor in a Comedy (Jenifa’s Diary) goes to Folarin Falana

– Paul Michaelson wins Best Cinematographer award

– Best Supporting Actress – Tunbosun Aiyedehin for Before 30

– Best Supporting Actor – A Soldier’s Story – Sambassa Nzeribe

– Remi Vaughan-Richards wins the Best Documentary

– Best Indigenous Language Movie/TV Series – Usekwu Igbo – Paul Igwe

– Best Indigenous Language Movie (Yoruba) – Binta Ofege goes to Abiodun Jimoh and Jumoke Odetola

– Salisu Balarabe wins the AMVCA 2016 for Best Local Language – Hausa

– Best Indigenous Language Series or Movie (Swahili) – Kitendawili – Josephat Lukaza

– Uche Nancy wins Best Costume Designer for ‘Dry’

– Shirley Frimpong-Manso wins the Best Picture Editor award

-Paul Michaelson wins Best Cinematographer

– Stanlee Ohikhuare wins the AMVCA 2016 in the category of Best Lighting!

– Trish Malone wins the award for Best Drama Writer!

– Best Short Film or Online Video: Oluseyi Amuwa

– Louiza Calore wins Best Make-Up for her work on “Ayanda”

– The Best Television Series goes to: Ariyike Oladipo

-The first winner for tonight is FRANK RAJA ARASE, for Best Art Director