FRSC personnel at an scene of an accident

By Bosede Olufunmi

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano State, has confirmed nine persons killed and three others injured in a ghastly motor accident on Kano-Zaria road.

Mr Zubairu Mato, the Corps Commander, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Kano on Tuesday.

Mato disclosed that the accident occurred when two vehicles collided at Imawa village in Kura Local Government Area of the state.

He said that the accident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday involving an articulated vehicle, a car and a tricycle.

The commandant said the accident involved a trailer with registration number KMC158XW; a car with registration number AE 884 GZW and a tricycle without registration number.

Mato attributed the accident to the recklessness driving, adding that the trailer and the car collided while trying to doged the tricycle coming from the other side of the road.

We received a call at about 9:12 a.m. on Oct. 6, and we dispatched rescue team to the scene of the accident to rescue the victims, he said.

The commander listed the deceased to include two male, six female and a child while three others sustained injuries.

Mato added that the victims were referred to Kura General Hospital for treatment.

He urged motorists to observe traffic regulations to control road accidents. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Personnel of NSCDC

available to theNews Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The CG urged Ondo indigenes to go out en masse to exercise their franchise without fear or favour, and in doing so, vote the candidate of their choice without any recourse to fear or intimidation. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

A nurse giving injection to a patient

A German court on Tuesday handed life sentence to a 38-year-old former nurse for the murder of three of his patients by injecting an insulin overdose.

The nurse had access to insulin as he is a diabetic.

He refused to give evidence in court but at the end of the trial apologised to relatives of his victims. What I did was very cruel and remains cruel, he said.

In sentencing the man, who is a Polish citizen, the court in Munich said the severity of his crimes effectively ruled out early release after 15 years as is normally the case with life sentences in Germany.

The initial charges concerned six murders, but the prosecution reduced the number to three. In the other cases, charges of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm were brought.

In four further cases, the prosecution called for acquittal, as there was no proof that the insulin injections had led to death.

This decision led to sharp criticism from lawyers representing families of the deceased.

The case is one of a number of recent similar cases, the most prominent of which concerned serial murderer Niels Hoegel, who was sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of killing 85 patients while working as a hospital nurse, also by administering lethal injections. (dpa/NAN)

Source: NAN News

Nigeria Police logo

By Yinusa Ishola

The Police Command in Ekiti state, has declared one Omotoyinbo Samuel wanted in connection with Fridays robbery attack on a commercial bank in Iyin-Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area of the state.

The command in a statement on Tuesday by Mr Sunday Abutu, its Public Relations Officer, said Samuel was suspected to have led the robbery attack on the Iyin-Ekiti branch of the Wema Bank.

According to the statement, our investigations so far revealed how Omotoyinbo Samuel actively participated in the Bank robbery as mastermind and other robberies, kidnapping and murder incidents in Ekiti and Ondo States.

His real name is Omotoyinbo Samuel, but popularly called ELEVEN (11) in Ekiti State and BADO in Ondo State.

He is an indigene of Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State where the recent bank robbery incident took place.

The Command implored any person with useful information that could lead to his arrest to please contact the nearest Police Station or the SARS Department on 07031620186 or the PPRO on 09064050086, the statement added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that robbers allegedly numbering about 10 and heavily armed stormed the Iyin-Ekiti branch of WEMA Bank at about 3:55p.m with Volkswagen Golf with registration number GED 906 AA, one Acura MDX Jeep with registration number LSR 327 CD and a Toyota Camry with Reg. No GED 106 ER.

The robbers allegedly overpowered the policemen attached to the bank due to their large number before gaining entrance into the bank.

Although undisclosed amount of cash was said to have been carted away during the operation, no casualty was recorded.

Three vehicles allegedly abandoned by the armed robbers were also recovered by police with some Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs), some raps of Indian hemp, alcoholic drinks and two handsets. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sirika

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Tuesday, commended Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra for embarking on the construction of a cargo airport in the state.

A statement issued by Mr James Odaudu, the Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, quoted Sirika as saying this when he received Obiano in his office in Abuja.

According to Sirika, the construction of the airport by the Anambra government will positively impact on the economic development of the state and the South-East zone as a whole.

He saied that the ministry and its agencies would always give necessary guide and cooperation to states embarking on such projects in order to ensure that all the internationally-set standards were met.

Airports can be viable if they are built with specific objectives. Hopefully, Anambra airport will be successful in serving the interests of the trading population of the state and its environs, he added.

The minister advised Obiano to sustain the ongoing collaboration with the regulatory authorities to ensure that all regulations and guidelines for the construction and operation of airports were met.

Earlier, Obiano said that the cargo airport, located at Umueri, would be ready for inauguration in April 2021, adding that the state would be honoured to have the minister perform the exercise.

We are sure of the date because we have the money to compete it. We are not asking for any assistance neither are we taking any loan. I am here personally to brief you on the project and to invite you to inaugurate it for us in April 2021.

The decision to embark on the airport project was actually based on catering for the economic interests of the state and its environs.

The airport, which has the second longest runway in the country after the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, is being built with the best available materials, with a guaranteed lifespan of 100 years, he said.

According to him, the airport is just a few kilometres away from Onitsha town, the economic nerve centre of the South-East zone.

The governor, who said that the airport was strategically located, described it as a worthwhile investment.

Obiano said that the construction of the airport had been guided by recommendations and guidelines of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to meet the best international standards. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gold

By Abubakar Ahmed

Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara says that his administration has entered into a N5 billion gold supply deal with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday in Gusau, at a press conference to present the 31-kilogramme Zamfara processed gold.

He said that the state government would, at an agreed time during the year, supply the gold equivalent of the amount.

Following the global acceptance of the high quality of the gold dug from the state, the apex bank approached us with the deal, which we believe is a good business.

At the moment, we have commenced our gold reserve with this 31 kilogramme of pure gold and I have presented the sample of the commodity to the president.

This is the first of time, in the history of our country, that a state will discover its internal potential in gold and channel it in developing the economy of the state, Matawalle noted.

He said that the states gold reserve would be deposited in an undisclosed designated place, which could be utilised in times of need.

We have to diversify our state economy, especially with the bitter economic experience we went through as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, collapse in oil prices and other economic uncertainties cutting across the globe.

In gold however, we expect better and higher returns than in other stocks because there is higher multiplier effect in gold and it will enhance the gains of our local miners towards the attainment of the Zamfara of our dream, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor did not state the current market price of gold so as to know how much it would cost the state government to buy the 31 kilogramme.

He, however, referred to google for the price, which he explained, changed on an hourly basis, sometimes. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says it is time for the executive and legislature to focus on what they have been elected or appointed to do which is to improve welfare of the people.

Osinbajo made this submission at the closing session of the two-day Joint Executive-Legislature Leadership Retreat on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, there is no pure practice of the doctrine of separation of powers; hence the need for flexibility.

The Anglo-American traditions that we hold on to in support of the separation of powers are not pure; so, for example the U.S. Vice President serves as the president of the Senate and presides over the Senates daily proceedings.

In the absence of the Vice President, the Senates president pro tempore, and others designated by him, preside.

As one of the Senates constitutional officers, only the Vice President has the authority to cast a tie-breaking vote.

Osinbajo said that in the country that had the most advanced jurisprudence on separation of powers, they were wise enough to provide for a concrete bridge between the executive and the legislature.

He said that in the UK, the convention was that every Minister must be a member of the House of Commons or the House of Lords and every minister must be a legislator.

So, if that were to be in Nigeria all the Ministers would be either Senators or members of the House of Representatives.

So, these countries we look up to recognise that any strict separation of powers will impede development, impede governance and short change the people.

So, my brothers and sisters, it is time to focus on what we have been elected or appointed to do; this is the welfare of our people.

The law and practice as between parliament and executive is a means to an end not an end to itself; the means must not jeopardise the end.

Our people just want food on their table, shelter over their heads, clothing on their bodies, healthcare and education for their children and themselves.

According to him, the good legislator or good minister is not the one who is waving the law, and procedure and doctrines but the one who believes in securing the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen.

He said that the good legislator and minister must do all in their power to serve the needs of the people, even if it meant walking the fine lines, as Ali Wudil said, between the law and reality.

The real usefulness of this dialogue will emanate from the suggestions the President made yesterday, by the constitution of technical committees of the executive and legislature who now make the well reasoned recommendations that we must implement.

President Muhammadu Buhari has already committed to implementation and I trust that the leadership of the National Assembly will do the same, he said.

The recommendations of the retreat were presented by Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President, who was represented by FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello.

Gambari, in the recommendations, said that there should be a concrete understanding and working knowledge of both the executive and legislature.

An effective confidence building measure should be put in place in the governance process to ensure mutual respect and cordial relationship between the executive and legislature.

The creation of an effective conflict management and resolution mechanism in resolving areas of disagreement between the executive and legislature in overall national interest.

Modalities for better access, interfacing and engagement between the leaderships of both arms of government, the National Assembly committees and MDAs should be worked out by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and National Assembly-Executive Liaison, he said.

He said that pursuant to the directive of President Buhari and concurrence by Leadership of the National Assembly and participants, a Joint Technical Committee would be constituted.

Gambari said that the committee would, among other things, align governments nine-point priority agenda with the legislative agenda of the Senate and House of Representatives to increase synergy and coordination of government policies and programmes.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Laycon

Yetunde Fatungase

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, on Tuesday, announced the donation of N5 million and a three-bedroom bungalow to the winner of the just-concluded Big Brother Naija reality show, Olamilekan Agbelesebioba, popularly known as Laycon.

He also appointed him as the Youth Ambassador of the state.

Abiodun made the announcement when he played host to Agbelesebioba, popularly known as Laycon, in his office in Abeokuta
He expressed the hope that his good character, excellence, good virtues, calmness and integrity would serve as a model to the youths in the state.

It is hoped that you will help inspire our teeming youths to channel their energies towards positive engagements and shun vices, such as robbery, drug abuse, cultism, advanced fee fraud, cybercrimes and kidnapping, amongst other negative tendencies, he said.

He described Laycons conduct in the House as a demonstration of the Omoluabi virtue, which he said was the primary ingredient of an average Ogun indigene.

He observed that in spite all the odds, temptations and provocations, the BB Naija show winner was able to come out unscathed and uninvolved in any scandal or immoral act.

You have also demonstrated, with the way you carried out your assigned tasks in the House with comportment, intellectual responses to questions and your spirit of fair-play through which your academic achievement at the University of Lagos was earned.

This has also shown that our universities can and still produce graduates who are found worthy in both character and learning.

Indeed, what we are celebrating today is much more than the entertainment that the House provided, but what you represent: a rare combination of prodigious intellect, academic excellence, multi-faceted talents, character and resilience.

I believe your career will draw inspiration from great sons and daughters of Ogun, who have made their marks in their respective chosen careers, he added.

The governor said he was impressed with Laycons display while in the House, just as he urged parents and guardians to help in nurturing the talents of their children and wards in order for them to be useful to themselves and the society in the future.

He maintained that parents and guardians should realise that there was life outside the four walls of classrooms, as entertainers are also successful men and women, who are contributing to national development.

Abiodun said that his administration would continue to unleash the creative energies of the youth and the generality of the people as innovators, academics, researchers, entertainers and creative artists in public and private sectors and, formal and informal sectors, for the continued development of the nation.

According to him, plans are at an advanced stage to build an Entertainment Village for film makers, artists and musicians, where their skills could be nurtured with added value for the socio-economic development.

A visibly excited Laycon praised the governor for his youth-oriented programmes and promised to work with him to ensure that the Building Our Future Together agenda of his administration was successful. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Meplaylist appoints Beyonces father, Knowles, Kiladejo into executive team

streaming platform, Meplaylist has announced the appointment of Beyonces father, Mathew Knowles and Michael Kay Kiladejo as members of its global executive team.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by Edward Israel-Ayide, Media Contact, Meplaylist, the appointment of the duo followed their investment earlier in the year in the on-demand music streaming startup, Meplaylist.

It said that the two notable investors have expressed their optimism about the growth of streaming in the wider African market on a dedicated panel at this years Midem Digital in June.

Knowles, widely recognized in the industry for developing and promoting award-winning artists, from his iconic daughters Beyonc and Solange to Chaka Khan, Earth Wind

Batman

Warner Bros said late Monday it is delaying the release of Dune and The Batman movies, another setback for the entertainment industry hit by COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and social distancing measures that have closed theatres worldwide.

Dune, a sci-fi movie directed by Canadian director Dennis Villeneuve, is now scheduled to open in October 2021, instead of December.

The release of The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, has been moved to the spring of 2022 from October next year.

Movie releases have been getting delayed even after restrictions were eased, with people still wary of stepping into cinema halls, and many theatres still not operational.

On Monday, the worlds second-biggest cinema chain, Cineworld, decided to temporarily close its UK and U.S. movie theatres in an attempt to survive a collapse in film-making and cinema-going.

Credit rating agency Fitch promptly downgraded the company.

Our base-case forecasts indicate that, the companys current liquidity levels may only be sufficient until November to December 2020, assuming no revolving credit facility (RCF) extensions, Fitch said in a statement.

Earlier, the filming of The Batman was also shut down for two weeks after a member of the production widely reported to be Pattinson tested positive for the new coronavirus.

Filming resumed in Britain last month and Warner Bros never confirmed or denied reports about Pattinsons diagnosis.

Dune has gained a lot of traction for its cast that includes 24-year-old Timothee Chalamet, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 2017 film Call Me by Your Name.

Other big-budget Warner Bros movies to have their releases delayed include Tenet and Wonder Woman 1984.

The release of the new James Bond movie No Time to Die from MGM and Comcast Corps Universal Pictures has also been delayed until April 2021. (Reuters/NAN)

Source: NAN News