NEW VIDEO: P-Square - Away [Official Video]

Love is in the air and P-Square gets you in the valentine mood with this amazing video for their latest single “Away”. The video was directed by Clarence Peters.

NEW VIDEO: Kiss Daniel - Duro [Official Video]

Pop Superstar Kiss Daniel has had a very busy past few months churning out video after video to hit singles off his “New Era” album which was released last year. The latest is the visuals to the ballad “Duro” which many fans have labeled as one of Kiss Daniel’s most important works.

The video which was shot on location in Malibu and Los Angeles, California was directed by Patrick Elis and features the pop star serenading his “love” with smooth and sweet tunes imploring her to stay. He promises undying love to her irrespective of the season or time.

How Ex-Chief Of Air Staff Dikko Umar Acquired Properties With NAF Funds - Witness

Trial of Air Marshal Umar Dikko continued on Monday, February 13, 2017 before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, presenting its first witness, Commodore S. A. Yusahau (rtd), who narrated how the defendant used NAF funds to acquire properties in Abuja.

Dikko, who served as the Chief of Air Staff, Nigerian Air Force, between September 2010 and 2012, was arraigned on January 25, 2017 on a 7-count charge of money laundering and procurement fraud to the tune of N9.7 billion.

Yushau, while being led in evidence by counsel to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that he was appointed as the director of finance and account, DFA, by the defendant (Dikko), a position that put him in charge of all the financial roles.

“I receive all money of the Nigerian Air Force and disburse it as authorized by the Defendant. The Nigerian Air Force received its funds to the tune of N4 billion monthly”, he said.

According to the witness, “Of the N4 billion received monthly, the actual figure used in paying staff salary was between N2.3 billion to N2.4 billion. Out of the remaining N1.6 billion, N558,200.000.00 (five hundred and fifty eight million, two hundred thousand naira) was usually set aside for upkeep of the defendant, while N120 million was for the office of the DFA.

The PW1 went further to explain how the sum of N558,200.000.00 that was set aside for the upkeep of the Chief of Air Staff office was always converted to dollar equivalent and taken to Dikko in his personal house.

“The defendant (Dikko) purchased a 5bedroom duplex with a swimming pool, a guest chalet at N700million in Maitama, Abuja for his retirement,” Yushau disclosed.

The witness further told the court that, the defendant had a property with underground hall in Asokoro purchased at N860million and renovated at the cost of N66million in early 2012. He added that, in 2011, the defendant acquired a property in Kano and another property in Kaduna.

“The Kaduna property was purchased at the cost of N80million and a sum of N75million or N80million was used to renovate it”, said the PW1. 

Yushau also disclosed that Dikko had a property at Mabushi, which cost N500million.

Further hearing on the matter has been adjourned to February 16, 2017.

Wilson Uwujaren 
Head Media & Publicity
13th February, 2017

Dana Airline grants 50 per cent discount on govt flight tickets

Dana Airline on Sunday announced a 50 per cent discount on official flight tickets by ministries, departments and agencies.

The discount for civil servants on official trips was announced at the end of negotiations by the airline and the Efficiency Unit of the Federal Ministry of Finance as part of its cost management initiatives.

The initiative is part of government’s cost-cutting policies to reduce wastage and leakages in public sector expenditure.

At the agreement signing ceremony in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mahmoud Isa-Dutse, said government was doing everything within its power to reduce operational costs while maximizing the gains.

The agreement with Dana Airlines is the first by any airline operating in the country on air ticket cost reduction for government workers on official trips.

Dana Airlines Head of Ground Operations, Ememobong Ettete, said the deal was part of its contributions to government’s effort towards national development.

The Efficiency Unit established n 2016 identified the Federal Government’s large purchasing power, which could be leveraged to secure discounts from suppliers of standard goods, including air travel tickets for which government spends huge resources every year.

To reduce the cost, the Efficiency Unit had sought discounts from airlines operating in Nigeria.

In 2016, the Unit was able to secure discounts ranging between five and 50 per cent from 19 local and foreign airlines.

Mr. Isa-Dutse said negotiations with other airlines were at various stages of finalisation.

“When completed, the savings to government from the discounts is estimated at about N5 billion per annum,” he said.

“These discounts, when considered alongside the restrictions on the class and frequency of travels introduced in 2016 through Circulars issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, would translate to a savings totalling N15 billion yearly on travels.”

He said while agreements with other airlines were ongoing, the Efficiency Unit was currently making arrangements for additional savings from the procurement of stationery, computers and computer accessories, vehicles and photocopiers, amongst others.

Also present at the agreement signing ceremony were the Head of the Efficiency Unit, Patience Oniha, and a senior official of the airline, Joy Nwogu.

How expired malaria drug caused death of West Africa Idol star Eric Arubayi

Fresh details have emerged about the death of the late West Africa Idol star and top Nigerian gospel artiste, Eric Arubayi jnr., who died on Saturday at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara.

He was 34 years old.

Confirming the demise of the gospel artiste, his brother, Derreck Arubayi, in a chat with Vanguard Newspaper, explained that the deceased took ill after taking an expired drug meant to treat his malaria and typhoid ailment.

He said: “He had malaria and typhoid, which was untreated. It later became worse after he took a medication that had expired and this triggered his liver ailment and afterwards, every other thing just followed at a fast pace before his death.

“The only thing that we had to say is that he lived for Christ. We just want the world to know that the name Eric Odafe Arubayi was for a reason beyond the West Africa Idol show. “For that reason, God would make manifest even beyond his glorious ascension.”

Eric, a son of a former Vice Chancellor of the Delta State University, Eric Arubayi, was a popular worship leader at the House on the Rock Church in Lagos.

He shot into limelight after he emerged a finalist at the West African Idols in 2007. He launched his debut album, ‘Redefined’ in 2011 in Lagos. The singer tied the knots with a former model, Chinonso, in 2016 and the union is blessed with a son.

Meanwhile, many Nigerian celebrities have continued to pay endless tributes to one of their own on social media.

King Minjin

Why God why so much talent gone. The world will miss you #mentor

Nikki Laoye

Where are you, EricArubayi? My brother, my friend, I left you here safe and healthy before I travelled to the US in December.. Came back, Kept Checking on you, and was yet to see you face to face in 2017… But now I won’t have that chance anymore cause you have flown away.

Just like that… Ehnnn!!! So much running through my head , too many memories… We’ve been thru a lot together over the past 10 years and counting……… Co-Worship Leaders at House on the Rock Church, we’ve traveled many cities together, ministered together … A true brother indeed, can’t ever forget how you rushed to my side the morning my Dad passed away and you stayed the whole day with my family.

Always looking for my trouble, blunt and never afraid to tell me that truth even when it hurts… What about our many choir wardrobe fights… Who would disturb me now??

Your unreleased videos nko, your album.. Too many plans in the oven….. Your wife, Your Son???? There’s just too much, Too much running through my head.

Sammie Okposo

Oh lord my God, Help us in this time Please help us lord

Ruggedman

Wow! Eric! Wow! May your soul rest brother….

Obiora Obiwon

Aaaaaarrgh a General struck down! Just look at this fine young man! But you know what, His soul is the finest cause He gave it to Lord long ago! Along with his talent! Devil ntooooooorrrrr you lost this one!!! He’s in the best place ever in the universe! Rest in the Lord’s Bosom Eric Sing for Him eternally till we join you over there! I celebrate your salvation and ministry!Adieu!!! #Prayers For your young family. The good Lord will heal and comfort them. By His mercy your wife will not lose her faith! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!We miss your quality and excellence!

Good night friend!

Peggy Ovire

I can’t believe it, I choose Not to accept, You were Such a pleasant fellow from Abraka Days , A strong believer of Christ & Am So heart broken this Morning….. May you Rest In Peace Brotherly #Gone2soon#Eric#Rip

Tim Godfrey

Your smile was like a bright light!!!!

Rest #Eric God knows best!!!

Gaise Baba

Last time we saw was at Pita’s As I Am concert. Such a beautiful soul, you didn’t need to be really close to see it.

Good night brother, see you on the other side of eternity.

Praying God comes through mightily as a rock for your wife and son. Friends, May we make the most of our time on this earth. Goodnight brother. We met few times, very few times, but always so kind. That smile. The warmth. My memory of you IS an inspiration, Eric.

Heaven just increased in beauty!#EricArubayi

Praiz

This was the first day we met… the idols audition … I didn’t make it but u did … even after making it big u took me along..

You gave me hope that I could succeed… treated me like a brother.. Seeing you on TV sing and smile gave my heart a lift and hope. I remember when u would call me to tell me u were coming to Abuja and invite me.. You made me feel like I was a star. Introduced me to everyone. And when I was leaving back to Kaduna, you will give me a lot of money and clothes.. I never thought I would have.. I remember when u forced @omawonder to make me sing because I didn’t make it to the idols show. You taught me how to sing in falsetto… I never thought it was possible because of my voice texture… you pushed me and taught me how. …..ERIC

Styl-Plus returns with new single “Aso Ibora”

Nigerian music duo, Shifi Emoefe and Zeal Onyecheme, popularly known as Styl-Plus, have released a new single “Aso Ibora” which means blanket in Yoruba dialect.

The serenading single was produced by Blaq Jerzee and is set to rock the airwaves this valentine season.

The song was mixed and mastered by Zeeno Foster with guitarist, Fiokee, on the strings.

Speaking on the new release, Zeal said “This song tells the story of an everyday person who is appreciative of the love shown to him/her; this song is also a message to Styl-Plus fans to thank them for their support through the years.”

Known for their unique sound and blend of harmonies, Styl-Plus who started their musical journey about 15 years ago, began as a 3-man band until Tunde Akinsanmi went solo.

Particularly impressive was their debut single “Olufunmi” which quickly became a fan-favourite both in Nigeria and abroad.

Lagosians to pay 20 to 67 per cent more for BRT, LAGBUS fare from March

Commuters using the LAGBUS and Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, buses in Lagos will pay more from March 1, following the Lagos State Government’s approval of upward review in their fares.

Thousands of Lagos residents queue up daily to make use of the buses to enjoy lower fares and use the BRT to beat gridlock in the city due to their use of dedicated lanes.

The Lagos State Government said on Monday that it had approved fare increase ranging from 20 per cent to 67 per cent on different routes plied by the buses.

Abiodun Dabiri, Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, told journalist in Alausa that the new fare structure for regulated bus operators in the state would take effect from March 1.

He said that though the government was mindful of the current financial difficulties residents were going through, it approved the fare increase to save the bus schemes from collapse.

Mr. Dabiri said what the bus operators spent on fuel had gone up 71 per cent, oil by 64 per cent and tyre by 90 per cent, threatening their continued operations.

“In view of this and with government’s responsibility to avert a collapse of the franchise scheme, which currently serves over 500,000 commuters daily, government had to consider request by the operators for an upward review of bus fares,” he said.

Mr. Dabiri said the current fares charged on some of the schemes had stayed constant for more than six years in the case of some operators.

He said that though the government granted the request for fare increase, it would not allow transport users to do so arbitrarily.

According to him, the operators have also been advised to improve their cost efficiency and effectiveness.

“It will be difficult to pass the entire cost of operations to the consumers, bearing in mind that a lot of the users are in the low income bracket,” Mr. Dabiri said.

He appealed to commuters to show understanding as the new fares take effect.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that from March 1, commuters from Ikorodu to Mile 12 would pay N100 as against N75.

According to Mr. Dabiri, combining two zones like going from Ikorodu to Fadeyi will be N200 instead of N120, while combining three zones – Ikorodu to CMS – will be N300, instead of N200.

Giving a breakdown of the new fares on the LAGBUS routes, its Managing Director, Idowu Oguntona, said that the fare from CMS to Ajah would be N200, up from N150.

He said that commuters from Leventis to Eko Hotel would pay N100 instead of N70, while those going to CMS from Oshodi would pay N150 as against N100.

Mr. Oguntona said the new fare regime would affect the 61 routes of LAGBUS.

(NAN)

Why I killed my girlfriend, then had sex with her corpse – Accused

The Cross River police command, has paraded a 35-year-old man, Sunday Ushie, who confessed to killing his girlfriend identified as Nnena Samuel and went ahead to have sex with the corpse.

Hafiz Inuwa, the acting Commissioner of Police in Cross River, who paraded the suspect before journalists on Monday in Calabar, said the deceased was a mother of two.

He said the incident happened on January 27, 2017 at Adijinkpor village in Ikom Local Government Area of the state.

“The incident happened on January 27, 2017, following a report at Ikom Divisional Police headquarters from one Cletus Etta of Adijinkpor village that his tenant had killed someone.

“Upon receiving this information, my men swung into action and arrested the suspect.

“The suspect confessed to have killed the woman before having carnal knowledge of her.

“Investigation is ongoing after which the suspect will be charged to court for murder,” Mr. Inuwa said.

The commissioner appealed to members of the public to continuously avail the command with useful information that would help it respond to emergency cases promptly.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Ushie, a cocoa farmer, said the deceased never gave him the opportunity to have sex with her while alive.

He told NAN that he invited the deceased to his house and killed her with a knife before having sex with the corpse.

Ushie, who said he regretted his action, blamed the incident on the devil.

“It is the work of the devil. I do not know why the devil used me. I am the one that killed her. I killed her with a knife.

“She was my girlfriend and I knew her for just two months before this incident happened. I had to sleep with her corpse after killing her.

“It was strange sleeping with a corpse. I never had sex with her when she was alive because she never gave me that opportunity.

“I was always giving her money but she didn’t allow us to have sex with her,” Mr. Ushie confessed.

(NAN)

What Trump told Buhari on phone – Presidency

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday had a telephone conversation with President Donald Trump at the request of the American President.

The conversation was cordial and Mr. Buhari congratulated Mr. Trump on his election as the President of the United States, the presidency said.

The two leaders discussed ways to improve cooperation in the fight against terrorism through provision of necessary equipment.

Presidential media aide, Femi Adesina, confirmed the conversation in a series of tweets on the official twitter handle of the Nigerian presidency @NGRPresidency.

Mr. Trump assured the Nigerian leader of U.S. readiness to cut a new deal in helping Nigeria in terms of military weapons to combat terrorism.

He commended Mr. Buhari for the efforts he made in rescuing 24 of the Chibok girls and the strides being taken by the Nigerian Army in combating Boko Haram.

Mr. Trump also invited the Nigerian President to Washington at a mutually convenient date.

This is the first time the two leaders are communicating directly since Mr. Trump’s inauguration as the 45th president of the United States.

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