Senator James Manager from Delta state has described the Kaduna-Abuja highway as the most dangerous in the country.

He was making a point of correction at plenary on Wednesday after senators described the road as simply one of the most dangerous in the country because of the spate of kidnapping and banditry on the road.

James Manager disagreed. He said the road is the most dangerous in the country and that only those who want to commit suicide could use the road at the moment.

The Senate after the debate called on the Federal Government to deploy more coaches to the Abuja-Kaduna train service, to ameliorate the plight of passengers.

The resolution followed a motion by Sen. Ali Ndume, titled urgent need to increase the number of Coaches to the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.

The senate said the call has become necessary following the number of people who out of fear of kidnapping, and other criminal activities, resorted to travelling by rail.

The Senate, also urged the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to increase frequency of trips, while regulating prices, to check abuse.

Ndume noted that most passengers en-route Kaduna-Abuja Road had resorted to rail as a safer means of transport.

He also said that the increase in the patronage of the rail services was as a result of its relative safety, comfort, convenience and affordability.

The lawmaker expressed concerns that the train had been hijacked by the elites, who daily congested the stations for fear of.being kidnapped or attacked by bandits on the Kaduna-Abuja road.

According to Ndume, many travellers jostle for tickets at the train stations on daily basis, adding that shortage in the number of available coaches was the reason for the long queues recorded at the stations.

Contributing, Sen. Shehu Sani, noted that the Kaduna-Abuja railway had become the oxygen and lifeline of the people, stressing that the road had become one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Contributing, Sen.Bala Ibn Naalla said the increase in train coaches was not the solution but increasing the frequency of trips, wondering if Kaduna-Abuja road should be abandoned because of security challenges.

The Senate Committee Chairman on Transport, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, revealed that the federal government had paid for 64 coaches but lamented that the Chinese company building the coaches was only ready with 12 that would be delivered shortly.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki put the resolution to a voice vote and it was adopted.

Source: NAN

Akwa Ibom state has denied reports of Cameroonian gendarmes killing of 40 Nigerians, describing the fake news as capable of causing diplomatic crisis.

The state government said gendarmes did not kill any Nigerian at Idiaabatu Fishing Settlement in Cameroon.

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Mr Ekikere Umoh, said the killings and burning of Akwa Ibom property were masterminded and executed by a local militia known as Asanawana, operating in the Shell Creek Area.

The attention of the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State has been drawn to recent media reports insinuating resumed border hostilities by Cameroonian authorities resulting in the death of several indigenes of Akwa Ibom residing in the Cameroons.

He said that the report could trigger a diplomatic crisis with attendant grave consequences on both sides.

Putting the issue in perspective, he said: There is hardly any iota of truth in the allegations that the killings and wanton acts of arson and destruction of property of Akwa Ibom indigenes living at the Shell Creek in Cameroon, was carried out by Cameroonian authorities.

From discreet investigations which have been corroborated by affected returnees, the killings and burning of Akwa Ibom indigenes property at the Idiaabatu fishing settlement in Cameroon was the result of the heightening of a prolonged feud between two indigenous groups.

The incident took place last weekend when majority of the residents visited Akwa Ibom to attend a burial at Ikot Inyang Esuk in Uyo.

We have been informed that the attack was masterminded and executed by a local militia operating in the Shell Creek Area by the name Asanwana, and purportedly backed by a local chieftain, Umoh said.

He added that the Cameroonian army had mobilised into the fishing settlement; and that the culprits have been arrested.

We also have it on good authority that following an official report, the Cameroonian army at Abana mobilised into the fishing community and arrested 15 suspects involved in the weekend carnage, he said.

He said the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, had urged the Chairman of Uyo and Uruan local government areas, whose indigenes form the bulk of the victims, to reach out to the affected indigenes for assistance. (NAN)

Source: NAN

By Emmanuel Afonne

A Civil Society Group, Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of Sen. Danjuma Goje for Senate Presidency of the 9th National Assembly.

President of the group, Mr Solomon Adodo, said in Abuja on Wednesday at its meeting that Goje had the required legislative and administrative finesse to rebuild the country and compliment the Next Level Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adodo said the support given to Sen. Goje was borne out of the senators genuine desire to bring about a leadership that would effectively drive legislative processes, functions, activities and programmes that would accelerate national development.

Adodo noted that the group which represented the interest of unemployed youth in the country listed hard work, experience, expertise, competence, commitment as some of the sterling qualities of Sen. Goje.

According to him the group is also supporting Goje because of the senators political versatility, noting that the senators achievements when he presided over the affairs of Gombe state are clear testimony to Midas touch and development-oriented leadership.

I am fully aware that there are other contenders to this seat. But our coalition has chosen to pitch tent with Sen. Danjuma Goje.

This decision is as a result of his incontrovertible track records which fuel our conviction and belief in his ability to deliver on any given or assigned task.

As a former governor of Gombe state for two terms, he ensured due diligence, commitment, and dedication to duty which brought the state out of the woods to the modern status it now occupies in the comity of states in the nation.

It is on record that Gombe State enjoyed significant peace and security throughout the tenure of Sen. Goje and this opened the space for economic growth and jobs creation.

We want the same replicated at the national level.

We have also carefully reviewed his contribution to legislative business in particular and the nation by extension which earned him the Chairmanship of Budget and Appropriation Committee.

By allocating resources to the most critical sectors of the nation, he has impacted positively on the economic and infrastructural base of the country.

We are optimistic that the tested, trusted, ready, willing and available compatriot would deploy such energy to stabilise the Senate and place it on the path to successful deliberations and quality legislation.

We, therefore, appeal to all Senators-elect across Party to vote Sen. Goje as the President of the 9th Senate, Adodo added.

Source: NAN

The Duke of Sussex will today travel to the Netherlands just three days after the birth of his son Archie.

is due to visit The Hague to launch the one-year countdown to the Invictus Games after he and MeghanMarkleannounced they had called their baby Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

In a photocall at St Georges Hall in Windsor Castle on Wednesday, Harry and Meghan presented the baby boy to the world for the first time.

The new parents were later pictured showing off baby Archie to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, alongside Ms Ragland, at Windsor Castle.

Source: NAN

In case you needed a friendly reminder that womens pregnancy bellies do not magically disappear overnight, Meghan Markle made her first post-birth appearance sporting a belted dress that revealed a visible baby bump.

Many women subsequently expressed their gratitude to Markle for not trying to hide her postpartum baby bump, as reports.

The bump doesnt disappear as soon as the baby pops out

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has apologised to their customers within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond, for the near-total blackout being experienced.

The company on its twitter handle @AEDCelectricity urged its customers tobe patient as it was only receiving 20 megawatts of electricity from the transmission companies.

Dear esteem customers, as a result of challenges in the grid, the allocation to AEDC has been limited to only 20mw.

In the circumstance, we are unable to service our customers.

We apologise for the inconvenience this may be causing or customers. We promise to restor power supply as soon as the allocation to AEDC improves, it said.

Prior to the announcement of a drop in its supply, the company had taken to its handle to announce a supply of 463 mega watts for its customers in FCT, Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi.

The company which always announces the amount of electricity supply received, usually has above 450 mega watts on an average.

Source: NAN

A judge has ordered a Northern California couple to pay nearly $600,000 for uprooting an almost 200-year-old oak tree from their property that was protected under a conservation easement.

Peter and Toni Thompson removed the 180-year-old heritage oak tree to move it to another home they built adjacent to the property.

More than 3,000 cubic yards of dirt was also removed in the process.

The tree, two others they removed and a dozen others along a previously undisturbed path they bulldozed died, along with surrounding vegetation.

The Sonoma County Superior Judge sided with the Sonoma Land Trust, saying the Thompsons knowingly violated the conservation deal and said they demonstrated arrogance and disregard over the terms of the easement.

The fine of $586,000 was imposed for environmental restoration on the property.

The couple, who decided to sell their estate for $8.45 million after the ruling, are seeking a new trial, reasoning their attorney could not properly represent them for personal reasons.

In our opinion, theres a lot of evidence that our side of the story really didnt get a chance to explain, Peter Thompson said.

Source: NAN

Venezuelas National Assembly Vice President Edgar Zambrano has been arrested by security forces as government began going after foes tied to the failed attempt to stir up a military uprising last week.

Zambrano, a key opposition figure of President Nicols Maduro was leaving his Democratic Action Partys headquarters when he was surprised by a commando unit from the feared SEBIN intelligence agency.

According to reports, the unit members surrounded his car and after about a half-hour later, the officers towed the vehicle away with the lawmaker still inside, at the same time that Maduro was speaking live on state TV and inaugurating an agricultural project.

Neighbors looking on were seen shouting, Assassins! as the heavily armed agents pulled away.

The arrest was the first following a fizzled uprising that started early on April 30 outside a Caracas airbase.

It was led by Juan Guaid, head of the National Assembly, who is leading the U.S.-backed effort to end what he calls Maduros dictatorship.

Zambrano, 63, was one of the first opposition leaders to answer Guaidos call for an insurrection, going to the bridge in Caracas where the opposition leader had appeared at dawn with a small cadre of soldiers ready to rebel against Maduro.

A lawyer by training, Zambrano is seen as a conciliatory figure within the opposition who is close to Henry Ramos, the former head of congress, who has been accused of taking part in an earlier alleged conspiracy to oust Maduro.

He took up his role as Guaidos deputy as part of a power-sharing arrangement among the biggest parties.

Government officials had announced that Zambrano and eight other opposition lawmakers faced investigation on charges of betraying the homeland and instigating an insurrection, for their roles in last weeks unrest.

Source: NAN

The Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards can help you take your sustainability initiative, product or service to the next level. Take a look at what you need to know about the Awards this year. Then send us your entry!

We believe the world will only succeed in delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals if we all start to think and work differently. That means a real shift towards meaningful partnerships and collaboration across the whole range of players from governments to NGOs, and big businesses to start-ups. Imagine what we can achieve together.

Thats why six years ago we started the Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards to recognise and support brilliant young innovators tackling the planets biggest environmental and social challenges, and to help them achieve scale for impact.

So, if you are working on an innovative and scalable technology or initiative or know someone who is which is contributing to one or more of these three categories, then we want to hear from you.

Were looking for initiatives relating to one or more of the three categories were focusing on:

• Improve peoples health and well-being
• Improve the health of the planet
• Contribute to a fairer and more socially inclusive world

Whether its with an initiative, product or service, if youve gone beyond the idea stage and started to make an impact, we want to hear from you.

Anyone from around the world (excluding Russia), aged between 18 and 35 (as of 29 June 2019).

To submit your entry, youll need to create a profile and complete the application form. Youll need to tell us all about your initiatives story so far, and your vision for its future. The more you can share, the better.

The Unilever Young Entrepreneurs Awards will recognise up to eight winners, including the HRH Prize Winner, in 2019. The eight winners will be selected from a rigorous assessment process led by The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, culminating in video interviews with our finalist selection panels. All eight winners will be invited to an Accelerator Programme in Cambridge, before making their final pitches in person to a guest judging panel who will decide on the HRH Prize Winner of the 2019 competition.

Winners will have a chance to practice their pitches during the Accelerator in Cambridge where they will work with experts from the University of Cambridge, Unilever and other inspirational speakers and guests.

The overall winner will receive the HRH The Prince of Wales Young Sustainability Entrepreneur Prize.

All winners will attend a special prize event hosted in London.

• The overall winner of the HRH The Prince of Wales Young Sustainability Entrepreneur Prize will receive a 50,000 cash award and one-to-one mentoring support tailored to their specific needs for a duration of 12 months.
• The remaining winners will each receive a 8,500 cash award and one-to-one mentoring support tailored to their specific needs for a duration of 12 months.

The Young Entrepreneurs Awards open on 07 May 2019 until Sunday 30 June 2019, 23:59 BST.

If you are shortlisted to further stages, you must commit to sharing additional information by 11:59 BST on 21 August 2019 and to attending an online interview on 19 or 20 September 2019. In addition, the elevator pitch you provide in the entry form may be made public, however all other parts of your entry will remain confidential.

If shortlisted as a winner, you must be exclusively available to attend all parts of the accelerator programme in Cambridge, UK and subsequent Awards events in London, UK from Sunday 24 November to Friday 29 November. Unfortunately, inability to attend any part of the agenda due to a competing commitment will mean participants forfeit their place on the programme.

For more information, visit youngentrepreneursawards.unilever.com

For any questions please contact [email protected]

Source: Scholarships And Aid

In partnership with eight Governments in Eastern and Southern Africa, the World Bank is supporting the Eastern and Southern Africa Higher Education Centers of Excellence project which aims to develop the skills and training skills of young African female candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

• Eligible Countries:Female candidates under the age of 35 from Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia or Burundi are eligible.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: They can apply for a masters degree program in the field of Industry, Agriculture, Health, Education and Applied Statistics.
• Admissible Criteria: Candidates must not be holding any other grant from any other organization.

Method of Application:For this grant, participants must have obtained admission in amasters degreeprogram from any of the given disciplines at the organization. apply for this program by downloading the application form and send it through email [email protected].

• • Supporting Documents: Certified copies of passport or national identity card indicating citizenship, copies of academic certificates and transcripts, Summarized CV with names and contacts of two referees, and a recent passport-size photograph must be submitted.
  • Admission Requirements: Must have a Bachelors Degree from a reputable university at the level of Upper Second Class Honours.

• Language Requirement: English language proficiency is necessary for this project.

The award will give USD 3,000 per year university fees, USD 800 per month to support living expenses such as housing, food, utilities, local transportation, medication and settlement expenses, USD 4,800 for student research, USD 2,000 one-off allowance to cover visa, laptop, and books and a round-trip economy fare for the most direct route between the beneficiarys home country and the study destination of Host University.

Scholarship Application Deadline:June 30, 2019

Source: Scholarships And Aid

If you are interested in environmental studies, then, the Professor John Lovering Graduate Environmental program is a great opportunity for you. This program is organized by the University of Melbourne.

The bursary aims to support financially for those applicants who are going to take part in agraduateor amasterscoursework study program.

Eligibility Criteria:

Participants are strongly recommended to follow the eligibility criteria-

• Eligible Countries: International and domestic citizens are available for this funded education.
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: You are eligible to apply for a graduate diploma or a masters degree course in the field of Environment and natural resources.
• Admissible Criteria: If you have academic performance, financial need, leadership accomplishments and potential then you can apply for this fund.

Method of Application: For this award, the applicants must have to take part in a graduate or a masters degree course at the university and after that, submit the online application form for the grant.

• • Supporting Documents:Students need to write and submit an essay on how they will use this opportunity to enhance their studies and how will they contribute to improving environmental outcomes.
  • Admission Requirements:A complete 12 years of academic education is required for a graduate diploma and an undergraduate degree is necessary for a masters course.

• Language Requirement:If English is not aspirants local language then they must have to show their English language proficiency by taking IELTS or TOEFL test.

Benefits:Total 6 educational funds are available in these courses which will provide $1000 and cover study-related expenses such as field-work travel and conferences.

Scholarship Application Deadline:July 31, 2019

Source: Scholarships And Aid

The NHEF Scholars Program provides Nigerian undergraduates with a range of opportunities designed to aid them in long-term career development.

Each year, NHEF works with their partner universities to identify a cohort of talented students to participate in their intern class. Through sustained support and coaching, they facilitate the placement of these scholars into their esteemed partner institutions to ensure they gain real-world work experience.

The NHEF Scholars Program provides undergraduates the opportunity to work in leading companies in the following sectors: Financial services, Engineering, Law, technology.

NHEF Scholars Program Partner Universities.

• Ahmadu Bello University
• Bayero University
• University of Ibadan
• University of Nigeria, Nsukka
• University of Port Harcourt

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to students in their Penultimate year at the Partner Universities;
• Eligibility varies depending on your course of study. However, if you are not certain, they would recommend that you submit an application anyway and we will advise on possible options.

Method of Application

Interested candidates who meet the criteria listed above should apply by clicking on the Apply button below

Apply Here

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31st May, 2019.

Source: Scholarships And Aid

Centre of Education Studies at the University of Warwick is pleased to offer the Global Education and International Development Scholarship.

This is a Bright Future award open to supporting exceptional students fromHong Kongand mainlandChinaon the Global Education and International Development one year taughtMastersprogramme.

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Permanent residents of Hong Kong or mainland China
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: Candidates are required to have applied to the Global Education and International Development MA programme
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible for an award, applicants should be outstanding students and new entrants to the University of Warwick starting in October 2019. Continuing students and those already holding an MA/MSc are not eligible to apply.

Method of Application: To apply for this opportunity, applicants must receive an offer of a place from the University of Warwick. After being a Warwick student, you will need to complete an online application form.

• Supporting Documents: submit a scanned copy of the first-degree certificate, a reference by a former or current tutor/employer, academic credentials -evidence of being a highly motivated student -personal statement maximum 1,000 words, before the deadline.
• Admission Requirements: Must have second class honours degree (2.2) or equivalent.
• Language Requirement: Non-native speakers of English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 and no component below 6.0 or equivalent score on another acceptable test.

The university will be awarded five valuable grants for the 2019/20 intake up to the value of GBP10,000 each to contribute towards fees.

Scholarship Application Deadline: June 1, 2019

Source: Scholarships And Aid

We welcome you to the Online portal for the OSOPADEC Bursary and Scholarship Scheme (OBSS). This scheme is for students already in any recognized higher institution/Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education that are on regular programme.

Eligibility Criteria

Interested applicants:

• Must be indigenes of either Ilaje or Ese-Odo Local Government Area;
• Must be full-time students of recognised Private or Public Tertiary Institutions within the country as at 2017/2018 Academic Session;
• For scholarship award, applicants must have at least Second Class Upper Division (or its equivalent);
• Postgraduates and students who are currently in the Nigerian Law School are also eligible to apply;
• Special waiver/consideration will be given to applicants currently undergoing courses of interest to the Commission, which in include: Engineering, Medicine & Surgery, Medical Engineering, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Medical Laboratory, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Geology/Geophysics, Computer Engineering. All other courses not listed above will be qualified for bursary award only; Part-time/sandwich, Pre-degree, NTI, Certificate/Diploma students and others from institutions not accredited by relevant government agency are not qualified; No change of Bank details will be entertained after submission of application.

  Method of Application

  Every application for the OSOPADEC Bursary and Scholarship online registration must be accompanied with the following documents:

  • One recent Passport photograph;

  • Evidence of Local Government Area of Origin;

  • Admission Letter;

  • School fees receipts (2017/2018 Academic Session);

  • Student identity Card;

  • Evidence of Membership of either NAIS or FELGOS, and

  • JAMB Registration Slip (where applicable)

  APPLY HERE OFFICIAL LINK

  Scholarship Application Deadline: May 21st, 2019

The Addax Petroleum Development(Nigerian) Limited (APDNL) Joint Venture in pursuance of its Corporate Social Responsibility invites suitably qualified applicants for its 2018/2019 Session Tertiary Scholarship Scheme.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for consideration, applicantsMUSTbe:

• Registered Full TIME undergraduates in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
• Certified 100 level students at the time of application (Only students admitted in 2018/2019 academic session)
• For OND students, the award will be for 2 years only

NOTE:The following categories of studentsshould not apply:

• 200 level students and above
• HND students
• Current beneficiaries of similar Awards from other Companies and Agencies

Only Indigenes of APDNL Host Communities in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Imo States SHOULD apply for the Host Communities Merit Award.

NOTE:The aptitude test will take place at designated centers to be communicated to applicants on a later dateand applicants are to fully bear the cost of transportation to and from Aptitude test centres.

Method of Application:

1. Before you start this application, ensure you have clearly scanned copies of the following documents

• Passport photograph with white background not more than 3 months old (450px by 450px not more than 200kb)
• School ID Card
• Olevel Certificate
• Admission Letter
• Birth Certificate
• Proof of Local Government Area of Origin
• Letter from Community Leader (Only Applicants forHost Communities Merit Award)
• JAMB Result

2. Ensure the documents are named according to what they represent to avoid mixing up documents during upload
3. Ensure you attach the appropriate documents when asked to upload
4.Ensure to provide valid Email and Phone Contact for effective communication

To apply, follow the steps below:
1. Click on Apply Now tab.
2. Click on Register Now to create an account.
3. Proceed to your email box to activate your account
4. Click on www.scholastica.ng/schemes/addaxscholarship to return to Scholarship site
5. Enter your registered email and password to upload your information.
6. Enter your personal information, National Identification Number (if available),educational information, other information and upload required scanned documents.
7. Ensure the name used in application matches the names on all documentation in same order. Upload a sworn affidavit or certificate if otherwise.
8. Ensure you view all documents after uploading, to eliminate errors during uploading.
9. When asked to upload photo, a passport photograph with a white background is preferable.
10. Re check application information to avoid errors
11. Click Apply Now to submit information
12. You will receive an email and an sms that confirms your application was successful.
13. Return to www.scholastica.ng, enter your Email and Password to download your profile and proceed to have your Head of Department sign the document.
14. Upload a scanned copy of the signed profile, this would be used for verification.
15. If National Identification Number (NIN) number was not available in step 6, to obtain your National Identification Number (NIN)

• Visit http://ninenrol.gov.ng to register and learn more about the National Identity Number
• Click Create Account and fill in the required fields
• Login with Email and Password to complete the form
• After completion, schedule a date for photo and finger print capture
• Visit any of the capture centres www.nimc.gov.ng to complete the registration process and obtain your National Identity Number
• You can also do your total registration at the NIMC office

16. Return to www.scholastica.ng/schemes/addaxscholarship and update application with National Identification Number (NIN) to ensure completion

Note:
Multiple applications attract a disqualification penalty from the Scholarship Board
Obtaining NIN is not compulsory in order to complete your application

The application deadline is strictly 26th May, 2019. Students are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the deadline.

OFFICIAL LINK

Source: Scholarships And Aid

Manchester City defeated Leicester City 1-0 on Monday to regain the Premier League leadership from Liverpool and stretch the title race to the final day of the season on Sunday.

City scraped the win, thanks to an incredible second-half goal by Vincent Kompany, which broke Leicester Citys resistance at Etihad Stadium, in a match watched by an estimated 54,506 people.

After Liverpool bounced to the top of the league table on Saturday after beating a stubborn Newcastle United, City badly needed a win to regain the top of the table.

Man Citys first clear opening came on 32 minutes when Sergio Agueros header was brilliantly clawed off the line by Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after it hit the woodwork.

Ilkay Gundogan twice went close either side of half-time, before Leroy Sanes introduction gave fresh impetus to the defending champions.

Aguero was denied superbly by Schmeichel again before Kompany hammered a 25-yard shot into the top corner on 70 minutes.

Former Man City striker Kelechi Iheanacho spurned a great opportunity to level for Leicester, but Man City held on to go top on 95 points, one point above Liverpool with one match left.

Leicester City stay ninth on 51 points.

Manchester City would next meet Brighton

By Ifeanyi Nwoko

After 20 years in the senate, the immediate past president of the Senate, David Mark will on Tuesday embark on a Thank you tour to his Benue South Senatorial zone.

A statement issued by Paul Mumeh, Media Assistant to Mark said that the tour is to appreciate his people for the trust and confidence reposed on him for 20 years in the upper legislative house.

Senator Mark who was first elected Senator in 1999 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has served 4 terms of 20 years within which he served as President of the Senate for 8 years.

He is billed to meet the traditional rulers, politicians across party lines and all stakeholders in the nine local government areas making the Benue South Senatorial zone.

Senator Mark and his successor Comrade Abba Moro will flag off the tour from Agatu local government area and move to Apa Local government council on Tuesday.

The team will visit Ado and Okpokwu local governments on Wednesday as well as Oju and Obi local governments on Thursday.

It will be Ogbadibo and Ohimini local governments turn on Friday while the grand finale will be in Otukpo local government on Saturday.

The programme will be climaxed with a thanksgiving Church service on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Otukpo.

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour at the thanksgiving mass.

Source: NAN

Tanzania has reinstated 4,160 public servants out of 9,900 who the government sacked in 2017 over fake academic credentials.

Mary Mwanjelwa, the Deputy Minister of State in the Presidents Office responsible for Public Service and Good Governance said the 4,160 public servants were recalled after it was established that they were wrongly sacked.

Mwanjelwa told the House in the capital Dodoma that the decision to recall the public servants and reinstate them on the public payroll system came after the government received complaints from them and other sources over unfair treatment when verifying the academic credentials.

We made a close follow-up over the matter, and we found that 4,160 servants were removed from the payroll system by error, said the official.

Some 3,057 civil servants out of that number were employed at the village and ward levels, Mwanjelwa said in her response to a question by Musoma Urban Member of Parliament, Vedastus Manyinyi.

In April 2017, Tanzanian President John Magufuli ordered the immediate dismissal of more than 9,900 civil servants after a nationwide verification of academic credentials uncovered workers with forged school and college certificates.

The crackdown on fake degree holders came after another purge launched in March 2016 discovered more than 19,700 ghost workers on the countrys public sector payroll.

Tanzania spends more than 260 million dollars per month to pay civil servants salaries.
The government believes the public wage bill was bloated, with more than 550,000 civil servants at national and local levels.

Similarly, Tanzanian authorities on Monday said they were working hard to control a further spread of dengue fever which has killed two people as confirmed cases rose from 307 in April to 1,122 by last week.

Its unfortunate that two people have been killed by the disease.

Authorities are working hard to make sure that there are no more deaths and the number of cases does not rise, Ummy Mwalimu, the Minister for Health, said.

Mwalimu said most of the cases were confirmed in Dar es Salaams municipalities of Ilala, Temeke, Kinondoni and Ubungo followed by Tanga region and one case has been reported in Singida region in central Tanzania.

She said Dar es Salaam authorities had formed a special committee dealing with raising awareness of the disease, setting up laboratories and treatment to affected people.

The challenge we are facing is scarcity of facilities for testing the disease, said Mwalimu, appealing to members of the public to reinforce cleanliness in their areas, including fumigating water pools that were breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

On April 11, the Deputy Minister for Health, Faustine Ndugulile, confirmed the outbreak of dengue fever with a total of 307 cases in Dar es Salaam and Tanga regions.

Symptoms of dengue fever typically begin three to 14 days after infection, which may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

Source: NAN

Piqued by the supposed detention of Sen. Ademola Adeleke, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the action and called for his immediate and unconditional release.

The Governorship Candidate of PDP in Osun, according to the party was arrested by the police in Abuja.

The Party National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan, made the call at a press conference on Monday in Abuja.

Ologbondiyan condemned the arrest, describing it as unconstitutional, provocative and part of the plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to stall his tribunal case.

He described the arrest as total disregard for the extant order of the an Osun State High Court, Ikirun, issued on Monday, restraining the police or its agents from arresting and detaining him.

He said that the court restrained the police from arresting Adeleke on account of statement of result and testimonial duly issued by Ede Muslim Grammar School, Ede, pending the determination of the originating summons pending in the court.

He said that the police, however, arrested Adeleke, representing Osun West Senatorial District, on the guise of an invitation despite the direct orders of the state court.

He said that Adeleke, as a law-abiding citizen, honoured an invitation by the police only for him to be arrested and detained in a facility in Maitama, in direct affront to the order of the State High Court.

The arrest and detention of Senator Adeleke is a direct act of violence against our laws, the institution of the judiciary and the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

This is part of the grand plot by the APC to coerce Adeleke to relinquish the mandate that was freely given to him by the people of Osun state, which was further established by the election petition tribunal.

The plot is to drag Adeleke before an ostensibly compromised magistrate court, over the same issues of alleged forged school testimonial that is already before the Federal High Court.

This is with a view to using such corridor to secure a stampeded trial and hurried conviction, and put him out of circulation, over trump-up charges.

Ologbondiyan said that any arraignment of Adeleke in a magistrate court, for a matter already being heard by the Federal High Court, was a calculated plot to cause crisis in the judicial system, enmesh the matter in unnecessary controversy as a pathway to truncate the course of justice in his matter.

The PDP therefore demands forthwith, the immediate and unconditional release of Adeleke by the police.

This demand is predicated on fears already in the public space that there are plots by certain elements to poison him in detention.

Ologbondiyan urged those behind plot against Adeleke to retrace their steps and allow the people of Osun State to move ahead with their preferred governor.

Nothing, not even these heinous plots, will subvert this reality.

Adeleke is currently facing trial on seven counts amended charges bordering on examination malpractice before an Abuja Federal High Court.

Adeleke was first arraigned by the Federal Government in September 2018 on four counts bordering on examination malpractice, along with his brother, Sikiru Adeleke and three others.

The dancing senator is reported to have been arrested by the police in Abuja.

The senator was arraigned in a Federal High Court in Abuja where he was granted permission to travel to the United States on health grounds.

Source: NAN

By Lizzy Okoji

Ms Maria Espinosa, President of the United Nations General Assembly arrived Abuja on Monday on a working visit to Nigeria, stating that addressing the challenges in Africa was a priority of the UN.

Espinosa said that Africa was at the forefront of global development and her visit to the region for the second time as 73rd President of the UNGA indicates the interest of the UN in Africa.

She said that in the course of her visit, she would be meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Women and Social Development to discuss strengthening bilateral ties.

It is an honor to meet ministers and the President and strengthen the relationships between Nigeria and the United Nations.

Basically, we are going to discuss the main challenges of Nigeria and the need to address the issues of Peace and security together with the challenges of development and environmental protection.

I think that Nigeria has shown a great example and leadership in putting together these factors; climate change, environmental protection, peace and security.

When I was elected President of the General Assembly, I promised to pay special attention to Africa and this is my second visit to Africa and I hope more will continue before I leave.

Africa is at the forefront of the future of development and my presence here has shown how much Africa is important to the United Nations, Espinosa said.

She said that her visit to Nigeria was timely with the next President of the UN General Assembly most likely to be Nigerian as they were already in the midst of a transition.

Espinosas tenure as 73rd president of the UN General Assembly would come to an end in September.

Espinosa who arrived at 7.15 p.m was received at the Presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by Edward Kallon, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator to Nigeria.

Source: NAN