– There is crisis in Zone A of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
– An aide of Jigawa state governor, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar has been fingered as the arrow head of the crisis
– Petitions have been sent to the police headquarters and the Department of State Services (DSS)
Reports reaching ZENITHBLOG.com indicates that the Zone A of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is currently enmeshed in crisis.
Members of the zone’s NANS convention planing committee have reportedly laid complains before the governor of the state, Alhaji Badaru Abubakar, against his senior special assistant on students matters, Mr Ibrahim G. Ibrahim popularly known as Babalolo.
The committee members are demanding for the arrest and prosecution of Babalolo, accusing him of imposition during the association’s recent elections.
Governor Badaru’s aide mentioned in NAN crisis. Source: Twitter
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In a statement sent to ZENITHBLOG.com and jointly signed by the coordinator elect of NANS, Zone A, Comrade Umar Faruk Lawal, and chairman of the convention planning committee, Comrade Mohammed Yusuf, they accused the governor’s aide of
1. Criminal intimidation
2. Destruction of property
3. Disturbance of public peace and
4. Sponsoring rioting thugs armed with deadly weapons during the election
Based on the criminal allegations, the duo called on the Nigeria police and the DSS to arrest and investigate Babalolo and his allies to ascertain the allegations levelled against them.
They also demanded that the governor’s aide and his associates must take full responsibilities and pay for the damages of the destroyed properties.
ZENITHBLOG.com gathered that the election which involved 10 states was held at the Abdulsalam Abubakar Youth Centre, Minna, Niger state.
ZENITHBLOG.com cannot however independently verify the authenticity of the claims made in the press statement sent.
Efforts to reach Babalolo proved abortive as at the time this report was published.
Meanwhile, a professor in the University of Benin UNIBEN was recently killed by unknown gunmen.
Late Professor Paul Otasowie was said to have been shot dead by the armed men in front of his residence on Ekehuan road in Oredo local government area of the state on Wednesday, October 4.
READ ALSO: Don’t give up on Nigeria, ACT charges Nigerian youths
Applicants lament bitterly over JAMB registration hassles on – ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– A Nigerian lady has shared how she met her husband and got married to him the same week
– She shared her story to inspire ladies all over the world
A Nigerian lady identified as Abisola Fehintola Aroyehun has taken to her Instagram page to share her amazing journey with the world after she got married to her husband same week she met him.
Aroyehun took to her Instagram page to share her story with people who are looking up to God. In one of the posts she shared, she told people how she met the man and went on the first date with him two days after.
The couple’s journey began in December 2016 when they both met physically. They took a picture to keep the memory of that day. Two days after their first date, they went on the second date and the man proposed. Aroyehun was eager and did not turn him down.
Aroyehun and her husband during their traditional marriage. Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
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Their lives started at that moment; a picture was taken then too for future purposes. Two days after her engagement, they had a court marriage and got married legally. The bride laid emphasis on getting married to her husband in one week.
She did this to inspire the young ladies out there as she said their stories do not have to be like every other person’s own.
Aroyehun’s love story is indeed an incredible one as the couple spread the ceremonies to celebrate their union. She had her traditional marriage some months after that and the journey has been a beautiful one for the duo.
In one of the posts made by the bride on her page, she made a shout out to her friends who thought she would not get married to Ola, her boo. According to the lady, these people stylishly told her that her relationship with the man was a joke and laughed behind her back.
See more of their pictures below:
1. Beautiful
Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
2. With family members
Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
3. The adorable couple
Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
4. The bride herself
Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
5. Love is a beautiful thing
Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
6. Grooving
Source: Instagram, Saintlucia01.
To her, the ways of God are not the ways of man. She said every love story does not have to start with a boy meeting a girl and going on several dates before it finally clicks. This made her hint people on how she met him.
Read some of her posts on Instagram below:
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Her husband had called her office thousands of miles away. The Holy Spirit had ministered to his heart to send a message on Facebook and they started. She said he committed to the relationship without seeing her.
Will you be willing to get married to your partner within one week of meeting?
For how long should a man engage a lady before marrying her? – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been consistent with its route march exercise
– The third quarter 2017 route march exercise for officers and airmen/airwomen serving in Abuja was held recently
– The march was led by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar,
The third quarter 2017 route march exercise for officers and airmen/airwomen serving in Abuja was held on Saturday, October 7.
The personnel marched off from Mogadishu Cantonment to Niger Barracks and back, covering a distance of 10km walk, within the Abuja Metropolis.
The march exercise was led by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddique Abubakar. Photo credit: NAF
According to a statement by NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, the aim of the quarterly exercise is to constantly keep NAF personnel physically and mentally fit to enable them discharge their constitutional duties efficiently.
ZENITHBLOG.com observed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) akso joined the NAF personnel in the exercise.
READ ALSO: Troops storm Niger Delta for Operation Crocodile Smile II
Members of the NYSC also participated in the exercise. Photo credit: NAF
Men of the NAF were also stationed at the various routes to and from the barracks to ensure a hitch-free exercise.
The officers and airmen/women were excited about the exercise as many of them sang, danced and gyrated to the rhythms of the NAF band as they marched.
The march exercise has become a quarterly routine for NAF. Photo credit: NAF
Addressing participants at the end of the route march, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar commended them for demonstrating a high level of physical fitness, noting that no matter how intelligent or dedicated they were, it would be practically impossible to effectively discharge their statutory responsibilities without a sound body.
He reminded personnel of the need to exercise regularly because “today’s military is a military that requires a sound mind in a sound body.”
Air Marshal Abubakar hammered on the need for all NAF personnel to have a sound body. Photo credit: NAF
The CAS, who spoke on the current efforts at addressing the security challenges in the country, stated that the NAF and other security agencies were working in synergy to ensure a conducive and peaceful atmosphere for businesses to thrive.
While expatiating on some of the recent landmark achievements in the NAF, Air Marshal Abubakar recalled that the NAF successfully airlifted relief materials donated by the federal government to the mudslide and flood victims in Sierra Leone, using the NAF C-130 Hercules aircraft.
The CAS also said that the NAF, in recent times, had successfully airlifted participants of the National Defence College in Abuja and the Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji to various African countries on study tours and would continue to do so.
NAF continues to provide air support for the Nigerian troops in the northeast as well as other national assignments. Photo credit: NAF
He added that the NAF was also on the verge of airlifting participants at the Air Force War College on a study tour of 2 African countries.
He then commended the personnel, remarking that all the feats of the NAF would not have been possible without their commitment and dedication to duty.
He informed the personnel that the federal government and indeed Nigerians in general appreciated their sacrifices. He advised personnel not to rest on their oars but rather redouble their efforts until those efforts result in completely stabilizing the security situation in the country.
Meanwhile, the CAS, on Friday, October 6, said the military had successfully stabilized and secured the northeast from Boko Haram insurgents.
Abubakar said this in Port Harcourt at a skills acquisition and vocational training graduation ceremony for 150 youths organised by the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA).
READ ALSO: Operation Python Dance: Army arrests cultists and vandals in Imo, recover various weapons
Nigerian Air Force operations against Boko Haram on – ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– A Nigerian bride has given weddings a whole new meaning with her action
– She was spotted in an examination hall in her wedding dress
A Nigerian lady identified as Dooshima Kusugh has become the talk of the town after the young lady put her wedding on hold in order to sit for an exam. Interestingly, she was spotted at the examination hall with her wedding dress and bridesmaids.
Kusugh has become an inspiration for most brides in Nigeria as she accorded a high level of importance to her education when her big day clashed with the day she was meant to walk down the aisle with her beau.
The 300 level student of Benue State University (BSU) was cheered on by her colleagues after seeing the great stunt she pulled on her wedding day in a bid not to miss her paper. It is truly inspiring seeing this beautiful lady all dressed up for her big day while dedicating a little time for her examination.
Dooshima Kusgh, the beautiful bride. Source: Facebook, Daniel Kusugh.
READ ALSO: Man allegedly searching for second wife uses family photo as his profile on a dating platform
This seemed like a logical decision to most people who think the wedding ceremony would end and she would have to continue with her life. For those who have dreamt of getting married for years, this kind of decision may be hard to make.
The couple on their big day. Source: Facebook, Daniel Kusugh.
The pictures of the bride in the examination hall were shared by Daniel Kusugh on Facebook. The young man who seems to be related to the bride was so proud of her and could not hide it in the caption he attached to the post.
The bride and her bridesmaids in the exam hall. Source: Facebook, Daniel Kusugh.
See the initial post below:
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To make matters interestingly, Kusugh was spotted with two of her bridesmaids in the exam hall. The ladies may also be sitting for the same paper. There is no doubt that this lady values her education and would not want to jeopardize her future for anything.
Will you be able to do this as a bride? Do you think she took a big risk by writing an examination on her wedding day? Let your opinion count in the comment section.
How much should a man earn as salary before considering him for marriage? – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– Another of Davido’s close friend is reportedly dead
– The death of DJ Olu comes few days after another friend of his, Tagbo
– DJ Olu, son of popular oil tycoon, Dapo Abiodun was found dead in his car on Saturday, October 7
Few days after the demise of Tagbo, a friend of Davido, DJ Olu, another of his close friend is reportedly dead.
DJ Olu, who is the son of popular oil tycoon, Dapo Abiodun, was said to have been found dead in his car today, Saturday, October 7, Gossip Mills reports.
Davido who took to his Snapchat to react to news of losing another friend in just days said:
BREAKING: DJ Olu, another Davido’s friend reportedly dies
Meanwhile, ZENITHBLOG.com had reported that more messy details have emerged over the recent death of one Tagbo who is said to be a friend of popular musician.
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Actress Caroline Danjuma in a recent interview confirmed that she was in a relationship with Tagbo and that Davido could have been more forthcoming with details on the night of Tagbo’s passing.
Tears, wailing as late Moji Olaiya is laid to rest in Lagos on ZENITHBLOG.com TV.
– Nigeria have qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a 1-0 win over Zambia in Uyo
– Alex Iwobi scored in the 73rd minute to secure the World Cup ticket for Nigeria
– The goal was his second international goal for Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2018 World Cup after a 1-0 win over Zambia on Saturday, October 7, at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
Arsenal star Alex Iwobi scored in the 73rd minute few minutes after coming in to give Nigeria all three points that take them to 13 points on the log and against the reach of Zambia who have 7 points.
The victory means Nigeria last game in the group against Algeria will be just for mere formality as the Super Eagles have booked their place in Russia and will be making their sixth appearance at the tournament.
Read our live coverage of the game below
90+3: FULL TIME: Nigeria 1 – 0 Zambia. The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the 2018 World Cup. It is celebration all the way in Uyo.
90+3′ Half chance! Wilfred Ndidi fires wide after been set up by Moses. He seems to have picked up a hamstring as he stretched out.
90+1′ Three minutes of added time and yellow card to Chigangdu for a foul on Troost-Ekong.
90′ BIG CHANCE! Ola Aina crosses well into the box but Moses can’t find the final touch to slot home. So close!
89′ Into the final minute of regular time. Nigeria are on the brink of their sixth World Cup appearance.
87′ SUB for Zambia! Chigangdu IN, Mwengu OUT
85′ CHANCE! Nice build up play from Nigeria. Mikel picks out Iwobi who finds Moses but his strike flies high over the bar.
84′ OFFSIDE! A brilliant ball from Mikel picks out Iwobi but the linesman flag is up for offside.
81′ SUB for Nigeria! Echiejile OUT, Ola Aina IN. The Chelsea loanee makes his debut for Nigeria.
80′ Echiejile is down with an injury. It looks to be bad for him.
78′ SUB for Zambia’ Sakala OUT, Shonga IN.
77′ The fans are loving Alex Iwobi and chanting his name. He has really changed the game for Nigeria.
75′ MORE ON THE GOAL! Victor Moses does well to find Shehu Abdullahi on the right flank who crosses for Iwobi to side-foot home. A very good goal. It was his second international goal for Nigeria.
The standings in the left corner
73′ GOALLLLLL!!!! Iwobi scores from close range.
71′ WHAT A CHANCE! Nigeria counter after a corner kick from Zambia. Iwobi does well to keep the ball in and drive forward. He waits for support which he gets from Moses, and releases the pass, Moses spreads it to Ighalo who is in a good position to strike but he delays his effort and he is dispossessed.
68′ A corner is taken for Zambia but the ball rolls out of play for a Nigeria throw-in.
66′ SUB for Nigeria! Moses Simon OUT, Alex Iwobi IN.
64′ YELLOW CARD! Shehu Abdullahi booked for a foul on Mwepu. He becomes the second Nigerian player to be booked in this game.
62′ Echiejile with an awful cross to the disgust of the fans. Nigeria not getting their moves right.
58′ Victor Moses swings in another corner but it is easily dealt with. His deliveries and final balls have been poor.
Moses looks on
57′ BIG CHANCE! Ndidi with a powerful header from a set-piece but Mweene does well to keep out as the ball looked to be making his way into the net. WHAT A CHANCE!
56′ YELLOW CARD! Mtonga goes into the book for a foul on Mikel.
54′ Shehu Abdullahi is cautioned for a silly tackle. He is really lucky not to be booked.
53′ HALF CHANCE! Mwepu fires well off target after a great turn.
51′ SUB for Zambia! Mbewe IN, Lungu OUT
50′ HALF CHANCE! Ndidi heads wide from a set-piece.
47′ HALF CHANCE! Moses with a deep cross which is met by Leon Balogun but his header is too weak to beat Mweene.
46′ Zambia get the second half underway. It is down to another 45 minutes.
45+2′ HALF TIME: Nigeria 0-0 Zambia. It was a very exciting and action packed first half but also tension soaked.
Mikel charges the lad after a goalless first half against Zambia
45+1′ Two minutes of added time to be played in the first half.
45′ CHANCE! Ighalo does his trademark Iggy chop to beat his marker, he crosses down the right, but Moses Simon can’t keep his acrobatic shot down and it goes over for a goal kick. He gets a thumbs up from his captain Mikel for his effort.
43′ CHANCE! Moses picks out Ighalo after a great run but the striker hurriedly takes a shot which sails high as he is being closed down.
39′ HALF CHANCE! Mikel’s smashes a volley well wide.
37′ WOOD WORK! N’gonga’s shot is parried onto the post by Ezenwa and rolls out for a corner. From the corner, Nigeria clear their lines. That was so close!
35′ YELLOW CARD’ Newly introduced Mikel Agu is booked for a silly foul. He needs to keep his head down.
Mikel Agu is booked
33′ Mikel drives forward and his clipped in a dangerous position but the Referee waves play on to the disgust of the fans in Uyo.
31′ BIG CHANCE! Mulenga with an opportunity after bullying Balogun to the ball but he fires well over the ball. Still Nigeria 0 – 0 Zambia.
31′ CHANCE! Nigeria have their first shot on target as Moses Simon cuts in and fires low to Mweena’s right but the experienced goalkeeper was up to the task.
30′ Early substitution for Nigeria. Injured Onazi OUT, Mikel Agu IN.
25′ Rohr looking troubled as Onazi is stretched out of the pitch due to an injury. It does not look like he is going to continue this game.
23′ OFFSIDE! Zambia have the ball in the back of the net but the linesman flag is up for offside. It was a very close call as Mulenga slotted home.
Mulenga’s chance ruled out for offside
19′ Victor Moses who has been Nigeria’s best player on the field so far wins a corner kick. He takes it but Zambia clear their lines.
17′ WHAT A CHANCE! Moses with a brilliant cross in the right flank but Ighalo fails to make contact from the six yard box. He was slow to react. Big chance gone begging for Nigeria.
15′ HALF CHANCE! Zambia with their first shot on goal. Fashion Sakala fires wide after Nigeria gave away the ball. The Zambia no 10 had options in the box but decided to go all on his own.
13′ Mtonga shows brilliant skills to beat Leon Balogun in the right flank but his cross is too deep and causes no danger for Ezenwa in goal for Nigeria.
9′ Zambia struggle to deal with a long throw from Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi. However, the Chipolopolo stars finally deal with the danger with Mikel lurking in the six yard box to pounce on any mistake.
6′ Moses Simon does well to win a corner kick for Nigeria. From the resulting set-piece Mweene gathers easily from a Victor Moses cross. Both teams playing with so much caution.
4′ Zambia win a corner but Nigeria easily deal with the danger.
2′ HALF CHANCE! Shehu crosses from the right but Mweene gathers easily for Zambia as Ighalo was getting ready to pounce on the loose ball.
1′ Nigeria get this World Cup qualifier underway. The Super Eagles are on their traditional green jersey while the Zambians have their orange and red away jersey on.
Here is how both teams line up:
Nigeria starting XI: 1. Ikechukwu Ezenwa, 3. Elderson Echiejile, 4. Wilfred Ndidi, 5. Leon Balogun, 6. William Troost-Ekong, 9. Odion Ighalo, 10. John Obi Mikel (C), 11. Victor Moses, 12. Abdullahi Shehu, 15. Moses Simon, 17. Ogenyi Onazi
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who are just one win away from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, face the Chipolopolo stars of Zambia on Saturday, October 7, at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria got off to a bright start in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign on October 9 last year when they defeated Zambia 2-1 to pick up their first ever away win against the Chipolopolo stars in a competitive game.
The Super Eagles thereafter went on to maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifying series but face a tough test today against the Zambians who are just three points behind them in Group B.
READ ALSO: 4 Zambian stars Super Eagles should watch out for in Uyo
Super Eagles in joyous mood against Cameroon in Uyo. Photo: NFF
There have been 18 matches in all between both teams at the senior level with the Super Eagles winning seven, Zambia winning five, and both countries playing draws in six different occasions.
Zambia last tasted victory against Nigeria in a competitive football match at senior level 32 years ago. However, the team will be relying on the experience of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Kennedy Mweene, and the finishing ability of young striker Patson Daka to beat the Super Eagles in their own backyard.
Zambia team. Photo: FAZ on Facebook
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For the Super Eagles, they will hope to fly with the red-hot form of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi and the experience of John Obi Mikel.
The Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital, will be the grand setting for these two power houses in African football and ZENITHBLOG.com is on ground to bring you minute-by-minute account of the encounter. Kick-off time is 5pm Nigerian time.
Super Eagles prepare ahead of Russia 2018 qualifiers on- ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– Buhari describes Nigeria win over Zambia as very sweet and a good 57th Independence Day gift to Nigeria
– The president commended the Super Eagles for becoming the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 World Cup
– Nigeria have qualified for their sixth World Cup after beating Zambia 1-0 in Uyo
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday, October 7, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
In a statement made available by Femi Adesina, the special Adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Buhari described the hard-earned victory as “very sweet, soothing and a 57th Independence Anniversary gift to the nation.”
He applauded the nation’s senior men’s football team for the feat of making Nigeria the first African country to qualify for Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament, with a match left to play.
READ ALSO: Iwobi scores as Nigeria defeat Zambia to qualify for the 2018 World Cup
Buhari congratulates victorious Super Eagles after World Cup qualification
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The statement added: “The president joins millions of football-loving Nigerians in rejoicing with the players and their coaching crew of Super Eagles.
“President Buhari calls on all Nigerians to apply the values of perseverance, resilience, discipline, hard work and team-spirit which propelled the footballers to excel since the beginning of the qualifying matches, to all sectors of national life.
“The President promised that the Federal Government will continue to support the team within available resources so that the nation will maximise the unifying potentials of sports in general and football in particular.
“He enjoined the entire team and Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials to remain steadfast and focused when they begin preparations for the global football fiesta in order to make Nigeria proud.
“President Buhari urged public, private organisations and well-meaning Nigerians to continue to assist the Super Eagles as the team heads for a sixth appearance at the summit of football competition.
“The President also appreciated the government of Akwa Ibom state for the invaluable support it has been rendering to the football team, describing it as worthy of emulation.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria qualified for the 2018 World Cup after a 1-0 win over Zambia on Saturday, October 7, at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.
Arsenal star Alex Iwobi scored in the 73rd minute few minutes after coming in to give Nigeria all three points that take them to 13 points on the log and against the reach of Zambia who have 7 points with a game in hand.
Is a foreign coach the answer to football in Nigeria? On ZENITHBLOG.com TV
Governor Willie Obiano and his wife, Ebelechukwu, have shocked Anambra state residents after they were seen cruising around inside a keke napep.
In a bid to campaign for his second term as governor of the state, Obiano and his wife shared a ride inside a tricycle cruising around Akwa, the capital of Anambra.
The bold campaign step taken by the governor could be seen as a way to get to know his people and experience how they live.
A governor can decide to live a day like the residents of his state but that does not mean he has to stop being a governor.
Governor Willie Obiano and wife cruise around Anambra state in ‘keke napep’
Photo Source: Lailasblog
READ ALSO: I hope God gives Nigerians the patience to tolerate my administration – Buhari
As Obiano and his wife cruised around in the tricycle, policemen and other security operatives were seen trailing behind and beside the vehicle in other to protect the governor and his wife.
Security operatives followed the vehicle around to protect the governor
Photo Source: Lailasblog
Anambra residents also stepped out in numbers to support their governor.
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Governor Willie Obiano and wife cruise in ‘keke napep’ to campaign for his second term
Photo Source: Lailasblog
Anambra residents came out in numbers to support him
Photo Source: Lailasblog
Are Nigerians truly tired of President Buhari? – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– The EFCC has nabbed three suspected internet fraudsters
– They are alleged to have defrauded their victims, mostly American and European citizens, millions of dollars
– Their names are: Oluwaseun Michael, Igbokwe Chijioke, Felix Chukwudi and Babajide Goloba
The EFCC Lagos zonal office, have arrested four suspected Internet fraudsters. They are: Oluwaseun Michael, Igbokwe Chijioke, Felix Chukwudi and Babajide Goloba.
The quartet were arrested in different parts of Lagos, following intelligence report received by the commission.
They are alleged to have defrauded their victims, mostly American and European citizens, millions of dollars.
They are alleged to have defrauded their victims, mostly American and European citizens, millions of dollars. Photo credit: EFCC, Facebook
READ ALSO: I hope God gives Nigerians the patience to tolerate my administration – Buhari
The suspects, school drop-outs, have confessed to have been involved in romance/ marriage scam, Internet advertisement scam, spoofing of emails and interception of business mails.
They have also confessed to be working as couriers for movement of stolen funds by other cyber-criminals. They own companies with no fixed addresses, which they used to cover up the real sources of their money.
Items recovered from the suspects at the time of their arrest include laptops, handsets and phishing scripts, among others. They will soon be charged to court.
Meanwhile, ZENITHBLOG.com had earlier reported that the police in Cross River state said they have rescued one Comfort Udoenwang, who was abducted on Monday, October 2, by some gunmen.
Hafiz Inuwa, the state commissioner of police, who disclosed this in an interview with the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, said Udoenwang was released early hours of Saturday, October 7.
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Inuwa explained that the victim was whisked away by the gunmen from her Jesus Avenue residence in Calabar south and taken to Akpap-Okoyong village in Odukpani local government area of the state.
Is the Nigerian police your friend? – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV.
– Ooni of Ife has reacted to the ongoing agitation for secession in southeast
– He renamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as the Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria
– He said the youths are justified in asking for justice and equity
The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Friday, October 6, has reacted to the agitation for secession by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The king who renamed IPOB as the Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria, said the agitators cannot be faulted for demanding justice and equity.
Ooni of Ife has reacted to the ongoing agitation for secession in southeast. Photo credit: Ugochukwu Ezenwa, Twitter
He made this statement during his courtesy visit to the Abia state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, TheCable reports.
The monarch said: “There is something that is bordering them; there is something that is making them to cry,” he said.
Ooni of Ife suggested a new name for the Indigenous People of Biafra as the Indigenous People of Brighter Nigeria Photo credit: Ugochukwu Ezenwa, Twitter
READ ALSO: Monkey pox spreads to Rivers as 3 residents suffer attack
“We should not throw them away; we should draw them closer because the youth of this country are the future, the energy, they are the heartbeat of this country.”
The Ooni also supported the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s decision that Nigeria must be restructured to sustain unity.
He said: “We must chart the course of doing things with positive energy. I want to let you know that you are not alone in this.
Ooni of Ife praised the spirit of the Igbo nation. Photo credit: Ugochukwu Ezenwa, Twitter
“We stand by you positively in a very progressive manner. We stand by you; we all must come together to build a united Nigeria. We don’t want any war; we don’t want any disintegration.”
Governor ikpeazu, while reacting to the Ooni’s seej said he was impressed with what the king has said.
Ikpeazu said: “I am a firm believer that this country is strong today because of its diversity.
“The problem confronting Nigeria remains the inability to harness the potentials and weld together the diversities to create a strong, united country.”
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Meanwhile, ZENITHBLOG.com prevously reported that the national president of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Shettima Yerima, hit the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), calling its members ingrates
Shettima said this as a reaction to the group’s recent attack on former governor of Abia state, Orji Uzor Kalu.
According to Shettima, IPOB has become irresponsible and lacks the common sense to come to terms with reality.
Nnamdi Kanu’s father: Everything about my son is the handwork of God – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
The rank of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got depleted on Friday, October 6, with the defection of at least 5,000 members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the high-point of the development was the alleged photograph of the culture and tourism commissioner, Victor Antai, kneeling to beg the defectors from leaving the ruling party in the state.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: President Buhari receives Supreme Court justices (photos/video)
The APC News TV, which posted the photographs, stated that Hon Antai knelt to beg Okon Bassey and other PDP defectors to APC in Urueofong/Oruko, Akwa Ibom state.
The report said the 5,000 former PDP members were drawn from a component of five local government areas of the state.
Some of the defectors. Credit: APC News TV
They were received into the APC by the chairman of the party in the state, Dr Amadu Attai, and witnessed by the federal commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC), Engr Benedict Ukpong.
ZENITHBLOG.com earlier reported that Mr Victor Antai presented a car gift to an online blogger in his state.
According to reports, Blogger Uduak Inwang has every reason to smile as he has just ‘effortlessly’ become the owner of a free car.
PDP women lament on the state of the nation: We are suffering – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– Authorities in the United States recently rejected yam exports from Nigeria because of their poor quality
– This was disclosed by the minister of agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh
– Investigations are already on as to why the yams were not certified suitable to enter the US
Minister of agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has revealed that the US rejected yam exports from Nigeria because of their poor quality.
The minister made this known recently, saying, “Some consignment of yams were exported from Nigeria to the United States and according to reports we have today, they were found to be of poor quality.
“We will be investigating both the company that exported it and our quarantine department to check and find out why such a consignment left here.”
Chief Ogbeh is regarded as one of the shinning lights of the Buhari administration
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s yam export is just going to add to our hardship – Lagos housewife cries out
Ogbeh vowed to investigate both the exporting company and officials of the ministry’s department of quarantine for allowing “such substandard good to leave the shores of the country.”
The Nigeria Yam Export was launched at Lillypond Container Terminal, Ijora, Lagos on Thursday, June 29, by Ogbeh.
Speaking at the event, the minister said: “The yams we export will in no way diminish the quantity we have at home. Indeed, most of the yams we produce, rot away.
“Oil and gas cannot employ millions of people just like agriculture so we must work hard to move from oil to earning foreign exchange from agriculture.”
Despite laying claim to not less than 60% of the world’s yam production, Nigeria does not rank among the world’s highest exporters of the crop.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) were charged with the responsibility of ensuring that yams exported were properly checked and certified.
Others are Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC).
Meanwhile, amid the exportation of yam to Europe, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday, July 17 said that the price of yam increased in June.
The data released by the bureau for June 2017, tagged ‘Selected Food Price Watch’ revealed that the average price of 1 kilogram of yam tuber increased by 32.84% between June 2016 and June 2017.
READ ALSO: Audu Ogbeh responds to critics of yam export policy
Ebonyi state is the focus as West Africa’s food capital – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
– President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with the minister of petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu
– Kachikwu had written a letter to the president accusing the NNPC GMD Baru of corruption and insubordination
– The minister was said to have arrived the president’s office at 11:40am
President Muhammadu Buhari is currently meeting with the minister of state for petroleum resources, Ibe Kachikwu, over the latter’s allegations of insubordination and humiliation against the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Maikanti Baru.
Daily Trust reports that the minister arrived the president’s office at 11:40am.
Minister of state for petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu while arriving Aso Villa for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. Photo credit: Sahara Reporters
ZENITHBLOG.com gathered that Kachikwu had alleged that the NNPC boss had repeatedly sidelined and disrespected the board of the national oil firm, which is chaired by the minister of state.
The minister, in a leaked letter, had informed Buhari that against the rules, some over $25bn contracts were never reviewed or discussed with him or the board of NNPC.
ZENITHBLOG.com also gathered that Kachikwu was also at the Villa on Thursday, October 5 where he held a brief meeting with the Chief of Staff to the president, Abba Kyari.
The meeting with Buhari is coming three days after a memo from the minister to the president leaked. In the memo, dated August 30, Mr. Kachikwu accused the Group Managing Director of the state oil firm, NNPC, Maikanti Baru, of insubordination and violation of due process.
Minister of state for petroleum resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu while arriving Aso Villa for a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. Photo credit: Sahara Reporters
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Meanwhile, ZENITHBLOG.com had previously reported that Kachikwu, in a letter written to President Muhammadu Buhari laid some accusations at the door of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Order’ placed on her accounts. The EFCC stage a walk against corruption – on ZENITHBLOG.com TV
Nigeria has a large variety of vegetation zones and is considered to be one of the most interesting countries in Africa. Savannas, mountains and near-coast areas are all very beautiful, but how much do you know about vegetation in Nigeria? Keep on reading to find out more.
The type of vegetation in a country usually depends on their climate zone. Nigeria for instance has a beautiful variety of rainforests, water swamps, savannas and mountains which makes it stand out among other African states. Nigeria also has a unique place in the north called Sahel extends where Nigerian land meets with the great Sahara desert; this area has no green vegetation, but on the side of Lake Chad, you can find some papyrus and the place looks like a forest.
Nigeria can be said to be made up of dense tropical rainforests on one hand, and completely dry areas on another hand, bordering the Sahara.
READ ALSO: Which desert’s edge is found at Nigeria’s northern border?
The three main types of vegetations in Nigeria
High-mountains & tropical rainforests
The mountain zone is located in Nigeria’s high-mountain areas. The vegetation in that area is not properly developed because of low temperatures. The Jos Plateau is one of the top areas in Nigeria and its grassland slope zone are covered with forests. This zone is ideal for growing crops but because it is quite inaccessible, it still remains untouched.
The forests, are located mainly along the right bank of the River Niger and in the valley of the River Cross. There you can find dense forests with trees over 40-45m high. Such gigantic trees with roots seem to be nature’s foundation, which holds the soil together. The trees of the second, as well as third tiers, are thickly tangled with lianas, rushing towards the sun.
The most valuable plants in Nigeria’s forests are iroko, opepe kaya, sapel and agba. All of them are used to produce timber for construction works and ornamental decoration. On the shores of lagoons, marshes and especially in the delta of the Niger, the forests’ look very different. The trees are way lower and grow far from each other. A lot of trees’ leaves are used for making mats and baskets, an example is the leaves of the candelabra-shaped pandanus.
In the north of the forest zone, humidity is lower and soils are drier. Due to the dry season’s impact, a lot of trees do not have leaves and form what we call dry tropical forests. They are also very multi-tiered but not so dense, and once you move further to the north, you can find the expanses of the Nigerian savannas.
The Nigerian savannas
Guinea Savanna
Most parts of Nigeria are covered by Guinean high-grass savanna. The Guinea savannas border the banks of rivers and the grasses are very high. In this type of savanna, the elephant grass, kaya, isoberlinia, mitragina are predominant. During the first half of the dry season, the savanna looks very lifeless and all the trees are leafless. In the middle of dry season, there are a lot of cases of the dry grass fire bu
Sudan Savanna
At the north of the Guinea savanna, you will find the Sudan savanna. The dry period there lasts for more than six-seven months. The only green vegetation you can find there is a dense low grass. Different types of acacia can be found there, which are used for medical purposes and eaten by camels.
Aside from the low grasses which can be found everywhere in the savanna, another main plant you can find there is the baobab. You can also find the whitish acacia, whose leaves serve as food for a lot of animals. The natural conditions of savanna are suitable for agriculture and farming development, therefore, sheep, cattle and goats can be spotted there.
Sahel Savanna
The Sahel savanna is characterised by desert vegetation. Since it borders the biggest desert in the world – Sahara, the wet season lasts only from 3 to 4 months. The vegetation in this zone is very poor and grasses which can be seen there are extremely short.
Mangrove zone
This is a very special zone located next to the coast. Mangrove vegetation can be found on the coastal line and is greatly influenced by sea salt water. The soil in this zone is bad and holds much salt in it. Such kinds of places are only suitable for growing rice crop.
The natural vegetation of Nigeria is very suitable for the economic activity. Although there are a lot of problems connected with savannas’ development, the climatic conditions still contribute to the producing of cash crops. Nigeria can make big profits if their natural resources are used wisely.
The concept of MDAs is one of the most important ones in understanding how the government works. It’s especially crucial for countries like Nigeria, Ghana or Malaysia, where MDAs are their own special entities. However, some people tend to get confused over what this abbreviation stands for. After all, not everyone is an expert in politics. If you want to find out the full meaning of MDA in Nigeria, continue reading below!
Full meaning of MDAs in Nigeria
The acronym MDA can stand for several different things. It can be defined either as “Model Driven Architecture,” “Missile Defense Agency,” “Muscular Dystrophy Association,” and so forth. There are literally dozens of meanings hiding behind these three simple letters.
However, if you’re a citizen of Nigeria, you’re looking for a different definition. When talking about military and governmental structures, the full meaning of MDA in Nigeria is Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Thus, when you hear someone talking about MDAs, you know that they mean an amalgamation of the three.
Let’s define each component of the acronym individually to better understand what MDA Nigeria stands for.
Strictly speaking, a ministry is a part of the parliament body, with heads appointed by the government. A department, on the other hand, is a part of the public service controlled by governing officials. Thus, a ministry and a department represent two sides of the same coin, since one has its root in the government and the other in the community.
Below you’ll find the most significant differences in the meaning of a ministry and a department:
A ministry is a political structure, while departments are a more technical body.
A ministry can either have or don’t have subordinate departments, but a department can only exist under the control of a Minister.
A ministry gets all the public criticism because they consist of public people, while the department heads stay in the shadows.
An agency is its own separate entity, even though it’s closely tied to the previous two parts of the MDA in Nigeria. In essence, an agency is an organization or a commission created by the government. However, it’s crucial to understand that while it’s accountable to the government, an agency is not a part of any department.
MDAs in Nigeria
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Now that you’ve learned what MDA stands for, let’s talk a bit about the meaning of MDA in context. The Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in Nigeria are public organizations used by the government to bring their programs and initiatives to fruition.
The MDAs consist out of thousands of public and civil employees whose sole task is to implement the policies adopted by the people in charge of the country. Thus, the responsibility for the well-being of the Nigerian population mainly lies on their shoulders. If the MDA in Nigeria would cease to function, all the chances for economic growth would disappear.
Interesting fact: MDA is also responsible for adequately spending the budget that was allocated for a specific cause that falls under their control.
Another essential feature of the MDAs is that they guarantee the continuous functioning of all governing institutions while remaining mostly neutral in terms of political parties. As the government changes with each election, the servants working for most departments and agencies remain the same. Politicians may come and go as they please – the population won’t even notice it. The administration staff, on the other hand, is crucial for carrying out civil service duties and securing harmony for the community.
Now you know both the meaning of MDAs and their most important functions in Nigeria. Be sure to share this information with your friends, and have a beautiful day!
