MY TEN KOBO; BROS JONAH AND THE ECONOMIST

I am pissed!

How can an ordinary oyinbo man label the Hero of Democracy (TM), as an "Ineffectual Buffon."

FA CUP; CHAMPIONS ARSENAL FACE HULL, AS MAN CITY BATTLES CHELSEA

Chelsea have been drawn against Manchester City in the 5th round of the FA Cup while defending champions Arsenal will play Hull City as they bid to retain the title.

BLACK SUNDAY IN DALORI AS 50 DIE IN TERRORISTS' ATTACK

At least 50 people are reported to have been killed in north-eastern Nigeria in a gun and bomb attack by suspected Boko Haram militants.

Can We Not Just Pretend To Be Sane, for the Sake of Our Children?, By Simbo Olorunfemi

How long do we carry on like this? What are we telling our children, when we carry on like this? That stealing is right? How do we explain the hand cuffs? That it is a medal for valour and courage? What are we teaching our children? What message are we sending home? People who should know better are lining up behind petty thieves, justifying crimes, on account of ethnic, party and religious affiliations… Can we not pretend to be sane, for once, at least, for the sake of our children?

There is a photograph making the rounds. It is that of one of the men charged to court for their alleged role in the diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms. It is of that same man, alleged to have chewed his statement. Yes, the newly-bearded one with the cuffs, who has only just perfected his varied bail conditions.

STATE GOVERNMENT REPLACES 58-YEAR-OLD TRANSFORMER IN PALMGROOVE ESTATE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday donated a 500kva transformer to residents of Palmgroove Estate in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area of the State, as part of the ongoing ‘Light Up Lagos’ initiative.

REMAINS OF FORMER IGP ARRIVES HOME TOWN, BURIAL DETAILS TO BE ANNOUNCED

The remains of former Inspector General of Police, Chief Sunday Adewusi, arrived Ogbomoso aboard a military aircraft today.

RUNAWAY LEKKI DRIVER CAUGHT IN KWARA WITH EMPLOYER'S SUV

The police at Ilasan division, Lekki, Lagos, western Nigeria, have arrested a driver, Ongro Stephen Ishade, 26, for allegedly stealing his employer’s Toyota Sienna SUV valued at N5m and drove it to Kwara State, North Central Nigeria to look for a buyer for it just two weeks after he was employed.

ANAMBRA SENATORIAL VERDICT; UBAH OUT, UBAH IN

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has sacked Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Anambra state lawmakers including Stella Oduah, Andy Ubah from the senate.

LAGOS LIGHTS UP THIRD MAINLAND BRIDGE

In line with the ongoing statewide “Operation Light up Lagos” project, the Lagos State Government has completed the illumination of the Third Mainland Bridge.

SUPREME COURT CONFIRMS WIKE AS RIVERS GOVERNOR

Nigeria’s Supreme court has confirmed Nyesom Wike as the rightfully elected governor of Rivers state today. The apex court rubbished the verdict of the appellate court, high court and election tribunal to hand Wike an unprecedented victory.

LAGOS BANS PARTIES, SOCIAL FUNCTIONS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it would no longer allow social functions and parties in public schools just as owners of private schools across the state have been warned to comply with rules and regulations guiding their operations.

IJAW LEADERS TO EFCC; 'GET TOMPOLO YOURSELF'

IJAW elders in Delta State, yesterday, said it was impracticable for them to hand over the former General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to security agencies because they neither have the power to do so nor know his (Tompolo) whereabouts currently.

Nutritionists canvass exclusive breastfeeding at Promasidor symposium

The nutritionists, led by Professor (Mrs) Ngozi Nnam, the President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN) stated this on Tuesday at a one-day Breastfeeding symposium organised by Promasidor Nigeria Limited during which the company also introduced two infant milk formulas – Cowbell Tina 1 and Cowbell Tina 2

FIRE GUTS NNPC ABUJA MEGA STATION

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) mega station at the Central Business District in Abuja has been gutted by fire.

GOCOP TO NIGERIANS: DISREGARD CHARLATANS POSING AS ONLINE PUBLISHERS

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) on Sunday described as unfortunate and ridiculous a statement credited to members of the Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (OPAN) with respect to the meeting held on Friday between the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, and Online Publishers in Lagos.

GOVERNMENT REMOVES SUBSIDY ON KEROSENE

The Federal Government has officially ended the payment of subsidy on kerosene. Instead of the regulated pump price of N50 per litre, the product will now sell for N83, according to the latest pricing template for House Hold Kerosene released by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency.

GATED STREETS: LAGOS READS RIOT ACT TO RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS

Worried by the disturbing trend of closure of street gates across the State, the Lagos State Government on Monday ordered immediate re-opening of all street gates and barricades in the nook and cranny of the State between 5am and 12 mid-night daily, just as it warned that defaulting streets would have their gates pulled down within the next seven days.

GOVERNMENT WILL NOT REGULATE ONLINE PUBLICATIONS- INFORMATION MINISTER

The Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the Federal Government will not regulate Online Publications in the country, saying the publishers are responsible enough to regulate themselves.

THE 2016 BUDGET IS THE BOOST NEEDED FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY - FINANCE MINISTER

The full and diligent implementation of the 2016 budget would help the federal government achieve recovery of slowing economic growth, to forestall the remote possibility of recession, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, said on Thursday.

HOME EAGLES HELD TO A 1-1 DRAW BY TUNISIA

Carthage Eagles of Tunisia held Nigeria’s Super Eagles Team B to a 1-1 draw in their second group C match of the ongoing Rwanda 2016 African Nations Championship.

N5O STAMP DUTY IS PER TRANSACTION, NOT ON EVERY N1000- CBN

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified that the N50 stamp duty imposed on bank customers is to be charged per transaction and not per volume of N1,000. Hence, irrespective of the amount, the sum of N50 is to be charged provided such a transaction is N1000 and above.

FG WILL NOT REGULATE ONLINE PUBLICATIONS - INFORMATION MINISTER

The Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has assured that the Federal Government will not regulate Online Publications in the country, saying the publishers are responsible enough to regulate themselves.

The Minister gave the assurance on Friday when he met with Online Publishers in Lagos, in continuation of his ongoing consultation with key stakeholders in the Information and Culture sector.

EXCLUSIVE;THE IBADAN ROYALTY IN HISTORY

Lagelu was the 1st Olubadan
It should be noted that there were many Olubadan after Lagelu that were lost in history

MY TEN KOBO; THE RETURN OF THE LOST SON

In the midst of the din over handcuffs and tribal interpretation of criminal justice, a small but significant event took place in Lagos.

AMBODE WELCOMES ADMISSION INTO ODU’A GROUP

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has welcomed with joy and enthusiasm the admission of Lagos State as the sixth member of the Odu’a Group, describing it as a major landmark in the effort of the South-Western States of Nigeria towards regional integration.

LAGOS POLICE GETS NEW PPRO

Dolapo Opeyemi Badmus a Superintendent of Police (SP) has been appointed as the new Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Lagos State Police Command.

LAGOS ALLAYS FEARS ON OUTBREAK OF LASSA FEVER

The Lagos State Government on Saturday called on residents to remain calm over the outbreak of Lassa fever, just as it assured that it is doing everything possible to curtail the spread of the virus in the State.

QUILL AWARDS 2016; PROMASIDOR CALLS FOR ENTRIES

Promasidor Nigeria Limited, makers of Cowbell Milk, and organisers of the prestigious Promasidor Quill Awards has announced addition of ‘Online Reporter of the Year’ category to the various categories of the awards.

OUR PRIORITY IS FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS TO PRODUCE WEALTH CREATORS, INNOVATORS – AMBODE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday said the priority of his administration for educational institutions at the tertiary level is for them to nurture students to become wealth creators and innovators capable of contributing positively to the communities and the nation.

Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja while inaugurating Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun as the 8^thsubstantive Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), said the State Government was not just passionate about academic excellence, but equally committed to raising the standards and providing the necessary infrastructure for tertiary institutions in the State to deliver outstanding results.

While insisting that he was not oblivious of the unique position that LASU occupies, Governor Ambode charged the new leadership of the institution to re-focus on intellectual engagement, show leadership and brace up to the developmental and academic challenges of an emerging globally competitive citadel of learning.

In providing the roadmap for LASU, Governor Ambode recalled that the journey towards the actualization of his vision for the institution began on September 22, 2015 when the Governing Council was inaugurated, and that to take it to realization, he equally assented to a Bill amending the enabling law setting up the institution.  

The amendment, according to the Governor, was fundamental as it will address pertinent issues that have for long created discord within the academic community.

Besides, Governor Ambode recalled the protracted crisis in LASU which was recently resolved, and said Professor Fagbohun was appointed to put things right in the institution after a thorough screening and selection process by the Governing Council.

He said: “Over the past few years, LASU has had her fair share of successes and challenges. As a result, there is a lot of work required to propel the University to a world-class status.

“As we set our sights on a more viable future, we must ask ourselves some important questions: How successful are our Students after they graduate from our institution? What is the University’s contribution to our Community, our Country and the World?

“I urge that we all ponder over these questions and use today’s event as a rallying call for all to join hands to move LASU forward.

MY TEN KOBO; THE HAWK AND THE HEN

I am really getting pissed off with the consistent whining about the Oshodi demolition, not so much about those who are perpetually playing the victim card, which is getting so old, but the state governor who is still allowing the tail to wag the dog.

RRS RESCUES FOUR WOMEN FROM LIBYA BOUND TRAFFICKER

Officials of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, has rescued four women from a suspected human trafficker in Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

MESSI IS WORLD'S BEST FOOTBALLER FOR THE FIFTH TIME

Lionel Messi has won the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award, scooping the best player in the world accolade for a record fifth time.

DICKSON WINS BAYELSA'S GUBER ELECTION

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr
Seriake Dickson has been declared winner of the
Bayelsa State governorship election by the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC).

ARSENAL START CUP DEFENCE WITH 3-1 WIN

FA Cup holders Arsenal came from behind to record a comfortable third-round win against Premier League strugglers Sunderland at Emirates Stadium.

MY TEN KOBO; AJIMOBI AND THE PASAN PARABLE

There is little nugget of wisdom my father told me about power and its limitations, which I will call the pasan(whip) parable.

(GUEST COLUMNIST) DEMOLITION: BETWEEN TRADERS AND OSHODI TRANSFORMATION BY HABIB ARUNA

Ever since the Lagos State Government took a bold step towards the realization of the Oshodi transformation agenda on January 5, 2016 with the demolition of the Owonifari Market within the notorious loop of Oshodi, there have been hues and cries in some quarters over the development.

LASG APPOINTS PROFESSOR FAGBOHUN LASU VICE-CHANCELLOR

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Wednesday approved the appointment of Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun as the 8th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU). Professor Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law, was until his appointment Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of Lagos.

32 YEAR OLD LASU FINALLY BECOMES A RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTION

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of  Lagos State on Tuesday signed a bill into law, which converted the Lagos State University (LASU) to a residential institution.

LASG COMMENCES TRANSFORMATION OF OSHODI MARKET, BUS-STOPS

The Lagos State Government has shut the Owonifari market within the notorious loop of Oshodi and relocated affected traders and shop owners to the newly built Isopakodowo market stalls at Bolade area in Oshodi. The government has also commenced the fencing-off of the set-back on Agege Motor Road that stretches from Ilupeju end of Oshodi all the way to the PWD/Ikeja GRA end of the area.

HEADIES; ORGANISERS REACT TO OLAMIDE'S CONDUCT

The organisers of the annual music awards, The Headies, has condemned strongly the improper conduct of rap star, Olamide during the award ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday.

2016 BUDGET, OUR ARTICLE OF FAITH WITH LAGOSIANS - AMBODE

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday signed the N662.588bn Y2016 Appropriation Law with a promise that the budget would be faithfully implemented in line with the determination of his administration to make Lagos work for all, irrespective of age, gender, tribe or status.

FOR THE RECORDS; THISDAY'S STATEMENT ON COMPENSATION TO NPAN

30th December, 2015.

FURTHER CLARIFICATIONS.

The Ag. Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC),

5, Fomella Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria.

Attention: Ibrahim Musa.

IMF HEAD VISITS NIGERIA AS PMB SEEKS WAY OUT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS

LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, elected on a pledge to tackle corruption, holds talks with the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday as the country seeks to spend its way out of an economic crisis fuelled by plunging oil prices.

FROM THE FOREIGN PRESS;' BOKO HARAM WILL DEFINE NIGERIA IN 2016'

 As Nigeria rings in 2016, the ever-present threat of violence by Boko Haram hangs heavy over Africa's most populous country, despite official claims that the battle against the Islamist group has been "technically" won.

GHANA POWER MINISTER RESIGNS OVER CONTINOUS BLACKOUT

Ghana’s power minister has resigned for unsatisfactory handling of an electricity crisis that caused years of frequent blackouts and hurt to the West African country’s economy, two government sources said.

MUSIC ACT OLAMIDE APOLOGIZES FOR TANTRUMS AT AWARDS SHOW

Olamide Adedeji, famously called Olamide, has apologised for his Live TV rants at The Headies 2015 awards in Lagos early Saturday.

ARSENAL BEAT NEWCASTLE TO GO 2 POINTS CLEAR

Unconvincing Gunners looked set for a point on a soggy Emirates Stadium pitch until defender Laurent Koscielny came to the rescue with a close-range poked winner in the 72nd minute.

The Magpies should have come away with at least a point having been on the front-foot for much of the second half.

Georginio Wijnaldum went closest but his shot was saved by Petr Cech.

It was not pretty, nor was it particularly effective but it was a win that kept the belief going among Arsenal fans that this might be their season.