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‘Late Senator Was An Outstanding Party-Man’ PDP Mourns Isaiah Balat

Mohammed Useni
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FEBRUARY 18, 2014

PRESS STATEMENT

PDP mourns Isaiah Balat

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep sadness over the death of the Special Adviser to the Vice President on Special Duties and former Minister of Works and Housing, Senator Isaiah Balat.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in a statement on Tuesday described the death as a huge loss to the country adding that Senator Balat left the scene at a time the nation needed his contributions the most.

“Senator Balat lived as a patriotic Nigerian and a brilliant technocrat who discharged his responsibilities with candor. Nigerians will remember him for his dedication to duty, humility, loyalty and commitment to the service of our dear fatherland,” the PDP said.

The statement also described him as an outstanding party-man who remained committed to the ideology and manifesto of the PDP and the visions of the founding fathers. It said Balat played key roles in promoting the course of the PDP and handled all assignments given him by the party meritoriously.

The party commiserated with the Balat family, the Presidency and the Government and people of Kaduna state and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Chief Olisa Metuh
National Publicity Secretary

House Of Reps Ask Jonathan To Relocate Army Headquarters To Borno

Mohammed Useni
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Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Tuesday urged President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately relocate the headquarters of the Nigerian Army to Maiduguri, Borno State to curb the series of attacks by Boko Haram insurgents

In the past weeks over 200 civilians and military men are reported to have been killed with unaccounted number of girls kidnapped by the Islamist Militants.

The House resolved that moving the defense headquarters to the North-East will enable the Chief of Army Staff to be in touch with the reality of the situation

The members urged the army chief to devise ways of properly tackling the matter, resulting in the deaths of many .

The members went on to call on the the Federal Government to explore bilateral security arrangements with Chad, Niger Republic and Cameroon on how to tackle the activities of the insurgents around the border areas.

Lagos Ferry Company, Gets 7 Boats To Start Water Transport Service

Mohammed Useni
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The Lagos Ferry Services Company, LAGFERRY, has acquired two 54-seater ferries and is refurbishing five others in preparation to start services by the end of the month.

The Managing Director, Mr Babatunde Williams, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday.

He said that the acquisition and refurbishment were part of the efforts of the state government to improve inland water transportation.

Williams said that the development would promote easy movement of people and goods by water.

“In an effort to revive water transportation in Lagos State to serve the people, we have acquired two 54-seat ferries.

“We are working toward making them fully operational; we have chosen our routes and jetties to serve a greater number of people.

“We have another five ferries that belong to the old ferry services, which are currently being refurbished to boost water transport in Lagos.

“They are aluminium ferries to be added to the two recently acquired to make it seven,“ he said.

He said that each of the five 80-seat capacity aluminum ferries being refurbished would become functional by the second quarter of the year.

According to him, efforts have been made by the company to train and retrain its staff to enhance service delivery and safety on the waterways.

“We will ensure all passengers use life jackets from the point of boarding.

“Our staff have been trained to be safety-conscious and avoid alcohol while on duty,“ the managing director said.

NAN reports that the Lagos State Government through the state waterways authority, on Feb. 6, inaugurated the Ebute Ojo Jetty, Ijegun-Egba Floating Jetty and two armoured patrol boats to improve water transport.

LAGFERRY was incorporated on Jan 15, 2008 as a limited liability company with the sole initial investor as the Lagos State Government.

It was established as a special purpose vehicle to develop the water transportation sector and subsequently reduce the strain on Lagos roads.

At the moment, there are about 200 ferries in Lagos State operated by about 50 private individuals and groups.

Gusau, Obanikoro, 9 Others Confirmed Ministers

Mohammed Useni
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Gusau, Obanikoro, 9 Others Confirmed Ministers

The Nigerian Senate, Tuesday, confirmed former National Security Adviser, Gen. Mohammed Aliyu Gusau, former Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, Musiliu Obanikoro and former governor of Adamawa State, Mr Boni Haruna, from Zamfara, Lagos and Adamawa states respectively, as ministers.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to China, Aminu Wali, former Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Mohammed Wakil, Mrs Akon Etim Eyakenyi and Mrs Lawrencia Labaran Mallam, representing Kano, Borno, Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states were also confirmed.

Others were Dr Khaliru Alhassan from Sokoto, Alhaji Abduljelili Adesiyan, from Osun, Dr T.W. Danagogo from Rivers states and Mrs Asabe Asmau Ahmed from Niger states.
However, the Senate defers the confirmation of Hajia Jamilila Salik, one of the nominees from Kano state. No reason was given for the action even as the nominee did not appear with others for screening throughout the three days the exercise lasted.

Former Works Minister, Isaiah Balat Is Dead

Mohammed Useni
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The Senior Special Adviser on Special Duties to Vice President Namadi Sambo and a former People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Kaduna state in 2007, Senator Isaiah Balat is dead.

He died today at the National Hospital, Abuja, after suffering from an undisclosed ailment.

President-General of Southern Kaduna Progressive Union (SOKAPU), Dr Ephraim Goje who confirmed the death of Balat to our correspondent in Kaduna, said the people of the state have lost a rare gem and bridge builder in the politics of Kaduna state.

The late Balat was a former minister of state for works during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration and a senator of the federal republic of Nigeria from 2003-2007.

Content Credit: Channels TV

Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Funke Akindele, Ibinabo Fiberesima Others At The Villa To Name Jonathan, AGN Grand Patron

Mohammed Useni
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Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Funke Akindele, Ibinabo Fiberesima Others At The Villa To Name Jonathan, AGN Grand Patron

Members of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria Tuesday were at the Presidential Villa Abuja to name the President, the Grand Patron of the Guild.

Some of the known faces from the photos shared by the Presidential Spokesman, Reuben Abati included Stephanie Linus, Ini Edo, Chidi Mokeme, Funke Akindele, Monalisa Chinda and the Guilds President Ibinabo fiberesima.

See Photos below

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NSE Market Indicators Grow By 0.02%

Mohammed Useni
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NAN

Photo Credit: PremiumTimesng
Photo Credit: PremiumTimesng

The market indicators of the Nigerian Stock Exchange on Tuesday appreciated marginally by 0.02 per cent in spite of decrease in the volume of shares traded.

Market capitalization rose by N3 billion or 0.02 per cent to close at N12.530 trillion against N12.527 trillion achieved on Monday.

Also, the All-Share Index, which opened at 38,964.75, grew by 37.81 points or 0.02 per cent to close at 38,972.56.

The Nigerian Breweries led the price gainers chart, gaining N2 to close at N147 per share.

Dangote Cement came second with a gain of N1.30 to close at N235, while International Breweries garnered N1.25 to close at N28 per share.

UAC Property appreciated by 97k to close at N20.72, while Oando chalked up 74k to close at N20.80 per share.

Guinness topped the price losers, shedding N9.60 to close at N182.40 per share.

Lafarge Wapco trailed with N4.35 to close at N105.10, while Unilever dropped N2.70 to close at N51.30 per share.

Okomu Oil lost N2 to close at N39, while Presco declined by N1.58 to close at N40 per share.

The volume of shares traded depreciated 15.04 per cent as 475.596 million shares worth N4.22 billion were traded in 6,074 deals.

This was in contrast to the 559.768 million shares valued at N5.49 billion achieved in 5,999 deals on Monday.

Skye Bank drove the turnover volume with 58.05 million shares worth N196.05 million in 256 deals.

It was followed by Zenith Bank, accounting for 42.98 million shares valued at N888.08 million exchanged by investors in 465 deals, while FCMB traded 39.18 million shares worth N144.79 million in 67 deals.

Afriprud came fourth with 37.68 million shares valued at N134.01 million traded in 268 deals, while investors staked N481.31 million on 37.05 million shares of FBN Holdings in 679 deals.

Jonathan Appoints Brig-Gen Jones O. Arogbofa, Chief Of Staff

Mohammed Useni
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Jonathan Appoints Brig-Gen Jones O. Arogbofa, Chief Of Staff

President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed Brig-General Jones Oladehinde Arogbofa (rtd.) as his Chief of Staff.

The appointment announced by Presidential spokesman Tuesday, Reuben Abati, through his twitter handle is with immediate effect.

Arogbofa replaces Chief Mike Oghiadomhe who was asked to resign last week.

The new Chief of Staff to the President was born on November 10, 1952. He hails from the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

In addition to administrative capabilities and experience garnered from a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen Arogbofa brings an impressive array of academic qualifications to his new job.

They include a Diploma in Communications Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, USA, a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Sciences Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alabama, USA and a Masters Degree in Military Arts and Science from the United States Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

The new Chief of Staff holds several military honours and awards including Mss, Fss, Fsc and Fwc and is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

His appointment is with immediate effect and he has taken up his new post at the Presidential Villa.

It was rumored that the President was considering the owner of Daar Communications PLC, Chief Raymond Dopkesi for the appointment.. The announcement of Arogbofa should put an end to the rumors..

Ijegun: The Menace Of Scooping Fuel From Vandalized Pipelines

Mohammed Useni
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Ijegun: The Menace Of Scooping Fuel From Vandalized Pipelines

Will poverty ever let people learn? Will greed ever make people see the dangers of scooping petroleum products from vandalized pipelines.

In 2008, an inferno caused by a pipeline leakage where people had gone to scoop fuel left several people dead and properties worth millions left in flames

People tend to forget that history repeats itself as people were seen scooping fuel in Ijegun Imoren, Oriade Local Council Development Area of Lagos State 

At NewswireNGR , we advise that as good citizens of Nigeria and as people with consciences, we should all stay away from vandalized pipelines and we should promptly report to law enforcement agencies when we notice one or whenever we see people scooping these petroleum products. It is suicidal to go close to vandalized pipelines, you are also risking the lives of others.

The gallon of fuel you are trying to steal will not make you wealthy but can only send you to your grave sooner than you expect.

Stay alive!

 

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Photo Credit: Vanguard News

2015 Elections: APC Contracts U.S. Political Consultants, AKPD

Mohammed Useni
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2015 Elections: APC Contracts U.S. Political Consultants, AKPD

As 2015 election draws nearer, politicking has gotten tougher than ever. Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has contracted international political consultants, AKPD Message and Media, to boost its electoral chances in the upcoming forthcoming elections. AKPD, a Chicago based firm is known for its prominent role in Barack Obama’s Presidential campaign in 2008 and 2012 respectively

This announcement was made in Lagos on Tuesday by APC’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed.

 

“We have been working closely with AKPD Message and Media over the past few months and we shall leverage on the firm’s skill, experience and expertise throughout the upcoming campaign cycle,” APC said. “As a party destined to bring change and succour to the long suffering people of Nigeria, the APC is proud and excited to work with one of the foremost exponents of change in the world, especially with their track record of success in political climates akin to ours, notably in Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana. With this strategic partnership, the process of change in Nigeria has already begun and it can’t be stopped.”

 

APC is home to 16 of the 36 state governors in Nigeria.

 

 

PDP Governors Met President Jonathan In Closed Door Meeting Last Night

Mohammed Useni
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PDP Governors Met President Jonathan In Closed Door Meeting Last Night

Nigeria’s President, Goodluck Jonathan yesterday (Monday) met behind closed doors with PDP state governors at the First Lady Conference Hall inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja, started at about 9.30pm.

Governors in attendance included:  Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); Martins Elechi (Ebonyi); Theodore Orji (Abia); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Liyel Imoke (Cross River);  Ramalan Yero (Kaduna); Gabriel Suswam (Benue); Seidu Dakingari (Kebbi); Idris Wada (Kogi); Babangida Aliyu (Niger); Jonah Jang (Plateau); Isa Yuguda (Bauchi); Garba Umar (Taraba); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta).

Two deputy governors were also present and they are: Bala Ngilari (Deputy Governor, Adamawa); and Sam Jonah (Deputy Governor, Bayelsa)

Nigeria’s Vice-President, Architect Namadi Sambo; National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Adamu Muazu; the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Uche Secondus and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, also in attendance at the meeting.

It is believed that the meeting was part of the President’s consultation ahead of his declaration to contest in the 2015 presidential election.

President Jonathan recently met behind closed-doors with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akinolu, in their palaces on Saturday.

On Monday, he met the Akran of Badagry, Oba Aholu Menu-Toyi 1 in his palace.

“My Greatest Satisfaction Comes From Our Accomplishments In Air Safety” Stella Oduah Bows Out

Mohammed Useni
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Immediate past Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Adaeze Oduah has commended President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, workers and Stakeholders in the aviation sector for the opportunity to serve the country and for the tremendous support given to her during her two and a half years’ stewardship as Aviation Minister.

Oduah made the commendation shortly after officially handing over to the Surpervising Minister and current Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom, JP.

” It was a great privilege to be chosen from amongst over 160 million Nigerians to serve in the Federal Cabinet. My profound gratitude goes to Mr President who provided me with this rare privilege. I also want to thank him for all the support he accorded me to pursue his Transformation Agenda in the Aviation Sector. I equally wish to thank my personal aides, aviator sector workers and stakeholders who partnered with me to realize our Vision and Mission in the sector”, Oduah declared, continuing:

“During my tenure, we gave our best to institute reforms in line with Mr President’s Transformation Agenda. We produced the Aviation sector Master plan and implementation Road Map. Using the Master Plan and Road Map, we were able to reconstruct and remodel all 22 federally-owned airports across the country. We also commenced the construction of five new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano.

“We also introduced the Perishable Cargo and Aerotrolis concepts to drive the growth and development of not only the aviation sector, but also the Nigerian economy. Construction of the cargo terminals has commenced across 16 airports across the country while modalities have been completed to kick-start the Aerotropolis project. We also carried out institutional reforms, built the capacity of NCAT to produce enough professionals both for the local aviation market and for export.

“My greatest satisfaction comes from our accomplishments in the area of safety and security of the Nigerian airspace. We were able to procure, update and install safety-critical infrastructure that has repositioned the sector to achieve our objective of zero-accident rate in the Nigerian airspace.

The former Minister said the reforms instituted during her tenure will no doubt propel the sector to greater accomplishments and expressed the hope that her successor will sustain the tempo and momentum of transformation in the interest of the sector, the air travelers and the Nigerian economy.

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