Joint Statement of the United States and the Russian Federation, as Co-Chairs of the ISSG, on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria

The United States of America and the Russian Federation, as co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and seeking to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis with full respect for the fundamental role of the United Nations, are fully determined to provide their strongest support to end the Syrian conflict and establish conditions for a successful Syrian-led political transition process, facilitated by the UN, in order to fully implement the Munich Statement of the ISSG on February 11th, 2016, UN Security Council Resolution 2254, the 2015 Vienna Statements and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué.

Photos: Nigerian student and two other African students die in a fatal crash

 A Nigerian student and two other African students of Manchester University, UK, died and a fourth injured when a van driven by a man who authorities say was intoxicated struck them on Sunday, February 21.

Deangelo R. Evans is facing charges in connection with the crash. The 26-year-old from Chicago, was charged with three counts of operating while intoxicated causing death, one count of OWI resulting in serious bodily injury, and three counts of reckless homicide.

The crash happened shortly before 5:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes near mile marker 253. According to the Grant County Sheriff's Department, it appears that the students' van was stopped in the median with a flat tire. Seven people were standing outside when another van that was headed north on I-69 left the road and went into the median, striking four of the students.

Immigration tragedy: EFCC detains Abba Moro, two others

The EFCC today reportedly detained former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, a former Permanent Secretary and a director over the N650million immigration recruitment scandal that led to the death of some job applicants in March 2014.‎ The three suspects were invited by the EFCC ahead of their arraignment in court on Tuesday. About 6.5million Nigerian youths applied for 5,000 immigration jobs, but the conduct of the test in March 2014 led to the death of several applicants during a stampede in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Minna. Each applicant paid a non-refundable application fee of N1, 000.

Photo: 19-year-old breast cancer patient at ATBUTH, in critical condition and needs radio therapy

 19-year-old mother of two, Saadatu Muhammed is currently a patient at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi. According to Surayyah Sabonkudi who shared the photo and details: "I came across this patient in a ward at ATBUTH Bauchi.Who is in need of radio therapy due to breast cancer. She is nineteen years old, a mother of two a villager and an orphan who cannot afford three square meals. Shes saadatu muhammed from giade female surgical ward four."

The Need for an Inland Container Terminal in Onitsha

Due to the dwindling economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and many well-meaning Nigerians have suddenly come to a moment of self realization. We have reached that point in our lives where we are forced to consider where we got it wrong, how we got it wrong, and what we can do to make the cards that we have been dealt - in these dire economic circumstances - work in our favour.


With the current drop in oil prices, Nigeria has experienced a drop in the value of its currency. With the value of the Naira exchanging at $1 to ₦390, €1 to ₦407, and £1 to₦518. Even with these astronomical exchange rates, the Naira keeps dropping on a daily basis.

Forex Speculators From Benin Republic, Ghana, Others Invade Nigeria For Profits

FOREIGN exchange (forex) speculators from Benin Republic, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Ghana and other African countries are cashing in on the wide margin between the official and parallel market rates to make huge profits ,The Nationhas learnt.

The speculators are moving in huge dollar deposits to meet the rising demand by Nigerian importers and other buyers requiring dollar to pay their children’s school and medical fees.

Although the exchange rates are high, the urgency and necessity left the buyers with no option than to buy from the parallel market.

The official exchange rate has remained at N197 to a dollar in the last six months, creating a huge gap between the official or interbank rates and parallel market rates.

Febrile Rash Illnesses Hits Lagos Community, 20 Killed So Far

34 cases under examination
We’ll fight outbreak, says health Commissioner


An outbreak febrile rash illnesses (FRI) has been recorded in Otodo Gbame community in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State,leaving at least 20 kids dead.

Thirty-four other cases are currently under examination, Health Commissioner Jide Idris announced yesterday.

The outbreak was first identified by the Medical Officer of Health of the LGA on the 9th February, he said.

I’m Not A Hungry Governor - Obiano To Critics

The Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has carpeted his critics who accused him of mismanaging the state’s resources, saying, “I’m not a hungry governor.”

The governor, who stated this in a media chat at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, said he was an accomplished person by dint of a good career he had in the banking industry.

He said, “Look, let me tell you, I’m a wealthy person before I came here as a governor. I didn’t come here to steal, because there is nothing here for me to steal.
“I was enjoying my wealth in the United States of America with my family before I was approached to come and do this job as a governor.

Dasukigate: Metuh Wants Jonathan As Witness

•PDP chieftain files no case submission

From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

NATIONAL Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olisa Metuh, has told a Federal High Court that the Eco­nomic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) cannot prosecute him without inter­rogating former President Goodluck Jonathan regarding the source of the N400 million alleged to be part of arms purchase funds.

Metuh, who has filed a no case submission asking the court to discharge him from the seven- count money laundering charge preferred against him and his company, Destra Investment Limited, said the Prosecution Witness (PW5) evidence that presentation for which money was paid was made to Jonathan makes the investigation of his role as well as his evidence vital and indeed crucial without which no prima facie case can conceivably be said to have been made out. Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) led Metuh’s defence team.

INEC Declares Kogi Senatorial Rerun Election Inconclusive

There was confusion in the political circle of Kogi state on Sunday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the two senatorial rerun elections in the state inconclusive.
The commission had in Saturday conducted the elections in Kogi East and Kogi West senatorial districts.

However as the people eagerly waited for the results to be declared, the commission again said no result could be declared as the elections were inconclusive.
Declaring the result of the Central senatorial district, the returning officer, Mr Salihu James, said Ahmed Salau Ogembe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) scored 45, 468, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi of the Progressive People Aliance (PPA) 31, 163, while Dr. Moses Wakili of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) scored 9, 962.