NEWS SUMMARY AUGUST 15, 2016
Chibok Girls Latest Video: FG in Touch, Working For Girls Release
The Federal Government says it is doing everything possible to secure the release of the Chibok girls and put an end to the horrible saga of their abduction.
Reacting to the latest video of some of the girls, Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in a statement by his special Assistant Segun Adeyemi that the Federal Government is in touch with those purportedly behind the video.
He said the Government is on top of the situation, and is being extremely careful because of the situation has been compounded by the split in the leadership of Boko Haram.
Air Force on Special Patrol and Route Match
And now we begin with security matters, as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique has affirmed the readiness of the Nigerian Air Force to confront criminals in Nigeria’s South- South Geo-Political Zone just as they did to the Boko Haram Terrorists.
He made this known while addressing officers and men at the end of this year’s third quarter route match exercise in Abuja.
Nigerian Army Declares Ahmed Salkida and Two Others Wanted
The Nigerian Military has declared Ahmed Salkida, Ahmed Bolori And Aisha Wakil wanted for interrogation over alleged links with Boko Haram insurgents.
Acting Director Army public relations in a statement says two recent videos released by the terrorists point to the fact that the three individuals have information on the exact location of the missing Chibok girls and other abductees whom they have refused to disclose to facilitate their rescue.
The Military in declaring them wanted relies on relevant laws of the land particularly the terrorism prevention act 2011 as amended and calls on Nigerians to give useful information on their where about.
Minister of Niger Delta on Projects Validation
with the release of the strategic implementation plan sip for 2016 budget and subsequent disbursement of over three hundred billion naira so far for capital expenditure ,the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is working towards completing some of its people oriented projects in the region.
Minister of Niger Delta Affairs Usani Uguru Usani disclosed this during a validation tour of some of the ministry “s projects in Akwa Ibom state
PDP Bot on Convention
The Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democartic Party PDP has resolved that the national convention of the party will hold on the 17th of this month in Port Harcourt as earlier scheduled.
This was the decision reached during the presentation of report to the PDP committee on reconciliation under the chairmanship of Professor Jerry Gana.
The committee recommended for all aggrieved party members to withdraw cases in court and allow political solution to address their grieviances. The BOT did not make public the position of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who is the principal actor in the leadership crisis in the party.
Sultan in Benin
The National President of the Supreme Council Islamic Affairs and the Sultan of Sokoto, his eminence Saad Abubakar III is appealing for compulsory teaching of Islamic Studies and Christian Religious Studies in the country.
This was at the General Assembly and National Executive Council meeting of the body in Benin.
NAHCON Airlift 20,000 Pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON has announced the airlift of about twenty thousand Nigerian Pilgrims to the holy land.
This is coming barely one week after the commencement of 2016 Hajj Airlift.
With the steady progress made so far coupled with the number of aircrafts made available for the operation by the airlines, there are indications that the airlift may be completed before the September 4 airspace closure date set by Saudi Arabia Civil Aviation Authority.
Media Officer NAHCON Adamu Hassan Abdullahi in a statement says reports from various departure centers in Zamfara, Ilorin zone which comprises Kwara, Ondo and Ekiti states indicated that about 2,000 Pilgrims from the areas are set for Airlift tomorrow.
Former CAN President on National Unity
The Former National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria,Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor says the quest for national unity and cohesion is not negotiable, praying for better days for Nigeria.
Pastor Oritsejafor stated this at a reception in his honour in Warri.
He called on Nigerians irrespective of political, ethnic and religious differences to support initiative aimed at uplifting the nation.
The reception was also attended by the new can National President Reverend Samson Ayokunle.
The programme was organized by Word of Life church in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
Church Celebrates the Youths
Nigerian youths are enjoined to take their place in national development as the recognize God’s importance in all life’s endeavours.
This was in a message as part of activities to mark international youth’s week at Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria in Abuja by leader of the church youth Deacon Felix Sale
Army Training for Combat Efficiency Ends
Still on security matter, the 2016 Warrant Officers and senior non Commission Officers competitions to prepare them for combat efficiency have ended with a challenge to participants to continue to maintain all year round fitness.
FRSC Trains MDAs Drivers
In line with Presidential directive that all Federal Government drivers must be trained to increase their competence level, federal road safety corps has commenced training for the first batch in Abuja .
PDP Northern Caucus Meets on Convention
The northern caucus of the People’s Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the party’s caretaker committee to go ahead with the national convention as scheduled on the 17th of this month.
At the end of its expanded meeting in Abuja, the group constituted a committee to screen aspirants from the region for the convention.
John Oyegun at 77
The National Chairman of the all progressives’ congress Apc, Chief John Oyegun says infrastructural foundations being laid by President Muhammadu Buhari are aimed at moving the nation away from the status of a mono economy.
He said this at an event organized by staff of the APC National Secretariat to mark his 77th birthday.
DG NTA on Content Development
The Director General of the Nigeria Television Authority, Mallam Yakubu Ibn Mohammed says NTA needs to invest in world class documentaries that will stand the test of time in this competitive era of digital television.
He was speaking on NTA’s programme Weekend Deal.
Teens Conference and Capacity Building
Nigeria Youths have been challenged to invest in their future in other to be able to compete favourably with their counterparts in developed countries.
This was the thrust of the teen’s career conference organized by the everlasting arms parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG).
GMN Backgrounder on Solid Minerals and Steel Development
That Nigeria is one of the most naturally endowed nations of the world is a fact that has remained un controverted.
However, its utilization of its natural resources for the benefit of its citizens is one issue that leaves much to be desired.
Since the nation hit commercial oil in the 1960s, the neglect of other natural endowments particularly solid minerals and steel has attained unprecedented heights.
With the crash in global prices of oil and a receding economy, Nigeria is now waking up to the reality of harnessing the potentials of the solid minerals sector for development.
Speaker Hails Dream Team
Speaker, House Of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has applauded the heroics of Nigeria’s dream team over their 2-0 win against Denmark in Brazil.
Speaking after watching the Nigerian side put down Denmark in the Quarter Final Match; Dogara said the Nigerian spirit was on display in the encounter.
Dogara called on all Nigerians to stand behind the team as they seek to bring glory to the country.
a statement by his Special Adviser on media and public affairs Turaki Hassan urged Nigerians to support the dream team with prayers as Nigeria can go all the way and win the gold medal as was the case in Atlanta ’96.
