The Federal Government has adopted the Kingdom of Jordan as a new permanent Christian pilgrimage destination.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Reverend Yakubu Pam, disclosed this during a meeting with the Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiques, Nayef Alfayez.
A statement released by the NCPC media office on Monday quoted Pam as saying that the shift was meant to boost Nigeria’s relationship with the Arab nation.
It added that the shift would also focus on improving diplomatic relations with the Middle-East country in the areas of peace, tourism, agriculture and technology.
“The commission in the past had three pilgrimage destinations which are: Israel, Rome and Greece. But now Jordan has been officially added to our pilgrimage destinations,” he said.
Speaking also, the Jordanian Minister, Alfayez, commended the federal government for considering and adding the holy sites in Jordan as viable pilgrimage destinations.
Alfayez explained that the peaceful co-existence between the Christians and the Muslims was the greatest value Jordan cherished as an Islamic nation.
In a remark, the Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Faruk Yabo, solicited more cooperation in the area of visa procurement to enable more Nigerians to have the opportunity to visit Jordan so as to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The Kaduna State government has denied giving permission for primary and secondary schools in the state to resume on August 9.
This is as the state government emphasized that schools are to remain shut until security operatives give clearance for the safety of the students and teachers following series of attacks on schools by bandits and kidnappers.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Shehu Muhammad, stated this in Kaduna at a joint press conference with the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan.
According to him, students, parents, proprietors, and all other stakeholders are to ignore the fake news making rounds that approval has been given for schools in the state to resume for the third term on August 9.
He reiterated that the indefinite postponement of school resumption announced by the government on August 6 remains in place until otherwise stated.
“We were, however, surprised that for mischievous reasons, some individuals are circulating misguided information, claiming it was from the ministry, asking schools to resume.
“We want to categorically say that all schools – public, private and religious, including federal schools in the state – are to remain close.
“We will reopen as soon as we are advised to do so by security agencies, assuring us that schools are safe to open,” he said.
On his part, Aruwan said that the government ordered the closure of schools so as not to endanger the lives of the students, parents, teachers, and others.
He added that security operatives are working round the clock on the situation and schools will resume once everything is in place.
“It is for this reason that the government was advised against opening so as not to endanger the life of students. The government is concerned for the safety of lives and property and will give clearance for the schools to reopen as soon as security improves,” he said.
Odumosu Moves To Sustain Lagos Peace As The Command Arrests Robbery Suspects
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on Monday, August 9, held a strategic meeting with his Management Team, Area Commanders, DPOs, HODs and other tactical commanders to review security situation in the State.
This is contained in a statement signed by CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer and made available to the National Association of Online Security Reporters, NAOSRE.
According to the statement, the meeting was part of concerted, deliberate efforts to sustain the existing peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed in the State.
Addressing the officers, CP Odumosu charged them to always carry out diligent investigation and prosecution of criminal cases, and be more proactive by constantly carrying out intelligence-driven and aggressive raid of identified black spots with a view to smoking out criminals from their hideouts.
While appreciating the officers for their untiring commitment towards maintaining law and order, Odumosu reiterated his commitment to providing robust security for the good people of Lagos State, adding that while crime had reduced drastically in the state, there was need for officers and men to continue to be ahead of criminals and other hoodlums who often make lives unbearable for law abiding citizens.
Consequently, the CP has directed the creation of additional pin down points at Ile Zik, Opebi, Monkey Bridge, Odo Iya Alaro and other places to further strengthen security of the affected areas.
The Commissioner of Police Hakeem Odumosu while also frowning at reckless attitude of motorists and motorcyclists who persistently violate traffic rules and regulations, vowed to instill discipline by arresting offenders in special and continuous operations that would commence in earnest on Wednesday 11th August, 2021. Therefore, the Command once again uses this medium to warn such traffic violators irrespective of their personality to desist from their unbridled penchant for breaking traffic laws in any part of the State.
In like manner, Ajisebutu added in the statement that following sustained surveillance patrols as part of proactive strategies for crime prevention and control around suspected flashpoints and other areas in Lagos State, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), have arrested two armed robbery suspects at the wee hours of August, along Akowonjo Road, Alimosho.
The suspects are a 31 years old Samuel Akabueze, of 34, Valentine Obasi Street, Idimu Road, and 37 years old Onuoha Joshua of 52, Yusuf Street, Ipaja, both in Alimosho area of Lagos State.
The suspects who are both from Imo State were intercepted while driving a suspected stolen Lexus jeep (LSD 666 GK), suspiciously along Akowonjo Road by the RRS operatives who trailed them to the point of arrest at Egbeda area of the State.
They are suspected to belong to a dare devil armed robbery gang responsible for the spate of armed robbery in Gowon Estate, Festac, Lekki and other areas in the State.
Exhibits found on them include a locally-made pistol with two rounds of live ammunition, four ATM cards, consisting of Eco and Access banks, charms, BRT cowry card, two different keys of another different Lexus SUV and a motorcycle.
Upon interrogation, the suspects claimed to be members of the Aye Confraternity.
The Commander of the Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) CSP Olayinka Egbeyemi has immediately transferred the two suspects to the Special Squad of the Command for further discreet investigation in line with the directive of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu.
The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly undergone another knee surgery at the John Hopkins University Hospital in Maryland, the United States.
It was gathered that the former Lagos State Governor returned to the United Kingdom on crutches after undergoing the successful surgery.
According to SaharaReporters, sources revealed that the 2023 presidential hopeful wanted the surgery in Paris, France but changed his plan over rumour of his death.
The source said: “Tinubu had his second surgery at John Hopkins University in Maryland recently. He was accompanied by a popular Nigerian doctor in Chicago.
“He had wanted the surgery in Paris but when rumour was rife about his death, he hurriedly left for Nigeria and went to John Hopkins.
“He left the US for the UK on crutches.”
Recall that SaharaReporters had on July 13 claimed that Bola Tinubu was hospitalised in Maryland, the US.
the former Governor was reported to have had his first surgery.
Tinubu had been away from the political scene for a while, amidst reports of him planning to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
“Tinubu is hospitalised in Maryland, US. His health is failing. He couldn’t participate in launching his Arewa library, and he couldn’t participate in the Local Government Area elections last week. He could not attend today’s APC congress due to health reasons.
“He had surgery last week,” an authoritative source had disclosed.
Tinubu was also reported sick and hospitalised in Paris, France in January, 2021.
He had earlier complained of exhaustion and had travelled out to rest before the news of his collapse gone viral.
He was flown to Paris for medical attention in the first week of January.
“Tinubu is in Paris, France for a medical checkup. His health is deteriorating. Old age and other stuff, but he still wants to be president. This could mean another medical tourism presidency for our country,” a top source had at that time revealed.
But an aide to the former governor, Tunde Rahman, disclosed that his principal has not been hospitalised.
He insisted that Tinubu has no medical problem that would required hospitalization, saying the APC leader would soon be back.
Rahman said, “His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is fine. He is hale and hearty. He is not in any hospital. He has no medical problem that would require hospitalization. Yes, he is out of the country at the moment. He will be back shortly.
“Anytime he travels out of the country, the next thing some mischievous people would say is he is sick, hospitalized or has died. It is shameful that perpetrators of this evil are not deterred by the fact that each time this fake news has been propagated, they have been proven wrong.
“Who is afraid of Asiwaju Tinubu? Those wishing Asiwaju Tinubu evil or dead should be careful. They should know the matter of life and death is in the hand of only God Almighty.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo of Lagos State had after a recent visit to Tinubu maintained that the APC national leader is in good health.
According to the Governor, Tinubu is well and healthy contrary to some reports about his ill health.
“My going to see our leader was really around the rumours flying around about him.
“He is well and healthy. We discussed happening in our party and country at large. All is well with him as I saw myself and there is nothing to worry about,” Sanwo-Olu declared.
Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned in its totality the endorsement of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for the presidency in 2023.
Recently, some presidential campaign posters of the Kogi State governor were sighted in some states including designated areas in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Naija News reports.
However, the governor is yet to officially declare his intentions to run for the presidency in 2023.
A Christian group that has its identity as, Christian Youth Leadership Network had hailed Governor Bello as the right candidate to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.
Apostle Faith Eches, the convener of the network, said a youth like Governor Bello could change the country’s narratives through effective leadership and governance.
“Governor Yahaya Bello, considering his leadership strides in Kogi State, fits in perfectly for such a role.
“We the youths of this country under the umbrella of Christian Youth Leadership Network represented from the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT have gladly, confidently and most assuredly bestowed upon His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello our choice endorsement to be the next President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria come 2023 by the special Grace of God,” Eches said.
Reacting to the endorsement, Adeyanju in a social media post on Monday said Bello should not be allowed to govern even hell fire, let alone Nigeria.
The Abuja-based activist and convener of Concerned Nigerian described Bello as a complete failure.
According to Adeyanju, the Kogi State Governor is the worst in Nigeria since 1999.
Adeyanju tweeted: “The Christian group that said Yahaya Bello is the best for Nigeria are from hellfire. Yahaya Bello should not be allowed to govern even hellfire.”
“He is the reason why old people will never trust the youth with power. A complete failure and the worst Governor in Nigeria since 1999,” he added.
Despite Messi’s Absence, Barcelona Trash Juventus To Win First Trophy Spanish professional football club Barcelona, on Sunday, August 8 beat toothless Juventus 3-0 to win Gampher Trophy. This is the first trophy after many years that the Catalans lifted without former captain, Lionel Messi, Naija News reports. We reported earlier that Messi on Sunday evening said goodbye to Barcelona in an emotional press conference, leaving Nou Camp after 21 years of his football career with the club. Messi left Barcelona as a free agent after failing to agree fresh terms with the club. The 34-year-old player’s exit was, however, put aside as his former teammates crushed Juve to win a trophy. Memphis Depay opened the scoring after just three minutes. Martin Braithwaite made it 2-0 with a thumping header just before the hour mark from a corner. Riqui Puig added a third in stoppage time with a curling left-foot drive. Barcelona will host Real Sociedad on Sunday in their opening fixture with the new LaLiga season kickstarting on Friday
Usifo Ataga: Court remands Chidinma, One other in prison
Chidinma Adora Ojukwu, the Prime suspect in the killing of the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV, Usifo Ataga, and one Adedapo Quadri, were, on Monday, remanded in prison custody by a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court.
Magistrate Mrs Adeola Adedayo remanded Ojukwu for 30 days, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Ojukwu, 21, was alleged to have murdered Ataga in a shortlet in Lekki area of Lagos State. She and the deceased had been ‘dating’ for sometime.
She confessed killing the deceased because she needed money from him. She has been in the custody of the Nigerian police Force until her remand today. Ataga, on the other hand, has been buried.
Simon Ekpa Rubbishes Kemi Olunloyo’s Claim, Says FBI did not freeze IPOB’s account
Simon Ekpa, a self-styled disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dismissed a claim by blogger, Kemi Olunloyo that the account of the pro-Biafra group was frozen by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Olunloyo had about a week ago in an online interview with media personality, Samklef, said: “Nnamdi Kanu was offered $10 million dollars – to fund him with his Biafra agitation. Sponsors were going to give him $10 million. America has frozen their account.”
Reacting, Ekpa described Olunloyo as “very sick” and “mentally unstable”.
“A report by some unscrupulous individuals claimed that FBI closed IPOB account. They claimed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu went to collect $10 million, and transferred the money to IPOB account, and FBI froze this account. It’s a lie from the pit of hell,” Ekpa said in a broadcast on Enter Biafra Channel 1 on Friday.
“And the person that said it, we know she is not mentally stable. But even at that, we will keep the record straight. That was a very big lie from the pit of hell.
“No account of IPOB has ever been frozen anywhere in the world, because there is no need for that.”
Ekpa went further to say that there was “a complaint” by some disgruntled IPOB members, leading to the group changing its account.
According to the diaspora-based separatist; “every money in IPOB account is intact and accessible”.
IPOB is a banned group in Nigeria, canvassing for the sovereignty of Eastern Nigeria.
TB Joshua Photographs Attracts Powerful spirits working with him – Pastor Chris Okotie [VIDEO]
Nigerian televangelist, Pastor Chris Okotie has claimed that Pastor Temitope Balogun Joshua, popularly called Prophet TB Joshua, distributes his picture to his church members for unholy purposes.
According to Okotie, ‘naïve’ followers of Joshua have been misled.
“Joshua gives you a picture of himself. When you take his photograph, and you put it in your purse, or you put it in your bedroom, or wherever you put it, the image attracts the spirit that works with Joshua. And that spirit will visit you, and begin to appear to you,” Okotie said in a video published on Apokalupsis YouTube page on Sunday,
“Some of you who are Christians, who are not even aware of this principle, and you have the crucifix that you are wearing around your neck. That image is not of God.”
Okotie has been a long-standing critic of Joshua and once described his late colleague as the “vicar of the devil on earth.”
Watch the video here : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kClX8izq_Zs&t=24s
Breaking: Heavily Armed Police operatives Take Over APC National Secretariat In Abuja
A detachment of heavily armed police operatives on Monday, took over the surroundings of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja.
Not less than five Hilux vans belonging to the Police were sighted along the Blantyre street location of the APC national secretariat.
The reason for the heavy security presence could not be immediately confirmed by our correspondent but there are suggestions that it may be part of efforts to prevent any protest against the continued stay in office of the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni as the national chairman of the party’s caretaker committee.
It will be recalled that there have been diverse opinions within the party following the recent Supreme Court on the Ondo State governorship election as it affects the validity of the Gov. Buni-led Caretaker Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee CECPC of the party.
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