High Street

The federal government on Sunday said 110 schoolgirls of Government Girls Technical School Dapchi, were unaccounted for in the Boko Haram attack on the school last Monday. Lai Mohammed, minister of information, disclosed this in Damaturu after a closed-door meeting between a federal government delegation, Yobe government, security agencies, community leaders and parents of the missing schoolgirls. “It was a meeting between stakeholders to get a first hand information and, out of the total register of 906 students in school that day, 110 students are unaccounted,” he said. The minister said far-reaching decisions were reached, among which included the deployment of police and Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NCDC) to all schools. He said security agencies were synergising to ensure the rescue of every student abducted by the insurgents. “No stone will be left unturned in our determination to rescue these girls,” the minister assured. He said the federal, state governments an...

Wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to jail the Managing Directors/Chief Executive Officers of three banks for their alleged refusal to comply with the court’s order directing them to lift the restrictions placed on her accounts at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The committal proceedings initiated by Patience and 10 others are against the MDs/CEOs of First Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc, Mr. Adesola Adeduntan, Mr. Tokunbo Abiru and Mr. Uzoma Dozie, respectively. The MDs of the three banks have denied the allegations of disobedience of the December 5, 2017 order of the court levelled against them. In his response to the applicants’ motion, Adeduntan  said First Bank, had after verifying the authenticity of the court order served on it on December 11, 2017, complied with the order. The bank stated that it, in compliance with the court order, unfroze the accounts of the...

A yet-to-be-identified pregnant woman went into forced labour on Sunday after she was attacked by robbers in the Badagry area of Lagos State. Although she was delivered of the baby in an emergency caesarian section in a private hospital, she reportedly died from the injuries she sustained during the attack. PUNCH Metro learnt that the woman, who had luggage containing some goods, boarded the suspects’ car, with the number plate, KTU 356 CE. The vehicle was travelling from Cotonou, Benin Republic, inward Lagos on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. The woman reportedly thought it was a cab until the men brought out weapons and demanded her valuables. However, the woman allegedly raised the alarm, drawing the attention of other road users. It was learnt that while some motorists pursued the vehicle, the men attacked and injured the victim for not keeping quiet. Luck ran out on the men at the AP Filling Station before Aradagun bus stop, when they were blocked by officials of t...

Unity Bank says there was no “tango” between silent power behind the financial institution Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (the former military ruler) and Abba Kyari, the chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari in recently accessing the Sovereign Investments fund. In a statement made available, the bank insisted it didn’t access any Sovereign fund to buoy its operations and that rather the bank is on course in its determination to shore up capital. Sources, however, claim Unity bank secured the reported fund under through a third party who is penciled to utilize it for agricultural purposes. “It is meant to set up a fertilizer plant and the bank based on arrangements in place would house the funds for the beneficiary…the inherent benefits for the bank is apparent” a source stated. The development is viewed as a huge lifeline for the bank not among the top-ranked. The Nigeria Sovereign Investments Authority gave approvals for the purpose the fund is meant for but did not disburse. Ab...

No doubt, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has raised the bar of good governance in the State of Osun and if third term is allowed in the constitution, Osun people would have wanted him to rule again but he has no other term to govern but like every other political leader, he would want to continue in office. He would want his party to continue ruling and his legacies sustained. Aregbesola has achieved remarkably in the area of job creation by employing well over 40,000 youths through OYES scheme, thereby injecting over 400 million naira into the economy of the State through the scheme on monthly a basis. Massive road constructions which have translated to economic growth, creation of new environment entirely around education by building schools with qualitative training of teachers to improve the contents; the award winning Opon Imo is an unprecedented achievement of this current administration and the O'meal programme which attracted the interest of other States, ...

+IBB, Abba Kyari Connection There is great happiness at financial institution, Unity Bank. The ailing bank just secured another lease of life. The management has accessed the sovereign wealth or investment fund to buoyed its operations. Sources claim the funds at stake bail out the financial institution headed by Oluwatomi Somefun from conducting its operations on shoestring budget, like before. “The fund is huge…everybody at the bank is exceedingly happy it came to be” a source disclosed. The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority(NSIA) manages the wealth fund which amongst other things provides “stabilization support in times of economic stress”. Checks by societynowng revealed the happiness suffusing Unity Bank via accessing the wealth fund wouldn’t have been if the hard stance of Abba Kyari, the chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari played. Kyari widely regarded as one of the most powerful men in the presidency was said to have stumbled on the “arrangemen...

Casino King Kessignton Adebutu has reasons to fear for the gubernatorial ambition of his son, Ladi Adebutu. Details available to societynow revealed the concern of the power behind street lottery known as “Baba Ijebu” stem from a recent happenstance. Lagos Senator Solomon Adeola popularly known as Yayi grandly outshined the younger Adebutu otherwise hail by Lado by fans in his base. Yayi, a sitting senator in Lagos state just like Ladi aspires to be the next governor of Ogun state. And unlike Ladi he comes from the minority ethnic area of Ogun state – Yewa. Surprisingly Yayi attended an event with Ladi in the latter’s base and secured a thunderous recognition while homeboy Ladi was booed!.Solomon Adeola The occasion was the recently held 12th annual Thanksgiving and the 5th memorial anniversary of Reverend Abraham Adebola Daniel, the father of former governor Gbenga Daniel. Senator Adeola, Gboyega Isiaka, Ladi Adebutu – all gubernatorial aspirants were at the event which held in Sha...

A self-confessed serial killer, Adeola Williams aka Ade Lawyer, has owned up to several assassinations, saying he had killed four people allegedly on the orders of a former Chairman of National Union Road of Transport Workers, Lagos State branch, Alhaji Akani Olorunwa. Ade Lawyer, 39 and 51-year-old Olorunwa were paraded on Friday at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja. Saturday PUNCH learnt that the ex-NURTW boss was picked up on Thursday while Ade Lawyer was arrested a day earlier in Akure, Ondo State, by operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team. They were arrested for the murder of Ganiyu Ayinla alias Pinero, the personal assistant to the NURTW chairman in Idumota, Azeez Lawal (AKA Kunle Poly). Pinero was killed on January 23 during an attack on Kunle Poly as the duo wanted to enter a vehicle after attending a meeting on Lagos Island. The police had earlier arrested four suspects in connection with the murder. Ade Lawyer told journ...

Otunba Iyiola Omisore has all but officially dropped his gubernatorial ambition. According to information available to societynow, this development is the fall out of intense negotiation with the former senator by the People’s Democratic Party stakeholders in Osun state – and beyond. Omisore was party’s flag bearer in the last gubernatorial election in the state. But failed to stop the re-election bid of outgoing governor Rauf Aregbesola after allegedly alienating “those who can make things happened” in his party by taking away their relevance and forced them to defect into the warm embrace of the opposition All Progressive Congress. His loss turned the gain of Aregbesola who secured re-election. Omisore a top-level People’s Democratic Party chieftain had indicated interest to re-contest. And vowed not to step down for “anyone” as another gubernatorial election beckons in Osun state. “His lifelong dream is to become Governor of Osun state” a source asserted. But fresh revelations ha...

There is trouble in the Lagos state chapter of the All Progressives Congress. And the situation has degenerated to such an extent that parallel executives committees of the party are being set up at different levels all over the state in the growing fight. At stake is the re-election bid of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. The state head man decorated with publicity blitz of outstanding performance is facing stiff opposition against his attempt to secure party’s approval for another term. Insiders disclosed those against him have so firmly entrenched selves in the party structure that it is giving Ambode’s supporters cause for concern.APC logo “Hence the need for a parallel structure with the setting up of replica party executives at different levels all over the state” a source disclosed. Insiders disclose the ultimate aim is to force a reconciliation that would help the “new executives” achieve their aim. Interestingly this development is playing out in Lagos, Asiwaju Bol...

The month of March 2018 is gradually becoming power packed with the kind of events that would hold in that 3rd month, end of the first quarter of 2018. First it is the Jamil Abubakar weds Fatima Dangote wedding that everyone was getting prepared for in that same month, now feelers that we have gotten has it on good authority that the families of "Osinbajo of Abeokuta, that's the family of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and his adorable wife would be uniting in Holy matrimony with the Shagayas, that's Hajia Bola Shagaya's family. Damilola Osinbajo & "Seun" Bakare would on Thursday, March 15 and Saturday March 17, 2018 in Abuja, the FCT, solidify their love for each other by making it legal, both traditionally and otherwise. From what we have learnt, the 2 families wants to keep the ceremonies hush-hush (very quiet). Why they had adopted that idea we don't know, but we have thought to help them by announcin...

Away from the publicity blitz of “extraordinary performance”, sources disclose Governor of Lagos state Akinwunmi Ambode is battling a thickening plot. He is fighting mounting attempt to limit him to a single term in office. Sources disclosed those spearheading the move are party men and “investors” dissatisfied with the administrative style of the Lagos Governor. Ambode is alleged to have frozen out all other people but his key loyalists in the running of Lagos state. Economic and political benefits are allegedly reserved for his trusted aides and associates. His “rigid” administrative style is said to be such that nothing comes out of Lagos government to anybody without his say so. Initially hailed as a “cost-saving approach” the list of eventually beneficiaries of mega contracts from the state allegedly paint a picture of deliberate sidelining of “certain people” and “caucuses”. The “certain people” and “caucuses” are said to have transformed into a passionate movement to stop the...

Kingsley Moghalu, a former deputy governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), says he is consulting widely to run for the presidency in 2019. Moghalu told political correspondents in Lagos that time had come for technocrats, intellectuals and experienced people to take power from career politicians. He said he would not be deterred from joining the race, in spite of speculations that 2023 was the year slated for Igbos to have a shot at the presidency. Moghalu argued that politics in Nigeria should be detribalised for Africa’s most populous nation to grow and take its rightful place in the comity of nations. “It is the turn of any competent Nigerian to aspire for the post of the presidency because career politicians have failed Nigeria,” he said. He said zoning, which had been used by the major political parties, might have been relevant in the past but that it was no longer necessary because competence should be placed above tribe in present-day Nigeria. “Zoning was ...

Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state, has vowed to back Uche Nwosu, his son-in-law, if he shows interest in the 2019 governorship election. Speaking on Monday when he received leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Owerri municipal council, Okorocha said Nwosu, who is married to his first daughter, has all it takes to be a good governor. “Uche Nwosu is hardworking, and never gets tired. I have checked him in and out, I have not found him wanting,” Sam Onwuemeodo, the governor’s chief press secretary, quoted him as saying. He is a very humble young man. Not proud. Not arrogant. So, power won’t enter his head. “In spite of the position he occupies, you can’t see him quarrelling with anybody or maltreating anybody. He does not segregate anybody, whether from Orlu or Owerri or Okigwe zone. He relates with people enviously.” On whether Nwosu is from the zone that ought to produce the next governor, Okorocha said: “Zoning does not put food on the table of anybody...

Orode, the daughter of former governor of Delta state Emmanuel Uduaghan has provided insight into life outside marriage. The subject of a collapsed matrimony says though she has embraced her new life and making the best of it, “it is not easy filling the gap”. Orode made the frank disclosure in a recent chat which details are hope and prayers for a second chance at matrimony. Statements credited to her sourced from a report on thecapital.ng reads , “It’s not easy filling in the gap. I am living my dreams. I am not trying to be an awesome mum for the world to see that all is well and good, no. Sometimes all is not well, sometimes it difficult. I mean, it was hard- it still is hard. It not the funniest thing that I wanted, it was what I had to do to be honest; it really all boils down to God. “There are still dark days, there are still days where I ask myself some questions, should I have been better, should I have seen signs, what mistakes did I make? But the moment when God really s...

Suspected herdsmen engaged men of the 707 special forces brigade of the Nigerian Army, Makurdi, Benue state in a gun battle on Tuesday. Olabisi Ayeni, spokesman of the brigade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday. He said the suspects were plotting to attack a fish farm belonging to Samuel Ortom, governor of the state. Ayeni said two of the attackers had been arrested. “Troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade, Nigerian Army, on a routine patrol along Gbajimba – Iyiodeh road in Guma LGA of Benue State on Tuesday 6 February 2018 arrested two Fulani militia who were suspected to be planning a dangerous mission,” he said. “The troops sighted a group of these people while on their daily patrol. The militia who were suspected to be converging, possibly for an attack on Governor Ortom’s fish farm and other innocent citizens were about to be approached for questioning when they opened fire on the troops who later engaged them. “When the troops accosted the herdsmen, they opened fi...

A high court in the federal capital territory (FCT) has sentenced six people to various jail terms for a N5.2 billion electricity project scam. Those convicted are Samuel Ibi, former managing director Rural Electricity Agency (REA); Abdullahi Aliyu, former permanent secretary of the ministry of power; Simon Kirdi Nanle, an accountant in REA; Kayode Orekoya, director of projects; Abdusamad Garba Hahun, assistant director; and Kayode Oyedeji, head of legal department. They were charged to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for criminal breach of trust by fraudulently awarding contracts for grid extension and solar electricity from the amended 2008 budget of the REA. They were said to have facilitated the withdrawal of the sum of N119.7 million from the account of the agency domiciled in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). During the trial, Kemi Pinheiro, prosecution counsel, called seven witnesses. Paul Ewekoro, counsel to the defendants, made a no case submission...

The government of Kogi State, its governor Yahaya Bello as well as the commissioners of justice and lands in that state, have been sued to court over their decision to provide land for the nomadic herdsmen- who in recent times have been in the news for killing dozens of Nigerians across the country. The case was brought against them by an aspirant for the House of Assembly in 2019, who is also a native of Kogi State, Sheyi Babaeko. In the lawsuit number HCH/08/2018, the plaintiff alleges that cattle grazing and colonies are private businesses and does not fall under the public interest of the citizens of Kogi State. It also seeks to find out if the governor indeed has the power to compulsorily acquire land for these herdsmen. Several Nigerians have kicked against the idea of government creating colonies for the herdsmen, saying that it should not be government’s business. However Kogi governor Yahaya Bello had declared that his state was ready to be the pioneer site for these ...

Covenant University has emerged the first-place winner in Nigeria's stage of the global CFA Institute Research competition at the finals held in Lagos on Saturday. Covenant University beat University of Lagos and Obafemi Awolowo University, which emerged second and third place winner, respectively in the competition sponsored by Zenith Bank Plc. Eight universities took part in the maiden edition. Covenant University will consequently represent Nigeria at the Regional CFA competition in Dublin, Ireland, on April 4 and April 5. The CFA Institute Research Challenge is the world’s most prestigious investment research competition among university students globally, aimed at promoting best practices in equity research among the next generation of analysts. The competition promotes ethics and best practices in investment research through hands-on mentoring and intensive training in equity analysis and presentation. The overall objective of the CFA Institute Research Challenge is ...

Ex-Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.) has disowned a statement signed and distributed by his media aide, Mr. Kassim Afegbua. In the widely-circulated statement, Afegbua quoted IBB as advising President Muhammadu Buhari not to stand for re-election in 2019. However, the new statement, signed by IBB, noted that he (IBB) had unfettered access to Buhari and that where necessary, he would speak to the President in camera instead of resorting to open letter as alleged. Here is the full statement: MY COUNSEL TO THE NATION–BY GENERAL IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA, GCFR Distinguished Members of the Fourth estate of the realm. It has been drawn to my attention a press statement on the State of the nation, particularly 2019 general elections and beyond. Let me categorically state that as former President and Statesman, I have unfettered channel of communication with the highest authorities without sensational public correspondence, therefore those views...

Erstwhile military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to allow his own personal ambition for second term to override national interest. IBB said, come 2019 and beyond, Nigerians should raise a new breed leadership with requisite capacity to manage its diversities and jump-start a process of launching the country on the super highway of technology-driven leadership in line with the dynamics of modern governance. He called on Nigerians to cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari to complete his term of office on May 29th, 2019 and collectively prepare the way for new generation (of) leaders to assume the mantle of leadership of the country. In what appears to be a departure from ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, IBB warned that his was not an open letter to the President, but that he had only shared his thoughts with “fellow compatriots” on the need to enthrone younger blood in t...

The Obazelu of Benin Kingdom, Chief Osaro Idah, has commended Skye Bank Plc., for rewarding loyal customers, making people happy and helping their businesses to grow.  He said this during the presentation of N1 million cheque to Mrs. Eunice Odubor, an Inspector with Civil Defence Corps who emerged a lucky winner in the bank’s on-going “Reach for the Skye” millionaire reward promo which held at the palace of the monarch at the weekend.  The Obazelu noted the commendable efforts of Skye Bank in encouraging savings culture in Nigeria and for giving equal opportunities to all customers to get a chance to win in the on-going “Reach for the Skye” millionaire reward promo.  According to the monarch, “We are very impressed with your great steps to make life beautiful for our people. Your bank understands tradition and the core needs of the people. We will also continue to support your bank and encourage our people to bank with you.  “I am also particularly happy ...

According to information at highstreetng.com 's disposal successful PR Man and boss of The Preferred Team (TPT) Tokunbo Modupe has his eyes on a political position. He wants become a senator of the Federal Republic. Report has it he will be contesting Ondo North senatorial seat in 2019 general election.  Trusted news platform societynow broke the news. And according to its report the master of the game in his sector of operation -Public Relations- has already kick started underground move to make his ambition a reality. This is how societynow actually reported the story… “Details filtering in have it that people’s person and the power behind TPT (The Preferred Team) Tokunbo Modupe is currently working on plans to become a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is said to be perfecting moves to actualise the ambition in next year’s general election. Insiders disclose the holder of the chieftaincy title of Akogun is prosecuting underground campaign to achieve ...