Ogidi-Ela Day 2014: Celebrating new yam with dance, fanfare

Welcome to Ogidi
OGIDI is one of the Yoruba communities in Ijumu Local Government Area of  Kogi State with a population of about 15,000 people. Oral tradition records it that their progenitor was  from Ile Ife, a place believed to be the source of all Yoruba, it is one of the towns in Kogi State that speak Yoruba fluently and has everything peculiar to Yoruba towns and cities .

According to historical records,  Ogidi has deep historical ties with the northern and western parts of Nigeria. The people of this town endured raids and eventually defeated the Nupe imperialists in late 19th century thus sealing their access to the western part of the country. The town is traditionally ruled by an Oba like other communities in Ijumu Local Government on a rotational basis between the two ruling houses of Itaji and Okelare.
 

The people of Ogidi are predominantly farmers and traders, but value education and ensured all their children have quality education and this was reflected in the organisation of their society and the way they relate in  peace and harmony. Most of their children occupy top government positions and contribute to the growth of the younger generation and development of their community.

Though Ogidi is not excluded from the infrastructural and security challenges facing the nation, especially the bad state of road leading to the town and the incessant attack  and  invasion of the Bororoje cattle rearers on their farmland. All these and others constitute some of the major problems plaguing this town of great men and women of Okun land.

Despite these  challenges, the people of the culturally rich community found it important to celebrate their cultural heritage with annual yam festival in a grandiose event which drew the attention of the whole world to the community on Saturday 21 June, 2014. It was an event of all colours, all ages and tribes, people of different tribe dressed in their traditional attires, displayed their cultural heritage through dance, hunting skills, masquerade, hairdo, and many other ways which showcased to the world the unique rich culture and tradition of the town.

This year’s celebration was a testimony to the fact that education is the best business for a community to invest in. This paid well for Ogidi , a small community in Okun land whose sons and daughters leveraged on this not only to attract eminent personalities for the occasion, but lured them in contributing to the development of the community .

The roll- call  of eminent Nigerians and members of the diplomatic corps who could not but honour the community were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who was represented by the Oba  Aderemi Adedapo, Alayemore of Ido – Osun.

The Etsu Nupe  sent a 10 – man delegation,  Dr Eyitayo Lambo and wife who was the chairman of the event, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation who sent the Director – General, National Art and Gallery, Chief Emeka Okonkwon, Amowomoni of Ogidi,who dispatched a bus load of Igbo delegates, Mallam Muhammed Haruna, former Managing Director, New Nigerian Newspapers, who was a keynote speaker, Elder Babtunde Fadumiyo, National President, Okun Development Association,who was the father of the day, Chief (Mrs )  Nike Okundaye, Yeyeoba of Ogidiland, promoter, Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Lagos, Hon Tajudeen Ayo Yusuf, member, House of  Representatives, Mr Dino Melaye, former member, House of Representatives Maj-Gen Julius Oshanupin, Barrister Bamidele Suru, Chief Executive Officer, Chopmore Eateries, Lokoja  while His Excellency, Mr Michael Arion,’ the Ambassador and head of delegation of the European Union to Nigeria led some members of the diplomatic corps to Ogidi.

The traditional rulers from the neighbouring communities, the Olus of Iya Gbedde, Ikoyi,  Ilu Afon, Agrigbori, Aye Gbedde, Eleshope of Ayede Opa, Ologale of Ogale, Alayere of Ayere, were all present not only to give royal support to Oba Sule, but also to be participate and witnesses of the 2014 Ogidi Ela Day.

 Speaking on the significance of the Ogidi Day celebration, the tradition ruler of the town Oba Sule said “  We started this yam festival in 2011, I was thinking that Ogidi which   is a  predominantly farming community  should set out a day to honour God for blessing us with this wonderful product  called yam. We are yam growers and to us it is amazing and  interesting  to  see that when you cut yam into smaller pieces after nine months, it will come out big, so, that is God’s miracle which  we have to celebrate  and which we have been celebrating. We are also  celebrating our cultural heritage along with the yam festival and probably raise some fund for the  development of the community.”

 He solemnly appealed to the state and Federal Governments to  find a lasting solution to the security challenges bedevilling the community from the Fulani bororoje and help in construction of  the road leading to the town which is about 12 kilometres stretch.

The chairman of the day, Professor Lambo  commended the people of Ogidi for their unity especially towards the community development and  urged them to continue to support any government initiatives that will boost their healthy living and security.

Prof Lambo who was the former Minister of Health maintained that Nigerians should be conscious of their health status  especially high blood pressure and diabetes saying “high blood pressure and diabetes are the two major silent killers in the present day and it is important that people  visit hospitals from time to time to know their status , it is when you know your status that you will be able to manage it,» h said.

Also the guest speaker Mallam Muhammed Haruna who was the former Managing Director, New Nigerian Newspapers  in his address  congratulated the Ogidi people for the community development initiatives and ideas which have   helped them in achieving some feats as a community.

He pointed out that the community is a leading example of a typical Nigerian community that does not rely solely  on government efforts for  development.

Mallam Haruna however   called on government at all levels to be alive to their responsibilities and urged the community not to relent in their effort in setting the pace  for development of their people and lands.

Mr Tunde Ipinmisho, President, Ogidi Development Union, in his speech,  praised God specially with songs and copious adulation for exhibiting His glory in the life of the community and sustainace of the Ogidi Day revealed that  Ogidi – Ela day is beyond mere celebration of yam festival.

“Ogidi Day also provides us an opportunity to seek the assistance of our friends in prosecuting projects that would add value to the lives of our people. This is not a new thing for us since we have had to virtually on our own provide for ourselves the modern amenities taken for granted elsewhere.”

He informed that the three projects presented   for assistance during the last year celebration, the town hall abandoned  water work projects started 40 years ago by a Canadian, Catholic and Cottage Hospital.

Mr Ipinmisho informed that  all the three projects have been completed and serving the community with special  thanks to Mrs Nike Okudaiye who ensured that the Town hall was completed, Mr Olatunde Ayeni, Chairman Skye Bank donated a sum of N 5 million for the Cottage Hospital, and Senator Smart Adeyemi who roofed the town hall and other worthy friends with  the Kogi State government for intervention and support.

He espoused that “We shall again be asking for your generous donations to enable us equip this newly completed Cottage Hospital to enable it commence operations. We also wish to develop our markets in the town some of which are older than I. This is part of our efforts at re-firing the local economy and I have no doubt that you will again respond to our plea.”

Mr Ipinmisho lamented the incursion of the Fulani nomads who daily make life a nightmare for the community “We are calling for urgent action on this from the nation . The Fulani herdsmen are threatening the existence of this town . On April 11, they hacked down an elderly member of this community without provocation .”

He called on government to “take urgent steps to protect us from unprovoked attack by our mindless visitors in our homes and our farms. Government should act now rather than wait to set up commission of inquiry and drive trailer of loads of relief materials to our territory should the worst happen.”

Mr Ipinmisho  commended Mrs  Nike Okundaiye who he described as “ a lady of  inestimable value who was specially created by God to be born in Ogidi for the growth and development of the town and its indigenes. This rare breed of human has contributed and still contributing to the growth and development of the town more than anybody.”

He publicly recognised Dr Dayo Olagunju for “being an extra- ordinary Nigerian. If ever there was an upright and incorruptible man , Dr Olagunju , a prince of Otan Aiyegbaju , Osun State is one.”

Mr Ipinmisho lauded the efforts of the President of Okun Development Association, Elder Babtunde Fadamiyo, Major General JOS Oshanupin, Mohammed Haruna, Otunba Tunde Adebayo and all the chiefs of Ogidi for the stride at making the community a pride of Okun land .

In appreciation of their contributions to the development of Ogidi, the community through their king, Oba Sule conferred honorary chieftaincy titles on  Otunba Jide Adebayo, Maiyegun, Chief (Mrs) Alice Ifedun Adebayo, Yeye Mayegun, Chief Omolade Ibikunle, Tadese, Chief (Mrs) Agnes Abiola  Ibikunle, Yeye Tadese, Chief (Madam) Awawu W. Balogun, Atunluse respectively.

The 2014 Ogidi-Ela Day can  be described as a perfect cultural exhibition of primordial values, cultural heritage , natural  endowments for the lubrication of the chord of brotherhood respect to community development and support of external goodwill beautifully packaged by Ogidi Development Union under the leadership of Mr Ipinmisho.

In fact, progenitor of Ogidi-Ela will be happy in the heavens that they lived well on earth as those who they left behind added value , colours and attracted hundred prominent Nigerians and thousands of well wishers to witness a most memorable Ogidi-Ela Day on  Saturday 21 June, 2014

It was indeed one of Ogidi’s finest days since its years of existence. .

From Our News Desk

UPDATES: Confab backs state police. Abacha loot: TI blasts Jonathan for encouraging corruption. Insurgents’ll soon be defeated —Sambo. UN sanctions B’Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, Ansaru. Foreign security experts probe explosion. Senate probes Tinubu’s wife over comments on performance. Lagos not worried about flood-related disasters─ Commissioner. N2.9bn metering fund: Ex-power firm chiefs may face EFCC. BDCs: Suspend N35m capital base, Reps tell CBN. Police raid kidnappers training school, arrest 37. I will chase APC out of South-West – Fayose. Despite Fayemi’s Concession To Fayose: APC To Challenge Militarisation Of Poll. Defectors To Forfeit Their Seats – Delegates. Insecurity: Jonathan Seeks Senate’s Approval For Funding Of Police Reform Programme. Pandemonium at University of Jos over bomb sacre. Enugu suspects not members of Boko Haram, says Police. Fayemi plotting to set Ekiti against Fayose –Bamidele. Tankers drivers have insisted that the explosion in Lagos was caused by a bomb-laden vehicle, not petrol tanker. Crisis looms in Benue schools, NUT warns. FIFA BITES BACK: Suarez gets 9 match suspension and 4 months football ban. World Cup: Germany 1-0 USA, Portugal 2-1 Ghana, Belgium 1-0 South Korea.

Abuja bomb blast: Survivors responding to treatment – Hospital spokesperson

The National Hospital spokesperson, Tayo Haastrup, has said that six of the seven patients brought to the hospital after Wednesday's bomb blast at EMAB Plaza, Abuja, were still receiving treatment.
Mr. Haastrup, however, disclosed that the seventh victim was so badly burnt that he did not survive.
The dead was one of two victims brought to the hospital in critical condition, while the other is still in critical condition.
"We lost one (on Wednesday) because he was badly burnt and could not survive. We tried everything we could but he did not make it. The other person (in a critical condition) is currently in intensive care receiving treatment. Hers is also bad but we are hoping she will survive," the spokesperson said.
He said that the other five were responding to treatment though their conditions were not as critical as the other two.
"They were all burnt badly, but thank God they are responding to treatment and we believe that by tomorrow some of them should be able to talk," he said.
Mr. Haastrup assured that enough hands were on ground to attend to the patients and there were adequate facilities to take care of them.
"We have enough doctors already to attend to the patients and we have enough facilities to aid the treatment, so presently there are no challenges," he said.
Seven victims of the bomb blast were rushed to the National Hospital, Abuja while seven dead bodies were taken to the mortuary at the hospital. However, two of the corpses were transferred to other hospitals as there was no space in the mortuary.
A bomb blast rocked the EMAB Plaza on Aminu Kano Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja, on Wednesday evening, killing an initial 21 people with 17 reported injured. The bomb went off at about 4:00 p.m. outside the gate of the plaza.

Ekiti Election process skewed in favour of PDP – APC

The All Progressives Congress, APC, said on Thursday that the governorship election in Ekiti State was manipulated to favour the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Ayo Fayose.
The APC stated this at the end of the inaugural meeting of the National Working Committee, who were sworn into office last week.
Mr. Fayose of the PDP defeated his closest challenger, APC's Kayode Fayemi, by about 100,000 votes to emerge winner of the election held on Saturday.
The APC, in the communiqué, released after the meeting said the process leading up to the election was tainted, thus affecting the whole election.
"If an integral part of the process was badly tainted as we have clearly and fully demonstrated above, then the entire process cannot but be tainted," it said in the communiqué signed by its spokesperson, Lai Mohammed.

Read the full communiqué below.
It is no longer news that the governorship election in Ekiti State has been won and lost, and that our candidate, Gov. Kayode Fayemi, has shown rare sportsmanship by conceding defeat and congratulating the winner, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.
We are very proud of Gov. Fayemi for his conduct and comportment before, during and after the election, and we hail him as a true democrat in the true spirit of the APC's belief that election is never a do or die affair, and that Nigerians must always be free to elect those to govern them. After all, it is said that the just powers of governments are derived from the consent of the governed.
Gentlemen, election is a process, and whatever happens on the voting day is only an integral part of that process. What happens before, during and after the voting day complete the process.
If, therefore, we view the just-concluded election in Ekiti as a process, then we can confidently say that while the events of the voting day itself may have led many to believe that the election was free and fair, the same cannot be said of the events before, during and after the election.
We therefore believe that we owe it a duty to the continuous improvement of our electoral system and indeed the sustainability of our democracy to X-ray this election within the context that we have outlined above and draw the necessary lessons
Incidents before election day
We believe that the events leading to the D-Day in Ekiti negate the principles of a free, fair and credible election. From the militarization of the election to the police attack on our supporters, arrest and detention of our leaders across the state and the use of huge funds to induce voters, the federal authorities skewed everything in favour of the PDP.
Militarization of the process:
With thousands of armed troops, police, state security and civil defence personnel deployed to Ekiti, the state was simply under a total lock down. While we believe that the police and the civil defence indeed have a role to play in providing the necessary security for the election, we do not see why soldiers who were armed to the teeth need to be deployed to a non-belligerent situation like an election, especially at a time that their services are more needed elsewhere to turn around a slow motion war that is daily claiming the lives of our compatriots. The questions to ask are: who ordered the deployments of the troops and for what purpose. Who gave the orders to stop Gov. Rotimi Amaechi from reaching Ado-Ekiti, as the Army captain who stopped and threatened to shoot him said he was acting under "orders from above".
It is worth mentioning that the physical prevention of Gov. Amaechi from joining his colleagues at the final campaign rally of Gov. Fayemi in Ekiti is a direct function of the unnecessary deployment of troops to Ekiti for the election. This event will go down as the biggest affront to democracy in our country in recent times.
Also worth mentioning is the flagrant abuse of national institutions that led to the country's aviation authorities shutting down airports in Akure and elsewhere on the same day that our party had its last campaign rally in Ado-Ekiti. This act of impunity was targeted solely at the opposition, and it runs against global standards. Let's we forget on the same day the helicopter ferrying Governor Adams Oshiomhole fro Benin Airport to Akure en route Ekiti for that finally rally was prevented from taking off. Airports are never shut without the issuance of a NOTAM - Notice to Airmen. Again, who gave the orders for the closure of the airports?

15 men gang rape 16-yr-old girl in Rivers

Police have arrested members of a 15-man gang that allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in Gbuga area of Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.


The state Police Commissioner, Mr Tunde Ogunsakin, told newsmen, yesterday, at the Police headquarters in Port Harcourt that the girl allegedly attended a party organised in the area, adding that she took a glass of strong drink offered her by one of the rapists which made her pass out before she was allegedly raped by 15 men.

He said: "The victim reported that she attended a party at Ogbuga Street in Ogbunabali, Port Harcourt organised by one Tina.

"While at the party, she was given a glass of strong drink by Tambari Dumlesi. That was the last memory she had before she was raped by 15 men. She woke up to find herself in torn boxers and with swollen privates.

"The victim has since been taken to the Police clinic for check up and treatment while three suspects have been apprehended. Investigation is still on."



Police nab ritualist

He said his men also arrested a ritualist and kidnapper in Igwuruta area of the state, adding that a human skull was among items recovered from him.

According to the Police Commissioner, the suspect confessed that the human skull was that of a lady he allegedly murdered for money rituals.

He said: "The Special Anti Robbery Squad responded to a tip-off and led a combined team to arrest a suspect of cultism, kidnap and ritual killing in his home in Igwuruta, Rivers State on June 24, 2014.

"At the point of his arrest, the suspect was discovered to be in possession of two locally made pistols, live ammunition and a human skull. These were recovered from him.

"Upon subsequent investigation, it was revealed that the skull was that of a lady murdered by the suspect and his gang. The suspect also owned up to using the skull as a medium to get rich, claiming that the skull speaks to him and provides him with 10, 20, 30 Naira notes after special sacrifice.

"The suspect has since confessed his membership of the brutal cult group, Dey‑well."

From Our News Desk

UPDATES: Five feared dead in Lagos explosions. B’Haram attacks military post, kills 16 soldiers. B’Haram war worse than civil war, President insists. Soldiers’ attack: NSA apologises to Tambuwal. Abuja blast kills 21. Police arrest 20 suspected B’ Haram members in Enugu. Jet: Court bars IG from arresting Diezani, others. Kaduna killings: Death toll rises to 66. Anti-Jonathan forces behind bombings, says PDP. FG approves N14.7bn contract for FCT community. Death of pregnant mothers worries Fashola’s wife. Drama as Kutigi sends out journalists from plenary. FG makes N30tn from oil, gas, others – NEITI. Jonathan approves 3,050MW power plant for Taraba. We sell human parts to pastors, imams ─ Suspects. Angry youths invade suspected kidnapper’s den in Lagos. NIPOST Intercepts N300bn Fake Currencies. World Cup: Eagles Advance To 2nd Round Despite Loss. Crime: Fake Glo Ambassador Bags 2-Year Jail Term. Pension arrears: Retired military personnel protest to confab. Bayelsa SUBEB’s poor performance blamed on Executive Secretary. Glo gains most porting subscribers in March, April –NCC. Wakanow leaves hundreds of Nigerians stranded in Sao Paulo. Suarez faces 2-year ban. Wenger rubbishes Balotelli reports. Hold Nigerian government responsible for failure to rescue Chibok girls – U.S. World Cup: Argentina 3-2 Nigeria, Ecuador 0-0 France, Bosnia Herzegovina 3-1 Iran.

From Our News Desk

UPDATES: Ekiti election was fraudulent, says Aregbesola. Defection: Court adjourns suit against Amaechi, others indefinitely.  Cameroon arrests 40 B’ Haram suspects. Insurgents subject women, girls to servitude, sex slavery –Report. B’Haram shot at FG panel members in Borno –Akinyemi. Lagos didn’t steal W’Bank education funds – Fashola. FG threatening Amaechi’s life, Rep alleges. National Conference: Committee okays Diaspora voting in 2015. Reps to debate Tambuwal’s alleged harassment by soldiers. Jonathan unveils N3tn Centenary City. 2015: FG considers tenure extension for IG. We won’t call off strike – LASU workers. New entrant: DSTV may slash subscription rates. We paid FG $44bn in five years – Shell. Cashless policy goes nationwide July 1. New tariff on imported cars for July 1. Robbers attack bullion van, escape with millions. PDP must unite to take over Ogun –Bankole. Eagles’ $2m demand shocks Senate President. Yobo set for 100-cap milestone. Obasanjo donates blood transfusion machines to LUTH, others. Blame FG Over Failure To Rescue Schoolgirls – US. Gunmen Kill 58 In Kaduna Village. Less Than 30% Nigerians Are Registered At Birth – NPC Boss. Edo lawmakers hold sitting outside complex for second day. Frank Mba now Assistant Commissioner of Police. Nasarawa spends N255m to feed students. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has announced he has submitted his resignation to the Italian FA's president after his side's World Cup exit. World Cup: Costa Rica 0-0 England, Greece 2-1 Ivory Coast, Colombia 4-1 Japan, Uruguay 1-0 Italy. FIFA will investigate allegations against Uruguay striker Luis Suarez regarding a biting incident involving Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

From Our News Desk

UPDATES: Fayose still has a case to answer —EFCC. B’Haram war affecting economy, says Jonathan. Drama as soldiers stop, search Tambuwal’s car. Explosion rocks Kano health college, kills eight. Gunmen attack Edo deputy speaker’s convoy. Chibok girls: Police invite ex-Rep Melaye. Gunmen  kill six in Kaduna villages. EFCC arrests Nyako’s SSG, two commissioners. LASU lecturers, students defy resumption order. I won’t contest election result —Fayemi. Procurement offences: EFCC, ICPC probe 150 firms, MDAs. FG spends N47bn to service external debt. Nigerians groan as power generation drops by 1,100MW. Android, Nokia top list of stolen smartphones. Gov-elect, Fayose Meets Fayemi Over Transition Committee. Confab Votes For Separation Of AGF’s Office From Ministry Of Justice. Another 60 Women Abducted In Borno. UN, US Condemn Egypt For Jailing Of Al Jazeera Journalists. Emir Of Kano Visits Sultan In Sokoto. Firm To Invest N1.4trn In Electricity Generating Plants Power Generation. No Money To Build New Airport Projects – FG. Argentina Clash: Eagles To Get N10m For Each Goal. NDLEA arrests 218 drug traffickers in A’Ibom. Expect repeat of Ekiti in Osun and 2015, Presidency tells Nigerians. Plot to impeach Nyako, deputy suffers setback. World Cup: Mexico 3-1 Croatia, Brazil 4-1 Cameroon, Netherlands 2-0 Chile, Spain 3-0 Australia.

Sanusi Visits Sokoto Sultanate, First Outing Outside Kano

The new Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, now known as Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, today undertook his first outing beyond his Kano domain, visiting the Sultanate of Sokoto.

Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II arrived in Sokoto this morning by air, and immediately proceeded to the palace of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III. The Shehu of Borno, Shehu Abubakar Garbai Ibni Elkanemi, is also visiting Sokoto.

The purpose of the Emir’s maiden visit outside Kano is to pay his respect to the Sultanate, and to formally acquaint with the Sultanate and the present Sultan, who is an elder brother of Sanusi’s.

A source familiar with the tradition explained to SaharaReporters that Kano is fourth in the Islamic hierarchy of the Northern Nigerian Hausa-Fulani Islamic structure, behind Sokoto, Gwandu, and Bornu. Kano, however, has its own significance as the most populous of the emirates in the north, and indeed in sub-Saharan Africa.  

The source, a member of Alhaji Sanusi’s entourage, said that with this development, Sanusi has now launched his presence and authority and will now commence functioning fully within and outside his domain as the Emir of Kano.    

Update: 8 killed in Kano bomb blast, suspect arrested – Police

The Commissioner of Police in Kano state, Adenrele Shinaba, has said that eight persons were killed in Monday’s bomb blast at the School of Hygiene in Kano.

He said the blast occurred at about 2:05pm.

The School of Hygiene is located along Bayero University Kano, BUK, road in Kano which has suffered similar attacks in the past.

Addressing reporters at the scene of the blast, Mr. Shinaba also said several others were injured and have been taken to the hospitals for treatment. He also said one suspect was arrested in connection with the blast.

He said further information will be provided in the course of the investigation of the incident.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blast although the insurgent Boko Haram has carried out similar attacks in Kano and other northern states.

Meriam Ibrahim to be freed soon after Sudanese court orders release

According to Sudan's SUNA news agency, Meriam Ibrahim, the Sudanese woman sentenced to death for refusing to abandon her christian faith is to be released soon. The state media today announced that the appeal court has ruled that she be immediately freed and all charges against her dropped.

"The appeal court ordered the release of Mariam Yahya and the cancellation of the (previous) court ruling," Sudan's SUNA news agency said.

One of her lawyers, Elshareef Ali Mohammed, who expressed doubt over the announcement said he was on his way to the prison to know if it was true. Continue...

"We are going to the prison now to find out more details, We heard it just now on the state radio. We really hope it's true." he said. Only last month, precisely May 31st, a Sudanese Foreign Affairs official in London had claimed that the Sudanese government would soon release her but this was immediately denied by the Sudanese Government stating the  authority of setting her free was solely the responsibility of the courts.

Pregnant 27year old Meriam Ibrahim was on May 15th sentenced to death by hanging by a high court in Sudan after she denounced her Muslim faith and embraced the christian faith of her husband, Daniel Wani

Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia: Super Eagles win first World Cup match in 16 years

The striker slotted past Stoke City team-mate Asmir Begovic at the Arena Pantanal, although Bosnia were unfortunate not to have led eight minutes earlier when an Edin Dzeko goal was incorrectly ruled out for offside.

The European nation needed a goal in the second half to keep their qualification hopes alive, however they were unable to break down a solid Nigerian defence.

The win leaves Nigeria second in Group F and requiring either a point from their group finale with Argentina or Iran to draw or lose against Bosnia.

Safet Susic omitted own-goal scorer Sead Kolasinac from their brave 2-1 loss to Argentina, however, Bosnia were exposed on their left side with Senad Lulic and Emir Spahic caught out of position early on.

A poor clearance by captain Spahic in the sixth minute forced his fellow defender Haris Medunjanin to bring down Ahmed Musa and take a yellow card.

Osaze celebrates goal with Emenike

Nigeria produced plenty of chances on goal and deserved to open the scoring, with Odemwingie's free-kick in the seventh minute deflecting narrowly wide of the upright, while Ogenyi Onazi - who tried his luck from range on a few occasions - forced a low save out of Begovic on 14 minutes.

For all their instability at the back, Bosnia settled into the game and should have been credited with the game's opening goal when Dzeko ran in behind and found the back of the net in the 21st minute - only for the assistant's flag to be incorrectly raised.

Dzeko was clearly Bosnia's best chance of scoring the opener, and minutes later he unleashed a shot from inside the area that Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was forced to produce a strong save to deny the Manchester City man.

The Bosnians would be further aggrieved with the officials when they felt they were denied a foul in the lead up to Nigeria's opener - with Spahic left on the ground, as Emmanuel Emenike squared a ball for goalscorer Odemwingie.

Bosnia were struggling to create much danger as they hunted the equaliser they required, and Susic rung the changes prior to the hour-mark.

Vedad Ibisevic, the goalscorer against Argentina, was brought on for Izet Hajrovic, and Sejad Salihovic replaced Lulic.

It was almost déjà-vu for Spahic in the 60th minute, as Emenike brushed aside the Bosnian skipper, but he had cover this time around.

Moments later, Begovic was forced off his line to deny the forward down the left, as the Fenerbahce man continued to cause problems.

Ibisevic had a free header from a corner in the 74th minute, but he failed to connect as the ball flew over the crossbar.

But in the third minute of additional time, Dzeko came within a whisker of an equaliser, as his close-range effort was saved onto the post by Enyeama.

From Our News Desk

UPDATES: Buhari, Kwankwaso may clash over presidential ticket. Restriction: Seek redress, Soyinka tells APC govs. Scores die in Boko Haram attack. Ekiti polls, litmus test for 2015 elections — NSCDC. APC leaders’ arrests illegal — Falana. I was treated like a miscreant — Oshiomhole. FG records N1.43tn drop in crude oil sales. N’Delta fishermen reject Shell N8bn compensation. PDP lawmakers offered us money to leave APC— Kabiru. Insurgency pushes up cattle price by 20%. 6 Vigilantes, 28 Boko Haram Members Killed In Borno. Move To Impeach Nyako Suffers Setback. Relatives Denied Access To Detained 486 Northern Traders. World Cup Television Coverage Breaks Viewing Records – FIFA. IGP Abubakar may supervise 2015 election. FG To Collaborate With Estate Surveyors On Mass Housing. Boko Haram: W’African countries express fear. Fayose (PDP) Wins Ekiti State Election By A Wide Margin: Congrat Fayose PDP - 203,090 APC - 120,433 LP - 18,135. Soyinka to Jonathan: Tell Nigerians Who sent military after govs. Suswam under pressure to resolve teachers’ strike. Lagos shuts 12 firms over N4.92b unremitted tax. Germany's Miroslav Klose equalled Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 WorldCup goals. World Cup: Germany 2-2 Ghana, Argentina 1-0 Iran, Nigeria 1-0 Bosnia.

It’s Fayose

A former governor of Ekiti State and the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Ayo Fayose, has emerged the winner of the state’s governorship election held on Saturday.

Fayose got majority votes in all the 16 local government areas announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The three major contenders in the Saturday poll were the Governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi, of the All Progressives Congress; Bamidele Opeyemi of the Labour Party and Fayose, the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party.

Some of the results from the local government areas are as follows: Oye Local Government Area, APC got 10,176 and PDP had 11,200 votes. At the Emure Local Government, APC received 4,332 votes; Labour Party,1,527 and PDP 7,086.

The results from the Ilejemeje Local Government Area showed that Fayose of the PDP led with 3.670, APC, 3,336 and Labour 165.

At Ikere Ekiti Local Government Area, PDP polled 16,197, APC, 7,989 and Labour 585. In Ikole Ekiti, APC polled 8,804, Labour Party, 1,259 and PDP, 14,238. In Ekiti South West, APC 6,746; LP 1,413; and PDP 11,038. Ijero, APC 9,348, LP 1,554, PDP 13,814. Ifelodun APC 6,834, LP 3,555, and PDP 13, 038.

Before the results were announced, there had been palpable tension around the state. Supporters of the candidates and residents warned INEC against manipulating the result of the election.

They warned against a repetition of what happened at the rerun governorship poll in 2009, when the then Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Ayoka Adebayo, made a volte-face and announced Mr. Segun Oni of the PDP as the winner.

The Chairman, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties, Ekiti State, Mr. Tunji Ogunlola, said Ekiti people were not ready to go through the tortuous journey of election petition tribunal again.

He said, “Our people are wiser now and I am sure they will resist any attempt to impose an unpopular candidate on them as the winner. INEC should announce the winner of the election and allow peace to reign.”

“Nigeria has too many security challenges it is struggling with and should not add Ekiti to the list of the troubled states.”

Ogunlola recalled that the manipulation of the election result during the rerun supplementary election in 2009 caused a crisis that set the state aback for many years.

He warned that such should be avoided in the interest of peace and development in the state. Another resident of the state based in Ikere, Mrs. Ronke Balogun, told one of our correspondents that INEC and the security agencies should not be used to provoke crisis in the state.

She said, “I am sure that there will be no problem if the winner of the election is announced. We should not be doing things which will promote chaos. Election should be a routine exercise, which should not be war.”

Folasade Gidado, a student of EKSU, said, “The election is a watershed in the history of Ekiti. I hope that INEC will allow the people’s will to prevail.

“All we desire in Ekiti is peace and meaningful development.

“We have been at home for two weeks and I don’t want a situation that will force the management of our school to declare total closure because of safety of students, if violence broke out.

“Also, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, which is the platform of the Nigeria Civil Society Groups, said the group would hold INEC by its words. One of the leaders of the NCSSR, Mr. Clement Nwankwo, who addressed journalists in Ado Ekiti on Friday, had urged INEC to conduct a credible election.

Foremost international law expert, Prof. Akin Oyebode, said the election in Ekiti election was an opportunity for the INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, to build his reputation.The Ekiti indigene, who is the Head, Department of International Law and Jurisprudence, University of Lagos, said the success or failure of the election would determine what to expect in the August 16 governorship election in Osun State and the 2015 general elections.

He said, “This is the time for Jega and his confederates, after the debacle in Anambra (governorship election). This is the last chance for Jega to display credibility by conducting a free, fair and credible election.”

Oyebode, however, criticised the massive deployment of security forces for the election, describing it as an “over desperation” by the Federal Government.

Students, who have been sent home by the management of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, two weeks before the election are also anxious. Adewale Tosin, a mechanic, was more concerned about his business opportunities. He said, “All I want is peace. I don’t pray for any post-election violence because it will affect our business.”

In his remarks, an EKSUT lecturer, Olajide Akinwumi, said, “There are fears that the outcome of the election will be tainted with allegations of malpractices owing to the allegations and counter-allegations by the opposing parties.”

ELECTION RESULT

LG                    APC      LP        PDP

Efon                3,422    358      5,335

Oye                 10,176   512     11,200

Ilejemeje     3,336      165     3,670

Ikere             7,989      585     16,197

Ikole            8,804      1,259   14,238

Ekiti S/W    6,746      1,413    11,038

Ijero            9,348       1,554    13,814

Ifelodun       6,834    3,555    13,038

Emure          4,332      1,527     7,086

Ekiti-East     8,584      884       12,498

Moba             7,994      1,000    8,878

Gbonyin         8,138     714        11,046

Ise                    5,809     600      10,136

Ekiti-West     7,860    884         10,702

Ido-Osi           7,134     1,182     13,045

Ado-Ekiti     13,927    2,065    41,169

Source : Punch

Younger brother of footballers Yaya and Kolo Toure dies aged 28

The younger brother of Premier League and Ivory Coast footballers Yaya and Kolo Toure died yesterday June 19th in the UK. Ibrahim Toure (pictured left), who was also a professional footballer, was just 28 years old. His cause of death has not been made known but he's said to have died just hours after Ivory Coast lost 2-1 to Colombia at the World Cup. May his soul rest in peace, amen.

Italy to repatriate 700 Nigerian prisoners

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Fulvius Rusticu, yesterday June 19th revealed plans by the Italian Government to repatriate 700 Nigerian prisoners currently serving jail time in Italian prisons. While  speaking with pressmen in Abuja, Fulvius said Italian and Nigerian Govt officials were in talks for a Transfer Agreement (PTA) and would meet first week in July in Rome to conclude negotiations. He said bringing the prisoner closer home is in the interest of the prisoners
"Each country is responsible for its prisons; the logic in signing a PTA is that we think that it is better for Nigerians and even Italians to serve their terms at home. Already to be in prisons is not a nice experience, being abroad is even worse, so given the prisoner the chance to return home is in their own interest. It is very rare for a prisoner to want to stay in a foreign country, we have cases of Italians serving in prisons abroad and they look forward, and are happy to return home,” he said
No fewer than 15,316 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad with the largest No. of 752 in the UK.

Lambo Leads Dignitaries to Ogidi Day

Former Health Minister, Professor Eyitayo Lambo will lead dignitaries from across the country to this year’s Ogidi Day holding in Ogidi, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Saturday, June 21. Lambo, who will be the chairman of the occasion, will be joined by the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade as royal father of the day and Kogi State Deputy Governor, Arc Yomi Awoniyi as Chief Guest of Honour. Ogidi Day which commemorates the community’s new yam festival holds every June and it features a colourful parade of cultural groups including the famous Olaga (maidens) dance. Chairman, Ogidi Day Central Planning Committee, Mr. Ibrahim Allah, in a statement said an appeal fund would be launched at this year’s event to finance the re-development of the community’s markets and to procure equipment for the newly completed Ogidi Cottage Hospital. Renowned batik artist and the community’s prominent daughter, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye of Nike Art Gallery, Lagos will be the mother of the day at the show which will also be graced by cultural troupes from Niger, Lagos, Anambra and Osun States. Prominent son of Igbominaland and Executive Director (Marketing), News Agency of Nigeria, Otunba Jide Adebayo and his wife will be installed as the Maiyegun and Yeye Maiyegun of Ogidi while Chief Alfred Ibikunle, Local Government Treasurer, Okehi Local Government, Kogi State and his wife will be made the Tadese and Yeye Tadese of Ogidi. National President, Okun Development Association, Ambassador Babatunde Fadumiyo is billed to be the Father of the Day while the Ciroman Nupe, Arc Usman Manko Babayitso, frontline Abuja entrepreneur and Amowomoni of Ogidi, Chief Emeka Okonkwo, Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, Member representing Bunu/Ijumu/Kabba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, his predecessor, Otunba Dino Melaye and former Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Chief Bamidele Suru will serve as special guests of honour.
And also in the spirit of the Ogidi Day 2014, Come 20th June, The Ripples and Medical Mot are giving out free health care services, medical consultation, Free medecines, checking of blood pressure and blood sugar. Come and see change happen in Ogidi. The venue is at Ogidi Town Hall. Time is by 9.00pm. And it is for everyone in the world.

U.S. pleads for free, fair governorship election in Ekiti

The United States government on Thursday sent a passionate plea to both organisers of the elections and the electorate to ensure a free and fair governorship election in Ekiti State come Saturday, June 21.

The U.S. government, in a pre-election statement issued on Thursday through its embassy in Abuja, underscored the significance and importance of the day in the lives of the people of Ekiti and its residents.

The government reminded the people of Ekiti that as they go to any of the state’s 2,195 polling units to select their next governor, they should consider the importance of a successful exercise to the entire electoral process as Nigeria approaches 2015.

“A well-conducted election in Ekiti that is free of violence and that accurately reflects the will of the voters would both constitute an important demonstration of the credibility of the electoral system as the February 2015 elections draw closer, as well as bestow legitimacy on the winner of the election”, the embassy statement read.

“We call on INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) to ensure that registered Ekiti voters will be able to cast their ballots efficiently and without hindrance; the security services to provide security in an impartial, judicious manner; and the candidates and parties to play by the rules at every step of the process, while also encouraging voters to go to the polls.”

The statement said the United States Mission to Nigeria would be watching the election with great interest.

It said it would have more than 30 accredited election observers on the ground in the state on Election Day to monitor the elections.

“We hope all electoral stakeholders will seek to meet the high standards that the Nigerian people demand and expect,” it stated.

Italy to repatriate 700 Nigerian prisoners – Envoy

Nigeria and Italy would soon conclude negotiations on a Prisoners Transfer Agreement, PTA, to facilitate the return of over 700 Nigerian prisoners serving sentences in various prisons across Italy.

The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, Fulvius Rusticu, said this on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr. Rusticu said Nigerian and Italian officials would meet in the first week of July in Rome to finalise the agreement and possibly work out modalities for the immediate return of the prisoners.

The ambassador explained that under the agreement, Nigerian prisoners who qualify for the transfer must return home to complete their prison terms.

He said that his government was not obligated to help improve the condition of prisons in Nigeria as a pre-condition for signing the agreement.

“Each country is responsible for its prisons. The logic in signing a PTA is that we think that it is better for Nigerians and even Italians to serve their terms at home. Already to be in prisons is not a nice
experience, being abroad is even worse, so giving the prisoner the chance to return home is in their own interest. It is very rare for a prisoner to want to stay in a foreign country. We have cases of
Italians serving in prisons abroad and they look forward to, and are
happy to return home,” he said.

According to official figures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no fewer than 15,316 Nigerians are in various prisons abroad with the largest number, 752, in the UK.

In January, Nigeria and the U.K. signed a PTA to repatriate 521 Nigerians currently serving their terms in that country.

Prior to the signing, a major challenge on deportation was the condition of prisons in Nigeria but the U.K. had pledged £1 million (N277 million) to Nigeria to help improve its prisons.
(NAN)

BREAKING: Jonathan appoints Bode George’s wife, Roli, as new NDLEA boss

The appointee is the wife of a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George.

President Goodluck Jonathan has appointed Roli Bode-George as the new Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

The appointee is the wife of a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George.

Mr. George, a leader of the PDP in Lagos, is currently a delegate, appointed by the president, at the National Conference.

His conviction for fraud, when he served as head of the Nigeria Ports Authority, by a High Court was upturned by the Supreme Court.

Mr. Jonathan’s spokesperson, Reuben Abati, announced the appointment on his twitter handle on Thursday evening.

He said the appointment is with immediate effect.

Mrs. Bode-George takes over from Olufemi Ajayi, who was on Wednesday appointed the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF.

President Jonathan had in 2011 also appointed Mrs. Bode-George as a federal commissioner in the National Population Commission, NPC.

Real reason Nigeria dropped N100 billion stolen funds charge against Abacha — Okonjo-Iweala

World Bank to assist in monitoring utilisation on targeted projects, programmes

President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday constituted an inter-ministerial committee to manage the €167 million (about N36 billion) expected to be returned to Nigeria from the government of the Principality of Liechtenstein as part of the looted funds recovered from the Abacha family.

The Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, confirmed on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria would receive the recovered funds, latest by June 25.

She also explained that the federal government withdrew the N100 billion stolen funds charges against Mohammed Abacha, son of Sani Abacha, to ease the return of the N36 billion.

Sani Abacha was Nigeria’s military dictator from 1993 to 1998 and is believed to have looted billions of dollars of Nigeria’s funds while in power.

To ensure that the recovered money was put into the best use to the benefit of all Nigerians, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said the President had directed the committee to immediately identify the best projects and programmes to spend the funds on.

She said the World Bank would also be involved in the process towards effective utilisation of the recovered money.

“We can confirm that Nigeria will on June 25, 2014 receive the sum of Euro 167 million ($227 million), about N36.32 billion from the Government of the Principality of Liechtenstein, part of looted funds recovered from the Abacha family,” the Minister said through her Special Adviser on Media, Paul Nwabuikwu.

Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said the President has also directed that part of the funds be saved for the future generation In line with the agreement reached with the Principality of Liechtenstein. She also said the World Bank will assist in monitoring the utilization of the funds on specific projects.

The Minister celebrated the return of the funds as a major achievement of the government from its over 16-year effort.

She said the President, working with her, the Attorney General of the Federation, Muhammad Adokie; and the National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, made the recovery of the loot possible.

The return of the funds, she said, was however delayed by the suit instituted at the European Court of Human Rights, ECHR, by companies owned by the Abachas, alleging an infringement of their rights to a fair trial and to the peaceful enjoyment of their possessions.

To demonstrate government’s commitment to retrieving the funds, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala said Mr. Adoke had, on behalf of the government, filed a suit against Mohammed Abacha before the Abuja High Court.

She said as part of the negotiations to expedite the recovery of the funds, the Abachas had agreed to discontinue their suit before the ECHR, while the Federal Government equally decided to withdraw the case against him.

Under the deal, the government’s lawyer, Daniel Enwelum, told the court that Mr. Adoke had asked him to withdraw the nine-count charge against Mohammed over alleged receipt of stolen property worth N100.38 billion.

The money to be recovered from Liechtenstein is different from the $458 million stolen Abacha loot that the U.S. froze and the federal government wants returned.

However, a cross section of the human rights community has described the decision to trade away about N100 billion for about N36.32 billion as another demonstration of government’s insensitivity and lack of commitment to fighting corruption in Nigeria.

The Lead Director, Centre for Social Justice, Eze Onyekpere, described the deal as the most absurd style of plea bargaining, which would encourage impunity, corruption and stealing of public funds by the country’s leaders.

“It does not make sense at all. How can one steal about N446 billion and government is accepting only N36.32 billion to discontinue the case against the culprit? What government is getting is not even up to one-tenth of what was stolen and a case is withdrawn against him.

“It is the easiest way to steal money from the system. It shows how unseriously government takes the fight against corruption.”

For a Lagos based lawyer, Kayode Adaramoye, although the Attorney General had the powers to discontinue with any case at any point, the government’s action on the Abacha loot is undesirable for Nigeria’s development.

“The action of the Federal Government is like patting corruption on the back and a proof that the administration is not sincere about the fight against corruption. It is rather sad that all these are happening in a country that has all the potentials to make its people amongst the best catered for in terms of socio-economic wellbeing,” he said.

The National President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Wale Ajani, described the Nigerian government’s action as very unfortunate and one that would show the international community that the present administration was not serious about the fight against corruption.

Mr. Ajani said that there was no justification for any government to allow anybody that had stolen from the nation’s wealth to go scot free, particularly when such despicable acts have continued to aggravate the socio-economic plights of ordinary Nigerians.

EXCLUSIVE: Emir of Kano, Sanusi, begs Jonathan as Police ends siege on palace

The newly-crowned Emir of Kano, Lamido Sanusi, has shelved his public defiance and begged President Goodluck Jonathan, personally and through intermediaries, to lift police siege on his palace and forgive him his trespasses, presidency officials, associates of some of the intermediaries and sources within the Kano State Government and the Emir’s palace have told PT

Police ended the siege late Thursday, four days after Mr. Sanusi, a former governor of the Central Bank, emerged monarch of the powerful Kano emirate.

Police authorities deny neither the blockade nor its lifting was on the instructions of the president.

Mr. Jonathan has been embroiled in months of acrimony with the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“My men have left the palace because there is peace now,” Kano State police chief, Aderele Shinaba, told PT Friday. “All the hoodlums that are threatening the palace have left. All those threatening the place have dispersed.”

He denied acting on the orders of the presidency.

“I don’t know why people are saying that,” he said. “As a commissioner of police, I should be able to use my initiative. That is what I have done. If I can’t use my initiative, it means something is wrong,” he said. “My own interest is peace and we will continue to ensure there is peace here.”

But multiple sources, including presidency insiders, palace sources and others familiar with all that transpired, have debunked that claim.

They say the siege was authorised by the president, and was lifted on his orders after Mr. Sanusi detailed influential Nigerians to intervene on his behalf.

Our sources said behind the public defiance by the former CBN governor and the Kano State governor, both men have reached out to Mr. Jonathan to seek a soft-landing.

Mr. Sanusi specifically is said to have capitulated after it became clear the government might be in possession of a purported “damning evidences of mismanagement” against him.

PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm those “evidences” and sources close to the Emir insist the government has nothing on the Emir.

“He served transparently and accountably and no one can say he did anything wrong while at the CBN,” an aide of the monarch said.

But officials well informed about the matter confirmed to this newspaper that influential mediators contacted the president on behalf of Mr. Sanusi, and begged him to re-consider the decision to cordon the palace.

One of the emissaries who intervened was the minister of defence, Aliyu Gusau.

Despite the efforts, the officials said, the president only acted after Mr. Sanusi personally spoke to him on Thursday, and pledged his “loyalty and friendship”.

The president’s principal secretary, Hassan Tukur, two of our sources said, arranged the communication.

“Sanusi told the president he was sorry for anything he might have done wrong in the past and asked the president to consider him henceforth as a friend,” one source said.

The new emir also assured the president he will not be partisan during his reign, and will not aid the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC, in any way, the source added.

The officials asked not to be named as they were not authorised to speak on the matter.

Mr. Sanusi was removed as CBN head by the president in February after he accused the government of failing to account for $20 billion oil money.

While investigations into the allegations were far from completion, the president fired the outspoken former banker, accusing him of “financial recklessness”.

Mr. Sanusi’s appointment as emir Sunday, clearly opposed by the presidency and the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, revved up months of rancour between Mr. Jonathan, the former CBN chief, and Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The Kano’s traditional stool is considered key ahead of the 2015 elections, given the state’s population and influence.

Police took over the sprawling palace in Kano city shortly after Mr. Sanusi was declared the emir, claiming the move was necessary to stop looters and arsonists angered by the emergence of the new emir.

Police however denied barring the new emir from accessing the facility, and also denied acting on the instructions of the president.

But speaking to PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday, Governor Kwankwaso said the police acted on the orders of the president to arrest Mr. Sanusi, and accused Mr. Jonathan of plotting to eliminate him.