EBONY9JA MEDIA

December 16, 2016 Photo: Google.com The UN has warned that without stronger global support, 48 of the world’s most vulnerable countries will lose ground in economic development and face increasing levels of poverty. The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) issued the warning in its latest report: “The Least Developed Countries Report 2016: The Path to Graduation and Beyond – Making the Most of the Process”. The UN agency underscored the need for more action from the international community to help these countries progress. UNCTAD noted that the international community pledged to ‘leave no one behind’ with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda. “These are the countries where the global battle for poverty eradication will be won or lost,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi, said. Kituyi stressed that in 2016, the global community pledged to ‘leave no one...

December 16, 2016 Press Release President Muhammadu Buhari addressing World Leaders at the 71st General Assembly of United Nations in New York 7000/21/9/2016/ICE/HB/BJO/NAN President Muhammadu Buhari welcomes the appointment of the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, to join the next United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as his deputy. Speaking with the in-coming Secretary- General, Mr. Guterres, who called to inform President Buhari of his decision to name Mrs. Mohammed as the Deputy Secretary-General Thursday evening, the president used the opportunity to reiterate his support and congratulations to Mr. Guterres on his upcoming tenure in the service. He endorsed the “excellent” selection of Mrs. Mohammed. “By her appointment, Nigeria has been honoured,” said the president. President Buhari thanked Mrs. Mohammed for her untiring contribution t...

  December 16, 2016 Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has reacted to the rejection of the acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu as a substantive Chairman of the anti-graft agency. The Senate Thursday refused to confirm Magu’s appointment , after the matter was left pending for five months. In her response, Ms Ezekwesili who doubles as the leader of the Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG, group, said the Senate needs to get wisdom. She wrote on her Twitter handle @obyezeks: “The witch cried last night and the child died today…. @bukolasaraki and @NGRSenate You all need to GET WISDOM. “No CITIZEN is fooled here. “Do I see a pattern where those who have protested the prosecution of #BloodMoney cases are also the ones mostly rejoicing about Magu? Hmm. “For me, this action of @bukolasaraki & his @NGRSenate is not about Magu. For me it is about UPHOLDING our ANTI-CORRUPTION INSTITUTIONS.

Chuddy Ugorji, who is rumored to have brought MMM to Nigeria has re-assured Mavrodians on the current freezing of accounts. Read his statement below. “Goodday great mavrodians, This week has not been easy for all of us due to the news update on our POs As we all know ,the media has been a tool used by anti-MMMites and pessimists to fight against the growth of MMM Nigeria. Unfortunately some ignorant Nigerians who don’t understand what MMM is all about have been brainwashed by the information broadcasted by the media and social networks Regarding the frozen mavro. It is clearly stated on the news section on the website Confirmed Mavro will be frozen for A MONTH . The reason for this measure is evident. The system needs to prevent any problems that might arise during this festive season and this measure will be cancelled once the festive season comes to an end. Frozen of mavros does not mean MMM has stopped operations or crashed rather the system...

  December 16, 2016 Top MMM guider, Chuddy has dissociated himself from the controversies trailing the alleged crash of the Ponzi scheme. He denied being an administrator of the MMM as widely circulated. In the same vein, his wife, Chiamaka, who had wondered why so many people, especially Nigerians pray for the scheme to crash ,  has deleted the post from her Facebook page. As Nigerians continue to live in panic over the recent development, Chuddy took to his Facebook page to say that contrary to widespread report that he is an admin on the MMM Nigeria site, he is not. He said he is just a top guider, even as he encouraged all ‘Mavrodians’ to not panic as the ban on their monies will soon be lifted and everything will be back to normal in no time. Days after explaining why confirmed accounts on the scheme were frozen,  he said, “Goodday great mavrodians. “This week has not been easy for all of us due to the news update on our POs. ...

  December 16, 2016 Nigerians, particularly MMM supporters and subscribers have blasted an Islamic cleric, Murtadha Muhammad Gusauin, who said participating in the ponzi scheme was against the tenet of Islam. The Imam had delivered a lecture at the central mosque in Okene, Kogi State which was shared on Facebook and other social media platforms. He said the idea of providing help to people on the basis of return was not supported by Islam as reward for alms giving would be in the hereafter. Gusauin had said, “The example of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is like that of a grain of corn that sprouts seven ears, and in every ear there are a hundred grains. Thus Allah multiplies the action of whomsoever He wills. “Allah is Munificent, All-Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah and do not follow up their spending by stressing their benevolence and causing hurt, will find their reward secure with their Lord. They ha...

  December 16, 2016 The Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has accused the Buhari-led administration of using security agencies to discreetly victimize its members. The claim was put forth by Delta-Central zonal leader of the group, Perry Akujinwa, during a rally in Asaba, the Delta State capital, yesterday, saying that the clampdown had led to the killing of several members of the group while others were being illegally detained in various prisons. According to Akujinwa, there were plans by the Federal Government, through the security agencies, to arrest more of MASSOB’s members and subsequently label them as kidnappers and armed robbers. He noted that despite the non-violent posture of the group, many MASSOB members had been unlawfully killed by security agencies in the country. He added, “They (security agents) should continue to face those attacking the government with weapons.” “We, me...

December 16, 2016 FILE PHOTO: Nigerian Soldiers There is a complete breakdown of order and discipline at the 21 Brigade of the Nigerian Army with soldiers deployed to rout Boko Haram from the dreaded Sambisa Forest in Borno State turning against their officers and firing gunshots in all directions. People familiar with the matter said the troops complained of mistreatment and then began to shoot indiscriminately, threatening to kill any officer who stands on their way. “The brigade is based in Bama but is currently deployed at Bula Bello in Sambisa for Operation Rescue Final,” a military insider told EBONYNAIJ “But suddenly soldiers started mutinying at 6AM today, firing in all directions and threatening to pull out of the operation. “As some of them fire gunshots, some started preparing vehicles to move out of location. They also warned officers to steer clear or they would be shot dead. “...

Radio Biafra Director and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has written an open letter to the United States President-elect Donald Trump. Kanu, who is currently in prison on the account of treason charges slammed against him by the Federal Government, urged Trup to fight for oppressed people of the world. The letter, made available by IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, read in full: Dear Mr. President-Elect It is with great joy that I Nnamdi Kanu received the news of your election victory as the 45th President of the United States of America at the just concluded US Presidential election. On behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra, please accept my warmest congratulations on your well deserved victory. Mr. President, the American people have given you their mandate and trust, not only to make America Great Again, but also to bring positive changes in the affairs of humanity. Your victory has placed a historic and moral burden ...

Respected Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, has described militant groups behind the recent attacks on oil and gas installations across the region as criminals and enemies of the Niger Delta people. Speaking in his capacity as the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF) at a news conference held at his Warri home, the elder statesman noted that the PANDEF would be forced to take drastic decision on those various groups making the state volatile. While calling on the government not to be deterred by the u gly trends of bombing of the nation’s critical assets in the region, the former minister of Information urged the Federal Government to go on with the implementation of the 16-point demands presented before it by the elders during the Abuja meeting. He noted that the continued militant activities in the region, especially the destruction of oil installations, had gone beyond matters of expression of grievances, but a calculated atte...

U.S. Federal judge, Gonzalo Curiel, on Thursday in San Diego, California, largely sided with plaintiffs in the class-action lawsuit against President-elect Donald Trump over the defunct Trump University. The case is scheduled to go to trial later this month and Trump is expected to testify in his own defence against allegations that Trump University for-profit business seminars were a hoax and hundreds of individuals were charged large sums of money for courses that were essentially worthless. Judge Curiel ruled against Trump’s legal team seeking to ban testimony relating to Trump’s conduct during the presidential Mr. Curiel also ruled against Trump’s request to ban testimony about Trump University’s “F” rating by the Better Business Bureau and the fact that it has since gone bankrupt. He also denied a request by Trump’s lawyers to ban discussion of the financial condition of students, many of whom described themselves as poor, and what impact the seminar fees had on...

Embattled 20-year-old ex-beauty queen, Chidinma Okeke, has finally broken her silence. A video of the former Miss Anambra has been trending since October 11, 2016, a few days before the expiration of her tenure on October 28 Miss Anambra beauty pageant was organised by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS). Narrating her own side of the story to The Nation, Chidinma said: “Early last year, the ABS advertised for the Miss Anambra beauty pageant. I heard of it and went to make enquiry. “My roommate was also interested, but one of the organisers told me to apply. I told them I was not interested but the man insisted that I might win the competition. He also promised to give me the form for free if I indicated interest, and he did when I agreed to contest. “But one Jane told me that before a winner would be declared, there were certain things to be done, including the (sex) video. I consented after some persuasion from the organisers. I later went for the contest...

In this second part, Festus Owete continues the review of the performance of Nigeria’s ministers, a year after they were appointed. The first part reviewed the performance of handlers of five ministries. The ministers were appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 11, 2015. 6) Ministry : Transportation Minister : Chibuike Amaechi Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi State Minister (Aviation) : Hadi Sirika Promises: To complete all rail projects, including the Lagos-Ibadan, Port Harcourt-Calabar, Abuja-Kaduna, Lagos-Kano, Lagos-Calabar, Warri-Ajaokuta-Obaro-Abuja Rail projects and extend rail lines to all parts of the country. -To encourage dry ports. To implement contingency plans for many of the country’s airports beginning with those of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano. To concession the airports to improve safety and capacity. -Provide efficient inland waterways. Achievements: -Completed the $1.457 billion Abuja-Kaduna Rail line conce...

  The Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation has expressed its desire to wade into the challenges leading to the shortfall of about N900 billion in the Nigerian electricity sector, The Guardian reports. Also, the committee is working on a bill that would prescribe strict punishment for electricity thieves and vandals before the end of 2016. The bill, according to the Senate, will enable the law to crack down on those involved in stealing electricity and those defaulting on bill payments. The Chairman of the Senate Committee, Ben Bruce, while on oversight visit to Eko Electricity in Lagos, lamented the liquidity challenges in the sector, saying that these needed the intervention of the government, operators and consumers. He assured that the committee woul...

An e-commerce platform, Min.ng, says it is set to promote made-in-Nigeria products as the new economic frontier for the actualisation of the country’s pursuit of economic development and self-sufficiency. This is contained in a statement released in Lagos on Saturday by the Founder of the platform, Mr Kelechi Ekegbe. The statement said the platform in collaboration with Made-In-Nigeria Project, would hold a conference and exhibition aimed at creating a model of growth that would serve as catalyst for economic recovery for the non-oil and informal sector. According to the statement, the conference, slated for Nov. 29, has the theme, `Possibilities Made In Nigeria – A re-direction towards economic growth, SME advancement and national transformation’. Ekegbe said in the statement that the conference would facilitate exchange of ideas on the state of the nation, human capital strength, and the prospects in the country’s quest for self-sufficiency. He ad...

Asaba — Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Thursday presented budget estimates totalling N270.9 billion for the 2017 fiscal year with a plea to all government functionaries to make fiscal discipline their watchword in the administration's strive to minimize the effects of the current economic recession on its development blueprint. The figure represents an increase over the 2016 total figure of N268 billion approved budget for January to September 2016 period. The 2017 estimates are N151.909 billion or 56.0% as recurrent expenditure and N119.001 or 43.94% as the capital expenditure proposed for next year. According to the governor, "The 2017 budget proposal shows a slight increase of N2.731bn or 1.02%, compared to the 2016 approved budget of N268.179. Presenting the budget proposal christened: "Budget of Fiscal Consolidation and Steady Progress" to a full session of the Delta State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Hon Monday Igbuya, ...

News  |   Nigeria   Godwin Obaseki The vicinity in and around the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, where the new Governor of Edo, Mr Godwin Obaseki, will take his oath of office has been put under tight security and heavy surveillance. Security personnel drawn from the Police, Army, Department of State Security and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, have been positioned in the area to forestall any unforeseen security breach. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the road leading to the stadium and other adjoining streets within the precinct of the stadium are under heavy surveillance by security personnel.   Ebony9ja also reports that although the surrounding area of the stadium is heavily guarded, there is free-flow of traffic to and from the stadium due to the presence of the police and officials of t...

It was confirmed yesterday that defenders Leon Balogun and Shehu Abdullahi as well as striker Brown Ideye are nursing injuries, but were part of the Super Eagles main training ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier match against Algeria on Saturday. The three players trained as the technical crew worked on their fitness during the morning session. “They are nursing minor knocks,” simply disclosed a team official. All the 23 players invited by Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, trained yesterday evening, including Oghenekaro Etebo and Dele Alampasu ,who arrived late yesterday. Only Belgium-based defender Elderson Echiejile is still b e e n expected as at last night. Among the players who trained were skipper Mikel Obi, Ahmed Musa, John Ogu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and Ogenyi Onazi. Others were Daniel Akpeyi, Musa Mohammed, Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun and Moses Simon,Wilfred Ndidi,Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Kingsley Madu and Uche Agbo, Odion Ighalo, William...

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, while at the EU/Nigeria business forum has urged local and international investors to take advantage of the various investment opportunities in the power sector to boost their fortunes and improve electricity supply in the country, . He listed investable areas in the sector to include the distribution companies, gas supply, generation companies, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), rural electrification, promotion of coal and solar power and funding graduates of the National Power Training Institute to be able to produce cables and other power equipment. “Public Private Partnership (PPP) is key in financing projects and providing infrastructure. We in governance recognise that and serious investors know we are...

Troops of the Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta have freed nine kidnap victims, impounded 56 bags of Indian hemp, and arrested two suspected drug dealers during an operation. Olaolu Daudu, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre of Operation Delta Safe, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Yenagoa on Saturday that measures had been put in place to restore peace in the region. “Troops in Delta foiled an armed robbery attempt and rescued 6 civilians returning from market along Bomadi Agadama road by Ohoro Junction in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The suspected robbers fled on sighting troops. “In another development, troops deployed at Koluama conducted a raid on Sea Pirates’ hideout in Kasabubou Forupa Waterways, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa. “Troops rescued three persons namely; Peter Atijera, Lukeman Balogun and Pious John and recovered Speedboat mounted with Double Engine 115/80 Horse Power, 2 Binoculars and one Motorola rad...

Mr. Godwin Obaseki, winner of the September 28 governorship election, has been sworn-in as the Governor of Edo State. Obaseki took oath of office at about 12:45pm administered by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa. He was accompanied by his wife, Betsy. Earlier, Philip Shaibu was sworn-in as the Deputy Governor of the state. Former Governor Adams Oshiomhole personally drove his Jeep into the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, venue of the even.

v. Aminu Masari of Katsina State has approved the appointment of Alhaji Sani Bala Kabomo as the new General- Manager of the Katsina State Radio. This is contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran in Katsina on Saturday. Until his new appointment, Kabomo was a Director at the state radio. He is also the Chief Press Secretary to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lawal Abbas. It stated that the appointee succeeds Alhaji Nasiru Kira, who retired a month ago after attaining the mandatory 60 years of age. The statement further said that Kabomo was born in 1964, in Bakori local government area of the state. It explained that the new General Manager is a graduate of the Bayero University Kano, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Hausa in 1990. He also holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication, which he obtained from the International Institute of Journalism, Abuja...

Home » Lead Stories » N’DELTA: Tension as distrust for Buhari pushes militants to gear up for war There is palpable tension in the Niger Delta region over a higher dimension of renewed hostilities in the oil rich region by militants. This is coming about four days after elders in the region, under the aegis of Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, and led by one time federal commissioner of information, Chief Edwin Clark met with President Muhammadu Buhari over the situation in the region, and presented a 16-point request to the president for peace to reign in the region. However, there are reports that soon after the meeting, soldiers allegedly raided Tebujor in Gbaramatu clan, an Ijaw community, arresting a traditional head and a student. Sources say one Chief Moses Bebenimibo, who was on his way to Oporoza, the traditional headquarters of the Gbaramatu clan, was arrested by the troops, as well as a student of Gbaraun Grammar School, Oporoza. Residents of the affe...

By SOC Okenwa… In less than 48 hours Americans will be going to the polls to elect a new President, one that would take over power from Barack Obama whose 8-year tenure ends next year January. The interesting three televised debates between the Republican nominee, Donald Trump and Democratic Hillary Clinton had come and gone with a winner and loser. According to the US presidential election observers the 2016 poll represents both history in the making and the triumph of a controversially ‘special’ candidate against all odds. Whilst history could be made if Mrs Clinton wins come Tuesday this week another negative history has already been made with the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, who represents everything but decency and moral force a presidential material must possess to be able to lead the world. In Trump one sees nothing great but fraud, misogynism, hubris, babbles and egocentrism. America we know is more than such things! America was made great by the tirel...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday grilled a former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), for his alleged role in the $182m Halliburton scandal. It was learnt that Aondoakaa, who served as AGF under the late President Umaru Yar’adua, arrived the office of the EFCC around 10am and was grilled for about eight hours. As of 7pm, he was still in EFCC custody, an indication that he may spend the night at the commission. A source at the anti-graft agency said, “Aondoakaa has been in our custody since morning and has been answering questions on his alleged role in the Halliburton scandal. More details will be revealed later.” Aondoakaa’s alleged involvement in the scandal could not be immediately ascertained as of press time. However, he had been accused of frustrating investigations into the case during his time as the AGF between 2007 and 2010. The Halliburton case relates to an alleged $182m contr...