Another Media House Returns N9 Million Received From Dasuki

Blueprint Newspaper’sBoard of Directors have returned theN9 millionthe organization received from formerPresident Goodluck Jonathan. The funds were intended to be compensation for copies of the newspaper seized by security agents in 2014.

ASaharaReporterscorrespondent confirmed this development from a source at the Blueprint’s newsroom earlier today.

The decision to return the money was announced by the newspaper’s Executive Director Salisu Umar. In 2014, Jonathan Administration funneled N120 million, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), to the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN).

The payments were allegedly made in compensation for the seizure of the newspapers by security agencies. The money was allegedly taken from the $2.1 billion which was intended to finance the war against Boko Haram. Instead, these funds were given to various individuals and organizations to help President Jonathan’s 2015 re-election bid by former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki.

Several other newspapers that received money from the ONSA have already sent the money back. Mr. Umar confirmed the payment by noting a a Guarantee Trust Bank Draft which indicated that N9 million had been paid back.

The full statement regarding the repayment can be found below. “The infraction on the rights of some newspapers by some agents of the Federal Government was widely reported in 2014. Specifically, the said agents seized numerous copies of the affected newspapers, including Blueprint.

“And in line with the dictates of the rule of law, the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the affected members chose to head to court for redress.

“In its wisdom however, the Federal Government led by the then President Goodluck Jonathan, after a peace parley with the NPAN leadership, agreed to an out-of-court settlement, consequent upon which the affected media organisations , including Blueprint Newspaper, got N9 million each. “This decision, to any reasonable mind is very much in order as it simply demonstrated that the Federal Government rightfully admitted its wrongdoing.

“However, in view of the unfolding development surrounding the arms deal investigation, which supposedly revealed that the restitution was paid from fund set aside for arms deal, the Board of Directors, has refunded same (N9 million) via a GTB bank draft No 04378726, drawn in NPAN’s name, dated February 1, 2016, and forwarded to NPAN Secretariat. In the least, this will certainly put to rest some misgivings that have been on over the compensation paid to media owners “May we also add here that more than any other thing, the board considers this a great sacrifice if that would only uphold the integrity of the media as a member of the Fourth Estate of the Realm and the true watchdog of the society.

“Finally, we shall continue to abide by NPAN’s decision on this and any other matter bordering on its members’ interest.”

I Need To Know:- Is It Wrong For A Man To Receive Money From A Woman?

So I woke up to this, and must say I disagree with it!… Giving a man money is a woman’s choice, because yours turned out bad doesn’t mean you have to advice someone else not to do so…. It is a personal decision done out of love and received in love…… If however you agree with this , i think its a then shame on all the women who have opened shop or businesses on a mans wallet… A woman is not a woman if she has to also depend on a man’s wallet to survive… you need to Get up and work and stop taking it for granted that because you give him booty,he owes you anything…BIG LONG HISS! So this morning On#INeedToKnowi pop up this question, Is It Wrong For A Man To Receive Money From A Woman?

I Am Not Used To Working Hard – Buhari Confesses

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday has passed a damning verdict on himself by admitting he is not used to working hard while pouring encomiums on former president Olusegun Obasanjo for being a hard worker.

The President, who spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, as the special guest at the 40th anniversary of the state, went down memory lane on how Obasanjo appointed him minister of petroleum and tolerated him for three and half years.

According to him, “I express my thanks to General Obasanjo, who, as head of state, made me minister of petroleum and tolerated me for three-and-half-years.

“He tolerated me because God knows and he knows that I am not used to working as hard as he used to, but he allowed me to last that long and allowed me to work.

“If you go into records, that government made so much investment and infrastructural development in the petroleum industry. Two refineries were built, Warri and Kaduna. More than 20 depots were built; more than 3,500 pipelines were laid; and we were exporting refined products of 100,000 barrels per day.

“But what do we have today?” Buhari asked rhetorically.

UNILORIN Admits 11,057 Out Of 103,000 Applicants For 2015/16

University of Ilorin, UNILORIN Admits only 11,057 out of 103,000 candidates that applied to the University as First Choice in the 2015/2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali (OON), has told the newly admitted students of the institution that they could ensure the realisation of their goals by obeying the rules and regulations of the University and shunning all social vices. Prof. Ambali, who gave the advice while addressing the fresh students during their matriculation ceremony last Friday (January 29, 2015), said, “My dear students, your successful sojourn in this University is based on two factors: doing what is right and eschewing what is wrong”.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, “What is right includes being serious with your studies as well as obeying the rules and regulations of the University. What is wrong on the other hand includes violating the extant University rules and engaging in unbecoming conduct”. Prof. Ambali told the 11,057 matriculating students that “the period between matriculation and graduation is short”. He counseled, “So, it is better you pick the race early so that you will reach your destination with success and happiness. In this regard, you should motivate and encourage yourselves. There is no one who can set a limit to your achievements except you”. The Vice-Chancellor, whose address was entitled, “Character and Learning”, further told the new students, “If you are target-driven and goal-oriented, your average of four years in the University will lay a solid foundation for your future. Interestingly, the future is even now. Therefore, set your mind to excel and by the grace of God, excellence shall be yours”.

He, however, pointed out that the University places a high premium on character “such that it even supercedes learning”, adding that “the University motto, “Probitas Doctrina”, or simply “character and learning”, emphasizes character because without character, all learning is futile”.

Prof. Ambali, therefore, advised the fresh students to remain good ambassadors of their families and communities while also remaining steadfast and serious in carrying out their primary assignment, which is studying.

The Vice Chancellor disclosed that a total number of 11,057 students were admitted by the institution this year out of the 103,000 candidates that applied to the University as First Choice in the 2015/2016 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME). “I felicitate with you and your parents that you are able to make it despite all the odds of the examinations”, Prof. Ambali told the new students, saying, “You passed the O’ Level examinations and you succeeded in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations and the post-UTME screening. May you continue to succeed in your future endeavours.”

The Vice-Chancellor, however, enjoined the new students to ensure that they make positive marks as they journey through the University. He said, “This institution offers you several opportunities to distinguish yourselves academically and otherwise. Some of you will become sports stars and write your names in gold. Some of you will also become entrepreneurs, applying part of what you learn profitably even while still in training. In all these, hard work, diligence and determination are required”.

Urging the students to “remember God”, Prof. Ambali told them, “If you put God first, other things will fall in place and your efforts will be blessed”. A major highlight of the ceremony was the administering of the Matriculating Oath on the new students by the Registrar of the University, Mr. Emmanuel Dada Obafemi, who also advised them to always abide by the rules and regulations of the University. Mr. Obafemi urged the new students to accord utmost respect to all dos and don’ts of the University and ensure they eschew all forms of illicit acts while facing their study squarely in their own interest.

The occasion was attended by all Principal Officers of the University as well as the Deans of the various Faculties and Directors of Academic and non-academic units.

Earlier in the week, a three-day orientation programme was held for the freshers. In their separate lectures during the programme, the University Chaplain and Deputy Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin, Dr. A. Ogunkunle and Dr Nasir Abdulsalam, respectively advised the students to be religiously tolerant and see themselves as one so as to live happily and peacefully on campus.

In his own speech, Mr. Leke Owolabi, who represented the Chairman of the University Dress Code Committee, advised the students to strictly abide by the laws of the University, warning that stringent action would be taken against any student that violates any of the University rules and regulations. Mr. Owolabi urged the students to shun all anti-social behaviour such as cultism, examination malpractices, keeping bad company, joining unregistered associations on campus, indecent dressing, and engaging in physical combat, among other illicit acts.

Other top University officials who also admonished the new students on good conduct included the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Adetayo Talabi; the Deputy Registrar, Academic Support Services, Mrs R. A. Okojie; and the representative of Chief Security Officer.

Rapper, Olamide Get Blessings from Ooni Of Ife As He Poses With The Royal Father (Photos)

In this age of social climbing, popular indegenous Nigerian rapper, Olamide did not miss a chance to hobnob with Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi of Ile Ife, at a recent event.

Nigerian hip hop star, Olamide Adedeji, known by his stage name as Olamide, has been spotted prostrating to get blessings from the newly crowned Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as he paid homage to the traditional ruler. Olamide pictured with The Ooni Of Ife & Oba Saheed Elegushi The Bariga, Lagos-born indegenous rapper also known as Olamide Baddo, shared the photos on his Instagram page with another snap which shows him posing alonside the royal father and prominent Yoruba ruler, Oba of Elegushi, His Royal Majesty Saheed Ademola Elegushi.

Bomb Blast Hits A Building Used By Kidnappers In Benin, Edo State

THERE was tension in Benin City Tuesday after not leas than five houses were destroyed after a bomb blast. The incident which occurred at about 3pm caused panic as the news went round town that members of the Book Haram sect may have invaded Benin City.

Residents of Zomi Zomi street in Upper Sakpoba Road took to their heals when the loud noise came. A police source at the scene informed Vanguard that ” we learnt that the bungalow where the bomb was detonated was being used as a hide out for kidnappers some months ago. But a combined unit of soldiers and the police invaded the house and arrested the suspects.

“So recently, somebody hired the building and just this afternoon, decided to burn some paper in the compound, he set the papers on fire and went out to buy something. But immediately he left the bomb exploded. He never knew that the kidnappers left some bombs in the house”.

As the time of filling this report, Bomb Disposal experts from the Edo state police command have cordoned off the building trying to ascertain if more are still inside the building.

The tenant who resides in the building, who was identified as Emeka, was taken away by the police while one woman who was said to have sustained deep cut during the blast was rushed to the hospital.

Source:-Vanguard

Increasing Electricity Tariff Is The Only Way To Guarantee Stable Power Supply – Fashola

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday defended the 45 percent increment in electricity tariff which according to him remained the only way to enhance stable power supply in the country.

Fashola, who stated this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power, explained that an Act of the National Assembly, actually empowers the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, to increase tariff, hence the federal parliament will not be able to stop the implementation at this stage.

He explained that the increment in cost of procuring raw materials to generate electricity was part of the reasons for increasing the tariff and that the best way to sustain the current stable power supply in the country.

He said, “Electricity is a product, it is made from raw materials, some of the raw materials are gas, some of the raw materials are power plants they are also related.

“So, the issue of tariff is not the single issue of price, when the raw materials go up, the price cannot stay the same. He said investments in power are not where they should be and part of the reason why government opted for privatisation was to get more private capital.

Fashola maintained that the federal government and the consumer have a duty to sustain the current tempo in the power sector by encouraging the firms which are generating power to produce maximally at the right pricing.